"Now you do love the Virgin Mary, don't ya?!"

Posted on Tue Jan 9th, 2018 @ 11:31am by Captain Mrazak & Gunnery Sergeant Roderik Kos

761 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: S1E1: Bynars Be Bygones
Location: Phantom Deck 1 -- Strategic Operations Conference Room
Timeline: MD 2; 00:15

Now that the Phantom was underway to its pit stop before reaching Bynaus, Mrazak felt much more at ease. The initial excitement from first launch had simmered into a general enthusiasm to see where this Theta alert would take them. An untold treasure trove of technology lay just beyond the locked door of the Bynar security apparatus, and, thanks to some rogue android and the catastrophic error it introduced to the Bynaus master network, Mrazak would soon have unfettered access to it. They might even save a few lives, stars willing.

"Sergeant, if you could please join me in private?"

Mrazak did not wait for Rodi. He left the bridge for the strategic operations conference room. A light addition to the smaller vessel, the space was larger than a captain's ready room but smaller than a typical observation lounge. It was dominated by a round conference table with a spherical display and holographic emitter jutting out from the ceiling. A small, round port window allowed a fisheye dorsal vantage point of the Phantom's exterior.

"You were rather quiet during the briefing." Mrazak spoke as soon as Rodi entered, but did not turn to face him.

"Yes sir." Rodi answered without any particular inflection. His face was a blank mask, hiding any confusion he felt. He positioned himself with his back straight, legs spread slightly and his right hand held in his left behind his back.

"Yet what little you did say was contrary to everyone else," Mrazak said. "Save Ferrofax, of course." Turning around, the Vulcan Without Logic regarded Rodi with keen eyes and an unrelenting smirk. "Have you ever encountered Bynars before, Sergeant?"

Rodi took a moment to consider the answer, "Yes, sir. Twice." His mind wandered to the one visit to the USS Dakota, and one he encountered during his team in FRSOT4.

"Two more than most." Mrazak inspected his cuticles as he spoke. "What was your impression?"

"Both times they appeared reserved. Always in pairs as well. While willing to assist they never actively attempted to socialize with those around them." Rodi answered. He hadn't really interacted with the Bynars, even the time they were the escort assignment for Team 4.

"Filchers," Mrazak spat. "That's what they are. For all their intellectual prowess, they are nothing more than filthy thieves who feel entitled to whatever they desire. I'd bring a pair on to our team if they were not so insectile." Mrazak slowly released the fist he had tensed. "We are not murderers, Sergeant, but neither are we victims. Do not let us be filched, whether actively or passively. By all means necessary, do not allow it."

Taking a moment to consider his words, Rodi studied Mrazak's face. Slight puzzlement passed through the marine's head 'What was the commander worried about them stealing?'. Internally shrugging, Rodi answered, "I'll protect the team and our equipment, sir."

"I am very pleased to hear that," Mrazak said with his smile broad and beaming. "Because there are others on board who may disagree with the necessary measures to protect our mission. Others who outrank you. Who I don't technically outrank." He his eyes darted away with a scowl for an instant at the concession, but he quickly returned to his sly look of amusement. "But it is good that we have cleared up where your loyalties lie."

Rodi's face turned perfectly blank as his commander spoke about loyalties. Internally he bristled at the gross assumption he owed personal loyalties to a man he had just met.

His eyes locked on the commander's, the marine's brown eyes as hard as stone. "My loyalties lay with the Federation and the Marine Corps, sir. My duties, however, lay with this team, and those I will fulfill, at the price of my life"

Mrazak's brow arched as he listened. "The price is right," he said in slow deliberation, "but only understand this: on the Phantom, like Overwatch station, I am the Federation. When I say aim, you say where. When I say fire, you say bang." He grinned again, live and large. "You will do fine. I do so hate violence, and we all have our purpose. Dismissed, Sergeant."

Internally, all Rodi could do was shake his head. Did his commanding officer really view himself as such? The Arrogance would have knocked Rodi out if it could be smelled. Before leaving Rodi snapped straight, his heels almost clicking as he stood at attention.

He about-turned and stepped out of the office, already making mental notes that he'd add to his personal, off-network log later.

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