"You understand why my father removed him from the expedition's roster. We had no desire to spend months at sea with such a boorish man."

Dr. Gostan's mouth was moving but Pentam couldn't hear him over the noise of the audience as they turned to find the source of the new interruption.

Cal strolled down the aisle of the auditorium, dressed in immaculate whites with a blue jacket. Her hair had been cut short, yet still somehow looked feminine.

"May I introduce Miss ...