Kol paused, looking at Martha like she had grown a second head, then his mirth bubbled forth, causing him to chuckle, his skin crinkling around his eyes into a network of crow's feet and laugh lines. "Martha, you'll have to show us that trick if we ever get stranded."<br/><br/>He paused, the nodded at the young quartermaster at his side, confirming his desire for a drink that was stiffer than water, then thanked the young woman quietly after she had poured the chilled drink. "I must apologize. The Events of Nyeve are still recent in my heart and mind, and I may have taken some of that frustration out upon you. Kris, I'm probably right in assuming that you disagree with me placing trust in Martha's hands regarding the status of engineering, but having you operating an independent investigation, regardless of the merits, which I admit, there is some to be had, is something I cannot afford when we are going into battle upon short notice. Once we've rattled the kinks out, and resupplied and repaired at Praxus, you can conduct a joint investigation."