Battle Stations: Offensive: Book 2 by Will Crudge

Author:Will Crudge [Crudge, Will]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

"I said no predators!" Marvin protested as he skittered about on the wardroom table.

"We're at war, and Morale Officers are hard to come by nowadays, Marvin," Jason lectured.

"But you doubled down and brought two of them onboard!" Marvin snarled, his high-pitched voice being augmented by his voice module.

"Like I said, beggars can't be choosers. Besides, you asked for a team to help you, and I did what I could with what was available. Herbivores are a minority in the program, and there just wasn't any to be found without transferring them from other critical assignments," Jason explained.

"Well, how do you know I won't turn into a snack?" Marvin asked intently as Jason handed him a shred of lettuce.

"Because all Morale officers have a suppressed predatory drive as part of the uplifting process. You're in no more danger with them than you are with me," Jason said.

"Says the one who doesn't depend on air vents to walk around for fear of being trampled," Marvin said.

"What about your plastic ball? Can't you use that?" Jason asked.

"I can hide very easily if things go badly. Besides, it's hard to breathe in that thing," Marvin explained.

"Well, your new team will be here momentarily, so you'd best put on your game face. You'll be in command of your own team, and you have to start thinking like a supervisor and not a lone wolf," Jason said intently.

"I know how to play the game, admiral," Marvin said unceremoniously.

The door slid open, and LT Coulako stuck her head through the door, craned her neck, and then locked eyes with Jason.

"Sir, I have the new morale officers here with me," Coulako said curtly.

"Send them in," Jason said. Marvin stood on his haunches and tried to instinctively get taller.

A German shepherd and a calico cat strolled into the wardroom, looked around, then sat on their hindquarters as if to stand at attention. LT Coulako walked in and stood next to them.

"Sir, let me present Buckie and Tiggie, Morale Officers Junior Grade," Coulako said curtly.

"Thank you, lieutenant," Jason said. "That will be all,"

"Yes, sir," Coulako said sharply before turning about and leaving the room, the door sliding behind her.

"Morale Officers, welcome to Nemesis," Jason said curtly.

"It's an honor to be here, sir; thank you," Buckie said with a bow.

"Yes, thank you, sir," Tiggie said, licking a paw passionately.

"Let me introduce you to your commander, Marvin, the guinea pig," Jason said, gesturing toward Marvin. Marvin matched his gaze before turning to the other animals.

"Welcome to Nemesis, people," Marvin said. "And I use the term 'people' purposefully. Never forget that just because you're animals doesn't mean you're not Earthlings, and when your crew, your people. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Buckie and Tiggie replied in unison.

"We have the best crew in the fleet, but that means they'll see lots of action, and we'll be there every step of the way to help them with their demons. Both of you will be critical in helping me keep everyone mission-focused and mentally fit," Marvin spat out his speech as if he'd rehearsed it, and Jason offered an approving nod.

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