Page 36 of Commander’s Mate

“Legal language exists because precision matters.”

“Then translate the precision into words scared people can understand.”

Scarlet pointed at him.

“She’s right.”

“I did not ask.”

“Still right.”

Tivid took the slate.

Then stopped.

“You have no identifying names attached.”

“Not yet.”

“That will make follow-up difficult.”

“I know.”

“Why?”

I looked at the silver-skinned woman with the ration bars.

Because somewhere in the last day, records had become frightening too.

“I want them to choose when their names go on something.”

Tivid’s expression changed.

Not disagreement.

Interest.

“Consent to record.”

“Yes.”

“Then how do we track medical allergies?”

“We ask permission for that separately.”

“Family links?”

“Separate.”

“Destination?”

“Separate.”

He studied me.

“You want information compartmentalized by purpose.”

I had no idea what that meant.