“I chose the most aggressive option.
No reconstruction.
No waiting to see what happened.
I wanted the risk gone.”
Vega’s eyes remained fixed on me.
“My mother said I was making decisions out of fear.
Maybe she was right.”
The medic secured a blanket around my shoulders.
“Fear and courage can exist in the same decision.”
I looked at him.
He shrugged.
“Most of mine do.”
For several seconds, only the engine idled.
Then Daniels appeared at the back of the truck.
He stopped when he saw me sitting there, wrapped in a blanket.
“Sergeant,” he said to Vega, “the platoon made it to the checkpoint.
First lieutenant wants to know if Mercer is being transported.”
“She is,” Vega said.
Daniels nodded, then looked at me.
“You scared the hell out of us.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.”
He shifted his helmet under his arm.
“I thought you were going to get back up just to prove us wrong.”
“I considered it.”
“I know.”
The corner of his mouth lifted, but his eyes stayed serious.
“For what it’s worth, nobody thinks you’re weak.”
I glanced at Vega.
Daniels followed my gaze, then looked back at him.
