"Aye, lad, ye are," Scotty agreed, his grin plastered firmly in place, despite the sudden bristling anger pouring off the teenager. "An' aye, if there's a thin' Montgomery Scott can do, it's keepin himself from bein redundant."

He paused and regarded the nearly scowling youth, and his grin fell slightly. It was nowhere near to vanishing, but it took on a distinctly uncomfortable edge.

"I dunnae owe ya much," Scotty continued, "An' I was hopin' I'd nae have tae owe ya an explanation. But I reckon tha' I do."

With a light sigh, Scotty offered his right hand between them, "Lieutenant Commander, Montgomery Scott, cheers."