Emery nods in agreement with Lance. "Whatever we do tonight is only a temporary solution to a larger problem." Given his grimace, the way his eyes seem to linger on some far distance, he doesn't have the right answer yet--not one that doesn't result in asphyxiating the village of its only viable export.

Lance is already illuminating the way ahead. "We look for wood to wall it up for now. Tomorrow, stone and mortar, if we can." Brick, mortar, and a compelling story to tell the rest of the village that doesn't involve whatever the truth happens to be.

He looks to Lance again, nodding once. "Captain," he says. Lead on.