[ Another little flicker, in his eyes. A moment of understanding, especially with that twist to his mouth. He can tell how much Byerly cares about her, and Wash doesn't know if it's for duty and loyalty and nothing more, but he has a feeling it isn't, and with everything he's done, everything he's doing.

Just the thought of it aches. He just looks up at him, as if thinking of saying something about it, but. He -- doesn't. ]

She's not giving into her parole? [ Not a real question, just an observation. Of course she wouldn't. ] The Cetagandans are the same they were with us, I guess. Keen to keep up appearances. Imprisonment, but with hospitality.

That does sound to me like they really won't harm her. For now.