Page 255 of Commander’s Mate

“Safer.”

I considered.

“Acceptable.”

“Look at us negotiating.”

“I preferred orders.”

“No, you preferred pretending orders solved fear.”

Annoying.

Correct.

I covered her hand.

By the time the briefing ended, Breskaa was less than a day away. We would go with better maps, better questions, and a plan for what happened after victory.

That did not make me less afraid.

It made fear less useful to the enemy.

Before the meeting ended, the Dreadnought Eight survivors asked to speak.

Not officers.

Workers.

A mining mechanic named Ralin stood first.

“If you enter Sector Six with weapons forward, some workers will run deeper.”

The ground captain frowned.

“Why?”

“Because guards used rescue drills.”

Silence.

Ralin continued.

“They would announce inspection. Open gates. Anyone who moved wrong was punished.”

Harper’s face went white.

“What does safe look like?”

Ralin thought.

“Green lights. Tools down. Hands visible. No shouting.”

A woman beside him added, “No touching from behind.”

Another said, “Do not separate work teams first.”

“Family?” Harper asked.