Ming sat in his office reviewing a performance report when Rob Benson entered.
"Sir, I need to talk to you. It is kind of important."
"Go ahead, Rob. Have a seat," Ming said, wondering what could be on Benson's mind.
"I'm not really sure how to say this, and I hope you won't be offended..."
"How could you possibly offend me?" Ming asked, now truly curious.
"You've done a lot for me, and I will always be grateful, but I would like to return to a posting in the Marines."
Ming blinked. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked.
"After we boarded the Nausicaan freighter it all made sense. I want to help people, and with my abilities I can't think of any better way--especially in these times."
"It sounds good on the surface, but are you sure this is you talking, Rob, or is it the programming?"
"Sir, I'll ask you not to patronize me. I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm pretty sure that if I were a civilian I'd be looking to enlist right about now. When I saw those poor people...it just hit something in me. I can't quite describe it. I wanted to help. I needed to help. And I've enjoyed working here in the lab with you but this isn't what I was meant for!"
This was the most articulate and well-thought-out thing Rob had ever said in Ming's hearing. "My apologies for talking down to you. That was uncalled for. And perhaps this is what you were meant for, but who meant it for you? Is this something Dr. Mikori did to you or is it your own decision?"
Rob swallowed hard. "I've been in communication more with my parents since we got to Risa. I remembered for the first time in years some of the things they taught me. About helping other people and about doing the right thing. About how if we have the ability to help but don't help, we're just as bad as the ones who caused the problem. You're a scientst, and you've used your ability in science to help lots of people--me included. That's your best destiny. And being in combat, it seems, is mine. I do well now in other places, thanks to you, but I do best there. And if that's what Mikori did, then so be it. There is such a thing as turning evil to good, you know."
Ming was astounded. Rob had developed a strong moral and ethical sense as well as an intellect. He was far from the near-robotic killing machine Ming had inherited.
"I'll get in touch with SB901, then. We can transfer you there," he said as he made a note on a PADD.
"Thank you, sir! I won't ever forget this!"
"There is, however, one condition."
"Anything!"
"Write me often and let me know how you're doing!" Ming said with a smile.
Rob nodded eagerly and headed out of the office.
[His record is impressive. Your recommendation is very good, as is that of Captain McConaughey. I note also that Captain Evans and Major Pennington rated him very high before their deaths,] Colonel Tarik told Ming. [But Private Benson does have a record of being emotionally unstable and borderline functionality outside of combat. Can you assure me that outside of your oversight he is capable of functioning properly?]
"Ninety percent of his time on the Ronin has been spent in a non-combat role. He is one of the better laboratory and repair technicians on the ship and could probably take these skills into the civilian market if he wanted to," Ming replied. "He gets along well with just about everyone on board and is a reliable crewman. I would place my life in his hands--and do so regularly."
Tarik nodded. [Go ahead and cut the paperwork. But make sure you transmit all data on his genetic structure--and your therapy--to Lieutenant Paul Deveraux, with copy to Lieutenant Kassia and Dr. Cherrin. If something happens and you aren't around we need to be able to help him.]
"I'll transmit the data as soon as I cut the orders, sir."
[Very good. Inform Private Benson to report to me as soon as you reach the station.]
The party in the junior officers' wardroom was raucous, as usual. Benson had become a friend to one and all and--for the first time in his life--had felt completely accepted.
Ming and Ciara stood back from the crowd, watching Benson's interaction with the others. "He seems to be doing well," Ming said.
"He's never been happier," Ciara replied as she squeezed his hand. "You know, fate does have a strange way of operating."
"How so?"
"You lost your son by Karissa, and not long after that Rob appeared in your life. In a lot of ways, he's become like a son to you."
Ming thought for a moment. Though Rob was twelve years Ming's senior, he had spent most of his life in a childlike state. Only now was he just beginning to get on an adult footing. And now I'm throwing him into the most stressful environment there is.
"Relax! He'll be okay! This is nothing new to him--and people a good deal less mature enter the service every day," Ciara told him, sensing Ming's thoughts. "I know you're concerned--but this is entirely his decision. No genetic engineering involved."
"Are you certain?"
"As certain as I can possibly be about anything. This isn't programming--it's sheer determination and will. And he genuinely does feel bad about leaving you behind."
"I guess we all have to leave the nest sometime," Ming replied wistfully. "I just hope he writes!"