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“Yes, sir,” Tanaka said The languor in her tone was gone She had the tightness in her voice that said that at last she was taking him seriously “I’eLaconian focus and discipline to Medina Station and the other syste our customs and rules on them”

“I’m surprised to hear you say that”

“Our discipline is ours, sir The sas in different contexts What would be routine back ho harsher than routine will read as a wild overreaction I believe the high consul would agree that underreacting to this would be a more persuasive show of authority”

Singh stood up He hadn’t meant to, but the need to move, to occupy the space inside his office, was suddenly overpowering Tanaka stayed still Her expression was like soe—focused, but emotionless He walked to his sideboard and poured himself a drink since his aide wasn’t there to do it for him

“It’s an interesting perspective, and I can respect it,” Singh said “But I don’t share it You have ely acrid in his ut rebelled a little at it He sed anyway, trying to enjoy the bloom of warmth in his throat Kasik had had a better hand at this than he did

“Governor,” Tanaka said, not standing It was the first tie you to reconsider this At least sleep on it before we implement it”

He turned to look at her He ibeen the target of ene an unplanned death by violence for the first time He must seem shaken and weak to her Because as much as he hated the fact, he did feel shaken and weak And naked before her i irrational Letting his fear make his decisions

And if he changed his course now, it would prove her right

“Respectfully,” Tanaka said, “as your head of security and a wo? This isn’t a set of orders I can support”

Singh took in a long breath between bared teeth His gu didn’t matter now He was committed

“Your second is Major Overstreet?”

“Yes, sir”

“Please send him in on your way out You’re relieved of your command”

There it was in the flash of her eyes and the lift of her chin The conte in to her would only have helped cultivate it Tanaka had never respected hiovernance than he was It didn’t ht or not

She stood wordlessly, braced, and stalked out of the room He more than half expected her to slaently He finished his unpleasant drink in a gulp and went back to his desk