The Scarman Enigma

[Robert Merlow]

Doyen Robert Merlow was sitting near Lucas and Tomoko as they spoke. He was hunched over his drink, just blending into the crowd. It wasn't readily visible, but he was a well built man, strong but not overly so. His unmarked member's only jacket absorbed nearly all of the light thrown at it, making him nearly invisible in the bar. His Nodachi and Wasizaki are coated in the same material, hiding them from prying eyes. His glasses glinted in the dingy light, revealing his deep brown eyes. Across from him sat his second-in-command, Kyon. He was wearing a similar jacket along with a pair of dark sunglasses, hiding his eyes from view. He wore an assortment of weapons on him, all under his member's only jacket.
Robert himself was a cold individual, little room in his heart for compassion or love. Raised into the Kanzaki Yakuza, that was all he knew. Ruthlessness and cold calculation were how he lived his life. His buddy Kyon was more laid back, but his calm exterior hid his true ruthlessness. He was known to strangle his enemies with his bare hands with a smile on his face.

Tomoko began to walk out of the bar, her hips waving seductively. Merlow smiled and rose, following her out. They gave her some distance, but made it a obvious that they had something they intended that involved her. Tomoko heard the footsteps in the nearly empty hallway, provoking her attention. She walked on as if she noticed nothing, drawing a small blaster pistol from a hidden holster. She turned about suddenly, training her pistol on the nearest target. She was surprised to find that the two men behind her already had their pistols drawn.

"Tomoko Yamaguchi." Merlow called to her.
"Yeah?" she replied, her blaster trained on Merlow's head.
"We would like to accompany you to your latest job," Kyon added, "I hope you don't mind the intrusion."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" she asked.
Merlow holstered his Assault Pistol and bowed, "The name is Robert Merlow. Nice to make your acquaintance."

-----

Bridge, Tuatha de Danaan
Above Planet Los Angeles
California System / Liberty Space

Fleet Admiral Merlow looked out the viewing window into the green-blue seas of the Los Angeles. He was lost in thought yet again, thinking over the current situation. Two Admirals were on the surface and his most trusted friend was there with them. This Senator Scarman was an unknown in this equation. His public life was well documented, but his experience in dealing with such men he knew that you needed to know everything about them in order to truly understand them. He had Section 9 working around the clock trying to determine what this Senator's motives were.

Anderson came up behind him, clearing his throat, "Sir, is something bothering you?" he asked, considerable concern in his voice.
Merlow thought for a second. There was actually something else that greatly concerned him, but he didn't want to discuss it with a subordinate, "Just the situation, Anderson. I'm concerned with the Migrant Fleet. How're we supposed to find a place to settle the better part of two-hundred million people?"
"I'm not sure, Sir. Have you thought about doing what the Mithril Organization of the Evolved Universe did?"
Merlow gave him an incredulous look, "And become the pariahs of Sirius, dealing with criminal organizations daily and using terror as a tool? We're not going to debase the First Fleet and lower ourselves to that level."
Tessa walked to the window, tapping Admiral Anderson on the shoulder, "Sir, you're needed in Astrometrics."
Anderson nodded and walked off, leaving the two of them watching the planet. Tessa leaned in close, her mouth next to Merlow's ear.
"Sarah's in your quarters. I thought you might want to see her, considering everything that's happened."
Merlow breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Tessa. I really appreciate it. I'll be sure that Captain Hao gets the word on dinner tonight." he replied with a wink.
Tessa blushed. She may be a Reverend Mother, but she was also still a teen, "Thank you, Sir!" she squealed quietly.
Merlow gave her a pat on the back before taking his leave from the Bridge, leaving Tessa in command.

He walked down the hallway to the turbolift.
"Computer, Deck Three."

---

Commander in Chief of the Migrant Fleet / Former Fleet Admiral of the Liberty First Fleet
Second Survivor of the Mentat Program.
We must give and take with good measure. Give too much, we become complacent. Take too much, we incur the wrath of our own. Tread Lightly.
--Supreme Bashar Robert Merlow--