Grant took the bait. He leaned into the canopy and with an over-stiffened index finger pointed forcefully at each gauge. For more than a quarter-hour this went on, with Bridget pitching questions—most of which he juggled.
She seemed to show more interest in the radar screen, the navigational equipment, and the communications system. About these, she milked Grant's available knowledge until he felt like reaching down and throwing open the reactor valve and fuel switch.
"Lieutenant, if you don't mind, my back is paralyzed. Let's go back to the club and I'll answer anything you want."
"Just one more," she coaxed. "This crosshair sight with the little black circle in the middle. How does that work again?"
Grant straightened up and carefully massaged the small of his back. "It's for precise manual navigation if you need it. You sit up straight and sight through it."
"And what do you sight at?"
"A star, of course."
"Put it in the little black circle?"
"An A for you. Then you snap in Automatic Navigational and you're in business. Or you can navigate manually by using Gyroscopic Navigational if you want."
"I'm ready to get out now." Bridget lifted her hands where Grant stood on the platform of the boarding device.