Blackjack joined the others just as the familiar shout went out, "Captain on the deck."

Four years in the Navy had him reacting instinctively, twisting in place to face the direction of the shout and coming to attention. Another Human Navy tradition came to mind - the fact there's only one captain aboard a ship. If this was a Human ship, he'd be getting an unofficial promotion to major - he wondered what sort of tradition they'd have on this ship?

When the captain announced "At ease", he assumed a relaxed position. Someone was talking behind him - allowed in the Human army, but not the Human navy - this was going to be an adjustment. 

Of course, he wasn't playing the lead here. Rule one was not to outshine command staff. For a moment, he wondered if there was bad news from home. His mother was past forty - for a Valkyrii, that was ancient. But no, they weren't looking directly at him. 

And no sign of his supplies. Or his cases, that should have been delievered by now. Perhaps that was all in his compartment? John shuddered briefly, hoping the unknown prankster hadn't struck again.