Reject her after all

”Huh.” She again taps her pen against the flat of the desk. ”I do respect prudence, and I do admire pride.” She pauses. ”And I cannot fault you for being discriminating – I suppose.” Her expression is unreadable, if paler. But then her lids flutter, and she quickly wipes away any hint of despondence. ”Write me,” she says. ”On your return. If you want. I...” She stands and offers you her hand. ”First Officer.”