The large man straightened to his full height. At a head taller and twice her width he struck an imposing figure. “I’m the senior person here and the only one of us with military training. Before any mission into enemy territory, you define an exit strategy and a fall back location for regrouping in case of trouble. And that’s your job. You’re staying right here.”

Nori crossed her arms, not budging an inch. “I don’t care. You don’t call the shots around here.”

Bulco’s tightened his fists and took a threatening step toward the defiant woman.

Nori held her ground. “So this is what it came down to? You’re going to what - force me to stay behind?”

Bulco lowered his hand. “No damn it, it’s just that you don’t listen--”

“Like all those other people you’ve killed who didn’t listen? Or maybe they just didn’t agree with you on something?”

“No, damn it!” Bulco roared. He punched the bulkhead, leaving a visible dent on the metal. “Someone has to be willing to do the hard stuff!” he said, nearly shouting. “And sometimes it means getting your hands dirty. Someone has to step up, and--”

“And be willing to kill.” Nori finished quietly.

The man visibly deflated. “Sometimes,” he said quietly. “Sometimes it is the only thing you can do to change things for the better.”

“No,” Lana said, taking a step to stand next to Nori. “We’ll do things differently. No violence. This ship gives us power and responsibility for the rest of the survivors. We have to set an example.”

Bulco’s shoulders slumped. “You kids and your new age crap. You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re all too young. You don’t know what it means to face the horrors of war, to see people you care for die in front of you--”

“Oh, we don’t?” Nori said sarcastically. “So the last six months, watching the world break apart was what? An exotic vacation?”

Lana nodded. “We all lost loved ones. It’s not an excuse. We’re better than that.”

“Fine,” Bulco grunted. “Have it your way. I get it. No need to keep on about that. I can understand new concepts once they’ve been beaten enough times into my head.”

The corner of Nori’s mouth curled upward. “We’ve got to work together here, making the best of each of our Paths and abilities. In my book, that means we each have an equal say on how we do things.”

The large Engineer shook his head. “You can’t run a military vessel with democracy. Someone has to be in charge, so when all shit breaks loose, someone can issue a command and the rest will follow.”

“You’re right,” Lana said. “I nominate Nori to be our captain. All in favor?” She raised her hand.

Nori blinked in surprise at the sudden announcement.