Mark lay in his bunk, dismissed by Youri after the bridge crew got the New Dawn into hyperspace. With a low-pitched hum, the door to his quarters opened. He immediately jumped out of bed and saluted the person who entered. "Captain," Mark said as he saluted.

  "Mark, I need you to follow me. We need to talk to our guest. I still have more questions, and I am not satisfied with what we know so far," Youri said as she waved her hand for him to follow her. The pair made their way through the narrow halls till they reached the small cargo bay that he was currently occupying. Before they could even open the doors, they slid open. Mark looked around.

  "Damn, this has to be one of the cleanest rooms on the ship cap," Mark said before he could stop himself.

  "I wouldn't dream of letting Valasquez down by keeping my living quarters dirty or cluttered. The easiest way to maintain the standard is only to have what is necessary," Henry said as he was cleaning the visor of his helmet.

  "I have some questions that I need answers to Henry," Youri said as she crossed her arms over her small chest.

  "Ask us anything Captain," Albert chimed in through the speakers on the helmet.

  "First, you said that you would explain how he was moving almost at a blur," Youri said, wanting to know that above anything else.

  "He reacts at slightly slower than two milliseconds in combat situations, after I was installed in his brain that is. Humans normally react in 200 to 250 milliseconds," Albert explained to Youri.

  "Will he harm anyone on my crew?" Youri asked.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  "No, I have no reason, nor have I been ordered by Admiral Williams to do so," Henry said as he clipped his helmet to his waist.

  "Is that all it would take? Just one simple order?" Youri asked, uncrossing her arms.

  "Yes, like I told you earlier, I am just a weapon. Like a gun, I don't fire unless someone pulls the trigger. That trigger is in the hands of our superiors," Henry said as he blankly stared at Youri.

  "I see. Last question, what is that god-awful smell?" Youri said as she looked around at the less-than-minimalist room that Henry kept.

  "One of the drawbacks to his augmentations is the increased need for protein and calories. Henry must consume 1300 grams of protein and 15000 calories per day. DMI made him special meat sticks," Albert said before Henry cut him off.

  "They stink worse than a communal bathroom and taste terrible on their own. I like them with ranch dressing though," Henry said as he got up to grab one to eat, along with a packet of Ranch that he tactically acquired.

  "May I try a bite?" Mark asked, curious about the taste.

  "No." Was Henry's quick comeback.

  "Sorry, Ensign, just a bite of one could cause you health issues," Albert said apologetically.

  "I understand. Would you like to join us in the Chow Hall? I think today we have chocolate cake," Youri asked. Henry snapped his head unnaturally fast towards the captain, eyes wide.

  "Did you say chocolate? I have been wanting to try that," Henry said, salivating at the chance to try a new sweet.

  "Yes, what do you mean by trying that? Have you never had chocolate?" Youri asked in shock.

  "I was never allowed to. It was deemed a creature comfort, so it was banned for us Vanguards.

  "Well, that changes today. Come with me," Youri said as she motioned for Henry to follow her, and the three took off to the chow hall.

  Oct 16th, 2359, Alpha, Alpha Centaury

  "Liam 011, Sofia 012, Imani 013 reporting for duty," The three Vanguards said as they saluted

  "Welcome aboard, the last one of you people that was onboard my ship made an impression. You will be in cargo bay 2," the captain said as he returned the salute.

  "Roger that Sir," The ebony-skinned Imani said as she and the others picked up their duffle bags and followed the captain onto the ship.