: Posted by Lieutenant Marina Jusaro (Chief Science Officer) in COS' Quarters
: : Posted by Lieut (j.g.) Simon Andrews (Chief of Security) in COS' Quarters
: : : Posted by Lieutenant Marina Jusaro (Chief Science Officer) in COS' Quarters
: : : : Posted by Lieut (j.g.) Simon Andrews (Chief of Security) in COS' Quarters
: : : : : Posted by Gamemaster Mischief Maker (Gamemaster) in COS' Quarters
: : : : : : Posted by Lieut (j.g.) Simon Andrews (Chief of Security) in COS' Quarters
: : : : : : : Posted by Lieutenant Marina Jusaro (Chief Science Officer) in COS' Quarters
: : : : : <snips>
: : : : : : : Her head jerked up at the sudden break in the silence. "Just thinking about my Human grandparents. They are botanists on Mars, but they are from France. My grandfather has a friend who has a winery and he is rather obsessed with wine making as a happy. I think they are going to retire soon."
: : : : : : :
: : : : : : : Jusaro, CSO
: : : : : :
: : : : : : Simon's left brow rose slightly, "Do you think they'll stay on Mars or return to earth and find a vineyard in France?
: : : : : :
: : : : : "Oh, I think they'll settle on France. They have a house in Aix-les Bains, just outside Chambéry. They can both practice their horticulture there just as easily. My grandfather does hydroponics and my grandmother studies flowering plants, so it will serve them well, though knowing them they'll say they'll retire but really, they won't," Marina explained with a smile. She was very fond of her grandparents, and really her whole maternal family, whom were very accepting of her, even when her Zaldan mannerisms caused conflict.
: : : : :
: : : :
: : : : "Your grandparents sound quite interesting, but that should be no surprise. You know they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Simon replied.
: : : :
: : : : : : And what about you, what do you think you'll do when you retire?"
: : : : :
: : : : : Marina looked startled by the question. "I am only 27 Simon, it is a little early to think about retirement. I have a good many years before I'd ever consider leaving Star-fleet. Unless things suddenly changed and I found myself needed on Zalda, but given how things are, I don't think that will be an issue."
: : : : :
: : : : : Jusaro, CSO
: : : :
: : : : "Long way before I retire too, not sure what I will wind up doing either, but I know it will involve growing old with the one I love. Whoever that winds up being."
: : : :
: : : : Simon
: : :
: : : Until recently, Marina had not even given much thought to settling down, or marriage or anything. But now that she had suddenly been thrust unmercifully into Zaldan society, she was well aware that she might have certain obligations in that regard due to her social standing. "I can barely even think that far in my life," marina said openly. "There are so many things to consider and truly, I just feel lucky to be alive these days," she added softly," sipping at her coffee.
: : :
: : : Jusaro, CSO
: :
: : "Sometimes just being grateful for being alive is the best you can hope for, I suppose. As long as you don't stay in that position. His hand reached across the table and squeezed hers reassuringly, "It's going to work out, it's going to be okay. And don't forget. I've got your back. I'm here for you."
: :
: : Simon, COS
:
: His hand squeezing hers, surprised her a little, but she lit up with a smile. "I know, and I am grateful, truly," she replied with a squeeze of her hand, probably as much of a 'thank you' as he'd ever get from her. Though, who knew, since she had uttered those words on a couple occasions.
:
: Croissant finished, she sipped the last of her coffee. "Well, I best get going. I need to get back to my quarters and change for my shift."
:
: Jusaro, CSO

As she walked out of his quarters Simon watched her with a trace of a smile on his lips and a dozen thoughts passing through his head.

Andrews, COS