The Guardian's Responsibility

In the world of business, there was an old saying: "The timid go hungry, but the bold? They feast."

Caspian was the very definition of bold. He had the confidence, the network, and the skills to make things happen.

He had just brokered a deal.

Lyra traded three top-tier Aesculapius' Grace medical units—level-seven no less—in exchange for a level-nine energy plant and, wait for it, half a spaceship.

Yep, half a spaceship.

According to the plans Lyra had handed Caspian, the ship wasn't armed, so it could only be classified as half-finished. But with Caspian's factory churning out parts, it would cost even less than an average commercial vessel.

"Let me spell it out," Caspian clarified, pointing at the blueprint. "If I follow this exactly, the ship will only be good for transporting cargo and cruising through space. That's it. No frills."

Lyra's lips curled into a sly smile. "That's perfect. Just don't cheap out on the materials, okay?"