Page 187 of Commander’s Mate

Harper did.

“They want control.”

She stood beside the table with her registry slate tucked under one arm.

I had not planned to include her in this meeting.

I no longer planned meetings without considering whether she would arrive anyway.

Degatu looked at her.

“Explain.”

She moved closer.

“This line. ‘Future disposition of rescued citizens from member worlds.’”

“A legal phrase,” Tivid said.

“Meaning?”

He hesitated.

Harper looked at me.

“Meaning they decide where people go.”

“Yes.”

“And this.”

She pointed.

“‘Complete manifest.’ Names?”

“Yes.”

“Family connections?”

“Likely.”

“Medical?”

“If included in the manifest requirement.”

“Locations?”

“Yes.”

Her jaw tightened.

“No.”

Pyrr gave her a sideways look.

“You are becoming predictable.”

“Good.”