<em>-Bo at dinner with others-</em><br/><br/>A man of conviction often stood alone, except when surround by others who held the same beliefs.  Bo wanted more than anything in this group to not be the Lone Ranger.  His desire was to be surrounded by others who shared his feelings.  In many ways this group of people must, or he wouldn't have been included.  But their initial reaction to his suggestion made him feel like he usually did in groups outside of his former teammates, a man on an island alone, watching the people around him.  For the first time he doubted his decision to come here.<br/><br/>Mari's response was close to patronizing.  If he had been less emotionally involved, Bo would have been more sure of her tone.  But it seemed that she was making an attempt to smooth over his own words and feeling the need to do so said more than the words she used.  Bo had expected more support from Marcus, and for a moment thought the man might oblige, but after a moment of consideration seemed to take the politico-route himself.  Bo had no issue with Marcus wanting to play the peacemaker.  But by insinuating that Vince and Mila had only been trying to lighten the mood took some of the weight out of Bo's own conviction.  Somewhere he had misplaced his expectations in thinking that the man across the table from him would be the first to stand strong beside him.  Perhaps it was too early for that though.  Or perhaps they were more different that the psychologists understood.<br/><br/>But it was Mila's reaction that had the greatest affect on him and the only one that made Bo doubt himself.  Though she said nothing, the way she lowered her eyes to her lap made it clear that he had embarrassed her.  Bo's first reaction was a stubborn one, thinking that if she was embarrassed, that it was only because he had shined a light on her own actions.  But looking at her soft features, and thinking back on how sweet and sincere she had been thus far this evening, he began to realize that he had likely gone too far this time.  In that moment of her shame, he thought that he should have kept his mouth shut and let the banter go on.  His heart ached at the thought that he had hurt anyone, especially the lovely Mila.  He wanted to find a way to reach her, and put her at ease, but his lingering doubts and old habits kept is visage as stone.<br/><br/>The support that he had expected from Marcus came instead from Nicci.  Until she spoke, he hadn't realized how much he desired to have her standing by his side.  Her words were a comfort from which he drew strength.  Here was one who seemed to understand clearly, and expressed it so in a much gentler manner.  She even had a practical suggestion in how they might proceed.<em>Perfect</em>, he thought, gazing her way with thankful eyes, as the stone chipped away into a small smile of appreciation.  Bo realized too that he wouldn't need to stand alone, nor if even alone in this was it necessary to stand against the others.  He had made his opinion known.  That was all he needed to do.  The rest he was willing to let the others decide for themselves and only hoped that they would find common ground in the end.<br/><br/>It was Vince's challenge that almost turned the plans awry, the arrogance in it palpable.  Stone hardened to iron once again as Bo met Vince's gaze.  The lion's distant roar across the open plains rumbled from within, a familiar feeling that caused his eyes to squint ever so slightly in focused anticipation.  Bo's thoughts went to the others at the table -- Mari, so exposed sitting between the two men;  Mila, and the shame he felt deep inside at her shy downcast look; and Nicci, the practical voice of support and strength.  Even Marcus's desire to play the peacemaker played a role in softening Bo's stance.  And there was something inside Vince's willingness to stand up for himself and the women at the table that was to be admired, Bo had to admit to himself.  Besides, the poor kid had no idea what door his pride was leading him through.  Bo had met many like him in his years of service.  Good guys who just had a little growing to do.  In the end, Bo had to trust in the process that had brought them all here together, and hope that Vince's growth would come from within and not as the result of such challenges.<br/><br/>With nothing to prove, Bo's expression softened, his voice firm but lacking any challenge of his own he responded, "No, Vince, I've said my peace and certainly meant no offense by it."  Looking around the table he tried to catch Mila's eyes and offer her a look of apology, but failing that, he met Nicci's with a smile of appreciation.  "I think you put it best, Nicci.  That sounds like a wonderful idea, your game of questions."<br/><br/>Bo knew it was likely a futile attempt at restoring the lightness of the moment.  But there was no quick panacea when a hand grenade has been exploded in the middle of the room.  The best thing now would be a little time to pick up the pieces.  If the people around the table were truly the right ones for him, then they would all be stronger as a group when those pieces were once again melded together.  He believed that in the long run he will have been proven right.  But that rarely made the moment easier, nor did it in this case.<br/><br/>