Mealtimes were always sordid affairs for Dr. Rush. Today, with two hulking aliens at his table (not to mention the handful of crew members who had converted), it was even worse.
"Today is the feast day of Saint Ghaeoilge," said the larger alien, who was named Dubhghuill. "So be sure you all eat plenty of nuts. If you're unsure on what's proper, Brother Nicholas will guide you."
Rush put his head down and groaned. The entire group of converts copied him, and a few of the more sane crew members moved away from the mass groaning.
"Brother Nicholas?" said the smaller alien, who was named Tom. "You haven't touched your banana gruel."
Not looking up, Rush pushed the bowl in the general direction of the aliens.
"I'm fasting," he said. It earned him a moment of peace. Then -
"Brother Nicholas?" said one of the converts. Rush suppressed a sigh.
"Yes, Sergeant Greer?"
"I was thinking of maybe adjusting my fatigues, sir," said Greer respectfully. Rush looked up at him disbelievingly.
"Into what?"
Greer shrugged. "A suit, sir, to match Brother Dubhghuill's and Brother Tom's. But maybe a habit instead. That would be cool."
"Greer, I think habits are for nuns."
Greer nodded, but the carefully blank look on his face suggested he disagreed. And frankly, Rush had no time to educate the military today, whether he was right or not. He had work to do.
"Excuse me," he muttered under his breath, adding something that may or may not have been unholy. He made it maybe three feet before he ran right into someone.
"Rush," said Colonel Young, voice controlled. Rush looked up to see the other man staring at the followers of Father Mhaigh with hooded eyes. "Might I ask why my best men are fraternizing with aliens? And you?"
"Because your men are the biggest idiots aboard," Rush snapped. Young glanced at him a little vindictively.
"Volker's over there too, you know."
"The mentally challenged don't count."
To his credit, Young didn't look at all affronted on Volker's behalf.
"Why did you bring aliens aboard Destiny?" he asked instead. Rush felt a headache - probably stress-and-fury-induced - crash against his temples like a freight train.
"You think I did this?" he said, voice strained.
"Well, they did come to you."
"Colonel, I assure you," Rush bit out, "the last thing I want on Destiny is another blasted confraternity."
He shot a scathing look to the aliens for emphasis. To his immediate chagrin, Brother Tom waved.
"Brother Nicholas!" called Tom. "Are you converting the humans' heathen leader?"
Rush cringed. He turned back to Young, who raised an eyebrow at him.
It occurred to Rush that a brainwashed Young could be a plus for him.
"They have great suits," he offered.
Young rolled his eyes.