The mention of Seven gave him a faint smile, even with the destruction, and Scott's ousting, still a little raw. The subject of just why Scott was no longer piloting had been kept quiet. Herc was fine with that, and it wasn't a subject he'd speak on just now. "I'm lookin' forward to stretching Striker's legs in the field," he said instead, "but I wish my boy wasn't involved. Selfish, but I wish he was somewhere safe instead of in the middle of all this. We're compatible, though, and they're not willing to lose me. And he's never been one to do what he's told."

He was aware of his son's shortcomings. He knew Chuck was mouthy, arrogant. Overeager. Reminded him of Scott every day. The difference was that Chuck wasn't half as much of a hedonist. His boy had discipline that Scott never had. He'd make it. He'd just need to learn a little humility.