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others. That's certainly not a reflection on their crews.”
Kerrey, looking relieved, smiled. “I'm glad that's all it was. I have a couple of friends on the Song and they've told me how delighted they were to have a chance to serve under you.”
“I was really touched that most of the officers turned out to say goodbye when Captain Yung relieved me and I left the ship.”
“My friends say they were genuinely sorry to see you go, but they knew all along that you wouldn't be appointed as permanent captain of a heavy cruiser since you only hold the rank of Lt. Commander. They were happy to serve under you for as long as they did.”
“How have things been going for you, Don?”
“Fine, ma'am. It was great being the acting second officer for a while, but it felt almost like a demotion when I had to resume my duties as helmsman once we'd reached Mars and the new crew reported aboard. Now that we're fully staffed, I don't expect to have an opportunity to be a watch commander again for a while.” Lowering his voice to communicate a confidence, he said, “And there are so many new faces on board that I feel a little out of place. I was delighted to spot you here when I came in. We old timers have to stick together.”
Jenetta smiled at being called an 'old timer.' While true that she was chronologically thirty-four-years-old, the DNA recombinant and Age Prolongation processes performed on her while a prisoner of the Raiders had kept her looking like a academy cadet. Kerrey, at just thirty, didn't look much like an old-timer either.
“I'm delighted that you joined me for dinner,” Jenetta said. “I was feeling a little detached myself among this sea of new faces. What watch have you drawn?”
“Third watch, with you.”
Jenetta let her face register the surprise she felt at hearing this news. “Based on your seniority I would have expected you to get the first watch, or the second watch at the very least.”
“I was assigned to the second watch, but I requested a change to the third.”
“Why? Third watch is generally avoided whenever possible.”
“Because of you, Commander. I've felt much more, uh, comfortable under your command than with Commander LaSalle on second watch.”
“Have you had a run-in with her, Don?” Jenetta asked, trying to keep any hint of accusation out of her voice.
“No ma'am, honest; I haven't had a direct problem with her. She just, I don't know, makes me feel— uneasy. I guess it might be the way she always talks down to everyone when the Captain isn't around. I've worked for you in the past and I've always felt honored to be under your command. Also, you've had several ship commands, so I know that you know what you're doing.”
Kerrey hadn't directly said that he felt Commander LaSalle didn't know what she was doing, but it seemed the implication was there. Jenetta would never ask him to clarify the ambiguity because it might put both of them on the spot; him for criticizing a superior officer, if that's what he intended, and her for hearing it and not reporting him for insubordination. He'd been careful while relating the situation with Commander Ashe not to make any direct, personal observations about the Commander's abilities.
“Okay, Don,” Jenetta said smiling, “welcome to my watch. I guess that we'll be spending a lot of nights together. Just you— and me— and ten other crewmembers.”
As was her habit, Jenetta arrived on the bridge ten minutes before her watch was due to start. She immediately noticed how deathly quiet it appeared. The dozen crewmembers there were performing their duties in absolute silence. Near the very end of the watch, whether in port or when traveling FTL, crewmembers frequently talk openly, albeit in lowered tone, as they discuss plans for their off duty time. LaSalle, sitting in the command chair, motioned Jenetta over to her side. She approached and came to attention.
“At ease, Commander. Take a seat,” LaSalle said indicating the first officer's