“Lieutenant Lobb,” he said into the com, “has the fire been contained?”
“Yes, sir,” the man answered, setting Aden’s mind at ease. “The engine will require a few hours to fix, though.”
“We’ll be setting down in a moment to attend to repairs,” said Aden. “Let me know what you need. In the meantime, tell Lieutenant Tatton I need him to return to the bridge.”
“Sir, I would, but he’s not here.”
“Is he on his way back?”
“I don’t know his location, sir. He hasn’t been in the engine room that I know of.”
Aden leaned against the padding of his chair and frowned. I sent him to assist with the fire, he thought, fingertips pressed hard against the console. Where did he go? He wouldn’t dare disobey orders again.
The notion nagged at him. Aden’s initial thoughts of annoyance gave way to concern.
