“So it’s the retrofit that has you so negative towards the idea?”

“Half-assed retrofit, ma’am,” Barrett corrected. “The pod was supposed to be this universal one-size-fits-all solution for ships with a Class IV powerplant, but even during testing they knew it was prone to fits and could damage the power distribution system. Sorry, Captain, but I’m firmly of a mind that the RDS pod bolted to the stern of the Icarus is nothing more than a politically mandated liability. This would have never happened if__” Barrett trailed off and his eyes widened as he realized what he almost said.

“You can say it, Commander,” Celesta said evenly, her eyes boring into his. “Jackson Wolfe would have never allowed that system on his ship.”

“Ma’am, I—”

“You will remain silent until I have finished speaking,” she said, her voice still calm and steady. “I am not Captain Wolfe. For better or worse, we’re not cut from the same cloth and I do not buck the chain of command for the fun of it at every whim.” She let out a breath before continuing.

“I understand and share your loyalty to him, Commander. His  singlemindedness likely saved our species from extinction, but I cannot emulate him. The data from the RDS pod on the Icarus will be invaluable for Fleet engineers when it comes to outfitting it on the new ships being built.”

“Captain, I sincerely regret what it was that I was about to say. It was certainly not meant to be an insult towards you.” Barrett looked miserable. “Serving on your ship is as much an honor for me as being on the Ares was. I apologize for my careless words.”

“No apology is necessary, XO,” Celesta said as the lift stopped and the doors slid open. “I just want to make sure we’re both clear on where the other stands.”

The walk down to Engineering was quiet and uncomfortable. Celesta regretted turning on her XO and friend as she had in the lift, but his careless comment, although not meant to disparage her, had hit a little too close to home. Wolfe would absolutely not have allowed the RDS pod to be installed on the Ares if he thought it would compromise her ability to perform her duty or keep the crew safe, and if they forced the issue he would have had the chief engineer jettison it before the first warp transition.