[clamper1797]

I suspect that the order was more like ... take NO action unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. So the Captain found it absolutely necessary when the chance came ... had it gone wrong I’d bet the farm FUBO would say ... “ Inever gave the order”

[SandRat]

Can’t prove it but, like you I absolutely suspect that that was the way it really was.

[Polybius]

I suspect that the order was more like ... take NO action unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. So the Captain found it absolutely necessary when the chance came ... had it gone wrong I’d bet the farm FUBO would say ... “ I never gave the order”

BINGO!

"Was the hostage's life in imminent danger, Captain?"

"That's my story. Oh, that's my story. Well, I ain't got a witness, and I can't prove it, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it."

Bravo Zulu, Captain.

[Ahithophel]

Absolute correct decision, no doubt; but all this emphasis on imminent danger smacks a liitle bit of protesting too much. But hey, whatever it takes to SEAL the legitimacy of three head shots (legitimacy existed the minute the pirates boarded the ship).