Kirby repressed his smile at the man in front of him, then snapped back to attention as the Lt.Maj. gave her instuctions. With the lack of rank insignia on the skinsuits that all the Marines were wearing, Kirby didn't know who was in charge after the young woman left. He had thought that he heard a young man say that he was a lieutenant, the one with the
cat, but as he was busy shaking the cobwebs from his head, Kirby's training and years as a DI took over. But first. . .

Kirby let down his hand from his salute. "Corporal Castle," he said.

"It's Lieutenant Castle now, Sergeant."

"That's Chief Warrant Officer, second class," said Kirby. "But you can call me 'Chief' Kirby," he said around a smile.

Ten-Forward? Thirty minutes?"

Castle smiled. "Fine."

Kirby's face fell into a serious scowl that Castle remembered from his training days. "Now," Jeb said. "My men can get clothes from the repicators in here, but where is their gear, and where is it stowed?"

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NRPG: We can't report 'till we find our equipment, ya know.