Page 246 of Commander’s Mate

Pain did not create rank.

“Agreed,” I said.

The word cost me.

“Extraction priority is tactical and medical. Children. Immediate execution risk. Critical injuries. Accessible groups before sealed groups if delay risks everyone. Family links affect information routing, not rescue worth.”

Tivid entered the rule.

Harper’s eyes shone.

Not pride. Something deeper—trust, perhaps.

I turned to the map.

“Primary objective: free as many workers as possible before the Sargus carrier arrives.”

At the end of the briefing, people began to disperse.

Harper remained.

“So?”

“So what?”

“Are you going to tell me I shouldn’t be here?”

“Yes.”

She waited.

“I think you should remain aboard.”

“Why?”

“Because I am afraid.”

Her expression changed.

I did not hide behind command.

“I may find my sister today.”

“Yes.”

“I may find her dead.”

“Yes.”

“I may not find her at all.”

“Yes.”

“And I may die before any of those answers.”

Harper’s jaw tightened.

“I know.”