A Day in the Life of Marine Captain Cross before the Zoastra Affair Part Thirty Five
Shrugging his shoulders, “Fine. I accept, as long as you don’t say anything crazy like that again.”
Newman smiled back. Cross felt aggravated. How had he let someone like Newman see that he cared about people? He tried to not care. But people kept showing up who needed his help. Now that he gave an inch, what would be asked of him? Cross had better keep that to himself.
Newman started to leave. Cross called out, “You aren’t going to the brig?”
“I want to.”
“Colonel Hunter is a small-minded fool. We have your wife back. He’ll lose his rank. Stay away from him.” Peter deserved a happy life, on the ship. Confronting Hunter reeked of trouble.
Major Newman nodded. “Good advice. Vancouver?”
“We’re not talking about where I’m from.” Cross shook his head, and went to work. At least his friend stayed focused on the mundane.
Newman called from the door, “People who care give advice. Next time you’ll tell me what part of Canada you’re from.”
Cross realized that he made a mistake. He didn’t want friends. He didn’t need people. But they kept getting under his skin. Aurelius, Grace, Rosemarie, Rex, and Peter Newman might be his replacement family. He didn’t need another family. Caring meant getting involved and setting himself up for trouble. He craved fighting, not good people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Captain Cross react when someone sees that he cares about people?
Captain Cross feels aggravated when others notice his empathy. He deliberately tries not to care about people, but individuals in need keep drawing him in. In this scene, after Major Newman recognizes his concern, Cross worries about how much more will be asked of him once he has shown vulnerability by giving ‘an inch.’
What advice does Captain Cross give Major Newman about confronting Colonel Hunter?
Captain Cross advises Major Newman to stay away from Colonel Hunter entirely. Cross points out that Hunter is a ‘small-minded fool’ who will lose his rank, and that Newman’s wife has already been recovered. Confronting Hunter would only invite trouble, so Cross urges Newman to focus on living a happy life aboard the ship instead.
Is Captain Cross better described as a loner who avoids relationships or someone who forms bonds despite himself?
Cross is fundamentally a reluctant relationship-builder. Although he craves fighting rather than connection and insists he doesn’t need friends or family, characters like Aurelius, Grace, Rosemarie, Rex, and Peter Newman continually get ‘under his skin.’ He privately acknowledges they may be a replacement family, even as he resists admitting it outwardly.
