On my computer, I open my executive account from which I manage my staff’s pay. “I am giving you ten extra food credits,” I tell her.

“Thank you,” she says, but I can tell she is not impressed with my offer.

I resist telling her she does not have to take it, and I remind myself that I just sold Water people and announced it to my crew like a win. And it is a win. But I cannot deny that no amount of food credits will change that.

After her duties, she collects my uniform and stands by the door as is her custom. She bows and says, “Goodnight, Commander.”

Instead of just dismissing her from wherever I am in my quarters, I stand in front of her tonight and repeat my vow, looking directly into her brown eyes, “I will never sell you. Dismissed.”

I cannot read the expression on her face. I do not know if what I have said scares her or relieves her. I decide it does not matter. I have given her a chance at a good life on my ship. She should be grateful, and she even said she is grateful. So why am I still standing in my entryway thinking about my valet’s feelings?

CHAPTER 9

VOLUNTEER 4711

On autopilot, I walk back to the servants ‘quarters with the Commander’s laundry in my arms. I don’t know how to process any of this. I was so angry when I heard what he had done. The only thing that gave me some solace was that I wasn’t alone when I heard, I was in the canteen, and although I could hear whoops of joy from other areas of the ship, everyone in the canteen was quiet and just looked at me. I didn’t know what to do, so I just fled and cried in my room, trying to tell myself that my Commander wasn’t a slave trader, but he is. And maybe this is why the Silver farmers told me he was a ’bad man.’ As I enter the laundry room, I come across the older female, and I try to hide my tears.

“Oh dear,” she says to me immediately. “Is this about the Commander selling the captured Water people?”

“Why did he do this?”

“Why?” she asks rhetorically. “Because it’s a lot of money. Don’t worry, the Water people will be treated well by the Imperials. Everyone knows Imperials love Water people, and Imperials are very rich.”

“But,” I trail off.

“Did he tell you that?” the older female asks.

“Yes.”

“There’s gossip on the ship that the Imperial captain wanted to buy you too, and our commander had to say you were a male and then flat-out refuse. Did he tell you that?”

“Yes.”

“See what a good master you have?”

“It hurts,” I touch my chest with my hand, “that Water people can be sold so easily to others, even though I was sold.”

“I can imagine it’s very tough and frightening. But I think you are safe here. The Commander would have sold you if he didn’t like you.”