“Do not read or answer any messages from the government about your case with the farmers. Mark those and leave them for me.”

“I will not read them or reply.”

I leave my quarters as Volunteer 4711 sits at my desk to begin her day.

* * *

That evening, Volunteer 4711 looks anxious as we take a transport over to the other commander’s ship. I want to reassure her, but I do not want to make her look weak in front of the others. I realize that the only time she has probably ever been in a transport was when she was taken to the Home Planet and when I took her from the farm. It is no wonder she is fearful to be on one again. I make eye contact with her and give her a slight nod to let her know she is safe.

When we arrive, my attention is drawn from her to the other crew as we disembark. They are already greeting me as their new commander, which is a good sign that they will join our fleet, and then we really will be a force in this sector of the galaxy to be reckoned with.

I am met by the other commander, who leads me and my people to his officers’ lounge and dining room which are connected. I cannot help but notice the number of females he has in the lounge. This is not how I like to run my ship, and I suspect the rumors were true about his sexual appetites, but hearing and seeing it are two different things. However, if he joins my fleet, he will have to give the females up or marry them. By Silver law, he is allowed to have five wives; maybe that is what he and his males will do, but this wantonness will stop. It disrupts the flow of work.

I notice the other Water woman is also in the lounge with the other females. She is dressed similarly shamelessly, and it makes me wish I had not brought Volunteer 4711. I do not want anyone even to compare them. My valet is an honorable female, but it is too late to send her away now. I only wish she did not have to see this.

I am served a drink by a female wearing a questionable amount of clothing and then get into a lengthy conversation about defense strategies with Imperial Beta ships. I hardly even notice when my first officer approaches and asks me for a private word.

“I cannot find Volunteer 4711,” he tells me quietly.

I look around the room, and he is right. She is not here, and our trackers are blocked on this ship. “Maybe she went to the bathroom, but still have our ship check that she is still onboard.” I myself cannot go looking for a servant, but it is not like her to leave. Especially on a ship, she is unfamiliar with.

I look around for the other Water woman, and she is not here either. I wonder if they have gone off somewhere together. I call one of my officers over and tell him, “Volunteer 4711 is with the other Water woman. Go find my valet and bring her to me discreetly.”