Eric lowered his head though not in defeat, more like deep thought. At the time heâ€™d barely acknowledge the two escorts as they took him to his room while a few others had taken Kat to hers. Pacing he thought of what was going on, what had happened, and what he could do about it. In the end nothing came to him and he obediently got dressed and followed the men to the captainâ€™s office. Everything was magnified by a hundred, and as he walked, head held high, he felt like heâ€™d become something of a spectator. He was there, walking with the escorts but yet he was somewhere else, his mind still working through everything. At one point he paused and frowned as a few thoughts came to him.<br/><br/>Everyone on the ship knew exactly what was happening when he went into this mode. Heâ€™s tinkered and fixed things in every department since heâ€™s been assigned to this ship. Most of them had a worried expression on their face when he was brought before the captainâ€™s door. Kat was there, heâ€™d seen her with her own escorts but he was too busy thinking of different things to say anything to her. It was almost like heâ€™d become the robots heâ€™d created. As the doors opened a smile spread across his face.<br/><br/>Murdock was in a fresh new uniform and he stood in front of his desk instead of behind it which would have worried Eric had he not been in his own little world. Noticing Ericâ€™s lack of attention Murdock frowned and then when the escort left laughed. Looking up Eric tilted his head quizzically as if to ask what was so funny. â€œYou have the biggest pair of anyone Iâ€™ve ever met.â€ Murdock said referring to both Eric and Kat. â€œMost of the people on this ship would not dare to do what you two did.â€ He paused and looked from one to the other, his laughter vanishing like it had never been there. â€œBecause of your insubordination and your complete disregard to your captain I am hereby sentencing you to cleaning duty.â€<br/><br/>Ericâ€™s attention was fixed on the captain. What did this mean? Wherenâ€™t they going to be demoted, booted off the ship, sent packing? Heâ€™d even made sure he had a pack set and ready for such a thing if he had to leave quickly. Heâ€™d been about to open his mouth when Murdock cut him off with a hand.<br/><br/>â€œYou two are the best officers I have, I cannot afford to let you go, neither can I afford to let you off unpunished.â€ Murdockâ€™s gaze went from a kind hearted captain to the one heâ€™d been with Thomas, â€œI will not tolerate this again, when I give an order I expect it to be followed.â€ The darkness in his voice seeped out despite his efforts to keep it in. Thereâ€™d been too many years of working with people heâ€™d had to terrify to completely get rid of it. Leaning against his desk Murdock crossed his arms and seemed to stare off into an imaginary place. â€œThere is something in the works, something that Thomas had been doing and I might have an idea of what that is.â€ Pausing he looked to Kat, â€œI am not ready to say anything at this time miss Katherine so do not ask.â€<br/><br/>Smiling Eric sighed in relief and once again opened his mouth to speak only to have the captain interrupt. â€œYou two will be cleaning the entire ship, no complaining, no fuss, and no help except those who already work those jobs. You will be doing the washing of the outer hull, floors, walls, ceilings, clothing, equipment, the elderly. Iâ€™m I understood?â€