Page 161 of Commander’s Mate

He caught himself.

“Or stand.”

Degatu coughed into his fist.

We were getting somewhere.

Tivid opened a blank legal template.

“First clause?”

I did not hesitate.

“Rescue creates no debt.”

Tivid entered it.

“More specific.”

“No rescued person owes sexual access, romantic access, courtship, mating, domestic service, military service, labor, repayment, or personal loyalty in exchange for rescue, food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment, or transport.”

Pyrr whistled.

“Comprehensive.”

“It needs to be.”

Zared added, “No Farseek warrior may initiate sexual or mating contact with a rescued person during protected intake without explicit invitation.”

I looked at him.

He looked back.

“Good.”

Tivid entered it.

Degatu said, “No person may be assigned a destination without informed consent except emergency evacuation from active danger.”

“Families stay together,” I added.

“When requested,” Tivid said. “Some may not want family contact.”

Right.

“Good catch.”

Zared’s gaze flicked toward me.

“You see why intelligence officers are useful.”

“I never said he wasn’t.”

“I am enjoying this,” Tivid said dryly.

The charter grew.

No involuntary labor.