Page 97 of Commander’s Mate

“The rescued persons remain under our protection if they request it.”

“Cost?”

Tivid brought up projected legal expense.

Pyrr whistled.

“Rescue is expensive.”

Harper looked at him.

“Freedom has administrative overhead.”

“I preferred chains. They were simpler to shoot.”

“No, you preferred problems with visible bad guys.”

He considered.

“Yes.”

I authorized legal representation.

The profit from the convoy contract dropped again.

Still positive.

Barely.

Harper watched the number.

“Worth it?”

“Yes.”

“Even if every rescue does this?”

I looked through the glass at the protected compartment.

A woman was teaching the child how to use a Farseek food dispenser.

The child pressed the wrong symbol.

Nothing happened.

She laughed.

“Yes.”

Harper nodded.

“Then put legal reserve into future contracts.”

Tivid looked pained.

I understood why she liked annoying him.

We added it.