Star Trek: Eventide 777 - astrometrics-lab

"Well!" He smiled and folded his arms as he slumped into a chair. "What kind of books do you like?"

She sat in a char across from him, keeping herself in a perfect posture. "I enjoy all kinds, really. At the moment, I'm really enjoying an old earth one from the year 1909. It's called The Phantom of the Opera. Have you heard of it?"

"I've read it in fact." He replied, "Though I'm only three quarters through."

"Oh, Streelan." She leaned foward slightly. "I highly recommend finishing it. I personally think it's a timeless classic. But I won't force you to if you have other literary obligations.

"Oh, I do." Streelan smiled. "And I will by the end of the week. I spend far too much time wirh my face buried in a book at night for that to not be possible..."

"Please let me know when you finish it. I would love to talk about it with you. Perhaps over a coffee?"

"Give me till Saturday." He replied with a grin. "I would love to talk about it with you."

"It's a date then." A smile made its way across her face. She then spoke again. "What are some books you've enjoyed?"

"Many. Far too many for me to list then all right now." He quipped. "But to name a few. By the Evening Star by Zhelriss sh'Tarah, My Stolid Fortress by Grem Glasch Skellich, Red Sky in the Morning..."

"Those are great ones. I would love to pick your brain on books and your absolute favorites one day."

"I welcome it." Streelan grinned. "I haven't had anyone to talk about books and reading with in a while..."

"I don't think I've ever had anyone to talk about them with." She crossed her legs and smiled back at him. "It's really nice."

"You know what?" Streelan laughed. "I agree. It is. And I like it very much."

"I like it too. I feel like sometimes books are so easily looked over. But what people fail to realize is that they can take you on an adventure just like a holodeck can."

"Indeed they can, and it is a crying shame that people sometimes fail to see their value." He remarked.

"I feel the same way! Some people just see them as too much of a hassle to bother with. But if they would just pick one up when they had a free moment and see how wonderful and magical they are." Ellanor leaned back into her chair and spoke softly. "They fail to realize a book can take them other places and times. It's like time travel in your hand.."

"Magic within their pages." Streelan agreed with a smirk. "Perhaps we ought to start a book club among the crew."

"The thought crossed my mind as well. How would we go about putting one together? I've never been in a club before."

"We've our own networks of friends. Why don't we ask around?" He suggested. "Surely there must be some who wouldn't mid meeting to discuss their reading once in a while!"

"Yeah, perhaps you're right. If not in the science division alone, I'm sure there's at least one or two people that'll join."

"Why don't we give it a few days to locate and collate members? I'm sure there'll be plenty!" He laughed out loud.

"Yes! Let's do it!" Ellanor laughed as well, then turned serious. "How does a book club work?"

"Oh, simply a group recommending books and discussing their reading. In a hopefully civilized manner." He quipped.+

"I would prefer it being civil. A respectful and mature environment. I'm actually pretty excited for this, yet also nervous."

"As am I! I'll see you for that date then! I have some work to do." He chuckled.

"I should probably go and put my research in the computer. I look forward to it." Ellanor stood and smiled at the Kelpien. "It's nice to meet you again, Streelan."

"It has been nice to meet you too, Ell. Till then!" He smiled and spun back round to work.

Ellanor smiled again and made her way out to the door. Her mind wondered to their date. She should read up on some books so she could have plenty to talk about.