As stated, the cat-man didn't really care for their personal motivations.  He was more-or-less focused on {A} the mission and {B} keeping them alive through it.  He indicated thus in his introduction to the group, which would remind the group that they really hadn't been formally introduced or been designated any sort of leader.  Admiral Garrett had made no real effort on that front, save for explaining Cassius' special support role and Zen's special assault role.  That, and Major Claypool's status as the man needed to requisition an extra vehicle was all that was really said.  He was...perhaps too singularly-focused on the problem at hand to make the team exactly [i]mesh[/i].

The android observed all things in silent calculation.  It only focused on Kaze upon the dragon speaking to him.

[color=ed1c24][b]"I will be watching [i]all of you[/i] with equal scrutiny.  My orders are to destroy any being with X Parasite infection.  I have seen records of humans in the process of becoming the X.  Without a cure, you do not want to live, at that point."[/b][/color]

No malice intended.  No actual threat involved.  He had to eliminate anyone showing signs of being taken by the X, both to protect everyone else in the group and because all the information and capabilities of that person must not be handed over to the X, as well.  Still, there was at least some obvious resentment towards his presence that he would have to ignore.  The order was that he was part of this mission, and that was that.  Even if subject Vale did not approve, it did not matter.  As to the Zebesian pirates it had just executed, Zen calculated that apart from them being disposable according to the Admiral's temperment that even if their level of attack power was insufficient against him, overall, it was necessary for him to have live opponents instead of predictable drones to fully appreciate a real combat situation.  Also, it would also seem prudent to do this in order to show the group that he was capable of undertaking this mission.

Speaking of which, there appeared to be some question as to his immunity.  Zen turned to Amber after hearing her speak.

[color=ed1c24][b]"Although the X have reportedly been able to receive data and energy from compliant recepticles, no record of any X - past or present - has indicated that they have any capability in consuming artificial components.  Federation assets on board the BSL Station which were taken over by the X were partially organic, and therefore capable of being interacted with.  This unit contains no such parts, thus is in no danger at this time.  In the event of such a problem, the field component may be installed."[/b][/color]

He turned his attention to all of them now.

[b][color=ed1c24]"The Admiral has neglected to inform you that all ships leaving this base will have the quarantine field compenent installed and in operation, in case of a personal field failure or possible rescue of another being.  My gunship can accommodate no one but myself, however, so you may not board it for any reason."[/color][/b]

There were a number of reasons for this, but one of te most important ones were 'No life support'.  He didn't need any, so none was installed.  Now, there was also the question of who was in charge of this big shebang, as some might put it.

[b][color=ed1c24]"Zen responds to rational decisions in accordance with the mission directives.  While emotional outbursts [i]are[/i] understood, they do not often help in the face of reality."[/color][/b]

So, Zen's vote for leader was 'Whoever makes the most sense'.

[b][color=ed1c24]"Preparations for departure are complete.  We should leave the base and proceed to the objective target, unless any of you have an alternate destination you wish to speak on."[/color][/b]

Huh...  Can an android be anxious about stuff?  He seemed rather...impatient to get going.