Kal sighed, shrugging, "Well......she has actually had many suitors......including myself......but she claims she never wants to marry." 

 He remembered their arranged marriage and chuckled, but hearing James' offer of showing him the weight room and leaving the females to themselves, he nodded and stood. 

"I would enjoy that, thank you." 

 Meanwhile, Rethea looked over at Cassandra and saw her stiffen. She clicked her mandibles, then replied, "My name is Rethea......and I'm.....managing..." 

 She paused and silence fell, but shaking her head she decided against remaining silent. 

 "You humans have strange lifestyles......odd food and odd ships....." 

 She tapped the countertop with her fingers and added, "I'm attempting to adapt.....but as of this moment it hasn't worked......yet..." 

-------------

Juso shook his head, "The engineers on our side are few in numbers......not many remain with us after the splitting of the Covenant...." 

 He added, "While I appreciate your concern the UNSC's aid is not needed.....yet.....while we are hindered we are not yet incapable." 

A chuckle escaped him, "Now that we are no longer hiding behind the Prophets my people have discovered that we may not be as smart as we thought ourselves to be......but we will learn."