Ship's Log: November 20

She was satisfied with this, but suspected that it was almost a certainty that she would face questions about this incident from the Captain. Had it been only the Captain, she might have acknowledged the circumstances and offered explanations, but it had been witnessed by other members of the crew and the visiting delegates. That would make the situation quite a bit more difficult to manage.

Hope almost expressed visible relief when Elizabeth spoke, suggesting that the group move to the Engineering section. She caught Devereux's final glance as the Captain left, telling her that Devereux would be returning for an explanation. Hope could only hope that the delegates' needs would delay that encounter for quite some time.

#

[prior to the reception]

"Well, I'll just have to put on my Sunday best." Rusty grinned at Devereux as she delivered her report about the reception she had been ordered to host for the delegates.

"You won't be attending, Chief," she said quietly. She meant to deliver the news with as little rancor as possible. She thought she had succeeded, but the expression on Rusty's face told her that he had taken the news as badly as she had feared that he might.

"You said all rank officers," he protested. Although quiet, there was a sharp edge to his tone. Not disrespectful, but definitely accusatory.

He seemed angrier than he should have, Devereux thought. "I need you in Engineering, Chief," she told him, with only the barest hint of a soothing tone. She knew that he would detect, and no doubt react badly, if he believed her to be condescending. "We don't the same thing happening to us that happened to the Ariel."

"Not a chance, Cap'n," he refuted her statement. "We have an entirely type of drive system: smaller, more modern."

"They're still both Raynes-class drives, are they not?"

"Yes," Rusty admitted sullenly. "But there's differences."

"Enough that you can guarantee that we can't possibly suffer the same failures?"

There was a brief pause before Rusty sighed and admitted quietly, "No, ma'am."

"Then I need you here," she concluded. Her tone was firm, but not raised.

She studied Rusty's expression for a long moment before adding quietly, almost gently, "You have your orders, Chief," she said. "Just like we all do." She gave him a quick smile and then turned and exited his office.

"Sure," he whispered sourly, "but yours come with champagne and hors d'oeuvres."