[dcs_p]Though the pilot was one of Devon’s trusted allies, Borg had seemed to act more
distant than ever in recent months. Devon wondered if it was the additional
responsibilities that had bogged the man down. The Strider’s Strikers Intelligence
Corps was indeed a big part of Borg’s life these days, that much Devon could tell.
He wondered if he ought to order the man to meet him for training exercises later
to attempt discussing the situation.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Star Colonel Devon Carns, I must speak with you.” Borg’s face was passive,
but Devon could read something was not as it seemed according to the warrior’s
eyes. Devon knew he could spare little time for trivial details when he already
had the task before him.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Mechwarrior Borg.” He nodded to him. “What do you have for me at a time like
this? I have need for concentration. Do you not know that my Trial of Refusal
with Colonel Mike Strider begins soon?” Devon was sure of the answer, but he
wanted to stress the gravity of the situation with Borg. He could not afford to be
bothered with technicalities now.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Devon, this pertains to the match. We have reason to believe,” he paused.
Borg’s quick glance about the facility gave Devon the impression the man was
taking his job as an intelligence operative just a little too seriously.
Borg attempted to continue after coming to the conclusion it was safe to talk at
this time… “that Strider may…”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]But Devon was in neither the mood nor the position to be warned. He knew of
Mike’s style, probably better than any other Nova Cat on the entire unit. He
wondered if politics had somehow caused Borg’s appearance here and now.
“I will not waste time with your analysis of Mike. It is below me. Do you forget I
have served with this man for 8 years now?” Devon quickly sought to change his
tone, realizing he had shamed the man without any real intention to do so.
Borg, always one to heed the structure of command, waited for Devon’s further
comments. When they failed to come, Borg finally tried to speak again.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”I do not mean to waste your time, Devon. We believe… Luther and I believe that
Strider’s battle simulations have shown predictability in the category of…” Borg
said, eager to get the analysis out in the open so Devon might at least consider it.
“Enough Mechwarrior Borg! I do not care what the SSIC has come up with!”
Devon exploded in anger. Has he lost all concept of what behavior is Clan and
what is not Clan?![/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”I have prepared today as I should, using my own resources and acting with the
honor of a Nova Cat warrior,” Devon continued. “I will not be briefed on data
gathered with clandestine tactics! You, of all, should know my impatience for
such behavior. I will meet with you after this match to discuss this further. That
is all, Mechwarrior Borg.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Borg’s face remained passive, but the look in his eyes had changed entirely.
Where Devon had once read hesitation and worry, he now only saw rage in
Borg’s glare.[/dcs_p]