Leon laughed. "True enough, but I think the seventeen sounded a lot worse than eighteen and it stuck to people's minds. By the time, Alexis arrived, it less daunting."
He listened to what John was saying, and he knew that there was a lot more to the story, but he could help with this. At least he hoped so. "If they grow up like you, then they will be fine young men and women." It wasn't a platitude or a solution, though. "I know where you're going with this, but if we find our way home before they learn the lesson, then it won't matter. If we don't, then by then, you might feel comfortable enough to share a lot more details with the parents to make sure some mistakes aren't repeated. That's from the friend. The CO knows that need-to-know is not such a clear concept and is leaving that timing to you."
Smiling, he nodded. "I already rely on you more than on many other people, but thank you."
A price tag the Hammond wouldn't sneeze at. He wanted to see this. "It's not like we can take the money with us." At this point, he didn't know what kind of a world they would leave behind with all of these rifts opening up. "People should have a chance to enjoy life while it's still possible. Derek, too. Make it happen soon, John. I don't know how much longer we can stay here. Weekdays, weekends, I don't care. We can move training around. I know he's important to you. Give him this before we leave."