[There is one thing that Keith has never known: the right amount of natural fear for a moment like this. He's been sarcastically afraid of Lance's piloting, but the reality is that being stagnant, idle, and purposeless was more terrifying than dangerous situations like this. He can sense that he's dealing with a "civilian." He just hasn't had to worry about someone like that a lot. Everyone who's come off that way—like Sonia, for instance—has turned out to not be that way. She wouldn't be shaking here.

But this guy is, and that says a lot.

So, he tries this, right before it's go time:]

Just keep your eyes on where you're going. Nothing's going to hurt you. I've got you. [Because at least he's confident that he can give his all.

It's something.]

And—on three is good. You can count us when we're ready. [That feels like the right choice.]