Page 60 of Captain's Companion

“My contract is not up,” Gwyn said. “Why do you want me to break my contract?”

“Your presence is needed back here,” Controller Bracken said. His bushy brown eyebrows bunched as he frowned.

“Why,” Gwyn asked again.

“It’s of a personal nature,” Controller Bracken said.

“You can discuss it with Captain Tonason present,” Gwyn said.

“A client has requested you,” Controller Bracken said.

“It’s against policy to break a contract to go with another client,” Gwyn reminded him.

“This client is willing to buy you out of your current contract,” Controller Bracken said.

“I am not willing to release her from her contract,” Ulrik said deciding to keep things professional until Gwyn wanted it known they were together.

“There’s a clause in your contract that allows for the company to break the contract under specific conditions,” Controller Bracken said.

“What conditions,” Ulrik asked.

“Companion Meinen has failed to meet certain requirements,” Controller Bracken said.

“She’s met all of my requirements,” Ulrik said.

“However, there are certain standards we pride ourselves in maintaining. Companion Meinen has not maintained those requirements. She’s been warned about these requirements.”

“You mean her weight,” Ulrik’s lip curled in distaste. “The onsite doctor determined she was at an unhealthy weight and recommended she gain weight.”

“He’s incorrect. Now, Companion Meinen,” Controller Bracken said. “You’ve broken the conditions of your employment and this contract. Therefore, you will report back here as soon as possible. During the travel time, you will lose weight as we will be closely monitoring your intake and your weight. I’ll expect you back here...”

“No,” Gwyn said firmly.

“I beg your pardon,” Controller Bracken said.

“No. I think the meaning of the word is clear. I will not agree to lose weight.”

“If you don’t agree to this, you will lose your employment with our company,” he threatened.

Gwyn laughed, “Are you firing me?”

“Not only have you not met the required weight loss, but you’ve gained weight,” he said. “This is a breach of contract.”

“No, actually it isn’t,” Gwyn said. “According to statutes, you’re not allowed to put a number to this type of requirement. The contract itself says I must maintain a healthy weight. I’m doing this. I’ve not broken my contract.”

Ulrik squeezed her hand out of sight of the video.

“You little...” Controller Bracken narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat. “Your employment is no longer required. Now you are required to vacate that ship.”

“If my employment is terminated, I’ll expect a letter explaining why,” Gwyn said. “Additionally, if I’m no longer employed by you, you have no say in where I am.”

“You will get your fat ass back here,” Controller Bracken growled. “If you don’t, I’ll refer this to our legal department.”

“This is hardly professional,” Ulrik said. “I believe this conversation is over. I’ll be speaking with your supervisor about this breach in contract.”

A red flush washed over Controller Bracken’s face as he started to bluster and appease. It wasn’t a good look for him.

“I’ll have that letter by end of business today,” Gwyn said.

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