Deveraux followed Wallace out of the briefing room and back out on to Ops. Paul still didn't like the man much, since his wrongful accusation of treason, but since the battle on Az'reel where they both saved each others lives, Paul didn't feel so bad around the now Commodore Wallace anymore. Wallace led the way to his office and took a seat behind his desk. Paul stood before him at attention.
"At ease, Lieutenant."
Paul relaxed a little and awaited Wallace's next instruction.
"Lieutenant, this mission, for the both of us will be difficult. Kelly has had a large effect on both of our lives. Both of our careers have been put in jeopardy by him, and our lives, not to mention the rest of the station and now the entire galaxy! It is my job to be there, but I'm giving you the option of staying behind should you so wish." Wallace looked at his science officer awaiting a response... It didn't take long!
"Stay behind?! You iz joking no? I wouldn't miss zhis for zhe world!"
Wallace could see he wasn't going to change Paul's mind and smiled. "Just remember, our orders are to bring him in 'alive'. Now let's get going."
Paul walked down the corridor toward the airlock ready to board the Sentinel. Wallace had gone on ahead. As the airlock door swung open, Tarik approached.
"I sought you were not coming?" questioned Paul.
"I'm not, I just came to wish you luck. You're all going to need it."
"Thanks."
"Just remember, you and Wallace aren't the only people Kelly's hurt. Just remember, keep your cool and don't go and pull a Deveraux and do anything stupid all right?"
"Ey, would I do anysing like zhat?" asked Paul, barely able to keep a straight face.
Tarik smiled. "Give him one for me and Kassia."
"I will, promise." With that, Paul boarded the Sentinel.
As Paul stepped on to the bridge, he glanced around. Finding his station he headed over to it and ran pre-launch checks on sensors and all other scientific systems. "Sensorz are operating at maximum," he reported among the other reports flying in at the Commodore.
Commodore Wallace stood up once silence had returned. He took a bold step forward, and with the most determination Paul had ever heard in his voice ordered, "Helm, lay in a course for Nimbus III. Maximum warp!"