Before I get into it, I want to share that I got my official letter from the United States Copyright Office. I officially have the copyright to my novel! :)

Chapter 19

"All right, people, here is the plan. Rotate shore leaves, so someone is always on the ship. I'll leave it up to you all how to portion that out." Brigit addresses the crew around the table that they have brought back up from the floor after they docked.

Brigit turns to Adair. "When will they retrieve the cargo?"

Cali brings up the shipping manifest on the table display. "Looks like 0800 tomorrow."

Brigit nods and continues to Doc, "How are provisions? How soon can you have us refueled, so to speak?"

Doc consults his display. "I put in the order before we came in, so they'll drop off the provisions in the window between offloading cargo and new cargo coming in. They are pretty flexible, and it's all packed up and ready."

"Sounds good," Brigit turns to Rory, "And actual refueling?"

"In progress, as we speak, cap, likely will finish before we get any cargo to take anywhere else."

"Sounds good." Brigit goes back to addressing the entire group. "If you don't know, we have a three-day waiting period before we can get our cargo on our own. The Blessed Accord has that policy in case there are any governmental shipments that they need us to do. So I'll be watching cargo needs until that three-day window has passed, and I'll snag us something good." She looks over at Adair. "Maybe something more interesting than weights." She smiles at them all. "That's it, dismissed."

#

After Brigit left the bridge to let them figure out who was going on leave first, they all look at each other, no one wanting to go first.

"Has anyone been feeling more cooped up than others?" Rory asks.

"Or does anyone want to go climbing on one of Zephyr's windswept mountains? I, for one, am not feeling up to that yet." Cali asks.

"Didn't I tell you? Doctor's orders, no climbing." Doc grins at Cali.

"Oh darn. I guess I'm staying on the ground. Actually, I might not even venture down to Zephyr." Cali muses.

"Well, I, for one, am going to go down. I try to commune with the elements when I can. Doc, do you want to go with me?" Adair asks Doc.

"Sure. I've never been, and I like new things."

"Okay, since you two know at least somewhat of what you wanna do, you go first. And since we are having a hard time figuring out who is going next, we can just play it by ear. How about this? If you are getting ready to go out, check with Tyche, make sure someone is on ship, and notify them you're leaving. Sound good?" Rory asks.

After a round of assents from around the table, Rory stands. "Well, that's settled. Have fun, you two," she says as she walks to the ladder. Then, going down the ladder, she calls back, "Not too much fun, though!"

Doc and Adair smile at each other as they too head for the ladder to get ready, leaving Cali by herself on the bridge. She thinks back to what happened before they left Terrene and hurries to catch up with the others. "Hey, let's buddy system, okay? Not everyone in these orbitals is Accord. You two are set, so go. But Rory, when you're ready to leave, let me know, okay, and I can go with you."

"I wouldn't expect any trouble, but I guess you wouldn't, would you, until you got into it. Sure, okay." Rory smiles. "We can make an event of it!"

#

Coming from different directions, Adair and Doc meet in the corridor leading to the front lock. Adair gives Doc a once-over and nods in approval at his outfit. He is wearing dark blue jeans that are so smooth as almost to be trousers, a tight brown turtleneck that shows off his pecs, and a black leather jacket that looks stylish and comfortable. Adair utters a small 'yum' under their breath.

Doc smiles as he catches the personal comment and takes a moment to check out Adair as well. They look exquisite in a pair of long mustard-colored, loose slacks, a deep maroon blouse that seemed to hang in all the right places. A gold heart necklace accents the plunging neckline that was currently almost entirely hidden by a navy blue hand-knit shawl, which brings out the blue in Adair's eyes. He nods and makes a small 'mmm' of approval.

Holding out his arm, he asks, "Shall we?"

Adair slips over and place their arm in his, enjoying the closeness. Then, as the two of them exit the dock, they press closer to Doc, ostensibly for warmth, as the maintenance area of the dock is significantly colder than the areas where they expected people.

"So, where are we going?" They ask.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He teases.

They nudge his ribs with their elbow. "Yes, that's why I asked, you noop."

"We're going to eat. I've heard that there is this place up on one of the fancy levels where they do great things with filamentals." He responds.

"Okay, I haven't heard that one before. So what's a filamental?" Adair asks.

By this time, they have reached the lift. Doc presses the button. The doors open momentarily, and they walk in. It is full of other similarly well-dressed people on their way to a fun night. He continues, "A filamental is a type of tree that grows on Zephyr. There are many kinds, but what this place specializes in is the savory kind. It's almost like a noodle, but it's the tubular leaves of the tree. You'll see, it's pretty good."

Exiting the elevator, the two of them make their way to the restaurant, and the Maitre'd escorts them to their seats. The restaurant has warm golden hues with black accents. It seems very classy, and Adair feels a little underdressed. But once the host has seated them and the conversation started, they don't worry about it anymore.

"Okay, so you have to tell me," Doc opens the conversation, "What is noop? You've called me that a few times. I've tried to figure it out and got nowhere."

Adair laughs. "You're gonna kick yourself when I tell you." They pause for emphasis with a smile. "It's short for nincompoop." When Doc smacked his head, they laugh. "I told you."

Adair turns their attention to the menu and asks, "Okay, point me in the right direction. What should I order?"

Doc thinks for a moment. "well, that depends. What do you usually like?"

"Fried. Anything fried is delicious." They replied with no hesitation.

"Ah, in that case, you should get the Fentonaire. It's a deep-fried Fenton on a bed of savory rice. I've had it before, and I think it will exceed your expectations."

They close the menu. "That's all I needed." Then they grin. "Would you be so kind as to pick my wine for me as well?"

"Well, I would, except I have almost no knowledge in that area. However, I imagine that they have a sommelier that could help us."

Adair smiles, and Doc feels that familiar fluttering in his midsection that he gets whenever Adair smiles. He is just about to say something when the server comes over.

"Are you two ready to order?" The server asks pleasantly.

"Certainly," Doc answers. "My lovely date here will have the Fentonaire, and I'll have roasted Filch." At the server's nod, Doc also asks, "can you send the Sommelier over as well? Thanks."

As soon as the server leaves, Adair leans forward. "Okay, two things; spill. Filch, and date?"

"When the Blessed Accord started letting other Galactic Union members in to settle, there was a rash of thefts," Doc explains. "You see, there is a particular filamental that is prized above others. The taste is exquisite. Eventually, the Blessed Accord established law and order, and the thefts all but disappeared. But by then, the nickname for the filamental had stuck. It's delicious; I'll let you taste it." Doc reaches across the table and takes Adair's hand. "As for the latter, well, I like you, and I'm pretty sure you like me, so. Yes, I would consider this a date. Wouldn't you?"

Adair runs their thumb over Doc's dark hand, musing for a moment, letting the butterflies settle a bit. "Well, if this is the first date, we should get to know each other." They smile, "even though we know a lot about each other already..."

Doc is about to answer when the Sommelier approaches. "What can I interest you in today? Our house red is a choice selection from Cat's Eye that I picked myself. The chef chose the white, and it comes from outside of Accord space. Do you have preferences?"

Adair answers first, "I lean towards the sweet, preferring that over the dry. I like hints of honey or fruit in particular."

His brown eyes seemed to light up at that, and he says, "I know just the thing to go with the Fentonaire. Would you like some before the food comes?" They nod, and he turns to Doc, "What about you, good sir?"

"Well, I've never really been big into wine, but for reference on what I like, well, I enjoy a good lager and an occasional scotch," Doc replies.

The Sommelier thinks for a moment, "I think I might just have something for you as well. Would you like me to bring it with her's?"

Doc's eyes flash, and he is glad that he is holding Adair's hand; otherwise, he would have made fists. He remembers the first time he mis-gendered Adair. The hurt in their eyes was enough to convince him to not do it again. He turns to the Sommelier. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"No, actually, I just started a few months ago. Are you a regular?" He is oblivious to Doc's anger that is hiding just under the surface.

"No, I'm not," Doc responds coldly. "You're from outside the Blessed Accord?"

"Um, yeah." He picks up the hint of Doc's attitude. "Why do you ask?"

"Because here in the Blessed Accord, we don't assume someone's gender. If you don't know, and how would you unless you asked, you use something neutral like they or them."

He turns to Adair. "I am so sorry. Won't happen again. I will be right back with the wine."

After he leaves, Adair shakes their head and leaned forward, squeezing Doc's hand and says, "Thank you. It's nice to have someone sticking up for me. Luckily that doesn't happen much in Accord space. Now, where were we?"

"I believe you were about to profess your undying love for me." Doc jokes.

Adair finds it amusing and amazing how quickly Doc can improve their well-being. "Hmm... I should do that, then shouldn't I? Well, Doc, I should start by saying that, well, oh look, here comes the wine." They smile and turn to the Sommelier.

He approaches the table with two bottles. Setting them down, he first takes Adair's glass and, flipping it over, uncorks the bottle and offers it to them to smell. Adair closes their eyes and leans in. "Mmm, that smells delicious." They motion for him to pour, and he does.

Next, he uncorks the other bottle and holds it for Doc to smell. He closes his eyes and leans in, inhaling a rich earthy scent that doesn't remind him of wine at all, and, intrigued, he motions for the man to pour. After finishing the second pour, he steps back, waiting to see if they like his selections. When they both make sounds of pleasure, he retreats.

"Have you been on many first dates?" Adair asks, after they both have enjoyed their first sips of the excellently chosen wine.

"Not really. Since I got the transfer to Cat's Eye, I made sure that I made it worth it. So I threw myself into my studies. That continued when I went to college, and while there were a few encounters, I never devoted much time to anything other than studying. What about you?"

Adair smiles. "Well, basically the same. Except for the transfer. I basically spent all non-study time with Brigit. No one ever grabbed my interest. I can tell you one thing, though.."

Doc raises his eyebrow, indicating that they should continue, "I've never had a first date in a fancy restaurant in an orbital while holding hands with a quite attractive man while sipping delicious specially chosen wine."

Doc ducks his head for a moment. "So this is essentially new for both of us. There is something else unique to this situation."

"Oh yeah, what's that?" Adair asks.

"Well, if we were on a date back in the day, we would either retire to our own places or, um, pick a place to go. After this, we'll be going to the same place." Doc points out.

"My my, Doc, are you asking me back to your place?" Adair teases.

"Wait, no, that's not what I meant." Doc protests before he realizes Adair is teasing him. Instead, he smiles and is about to respond when the food comes.

"Mmm... smell that. I can already tell that this is going to be a treat for you! Well, me too as well, but you haven't had the Fentonaire before, whereas I have had Filch, but it all smells wonderful." Doc turns to the server. "Can you have the sommelier bring out -Oh never mind, here he comes."

The Sommelier sets two fresh glasses down and pours them each another glass of wine and steps back. "Enjoy."

"Wow, now this is what food can be. My sorry attempt on the ship pales in comparison." Doc says as he grabs his napkin and places it on his leg. Neither of them remarks on the fact that they haven't let go of each other's hand. Both are eating with one hand.

"You hush your mouth now. You know that we all appreciate your cooking. And I can tell you from experience on summer tours that yours is the best out there. Mmm...." Whatever else they are going to say is interrupted by tasty food.

They both eat in silence for a while, glancing up occasionally to look at each other and smile. The couple seem to have stumbled on that rarest of rares, young love shared and shared to the same strength.

After they make good progress on their food, Adair sets their fork down to tease Doc some more, "So, I believe you were inviting me back to your place..."

Doc feigns eating to put it off, but then Adair coughs, and he sighs and sets his fork down, "You know that's not what I meant, but, well..." He arches his eyebrow in a way that he hopes is flirtatious but makes Adair laugh.

"Boy, you better be glad you have a fantastic ass because your game needs work," they smile. "And before you think I'm trying to stroke your ... ego," A subtle pause is all it takes to divert his thinking while they continue, "you should know that both Rory and Cali think so as well."

He does his version of blushing before asking, "Wait, when did they see?" He works some more food onto his fork while they respond, "Rory told me in the sauna as we left. They saw you working out. Must have been pretty impressive, as Rory is rarely attracted to masculine energy."

"Hmpf" He makes a sound as he eats, not sure how he feels about everyone looking at him like that.

"You okay?" Adair asks, squeezing his hand gently.

"Well, I'm just not sure how I feel about everyone looking at me like that.." he says, putting his thoughts into words.

"Why? What's wrong with it? They aren't going to act on it. Not without asking first. It's not the way we do things in the Blessed Accord. Consent is huge here." They smile.

He thinks about it for a while. Adair's smile and their hand in his is very convincing. "Okay, I'll take that into consideration. Be careful, though; you might unleash a monster."

Adair laughs, "I'll let you say 'I told you so', if that happens."

Noting that the eating has slowed, the server comes over. "Would you like to see the dessert menu? Also, would you like coffee?"

Adair answers first, "I'll take a coffee, please, cream and sugar. What would you recommend as far as dessert? Barring this specimen here..." They glance at Doc and watch him duck his head.

The server responds without hesitation, "The flan, it is superb. Best in the system."

Doc nods. "I've heard that as well. So I'll take that and coffee, black, thanks."

Adair adds to their order. "I'll take a flan too." Then, when the server leaves, they turn to Doc. "What's a flan?"

"It's a creamy custard dessert with caramel flavoring. Delicious. More subtle than some desserts. Not in your face, sweet. A good end to the meal we just had. Good pick by the chef." Doc answers.

It doesn't take long for the server to come with an assistant. The assistant has the coffees; he sets them in front of the correct recipient--little touches like that impress Doc. After setting the coffee down, he disappears. "Here are your flans." The server places small plates in front of each of them. When he sets them down, he does it in such a way that showed off the flan's trademark jiggle. Next, he sets a fork in front of each of them and retreats.

The flan never stood a chance. They both savor the first few bites. For Doc, because it is delicious, and he appreciates well-prepared food. For Adair, this was the best dessert they have ever had up to this point in their life. Soon the eating intensifies, and it doesn't take long before they are both chasing little bits around their respective plates.

Doc sits back. "I'm not ready to have the night end. Shall we retire to the adjoining lounge?"

"Sure," Adair replies. "Shall we get the bill?"

"Something tells me there won't be much of one." Doc looks over and catches the server's eye. It isn't long before he is next to their table. "How can I help you?" He asks, "Check?"

"Yes, please, thank you." Doc thanks him, and the server disappears again. He quickly returns with the check. Doc takes it as the server sets it on the table between the two of them. He checks it over, nods, and pays. When the server leaves, and they both stand up to go to the lounge that shares space with part of the restaurant, he leans over and whispers, "They didn't charge us for the flan."

Adair quickly slips into his arm by his side as they head over to the lounge.

"Thanks again for a sumptuous dinner."

As they sit, he smiles, "We'll see if you still thank me after I grill you on your entire childhood."

#

Cali has gone to her quarters to take a nap, and even though the flannel covers are warm, the lights dim, the stars shining in the background, she can't sleep. She sighs and flings the covers away and sits up.

"Tyche, lights up, please. Who all is on the ship right now?"

The lights come up as Tyche responds, "Yourself, the captain, and Rory. Would you like to know where they are?"

"No, that's okay." She clips into her ship shoes and heads for the door.

She finds Rory right where she expected to, in engineering. "Hey, how are they holding up? Think they'll make it?"

Rory turns and grins. "Well, it depends on your definition of 'make it."

Cali's eyebrows rise as she leans against the console. "What do you mean?"

"Well, if your definition of 'make it' is, will we get there? Then for sure. If your definition of 'make it' is, will we use the full capability of the engines? Then no. They're rated for much, much higher output than we use. Someday I'd like to..."

A loud alarm interrupts her. It quickly stops as fast as it started, and then Tyche asks, "Hey, why are you trying to leave while still docked? Oh! Um, Cali, you might want to stand away from that console..."

Cali jumps up and away from the console. Rory rushes over to see what happened. She presses a few buttons, and the lights still flashing after the alarm sounded turn off.

"Well, that could have been bad. You pressed a sequence of buttons that tried to slide the ship away from the station. Luckily, when we're docked, there is an override needed to do that. Hmm, interesting; I wonder when you would need to move while still docked? Some kind of attack, maybe?"

"Yeah, but we don't have to worry about stuff like that. Especially in Accord space." She tries to steer the conversation back, "So we're rated to go much faster than we do? I wonder why?"

"Not sure; we can talk to Adair when they get back. I wonder how their date is going?" Rory muses.

"I'm sure it's going well, those two lovebirds. Well, anyway, the reason I came is I tried to take a nap and failed. Want to go to the station? You know, buddy system?" Cali asks.

"Sure, let's go!" Rory heads for the door. Cali stops her. "Don't you want to change?"

Rory looks down and nods. "You're probably right. Meet you at the lock in ten?"

In less than ten minutes, Cali and Rory meet at the lock door. Cali is wearing a white, knee-length loose skirt with a black turtleneck that clings to her chest like a warm, second skin. She accessorizes with a dark green jacket that brings out her green eyes, earrings that have three thin hanging needles, and her hair up in a ponytail with a black hair stick in it.

Rory gives her a whistle as she walks up. She is wearing dark blue jeans, a tight white blouse, and a jean jacket. Her version of accessorizing was a pair of big black boots. It all seems to work well with her shaved head, which showed off her tattoos of flowers and machinery.

As they leave the ship, Rory turns to Cali. "So, where do you want to go?"

"Well, I just really want to get some good fried food somewhere. What do you think?" Cali responds.

"Sounds good to me. Let's go. I'm starved." Rory leads them to the elevator.

"You seem to know where you're going," Cali observes as she follows.

"I've been here before during summer tours. There is a place down on oh three that has great fried potatoes. Grub Cache, I think it's called." Rory presses oh three as they get in the elevator.

"Isn't the oh three usually just a supply level? The food and drinks are usually on oh two, right?" Cali asks.

"Yeah, but this guy opened this place in what used to be a supply shop on oh three, and even though it's not traditional, it's not against the rules. And even if it were, I don't think anyone would try to enforce them. It's that good. Ah, here we are."

Cali immediately notices the various smells of fried foods. "That smells delicious."

"Yeah," Rory looks at the additional scrubbers near the entrance. "But it plays hell with the filtration system. Great advertising, though. Come on."

As they enter, they find it not very busy, and a sign says to seat yourself, so they do. Cali chooses a booth on the side where she can see both the entrance and the door to the kitchen. Rory watches her in amazement as she sits down herself.

"Do you ever turn off? I mean, are you always on high alert?" Rory asks.

"Come over here and let me show you something," Cali says, and Rory scoots next to her in the booth. Cali slides her skirt up, revealing a lot of muscular thigh that Rory appreciates. Cali hears Rory gulp and admonishes her playfully, "It's not like that, look" And Rory can see on the outside of Cali's thigh there is a long raised scar. She reaches out her hand and looks to Cali for permission. At Cali's nod, she runs her hand lightly over the scar. Cali inhaled lightly at the pleasant feeling of Rory's hand slipping over her skin, and Rory pulls her hand back. "I've never felt a scar that raised."

"I didn't get that in a place like this," Cali explains, "But I did get it when I dropped my guard. It's a long story, but the short of it is, they kicked me off that planet. Happened outside of Accord space while I was Bounding."

Before any more conversation can happen, the server comes over. "What can I get ya?" the tiny wisp of a woman asks, pulling out an old-fashioned pad and retrieving a pencil from behind her ear.

Before Cali can even think of what she'd want, Rory answers, "I will take a burger, well done, with a side of fries please and a chocolate mocha shake when we've finished eating." Then Rory turns to Cali, who says, "That sounds good; make it two, please."

The server nods, walks over to the counter and calls out, "Two standards, well done, followed up by an icy mud puddle. Each."

Rory smiles when she hears what the server calls the chocolate shake. "I'm really looking forward to my icy mud puddle, you?" She asks.

Cali smiles, "right now, I'm looking forward to the whole thing. I'd eat you if I had to wait another couple of hours."

Rory raises an eyebrow, and Cali responds with, "You know what I mean..."

"Do I?" Rory teases.

Cali throws a napkin at Rory, and Rory sticks her tongue out at her. Rory sits back and scoots back to give a little distance. "So. You and the Captain, huh?"

Cali thinks for a moment, "Yeah, I wasn't expecting that. Not that I wouldn't have been interested. She is rather beautiful. Up until recently I've usually been interested in men, but when we climbed that first time, well, I just felt something... If you hadn't come in when you had, well..."

She smiles, and Rory smirks. "I thought you were a little flushed when I came in. I just assumed it was the heat. Will anything come of it, you think?"

Taking a sip of water to pause before answering, Cali responds, "I, well, I hope so. I haven't felt this kind of connection before. Do you think she feels the same way?"

Rory is about to answer when the server brings their food over. She places the plates in front of them, and they both look like they will not wait until the server has finished setting them down before starting. The burgers smell well spiced, and the fries look like they are the perfect amount of done.

They both start as soon as they can. Cali begins with the fries, and Rory immediately takes the burger up, looks at it appreciatively, and takes a big bite, causing juice to drip into the little basket that held the burger and fries.

There is a decent period of eating before they both have had enough to satisfy the immediate need. Rory picks up a fry and lazily eats it before starting the conversion back up. "As to your earlier question, I don't know about deep feelings, but I can see the way she looks at you when you aren't looking. So she definitely returns that desire."

Cali nods and continues to eat her burger for a bit before continuing, "Should I say something? Maybe take her out onshore?"

Before she can even finish the question, Rory is nodding in the affirmative.

"Okay, okay, how do you think I should do it?" Cali asks.

"Well, it depends. Do you have a big fear of rejection?" Before Cali can answer, Rory continues. "Basically, I see that you have two choices. First, you can straight out ask her on a date, which, if I were you, I'd do. Sure, there is the possibility of rejection, but then it would be over and done, and you wouldn't have to wonder. The other option is to offer to be her security while she's on orbital. Sneaky and, well, I don't think she'd go for that. I mean, she would definitely let you, but it doesn't show your interest, and she might just interpret it as you helping a fellow crewmember."

Rory takes a breath before continuing. "So I guess I would suggest option number one. Will you?"

Cali doesn't take too much time to think before responding, "Yeah, I think I'd rather know right away."

"Well, there you have it. Just do me a favor, would you?" Rory asks.

"I'll need to know what it is before I commit to it," Cali answers.

"I would really, really appreciate it if you could ask her in a public place, like the lounge or something... I really want to see it. She's going to flip. But in a good way."

Cali laughs a little. "I'll see what I can do." She is just about to catch the server's attention when she walks over with two flared glasses filled with a delicious-looking chocolate mocha shake. She also sets down two metal containers with what appear to be more shake in them.

"Thanks, this looks delicious." Rory says and then dips a spoon in, getting both shake and whipped cream. "mmm... Now, this is life. Can we just stay here?"

"I'm right there with you," Cali responds. "Hmm... do I have to take her somewhere romantic, or can I just take her here because the food is great?"

"Good question. I think if you frame it like you really liked the food and you want to share it with her, it would be sweet." Rory smiles before continuing, "You just have to make sure and get one shake and two spoons.."

"Wow, you have this all planned out, don't you?" Cali smiles as she switches to a straw. "Should I just have you do it?"

"I would, but I'm all booked up for the next few days." Rory jokes as they continued to work on their shakes.

Soon they are making sucking sounds and not getting any more of the shakes, even from the metal containers.

"Well, I guess we should head back then." Cali motions to the server and pays their tab.

"Hey, half of that was mine!" Rory says indignantly.

"Don't worry; you can get the next one. Let's go back to the ship."

"But I thought we were going to the Bazaar?" Rory whines a little, but then she brightens as she figures it out. "You're going to go ask her now, aren't you?"

Cali blushes a little. "Am I that transparent?"

"Well, you are in this case. Ah, young love." Rory muses as they make their way to the lock.

#

Rory follows Cali onto the ship and through the corridors. Finally, Cali turns. "Are you following me?"

"Depends. Are you going to ask Brigit now?" Rory grins innocently.

"Not that it's any of your business, but... Yes." Cali hesitates with nervousness.

"Don't worry; you'll be fine. Tyche, where is Brigit?" Rory asks the AI.

"Brigit is in the dining room. Shall I notify her you are looking for her?" Tyche responds.

"Unnecessary, but thanks. I'm going there now," Cali informs Tyche.

Rory gives another of her innocent smiles. "You know, I think I need an after-dinner snack. Don't worry; I won't be right there." She grins. "I'll be in the kitchen."

Upon entering the dining room, Brigit immediately grabs Cali's attention as she sits comfortably at the table, enjoying a sandwich instead of cooking because of her ship duty. Making her way to the kitchen, Rory pretends to look for something to eat, opening various cupboards and feigning indecision.

Cali sits next to the captain, and before she can say anything, Brigit asks, "How was your dinner? My sandwich might be better." She smiles, and Cali melts a little more.

"Well, no, I highly doubt that. The Grub Cache is known for their food, and if you go, don't forget to get a chocolate mocha milkshake." Cali pauses before continuing. As she does so, the noises in the kitchen ceased, "speaking of which, I thought that, um, well, I really enjoyed eating there and I was thinking of how it would be better and I thought of you. So, um." Cali has never been this nervous before, and she is pretty sure she faintly hears a whispered 'you can do it' from the kitchen, and she continues on a little stronger. "All of that is to say; I would like to go to the Grub Cache with you. Next time you are free."

Brigit can see that Cali is trying so hard, and it is pretty cute. Cali, finishing and taking a deep breath, entices and distracts her for a moment. She thinks about teasing Cali for a split second, but seeing that she is trying so hard, she skips that and turns to Cali and hugs her. "Yes, I would love to go on a date with you!"

They both hear a very faint 'yes!' from the kitchen.

"She's been listening the whole time, hasn't she?" Brigit asks.

"Oh yeah, she followed me like a puppy when we came back aboard. I thought for a second there I was going to have to ask you if I can keep her." Cali jokes.