Israfil couldn't help but smile a bit at Mike's carefree attitude.  It was amazing how Mike didn't seem at all nervous at having missed a flight for a military assignment.  "I am," Israfil answered in response to Mike's question about being a cog pilot, "a-are you one as well?" he asked, despite hints to the contrary.  He felt he was starting off on the right foot this time, making friends with a fellow pilot before they even arrived at the carrier.

As they approached gate B5, however, Israfil got the distinct feeling that he was starting off on the wrong foot, because of the look that two of the people already there, Sion and Solomon, were giving him.

Solomon, of course, was glaring at Israfil for being late, and trying to guess his race.  Sion on the other hand, was trying to gauge whether Israfil's tardiness was due to haplessness or disregard.  Sion would prefer the former, as not everyone can choose to be on time even if they wanted to, whereas the latter would imply an insubordinate personality, which would contradict Israfil's assessment.  Schedules and plans mean a lot to Sion, so deviations bothered him considerably, though he tried his best not to let it show.  This however did not make a good first impression for the team; Sion was foreseeing a lot of friction between the ensigns.  "Well, everyone's arrived, I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Sion RHS, you can call me lieutenant 'Reese'.  I will be your commanding officer.  Please board the shuttle in a timely manner."  Sion decided not to add, "we are already late," to the end of his sentence as he didn't want to create any more tension.