>>6061227Your first instinct is to rely on Jean-Pierre's keen battle sense, but more likely than not he would argue for turning back. Captains don't get to survive as long as he does by being overly aggressive. Before anyone else can raise their own doubts you seize the initiative, “As fast as possible. There's a slim chance we can make it through without too much resistance.”
Liu grabs your shirt, “Are you born yesterday or something? Or are you only too blind to see the two military bases within a comet's swing from here, Thornton?” You make no move to resist her sudden onslaught. If the cunt wants rough play, there are plenty of men in this same room willing to do all the rough play in the world to her.
Jean-Pierre is the first to pull her off. “That's enough, Liu. I don't know what happened between the two of you, but I will not stand by while you assault yet another person on my ship.” Natural, he's much closer to the two of you after all.
“Nonetheless, I must agree with Commander Liu's assessment. Any hopes of avoiding a fight is nothing more than a pie-in-sky. If we are going through the Curtain, then we will be doing it in full combat station.”
You flick bits of nail polish on your shirt back to its owner, eyes sweeping the room. “That's why I said ‘slim.’ Even so, the faster we go, the less time these insects will have to tip the scales against us.”
“But how will we go fast, pretty girl? My rickety box only has so much acceleration to give.” Okwonko remains surprisingly lucid for someone in opium-fueled euphoria. You wonder how many more secrets this mahogany-skinned mercenary conceals.
“Please address me by my name and title, Commander Okwonko. That's the least respect us privateers owe one another.” You delight in the hateful attention Liu's showering on you.
“Commander Tho-thronton, please, enlighten this dull mind.” The corners of his lips and eyes raise slightly. Has he already guessed what you will propose?
“Not on your own power, you won't be fast enough. But if someone is to tow you...” The smirk turns into a full blown smile. “I know how dangerous cruising in such tight formation is. That's why the Vanilla Skyline will volunteer for this task. Everyone else can help by screening for us.” The room falls quiet for a moment. Ienaga has made his way next to the holo-projector and is now carefully examining the twinkling dots, occasionally waving clear some of the accumulated smoke.
Weighty decision completed, he finally speaks up, “Then the Yushi will volunteer to scout out Melia. It is a one way trip, so don't leave us dry. No amount of respect owed can compel anyone in this room to risk their necks for these bones, but I hope you can look within yourself and do what is right.” Now that's a man who know where to prick, echoing your own words like so.
“If there are no other questions, then we can adjourn the meeting.” There are no other questions.
