WE ARE THE RISEN

Recruit. (Part Three.)

     "So, what do you want me to do?" Shifter asked with no heat left in her tone. "What about the others? What about Med?"

     "No one else knows about Braun's presence onboard apart from certain trusted members of the crew. Your new job, as of today, is to train your new squad member," Wiles said.

     Shifter nodded while her mind reeled. This is a bad idea, her subconscious said to as she got out of her chair. Braun is more dangerous than Wiles thinks. "Thank you," Shifter said instead, ignoring the small voice. "I will not let you down."

     "I know," Wiles said, her smile slowly returning. "I'll ping you when we're ready to start. If anyone asks where you're going, just tell them I need you for an assignment. You'll be on-duty three days a week, rotating with Davis. Understood?"

     "Understood," Shifter returned the grin as she shook Wiles' hand.

     As Wiles closed the wooden door, she was hit with a barrage of thoughts, each trying to voice their own opinion on the event that had just occurred. She tried to drown them out with practical thoughts, trying to figure out the schedule that Wiles had put in her hand, but it had little effect.

     "Hey, Shifter!" She heard Mailman's familiar enthusiasm as she entered the main floor of the ship. His face betrayed him, however; she could see the worry lines on his face. How long had he been there?

     "Hey!" She walked over to him, and was immediately engulfed into a hug. "Mailman, ribs. Watch the ribs," she joked.

     "Oh! Sorry, sorry," he said as he let go, still smiling. "Where were you? Duke and I have been looking forever!"

     "I was in a briefing," she said, smoothing her face out so as to not betray herself. "It was nothing big, just a few standard checks to run before we head to HQ."

     "Ah," Mailman said, not looking entirely convinced. "You were in there for two hours, Duke went to get food. He should be back soon, hopefully with some food left after his trip."

     She smiled at that, then frowned as she remembered something. "How is Snake doing?" She asked cautiously.

     Mailman shrugged. "Complaining. She has been in Med for a week, Shifter, she is going insane. Health-wise, she is getting a lot better, but I think that is just because Duke visits her," he added with a grin.

     Shifter shook her head, ignoring Mailman's unsubtle jab. "We should go get him. We can have dinner together if the cafeteria is still open," she suggested.

     "Yeah, he is probably stuffing his face as we speak," he said as the two started walking towards the cafeteria. "Oh, and I had an idea!" He exclaimed. "You know that Snake's birthday is next week, right?"