Ari's expression is sympathetic, because while it's true that nothing can excuse Erin's previous job to her, she knows how Erin regrets it. She can imagine how those accusations must have felt.

'Maybe I'd have said that a standard year ago,' she admits, looking awkward. She clasps her hands in front of her. 'But the captain, she's... sad, and confused, and broken, and afraid of this place, and maybe that shouldn't happen to a Tradeliner but I don't know how long she's been here alone or what she's been through and I don't get to judge. What she deserved was someone flying in to rescue her, take her home, and what she got was me, as trapped as she is. And she wasn't even upset about that, she just said she was sorry I was here.

Tayrey bites her lip. 'She is the one person I don't correct when she calls me Twenty-Seven. Do I wish she would resist? Yes. Especially when I see glimpses of the woman she used to be. The commander. But I can't demand that of her. It'd be so wrong. She's been so hurt and if what comforts her is having a dutiful lieutenant who will sit and play lightning kalixtri for hours and reminisce about Siduri Station then that is what I will give her. Because I can't give her freedom. I can't fix any of this. But she deserves some comfort.'