"Welcome aboard, sir," he said, in that incredibly deep, basso profundo voice.

"Welcome aboard, sir," one said, betraying not a hint of derision as I made my graceless way aft.

"Welcome aboard, sir," the armed petty officer said.

The co-pilot, who was sitting in the right-hand seat, turned his head and said, "Welcome aboard, sir."

"Welcome aboard, sir," said a junior Officer, saluting smartly.

"Welcome back, sir," Rosado said, giving him a broad smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.

Welcome, sir, to the august company of the vanguard of mankind.

A security guard in the booth by the gate came out, saw who the passenger was, and said with great deference, "Welcome, sir."

"Welcome home, sir," the technician said in a scratchy voice.

The bar is empty, and the bartender says, "Welcome back, sir."