Page 81 of Commander’s Mate

Convoy defense.

Private security.

One planetary government wanted Farseek to suppress a labor uprising.

“No,” I said.

Tivid removed it.

A commercial guild wanted armed recovery of defaulted mining equipment from settlers who claimed ownership after a corporate withdrawal.

“No.”

Removed.

A medical convoy wanted escort through Sargan-raider space.

“Keep.”

An agricultural coalition needed protection for seed shipments moving toward three famine worlds.

“Keep.”

A luxury transport wanted discreet security for a diplomatic wedding.

Pyrr looked interested.

“No,” I said.

He frowned.

“Why?”

“Because you would embarrass us.”

“That is not strategic.”

“It is certain.”

Degatu almost smiled.

Tivid continued.

A Haloran shipping consortium offered triple standard rate for escorting reconstruction equipment.

“Whose reconstruction?” I asked.

He checked.

“Farseek.”

No one spoke.

I looked at him.

“They want to hire Farseek to escort supplies to Farseek.”

“Yes.”