As I mentioned before, Ril’s entire subplot came about much later, but once it was written, I went back into the earlier chapters to tie some elements together. Ril’s big decision to vent the Tedeskians into space basically allowed me to add a couple extra lines to Roka and Ril’s argument at the port way back in Chapter 2, with Roka pointing out that Ril can just spit out terrible ideas because he never has to live with the consequences of actually making the big decisions. But now he has, and it may be something that haunts him for a while.
Maybe now he’ll have a bit more respect for what Roka goes through as captain. Nah, probably not.
He’s feeling empathy, that’s good, it shows that he’s growing.
Eat the cost? Does that taste better than root beetles?
I think it would be interesting to see some subtle changes in Ril. I certainly liked his arch in this volume and would definitely love to see it having lasting effects moving forward.
I suppose it would have been bad form in several ways to have a frozen head bumping up against the window but maybe you considered it? I’m also surprised Roka isn’t more disgruntled upon hearing the news of an attempted seizure, esp. since he would presumably be in grumpy mood after the fake gift.
Good point about Roka. I guess he would have a slightly stronger reaction to the news. But then I guess it’s been a long day for him and he just wants a nap!
Also, Ril’s deliberate use of some very neutral language probably put Roka (somewhat) at ease.
‘Distracted with some salvagers’ and ‘cut a deal’ to me suggest a bargain struck after negotiations and not an armed boarding action resulting in four deaths.
Roka might have more questions if and when he notices the laser burns from the gunfight in the cargo hold.