Marco Domici: In the caves

[Marco] Day 8: 1330 Pekin Time [0630 Hagfors Time] In the caves

"Johanna, let the Mountain Men know I appreciate their work." Marco dialed through his scanners and could find no traces of the ten thousand that had made it to the caves. "I'm using high tech gizmos and can't see any sign. Your guys are good."

"That's...odd." Johanna said, looking at him. "You've been pushing everyone to think of ourselves as a unit and now you speak about the individual groups."

"Yeah, sorry." Marco nodded. "I know we're going to lose a bunch of good people in the next couple days. That kind of hurts." He shrugged. "Still, we've done great things as a unit. Some will see that and stick around. The rest, well, I'm just thankful for what they've done. I really don't think we could have done it without everyone."

"Understood, sir." She smiled. "It's been good serving under you, captain."

"Glad you have you, lieutenant." Marco replied. He smiled. "However, you're going to get stuck with carting all the important people around and looking sharp. I just have to shoot people." He went back to scanning, and listening to the various comms he could pick up. It was nearly thirteen thrity and so far no one had heard anything besides the Askerlund issues.

"Speaking of, Tala is supposed to be gathering up some trainers. If you have anyone who wants to stay and who can teach recruits, send them her way, will you? We're going to need them."

There was a cough behind them. Johanna turned, but Marco didn't. "Lennart, welcome." Marco said, letting his visuals return to the front roaming mode. "Johanna, could you give us a minute?"

She nodded and left, barely looking at Lennart Swanson. The man stepped forward and saluted sharply. "You wished to see me, sir?" His hand stayed up.

Marco unsealed his helmet and clipped it off as he turned. Replying to the salute, he added. "Yes, Lennart. I did want to have a word with you. Here." He picked a set of resiscans and handed them to the older man. "See if you can see any sign of our trail. I am completely amazed at how well we've been hidden."

Swanson dropped his hand, nodded, and took the resiscans. Looking around at the most likely spots, he said. "I agree sir. Bloody good job! Still." He put the optics down and looked at Marco. "I dare say that's not why you wanted to see me, correct?"

"Correct." Marco smiled. "I heard there was an issue about chain of command earlier. I take it things were resolved?"

Swanson stiffened. "Yes sir. Completely."

"Hmm..." Marco nodded. He turned. "Lennart, we have ten thousand reasons to do the absolute best we can." Marco spoke quietly, but with conviction. "When we are planning, or talking, or travelling, or just out shooting the breeze, you can critique my decisions and those under my command as much as you want. Do it professionally and I'll support you in it."

"But not in the field, Lennart." Marco's voice grew hard. "People's lives are on the line and ego gets people killed. My people. I don't like that."

"Sir." Swanson stiffened. "If you do not require the services of me or my men, we understand."

Marco paused, and took a deep breath. "Lennart, I value your opinion. You have things to improve, as we all do. If you choose to stay with the Dragons you'll be an asset and you'll be welcome. But you have to be a Dragon, Lennart. Not a Captain of a Mountain Man unit. Not a person who views them self above others because of age or experience."

"We want your experience, Lennart, really. But skill without dedication is useless to me. To the ten thousand people we're defending."

"Understood, sir."

"Lennart, see to your men. You've all exhausted yourselves for the cause. Get some rest. Tonight, tell me if you are willing to be a Dragon or not. No hard feelings if you want to return home. I expect many will. It will take me a long time to write everyone's commendations, so make sure we have your comm info if you leave."

"Thank you sir, I will." Swanson saluted and left, as guard were taking their places for the second watch.

Gabbie had come up with them. "Let me show you to officers quarters, sir." She said. "The most luxurious rocks we could find." She winked. "Besides, I think your place is reserved."