"We're in port, can't you let someone else do that?" Pentam would have taken back his words, but they rang out through the lounge making everyone turn and look at him.

"We'll be here a while." Cal's expression didn't change. "There will be time for us to spend together." She waved down a waiter. "I'll have a brandy, please, the best you have available."

"When did you start drinking brandy?" Prof. Orthin spoke up quickly as if he knew the question was on Pentam's lips. ...