Mac huffed quietly. “That was abundantly clear.”
Crawford shrugged. “The ones who mattered knew who was keeping them alive.”
The moment stretched between them.
Then Crawford clapped Mac on the shoulder. “You two carried that place. Don’t think we didn’t notice.”
Mac glanced at Melvin, then back at Crawford.
“When we get around to it,” he said, “I’ll need a best man.”
Crawford snorted.
“Thought you’d never ask.”
Across the lot someone started an engine. Reynolds approached.
“Sir,” he said automatically.
Mac raised an eyebrow.
Reynolds grinned. “Habit.” He tapped two fingers lightly against his jaw.
The change was small and deliberate. The shape of his mouth shifted just enough that the back teeth showed thicker than a human’s should. Not a full shift. Just control.
He let it fade. “Getting easier,” Reynolds said.
Melvin nodded. “Looks solid.”
Reynolds glanced at both of them. “Been thinking about what you said. About packs.”
Mac studied him. “Still thinking?”
Reynolds nodded. “Yeah. It feels different now. Like I know where I belong.”
Crawford whistled softly. “Look at that. Haven’t even unpacked yet and you’re already recruiting.”
Mac smirked. “Nothing official yet.”
Across the yard another figure approached.
Kessler.
Mac felt Melvin’s attention shift before he turned.
Kessler slowed when he reached them. “Lieutenants.”
Mac waited. “I owe you both something,” Kessler said. The words sounded uncomfortable.
Melvin didn’t interrupt.
Kessler exhaled slowly. “I thought I understood leadership before Iraq. I was wrong.”
His gaze flicked toward the motor pool. “You saved people. Repeatedly. I should have said that earlier.”
Mac studied him for a moment. “Understood.”
Kessler nodded and walked away.
