Page 63 of Commander’s Mate
“That is useless.”
The supply clerk looked offended.
“It is accurate.”
“No. It’s technically accurate.”
He looked even more offended.
Scarlet leaned against the counter.
“Welcome to Harper versus database.”
The clerk ignored her.
“What category would you use?”
I made columns.
ALLERGY / BIOLOGICAL.
RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL.
PACKAGING / TRUST.
TIMING.
TEXTURE / SCENT TRIGGER.
UNKNOWN.
The clerk stared at the last one.
“Unknown is not actionable.”
“It is more actionable than pretending we know.”
He crossed his arms.
“We have five hundred rescued people and a crew already operating above planned capacity.”
“I know.”
“Every exception creates work.”
“Yes.”
“We cannot customize every meal.”
“No.”
His eyes narrowed.
I pointed at the slate.
“But if thirty people refuse the same protein base, that is not thirty exceptions. That is one supply problem.”
He looked.
