Page 176 of Commander’s Mate

“Yes,” I said. “And the person currently maintaining the rescued-person registry.”

Guryon’s gaze sharpened.

“I see,” he said.

“I hope so.”

Someone behind me made a small sound. Probably Scarlet. Possibly a laugh disguised as a cough.

Guryon studied me another second, then inclined his head. “Very well, Harper Avery of Earth. My government can provide temporary asylum review, medical screening, and return coordination where feasible. But Halor cannot assume permanent responsibility for every person rescued from an illegal auction outside our jurisdiction.”

“No one is asking Halor to assume permanent responsibility for everyone,” I said. “We are asking that no one be treated as a burden before they are treated as a person.”

Kyanna stepped away from her father, wiping her face. “Father, they were in the auction with us.”

“I understand that.”

“No,” she said, and her voice changed. It became quieter, less daughter and more witness. “You do not. They were lined up with us. Tagged with us. Waiting for buyers with us. If Commander Maktu had only taken me and Sowia, the rest would have been sold within the hour.”

Guryon’s face tightened.

Kyanna lifted her chin. “They are not a diplomatic inconvenience.”

Guryon looked from his daughter to Zared, then to me. “Halor will provide temporary asylum processing for any rescued person who requests it. Medical care will be provided without charge. Return coordination will require identity confirmation, but consent protocols can be observed.”

“Written,” I said.

“I would like that in writing,” I clarified.

Guryon looked at my oversized borrowed shirt, my tied-back hair, my bare feet in ship-issued slippers, and my tablet full of names.

Then he smiled faintly.

“You have adapted quickly, Harper Avery of Earth.”

“No,” I said. “I am adapting loudly.”

Guryon inclined his head again. “Written terms will be provided.”

“Thank you.”

Halor taught me something else I had not expected.

Home could be the wrong answer.

A rescued woman named Tera stood at the destination desk with three options glowing in front of her.

Her birth world.

A neutral colony.

Farseek temporary protection.

The clerk pointed to the first.

“Your family has confirmed residence.”

Tera stepped back.