The addition of Lieutenant Hopper can be invaluable, but only if we can come to terms with our different approaches.

Her skill as a warrior is beyond reproach. During drills with the training bots, there was absolutely no improvements I could offer her. In fact, I asked her to offer the team tips on improving their melee attacks. Incidentally, I inspected the oddly-shaped katana she carries and I was surprised to find a laser in front of a blade. She explained that the laser is an improvement, not a replacement for the traditional blade. The laser runs from the top of the hilt to a spot within the tip. I questioned her on her reliance on tech. She explained that the laser could cut through anything the blade could not, that the blade was always there if the power to the laser failed. I may have been, in the moment, spitefully trying to undermine her argument, but it backfired.

Fig. 1: Laser Katana Operational Schematic

I think about where that spite comes from within me and realized that it was comments she made about Quillroy earlier in the week.

He’d commended her on her excellent skill when she simply retorted, “why are you only at Ensign?”

“Well, I failed some computer courses. I’ve got bad luck when it comes to tech.” he tells her.

“Computer courses?!” she says, incredulously. “A soldier is a weapon to be used to protect a nation. Any one can sit behind a desk tapping at keys. Only the noble and fearless can put their life on the line for their country.”

“Totally. I hear ya. It’s just–”

I interrupt Quillroy. “A soldier is not a weapon. Quillroy is a person. An individual who can be more than a blunt instrument.”

“There are no individuals in a unit,” she says. “Soldiers serve.”

We leave for Operation Antidote, the mission to capture Louis Syd, tomorrow at O Dark Hundred. I’m sure that we can work together even if we don’t see eye to eye.