It's the question I didn't want to ask, and she didn't want to hear. "I'm... I mean, I know what I was, and I think I know what I will be. Right now, I don't..." I see tears welling up in those brilliant blue eyes.

I put my hand on top of hers. "Let's st…

"Is it correct that those present are only: Lieutenant Georgia Whitmore and Chief Petty Officer Boris Nenashev?"

I tapped "yes" on the onscreen prompt.

A synthetic voice began reading along as further text appeared.

"Voice interface authorized. Lt. Whi…