His joke does not amuse me. “There must be another way.”

“Commander,” he says, “There is not. Do you want to organize this, or will I?” He looks me straight in the eyes, and I know his meaning, ‘Do this, or it is a mutiny.’

“I will do it. Leave me.”

My first officer bows and leaves.

I sit in front of my computer. This is the last thing I want for Volunteer 4711. I look at my reflection in the blank spaces as the government fleet closes in, and I consider all my options. I could take the fleet and attack. It could turn into a war and possibly a mutiny if we did not win immediately. I could return her to the farmers, but then she would only be scooped up by the other commander. So the only other option is to give her away. I consider this. Could I let her go?

I know in my mind it is the right thing to do. She is strong, and she would adapt.

But could I let her go to another male?

I reluctantly message the other commander. “You see the government fleet?” I say, stating the obvious.

“Yes,” he replies too enthusiastically because he knows why I have contacted him. “Commander, she will make me an excellent fifth wife.”

I look him in the eyes through the screen, still wondering if I can do this. The other commander fills the silence.

“The other Water woman was nice for a while, but then she became lazy and difficult like Water people can be. Your Water woman, though, she seems docile and will be both my valet and my wife.”

“She will not,” I hear myself say.

“What?” he asks, surprised.

“She will not be both. I will not give her over to you to be your slave and wife. She must be one or the other.”

“She will be my wife then,” he replies and adds, “sorry to have offended. I know she means a lot to you. Put her on a transport now. I will notify my crew to prepare for a wedding.”

I am about to give the word to my first officer to do it when he adds, “I am sure you will be excited as I know how sex-crazed Water people are. Without a husband, it must have been hell for her on your ship.”

“I have changed my mind,” I say. “I do not think Volunteer 4711, and you will be a good match after all. I am sorry to disappoint you.”

“We will not risk war with the government over her. I will take command of this fleet if you try,” he threatens.

“No, we will not. The fleet will turn around within the hour. You have my word,” I say and then sign off.

I call my first officer back in. “I have found another way. I will marry Volunteer 4711 myself.”

“You?”

“Yes, do you want to mutiny now? Please let me know because I am busy now. I realize I need to get married in less than an hour. If you cannot or will not perform the ceremony, I will find someone else to do it before the government fleet arrives.”