No Fear, No Favour

Nell Aduba processes mercenary transit permits on an orbital guard station. She has rules, a coffee stain on the counter, and no patience for seven-foot aliens who will not fill in form 12-B. Sev Rhal has never filled in a form in his life. His crew are exiles and his commander is watching, and the small, stubborn human behind the counter is going to be a problem. They argue for six weeks. They learn each other's worst months. They do not touch. Then a frigate opens fire on the station under a flag that means an invasion Nell can prove if she will only speak — and speaking will cost Sev his rank, his crew, and almost his life. She speaks anyway. He survives anyway. Their forms, finally, are done.