"Miss Loring, I've warned you. I will increase your punishment if you continue with these remarks. I've called you together here to hold a court-martial to decide where to fix the blame for the damage to the water machinery. Now, Miss Loring, if you want to talk, you can tell me what happened."
Gail, who had found time to put on another uniform, bowed her head.
"It is very embarrassing, Dr. Spartan—"
"It is necessary," said Spartan.
Gail hesitated, collecting her thoughts. "When the meteor alarm was given I went to my station in the machinery room, which is nearest my quarters in the rear cupola of the ship—"
"We all know that. It is unnecessary to give these details," said Spartan.
"After you gave the all-clear signal, Morrie—Mr. Grover—who had been in the kitchen, came in through the bulkhead and asked me if I was all right. After I told him I was, he broke down and began to cry. I felt sorry for him and went over and put my arm on his shoulders to cheer him up."
"Are you sure, Miss Loring, that was the only reason you put your arm around him?" Spartan asked.
"I did not put my arm around him, Doctor," Gail said succinctly. "Mr. Grover apparently had been under tremendous strain. As you know, he's the youngest member of the crew."
"He's old enough to have mature emotions."