Mandella first meets Marygay on Charon when she is his team leader in a training operation. From the very beginning, their relationship is a combination of affection and sarcastic banter, true to form for many lasting relationships. Marygay is among the first that will face the Taurans, and since very little is known about this sworn enemy, military training involves a wide variety of environments and procedures as the humans attempt to prepare for anything.