“The aliens can't intercept our news broadcasts,” another reporter objected.  “Those rules are designed to protect the government, not humanity.”

“That’s as may be,” James said, feeling his head start to pound.  Perhaps the Captain had something he could drink to relieve his feelings.  He’d sooner face a mob of aliens stark naked than reporters.  No doubt he would be made to look really ugly when the reporters started releasing their reports.  “The point is that operational security cannot be violated without consequences.”

He ran through the rest of the notes – a short primer on how to behave on the ship – and then led them to their cabins.  Originally, the cabins had been intended for an Admiral and his staff; they were the largest cabins on the ship.  Even three or four reporters to a compartment was better than the junior crewmen received, deep in the bowels of the ship.  But the complaining started almost at once.

What exactly did they expect?  James asked himself.  A massive compartment for each of them, alone?  With a bath and a dressing room and ...

He shook his head, then smiled at them, humourlessly.  “You can return to Earth if you like,” he said.  “The shuttle will still be in the bay for another hour or two.  If you don't like the quarters, you can return to Earth.  However, there is no guarantee of receiving another embedded post.”

It was interesting, he decided, as the complaints faded away, just to see who was doing the complaining.  None of the prior embeds had complained, even slightly.  James made a mental note to glance at their files.  The newcomers were the ones who complained loudest at the prospect of sharing quarters.  James could understand a desire for privacy, but anyone who wanted privacy shouldn't bother to join the navy.  He'd seen his first crewmates naked more times than he cared to remember.

“You are welcome to join the senior crew in the mess for dinner,” James lied, smoothly.  “If, of course, you do not wish to join the junior crew instead.”

He smiled at their reactions.  Had they expected room service?  The Captain was the only person on the ship who was allowed to eat meals in his cabin – even Admirals had to eat in the wardroom with their staff.  But the reporters seemed to think they should be allowed to eat apart from the crew.

His smile grew wider.  Just wait until they encountered naval food.

***