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“Absolutely not! I will not sponsor an expedition to that, that—collective delusion!” “C’mon, Val,” said Edi. “It’s not vaquero days anymore. You can spare the ships. You’ve got the Sturgeon and the Steelhead out chasing rogue planets, for godssake. The Anthemion’s scheduled for a shakedown cruise to literally nowhere—” Val stared back with flat incredulity. “It’s not about the ships, Ed. It’s about my reputation. Sector Control cannot sanction chasing fantasies, and the so-called ‘Celestial Temple’ does not exist.” Edi’s lips pursed. “You don’t know for sure,” she said quietly. “Nobody’s ever been there.” “It’s not pre-space days!” said Val.