"I can see we're all quite ready to fall apart," Harland said. "Maybe that is for the best. I have finished my meal. Do I have your permission to leave, Commander?"
"Do what you want," Vol said.
Vale made an excuse shortly after him. She left ahead of Penelope, giving her a brief farewell. It was rare that it ever happened in such an order.
Bit by bit, the rest of the Sea Serpents trickled out, until it was only Vol and Penelope alone at the table.
"…They're angry with me," she said sadly. "They have every right to be, but it still… hurts more than it ought to."
"They're not angry with you," Vol said, draining his drink. "It's me they're angry with. They're barely held together for now. Harland isn't the only one with complaints. They all doubt me now."
"That can't be," Penelope said. "You allowed them a road to survive when there were no other paths."
