Aiden nodded skeptically, clearly unconvinced that the marking was a simple tattoo. The prince had been on many archaeological expeditions, a diallitente rather than a true professional, but he knew the working of ancient technology when he saw it. Never before had he seen it impact a human in such a way though. He sat himself down in one of the chairs and pivoted it slowly back and forth.

"You will excuse me if this sounds indellicate," Aiden continued, clearly a little uncomfortable to speak so informally.

"But is there anything.... you know... going on between you and the good Captain?"

_____________________________________

"Isn't he just the most handsom...ahhhhh!" Taya yelped as Junebug slapped her elbow. The pair of women were in the galley, with the table folded up to make an improvised exercise area. Sayeeda exercised with the discipline with which she approached everything and rarely missed an oppurtunity to train.

"Keep your elbow up," she snapped, "If you want me to teach you, you will pay attention." Junebug's voice was censorious but not angry. Taya adjusted her grip on the plasma rifle and lifted her elbow as instructed. Nodding her approval the mercenary backed off several paces.

"Why am I learning hand to hand if you are training me to shoot?" Taya complained. Junebug darted forward and snatched the barrel of the weapon as Taya began to swing the butt up in a defensive stroke. With a twist of the wrist she broke the younger woman's grip and yanked the weapon away.

"Don't hesitate like that, any move you make is better than no move," she counseled and handed the weapon back to the girl. Taya readjusted her grip.

"But Aiden is handsome right?" she pressed. Sayeeda could only sigh. 

[@POOHEAD189]