Posted by Ensign Ranlei (Engineering Officer) in 17/18 Forward-Lunch Break (Ranlei & Kara)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kara Iliana (Chief Science Officer) in 17/18 Forward-Lunch Break (Ranlei & Kara)
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Ranlei had a way of gliding into a room as if she was seeking attention. She wasn’t really aware she did it, it seemed instinctual. But that she liked attention was undeniable. She smiled waved or otherwise everyone that made a effort to be friendly. The subdued whisperers she didn’t seem to notice at all. She made her way to a replicator and ordered some form of salad and a coffee before heading for a unoccupied table.

Ensign Ranlei. Engineer.

As the CMO’s party seemed deeply engrossed in conversation, Iliana gave them a courteous smile as she looked for another table. As she stood, she was taken aback by the sight of an Orion officer, sitting down at a nearby table. She hadn’t had much interaction with their race, but whether it was scientific curiosity or just nosiness, Kara went up to greet the newcomer. She smiled as she approached and stuck out her hand, a little awkwardly.

“Hi, I’m Lt (jg) Kara, Chief Science Officer, I don’t believe we’ve met?” she asked, knowing full well that she would have remembered if they had. “Would you like some company?” she ventured as she hovered next to the empty chair opposite Ranlei.

Lt (jg) Kara (CSO)

Ranlei blinked at the woman officer in blue. She stood and shook the offered hand. It had been a long time since any woman had willingly come near her as even with the pheremones neutralized the belief they would get a headache was often enough to cause them one. She swallowed the bite of salad in her mouth and replied. “Ranlei sir. Engineer.”, and waited for the senior to sit before resuming her seat.

Ensign Ranlei. Engineer.

Kara smiled as she took a seat next to the young engineer. “Pleasure to meet you Ensign, I take it you’re new here as well?” she asked as she sipped the drink she had brought with her. “How are you finding it so far?” she asked curiously, aware that the Ensign had not arrived on board under the best circumstances.

Lt (jg) Kara (CSO)

“Very new Lt. Only been here since yesterday. If this is your reserved table I didn’t know. I can move , no offence meant. ” Ranlei said shyly. Her experiance of other women ha2d never gone smoothlyand the kinder they seemed the more the eventual mockery, insult or degredation stung. So Ranlei turned “, “”, she asked ” , to the only tool she knew worked on most women. “I am sorry Lt. But are you not afraid you’ll get a migrane if your near me? “, her Germanic accent always got worse when she was nervious and it was fairly thick now.

Ensign Ranlei Engineer.

Iliana smiled warmly as she tapped the ridges on her nose, pointing out that she was Bajoran. “I don’t know whether it’s my race or just me but your pheromones have little effect on me Ensign, at least they haven’t in the past,” she said with a grin as she beckoned over a waiter. “Coffee, extra strong, extra sweet please?” she asked. The waiter nodded and scurried off. “Please, stay, I don’t know many people here yet,” she replied softly as Ranlei made a move to get up. As she looked at the young Orion, she thought she saw the same hint of loneliness in her eyes that Iliana had grown up with. Having spent the first part of her life in a concentration camp and then being adopted into a human family after the death of her parents, Iliana had spent most of her life on the edge looking in. She had been an angry and bitter youth and she wasn’t really used to having friends which is why she had devoted herself to science instead.

She got the impression that Ranlei had not had the easiest ride in life either. She had heard about Ranlei’s arrival on the ship which she would not have wished on anyone, but more than that, she sensed a kindred spirit in the young woman. “Can I get you another drink?” Kara asked warmly, keen to make a new friend.

Lt (jg) Kara (CSO)