52Swan stopped walking to take the call from Al-Malmasi. Matu and Afa walked ahead balancing the still struggling Osman between them on the stretcher. Swan stomped her foot to get their attention and motioned them to put the litter down.
“I’m sorry for the delay in taking your call,” she said as she paced. “There has been an unfortunate development.” She let the caller exhaust his rage. “It was unavoidable. When we arrived at the Captain’s quarters it was obvious he had been drinking heavily.” Swan noticed her men watching her and turned away. “He became very belligerent and could not be reasoned with. The men argued before he attacked my Bapa.” Swan planted a catch in her voice. “Happily, the drunk,” she stepped on the word, “got the worst of it.” She paused to sigh deeply and intentiona
