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“I repair water equipment.”

“Then discover another skill.”

His eyes shifted toward Dreven.

The commander folded his arms. “Do not look at me. I am learning not to interfere with medical authority.”

Kesta turned slowly.

“Learning?”

A faint smile appeared.

“Painfully.”

Rell escaped while they were distracted.

Kesta watched him go before turning toward the metal case Dreven had brought.

“What is that?”

“Sera said you required sterile instruments.”

“I require a functional surgical suite, reliable imaging, broad-spectrum medication, species-specific dosing charts, blood substitutes and approximately six more trained people.”

Dreven nudged the case toward her with one boot. “These are sterile instruments.”

Kesta crouched beside it.

The seals stopped her.

They were imperial.

Intact.

Recent.

She looked up.

“Where did this come from?”

“A patrol found a supply pod beyond the southern ridge.”

“When?”

“Last season.”

“How old was the pod?”

Dreven's brows drew together. “We did not date it.”

“You opened it.”

“Keth did.”

“Was the seal degraded?”

“No.”