Major Ocelot didn't really need him. From what he'd observed, Ocelot was content to single-mindedly pursue his own goals.
His own ego was his constant companion.
Of course, Ocelot Squad had its purpose, but it was more like...punctuation. In spite of the fact that Ocelot not only put his squad in the same uniform he wore, and he also insisted that they look like him, Kassian didn't think Ocelot usually felt like he needed backup.
No, he thought, this was Ocelot's way of finding out where Kassian stood. This was about squad dynamics.
In a squad this close-knit, any newcomer was bound to cause a ripple, but Kassian had made more of a slash. His very first day, he'd gotten both Imanov and Charushkin pissed off at him, which was something of an accomplishment, and not a good one. The close bond Kassian had formed with Isaev, the squad's second, could be another potential imbalance.
Ocelot seemed like a man who was attuned to balance. To the arc of a gun thrown in the air. Catching it took not only a good eye, but also a steady hand. He was probably willing to tolerate disruption, for a time, if it would eventually lead to the greater good.
But not if it made him drop the gun.
Kassian did not hesitate in his reply.
He would only tell the truth, and had no qualms about informing Ocelot of where his priorities stood.
He would not deny his relationship with Lieutenant Isaev, or apologize for it.
"I'll stay, Major. Isaev is expecting me. If you can wait, we'll both accompany you afterward, but if not, perhaps you should find Gurlukovich. He was...concerned...about you earlier, and he probably would appreciate the experience."
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Major Ocelot didn't really need him. From what he'd observed, Ocelot was content to single-mindedly pursue his own goals.
His own ego was his constant companion.
Of course, Ocelot Squad had its purpose, but it was more like...punctuation. In spite of the fact that Ocelot not only put his squad in the same uniform he wore, and he also insisted that they look like him, Kassian didn't think Ocelot usually felt like he needed backup.
No, he thought, this was Ocelot's way of finding out where Kassian stood. This was about squad dynamics.
In a squad this close-knit, any newcomer was bound to cause a ripple, but Kassian had made more of a slash. His very first day, he'd gotten both Imanov and Charushkin pissed off at him, which was something of an accomplishment, and not a good one. The close bond Kassian had formed with Isaev, the squad's second, could be another potential imbalance.
Ocelot seemed like a man who was attuned to balance. To the arc of a gun thrown in the air. Catching it took not only a good eye, but also a steady hand. He was probably willing to tolerate disruption, for a time, if it would eventually lead to the greater good.
But not if it made him drop the gun.
Kassian did not hesitate in his reply.
He would only tell the truth, and had no qualms about informing Ocelot of where his priorities stood.
He would not deny his relationship with Lieutenant Isaev, or apologize for it.
"I'll stay, Major. Isaev is expecting me. If you can wait, we'll both accompany you afterward, but if not, perhaps you should find Gurlukovich. He was...concerned...about you earlier, and he probably would appreciate the experience."