"Standard procedure if a Navy vessel needs to go through the Gates. Can't remember the last one to make the trip." Captain Jenkins took a long sip at his brandy. "It is also standing orders that no ship is to attempt a rescue in the Gates. Good thing you aren't naval or you'd be up before a review board."

"To be honest, Sir, it wasn't a conscious decision."

Cal told him the story then stared into her brandy as she swirled it. "If I had it to do again, I would have cut off my ...