Kaiden had never tasted something so bittersweet. A grand gesture given by god on a day where he felt anything but victory. The whole of the republic would know his name as soon as they got back. Even if he said naught at all, word would get out. But the mutiny with Macha weighed heavily on everyone, and damn Kaiden was more tired in both body and soul now than ever. He did well to stand as a commander, hands behind his back and eyes primed on the men and women under him, half the eyes of the crew on him. 

They needed to get back as soon as possible, but the knowledge there were sailors down there, even military men of the alliance, made him take pause. A civilian would tell him to go and aid them, but he knew he would be sternly advised to resist the temptation by any man above him in rank. And yet...

"Sir?" Sabatine asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. 

Kaiden turned to her, eyes passing over Tilda who watched him like a hawk. It seemed like an hour, but he took only five seconds to truly decide. 

"We're doing the quickest CSAR in the history of the republic," Kaiden announced, causing a few of the men to blink in surprise and half the crew to feel a modicum of guilt lift from them. 99% of commanders in his position would make the correct move and leave immediately. Kaiden intended to be the 1% that didn't and still succeeded. Probably one part hubris, one part merciful, but he knew in his bones that they would make it back. He didn't know how, but he did. "Enrique, Riggs, make sure we're good to approach. Harwen, prepare the cells. I want all guns on deck in five minutes, search and rescue prepped and ready."  

"Is this wise, sir?" Tilda asked, a smile on her lips as the men began to run and shout. Kaiden rolled his eyes, and luckily no one heard her. 

"It's not wise to ask if this is wise." He said in no uncertain terms.