Star Trek: Starbase 777 - lower-habitat-mess-hall

After getting a large cup of hot tea and a plate with a salad she sat down at a table off to the side. Observing the people around her, she slowly drank the tea and went over the past days in her head, sorting though new information. She'd achieved what she had been working towards the last two years and while this starbase was still foreign to her it was in a way... satisfying(?) to work again. And even though she did not even want to admit it to herself she was glad she wasn't on Vulcan anymore, she wasn't supposed to be there to begin.

A clearly tired Caitian entered the messhall and replicated a meal and drink, she took a greedy sip of the drink before making her way to the table where the Lieutenant Commander was sitting and looked at her with a tired smile “Hi, do you mind if I sit here?” She asked in a half purring tone, her tail swishing slightly behind her

"No, feel free to sit down." She shifted in her chair, so her formerly outstretched leg wouldn't be in the way. Other than that she didn't respond much to her, at least not for a while. Eventually her eyes returned to the civilian. "How long have you been on this starbase?"

”Thanks…” She said as she sat down and set her drink and plate down “I just got here an hour or two ago…” She added in the same half purring tone “I’m R’Niri.” She explained as she gave the woman a smile

"It seems you are even newer than I am then, I've been here for less than a day." She said, eyes scanning the room again. Her hands were holding her tea as if the temperatures were considerably lower than they actually were and the salad was still untouched. When R'Niri introduced herself she nodded and turned her head to look at her again. "My name is Evoras Lhai'Ivek."

"Pleasure to meet you." She said with the same smile "I am really new here... first time I've been off earth." She explained

"I see, what is your impression of space and this station?" She genuinely wanted to know. Space was by far more familiar to her than any planet and knowing what the population of a starbase thought about it was generally helpful.

"Its interesting. I am excited to see what its like living here." She said happily "Its also all new to me."

She nodded and shifted her sitting position again, before slowly starting to eat. Her eyes would occasionally focus on a person walking by, but for the most part she seemed to be examining the room.

"What do you think of the station?" She asked, trying to break the silence

"It's considerably larger than the last starbase I worked at. From what I can tell, with the limited time I have spent here it seems to be within the expectable for a starbase of it's kind and location." Well it also didn't have the best track record with incidents of unfavourable nature, but that needn't be said.

She nodded and took the last few bites of her food "Yeah. This place is out pretty far from earth..." She agreed

"That depends on your definition of "pretty far", but compared to, say Vulcan, it most certainly is." Evoras too finished her food and was left with just some of her (now cold) tea.

She gave her an awkward smile "I am sorry but I need to go... I need to try and get my luggage back..." She explained as she stood

She just nodded and drank the last bit of tea, but remained sitting. For a moment it seemed like that might be her only reaction, but then she looked up at R'Niri and said: "Have a good day."

"You too. It was nice to meet you." She said before walking out, her tail swishing behind her slowly

Some time later she left as well.

Holly, after the events of the PACT had decided she would finally exit her quarters. The event was… well a total event. Something she’d never experienced and something she hopes to never experience again. Nonetheless she entered gleefully and walked to the replicator and replicated a fruit salad with a glass of wine and found a quaint corner to sit in.

He entered with a wince, he didn't feel comfortable eating on the Annemarie after the attack, he could have done more if he hadn't gone to his ship. He walked to the replicator and replicated a small steak and a container of steak fries before walking over to Holly "Mind if I sit here ma'am?" He asked roughly, his cargo ship crewman's jumpsuit was more wrinkled than usual, the thick jacket had a few scorch marks in some areas, but his voice was just about as rough as his appearance, but there was also a sort of kindness in his voice

She had her eyes looking down, deciding which piece of fruit to eat next, as a man approached. She looked up, noticed the attire and tone the man possessed and nodded her head. “I do not mind!” she said simply, her own tone conveying a sort of kindness.

"Thanks... I'm Erwin." He said politely but in the same rough way before sitting and giving her an easy smile before eating a steak fry.

She noted the man’s name… “Erwin”. By the looks of it he was also a civilian aboard, but it was unclear what his professional capabilities were. “Greetings, I’m Holly.”

"Pleasure to meet you ma'am... I take it you weren't harmed in the attack?" He asked, trying clearly to make some form of conversation

”I was not harmed, no. I watched everything from a distance until I learned of the attack. I immediately went to my quarters. Yourself?” she reciprocated his question.

"Thats good to hear... I was trying to help out, I was security for eight years, but I saw some thieves and decided to head back to my ship. I'd prefer not to have to buy the cargo that got stolen..." He said with an awkward but easy grin in the same rough yet polite tone

She gave another warm nod, putting a piece of cantaloupe into her mouth. “That’s a fair thing to do and think. I suppose you protected your assets because you are an individual, and Starfleet has hundreds of security officers.”

"Between you and me and security, I'd agree, but some ensign decided to fire his phaser off. Stupid fool..." He said before shrugging "Still, that went a lot smoother evacuation wise than I thought it would." He added with a grin before taking a bite of his steak

"I would have to agree. It was quite an easy process to get from one location all the way to my quarters, even despite the majority of turbolifts going to airlocks and the like." she smiled, taking a sip of her wine before looking out the window into space.

"Yeah, I managed to get to the engineering ring really quickly for all the chaos that was happening." He said in agreement as he followed her gaze out into space for a few seconds before returning to his food

"These are some magnificent stars, unlike any I've seen from any Earth observatory. Much akin to the whimsical illustrations I saw as a child." she said, calmly and clearly distracted in thought.

"Yeah... they always seem to be different no matter where I go or what ship I am on... Hell... the stars are different on the Annemarie while she's docked here than from where we are now." He said once more in agreement, once more letting his gaze look out the window

She smiled, taking her gaze from the window and looking towards Erwin. "The Annemarie?" she inquired, curious as to whether it was just a ship, a yacht perhaps?

"My ship, Antares class. I named her after an old friend..." He said with an awkward smile "Hell of a woman and the ship is the same." He added, nodding to Holly casually before eating a few steak fries

Styre put another piece of fruit and chewed on it while listening to Erwin. "Antares class... an interesting choice." she smiled. "I'm sure she's enjoying the namesake, wherever she may be."

"I hope so..." He said with a more wishful tone "First run with the ship brought me here, thinking of making this my base of operations, lots of trade going on here." He explained

"We're out in the middle of nowhere! Practically uncharted space!" she exclaimed. "Hence my choice to reside here... well, my company's choice for me to reside here."

"First time I can say that I got to haul cargo to the edge of space then." He said, gaining a soft twinkle in his eyes "Who do you work for?" He asked

"An earth-based astrometrics company. AstroMetrica!" she spoke, once more her eyes wandered outward towards space. "I presume you work for yourself, hauling cargo for whoever needs it?"

"Yeah... I do. I own and captain the Annemarie, upgraded her enough she can basically run herself. AstroMetrica? Wounds important... What do you do for them?"

"I was their senior stellar-cartographist whilst on Earth, but I gave up that position to come here. Now I'm what they title an essential catrographist. I map the stars, design and implement map-making programs and adjust them to the needs of the company. I essentially make space maps, three-dimensional maps of the stars, asteroids, and everything in between. Though, I have a few passion projects of analyzing specific planets."

"I guess I have you to thank for the maps I have on board then." He said, giving her a smile and a nod, before running a hand through his hair before continuing to eat

"Depends on what they are maps of! Local area maps of the space around this station are auto-generated. I've yet to produce anything meaningful... not yet at least!" she chuckled, a soft smile parsing on her lips.

"Better than I could do, I'd probably make the machine melt its innards trying just figure how to turn it on." He said in a joking tone

"I'm currently just working on a program that automates all of the menial processes that I would otherwise have to do. It's nearly complete, then I let it run for a few days to collect all necessary data, then I get station-permission to use their sensor array and finish off any data-gathering I may need."

'That sounds... very complicated..." He admitted

"Not so much as complicated as it is boring! Hence why I'm writing a program to do much of it for me!" she chuckled.

"Smart, also helping to free up personnel to focus on other areas." He said thoughtfully "Are you working on that as a personal project or for work?"

"The program is for work! My personal project consists of analyzing planets in-depth and creating illustrations." she smiled.

"Then I recomend you keep that to yourself or you offer to sell a model of it to you company, not the full product, but a taster, let them want it, and then when they offer a price you are willing to sell it for, go for it. A program like that would free up a lot of personnel for that company." He said with a small, calculating grin

"Oh the program is mine and mine only. I am creating it to assist with my work, but I am creating it while on-the-clock, but the company owns no part of it, nor will they ever!"

"Thats up to you." He said with yet another nod "Never hurts to have something just for yourself to change the odds."

"I enjoy the company I work for, but not enough to provide free labor." she chuckled. "Do you enjoy your job?"

"Can't imagine doing anything else. I was with Starfleet for eight years and I never had as much fun as I have with just welding a panel back in place on the Annemarie..." He said with a twinkle in his eye as he thought about the ship and it's namesake

"How come you left the fleet?" she inquired softly.

"I joined for my parents." He said with a shrug "I got tired of doing it just to please them, I had always wanted to work on cargo ships, so I signed onto the Conveyor and never looked back."

"An amiable pursuit. My parents, well, they were disappointed when Floyd left for Starfleet, but I couldn't be any more proud of him." she smiled. "They wished I would've entered medicine, or law, but my mother was all supporting when I chose to enter science."

"That's more than my parents would be, they still think I'm with the fleet." He said with a rueful chuckle "It's nice to have those kind of parents, I know I basically had one in the Conveyors captain."

"My father, well, he's Vulcan. He was severely disappointed when Styre left for Starfleet and when I left for a civilian corps of science. My mother was the only one who appreciated the both of us, although Styre never accepted her appreciation and drowned in the fact that Father had failed to accept his career choice. I think it is that reason that he has all but cut off communication with us." her smiled lessened, slightly turning into more of a timid frown.

"Sometimes the fear of failing a parent is drowning and its like your struggling for breath, I felt that way when I left the conveyor, you become a family on those ships... all you can do is be there for him I'm afraid..." He said with a soft tone and smile

"I have tried, he refuses to respond and I doubt he actually looks at them." she paused. "I'm not sure he has any real friends aboard, or anywhere he has gone. I'm sure he has wallowed in his own self pity for the decades he's been in the fleet." she looked out to the stars, her own bowl of fruit nearly empty.

"At least you are trying... Thats all you can do." He said with a shrug "Who knows, maybe thats what is helping him through the day, knowing there is someone there for him."

She smiled at that sentiment, never has she thought that maybe Styre continued because of her. "I appreciate it, Erwin." she said softly. "Maybe your parents remain proud, however small."

"Doubtful... I don't even see them as parents anymore. That title goes to two others now." He said with a shrug "I should contact them one day, see what other thing I have done to disappoint them." He said with another rueful chuckle

"Well, if you have transferred the title of parents to two individuals, I presume your real parents hold a place in their hearts for you, see you as giving and withhold courage and proudness within you."

"Maybe... Last message from them was one that was wishing for me to give them grandchildren... Ungrateful bas..." He dropped off "Sorry, that wasn't right of me..." He said in a sort of embarrassed tone

She let out a soft chuckle. "Well, perhaps you should!" she laughed slightly more. "I'm kidding. How often do you talk with them?"

"That last message... was five years ago... before I left Starfleet."

Her eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, Erwin.."

"No need to be sorry. As I said, I don't see them as parents anymore." He said with a shrug

"Well, with those whom you see as parents, I'm glad you have found people who believe in you."

"As am I... They've been really helpful, especially through the hard times." He said with a nod

"I'm glad." she smiled once more. "You've got any plans for when you leave the station, Erwin?"

"None at the moment, I have to get some cargo that actually needs to be moved, most of the cargo I have now is just using the Annemarie as a cheap storage warehouse."

"Say, I'm curious. Are there any conditions as to you keeping your vessel docked within the Station?"

"Not that I am aware of, I keep all the fees under wraps so thats all I can think of at the moment, though, there is a few moments I feel that I should have spaced my old crew instead of letting them off here..." He said with a soft chuckle

"Well, I'm glad you're aboard, Erwin! What is your favorite thing to do aboard?"

"Right now... I just enjoy watching the ships go by... It's always been one of my favorite things to do."

"Much akin to how I like to look at the stars! Hobbies do find commonalities between people~"

"Yeah, they're everywhere, just have to know where to look." He said with an agreeing tone "And get lucky to be talking to the right person."

"Not a matter of luck, it's a matter of willpower! If you try hard enough you can find commonalities between yourself and just about anyone!"

"I meant more along the lines of being able to stand said person... there are some people..."

"Like who?" she inquired. "I have yet to meet a person I am clearly unable to be around."

"You are very lucky... You find the most disgusting people when your a cargo ship captain... Smugglers, sleezeballs who try to force you to pay a 'protection fee'... the list goes on and on..."

"Well, I suppose we're very different in our own ways. I stick around people I know... or don't know... and I've yet to run into a 'sleezeball'"

"Once more you are very lucky... They are the worst kind of people, real bottom of the barrel types."

"Well, I wouldn't consider anyone beyond saving." she smiled.

"True... It's just hard to see the good a lot of times."

"It can be difficult to see beyond the appearance, the attitude, the actions, I do agree."

"Yeah..." He nodded again "I guess I should be happy that it's possible...otherwise I doubt I'd have made it this far in life..." He said with another chuckle

"You are capable of whatever you wish!" she chuckled. "Just kidding, you can't fly without the aid of mechanics!"

"I mean, there are glider suits so technically you are wrong there..." He said with a soft grin

"The word 'glide' implies something far different from flying! A plane without engines can glide, but it cannot fly!"

"Damn... Yeah... your right..." He said with a nod "I didn't think that one through... Well, birds fly and they don't have engines." He said, going down yet another tangent to try and win

"Are you a bird, Erwin?" she chuckled with a grin on her face.

"No, but a holodeck can do anything..."

"And the holodeck is a mechanical device!"

"I seem to be out of ideas then..." He said, putting his hands up some in a sign of surrender "You win..."

"It's hard to win in an argument with me, I'm a scientist!" she chuckled. "I'm kidding, I just like to argue. I'm sure if we got into an argument involving piloting or command, you would for sure win."

"I doubt the command one, I was security." He said, returning the chuckle "Piloting, maybe..."

"But you are a captain!"

"Of a ship without a crew..." He said with a shrug "I let go the last few incompetent idiots, It's just me, the Annemarie, and the computers... Oh, and the cargo."

"One must learn how to command the computers, no?"

"Not really, I just say go here and the autopilot does it for the most part, though I do take manual control to dock." He said with a shrug "I had the computers dumbed down as much as possible so my simple grunt brain could issue commands effectively."

"I would hardly say you've got a grunt brain!" she smiled. "What do you do for fun?"

"Shoot stuff in a holodeck. Or go hijack random asteroids and toss them into each other... Which uh... wasn't me actually..." He said in a joking tone as he looked around in an almost paranoid way

"Holodeck holonovels are pretty entertaining!" she agreed.

"Some are pretty good. I used to do a lot more of them before I left starfleet. I don't want a holodeck on the Annemarie to waste power." He explained casually

"The station's holodecks are available!" she enthused "But, say, hijack random asteroids?"

"I uh... don't have a wire that I loop around asteroids and hijack them and make them crash into others..." He said in a voice that made him sound like he was trying to sound innocent but failing

"You're a pretty bad liar!" she chuckled slightly.

"Yeah... just don't let Starfleet know..." He said, chuckling as well It's really fun just running those things together..."

She presses her chest where a combadge would be, and in a mocking tone, stated. "Holly Styre to uhh, whoever deals with this... we've got a asteroid hijacker!"

"Welp... time to go lock down the ship..."

04:55

He started to laugh

She returned with another laugh. "How ever will we catch you?"

"No clue, the Annemarie may be slow but she's basically invisible... especially if I were to switch out the transponder..." He said casually

"WHoever is listening!" she paused with a chuckle. "Who kids, I've got no real power!"

"Same here. I lost all my power when I left Starfleet." he said with a shrug "But I found a lot more in return so I am happy."

"I have power over myself, and that is all that I desire." she said, smiling.

"Agreed." He said with a nod "Thats a major reason I love being a cargoship captain." He added'

"And its a major reason I enjoy being employed in a private sector, with means to quit at any moment."

"Yeah, thats always a good option. Or... you can always be your own boss..." He said with a small grin

"Well, not necessarily. It's the private companies that have large contracts with corporations that allow them to get to work. Plus, I would've never been able to fund my own equipment for star mapping."

"It does sound expensive." He agreed

"And I enjoy having the backing of colleagues!" she chuckled. "May I ask how long you've had the Annemarie?"

"I've had her for just over a year, my first run with her was to this station, just before the winter ball or whatever it was called. Have had some problems with crew that kept me here." He explained with a shrug "Spent all of last year refitting her from what could be compared to a rusting hulk into the beautiful piece of machinery she is now." He added with another twinkle in his eye, he loved that ship, probably more then he did living...

"Do you enjoy her? Have you made any significant changes to her hull, her design?" he smiled with an inquirious tone.

"On the outside she's the same as every other class except I painted her away from the dull rust orange or grey and a Rich, navy blue with dark grey highlights, other than that she's the same on the outside, inside is much different, I had all the interior bulkheads redone. half the crew compartments were made into passenger compartments or cold rooms, and the holds redone." His voice was clearly energetic about being able to talk about his ship but he stopped "I can go into more detail but I fear you'd die of boredom." He said with a soft and awkward chuckle

"If I'm being honest, I have no clue how ships work, their interior operates, or anything! But I'm glad you've found something you're passionate for, something you can do that you can call your own! It's an amazing feeling, really."

"It is. It's complicated keeping them running but I guess thats what I've always wanted." He said with a nod

"And that's a good thing! You keep your mind, hands, and heart busy with something that fills your soul with joy!" she exclaimed.&

"Agreed. So you always wanted to do stellar cartography or what you called it..." He paused awkwardly as he tried to remember what she did

"Astrometrics is my official title, I'm jsut a stellar cartographist!" she chuckled with a nod. "I've always been intrigued by science, but after my brother left us for the Fleet I fell out of love for biology and chemistry, then came along Astrometry!"

"That's always what happens it seems, you fall out of love for one thing but something greater than before comes along." He nodded in agreement

She nodded, a smile on her face. “I guess that’s true! Save for a few people who’ve only enjoyed one thing forever.”

"Yeah. You can only be happy for those people." He agreed yet again

”What was your career goal as a child?”

"Join a cargo ship..." He admitted with an awkward grin "And you know what the original parents decided was best for me."

"You've always wanted to join a cargoship? WHat about it appealed to you?"

"I don't know, I always liked how they were different, the job almost no one wanted, always wanted to be a starfleet ship..."

"How do you know it's a job no one wanted?" she inquired. "that can't be true, we've got numerous cargoships!"

"Almost no one... and most cargoships are family run and operated." He shrugged "It's more along the lines of a family bred deal, in someones blood, most people don't have it I guess." He shrugged again

"Well, looks like you're unique in that regard!"

"Yeah... most people don't understand why." He said with an awkward smile "So they just leave it to others like me who come along and it for fun."

"And we're all glad people like you are around! How else would I get my specialty food delivered?" she joked.

"Thats a good point... I do love being able to bribe the occasional dock worker into allowing me a premium docking bay with some fresh sirloin steaks... where from I am not at liberty to say" He said flippantly

"I am from Earth!" she chuckled, believing it was necessary information.

"Did I say they come from earth?" He asked in a joking, yet questioning tone

"No, but sirloin steaks remind me of my home!" she chuckled. "so that is what I thought of."

"Ah, yeah... the replicators never will make ones as good as fresh ones." He said with a nod "It's been a while since I've been to Earth."

"I was there just prior to being here! I do miss it sometimes but it's a great experience to be here."

"Yeah... from my memoires off it, it was nice, I was a station Starfleet brat so I grew up mostly on Earth space dock." He said with a shrug "So I got to know Earth pretty well."

"Believe it or not, I've never been aboard ESD, was it nice there?"

"It was... I must admit, I saw more of sickbay then I did anywhere else so I can inform you that sickbay is very, very nice." He said with a chuckle

"Probably one of the nicest sickbays in existence.." she smiled. "I've never been in a sickbay!"

"You are lucky then. I've gone for Starfleet related problems..." He motioned to the scar on his face that cut his week old beard in two, both of which his writer forgot to mention in the opening post, "And for personal fights."

"I've been inside of hospitals and clinics, never a sickbay, though!"

"They are different... I hate all three of them though." He said with a shrug

"I used to intern at my mother's hospital, it was a fun time! It made me really appreciate medical staff." She smiled, her eyes wandering the room.

"Yeah, I appreciate what the docs do, just some times they can be so damn cold." He said with a chuckle

"Have you met my brother?" she sarcastically inquired. "I always saw doctors and nurses to be lively individuals. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise within a specific field is so admirable."

"I have not met your brother... but you haven't met my doc back on Earth space dock... that man is colder than space some times." He said with another chuckle

"Maybe he's just reserving his insane comments, for the best" she chuckled. "Do you have any siblings?"

"No... I don't, if I did I'd probably end up with less of my birth parents expectations on me." He added ruefully "Better me than someone else I suppose."

"Oh hush, don't think that way!" she smiled. "You are unique, look at how far you've come despite your shortcommings!"

"They're that easy to pick up on eh?" He asked in a joking tone

"Everyone has shortcomings, and you've elaborated on some of yours!" she exlcaimed.

"True on both accounts." He said, laughing some at how she exclaimed it

She smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Hey, Erwin, how old are 'ya?"

"Thirty four. I joined the academy when I turned eighteen." He said with a shrug

"You're not even that old! You've got a whole lot of life ahead of you." she said, smiling. "I am eight years older than yourself!"

"Yeah... I know, just some times the miles catch up." He said with a nod and a soft smile "It doesn't help that I got into fights a lot as a kid."

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, eh?" she mused, her eyes looking back out the window.

"Yeah... until it come back to bite you in the ass twenty years later..." He said with yet another rueful chuckle

"Bite your... what?" she joked. "nonetheless, I think you're one great dude, Erwin!"

"Thank you." He said, laughing softly "Sometimes my body says otherwise." He shrugged again "But that's what make the good days good."

"Your body doesn't speak for you, you speak for your body!"

"Make sure to tell me that when I can't get out of bed in a week."

"How about I come visit you to ensure that you get out of bed!" she chuckled, half jokingly.

That one got a pause out of him, if only for a second "I doubt that you'd be able to find it, I still get lost sometimes on the Annemarie, and she's my own ship..."

"Hmm, alright, ditch that!" she paused for a second "I'll just PADD you!"

"That will probably work." He admitted after a seconds thought

"If you do not answer in a reasonable amount of time, I will get medical on your vessel!" she sarcastically threatened.

"I lock the ship down every night... it'd take a warrant and a good ten minutes of cutting with a phaser set to max kill to get in." He gave her a small smirk "I don't skimp on security... I was a security member for eight years..."

"No warrant needed when there's a medical emergency. Plus, you're docked aboard the Station, I'm sure they have workarounds." she chuckled.

"Maybe, doesn't solve the lock down..." He said with a small grin

"Despite how clever you believe you are, your shields cannot be active whilst docked, and there's always site-to-site transport for medical!"

"... I will look into that one..." He said with a finger poking out into the air for a few seconds

"Can't outsmart the scientist!" she winked.

"I will, or I will die trying..." He said with a determined tone before laughing

"I'll shine a light in your eyes!" she said, seemingly randomly.

"What's a light going to do? See if my eyes contract or dilate?" He asked, pulling a medical reference out of some part of his memory

"No! It'll see if you're a star" she chuckled intensely at her own joke. "y'get it?? A star?" she laughed harder.

he chuckled "That was good, took a few seconds..." He said softly

"My whole career is based around using light and sensors to find stars, and it looks like I just found one with my own photosensitive organs!"

"A star? I think you are confusing me for the Annemarie... especially when I graze the atmosphere of a planet." He said with a chuckle

"How can I be confusing something I see with something I have never seen?"

"That is... a good point..." He admitted with an awkward and embarrassed chuckle

"That is like confusing a neutron star for dark matter!"

"I uh... you lost me on that one..."

"My apologies, I'm a bit of a nerd."

"I am too in my own area." He said with a shrug "I have done it as well, no need to apologize."

"Look at us, bonding over nerds!"

he laughed "Yeah... that's a first I must admit."

"There be a first time for everything, Erwin!"

"That's true." He said with another nod "Yet again you are speaking the truth."

"I think it's my Vulcan side showing through!"

"Ah... that would explain it..." He said with a soft smile

She mimicked his smile unconsciously. "Random question, do you partake in any athletics?"

"Do you mean besides hand moving cargo or in general?" He asked flippantly but with a smirk that betrayed nothing

"An organized sport, per se!"

"I mean, I occasionally will toss a football around with a friend if we bump into each other but nothing really like that, no."

"Fair. I really enjoy swimming!"

"Ah... swimming... I could never get past floating lazily in the water."

"It takes concentration and energy, something I have too much of! I find it really enjoyable sometimes."

"Thats what sports are meant to be I guess. Though sometimes its more work than fun." He agreed

"I've never partaken in a competition, merely do it recreationally for fun."

"Smart, I know some guys that regretted doing sports for competition. Ruined the fun because he could never just go and toss a football again."

She nodded in agreement. "I'm also not too competitive. It's the reason I gave up my senior role so easily. I don't really mind 'losing' in the traditional sense!"

"Yeah, go for what you enjoy, not what others want you to do..." He said with a nod

"Do as you wish, partake in that that makes you happy." she smiled.

"Exactly." He agreed, giving her a smile back

"Erwin!" she chuckled.

"What?" He asked with confusion

"Nothing! You've just got a unique name. It's kind of fun to say." she said, spontaneously.

"Ah..." He chuckled "Thats what I get for having parents that liked weird names..."

"'tis one thing you can thank your parents for." she smiled.

"I guess so... Never really thought of my name that way." He said thoughtfully

"If your first name is so unique, what is your last name?"

"Müller. It's that U with an umlaut, the two dots. So it's pronounced Mueller. Basically just the German spelling and pronunciation of 'Miller'" He explained as if he had many times before

"I know a few Müller's! No need to explain what an umlaut is, I'm from Germany." she chuckled.

"Ah, most people don't so I just lump it all in together." He said with a shrug "Where in Germany?" He asked with clear interest

"In the heart of Europe on Earth!" she explained. "I lived in Germany, and then Beijing. Spent a bit of time in Paris."

"Ah, I've never been to Beijing, what's it like?"

"Busy, large. It was... a lot to handle as a child, to say the least."

"Hmm... question... did your brother ever get into any fight... most boys do..." He said in a half knowing tone

"He was far too logical to do so... he is also, quite weak. But he's a Vulcan, so he knows the Vulcan Nerve Pinch."

"Ah... It's a good thing I always have this jacket on then if I were to ever have complications with him...' He said in a joking tone as he smiled

"He'd probably call security, or just faint, or run away. Who knows what he'd do." she chuckled. "I'm sure you'll never run into a more boring man than himself."

"I have run into quite a few... What would he do if his Vulcan Nerve Pinch doesn't work...?" He asked with a small bit of interest forcing its way into his tone

"I honestly do not know. He'd probably butt heads with you! He's got a thick skull.." she chuckled at her own joke.

"I have seen plenty, and I know for a fact that mine could be used on a ship and it would still be there if anything else was destroyed." He said with a joking smug tone

"Styre... he's a bit of a character." she smiled. "You're also a character, but you're a good one!"

"I've been called many thing's, but 'good' has not been one of them until now..." He said in a thoughtful tone "I honestly don't know how I feel about that..."

"You are a good individual! You've given me no reason to believe otherwise!"

He chuckled "You clearly do not know me as well as you may think..." He said flippantly

"I do not need to know you very well to make that determination!"

"Oh?" He asked, his voice turning quizzical, now he was just messing with her

"You've done nothing that could prove to me you are not good"

"If you insist Holly..." He said, once more putting his hands up in a form of surrender "You win..."

"See, you are too hard on yourself, Erwin Müller." she said, the last part being in a bit of a german accent.

He chuckled at the accent peaking in "Now that really is strange, I've not been called my full name in... oh... seven years..." He said with that same twinkle in his eyes again

"Well, I'm glad I can help!" she chuckled. "You speak any other languages?"

"I speak fluent, well, mostly fluent Deutsche, a little bit of Russkiy, and some Česky" He said, switching to each language's own pronunciation of it's name as he spoke "Though, my Czech isn't what it used to be."

"I speak German as well! German, English, French, and Cantonese!"

"Cantonese... I'm not familiar with that one." He said casually

"It was the majority language when I lived in China! I tend to learn the language of where I live." she smiled softly.

"Ah, thats a good way to keep track of where you lived I guess." He said with a chuckle

"More so a hobby for when I was the new kid" she smiled.

"Ah... Thankfully I only had to experience the new kid thing twice. " He said with a nod "Though, the second time was more the old kid returning,"

"I moved a few times, so I was accustomed to it. I really did enjoy the new experiences though!"

"It's fun yeah, except when your the short kid..." He said, referring to his 5'4" height that his writer also forgot to mention earlier, with a small smile

”You’re short, I’m tall, yknow we’re both genuinely unique!”

"In our own ways, yeah." He said with a grin

"Where are you from, Erwin? If not Germany?" she smiled as she asked.

"I was born on Earth Space dock." He said casually "Lived there for ten years, went to another starbase for a few years, then returned to Earth Space dock."

She thought... how would it be to be born on a station..? "Ah, raised aboard a station?" she inquired, somewhat rhetorically. "If that's the case, what's your most liked planet you've visted?"

"I've always preferred Earth... it's just so nice looking from space with the blue from the oceans..." He said after a moments thought.

She nodded in agreement, a grin plastering her cheeks. "Earth is a very wondrous planet! Have you ever been to Vulcan?"

"I have not, I've seen a few pictures but never actually been there."

"Don't" she said simply with a chuckle. "Very hot, dry, very posh."

"I will keep that in mind... I want to know what Vulcans would think of me if I were to show up to a meeting dressed like this..." He said with a chuckle "They'd probably freak out in their own way."

"Or just simply ignore you! Freaking out would be... quite illogical." she smiled at his own chuckle.

"Thats true... You are right at a lot of things, huh?" He asked, returning the smile

"It's my job to be right." she smiled, well, her smile turned more into a grin.

"Yeah, and mines just to move stuff so it makes sense."

"Your job is just as valuable as mine!" she nodded as she spoke. "You deliver necessary equipment! Without it, who else could do their job?"

"I never said it wasn't important" He said with a grin, he tapped his forehead "I just don't have to be smart to do it."

"You got me there." she chuckled. "What's the favorite station you've been to?"

"I'd have to say this one, not here for two months and I've already seen more then I did on Earth Space Dock... I'm probably going to make this my base of operations."

"I would also say this is my favorite station that I've been to, but that's because it's the only one I've been to."

"They are all basically the same in my opinion, but then again, they all have their own feel to them..." He said said with a shrug

"It's the people aboard that make the atmosphere of a place! Somewhere like ESD, the hub of Starfleet, will be more professional and less spontaneous in nature."

"Yeah, this one has been much more active than ESD."

"It truly has! The aura of the station is much apparent, especially when you speak to the officers aboard!"

"Thankfully I've not run into anyone above Lieutenant on accident..." He said with a soft grin "I had to talk to Commander Dagis but other than that I've been only around the low rankers..."

"I don't think I've talked to anyone above Lieutenant either. But the officers seem lively and very well rounded!"

"They do indeed. I do talk to Marcus on occasion but he's not just a Commander to me, more of a friend. But they crew here does seem like we got a bit of everything."

"And they remain professional throughout their encounters with others!" she smiled. "It's nice to see Starfleet still operates as they used to."

"It is indeed, Some postings you get the most stuck up officers..." He said with a shake of his head

"Oh and they think they're the best!" she laughed. "but they're really the worst."

"Indeed...when I was the ACOS on the Dauntless, the chief refused to do paperwork, he always shoved it down to me..."

"Whaat? That's not how a leader should lead." she shook her head. "at least you got good at it!"

"Yeah... prepared me for being a cargo ship captain..." He said with a shrug "It got me away from having to deal with him, I got to sign all of my own reports because of his stupidity..."

"Something that should not occur." she chuckled. "At least it got ya outta trouble!"

'I was never in trouble... I saved a few buddies neck from being skipped over promotion though..." He said, giving her a small smirk

"We all get in a bit of trouble!" she smiled but then nodded. "Well, you're a good friend in that regard!"

"Yeah, they deserved it..." He said thoughtfully "But those days are long since gone." He added with a small bit of finality in his tone

"Now you get to make decisions for yourself!" she smiled. "And YOU get final call on promotions."

"Technically I can't promote no one, I don't have a crew at the moment."

"You still have final call!" she chuckled.

"True..." He said once more "Yeah... I do get that decision... Sometimes its just more appealing to go out on my own instead of having to deal with a crew..."

"People can be a burden, an even larger hassle sometimes! Being alone is great."

"You have no idea how nice it is to hear someone admit that" he said with a chuckle

"Its part of the reason I opted to work here. I get to make a lot of the decisions autonomously."

"Thats always good." He said with a nod "Sometimes you need a break from people."

"Honestly that's the truth!"

"Yeah..." He said, grinning "And then there are times that you just need people."

"Friends, colleagues, acquaintances... they're all nice to have. Socialization is just as important as being alone."

"Agreed. Especially if you know they have your back."

"Having someone there for you despite your outrage, it's honestly so comforting."

"It is..." He said with a nod, "It really is..."

"Who is your closest friend, Erwin?"

"Closest friend... Annemarie..." He said with a firm nod

"Nice! She's always got your back, eh?"

"She does, both the name sake and the ship." He said with a nod

"That's honorable, nice!" she smiled genuinely.

"Yeah... she was a hell of a woman." He said with another nod, his tone almost regretful "Anyways... What about you, closest friend?" He asked casually, changing the subject away from him

"Molly, she's my sister. She's always there for me." she blushed, thinking of the fond memories she had with her younger sister.

"I've heard that a lot from some of my friends ho who have siblings." He said with a nod, he noticed the blush but said nothing, it wasn't something he needed to bring up

She smiled, then it waned slowly. "I'm sorry, Erwin."

"Sorry for what? You've not done anything..."

She shook her head, here eyes going to the window. "How old do you think these stars are?"

"Thousands of years..." He said as he followed her gaze out again

"Billions of years." she said in awe, looking out and admiring the stars.

"Yeah... sounds about right... I'll trust you on that one since you've been right every other time..." He added in a joking tone as he kept watching the view

she shook her head as a grin grew on her face. "I've not once personally seen a neutron star.. It's a goal of mine..." she paused before adding. "an everlasting wish."

"I've never seen one personally either..." He said, still looking out the window

"Do you want to?"

"Not really, I've not really had thought about it though so..." He shrugged "maybe one day."

"I've also always wanted to see a supergiant..." she smiled, her eyes darting between all the stars outside the window.

"Now I have seen one of those." He said with a nod "Those things are awe inspiring... you think your ship is big and then you see one of those..." He said softly, whistling gently at the end

He eyes went wide as she looked over towards Erwin.. "You've seen one?!" she asked with disbelief.

"Yeah... I can't remember which one but the Dauntless went without a few light years of one."

She shook her head once more. "Wow... that would be amazing!"

"It really was..." He said with a nod "That thing was awe inspiring, beautiful, and scary..." He added

"Nooo, you just gotta know to keep your distance!"

"I know... it was just a spur of the moment emotion, really tells you how small we really are."

"We are enormous compared to atoms, normal compared to boulders, yet insignificant when compared to stars." she smiled again.

"Yeah... it's really weird when you think about it." He said, returning the smile

"Everything is relative!" she chuckled once more. "If you were still to be apart of the Fleet, where do you think you'd be now?"

"I don't know... by now I could be a Chief of Security, probably some ship far out." He said with a shrug "I wouldn't mind that really. But I like this..."

"Be confident in the choices that you have made... I like that!"

"I was meaning more along the likes that I am content, but confidence never hurts." He said with a grin

"You seem like the kind to be confident!" she nodded with a chuckle.

"Ah... that's just a show I am afraid... I am always second guessing myself." He said, returning the chuckle

"Me too, Erwin. My decision to come aboard... the lack of talking to my brother... they all haunt me when I try to sleep"

"Those decisions always do..." He paused for a second "And after its too late to change it you can only say 'what if'"

"Indeed." she smiled. "I like to think that the choices I have made have always bettered my person in the end."

"I do too... but that never helps that sinking gut feeling when something goes wrong."

"No, it doesn't. It may dampen it slightly but the impending feeling of failure remains discouraging."

"Yeah... sometimes I sit in my bed and just ask myself if I had stayed what would be different..." He said with a slightly grim look that quickly disappeared

"And sometimes I sit and think what would be different if I went that route." she smiled softly. "But, our choices are our own, and we've got to own them."

"Indeed we do... no matter how hard we wish it didn't happen that way."

"Our wishes, sadly, they don't matter. Not in life." she nodded.

"Right again..." He said, giving her a weak smile

She nodded solemnly. "I think this conversations took a sad turn. How about we make things happy again!"

"Alright... what do you want to talk about?" He asked, nodding in agreement.

"Lets talk about.... animals! What's your favorite animal?"

"I've always liked dogs and cats. Toss up between the two. What about you?"

"Dogs, definitely! Although they're less clean, they're much more friendly."

"Yeah... they are indeed... I was thinking about getting a cat for on the Annemarie, make it a little more lived in."

"A furry friend! I think a cat would be much more suitable for a vessel. Moreso than a dog, at least."

"That was my view of it, and they aren't as much maintenance needy."

"Just have the replicator automatically replicate some food every now and then, provide water, and that's about it." she smiled.

"Exactly. Plus, who can deny a cat when it wants food? Good anti stowaway system..." He said with a easy grin coming to his face

"A very good system!" she nodded. "What's stopping you?"

"One more thing to take care of, even if it isn't a needy thing." He said with a shrug "And I don't feel comfortable forcing a cat to stay locked on board all the time."

"I'm not sure it'll mind." she chuckled. "But that's fair! Responsibility is just that... responsibility."

"Yeah... maybe one day. Alright... whats your favorite food?" He asked , taking his attention from the stars and putting it back onto her

She was finally put on the spot. "Fruit salad!" she chuckled, looking down towards her now empty bowl. "paired with a good whine,... ah wondrous!"

"I've never had fruit salad... Sure I've had fruits separate but not as a salad..." He paused "What wine?" He asked after a second has passed

"Fruit salad with mangos, peaches, strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapes is amazing!" she smiled and thought for a second. "Decadent red wine goes great with a fruit salad!"

"Alright... is the wine good? I've never really had a thing for it."

"I enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Other alcohol is a no-go, though."

"Yeah, I have an occasional glass of whiskey or the like but only one. My doc on ESD would be so mad if he found out about a single glass..."

"A doc getting mad at a single glass?" she inquired honestly.

"Yeah. Doesn't do me any good. And occasionally if I'm in a bad mood it gets hard to stop. He's basically a counselor as well for me."

"Oh, well I guess that works out." she nodded. "That's why I don't drink anything more than wine."

"Yeah... I know the signs now so I know when not to drink thankfully." He said in agreement

"You care for your body enough to see the signs, I like that!"

"Only so I don't do something stupid and have to have a friend call a medical emergency on my ship..." He said, giving her a sly grin

She returned the grin. "I'm glad you care enough!"

"I try to. Its not always easy though."

"I get that. I truly do. Probably not as rough or bad as you, but on some small level I'm sure I can relate." she smiled.

"You can probably relate more than you think Holly." He said, returning the smile gently

She nodded, her own smile growing. "What is your favorite thing about being aboard?"

"The people..." He said after a few seconds of thought

She nodded and paused for a few moments as well. "I really like the equipment." she half-joked.

"Which ones?" He asked, taking her seriously

"The scanner, sensor, and other arrays available. The computer science equipment is also top-notch."

"Ah... I doubt the array on the Annemarie could reach a tenth of the distance as yours can."

"It's not my array, its Starfleets. I'm ever grateful they've given me access, albeit limited."

"Huh... I don't remember them letting me use the one on the Dauntless when I wanted to watch a football game live..." He said in a half offended, half joking tone

She laughed. "I'm not sure they would. I have to go through a very stringent process anytime I wish to gather data from their arrays."

"They shot me down before I was halfway done talking..." He kept on on the same half joking, half offended tone

"As they should!" she said sarcastically.

"Thats cold Holly..." He said, shaking his head with a smile

She smiled and chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "I much prefer the cold."

"I am indifferent to it..." He said, chuckling as well "But that was an unneeded amount of cold..."

”I feel like it was just enough amount of cold.” she smirked back.

"Hmm... I really think it was unnecessary..." * He said in a thoughtful and slightly offended tone*

Her smirk faded slightly. “My apologies, Erwin!”

It was his turn to laugh now "don't be, just messing with you." He said, giving her a smirk in return

She shook her head, her curls twisting as well. “Hmm, i rescind my apology!”

"To late... Words can't be retrieved after being sent on their one way path." * He said smuggly, still smirking at her like a child who just won an argument*

”How can one accurately prove i actually said those words, hmm?” one of her eyebrows raised above the other.

"Security cameras... "He said casually, almost as if those two words explained everything

”Do you have access to the information produced by the cameras? How are you sure they caught my exact words, hmm?” she pressed on.

"I have a few friends that are still in the fleet... And I can lip read English, German, Russian, and Czech..."

”What if I said it in Cantonese?” she smirked again.

"I am sure one of my friends got bored one day and learned it." * He said with confidenc, before he started lsughing that is.*

She chuckled along with him. “In any case, I rescind the sentiment behind it!”

"I think you are more like that brother of yours than you think..." * He said in a clearly fake hurt tone*

She laughed at that one. “Oh, do you really think so?” she raised another eyebrow.

"Yes! Right now you are being as cold as a Vulcan..." * He said before laughing again*

”Vulcan is an abnormally hot planet. Are you trying to call me hot?” she teased with a small giggle.

"I uh... Erm..." She had clearly caught him off guard with that one "If I were to say yes would I get in trouble?" he asked after a second of thoughtfulness

She blushed softly and shook her head. “In trouble by whom? Some little female with curly blonde hair. Oh yes, I’ve got so much power! You’re gonna be fired…!”

He blushed slightly as well but quickly recovered "then the answer is a maybe." He said, still blushing slightly as he gave her a small embarrassed smile

She nodded, her hair bouncing slightly. The greenish hue penetrated her cheeks further. “Then only maybe are you fired.”

"I shall take that..." He said,finally losing the slight blush "I... Uh... Wasn't expecting that..." He admitted after a second

Her eyes wandered from gazing into his eyes for a few seconds back into the abyss of space. “I’ve only ever been to Vulcan once…” her voice trailed off.

He watched her for a second before looking down at the table "Did you like it?" He asked with genuine interest

She turned to face him again with a gentle smile. “It was hot, I was sweaty, and there was no pools to swim in. I was also like 12. I’m sure my brother had a blast! Me… would not recommend.”

He lookedup at her and smiled back with an only slightly embarrassed look "Thats what I have been told. Hot and miserable..."

”Luckily for me it was only three days! Then I went back to Paris. Ah, how glad I was to be back!”

"I bet... Sounds miserable..." He shook his head "Thankfully I have never been on a desert planet. And I never intend to." He said with a nod

”You ever been to… hmm… Luna?” she inquired, curious as to how far he had travelled.

"By Luna do you mean Earths moon? Thats what my family always called it..." He explained

”Yeah, Earths moon! Sorry, the scientist in me coming out.” she chuckled.

"I have plenty of times." He said with a nod

”It’s a really beautiful location to stargaze, especially to see the stars I’ve grown up looking at.” she smiled.

"It is... Especially if you go to one of the first districts... You really feel like you were there."

”Have you been to Mars?”

He shook his head "Not to mars, no. I only went to Luna because a friend wanted to talk a final time before he passed." he said wifh a casual tone and shrug

Her eyes slightly dropped and her tone turned solemn. “I’m so sorry, Erwin..”

"What are you apologizing for? Old Mack was over one hundred, he was a good man and I miss him but it was his time. In his own words, 'I've had a good run, time for you to take the wheel'..." He said softly and with a smile. "Death is a part of life."

”I suppose you’re right. Living eventually ends in a one person ceasing to live.” she smiled along with him, a small nod accompanying it.

"Personall, I don't know how he made it so long... He had a habit of smoking cuban cigars. If you know what those are you know they are not good for you..." He added with a soft chuckle "But yeah... Can't live forever... And where is the fun in that?"

”The ever expanding quest to find mortality…” she smiled.

"I don't know about that one. I think I have a pretty good set of morals at the moment." He said, giving her a soft smile *I'd hate to lose them over something else thats not as good... "

She nodded and took a minute to formulate an answer. “To each their own, Erwin.” she smiled as she spoke.

"Yeah... everyone is different... what do you think you would be doing if you had joined Starfleet?" He asked with interest after a second, returning her smile with his own soft, easy going grin

”Probably exactly what I’m doing now, except with Starfleet!” she chuckled.

"Ah... you never know with some people..." He explained casually, still grinning slightly

"I really do enjoy my job." she nodded, blush rushing slightly to her cheeks.

"What?" He asked, noting the blush

She tilted her head curiously. "Hmm?" she reciprocated.

"Your blushing again..." He said casually "What is it?"

She shook her head nervously and looked towards her lap. "Hmm..." she paused. "I don't know"

He chuckled faintly but didn't press it "You know..." He started with an almost embarrassed tone "I never asked you the most simple of questions... how was your day?"

"My day?" she paused, trying to recollect the events of her day. "It's been quite swell thus far. Yourself?"

"Kind of chaotic." He admitted after a second "I have been dealing with an ex crewman..."

"Ex-crewman? Are they causing you issues?" she inquired.

"Just one guy... really persistent about how he should be allowed to remain on board." He said with a shrug "If he bothers me again I am just going to get security on him..." He paused and gave her a slight grin "Or take care if him myself..."

"No! Go through the proper channels." she chuckled. "It's only the right thing to do."

"I meant along the lines of threatening to get him arrested for harassment and not just getting security to tell him off."

"Hmm." she sat back in thought and eyed Erwin directly. "Why not do both?"

"Because I don't want to be overreactive." He said after a second and a shrug "No need to take it too far."

"Well, is he still remaining aboard your vessel?"

"Nope... I kicked him off three days ago when I did the rest. He's just refused to leave me alone about it." He said with a shrug "I heard he went as far as to try and find a way to have the Annemarie impounded..." He said, beginning to laugh some "Like that would happen... or stay that way..." He added, giving her a mischievous grin

"Would the Annemarie have any reason that it would be seized?" she inquired curiously. "Your grin is giving me 'yes', but your tone is giving me 'no'."

"I mean not officially... let's just say it's best that you don't have people board my ship in an medical emergency... or at least go into the holds... if they can find them." He said with 'I know nothing, I am saying lies' tone, but how he spoke said otherwise, still giving her that same mischievous grin for a second before he lost it and laughed

She looked at him hesitantly... unsure as if he was telling the truth or not. "Erwin.... how about you get your vessel up to code!"

"I believe it just exceeds the code in a few areas..." He said casually "Especially shields and weapons..."

She shook her head again. "So you've got.... illegal weapons?"

"I admit nothing..." He said, his tone going hard for a second before laughing again "No... just hard to get and strange for a freighter. In other words I just don't want to have to explain it..." He said, the easy going, casual grin returning

She looked at him, slightly confused, slightly surprised. "Erwin..." she paused. "how about you explain it to me!"

"I may or may not have questionably retrieved legal weapons... Nothing illegal though." He said with a firm tone and nod, he was completely serious now. "I made sure to keep her completely legal."

She nodded, noting his tone. "Well, what kind of "methods" have you retrieved these weapons with?"

"I have contacted legal weapons dealers... with questionable contacts, but as far as I know they were all completely legally obtained." He said with a shrug, it was completely true, he didn't know any more than that as far as he knew they were legally obtained

She nodded, satisfied for now. "Understood, Erwin." she looked out the window. "What kind of weapons?" she asked genuinely.

"Mostly phaser arrays for the Annemarie, thought they have yet to be installed, as for any others... they are mostly anti-boarder. Much more efficient than phasers." He said with a shrug, once more following her gaze out the window

"Phaser arrays? Why?" she inquired. If he was to be within federation space there would be no reason to hold phaser arrays.

"Because you can't always trust Starfleet to protect you when your in the middle of nowhere." He said firmly, but after a second he shrugged, still looking out the window "Plus, I prefer being able to defend myself if I have to..."

"But the presence of weapons promotes hostilities. Do you often travel outside of Federation space?"

"On occasion. And most of the weapons aren't visible because I haven't had the chance to set them up yet." He shrugged again "The Annemarie will be one of the safest ships to be on when I am done with her."

She placed her palm on her chin. "But scanners can always detect the weapons signatures and power output involved."

"They aren't active. Not even hooked into the power grid." He said flippantly "But if they are detected, good, it will show that we can fight our way out of most situations if we need to."

She shook her head. "I think we've got two conflicted philosophies regarding this.."

"I believe we do indeed... but lets not let that one outshine the others." He said with a softer tone, making a reference to her star references earlier

"What others?" she chuckled. "We can focus on compromises later."

"We both love our jobs, we both agree that Vulcans, and some half vulcans, are super cold..."

"Hey!" she shouted sarcastically. "I'm a hybrid!"

"As I said, some half Vulcans can be cold..." He said casually "Hybrids can be emotional clearly..." He added in a joking tone, giving her the same easy going grin

"Well, I don't know whether that's an insult or a compliment." She added with more sarcasm. "My brother's not cold, just... he needs to be defrosted!"

"So he's frozen?" He asked, mimicking her sarcastic tone with a serious face before breaking out in a smile and laughing some

She shook her head, laughing. "If that was the case I'm not sure he'd be here."

"But you just said he needed to be defrosted..." He said, driving that point home... maybe he'd win this part of the conversation... "So that means he had to be frozen..."

”Maybe he’s a little freezer burnt, but not frozen!” she retorted.

Got to have been frozen to have freezer burn... Freezer burn is when something was frozen so long it lost a lot of it's moisture..." He said smugly, giving her a semi-smug smile

”He may have been frozen at one point! But I doubt he’s still currently frozen.”

"Oh... does that mean he found something that melts him a little bit?" He asked, losing the smugness and gaining a look of actual interest

”I honestly am not sure! Maybe I’ll gather up the courage to contact him sometime… or just show up at his quarters.”

"I think contacting him first will be best..." He said in a thoughtful tone "That way he has time to prepare... though... that may make him try to run if he tries to avoid contact with you."

She laughed out loud at the thought of Styre running away. “Pffft! Noo, I don’t think he’d ever. He’d be caught off guard, yeah, but he would never run!”

"Are you sure? Some people dread family members, myself included when it comes to my birth parents." He said casually

”Styre would never run unless absolutely necessary.” she said simply. “I don’t think he dreads us…”

"Us?" He asked casually, his eyebrow raising slightly "Is that a general term or what?"

She shook her head. “My family, I’m quite confident on the fact that he absolutely loathes you.” she chuckled, the last bit said in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh I'm sure he'd loath me if he acts like a Vulcan...: He said with a small smile, almost as if he was proud of that

”He’s got no discontent for anyone, at least I don’t think so…”

"Oh? It seems I have my work cut out for me then..." He said with a determined tone, rubbing his hands together as if he was preparing to do am impossible feat

She shook her head disapprovingly. “I would prefer if you don’t make my brother… hate you?”

"Aww..." He said in a semi-disappointed tone "It's been so long since I had a Vulcan tell me that I am being irrational..." He added on "But yeah, probably right... I don't need another person after me..."

”Well Erwin,” she said softly, checking the time. “I believe it’s time for me to go and finish a holoprogram. Are you doing anything next week?” *she inquired.I

"I see..." He said in a slightly disappointed tone, he enjoyed talking to her, it was nice being able to "I should be free all week unless the Annemarie decides she wants some repairs... but other than that I am completely free." He said with a easy going grin

She smiled politely with a quick nod as she stood up with her tray and cup. “Expect a PADD message from me tomorrow morning!”

"I will indeed!" He said, standing as well, his grin turning into a returning smile

She waved just prior to recycling her tray and cup, then she walked out.

He returned the wave before disposing of his own tray and then leaving

He entered the messhall with a casual gait, he was still a short and as bulldogish as ever, he was still wearing the cargoship crewmans jumpsuit with a thick work jacket over it with a few burn marks on it. He replicated a steak with a side of mashed potatoes and moved to a window table and sat before he started to eat.

Holly had followed in a few moments later. She had on jeans with a black t-shirt and a white overcoat. She replicated a hamburger with a side of pasta salad and macaroni. She saw Erwin with a smile and sat straight across from him.

"Hey Holly!" He said with small grin. "How are you doing?" He asked with a genuine tone.

Holly's smile continued as she nodded. "I'm doing quite well, Erwin. How about yourself?"

"Glad to hear your doing good, I've been alright, keeping the Annemarie running as usual." He said with a small nod.

"Yeah, running diagnostics on equipment is... well it's definitely a chore." She chuckled.

"I can understand that." He said with an understanding nod and smile. "What have you been up to recently?" He asked before taking a bite of his steak.

"Just that. I've been running diagnostics on all sensors I am privy to. My results aren't getting nowhere near what I've expected."

"Oh? And what did you get compared to what you expected?" *He asked with a raised eyebrow and an inquisitive tone.^

"I've been expecting to see numerous planetary bodies with xenon and argon within their atmospheres but the amount I've seen versus the amount I've been expecting is less than 10 times less."

"Is that a bad thing...?" He asked with a slightly awkward tone. He didn't know what half the science terms meant...

"Not necessarily, I just have to rule out faulty equipment prior to ruling anything else." she smiled.

"Ah, so what does it mean then?" He asked before he took a bite of his mashed potatoes. "Does it cause problems for inhabitants or something?"

She chuckled and shook her head. "The planets I'm looking at aren't inhabited. They're merely pinpoints for the maps I'm attempting to make."

"Ah. I see. You do know I have no idea what your talking about though right...?" He asked with an awkward tone.

"I figured." She chuckled again.

"Thats what you get for liking a cargo ship captain..." He said with an awkward chuckle.

"I don't mind it, makes for a fun time discussing the inner workings of my career."

"I get an extra brain cell each time we talk..." He said with a small chuckle.

"You'll work there slowly." she smiled. "What have you been up to?"

"Mostly just keeping the Annemarie in one piece." He said with a small chuckle. "Its hard to keep her going. I am probably going to send her out with a crew and do the logistics while staying here."

"You're going to... stay here?" she inquired... surprised.

"Yeah... I like it here, and its going to be lonely out there now..." He said with a small self conscious smile.

She tilted her head curiously. "Why so?"

"Well I won't be able to have these take with you." He said with a small smile.

She smiled in return, her teeth showing only slightly. "You are very correct, Erwin."

"What? No 'Erwin Müller'?" He asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.

"Mr. Müller" she smiled as she spoke.

"Ah... there it is.." He said with a small chuckle.

"Well, how have you been lately?"

"Doing good, saw some old friends on my last trip but other than that nothing much has happened."

"Well, seeing old acquaintances is always a joy, no?" she chuckled

"Yeah, It is." He agreed with a small nod and his own small chuckle.

"Logistics, eh?" she commented, trying to further the conversation.

"Yeah, mostly started carrying parts." He explained. "But I've also been carrying food stuffs."

"And I've started carrying the weight of work!" she smiled. "How do you enjoy your job?"

"It's fun, something new always seems to happen." He said with a small nod.

"New things! I love new things" she said giddily

"Yeah, its usually fun, except when you suddenly have life support fail..." He said with his own smile.

"Life support failure sounds like a complete adventure, no?" she chuckled.

"It can also be an indefinite one..." He said with a small chuckle.

"A lifelong adventure!" she returned a small chuckle.

"Exactly!" He said before taking the last bite of his mashed potato's.

"Well, not the longest adventure, but one to be remembered... until death!"

He laughed fully this time, not just a small chuckle. "Yeah... Until death."

She couldn't help but laugh aloud as well. "Well, hopefully life support fails to fail."

"If I can get an actual engineer I will probably make them second officer. They can probably ensure that life support indeed fail to fail."

"Your ship doesn't have an actual engineer?" She looked surprised

"As of now I am the only permanent crewman, I have had a few on the last trip but that was because they were working for passage.*

"Reminds of... indentured servitute?" she inquired softly

"I mean... it is kinda... but I prefer if they were to purchase quarters. The tasks I assign are mostly just cleaning or keeping logs for me. And they get a free trip to wherever they are heading." He said with a casual shrug. "I see it more as a trade, I trade my time heading to where they want to go, and they trade their free time."

She nodded, understanding somewhat. "Seems like vaguely bartering to me!"

"It really falls under a lot of name." He said with a shrug before taking another bite of his steak.

"Only if you're smart." she reciprocated back. "When you were younger..." she went on

"Yes...?" He asked, waiting for her to continue with another bite of his steak.

"Did you imagine yourself running a vessel?"

"I was really more of a dream that I wanted to do it. I never thought it would actually happen."

"So as a child, what did you imagine yourself doing?"

"Captaining a cargo ship, but my parents wanted me to go into Starfleet, so my forced imagination was a captain of a ship."

"'Forced Imagination'... hmm, a new term?" she inquired sarcastically.

"Yes." He responded with equal sarcasm.

"You've become quite the poet?"

"No. I have not."

"I like to think of you as one. Why not?"

"Because I don't read or write poetry..." He said with a soft smile.

"That doesn't mean you can't be a poet!"

"Poets write poetry, I do not write poetry, therefore, I am not a poet." He explained with an intellectual tone.

"Writing poetry and being a poet are not mutually exclusive. You can be a poet just by talking!"

"I see..." He said with the same intellectual tone before smiling and chuckling.

"I do as well, I am assured that my eyes are in working order!" she chuckled.

He chuckled again and gently smiled at her.

"Your smile has always impressed me, Mr. Erwin Mueller."

he smiled again and gently took her hand and squeezed it softly. "You know, you're the first person to say that..." He said with a friendly tone.

Her cheeks blushed a shade of green as she looked into his eyes. "Well, I guess I'd be the first."

"Yeah... It is an interesting thing." He said with another small smile.

"You're an interesting individual, Erwin."

"So are you Miss Holly Styre." He said with a chuckle, mimicking her way of using his first and last name.

She let out a small smirk as more blush filled her cheeks. "I do not know what to say."

He blushed slightly as well and continued to smile softly.

"What are you doing next saturday at o'four hundred?"

"Nothing really, I should be here still." He said with a slightly inquisitive tone. "Why?"

"How about we go on a jog?" she asked inquisitively.

"Sure, that sounds nice. I will try to find something outside of a cargo ship crewmen's jump suit to wear." He said with a small, self conscious chuckle.

"I'll get to see you in actual clothes?" she chuckled.

"Maybe... I may just lose the jacket." He said with a slightly ominous tone.

"Oh, phew!" she chuckled, her relief being sarcastic.

"What, are you afraid I'd look even more handsome than I do already?" He asked a sarcastic tone with his own chuckle.

"I do not believe something like that is possible." she chuckled softly.

He blushed a little more before chuckling.

"So, Erwin. What's your favorite thing to do?"

"I don't really have a favorite thing to do. I mean, I like to walk the promenade, but I really like just working on the Annemarie, and spending time with you." He said with a small smirk, he figured that she would blush some when he added on that last part, just what he wanted to have happen.

Just as her green cheeks were receding they came back stronger. "You know how to turn my blush on, don't you?"

"Yes, no, maybe so..." He said with another smirk. "But it does make you... cuter." He said with his own blush returning.

She looked down at her lap and shook her head. "Oh hush!"

"What? Did I lie?" He asked with a sarcastically concerned tone.

"I don't know, can subjectivity be lies?" she inquired.

"Well. Maybe..." He said with a thoughtful tone before giving her hand another gentle squeeze.

"I don't think it can!" she smiled and squeezed his hand in return.

"Well then, so you admit you're cute when you blush?" He asked with a small smirk at her, his own blush returning again when she returned the squeeze.

"Once against, that's a subjective matter!" she quietly said, her own unconscious smile growing.

"So you don't think your cute when you blush?" He asked casually with his own smile.

"I would argue that I am not cute, no." she said simply.

"If that was an opinion I would have to do accept it but since it is a fact your clearly wrong." He said firmly.

"You simply cannot enforce your opinions as fact, Mr. Erwin." she chuckled.

"It is not my opinion, I know it as a fact. Just like I know the Annemarie." He repeated firmly.

"Once again, it is a subjective opinion. Bound to the laws that all opinions are! Subjectivity!" she smiled.

He mumbled something. "There's another one I lost..."

"I wouldn't call you a loser..." she tilted her head with her tongue stuck out.

"Your actions speak louder than words..."

"Actions can't speak!" she chuckled softly.

"Oh no... I am not losing another argument with you..." He said with hid own soft chuckle.

"Now, take me to the internals of your vessel and I'd understand nothing." she smiled.

"To be completely honest... I don't either..."

"Oh hush, better than I do at least."

"Oh for sure." He said with confidence. "Would you like to go for a walk?" He asked casually before letting go of her hand with another soft squeeze and then finishing his steak off.

"I've still got to eat!" she chuckled, looking down at her half-eaten bowl of soup.

"I don't mind waiting. Annemarie is all good for the next few days." He said with a casual tone.

She tilted her head curiously. "What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. I plan to just sit on the station for a few days, let the Annemarie sit for a few days and take a break." He said with a casual shrug.

“Just sit here? That sounds quite boring.” She shook her head with a small laugh.

"Well why not? It's better than staring at the Annemarie's view screen all day." He said with a small grin.

”Why not go on vacation… or you could go on a jog!” she offered

"Eh... well I did offer to go on a walk..." He said with a small grin, clearly referring to when he asked if she wanted to go take a walk somewhere.

”A Walk is not akin to jog!” she chuckled slightly “but where to?”

"One is just a little faster than the other. But if we jog you will have to deal with me in this old jumpsuit, walking I would actually have to go change..."

"WHy would you have to dread through the corridors in that jumpsuit shall we jog?" she inquired curiously.

"Which ever you wish to do Ms Styre." He said with a small smile.

"I believe the choice is yours, Erwin Mueller." she smiled back to Erwin.

"To late, the task has been handed off to you and I won't take it back." He said firmly. "So what shall we do Ms. Styre?"

”I suppose im Just going to sit here until a decision is made by yourself.” she said, crossing her arms and leaning back.

"Well, I would prefer to go for that walk..." He said with a thoughtful tone as he leaned back, but he said it in a way where if she said yes it would be her idea.

She nodded with a slight smile. "I'd be down for a walk." She chuckled.

"Sounds good, Where at?" He asked casually, he did say he was going to change out of the jumpsuit if they went for a walk.

"Wherever you desire." she smiled, looking at Erwin. It was her way of hoping that he'd actually make a decision.

"Ah... how about the park?"

"That would be quite wonderful!" she smiled with a wide nod. "I haven't been there in a while."

"Alright, meet you there? I did say I would change if we went for a walk."

"I'll meet you there in one hour!" she nodded and stood up, her eyes fixated on Erwin.

"Alright!" He said with a kind tone as he stood, his own eyes locked onto her.

"Sounds like a plan." Holly looked at Erwin, a sparkle in her eye. "I look forward to seeing you in different clothing for once."

"Don't count on it being often..." He said with a chuckle, his eyes still locked on her.

"Well, why not?" she asked genuinely.

"Never know what will happen, I like being in the jumpsuit..." He said with a shrug, "I will make an effort to wear it less though."

She let out a sarcastic shrug. "Well I guess so.." she chuckled. "Sounds good."

"Alright, see you there." He said with a small smile.

”You too!” she smiled in return as she left.

He followed a few minutes later after disposing of his trash.

After her exciting evening with Eshen, Aella said good bye before her boyfriend headed to work. It felt almost as if she was a wife with her husband going to war, but that war was just sitting in diplomat talks with various species to negotiate deals for self sealing stembolts or something. Either way, she had to busy herself for yet another day. Perhaps it would be a good chance to check some more tastes off her list. She headed to the mess hall with a PADD in hand. She had a list of more foods that Nalas wanted her to try with her new medication. Today Aella was dressed very lovely, courtesy of her fashionable boyfriend. She wore a long chiffon skirt, peach in colour, with a long sleeve off white top to match. Eshen had been so kind as to help redo her fishtail braid and even added some golden clips to it. She looked like a peach faerie, very pretty and definitely did not match the more plain decorations of the Starbase. As Aella approached the replicator she clicked through the items she was going to try on her PADD. "Toasted garlic bread, chocolate filled croissant, kreyla bread, and... Iced Milo, bitter," A strange combination of foods, but that is what Nalas recommended for her.

Only a couple of moments after Aella had entered the mess hall, a Vulcan lady with long black hair came in. T’Rama was dressed completely in black today. She was wearing long Vulcan robes, as usual, and the only element of colour was a white embroidery, reaching from her right elbow, all the way down her right side and to the lower rim of the robe. It said, in Vulcan script, ‘The calm mind is the one that truly knows.’ It was a quote from Surak’s essays, of course. However, today T’Rama could not seem to agree completely. She knew, knew that her lover was gone, lost forever, and though she knew - or maybe because she knew - her mind did not feel calm. Stepping into the mess hall provided a nice distraction, though. As she went towards the replicators, she saw a familiar face - Aella, the Vorta, dressed in a wonderful peach colored skirt. “Greetings, Aella,” said T’Rama carefully from behind and then stepped up next to Aella to order something from the replicator as well: “Pok Tar, with redspice. And a glass of gespar juice.” (edited)

What a lovely surprise, it was that Vulcan woman she had helped earlier! The starbase was big, she really didn't expect they would cross paths again, but here they were. She gave the woman a polite nod, careful not to smile or act too overtly friendly. "Hello T'Rama," She spoke softly in her gentle sing-song voice. "Would you like to sit together?" She inquired as she put her PADD on her tray so she could pick it up. Vulcans did not do casual conversation during meals, right? But maybe being in the presence of a familiar face would be calming? Aella wasn't quite sure what it was, but she felt like T'Rama was troubled. She wasn't telepathic like Vulcans were, but she had a sense that being on a Starbase so far from home was probably stressful for the young Vulcan woman. She couldn't be sure, but offering wouldn't hurt, right?

T’Rama was actually relieved that Aella had offered. Mind melding with Remun had made her realise just how lonely she really was on this station and in her life. Even Remun was lonely and his presence didn’t exactly help. T’Rama nodded. “I would not be opposed to the idea at all, Aella.” She then picked up her own tray carefully and turned around to look at the tables. She still had that same sad look in her eyes, the little glint of sorrow that she kept neatly out of the rest of her appearance. She looked for a free table and approached it, as it was the logical next course of action.

Aella was glad that T'Rama had agreed and stood by her as they searched for a table. It seemed her new acquaintance had spotted it first and was already walking towards it. Perhaps the Vulcan's sensitive hearing would pick up on the difference in Aella's foot steps today. Not in her typical heels, Aella was wearing flat slippers, easier to walk in and very comfortable. Once they reached the table, she gently set her tray down and took a seat. It took her a few seconds to get comfortable in the seat, she had to fight with her skirt a little but eventually she was able to sit properly. Skirts were nice, but they were a pain to work with sometimes. Aella had never worn trousers nor did she plan to so she would have to suffer with skirts. "I'm having Vulcan food too," Aella pointed to her kreyla bread before realising what she said was... Superfluous conversation. Not good for Vulcans, right? She picked up the bread and began to eat it slowly, hoping she didn't offend the newcomer with her comment.

T’Rama’s sensitive ears would indeed pick up on the soft sound of Aella’s slippers. They also picked up on the constant humming of the station, the chatter in the room, the clatter of cutlery… It was almost overwhelming. T’Rama set down with her tray, smoothing out her robe over her knees. She had less of a fight than Aella had with her clothes. The Vorta’s comment might have been superfluous, as she was pointing out the obvious. However, T’Rama did not seem to mind. She was… indifferent, leaning towards interested. “I see. That is an interesting combination of foodstuffs,” she said, looking at Aella’s plate. Then she took a sip of gespar juice, liking her lips afterwards. It was sweet and cooling. Yes, this may have been small talk, and not necessarily pertinent or logical, but T’Rama was not speaking to a fellow Vulcan and she was glad to have something to take her mind off things.

The other's delicate movements were great for Aella's sensitive ears. Truth be told, she preferred to avoid mess halls because they were so noisy. Her hearing was just as sensitive as Vulcanoids' if not better, after all the Vorta were specifically engineered to have incredible hearing by the Founders. She ate her bread slowly, careful not to make too much noise as she ate. After taking a sip of her Milo drink she looked back at T'Rama. "I am part of a science experiment to try and test my taste. I have a list of flavours I need to try," Aella explained, thinking that if T'Rama spoke to her it was alright to reply? Not too much conversation so she tried to keep her sentences short. She broke off a piece of her baguette and nibbled it, tapping away some notes on her PADD. Bread: Good, Chocolate: No. But at least she liked the texture of Milo, even if it had no taste to her. "How is your visit so far?" Was that comment out of line? Aella was a Vorta and as such she was ever so curious about all the goings-on around the station. She couldn't help it, besides this was technically part of her job; to learn about how people interacted and report to the Founders. Seeing as the Vulcans were a large part of the Federation, this was simply research.

As T’Rama heard about an experiment, her interest was piqued. She was a scientist herself, though actually a botanist - she worked in a vertical farm, where she had to do mostly with the growing of vegetables. In that fields, flavours and tastes were also important, though T’Rama’s work was centred around growth cycles primarily. “That sounds like an intriguing study. Do let me know the results you have come to so far,” she said, plainly, but the fact that she said that already gave away that she was interested. She set down her glass of juice with a small click and considered her response to Aella’s question. Logically speaking, her visit had been… “My visit has been successful, in that I have found and made the acquaintance of Remun T’Lauk whom I am to be wed to. Other than that, it has been…” Alienating. “Neutral.” It was true in the sense that she didn’t feel so different. Sure, this place felt strange and new, but she wasn’t any more or less alone than at home. If anything, at least Remun now knew how she felt and she knew how he felt, at least do an extent. T’Rama wasn’t sure whether that made it better or worse, though. (edited)

'Do let me know the results', oh so that meant she was interested? Aella wasn't sure what T'Rama's job was but Vulcans loved science, in fact she recalled the Vulcan Science Academy was one of the most renowned science institutions in the Federation, was it not? "I will," She replied plainly, doing her best to avoid any unnecessary comments. She wanted to tell T'Rama about Ratman Nalas and how he was always acting silly, about all the examinations that were really just the two of them cracking jokes at each other. But that was all too illogical. They were talking about work and relevant information, not Aella's personal life. As she listened to T'Rama's thoughts on her visit so far, Aella took a small bite of her chocolate croissant. As expected, she tasted the croissant, but not the chocolate. In fact she much disliked the texture of the chocolate and chased it with some Milo (which was chocolate, but the texture was better). "Oh, he is your fiance?" Aella found it odd that they were engaged yet had never met. "Arranged marriage, right?" She was not super knowledgeable about other cultures' courtship rituals, but she was vaguely aware of the practice of arranged marriages. Eshen had told her about it, but beyond that she was unaware of the reasoning or how one could marry someone they didn't know.

“Correct,” said T’Rama, her voice soft and quiet as ever, but also cool and emotionless. Not as harsh as Remun’s voice, though. “Our parents arranged the marriage.” She didn’t add that it was unusual to get into an arranged marriage so late in life and that it was only happening because she’d lost her husband. Instead, T’Rama looked down at her food and started eating. She ate carefully and slowly, taking little bites at a time. “On Vulcan, I work on a vertical farm as a botanist. One field of research includes that of flavours and how they are impacted when plants are grown indoors under artificial light. I would be interested in hearing about the experiment you are involved in, Aella.” (edited)

"I see," Aella said about the arranged marriage. She wondered if the Dominion ever had such a practice, what type of person would the Founders pair her with? The idea was illogical though, seeing as Vorta and Jem'hadar were cloned. An arranged marriage has a goal of sexual reproduction which, of course, did not exist in the Dominion. Aella took a few more sips of Milo, enjoying the smooth and creamy texture of the drink. It supposedly had a lot of healthy vitamins, not that it really mattered. The Vorta had very low nutritional needs, another 'gift' from their gods. "That is very fascinating. Do you work with any Gamma quadrant plants? The Vorta enjoy Rippleberries and Kava nuts. We have other fruits and nuts, but those two are the easiest to obtain in Federation space."

“Currently, the farm I am working on is only concerned with growing native Vulcan plants. However, we are planning on expanding,” said T’Rama. She didn’t seem happy, per se, because like most Vulcans, her expression was impossible to read. But she was internally glad to be able to talk about her work. “We will begin with plants from planets with at least similar environments to that of Vulcan. Perhaps one day we will also grow rippleberries and kava nuts. What do they taste like?” As she waited for Aella’s reply, T’Rama returned her attention to the food in front of her. The Pok Tar was not overwhelmingly good, and yet T’Rama seemed to savour every bite. It was one thing her job had taught her - plants take a long time to grown, better appreciate them at the consumption! Of course, it was illogical in this context, because all of this was replicated - but eating considerately was simply a habit of T’Rama.

"That is logical," Aella replied, taking in all of the information T'Rama was telling her. It may be a stretch, but she wondered if the Founders would be interested in the Vulcan scientists' work. It could help them grow the plants of Kurill Prime outside of the Gamma Quadrant because as it was importing was extremely time consuming and resource draining. "Rippleberries are sweet and have a bit of a citrus taste, whilst Kava Nuts are chewy and have an earthy taste. The Vorta were originally primitive ape-like creatures before the Founders came and genetically modified us to be the commanders of their new empire," Oh no, was that getting too close to the big G? Aella stuffed more Kreyla into her mouth as she tried to think of a way to save her ass from that statement. "I am sure you know all about how the Dominion has evolved, that is why I am here. So I can learn and build good relations with other species."

“I see,” said T’Rama and nodded. She had basic knowledge of the Dominion, of course. Unlike her writer. Oops, exposed. “It is good to hear that the Dominion is fostering peaceful relations now. You are here on a diplomatic mission, then? What is your position?” T’Rama was taking a liking to this woman, against all logical odds. Or maybe it was logical to like her. Why should T’Rama dislike someone who had been nothing but friendly, considerate and helpful towards her? Really, Aella hadn’t even done any wildly illogical things yet. She was perfectly likeable. The Vulcan woman took another sip of her juice and a forkful of her Pok Tar.

"Yes, I am here as the Dominion Liaison. My official rank and title is Vara'toran, speaker for the Founders," Aella said with a proud smile before she remembered Vulcans do not smile and she quickly returned to a neutral expression. She was proud of her position and accomplishments, unlike some others on the station. Despite their shortcomings, Aella could not see herself as anything other than a Vorta commander, they were a proud race, just like the Jem'hadar, even if she acknowledged they were essentially genetically engineered to be slaves. "My job is to interact with as many people to foster peaceful relations and learn about different cultures. I am equally fascinated by your science project, the Founders have been looking to find a way to grow Gamma quadrant flora in other places of the galaxy, a way to share their culture and biodiversity. Kurill Prime, the Vorta homeworld, is warm like Vulcan, but it is far from a desert planet," Aella explained, hoping she wasn't talking too much. But by the quiet and unwavering void of emotions of T'Rama as she ate, Aella wasn't doing anything too out of line or illogical.

“Your work sounds equally interesting,” said T’Rama between two bites. As she was chewing on some Vulcan vegetables, she considered her next sentence. Finally, she swallowed and decided that it couldn’t hurt, could it? “Perhaps we should… stay in touch, Aella. It would surely aid cultural exchange to be in contact with a Dominion Liaison, and I would be interested in combining your knowledge of Gamma quadrant flora with my own knowledge of farming.” She looked form her food to Aella for a second, something like… perhaps it was hopefulness? Or shyness? In her eyes. “Only if it is no trouble.”

Was this Vulcan offering to communicate with her?? Outside of her time on the station? This was surely something new for miss Aella 5. She definitely had to tell the Founders about this. She kept her expression neutral though as she finished up her Milo. "I would be agreeable to that," A simple reply, a logical reply, yes that was good. She kept telling herself it was because T'Rama was a scientist who was interested in Gamma quadrant plants. That's all this was. But why did it seem like T'Rama was more interested in her than the plants she ate? "I have a couple of books about the flora of the Gamma quadrant you may be interested in. I am not sure if you have copies in your Federation database, but in them they describe in more details the types of plants we have. I could send them to you if you'd like."

T’Rama nodded. She was relieved that Aella didn’t seem to see her as a bother. On the contrary, Aella seemed very much willing to keep in contact with her. “I would like that, thank you,” she said and nodded again, for good measure. She was grateful that she had met this person. Aella was pleasant. She was neither overwhelmingly emotional, nor harshly distant like Remun. She was simply helpful and kind. Under different circumstances, T’Rama might have invited her for a round of 3D chess or Kal-Toh. But she had other things to worry about at the moment.

"How long are you staying? Perhaps I could show you around. We have a community garden on the statino. I've never been there myself, but perhaps we could explore together?" Was that too much? Aella really wanted to help out this woman, not because she was working as a liaison, but because she could see sense loneliness. She wasn't quite sure what type of person this Remun T'Lauk was, but sometimes women needed to be around other women, right?

T’Rama would have smiled, were it not for her devotion to Surak. Internally, she was smiling. Aella was being more kind to her than anyone had been since… well, since Setiac. “I would very much enjoy that,” said T’Rama softly. “I will be staying for five more nights. I will have plenty of time for you to show me the station. A community garden sounds intriguing.”

"Then you can PADD me when you're free. I am usually exploring and writing reports so my schedule is pretty flexible," Aella did not smile, just like T'Rama, but she equally wanted to smile at the prospect of making a new friend. Not only did they have tentative plans to go on tour but Aella felt like her presence was enjoyable to T'Rama. What was this warm feeling she felt thought her body from head to toe? It was.... Happiness. Happiness because she could do something to enrich someone else's day. A kind act, she was certainly making Eshen proud with her growing socialisation skills. Aella finished up her kreyla, deciding not to eat the rest of the croissant or baguette. She much preferred the kreyla, chocolate and whatever was in baguettes just wasn't vibing with her. Now that Aella was done eating it was logical to leave, right? She looked at her tray and then up at T'Rama.

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T’Rama was also finished with her food (the portion hadn’t been big, maybe that’s why she was relatively skinny.) and she looked up at Aella as well. “You are an agreeable companion, Aella, thank you for sitting with me. I will be sure to contact you when I have time.”

"Thank you, I look forward to our tour," Aella bowed her head and stood up to go return her tray to the replicator. After doing that she headed out the door to go back to her quarters and resume writing her report.

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