"That's it!", Reed declared triumphantly, "I did it."
Hibbard glanced over the commander's shoulder. "Yes you have, sir.", he agreed with little enthusiasm.
Reed peered at the young officer, noting his somber attitude. "There's no need to be jealous, Ensign", he soothed, "I'm sure you'd have figured it out in a few more minutes."
"I don't think you fully understand the importance of my actions here, son.", Reed protested.
"You figured out Mr. Jeffy's code so that we can re-configure the shields to affect solid projectiles.", Hibbard summed up. "Is that the jist of it, sir?"
"Well...yes", Reed replied dejectedly. "I suppose that's the jist as you so blandly put it. However", he continued, "I don't see how any of this is academic, Ensign."
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Commander", Hibbard said quickly, sensing his superior's disappointment, "you did a great job with the code. Who would have ever guessed it was thirty-two sevens?",
he wondered aloud. "But since the Wyzenhymer vessel has been destroyed, there's really isn't any need to re-calibrate the shields."
"Destroyed!", Reed exclaimed. "When did this happen, and why wasn't I told?!?"
"Three minutes ago", Hibbard replied to the first question, "and you specifically asked me not to disturb you while you were trying to break Mr. Jeffy's code."
"Ah, yes", Reed acknowledged. "Very good then, Ensign.", he said, turning to leave, "I'm going down to the fighter bay to congratulate our boys."
"Uh...sir, that might not be such a good idea.", Hibbard mentioned apprehensively.
Reed's expression darkened. "Why not?", he asked tersely.
"Because Schrader didn't make it back, and the Jennings brothers are still out looking for him."
"So I suppose going to the fighter bay would be, oh, I don't know...academic ?"
Hibbard tried to ignore the sarcasm in Reed's voice. "I suppose, sir."
Reed glared at him maliciously. "Well, then maybe I'll go back to the bridge", he offered snidely, "unless you have a problem with that."
"No sir.", Hibbard muttered.
"Very good.", Reed said, turning to go. "Carry on, Ensign."
