Page 202 of Commander’s Mate

“Is it?”

“No.”

She put her slate on the table.

Orvan’s jaw tightened.

Good.

Harper read for two minutes.

That was a long time in a confrontation.

I waited.

So did he.

Finally she said, “These restrictions cite noncompliance with survivor-identification requirements.”

“Yes,” Orvan said.

“Which regulation?”

“Consortium Recovery Standard Twelve.”

Harper opened it.

“Standard Twelve applies to government repatriation programs.”

Orvan said nothing.

“We aren’t a government repatriation program.”

“You are transporting displaced persons across Consortium lanes.”

“Under Haloran protected-person status.”

“That status—”

“Is recognized under Mutual Refuge Accord Six.”

Tivid looked at her.

Then at his own screen.

His expression became offended.

At himself.

Harper continued.

“And Accord Six says protected-person identifying data remains under originating protector privacy rules unless the survivor requests government repatriation.”

Orvan’s face had become very still.

Harper looked at me.

“They can require ship inspection for weapons and navigation compliance.”