The game thread

Sasha stepped forward, planting herself firmly between the mechanics and the door. Her voice came out strong, clear, and practiced; the voice of someone who had been trained to command respect, someone who expected to be listened to.

"Mariana. Jonathan. You’re not thinking straight... and I don’t blame you. But you need to stop and listen, right now."

She held herself like she had a badge on her chest again, the old instincts of Law Enforcement kicking in; projecting steady, calm authority.

"You got your orders from the Capital. I get that. But those orders assumed Snake wouldn't make it back. That we were already lost."

She pointed up at the horizon, where the incoming pirate force loomed.
"But we're not dead yet. Snake’s on his way. We have a fighting chance if we act fast."

Her voice sharpened — not shouting, but cutting through the fear and confusion.
"Under emergency protocols, operational authority falls to the senior responders on-site... and that's us."

She flicked her eyes toward Lane beside her; making it clear they were standing together, united.

"I'm not asking you to break orders. I'm giving you new ones: Stand down. Let us use the mechs to hold this base."

Sasha’s gaze locked onto Mariana's, then Jonathan's, steady and unwavering.

"You know us. You know Snake. You know we won't leave you to die. But if you blow those mechs now, you won't just stop the pirates — you'll hand them the base without a fight."

She opened her hands slightly, offering them a way out without shame, but making the stakes clear.

"Drop the detonators. Evacuate to cover. Let trained pilots do what we're here to do."

Then, softer, letting a bit of hope cut through the tension:

"Help us hold the line. For everyone."

OOC: only rolled 6 to beat DC 10

I used her background as Law Enforcement to take charge and use negotiation tactics to difuse the situation and skill trigger Lead and Inspire.

will wait for Lane before attempting to push.

Lane holds up her hands in an attempt to calm the two mechanics, especially the agitated woman. If her time as a merc taught her anything, it's that explosives--and frightened people--have hair triggers! "Whoa there! We wanna fight to defend the place, not cut and run. Snake's back and the situation is changed. So let's all stay cool and professional, OK? Now, how about you let us do out jobs, ok?"

All this talk of having kids makes Lane roll her eyes. She says, "If the job is too tough, you shoulda stayed home with your kids. Now get outta here." She turns to Sasha and grunts with irritation. She says, "Whelp, you wanna grab one of them mechs you knocked out cold and I'll grab the other? I don't wanna hear about their kids at some funeral."