[ Hickey chuckles. Well played, Solomon. Perhaps Tozer's greatest strength as a second is his ability to anticipate an order. He doesn't need to be told how to best complement the greater strategy. Even now, he's predicted exactly how Hickey would put him to use. Sly, indeed. ]

He did lose a privilege. You've stolen all of my attention these past weeks.

[ It's a flirt, yes, but it's also just fact. Both of them know it. ]

The sergeant will find reward enough in making himself useful. His word will carry with the men where ours won't. If Manson has spoken with any of the others, having Tozer to back our story will be especially important.