Banished! — 9: Tap, tap, tap

Matt awoke to soft knocking on the front door of his cabin. He lay still for a moment, feeling the gentle back-and-forth motion of the ship. The storm must be nearly past them. After several more fingernail taps on the metal door to his quarters, Matt swung his legs to the open side of his cot. He stood on socked feet, padded into the front room.

“Yes? What is it?”

“It’s Communications Officer Johnson, Sir.”

“Jada?” He hadn’t sent for her. This was most unusual.

“Yes, Captain. I need to speak with you.”

“Please wait one moment,” he said, turning away and entering his bedroom to slip back into his shoes. He glanced into the mirror, then at the clock. Less than an hour had passed since returning to quarters.

He opened the door and motioned her inside. He glanced down the halls, saw no one else, then shut the door behind her.

“Sit down, Jada. I guess the storm is fully past us now.”

“Yes, Sir. There were no major problems, thankfully, that I am aware of.”

“Me, either,” he said. “It’s Matt, remember?”

“Yes,” she said, “Matt.” The informality would obviously take some getting used to for her.