Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3

Twenty minutes later, O’Bien called Woon onto the carpet.

Walsh showed up on time as requested, having read Woon’s report. On time meant five minutes early, before Woon arrived, giving the Captain a chance to voice his thoughts privately.

“He’s left something out,” Walsh said. “His report is all about how irresponsible he was to put a civilian in danger, but I don’t buy it.”

“I’ve asked Computer Science head Sufra to join us for a few minutes”

The Ambassador nodded, and on Walsh’s signal, Sufra entered along with Security Six head Woon.

“Mr. Takahashi, what were you thinking, having two vital specialists guard the Ambassador? I understand com expert Panther, with his Krav Magna, but why Sufra?” Walsh asked as they entered.

“Sorry Captain, Ambassador,” Woon said. “No excuse.”

The Ambassador frowned. “I could tell Sufra was angry, too, at being asked to be a guard,” O’Bien said. “She already had trauma from her previous encounter with the Octopoids. I’m considering gross negligence charges.”

Walsh nodded. “I recommend Mr. Takahashi be relieved of command and confined to quarters until we can review his performance.”

“No! Sufra said.”

Walsh and O’Bien swivelled their heads, surprised.

“He doesn’t deserve that,” Sufra continued emphatically.

“Yes, I do,” Woon said quickly. “I’m a man of my word. I accept the consequences of my actions.”

Sufra shook her head. “I’m angry, but not vindictive.” She turned to O’Bien. “He’s right, we weren’t in an excessive amount of danger. Can you trust me on that?”

“I don’t think so,” Walsh said. “You’re a member of my crew, and Mr. Takahashi’s future is in the balance. I demand to know what in the galaxy you’re talking about, miss Shahar!”

“Sufra, please don’t, on my account,” Woon said quickly.

“That’s enough out of you!” Walsh thundered at him.

O’Bien nodded. “Agreed Captain.” She glared at Woon, who snapped to attention.

With a haunted look, Sufra said, “It’s simple, sir. Mr. Takahashi is aware that I suffered trauma in my youth. Abuse even, some would say, but I love my parents dearly and they had good intentions. I wouldn’t want any trouble for them. Maybe they never knew just how rough the combat trainer they hired was. I was forced to the point of pain for hours every day in what Woon calls a vicious backyard form of martial arts. I had strains and sprains, a broken wrist, fractured shin…all in the name of making me able to kill easily with my bare hands, which I very much don’t want to do.

There was shocked silence for a minute. Walsh shook his head grimly.

O’Bien put her hands on her hips. “You thought we’d expect you to use those skills.”

“Yes,” Sufra said in a small voice. “I couldn’t take the chance that you’d look at my fighting skills as a useful resource and make me be a de facto member of the Security Six. I got myself an advanced education to escape all that.”

“Well, you’re right about one thing,” the Ambassador agreed. “I went out of my way to choose people who had multiple talents.”

“We should have been told about your past,” Walsh said. “You need treatment and appropriate skills integration training.”