[ In truth, she really doesn't feel like there's anything to forgive. There isn't any harm done, really. He's done nothing wrong to her. She hasn't even been offended. But it's... important to him, and that matters. If he needs forgiveness for what he believes to be poor behaviour on his part, then she is happy enough to grant him it. Forgiveness is an easy thing for her.

Still, she's brightened when he looks relieved for it, and then thoughtful when she's offered options. It's... quite formal, yeah. But then, it's kind of just like calling teachers by their surnames at school. She wouldn't dare dream to call them by the first names.

... Unlike someone she knows calling Mr Jefferson... Mark. Kate's no stranger to Victoria's conversations with her friends. ]

Well, a Lieutenant is what you are— and I might not know much about the Navy but I get calling people by their titles or ranks is the respectful thing to do. Like when you call a police-officer 'Officer'? [ It's pretty much the same thing, she thinks? ]

And I mean, I've already referred to you as 'Lieutenant Little' to other people, so—

[ It kind of makes sense. There's a small smile of amusement; that's settled, then. ]

Lieutenant Little it is.