And on top of all that, you insulted me within the
hearing of every man on the ship. I don't mind being insulted by
Planeteers. I'm used to it. But when it's done over the communications
system, it's bad for discipline."
Rip tried to keep a straight face. He said mildly, "Sir, I'm surprised
you even give me a chance to explain."
"I wouldn't have," O'Brine said frankly. "I would have shot off a special
message to Earth, relieving you of command and asking for Discipline
Board action. But when I saw those Connie prisoners, I knew there was
more to this than just a young space pup going vack-wacky."
"There was, Commander." Rip recited the events of the past few hours
while the Irishman listened with growing amazement. "I had to convince
you in a hurry that we still held the asteroid, so I used some insulting
phrases that would let you know, without any doubt, who was talking. And
you did know, didn't you, sir?"
O'Brine flushed. For a long moment his glance locked with Rip's, then he
roared with laughter.
Rip grinned his relief. "My apologies, sir."
"Accepted," O'Brine chuckled. "I'm rather sorry I don't have an excuse
for dumping you in the space pot, though, Foster. Your explanation is
acceptable, but I have a suspicion that you enjoyed calling me names.
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