> SELECTED: “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]>LEADERSHIP: BATTLE BROTHER AUTO-PASShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdFQfaf0yu8&ab_channel=BillKiley-Topic – Crane Ex-Yakuza themeYou give your shirtless 2IC a measured look, you trust the man with your life but you know some of your squad have formed genuine connections with the rebels here. With the bumpy road ahead, and the tough calls that are going to be made, you want to keep your hand firmly on the till of this rickety voidship.
<span class="mu-i">“No really Crane, tell me.”</span> Your tone brooks no argument.
<span class="mu-i">“… くそ”</span> Crane mutters sourly, but his frustration isn’t aimed at you. <span class="mu-i">“I have relayed the need-to-know for our part from the briefing, as Blue ordered, but that is enough for them to read between the lines. There are some hard feelings towards the course upon which we are set.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Hmm, Wasp mentioned that Bones was in tight with the Libertans.”</span> You’d seen the Trooper hanging around their number a fair bit in his downtime, so that itself hadn’t exactly come as a surprise. <span class="mu-i">“Do you think we have a potential problem here?”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“…”</span> Crane holds his tongue for a moment. He doesn’t answer until after a quick scan to check that no one is within earshot. <span class="mu-i">“Maybe. My words are for you Natalya, not the Lieutenant. I fear for what our commander might do if he were to suspect dissension in the ranks at this critical stage. I fear what he might order <span class="mu-s">you</span> to do.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Clayton’s Cunt, Crane!”</span> You’re just barely able to keep your voice to an appalled hiss. <span class="mu-i">“You really think I’d do in one of our own like that?”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“…”</span> Crane regards you silently. Both of you are thinking about the allied rebel you killed in cold blood at the regional governor’s palace. Murdered on the LT’s orders.
<span class="mu-i">“Don’t, Shiz. Just… don’t.”</span> A warning growl rises in your throat, your teeth half-bared. <span class="mu-i">“<span class="mu-s">That</span> was different, and you know it. Bones is one of ours, I would never-“</span>
<span class="mu-i">“I know, Natalya. I know.”</span> The uncharacteristic sympathy etched in Crane’s face helps deflate your sudden spike of anger. <span class="mu-i">“You are as fierce as a mother bear with her cubs when it comes to the Vinehounds, it is the main reason why they love you so much. It is also why I was reluctant to speak with you about this at first, you have more than enough to concern you as it stands without having to worry about what the Lieutenant may do if this does become a problem.”</span>
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