[ She talks like a boy - and a naval boy at that - but Durham takes it in his stride; he's always rather liked arguments, and although back-biting from a woman is wholly unexpected he grimly reminds himself that he isn't to allow anything on board to shock him any more. He clasps his hands in the small of his back, a passive-aggressive affirmation of politeness and propriety as he raises his eyebrows. ]

Yes. Long enough for him to entrust you with a valuable operative name, it would seem.

[ He glances aside, feigning disinterest as he examines their surroundings with an idle eye. ]

There's no reason for operatives to maintain secrecy whilst on board, of course. [ Dryly, he adds: ] What a relief it will be to live a life without fear of public exposure and condemnation...