As they started back the ensign turned to look at Krip.  "Engineer, you can go bunk with the enlisted men.  There are those of your kind there."<br/>He froze a moment, then smiled.  "Oh, there are Chief Master Lieutenant Engineers there?  Very well.  I don't want to be a bother. But Ensign?"<br/>"Yes, Engineer?"<br/>" I personally hope that some day, you understand what makes a man or woman human.  Until that time, you don't qualify. And the next time you address me without my rank, I will file a protocol breech that will have you repaired waste disposal units for the next ten years. Are we clear?   Kat, please let me know when you are settled.  The ship has already welcomed me and I have ordered up champagne and a hot scented shower for you.  I will see you at the meal, Partner."  He stared at the Ensign until she looked down, whitefaced, then he spun on his heel and marched clip-step to the enlisted men's barracks.   He was angry, but would not make a scene before a real officer.  His pride was too strong for that.<br/>'Kat, I hope the room is wonderful.' He whispered to himself.  She needed and deserved some pampering.  A cold beer and a hot dog was what he was used to any way, he usually wasn't welcome amongst the crew.<br/>Sure enough, when he entered the barracks, it went silent. Then someone in back said, "Oh look, it's a Genny leftenant", and the room exploded.<br/>Krip stood silently, then asked, "Has anyone here lost someone to the pirates these last few years?"<br/>A low murmur of anger answered him.<br/>"I'm the guy who took out their base, single handed."  He wasn't bragging.  He needed to get along with these men.<br/>"How?" someone asked.<br/>He reached for a beer and sat down in an offered chair.  "Well, my friends, it was an iffy thing.  I had more luck than I deserved...There I was, lucky enough to be just coming into the air lock when they attacked..."