==/-\== ODA Area ==/-\== Cortez made his way to the back of the formation as Lieutenant Scott called the team to attention. He watched as Major Walsh sauntered out like usual and began to explain the upcoming mission. Cortez finally began to understand the point of those bugs in the holodeck the day before. His ribs were still a little sore from the beating he had received from that bug, but of course he wasn't about to say anything. Showing pain was against his religion and sickbay was the last place he wanted to be. Besides, he had managed to swipe a few pain killers from Private Ra'Nar when he wasn't looking anyways. Richard listened as the teams new XO asked a few questions and Major Walsh bullshitted a few answers. The truth, as Richard understood it, was that the Walsh didn't know squat about these Xchi bastards and knowing the Major, it wasn't because he didn't ask. Cortez knew they were all expendable and as the briefing continued he slowly scanned the room wondering who wasn't going to make it back alive from this suicide run. As the Major began to wrap up the meeting Cortez looked over at Specialist Lynch who was standing next to him. Leaning a little to his side he whispered, "ha ha, you have to go with the blind man". Lynch grinned and muttered something in that damn accent that Cortez couldn't understand. He then focused his attention back on Major Walsh as he was finishing up his speech. "Gonna get ourselves some grass hoppers lads!" Jack chuckled. "We're trained for this, We Will be ready..." he paused. "Dismissed!!" Cortez watched as everybody started to disperse and then quickly headed straight for his room. Once inside he opened his closet and picked up the crate full of Major Walsh's confiscated belongings. "That bastard better give me some extra free time for this", he chuckled to himself as he hoisted it onto his shoulder. It had been quite a few days since he had confiscated this stuff and Cortez figured that it was time to give it back now. Cortez then walked down the hallway leading to Walsh's office and rang the bell. "Lance Corporal Cortez requesting permission to enter", he barked in normal marine fashion. "Enter", came the response from the Major, and Richard did. As he walked inside the room he switched the crate to his opposite arm and gave the Major a Sharp Salute. Jack eyed the box that the Lance Corporal was holding with some confusion . Nodding in reply to the Corporals salute he pointed to the box. "What have you got there?" Lowering his hand Cortez stood at attention as best he could with the crate still in his arm, "Sir, I wanted to give you back your stuff". "My Stuff?" Jack stood smiling. "You son of a bitch! you kept that stuff?" He grinned feeling pleased that Cortez had kept the contraband, he was surprised that the General hadn't brought up the various things in his quarters. "Thank you Corporal..." he took the box. "I don't think you'll be needed for the rest of the day...." Cortez let out a smile as he handed Walsh the crate, "No Problem Sir, Thank you", he paused for a second and watched as Walsh sifted through the box. "Sir", he finally said with a nod then turned to leave the room. As the door closed behind him he relaxed his shoulders a little. "How 'bout a drink Corporal Cortez", he said standing outside of the doorway. Looking across the room he noticed a few of the ODA were busy cleaning there equipment, again. "Don't mind if I do", he then answered himself as he walked down the hallway back towards his room. ==/-\== End Log ==/-\== Lance Corporal Richard Cortez ODA Weapons Specialist USS Chimera + Major Walsh ODA CO USS Chimera