Page 159 of Commander’s Mate

“See? Postal-worker face.”

I found him in tactical.

Of course I did.

He stood over a projected supply route with Tivid and Degatu, discussing Halor resupply priorities. He looked up as I entered.

“Harper.”

“We need a policy.”

Degatu leaned back.

Tivid quietly saved his work.

Zared’s eyes narrowed.

“What happened?”

I told them.

No embellishment.

None needed.

By the time I finished, Zared’s expression had gone cold enough to freeze air.

“Who told her she owed sexual access?”

“No one aboard. Another captive repeated what she believed would happen.”

“That belief is false.”

“I know.”

“Then tell her.”

“I did.”

His jaw flexed.

I crossed my arms.

“That fixes Ari.”

“What else would you have me do?”

“Fix the assumption.”

Silence.

Degatu’s gaze shifted between us.

Zared straightened.

“You want an order.”

“I want something every rescued person can read.”