[The sorrow in Valdis' voice tugs at Ari's own emotions, but she doesn't let it pull her too deep. It won't do any good for either of them if they spiral into despair together, and that's far too easily done. Ari knows it. She has to be stronger than that.]

Valdis. Tell me your title? They've as much value as we care to put on them. I worked hard for mine, I don't care if it doesn't signify much to anyone else. That's what he can't take, you know? The lunatic calling himself captain. Who you are and what matters to you, that's yours. [It might not be the most inspirational little speech, but it's very much in earnest.] Until we escape this place, get back to our homes, we've got to hold on to what we can.

[She laughs drily, shaking her head.] And you're asking what I did shipside, outside my duty? Not a lot. I'm second astrogator, so I worked second shift, twelve hours of twenty-four. I miss it. [That's true enough. It's hard to fill the days.]