After taking in their reactions, Commander York set down his teacup.
He looked up, his gaze profound, and said impassively,
"I never make a decision without reason. Now that I've sent her away, getting her back from me is something I'm afraid you're incapable of doing, at least for the time being."
Damian Fairchild's Adam's apple bobbed violently several times before he managed to forcibly suppress the roiling fury in his chest.
But his voice was still thick with anger, harsh and low. "What will it take for you to let her go?"
Commander York's expression remained unchanged as he spoke, his voice laden with meaning. "Leaving was Miss Quinn's own decision."
Elias Sommers, who had been silent until now, said in a cold, deep voice, "That's impossible!"
Commander York looked up at him, his gaze cold.
"Elias, what does it matter to you whether she leaves or not? It's one thing for Damian Fairchild to be upset, but why are you getting involved?"
