stopping off at the weapon's locker, Ari picked up the standard issue pistol, rifle, shock grenades, and other weapondry.  About to leave, she turned back and hefted a short sword.  Feeling its balance in her and, she nodded, and grabbing its scabbard, tied it to her waist.<br/><br/>The A. V. Tech had the camera ready for her when she stopped by.<strong>"Oh, hey great thanks</strong>!"  She smiled her appreciation that the camera was ready to go.  Obviously someone had told him of Dr. Kerrigan's request that they take a camera.  Taking a few minutes to be sure she understood how to operate the thing, she packed it carefully along with spare batteries and additional film.  Giving the A.V. specialist a thumbs up, she continued on her way.<br/><br/><br/>Ari had come in just before the Dok's pronouncemen that he was "so glad to know you'll have my back."  Ari tuned warm golden eyes onto the doctor's silver, abet sunglass covered, ones and grinned fervidly.  "<strong>I will have your back anytime, Dok</strong>,"  she promised with a wink.<br/><br/>Ari smiled ruefully at Alice's story about the Chinese puzzle box.  Nodding with her as she told it.  She knew what it was like to have Mom be disappointed in you.<br/><br/>After Alice had finished speaking Ari reported in and informed with a salute, "<strong>Ma'am, ready and waiting</strong>."<br/><br/>Then turning to Dr. Kerrigan, she waited until the woman looked up from her efforts.  "<em><strong>Dr. Kerrigan, I've picked up the Camera from A.V., anything specific you want pictures of will you let me know before we leave</strong></em>," then thinking a moment, she added,<em> <strong>"that is, if I am on the mission</strong></em>?"<br/><br/>Standing back against the wall waiting for the new message to be sorted Ari turned her attention and thoughts toward the Captain.  Calm and in control now, this was the woman that Ari thought Alice to have been in the first place.<br/><br/>Puzzling a bit at the change in demeanor in the Captain from one that was so much out there to one that was much more rational and focused, Ari couldn't help musing,<em>What's her for real?</em>Ducking her head, she folded her arms and tapped her pointer of her left hand against the bicep of her right arm.<br/><br/><em>Hmm, could the whole thing have been a loyalty test?</em>Shifting  her stance from her left to her right foot, she shrugged to herself, not much I can do about it now.<em>I can only prove my metal by having a successful mission.  </em><br/><br/>Focusing her attention back on what was going on around her, Ari offered, "<strong>Anything I can do in the mean time?"</strong>