Page 322 of Commander’s Mate

“I did not do it for you.”

“I know.”

He left.

I sat back.

My hands were shaking.

Zared appeared in the doorway thirty seconds later.

“You listened.”

“I was informed Lieutenant Haret was angry.”

“And?”

“And I came to ensure he remembered you hold lawful authority.”

“You didn’t come in.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“You did not need me.”

The answer hit harder than rescue would have.

“I wanted you.”

“That is different.”

“Yes.”

He entered only after I nodded.

“How did I do?”

“You made a decision.”

“That is not a grade.”

“You dislike grades.”

“I dislike evasive alien grades.”

He came around the desk.

“You protected medical necessity and family restoration by delaying a less urgent military transfer.”

“Yes.”

“Haret disagreed.”

“Yes.”

“You allowed disagreement.”