Rule of Evidence (39 page)

"Gag."

"Operation Hazardous Endeavor?"

"Eh."

"Operation Come Hell or High Water?"

Jen smiled. "Perfect. But there's something else I have to do right now. Is the
Maury
's crew still billeted in the barracks near the shipyard?"

He nodded. "Are you going now?"

"I need to report for duty, Paul. Back to my command."

"Remember, they didn't go after you, Jen."

"Except for Taber."

"Except for Taber. But you've just had murder charges against you thrown out. We don't want to go through another court-martial."

"Nah. Taber's not worth it."

"The
Maury
's crew supported you. Captain Halis stood by you."

"I know. But, heck, if even I started having doubts—" She gave him a demanding look. "I didn't say that."

"I already knew, Jen."

"How?"

"I wasn't the only person who believed in you. Some of them gave me good advice."

"I
will
get the details of that out of you, Mr. Sinclair." Jen grinned again. "Hey, want to come along with me and see the faces of my shipmates when I waltz in?"

"That'd be fun. I'd better check with my department head, though." Paul made another call.

Commander Garcia looked out of sorts, though for what particular reason this time, if any, Paul couldn't tell. "We heard. Sure. Take the rest of the day off. It's not like there's any
work
that needs done." Garcia looked slightly to the side. "There's a meeting at 1500 you need to be at. Be back on the
Michaelson
by then. You can take off until . . . no. There's a contractor coming aboard at 1400 and you have to be there. Until . . . no. The XO wants a training records review and I need
your
input. You'd better get back by 1300 to take care of that." His eyes shifted. "Glad to hear about Shen."

"Thank you, sir." Paul looked over at Jen. "I have the rest of the day off. Until 1300."

"Wow. A day off that's an hour and a half long. You guys on the
Michaelson
have it easy."

"Hey, we're space warfare officers." She began walking toward the dock area and Paul paced her. "Jen. There's something I've wondered."

"What's that?"

"It's very personal."

She gave him a wry grin. "I'd say you've earned the right to ask me a very personal question."

"Do you ever cry?"

Jen walked on silently for a moment before answering. "The last time I cried was the day my mother died."

Paul nodded. "I understand."

"Satisfied that I'm human?"

"Yes. Of course."
You just never want to show it. I saw the wall Jen's built around herself crack while she was in the brig. Am I going to be able to handle it if and when it breaks
?

Oblivious to his thoughts, Jen smiled again. "Then pick up the pace, Mr. Sinclair. We've both got a lot of work to do."