Page 83 (2/2)

“I also understand that you have authorized non-OPA personnel to have access to the communications channels of the ship? Earthers Martians All the people we came out here to keep in line”

“Is that e came out here?” Bull said It wasn’t a denial, and that seeh to a confession for Ashford Besides which, it wasn’t like Bull had been hiding it

“And ene the Ashford was listing off But she stood behind the captain, not speaking up, expression unreadable Bull wasn’t sure as going on between the captain and his XO, but if they orking out sole, Bull knehich side he’d want to end up on So he bit the bullet and didn’tin everyone I can get Humanitarian outreach and consolidation of control It’s textbook A second-year would know to do it” Pa winced at that

“Mister Baca, you have exceeded your authority You have ignored the chain of coranted by you, are hereby revoked I a that you be placed in a medical coma until such time as you can be evacuated”

“Like fk you are,” Bull said He hadn’t intended to, but the words came out like a reflex They seemed to float in the air between them, and Bull discovered that he’d meant them

“This isn’t open for debate,” Ashford said coldly

“Dae of this mission and not me is that Fred Johnson didn’t think the creould be coot the job because you kissed all the right political asses You knohat? Good for you Hope your career takes off like a fking rocket Pa’s here for the sah at least hers doesn’t seem to be e to interrupt, “and I won’t have—”

“I’et the job done and they kneere screwed And you knohat? We’re still screwed But I’ to keep Fred fro to stay out of my hile I do it, you pinche h, Mister Baca I will—”

“You know it’s true,” Bull said, shifting to face Pa Her expression was closed, e You’ve seen it You know—”

“You will stop addressing the XO, Mister Baca”

“—what kind of decisions he makes He’ll send them back to their ships, even if it means people die because—”

“You are relieved You will be—”

“—he wasn’t the one that invited theive you pererous, and if someone—”

“—to speak tooff, we could all—”

“—quiet!” Ashford shouted, and he pushed forward, his e He hit thehih to snap his teeth shut “I told you to shut up!”