There was a mumbled thank you in there somewhere, or so he thought. And perhaps something about the bathroom? Either way, it only felt like a<i>definite maybe </i>and it left Dwayne setting alone in the Rag Tag's mess area. He nodded slowly attempting to manage his expectations as he carved off another bit of his omelette. A place on his crew, such as it was, an opportunity to earn a living and a place of refuge aboard the Rag Tag. That's what he was offering. It was more than anybody had offered him, when first arrived in Confederate space. An offer from which he benefited as well.<br/><br/>"Is crewman Anjali unwell? We are not currently under condition one status. Shall I monitor her quarters?" Bianca asked.<br/><br/>"Vital signs only. Don't report on them unless there's serious health risk."<br/><br/>Another pair of hands to help in salvage operations meant he could get more faster and be gone before pirates came to call. Another pair of eyes to help watch his back would be most welcome. He could watch hers too. And her front. And her smile. There was most certainly a place for her in his bed as well, if she wanted it. A familiar but unidentified feeling crept into his chest. Anjali could work and earn her keep aboard the Rag Tag. Those were the only strings he was willing to attach to her position here.<br/><br/>Dwayne finished his breakfast and recycled the waste back into the fabricator before returning to the bridge. From a drawer on the bridge bulkhead, he pulled a small gold badge with a magnetic backing. It was vaguely in the shape of space faring vessel. A mark of status. It identified him as a Captain and opened certain door that might otherwise be closed to him. He fixed it onto his vest just above his heart. Anjali entered the bridge and reported proper. She looked none the worse for ware. Whether she'd excused her self to hide excitement, have an emotional moment or just to contemplate his offer in solitude, he'd likely never know. But crewmen didn't report to the bridge unless they were ready for duty.<br/><br/>"Bianca. Encrypt, compress and archive all security vid logs from the last salvage op. Erase all logs pertaining to Anjali. Add Maria Alvarez to the duty manifest, science specialist." Dwayne instructed.<br/><br/>The Rag Tag touched down on the landing pad. Dwayne picked up Bianca's enclosure and placed her in Anjali's vest pocket before taking up the metal brief case.<br/><br/>"They'll have questions for you. It's not going to be like an interrogation. Most everything you tell them, they'll take at face value. They'll scan your face, your eyes and your DNA and check it against law enforcement data bases. The scans and everything you tell them will be logged but not public accessible. Part of what you tell them will be true. You're part of my crew and you have an interest in Confederate residency. Residency will get you a valid work permit. If we're ever grounded for any reason, that'll come in handy. Your real name and how you came to be doesn't need to play into this. You know, Bianca knows and I know and we're all that needs to know. A medical examiner will look you over. It's not going to be 'legs in stirrups' or anything crazy. Close on; they just have to be sure you're sick or contagious before they release you. Walk with me?"<br/><br/>Dwayne lead the way to exit. The vacuum seals hissed and the ramp began to lower slowly. Dwayne stood with the metal case in his right hand, left thumb tucked into his belt. A voice came over a loud speaker from outside, "Crew of the Rag Tag. Heave to and prepare to be boarded."<br/><br/>Two men plus two armed escorts walked up the ramp. Dwayne waved with his left hand in greeting. One looked Dwayne over just a moment, "Captain. You have any contraband to declare?"<br/><br/>Dwayne opened the metal case to reveal it's contents. A round leather and sewn object encased in glass. The customs officer nodded an he closed it up.<br/><br/>"None. This is my science specialist, Maria Alvarez. She's a new arrival to Confederate space. I imagine you gents need to complete the needful?"