"Check," said Gavin. He snapped off the televisor. "You can put that dart-gun away," he advised Nadia dryly.
The girl snapped erect. She whipped the dart-gun in line with Gavin's chest again. "I haven't been relieved!" She began in a queer voice. The gun trembled. Her knees sagged. She swayed, sat down suddenly on the first rung of the ladder.
"What's the matter?"
She gave a short, half-hysterical laugh. "Matter! I've had the pants scared off me, and you ask what's the matter!" She clenched her teeth, dropped her head in her hands. Her black hair fell like a veil over her face.
Gavin snapped on the televisor.
"Engine room calling."
"Bridge," came Cabot's precise voice.
"Murdock speaking, sir. Advise Miss Petrovna be relieved. She's suffering from shock."
Cabot looked startled. He hesitated. "Tell Miss Petrovna she's relieved. Carry on, Mr. Murdock."
"Check."