Going with the head of the expedition, Captain Ward is the best bet.

If Madeline can convince Captain Ward of the necessity of her being on the trip then the Overseer will be sure to accept the Captain’s recommendation. Besides, going straight to the Overseer might be disagreeable and if she couldn’t convince him then it would all be for naught. She had to make this work out, no matter the costs.

She headed for the security ward, her vault jumpsuit one from her younger days so it’s nice and tight, the zipper just low enough to induce appropriate glances. She easily managed her way into the security ward with a simple smile or two from the youthful guards milling about, seemingly excited about the news of an expedition themselves. The rumor mill was running its course.

“Hey Thomas” Madeline motioned to a young guardsman she grew up with “Is Captain Ward in his office?”

“Hey Madeline” He smiled and his eyes zeroed straight to her chest, rested there then caught her eyes again—clearly caught he slightly laughed “ Ummm yeah he is—but he is really in foul mood. Lots of stuff going on lately. He is super touchy lately. I would avoid him.”

“I think I can handle him,” She smiled as she walked past him toward Captain Ward’s office “Thanks Thomas.”

Captain Ward was busy rifling through a computer terminal while shuffling data sheets and other various items on his desk attempting to multi task when Madeline made her way unannounced into his office.

He eyed her up and down, first as the natural instinct of a guard—then with the natural instinct of a man.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He shot off angrily—lines of stress showing in his late 30 something forehead topped with his short dirty blonde hair.

Madeline could be direct about the topic in question—or she could be more sly.