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those with Kelly; Dr. Hendrix was a friendly and soft-spoken gentleman and gave as much attention to
training Max as Kelly did. But this time Kelly lingered on after being relieved--in itself nothing, as the
Chief Computerman frequently consulted with, or simply visited with, the Astrogator at such times. But
today, after relieving the watch, Dr. Hendrix said pleasantly, "Kelly tells me that you are learning to use
the computer, Jones?"
"Uh, yes, sir."
"Very well, let's have a drill." Dr. Hendrix dug out an old astrogation log and selected a
transition-approach problem similar to the one Max had set up earlier. Kelly took the manual, ready to
act as his "numbers boy"--but did not call the translations. Max waited for the first one; when it did not
come, he read the figures from the page shining in his mind and punched them in.
It continued that way. Kelly said nothing, but wet his lips and checked what Max did each time the
doctor offered a bit of the problem. Kovak watched from nearby, his eyes moving from actor to actor.
At last Dr. Hendrix closed the book. "I see," he agreed, as if it were an everyday occurrence. "Jones,
that is an extremely interesting talent. I've read of such cases, but you are the first I have met. You've
heard of Blind Tom?"
"No, sir."
"Perhaps the ship's library has an account of him." The Astrogator was silent for a moment. "I don't
mean to belittle your talent, but you are not to use it during an actual maneuver. You understand why?"
"Yes, sir. I guess I do."
"Better say that you are not to use it unless you think an error has been made--in which case you will
speak up at once. But the printed tables remain the final authority."
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"Aye aye, sir."
"Good. See me, please, in my room when you come off watch."
It was "day time" by the ship's clocks when he went off watch. He went to the passageway outside
Dr. Hendrix's room and waited; there Ellie came across him. "Max!"
"Oh. Hello, Ellie." He realized uncomfortably that he had not seen her since his tentative promotion.
"Hello he says!" She planted herself in front of him. "You're a pretty sight--with your bloodshot eyes
matching the piping on your shirt. Where have you been? Too good for your old friends? You haven't
even been to see Chipsie."
He had been, once, although he had not run into Ellie. He had not repeated the visit because the
shipmate who had replaced him had not liked being assigned as chambermaid to cows, sheep, llamas,
_et al._; he had seemed to feel that it was Max's fault. "I'm sorry," Max said humbly, "but I haven't had
time."
"A feeble excuse. Know what you are going to do now? You're going straight to the lounge and I am
going to trim your ears--I've figured out a way to box your favorite gambit that will leave you gasping."
Max opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. "No."
"Speak louder. You used a word I don't understand."
"Look, Ellie, be reasonable. I'm waiting for Dr. Hendrix and as soon as he lets me go I've got to get
some sleep. I'm about ten hours minus."
"You can sleep any time."
"Not when you're standing four hours on and four off. You nap anytime you get a chance."
She looked perplexed. "You don't mean you work every other watch? Why, that's criminal."
"Maybe so but that's how it is."
"But--I'll fix that! I'll speak to the Captain."
"Ellie! Don't you dare!"
"Why not? Captain Blaine is old sugar pie. Never you mind, I'll fix it."
Max took a deep breath, then spoke carefully. "Ellie, don't say anything to the Captain, not anything.
It's a big opportunity for me and I don't mind. If you go tampering with things you don't understand, you'll
ruin my chances. I'll be sent back to the stables."
"Oh, he wouldn't do that."
"You don't understand. He may be an 'old sugar pie' to you; to me he is the Captain. So don't."
She pouted. "I was just trying to help."
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"I appreciate it. But don't. And anyhow, I can't come to the lounge, ever. It's off limits for me."
"But I thought--I think you're just trying to avoid me. You run around up here now and you dress in
pretty clothes. Why not?"
They were interrupted by Dr. Hendrix returning to his room. "Morning, Jones. Good morning, Miss
Coburn." He went on in.
Max said desperately, "Look, Ellie, I've got to go." He turned and knocked on the Astrogator's
door.
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