Unyielding

After their bath, Desmond was summoned by his men to join them in one of the meeting rooms. They needed to discuss the journey forward and organization for the outpost in the coming months with winter on the horizon. 

It was hard to justify separating men from their families through the winter so many would move to the practically empty township just so the men wouldn't lose morale in the long winter without their families. Desmond provided funds easily when they ran into situations such as that.

While it was easier for single men to take over that particular outpost during winter, it wasn't always possible. Those married and older often took the place of officers. Sacrifices were imminent. 

A few heavy decisions were made, but he felt that the outcome was satisfactory enough for his men not to doubt his justification of the decisions.