That night, Chas was helping Michael unpack the last of his belongings when a knock came at the door. Both Chas and Michael snapped to attention as Commander Fitzroy entered the room.
“At ease men. I thought I would come by to see how you two were faring.”
“Very well, sir.”
“Glad to hear it, Petty Officer Byrd.” Commander Fitzroy leaned against the bedpost. “Now, most men on board think I shut myself up in my rooms or the bridge and don’t know much of what happens on this ship. I know more than you all think. I especially know what it’s like to be in your situation. Frankly, I consider you lucky, because at least you two get to see things through together. I? All I have is occasional radio correspondence with my, um, ahem, “old college roommate” whom I get to see once or twice every fe
