Re: Execute - At the Village, Day One
Byron thinks for a moment. "There is nothing to stop someone from simply coming to take what they want. If there are other villages on this planet, then what we decide here could endanger them, too."
"Should we not participate, then?" The same woman asks Byron.
He sighs and shakes his head. "No, we have one group of outworlders here. Sooner or later, another ship may arrive, and then what?" He looks at Brent. "You seem to be decent people, and another ship's people may not be willing to consider us in their plans."
"I think they're good people," Melina put in, patting Malcolm on the arm.
"Um," Malcolm stutters and turns bright red as everyone around the table chuckles softly.
"I'd tell you she was harmless, my friend," Byron says dryly. "But then, I'd be lying to you."
"Father!" Melina says, to more laughter.
"You take care of my daughter," he advises Malcolm with a glower.
"Always," the tall soldier replies without a trace of humor. "On my honor."
Byron nods, and takes a breath. "Well, then," he says as he looks at Brent once more. "What will you and your people do next?"