Quoted By:
“I’ll cut right to the chase,” Estevez declares as you settle down in your seats. “Your escape pod’s RTG is a resource I’d be ill-advised to ignore. It isn’t a real nuclear reactor, but it’s far less finite than our diesel reserves, and a hell of a lot more efficient than hand cranks and treadmills.”
He leans back, one hand drumming idly on the metal of his arm. “In all honesty, I could requisition it outright, but I’d rather not have it come to that. I’d be no better than Greaser or any other petty warlord seizing things without due compensation.”
“And not because you’d have 25,000 civilians worried that you’ll start taking what little they’ve got left in the name of survival,” mutters Harper.
The soldier’s gaze flicks to him, flat and utterly unreadable. The kind of look that’s used to being obeyed, not questioned, and you remember that Harper has more leeway since he’s not an official part of the unit. For a beat, the only sound in the office is the low whine of portable fans and the dull roar of the command tent and the outside world. Then –
“…you talk too much, Park.” The colonel rubs his chin. “But yes. The world runs on give and take.”
He turns back to you. “So – let’s talk about what fair compensation looks like.”
>Sanguine: 1
>Phlegmatic: 1
You meet his gaze, forcing your shoulders to stay relaxed. “With respect, I’m not sure there’s a trade to be made. The pod’s still seaworthy. I haven’t even decided on whether or not I’ll be staying here long-term.”
Estevez studies you for a long moment. “You’re thinking about the Atlantic site, aren’t you. Project Butterfly.”
<span class="mu-i">[Facility Designate – Scylla.]</span>
Your stomach tightens, but you say nothing.
“You wouldn’t make it. That pod’s rated for offshore operations, not the open ocean. If a geomagnetic storm doesn’t fry the systems, you’ll be blown out to God knows where by the North Atlantic Current.”
Harper’s jaw sets. “You sound awfully certain for someone not in the navy.”
“I’ve read the report and debrief. And I’ve been stationed long enough in Norfolk to pick up maritime nomenclature.” He shifts in his seat. “If you’re looking for something tied to your project, you might have better luck inland. Didn’t you mention there was another site in the Appalachian mountains?”
<span class="mu-i">[Facility Designate – Yakwawiak.]</span>
He leans back, cybernetic fingers drumming on the bench. “You let my engineers take your pod and RTG, and in return, I’ll see you get a vehicle from the Second Battalion – mechanized infantry. An APC or IFV from our motor pool, something that’ll get you to the mountains in one piece. Better odds of survival than drowning out in the middle of the Atlantic."
<span class="mu-i">Logical vector: surrender pod, gain armored mobility. Loss: independent seaworthy asset. Atlantic has unacceptable risk factor compared to mountains. Net utility: positive.</span>
(cont.)
