The choice of words wasn't lost on her, and she nearly laughed at the term acquaintance. Clearly he wasn't much for having friends. "I was just being friendly," she replied airily, continuing with her weight-lifting as if their conversation was of no consequence, even though she was carefully watching him for a reaction.

"Who I'm working under is none of your concern," she added flippantly, smirking a little to herself. "But what should be your concern is the rumors going around about you. Especially if they reach the ears of a certain Chief Engineer."