"Like yours, Captain?" teased Cook with a straight face. Rose's blush was barely visible in the lantern light, but she ducked her head as well, and mercifully he let it drop. "Well, after all, we can argue the exigencies of the moment, the results, and your past military record. One thing about a predigital society is, it's easier to play fast and loose, and I've had some practice with that here over the last year. I'll do my best on your behalf, and if I have to I'll wave around my own status as chargé representing your nation."