"Amen to that," Gareth replied, nodding in acknowledgement of Anna's choice not to open up.
The privateer smiled a bit as she talked about Jake, and took a deep swallow of rye, downing it along with memories,
"Hold him close, and enjoy every minute miss. But I'm sure you know that already."
Anna finally rose, touching Gareth's shoulder. Gareth emptied his glass in one swallow.
"No miss, that would be the worst excuse to not apologize. You have it and it's sincere, as little as it might be worth."
Finally Gareth returned her nod as she began to leave, "All the best out there Miss Prentice," almost simultaneously he waved a signal to the bartender, for a triple this time. Gareth knew he was letting the politics and the situations out in space get to him too much. He had to just get out there and fight as he saw was right, just like he did back in his infantry days. He needed to stop thinking so much and just rely on his instincts, values and training. Something told him the next brawl would be different.
![[Image: BretGarethWIP53.png]](http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x393/Helequin/BretGarethWIP53.png)