Page 96 of Commander’s Mate

Interest compounded monthly.

Housing charges added to principal.

Food added to principal.

Medical added to principal.

Protective equipment added to principal.

Penalties added whenever productivity fell below target.

“How long until paid?”

Harper looked at me.

“Never.”

I read again.

The numbers were designed so repayment remained mathematically possible and practically unreachable.

Slavery with an equation.

“What happens to the families?”

“Depends on jurisdiction.”

“Meaning?”

“Some contracts allow hereditary transfer.”

Pyrr stopped smiling.

“Children inherit debt.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Harper looked at me.

“That’s not a command fix.”

“I know.”

I hated knowing.

Tivid joined us with legal access from Halor.

“We can challenge the contracts under anti-coercion provisions if evidence shows restricted movement or fraudulent debt accumulation.”

“How long?”

“Months.”

Harper’s face hardened.

“And while that happens?”