HEDY LAMARR<br/><br/>No sooner had my guest departed than a bright ray of sunshine poured into my office windows. I glanced at the warm light to see the cloud tops like a soft churning gossamer sea rolling serenely below us, the last droplets of condensation quickly evaporating in the sun's warmth. I wondered why Steele had risen above the clouds contrary to my instructions and to my annoyance he had not communicated his decision or reasons to me.<br/><br/>Hm. Poor. Very poor. I'd need to teach him not only the way things are done here on my ship but some basics of ship command and communications too. Did he expect me to run to him to enquire what he was doing each time he deviated from the captain's orders? If I went about the ship and a rigger asked why we were above the clouds I'd have to make up a reason and that was very bad practice in case I was mistaken. Damn the man. One more stunt of that order and he'd be right back in Tiny's bar looking for another berth.<br/><br/>I turned to the full length mirror, fluffed my hair, patted out some creases in my skirt and spun round to check my seams were straight before leaving my office. My passing knuckle rap on Benson's cubby hole door told him he was needed. I passed across the vestibule and entered the control gondola.<br/><br/><strong><em>"Captain on the bridge!"</em></strong>Joe Bell barked.<br/><br/><strong>"Mister Steele, a word if you please,"</strong>I called to our newest officer. I waited for him at the companionway door and when he arrived I shut it behind us giving us privacy from the rest of the control car officers.<br/><br/><strong>"Why are we above the clouds?"</strong>I asked him bluntly, my tone indicating some annoyance.