Page 160 of Commander’s Mate

“They already have the freedom declaration.”

“It says they are not property.”

“Yes.”

“That’s not enough.”

Pyrr, who had entered unnoticed behind me, said, “That seems very enough.”

Scarlet would have hit him.

I was tempted.

“No. Because people who have been trafficked understand that words can change without conditions changing. ‘Not property’ does not answer whether food creates debt. Or whether labor is mandatory. Or whether a soldier can claim courtship rights. Or whether a government can ship someone home without asking.”

Zared’s eyes changed at the word claim.

“Solmatu cannot be forced.”

“I know that. Ari doesn’t.”

Tivid spoke.

“We could issue a formal protected-person charter.”

I looked at him.

“A what?”

“A standing rights document. Applicable to all persons rescued under Farseek authority.”

Degatu nodded slowly.

“That would also help at Halor. We can establish our own legal position before another government tries to establish it for us.”

“Good,” I said. “Write it.”

Zared’s mouth twitched.

“You are ordering my intelligence officer.”

“I’m suggesting forcefully.”

“You have become very comfortable aboard my ship.”

“Your ship has paperwork problems.”

Pyrr laughed.

Zared ignored him.

“Fine.”

He gestured toward the table.

“Sit.”

I raised one eyebrow.