Billos had to force himself to relax. Captain Barron was being informal with them, but he was the absolute master of Dauntless, and Billos knew damned well the officer didn’t need an invitation to do anything he pleased on his battleship. Barron wasn’t as aloof as some other ship commanders, but he didn’t spend a lot of time down in Marine country either. Dauntless’s ground forces were housed in the ship’s lower aft, where there was room for their training facilities and armory. It was about as far from the bridge—and the ship’s officers’ quarters—as a place could get, outside of the reaction chambers and the launch bay.

“Sir,” Billos said, realizing he probably looked comical trying to appear relaxed when he was anything but.

“I mean it, Sergeant—all of you—please relax. This is an informal visit, so at ease.”

Barron stepped into the room. He turned toward Rogan then back to Billos. “Sergeant, the captain and I have been discussing our current mission.” He paused, letting out a brief sigh. “The truth is, I have no idea what we may be facing…but I’m…concerned it might be something significant and dangerous.”

Billos thought the captain almost said, “I’m afraid” instead of “I’m concerned.” He wasn’t sure, but it gave him a chill anyway. He’d never seen Barron look even rattled before.

“Yes, sir.” Billos was focused on the captain, the other Marines standing around, watching, listening.

“I don’t know if we’ll have need of your particular talents on this operation, but I want you all to be ready just in case. I know you’re understrength…” He paused. “…and that most of you have seen limited action. Not you, of course, Sergeant.”

Barron hesitated again. “I just wanted all of you to know…” He looked over at the silent Marines standing around the workout equipment. “…I may ask a great deal of you before we return to Archellia. There are colonies out on the Rim. Small ones, mostly mining facilities, but they are home to Confederation citizens, and it is our duty to protect them. No matter what threatens them.”

“I have assured the captain he has no cause for concern. The Marines will be ready to do whatever he requires.” Rogan’s tone almost dared one of the Marines to disagree.

Billos found himself nodding, almost involuntarily. Then he said, “Certainly, sir. Captain, I can assure you your Marines will be ready to do whatever you need.” He paused for just an instant. “Whatever the cost, sir.”

Billos understood the captain’s visit now. The sergeant was junior to the contingent’s three officers in rank, but he was the most experienced Marine aboard, and Barron wanted him to get the rank and file in line, ready to do whatever had to be done. Ready to die, if necessary.