The commander listened quietly as he set the sponge aside and cupped water over the suds to rinse them off her back and shoulders, being less careful about brushing his fingers against her skin as he did so.

Rough life, plus her mutation, it was a wonder she hadn't fallen to pieces. Humans were indeed resilient creatures.

When he finished washing her back, he pulled her two-toned hair back around and held out the sponge to her. "Care to do mine?" he asked.