Commander Lia Rouiancet: Invitation

[Tony Colella]

(( Captain's Ready Room, Deck 1 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

Rouiancet: (a slight smile) Well, let's speak with Sasha, and if you're still interested in the idea after she learns of the plan, I would welcome your continued presence here.

Zarah certainly seemed to take that as the confirmation (conditional, but still) that she'd been looking for, and -- yes, it was. Lia considered her due diligence done as far as potentially turning Zarah from a course she had her heart set on, and finally she allowed herself to find a measure of comfort, if not outright excitement, that a young person would want to stay on a ship she captained.

She did not, however, expect the hug that Zarah wrapped her in.

Rouiancet: Oof!

Zarah: Thank you!

Rouiancet: Oh, uh, you're welcome!

She grinned like an idiot, as Zarah withdrew and tried to comport herself. She was grinning, too, and for a moment the pair just gazed loonily at each other.

Zarah: Right, sorry. Got a little carried away. Thank you, ma’am.

Rouiancet: (waving her hand) It's fine, it's fine. I would've probably done the same. (beat) I'll see you back with your mother?

Zarah: I’ll talk to her as soon as she’s off her shift!

And with that, Zarah nearly skipped out of the ready room. Lia had the sense, after the door closed behind her, that she had made the right decision -- and that there was no way the rest of her meetings before her relaxation time officially began would be anywhere near as fun.

END SCENE! and and TBC!

--

Commander Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (this character)