Cal rode up the hill to the hotel, fuming. The other engineer had been insufferable and refused to talk to her. It took Captain Cully threatening to speak to the man's Captain to get him to look at the engine room at all. Then he had no advice beyond what Cal had already figured out.
Captain Cully was going to talk to the other captains and try to find a more suitable helper. He ordered her to go to the hotel, see her father and Pentam, and rest.
The cart let her off at the door and Cal stalked into the hotel. Everyone in the lobby turned to stare.
Oh, for goodness sake, it's only a bit of honest grime.
Señor Calamphi ran out to meet her.
"Lady Cal, I will send hot water up to your room immediately. Is there anything else you require?"
"I haven't eaten all day, Señor. Whatever the kitchen has hot would be wonderful. Send it up in an hour, if you would."
"Yes, Lady Cal." He bowed, then clapped his hands sharply giving orders to the men as he walked back to the desk.