Page 263 of Commander’s Mate

That did not make watching him prepare to leave any easier.

He crossed to the observer line.

“You will remain with protected intake,” he said.

“Yes.”

“You will follow evacuation orders if the ship comes under attack.”

“Yes.”

“You will not leave the protected deck to look for me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “That sounds suspiciously specific.”

“Because I know you.”

“I’ll follow real mission orders.”

His helmet was still open. I touched the edge of his armored chest because his face felt too vulnerable.

“Come back,” I said.

His expression changed.

No teasing. No command. No alien destiny.

Just us.

“As long as I draw breath, I will try.”

“That is not a promise.”

“It is the only honest promise a soldier can make.”

I hated that.

I respected it too.

“Then I’ll make one,” I said. “I will not make your fear worse by doing something stupid. I’ll stay where I’m assigned. I’ll protect the registry. I’ll help whoever you bring back.”

“When,” he said.

“What?”

“When we bring them back.”

I swallowed.

“When you bring them back.”

He lowered his forehead to mine for one brief moment.

Then his helmet closed.

Commander Maktu turned away from me and walked toward the shuttle.

I watched until the ramp sealed.