Chapter 8: ch 8 end-2
"We have two choices."
A flicker of attention, a sliver of raised hope—though not much.
"We can wait," he continued, "let the enemy drown us in fire, and die a slow, certain death..."
He paused, scanning the room. Then:
"Or we can take control of our fate. We destroy ourselves—and take them with us."
That hit home. For a moment, something returned to the crew—not fear, not desperation—but resolve.
These weren't civilians. They were elite. Soldiers who had faced death more than once. And now, faced with two versions of the same end, they chose the one with dignity.
One crew member stepped forward. "Let's go with the second, Commander. If death is certain, then we die fighting."
Another voice rose: "Yes, Commander. At least this way, we avenge ourselves. Whoever they are—they'll remember us."
Admiral Ranger nodded in agreement. "And with our sacrifice... maybe our brothers and sisters on the other ships will survive."
William gave them all a silent nod, his expression firm but apologetic. He knew what his presence had cost them.