Page 200 of Commander’s Mate

“Better.”

He frowned.

“Better?”

“Threats should be clear.”

Orvan’s face hardened by a fraction.

“Submit Dreadnought Two for inspection. Provide anonymized survivor manifests. Suspend unsanctioned raids in Consortium commercial zones. In return, the access questions disappear.”

“No.”

He exhaled.

“Commander—”

“No.”

“You did not consult your council.”

“I do not need a council to reject surrender.”

“This is not surrender.”

“You want a ship, our records, and control of our missions.”

“Temporary oversight.”

“Words become softer when institutions want the same thing slavers want.”

Tivid looked at me sharply.

Orvan’s gaze cooled.

“That comparison is offensive.”

“Good.”

A new display opened beside him.

Port authorizations.

Three changed from green to amber.

One to red.

He had begun before calling.

Of course.

“Halor West Yard has suspended your scheduled maintenance window,” Orvan said.

Pyrr swore.

“Fuel exchange on Maris has requested additional security guarantees.”

Another amber.