One Way Forward
The Cargo Bay, Last hour on Greenleaf
“Ah won’ be needin’ this any longer, Cap’n," Hook had said, not lookin' him in the eye as he held out the bottle.
The Captain accepted it wordlessly. Now wasn't the time for harsh words, nor grandstanding. Wasn't the time for chewin' out or trading blows. Wasn't even the time for forgiveness or heart-felt gestures; there was only one way forward Strand could see.
Cal set the bottle down as he rolled up one sleeve, then the other. Stepping up to a large crate alongside Joe Hooker, the captain barked: "One, two, three--"
Now was the time for action.