[i]"Well you should be, because if you push past me again, I'll see to it that you never set another foot off of that ship."[/i] -[@Kalas]

"I wear this armour not for show, Mez. Remove the medical officer and [b]no one[/b] will be getting off her alive. Not even Hundred."

What an arrogant prick! Just because he was mostly machine meant that he could order other people around? The nerve! Simon restrained his growing anger; besides, no one could see his face behind the faceplate anyway. Now he knew why Visipians were among the most hated race in the galaxy. They were a bunch of arrogant twats!

Still, Mez did have a point; he didn't want to be left behind, not while he had unfinished business on this ship. That was a certainty. While some of the crew may not return alive, he most certainly was. 

Oh yes. Simon Brewer was going to live.

He hoped.
[hr]
[i][center]"Dr. Brewer, why have you come to me with this report? It doesn't even concern you."

"It does, Director. I've been waiting a long time to get onto that ship. Years, in fact."

"Well that doesn't change the fact that you're still an integral part of our research staff, Dr Brewer. You're essential to the corporation's work here on Titan."

"I know, director, which is why I have a proposition."

"…do tell, doctor."

"Well our wing has just launched their newest prototype for the latest line of reactive armour plating, but with the relative peace in our sector there hasn't been enough live testing grounds to assure quality in our product."

"Go on."

"You know of my credentials in this company, director. I'm the only field tester you have."

"And a very good one, doctor. Which is why you're so valuable to us; until we can find more to serve along with you, we're putting you on hold."

"But -"

"No buts, Dr Brewer. You're staying here."

"Director…I have other reasons. You know that covert research project I'm on?"

"Yes?"

"Well I believe the Lone Star holds the key to finishing my paper. It's in there, somewhere in that space hulk. I have to find it. You know how much this means to me."

"Mmm…Simon, as a friend, I do know how much this means to you."

"Then all the more reason you should let me go! I already read the summons: there's a full team assembled already, they just need a medical officer to tie everyone together! That's all the reason for me to go! I get to finish my thesis and research paper, and PharmCo gets its first rigorous stress test for its new armour. Win win!"

"Simon -"

"And after this I'll be out of your hair. I'll go back to R&D and continue stress testing our product line as I always have. No more problems."

"<exasperated sigh> Alright Simon, you can go, but on one condition: keep this secret. Only send your updates to me and no one else. Otherwise, I'll have you geared up with the best we can offer. The Amsad, the LASC, your patented FSFA and enough medical supplies to last you a while. And a printer for your ammunition. You'll need it."

"Thank you, Director Johnson. Thank you. I promise I'll be back safe."

"I hope so, Simon. Best of luck, and maybe when you return I'll break open that bottle of Serrice Ice Brandy to celebrate."[/center][/i]
[hr]
The words were still clear as day. He'd made a promise, both to Johnson and himself. Behind the faceplate he gritted his teeth. The anger and frustration would take a back seat for now. He had a job to do, and his life depended on it. 

For the company. 

For Johnson. 

For himself.