It was not a simple task for Jean Levi to hide his baffled look. His first assumption proved to be wrong. They were not meaning for him to work as a communications commander. They wanted him to board the shuttle.
Jean Levi's expression remained firm. Had he been a man of lesser self control this would be one of the moments one could start stuttering and lose focus. But the soldier held himself together and let the necessary time pass, to take the proposition into account. He skimmed through the portfolio that had the insignia from the DHS on its cover. So many questions.
"
With all due respect, Sir, you do realize that it has been eightteen years now since I boarded a space shuttle? Moreover, my knowledge and training in space engineering and sciences has always been rudimentary. I realize that it might have been Mr Borden who imputed the reentry of Shuttle Columbia to me, but I assure you, my qualifications were merely a lucky presence in a miserable situation."
There had to be more, Jean Levi thought, why this mission was proposed to him. The behaviour of the agent didn't allow Jean Levi to trust his intentions yet, as the American seemed so proud and generous while explaining the mission.
"
Don't get me wrong, Agent, I am interested indeed. But I fail to see the trail of thought of your agency, my department and whoever might be in charge of this world-shaking operation, in proposing the command of this mission to a man, who is not only known for his lack of allegiance, but also hasn't participated in a significant operation for the last five years."
Jean Levi shared a quick glare with the general. Although the Frenchman was clearly speaking to the agent, his critisism was an obvious nod to his superiors. But nothing new in fact. For the last ten months Jean Levi had been sending letters and reports about the waste of resources, time and men in Camp Renfort, kindly asking for a consideration to break camp in the early days, and lately even openly demanding to find a better use for his men. But the response from above had been little to nothing, while the commander's frustration grew.
"
I try not to be too quick, to accept your offer - or order, as it may be, Mr Sommerset," Jean Levi continued and remained calm and considerate, "
but I see the urgency you are working under. An imminent collision within three weeks seems to be a very short time for planning, so your hurry is understandable. Although one might raise the question, how no one noticed the asteroid earlier, but let's not dwell on scientific circumstantialities."
There it was, the sceptical undertone which made Jean Levi an unlikable underling for every authority he had worked for in his life. Jean Levi's eyes glared to the agent while the soldier tried to get a grip of Sommerset's behaviour.
"
For our hurry's sake I will try to simplify my doubts into a single question, as I will keep asking it myself as well as every superior I will encounter anyway. You want me to lead a mission in order to save the earth, in order to save all of humanity. Why me?"
[1]And Jean Levi lightly flashed his ambiguous smile, an unbefitting motion in the otherwise closed and serious expression of the Frenchman.