FIFTEEN
Cohesion
‘Vorian, are you listening?’ said the Captain, in his habitually brief manner.
He respected Gedrick’s plain speak – never one for ambiguity or mincing words. Everyone knew where he or she stood with the Captain, who ran a tight ship. There was still much that he could learn by observing Gedrick’s command style, including when to bend – which was exceptionally rare in the Captain’s case.
‘I was distracted.’
‘Concerned more like it.’
‘They only have this cycle to compete their mission. They either return by the next dawn, or not at all.’
‘Vorian, it does you no good to angst over it.’
‘I am responsible.’
‘It was their choice.’
‘But I allowed it!’
‘Just as I sanction Hunts that lead to the release of our kin. Such is the burden of command – get used to it!’ sai
