Page 196 of Commander’s Mate

“We will sell work,” I said. “Not obedience.”

“That distinction may comfort you.”

“It may feed your granddaughter.”

She flinched.

So did I.

Too sharp.

“Councilor—”

“No.” She lifted a hand. “Do not apologize because the sentence is ugly. We need ugly truth more than beautiful promises.”

Harper’s expression changed.

I understood why.

The registry had taught her the same lesson.

Ena breathed slowly.

“I will support the refusal publicly.”

I had not expected that.

“But I will also tell people what it cost.”

“You should.”

“And if your mercenary plan fails?”

“Then you will tell me that too.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“You do not get to become a hero simply because the Consortium is worse.”

“No.”

That answer came easily.

Too easily.

I had seen what heroes looked like after the monuments were built.

Dead, usually.

Or simplified until the parts that had hurt people disappeared.

“I am not asking Farseek to trust my intentions,” I said. “Judge what we do.”

Ena nodded once.

“Good.”

Then she looked at Harper.