The Chief makes a little pointing gesture when York talks about the protein powder. Well there's your problem, obviously. The source of all of Freelancer's troubles, finally found.

Wash is away, he understands what was happening here, and York knows who he is. The Spartan line of inquiry might not be gone forever, but it's set aside for now. That's good enough for the Chief.

"I'm going to get back to the perimeter," he says. "If you need anything else from me, that's where I am."

Because he could be taking it easy, it's what he's probably supposed to be doing, but the Chief is happier trying to do his job. He always is.