[USS Charon, Deck Ten]
Brent kept his composure until the man stopped inside the turbolift and spoke. Well that was pretty much confirmation about just who he was. Brent said nothing. He strove so hard to control the anger inside of him. His temper was something that he had always strove hard to control. It had been a part of his basic training from a DI that was from Brent's home planet. The memories began to resurface about how enraged Sakarra had been at this Vulcan's intrusion. After his words Brent drew in a breath before he held it for a moment. Before he let go his hand lashed out, grabbing the arrogant Vulcan man by his neck and slamming him forward into the far end of the turbolift. Brent simply did not say a word but instead removed his hand brushing the front of his jacket off.
Indeed.
And what considerable force. That had actually hurt.
"A most emphatic answer, Lieutenant."
More than one answer, to be precise. Well well.
With all the signs of a Vulcan who has accidentally been run over by an exuberant adolescent Sehlat, Voran dusted off his robe, no longer bothering with the bewildered clerk façade.
"You are of course aware I could consider this a challenge, yes?" For the first time, the face set into something other than that of a serene, peaceful Vulcan and a sharp gaze rested on the Marine.
"However, the lady would be most annoyed with me for accepting it as such without her approval. Ah, you don't know, do you?"
For a few seconds, Voran considered making use of the human's anger to provoke an action that might earn him disfavor with the woman in question, and he knew just how to do it.
Unfortunately, she did seem rather fond of the Marine – one possible reason for that had just become abundantly clear. Still, he was sorely … tempted.
"Have a care whom you challenge, Lieutenant. One less concerned with being polite might use your ignorance of our ways against you. And yes, this is spoken by one who would be your rival if I thought she would not tear me limb from limb for my troubles. Considering her temper, it is a likely prospect."
"You could, but you are smarter than that I think. Besides, where I come from being a fiercely jealous man doesn't require the ladies permission," Brent replied calmly. Brent knew a great deal about this man and could potentially cripple him in his career. While doing such a thing would undoubtedly cause him supreme disfavor from Sakarra if not an outright refusal to see him ever again. It did make for a nice ace in the hole though, should Brent ever be placed in a position where that might happen regardless. Brent let a slight smile cross over his face; he shrugged his shoulders as if to simply state that he could hold his own if need be. "I would say it is a certain prospect."
"Perhaps."
So, not only quick in thinking, but loyal enough to her not to use the knowledge he obviously had. Despite himself, Voran looked at the human with at least a measure of respect. And of course a worthy rival made the matter much more … interesting.
If there were not other pressing matters at hand, this might have been worth taking a few highly illogical risks. Well, maybe a minor one would not go amiss after the Marine had already cared to openly state his position.
The turbolift doors opened but the Vulcan did not move just yet.
"Rheiya t'sa'ariv, in case you wondered. She favors it above all, although I believe you should learn the reason for that yourself. Still, a most pleasing scent for such a small flower, wouldn't you agree? Though its petals cannot match her hair for softness."
The proverbial gauntlet thrown, Voran marched past the Marine and towards the brig, calculating the odds that he might arrive there just slightly … disheveled.
Brent took in a deep breath. The anger had been there ever since he had realized who this Vulcan was. Asshole. Now he was trying to bait Brent into taking another swing at him, one the Vulcan was probably prepared for. He let the breath out as an idea crept into his mind. "Quite true. However neither of those are quite as soft as the small of her back just as she steps out of the shower," Brent replied keeping the devilish smirk that was threatening to over take him down. After he spoke his words in an even monotone the doors opened and Brent motioned for the Vulcan to go first.
"Duly noted, Lieutenant."
Without missing a beat, Voran walked into the brig and was met with quite a few exasperated gazes that clearly spelled 'not another pointy eared one, please'.
Yes, truly a worthy rival. How else could this little gambit have backfired so badly that the Vulcan now entertained the thought of seeing this Marine impact a bulkhead with considerable force?
Fascinating.
It even took him a full 0.43 seconds to slip back into his role of the innocent clerk who had no idea why he was shepherded into the brig save for the fact that apparently the CO was annoyed with the Vulcan delegation. As such, he politely nodded to the poor security guards and let himself be led into the already crowded cell, filled with stern faces and … ah, the good ambassador. Still out of favor with t'Rehu. And nowhere near as bewildered as one might expect. Interesting.
Turning around, Voran settled his deceptively mild violet gaze on the human once more "Please do not bother to hide your smile – you are quite entitled to it. At least at the moment. I did however find our … discussion most enlightening."
Giving another tip of the head, the Vulcan ambled off to find a spot that was not filled with indignant scientists. Who would have thought this assignment would turn out to hold such delightful surprises? Of course he might not live to see how the games played out – but in both cases the prize was worth the gamble. Most invigorating.
"My lady T'Kal. Have we offended the good Captain in some way?" the perfectly demure clerk again, Voran approached the woman standing in a small group and was favored with an eloquently quirked brow. Inwardly, he smiled like the Le-Matya when the wind carries the scent of blood.
Brent maintained his calm demeanor before he looked over at the officer in charge of the brig. "I found this one snooping around on deck 10. You might want to send an engineering team down to look around Deflector control, and make sure you keep a close eye and question him well," Brent said motioning at the Vulcan that he had just brought in.
How unexpectedly logical. As soon as the Vulcan's sharp ears picked up the Marine's calm baritone, he gave a silent nod of grudging approval. For now, the other had the advantage, and was willing to use it. It might be wise to play along for a while, although Voran doubted this human would be so easily deceived into thinking he had won.
With quiet amusement, the agent settled in to wait – and observe.
[End Log]
Brevet 1st Lieutenant Brent Warren
Marine Commander
USS Charon
Voran
The pesky Vulcan
