Benny was slightly disappointed when they didn't get the chance to really take the spacejets out for a flight- the Chief kept them in the hangar, watching as one by one they went through the controls, maneuvered about the hangar, then touched back down in their spot, just to be sure they had paid attention, and could park their ships again without causing damage to the other ships in the hangar. He was slightly annoyed at the Chief's insistence on caution, even if he understood it.

Ah, well. They'd been promised a proper flight the next day. Benny sat at the table with the rest of the pilots, earbuds in and playing some relaxing music as he shoveled down his supper. As excited as he was, he wasn't certain how well he would sleep that night. He could sort of hear the others talking over his music. Seemed he was the favored topic of conversation that night. That was nothing new. His exuberance over flying and space and flying in space had earned him more than a few snide remarks over the years. There was no way their gossip could bring him down tonight, though; he was finally achieving his dream!

"Should've heard him squealing in the hangar earlier, like a damn kid in a candy store."

"They really are letting kids in the program now, aren't they?"

"I'm twenty-six," Benny said loudly enough for them to hear as he reached up to tap the pause button on his earbuds. They fell into startled silence, unaware he'd even been listening. "Maybe not as old as you fogeys, but I'm certainly no child."

"Captain Blue." The table fell silent; they hadn't even noticed the Chief's presence.

"Chief Security Officer Callaghan," Benny shot back, turning his attention toward the other man. The Chief blinked at him for a moment.

"Ah. Just 'Chief' will suffice. Or Callaghan, when we're off duty."

"Only if you call me Benny," he responded with a wink and a grin.

"Oh my stars is he actually flirting with the Chief-"

"Something I can help you with, Chief?"

"I finally got the chance to look over your records, and I must admit I am remarkably impressed. I look forward to seeing you in action tomorrow."

"Oh! Ah- thank you, sir! I'll try not to disappoint!"

"I'm sure you won't." Benny could only stare as the Chief walked away. That was support he hadn't been expecting. He was unable to contain a happy little wriggle as the others gaped at him in stunned silence.

"…What the hell did you do to impress the Chief? He's never impressed!"

Benny gave them his most devious grin. "Guess you'll have to come watch tomorrow to find out." He picked up his tray and dropped it off at the collection rack on his way out, skipping down the hall back to his cabin once he was out of their sight.