"Have you seen the new Frigate, the one about to be christened?" asked Alexei.

"The Petropavlovsk?" queried Butackov, wondering where all this was leading.

Both the admiral and Alexei nodded.

"Yes, she is a beautiful ship. How could I not see her? I pass her by every day."

"How would you like to be her captain?" asked the admiral, enjoying the moment.

Butackov turned to Alexei, who was smiling.

"I would be delighted, sir, ...