The captains had found an exception.
Sela Renn read it standing up because sitting would invite the discussion to last longer than the boats could afford.
Tidemark could retain its established local timing while the proposed common standard proceeded elsewhere. Trade could reopen under a named margin. The detailed harbor logs need not enter the public comparison.
“At the next gate?” she asked.
The captain nearest her shifted the exception sheet.
“Our local practice continues.”
“Until the neighboring gate starts counting from another action. What happens there?”
The sheet had no new answer.
