It’s true—for now, the two of them remain relatively calm. They are irritated, perhaps. Tired. Frustrated. But they are still two people who think that they can convince one another if they can just find the correct tactic. Clarke’s gentle appeal doesn’t shake Pal’s resolve, but her tone is enough to make him listen respectfully.

“No doubt. And I commend you for getting us to safety even under such perilous circumstances.” See, Pal has even got compliments! “But it wasn’t a straightforward race to a finish line, and it never could have been. We could have gotten more people safe inside the car—the margins were slim, but it was possible. I did the math.”