[ Any other dancing partner would have probably made it their priority to cut the discomfort short with a reassuring remark, but Ace was Ace. It hadn't yet managed to strike him as inappropriate to discuss war while the circumstances screamed for something lighter in tone. ]

Yeah. We haven't really done the best job at securing our line of defense. Of course, [ Looking thoughtful, he glances to the side. ] everything might soon change once the Empire acknowledges the threat looming above their heads. It's difficult to determine what that could mean for us.

[ Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he returned to face the melodist. ]

Well, focusing on the negative has never worked in anyone's favour. It's going to be fine. [ Ace smiled softly, stopping along with the slowly fading tune. ]

You're going to be fine, and I'll see to it.