>After spending an hour or two more at the unpopulated beach, the
>ship's boat lifts and heads back toward the Starport. Woof doesn't
>push the speed, keeping it low enough so everyone aboard can
>"sightsee" if they choose...just like he would if this was a *real*
>outing for the crew.
>
>As the boat nears the Starport, Ukanav radios, "Ahoy, /Random Walk/
>this is the /Mae Lee/. Captain O'Brien is away dealing with an
>emergency, and I'm minding the ship while he's away. Do you want me
>to open the boat hatch for you?"

"Yes, please, Ukanov.   Much obliged, I'm sure. " Woof 
answers with a growl.

>"Oh, and how was the outing to the beach?" Ukanav asks, "Did
>everyone have fun? No problems?"

"Just a bunch of sand down the pants, but nothing to complain of.  Have the 
shopvac available for a good cleaning!"

Woof flies the boat into the hangar, just as if he were doing a normal 
operation.

Woof