Page 175 of Commander’s Mate

“I will attempt diplomacy first.”

He shook his head slightly. “Earth females are strange.”

“You have no idea,” Zoe said.

The docking bay announcement sounded. Kyanna inhaled like someone preparing to dive underwater.

“Come on,” I said softly to her. “Let’s get you home.”

The reunion was not as polished as politics probably preferred.

Governor Evzen Guryon was taller than I expected, with purple skin a shade deeper than Kyanna’s, teal hair threaded with silver, and the kind of clothes that announced wealth in any galaxy: fabric too fine, cut too precise, ornamentation too controlled to be accidental. He stepped from the shuttle with three guards, one aide, and a face carved into public composure.

Then he saw Kyanna.

The composure broke.

He crossed the docking bay so quickly his guards scrambled to keep up, and Kyanna ran to him. He caught her in his arms and held her like rank had never existed. She sobbed into his chest. He bowed his head over her hair.

I looked away because the sight hurt.

Zared’s hand brushed mine.

Governor Guryon collected himself faster than Kyanna did. His eyes were wet when he released her, but his voice had steadied by the time he faced Zared and Degatu.

“Commander Maktu. Admiral Degatu. Halor owes you a debt that cannot be measured.”

“The payment terms were measured clearly enough,” Degatu said.

Zared’s expression did not change. Guryon’s mouth tightened for half a second before he nodded.

“And they will be honored.”

“Good,” Zared said. “We require immediate transfer of agreed funds, refueling access, food stores, medical supplies, clothing allotments, and temporary asylum processing for rescued persons who request it.”

Guryon’s aide began tapping rapidly on a small device.

“Of course,” Guryon said. “For the women of Halor and Consortium worlds, my staff will coordinate returns. As for the others—”

“Free persons,” Zared said.

Guryon paused. “I beg your pardon?”

“They are not extras. They are not unclaimed cargo. They are free persons under Farseek protection until they choose another status.”

Kyanna looked at Zared, then at me.

I stepped forward before I could lose my nerve. “Governor, I have a preliminary registry. Many rescued people do not know whether their homeworlds can be contacted. Some do not want their governments contacted without their permission. Some fear being blamed, rejected, or returned to danger. Some have medical needs. Some have no safe destination.”

Guryon looked at me for the first time.

“And you are?”

My spine stiffened. “Harper Avery. From Earth.”

Recognition flickered. “Ah. The commander’s solmatu.”

I felt Zared shift beside me, but I spoke before he could.