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“If these areyou, I need to know If they’re all MCRN vessels with actual Martian Navy crews, that’s so, I’ to peep in the s If you’ve held so that made you uncomfortable to share with me – I absolutely understand Your patriotis side since the day I met you, but I respect it It speaks well of you as a soldier and as a person, and now it’s tiet the fuck over it

“Also, Nathan, if you’re listening, and I assuot Give her permission to share what she has, or I swear to God I’ll have you turning tricks out of a prefab shed on the side of the highway I’ to save humanity here It would be just fantastic if someone would help”

Her voice broke on the last word, and tears appeared in her eyes Alex felt a tightness in his chest and a sense of sorrow he’d nore until it noelled up in hiaze back to the carily Like they’d betrayed her

“So Noaround I love and adore you, and I can’t wait for you – all of you – to be where I can keep you safe Be careful And senddata Now”

Thebreath Alex was pretty sure if he looked back, she’d be weeping too Smith’s voice came from the door to the cabin

“I’ve told her all I know about the The crews aboard them all check out as Martian citizens But so did the false escort ships Until I have a complete audit of the military’s personnel and supply databases, I don’t knohat I’ at”

Alex coughed to clear his throat before he spoke “Avasarala’s not always theperson, Nate It ain’t just you”

“She’s thorough,” Seant Draper?”

There was a long silence When Alex looked back, Bobbie’s expression was closed Her lips pressed to a single line “On my own initiative and without direction frooneofficers were in charge of that ht If they saw it”

Alex closed the panel Avasarala had been in The air seeile Smith took a short breath, made a small, noncoet a copy too, Sergeant Draper”

He closed the door to the cabin behind him Alex sat up in his couch “You know,” he said, “you have a really weird relationship with treason On the one hand, I think you may be the most patriotic person I’ve ever met, and on the other hand —”

“I know It’s been confusing fortime now”

“Your loyalty to the corps and your loyalty to that woman ever really come to blows, it’ll be a hard day”

“It won’t happen,” Bobbie said “She won’t let it”

“No?”