<snip>

M’rahja took a moment to absorb the well-decorated room before taking a prim seat on the couch. “A cup of decaffeinated tea if you would,” M’rahja said, neither feeling particularly hungry or thirsty, but wanting to be polite by human customs. “That’s a lovely painting,” She said, looking towards the object in question. Was it a scene from a holo? It was a rather robust subject matter, and a bold choice for the room. It a good way, of course, adding personality to otherwise impersonal space.

Cadet Ko (Security)

Vanessa nodded and turned back to the console on the wall. “One hot chocolate and one tea, decaffeinated,” she ordered, then lifted the two cup-and-saucer combos when the whine of materialization wound down.

“It’s been my favorite for some time,” she responded to the cadet’s second statement, looking at the painting. “It’s called The Singing Butler, by a 20th century Scottish painter named Jack Vettriano.” She paused, looking at it before handing over the tea and seating herself on the couch. “It captures a feeling of whimsy, a carefree attitude that I wish I could express sometimes,” she laughed.

She rotated to look up at it again, one arm on the back of the sofa. “What does it make you feel, M’rahja?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

M’rahja accepted her cup and smelled the tea before taking that first sip. Though the tea was nothing like the tea favored by her human mothers, that first sip never failed to remind her of those fond memories.

“Jack Vettriano. . . A 20th century contemporary artist .” This was her time to shine. Art and it’s players was her favorite hobby. “I can see why he was popular, bold use of color, intriguing subject matter . . . His work reminds me of a bolder, simplified Art Deco style. But you asked for what it makes me feel.” M’rahja smiled around her sip of tea.

“It makes me feel excited. The potential of movement, a dance caught mid step and waiting to be released. I wonder what the wind smells of and what special moment those two are celebrating.”

Cadet Ko (Security)

Vanessa nodded, impressed. “Indeed, that’s him. I’d never thought of the Art Deco connection, but I can certainly see it.”

She looked back at the painting as the Caitian described the emotions it caused, nodding. “I wonder that last myself often,” she grinned.

“So, this is a very informal session,” she continued, turning back and sipping her chocolate. “It’s for me to learn about you, and how we can help you be the best officer you can in Starfleet. I’ve read your file, of course,” she acknowledged, “but that’s all words and data. We want to get to know you. So let’s start simple: what do you like to do when you’re off duty?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS