IV: MARS

talk.

"What the hell is this?" He demanded, putting his file up to her face. She lowered it with her index finger.
"Since you were down a member, I thought I'd give you one of mine. Besides, I think he'd make a pretty good fit." She answered casually.
"Why?"
"Well, I've met with him a couple times and-"
"You've been hanging out with him?! Are you guys friends now?"
Venus side eyed him.
"Why? Are you jealous?" She teased.
"What? No! I don't care who you hang out with, it's just weird because I've never seen him talk to anyone outside of the lab."
"He's actually really eloquent. He's just a little awkward from the years of isolation. Give him some time, he'll warm up."
"V, it's not his social skills I'm worried about. Mars functions as an army. How am I supposed to be the commander of someone who doesn't talk to me AND puts a target on our back? Do you know how many invasions we'll get if word gets out that we have that kind of healing power?"
"Andromeda is putting themselves at risk here too. They trusted us enough to not abuse this responsibility so we are going to do everything we can to ensure his safety." She defended.
"So they put him in the most dangerous unit? How the hell is he going to fight, he weighs like what, 115 pounds? Is he even trained in combat?" He yelled back.
"He is, in fact!" She argued. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke.
"And I happen to like him very much so if you do anything to make him upset I'll never forgive you!" She sobbed.
Malakai scrambled to console her before she had a full blown meltdown.
"Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to shout and get you all upset. Okay? Okay?" He said softly.
Venus wiped her eyes with her sleeve and took a few shaky breaths. Once she composed herself, she looked him in the eye.
"Malakai I know you don't believe in angels or good omens or anything pure for that matter, but believe me I think Dakota is going to be good for you. Just trust me this once, okay?"
Malakai gave her a pitiful look before pulling her in for a hug.
"Okay. I believe you."
Venus' smiled in the embrace and he must have sensed it because he added,
"But don't think I'm going to give him special treatment."
"I know I know. Just try to get to know him, please?"
"That'd be a lot easier if he talked! He doesn't talk when Dr. Panoma is around. And we aren't allowed to interact unless it's for research purposes."
"That puts a damper on things. Although, that might change once he's in your squadron."
"Maybe."
She broke out in smiles again.
"I think I can arrange something with Dr. Panoma."
Malakai knew that look. That smile was one of mischief.
"Nope you stay out of it! Do not meddle in this!" He commanded with his pointer finger inches from her face. She brushed his hand away.
"Relax! I know what I'm doing. Believe me, it'll make everything easier for you."

And that couldn't be farther from the truth. From that day forward, Malakai's life only got more complicated.