Rakatheema nodded. “I understand your concern, my friend. Rest assured that Starfleet officers serve in many capacities, most of them peaceful. You are already skilled in the ways of war; you go to the Academy to learn other ways to serve.”

“But if we should be called upon to do battle…” Horatio shook his head. “We will not fight for anything but our homeworld. Will Starfleet honor that sacred commitment?”

“Starfleet would not force its members to act against their beliefs, Horatio.” Rakatheema looked around the group. “Yet Starfleet also encourages its members to think for themselves, and to open their minds to new possibilities. I admire your commitment to peace, Horatio. But such a commitment is truer when it comes from informed choice and conviction rather than unthinking dogma. Give yourself a chance to learn.”

The commander’s answer did not clarify Horatio’s confusion. But that did not matter. It was enough to know that Starfleet would respect his beliefs and commitments.

Once they returned to their barracks and disrobed for the showers, the Warborn named Portia moved toward Horatio. Portia was female, though that was only obvious to the eye at times like these when she was undressed. Historically, few Warborn lived long enough to procreate, so they did not develop secondary sexual characteristics.

“You didn’t like what the commander said about new possibilities, did you?” Portia asked him. “You think Starfleet may want us to fight for them.”

Horatio met her eyes evenly. They were approximately equal in height, like most Warborn. “He says Starfleet will not force us to defy our oath.”

“You do not wish to fight?”

His gaze sharpened, as did his voice. “We were made to fight for Arcturus alone. That is our sacred calling.”

Portia looked annoyed by his response. “We were made to die for Arcturus. Should we hold sacred what was decreed by those who made us only to die?”

Another male, Bertram, laughed loudly. He was not like most Warborn; his head rose higher than the others’ and his highly developed musculature was clearly displayed as he turned within his sonic shower chamber. “You object to fighting, Portia? You’re the fiercest warrior among us.”

She turned her sharp gaze upon him. “I never said I had a problem with fighting. Test me anytime.”

“Then what are you saying?” Horatio asked.

Portia turned away. “I don’t know. I just don’t see the point of all this.”

Bertram nodded. “Nor do I. I studied as I was ordered, I passed their tests, but what is the use of it all? We’re not scholars or diplomats. We were made to protect Arcturus. And, yes, to die if we must, in the name of its peace.”

“A peace we don’t get to be a part of,” Portia interjected.

“Nor should we. It’s not our purpose.”