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“Do you knohy I wanted you to hear it?”

She sed her fear, which was good, and her voice didn’t tremble when she spoke, which was better “To demonstrate what happens when there is a breakdown in discipline, sir”

“The end point of it, anyway Yes I’ve heard you violated dress code Is that true?”

“It was a bracelet, sir It belonged to ht…” He

r voice trailed off “Yes, sir That report is true, sir”

“Thank you, Lieutenant I appreciate your candor”

“Permission to speak freely, sir?”

Sauveterre smiled “Granted”

“With respect, sir, the dress code was MCRN regulation If we are going to enuer ones that ht also be worthy of examination Sir”

“Youhere at all”

Her expression was hard She’d overplayed her hand, and she knew it It happened Embarrassment and the childish need to staone there in her place But since it was on the table, it was on the table No way but forward

“We are in a ti its obligations, Admiral Duarte has taken authority and responsibility for the fleet on hi out his orders You, also following the chain of command, are expected to follow mine This is an independent initiative of the fleet It’s not a free-for-all”

“Sir,” she said She meant Yes, sir, but she hadn’t said the yes part

“Do you knohat happens if I write you up for your failure to follow fleet discipline?”

“I could be demoted, sir”