Page 193 of Commander’s Mate

“The heater failed last night.”

I looked at the two glowing units behind her.

“Is she safe?”

“That is not the point.”

“No.”

Her gaze returned to mine.

“My brother is recovering from lung damage because the east district scrubbers still operate at forty-one percent capacity.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

The question hit harder than accusation.

I could have listed casualty numbers.

Power output.

Medical projections.

Agricultural reserves.

Command knew all of it.

That was not the same as lying awake beside a coughing brother.

“I know the report,” I said. “Not your brother.”

Something in her face changed.

Not forgiveness.

Recognition that I had not pretended.

“Then you understand why people are angry.”

“Yes.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

Harper looked at me.

I kept my eyes on Ena.

“If you believe I should accept the offer, say it.”

Degatu shifted slightly.

Ena did not.

“I believe,” she said, “that it is easy to speak of freedom aboard a warship with working heat.”