“It’s probably for the best,” Pavesh said. “A court martial would have been embarrassing.”
Barb and Taya, standing side by side in front of Pavesh’s desk, glanced at each other.
“Is there an official story, Major?” Barb asked.
“An accident. Engine fault. Tragic.”
Taya made a snorting sound through her nose. Barb trod on her foot to keep her from saying anything about cover-ups.
Locke got to keep his good name in death, and this galled Barb. On the other hand, so did Lawrentian officers like her—what good name they had.
“You’re both commended for your work,” Pavesh said. “Perhaps we’ll pair the two of you up again in the future.”
“No, thank you,” Barb said quickly, emphatically, then regretted the tone. A glance at her side told her Taya wore a wounded look.
Damn, they needed to tal
