Duke and Scarlett met in the hallway about midway between their respective quarters. The Joes who were present at the time of meeting would later attest that the friction could have been cut with a knife. Needless to say, they all immediately left for safer areas.
Duke was the first to get his words out in a logical manner. "Is it true that Wayne asked you to the dance ?"
"Yeah, so what?!"
"Did you accept?"
"What's it to you? I don't report to you for personal matters. Besides, it's not like you ever asked, and I hear you're considering accepting Ms. Krieger's offer; so, about what exactly are you complaining?"
Hawk, Duke and a few of the other Joes knew that when Shana O'Hara's diction started being technically correct, she was about ready to tell you to get lost, and, when you found yourself lost, to drop dead.
Duke, however, wasn't thinking clearly. All he could see was the loss of a woman suddenly important to him. She'd just hurt him. Naturally, the only words that came to mind were ones that would hurt her. "Well, I can lay that rumor to rest; I think I will go with her."
"Fine. I am going with Wayne."
"See you later."
"See you."
The ice in their words could almost condense on the walls and floor around them. But, as they turned away, the hurt each felt was plain for anyone to see.