Somewhat concerned with his new C.O., Brian ignored the arrival of the, rather attractive, women.  At the officer's comment, he shook hands and smiled.  "I believe in being prepared for many eventualities, sir," he said, before nodding to the other man and heading inside.<br/><br/>That belief was one reason he carried blasters for penetrating power, a paralysis gun for prisoners, and a low tech slugthrower for when he couldn't get power cells.  Or that one electrokinetic he'd meet years ago who'd shorted out all his energy weapons.  Damn good thing his vibro-knife didn't need to be turned on to be useful . . . as the alien found to his dismay.  The short blades were also good for silently dispatching sentries.<br/><br/>He let Markus lead the way and take his choice of bunks.  To be honest, Brian liked being unnoticed in the background.  And he didn't much care where he slept.  "I take it you're front line?" he asked, trying to make some kind of conversation.  Too much of his time in the field was spent in silence.