[Snip]

Alex looked right back at Charlotte again and nodded. “Yeah I am a very straightforward guy. I can be as thoughtful as anyone could ask. Besides, I prefer to be with someone who likes those traits too.” He said. “Welcome to deck 44. Deck 44 has Junior Officers Quarters. More Non-commissioned officers Quarters. Shuttlebay 4 cargo bays 3 and 4 and tertiary docking hatch.” He started to tell her what the deck has.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Charlotte stepped out onto Deck 44 beside him, listening as he described the layout with the familiarity of someone who truly knew every section of his ship.
“That’s because most people spend too much time hiding what they actually mean,” she replied as they walked. “Straightforward can be rare in Starfleet. Everyone learns diplomacy, protocol, politics…” She glanced sideways at him. “Not everyone keeps honesty.”
As he pointed out the cargo bays and docking hatch, her attention shifted naturally toward the surrounding architecture—the wider cargo corridor access points, reinforced bulkheads, and the increased industrial traffic compared to the previous deck.
“This section probably gets busy during resupply operations,” she observed. “Cargo routing this close to Shuttle Bay Four keeps turnaround efficient. Less cross-deck congestion.”
She looked genuinely impressed.
“The Ark Angel feels less like a ceremonial flagship and more like a working vessel.” Her tone carried approval. “I like that.”
As they continued down the corridor, she slowed briefly near a viewport overlooking part of the docking support structure. The distant glow of station lights reflected faintly across the glass.
“And for the record,” she added more quietly, returning to the earlier part of the conversation, “thoughtful isn’t a trait I’d ever consider a weakness.”
Her eyes shifted back toward him.
“Especially from someone confident enough to actually mean what he says.”
Lieutenant Jr. Grade
Dr. Charlotte Fliehr- Medical
USS ARK ANGEL

Alex chuckled. “Well of course. It’s something that most Starfleet officers don’t usually carry is the confidence. Besides a ships captain should know the layout of his ship. I’ve been here on the Ark Angel well over a year now. I was actually the Chief engineer, then executive officer then commanding officer. So I pretty much know this ship from the back of my head.” He started to explain his knowledge of the ship. As they were walking down the corridor, he thought about holding her hand but he knew that it wouldn’t be the wisest thing an officer should do.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel