Lootwell's reputation changed again.
Before, people had spoken about Lootwell as the power that solved impossible problems.
Now, a different sentiment began appearing.
If a new crisis emerged, people started asking what Lootwell would build for it.
That was both flattering and deeply dangerous.
Lucien noticed several public comments suggesting that perhaps there was no reason to fear the coming war if Lootwell kept producing solutions.
He did not like those.
Confidence was useful.
Complacency was not.
Lootwell's success could not become an excuse for the Thousand Races to stop thinking.
So the official guidance remained unchanged.
Train.
Prepare.
Strengthen local defenses.
Do not assume Voidwatch made conquered worlds untouchable.
Do not assume the Black Mass had shown everything it possessed.
The message was repeated often enough that most people understood.
They could relax slightly.
They could not relax completely.
•••
