you.” He smiled in anticipation of seeing Harlow again. “Of course. Send her right in.” The doctor paused at the door and turned to face him once more. “Him. I’ll send him right in.” His momentary confusion cleared when Prime Minister Lee walked through the door. Of course. He would be given priority over a ship’s captain. Even if the injured party wanted to see the captain more. “Hello, sir.” “Please, call me Jasper.” “Okay.” He wasn’t really sure how okay he was with it but when the prime minister asks you to do something, you did it. “It’s an honor to meet you in person.” “The honor is mine. It’s not every day I get to meet someone as exceptional as you.” That seemed unlikely. “I’m a soldier. One of a million. Nothing all that special.” “We’ll have to agree to disagree.” He smiled. “I guess we will. How is your father?” “He’s awake and comfortably back in custody. Thank you for asking.” “That’s a relief.” “To you and me both. Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m here.” “Maybe a little.” “I always like to say thank you in person. So thank you.” Parker shook his head. “I was just doing my job.” “No. You didn’t have to believe my father—an alleged terrorist. You didn’t have to protect him from that madman. But you did.” “It was the right thing to do.” “And you most certainly didn’t have to throw yourself in front of weapon fire meant for a Sub.” “She’s the best damn captain I’ve ever had the privilege to serve under. She’s fair, strong, kind, intelligent and has more faith in her crew than any crew deserves. That Sub is more human than most of the men wearing the uniform.” Lee nodded slowly. “On this we do agree.” “Thank you.” “You’re humble and a great judge of people. I think our fleet could use more captains like you.” “But I’m not a captain.” “Not yet. I don’t think it’s going to take long for you to make the rank, however.” “I’ve only been a lieutenant commander for two weeks.” “So if I offered you a ship of your own today?” “I’d respectfully decline. I’m not done on the Tempest yet.” “Funny. I offered Lieutenant Barkswell XO on his choice of ships and he gave me that exact answer.” That was more than odd to Parker. “XO would get him one step closer to captain. Everyone’s told me that that’s what he wants.” “Guess there’s something he wants more.” “Huh. Today is full of surprises.” “That it is.” “And what about Speck?” “Undergoing a congressional investigation as we speak.” “Good. Then it mattered.” The chaos and pain had made a difference. The good guys had won. Jasper smiled. “It always matters.” Parker paused uncomfortably. He had one more thing to ask and it wasn’t a small thing. “Sir? Sorry, Jasper?” “Yes?” “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” “After you turned down command of your own ship? I’m intrigued.” “I’ve gathered from conversation that you know Captain Harlow and have done everything you politically can do to protect her.” He nodded solemnly. “I made a promise years ago and I keep my promises.” “I saw her ability firsthand and can easily imagine how it would’ve been abused if you hadn’t stepped in.” He shuddered as he remembered how shaken and drained she appeared after having read Lee on the ship. He could only imagine how painful a life of playing lie detector for the government would’ve been for her. “For that I’m grateful.” “I’m happy I’ve been able to help her. She’s a remarkable person.” “But that’s just it. She’s not. Not legally at least.” Prime Minster Lee took a step back in surprise. Parker didn’t slow down though. He had the advantage and he wasn’t about to give it up. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for her and for the others of her kind. But if you’d just given