[snip]

Cheerfully the children echoed, “..Yeah miss Ranlei! Stay!” They cried in some form or another innocent to any looks their parents might throw looking up hopefully at the engineer.

GM CockRoach

Ranlei was looking at the kids holding her with mixed emotions that for once actually showed on her face. It was hard not to cry. But it took one look at how the parents of the children were responding to bring her back to reality. Kids didn’t know better but after tonight their parents would of told them everything and they would see her through a different filter. She let the Children pull her over to Miz’Uki’s display. And sat next to the Caitan’s display. “I didn’t really prepare anything So I think it is only fair to reward the Chief Engineer for her effort.” , she looked at the Captain as the kids huddled around their teacher choosing. “Why Captain? You can’t possibly want me near your daughter either. Why keep me here?”, Ranlei sounded very confused. Her paranoia that she was being set up brought the pain that kept waking her out of her nightmares to the surface again. Her hands started to tremble so she tucked them under the table. It was like when she was 16 before the judge after being falsely accused. Only she had been indignant and rebellious then. Typical teenager really. She hadn’t accepted that she was always guilty when accused. Not of any crime they used as a excuse to detain her. But of the worse crime of being a Orion trying to act like she was normal.

Ensign Ranlei Greene. Engineering.

”..What ever gave you the impression I didn’t want you near my daughter Ensign?” Drudoc inquired with genuine curiosity. “..My daughter is a good judge of character, and I am no stranger to being the odd person out in my life and experiences.” she added.

Drudoc Andone CO

Ranlei narrowed her eyes, “Experience has proven that nobody trusts a Otion. It’s generally not a bad policy to protect your assets when in contact with Orions. I am enough of a expert on myself to know that even if my intentions are pure the base assumptions of collective society will cause some form of situation to develop to justify those opinions. It is a personal failing of mine that I myself will often start a issue to avoid confronting the eventual retribution of the universe. I am not just a bad example I am a bad role model. Before you say I shouldn’t do that. Remember how I arrived on the ship. I was trying to turn over a new leaf, start Fresh. Be kinder to myself. All the advice every councilor ever told me. Out of nowhere a big green fist slapped me back into my proper role in society.”, and she sighed, ” Do you know if our new CoS believes in the rite of conquest?”, the question seemed out of the blue and Ranlei made sure to ask before any of the kids or their parents came too close.

Ensign Ranlei Greene. Engineer.

”..The commander in question has been given a stern reprimand for his choice of transport of you Ensign.. ” Referring to the former Captain of the star base. “..I personally saw to that. No one among my crew regardless of race deserves to be judged for their birth, race, culture or beliefs. I believe firmly everyone can grow beyond their station. I feel in a way I’m proof of that.” She said.

”..As for Lieutenant Jones? I am unsure why do you ask?” she said.

Drudoc Andone CO

Ranlei sighed, “I… Need.. I require a intense physical workout to help me fall asleep and not have dreams.” , she said “Not that I know if he is interested in Orion wrestling or not. Just out of options that work for me. A working relationship with the CoS is always a good idea when people tend to blame you every time they misplace something.”

Ranlei smiled at that, however the Captain chose to interpret that statement couldn’t be helped really. As the kids seemed to have made up her mind she fell silent.

Ensign Ranlei Greene. Engineering.

The children soon returned, handing their choice of PADD to the Captain. Drudoc looked it over then smiled. “..Well Ensign it would seem the children found your creativity of attire and lessons on your race enlightening. They have chosen you for the winner this time. Though it was a close choice by a matter of two votes. Regardless you win the first slice of the baked chocolate pie the children had helped the head chef make!” She said as the children again returned with a big slice of said pie.

”..How’s it taste miss Ranlei!?” One asked excitedly.

GM CockRoach / Drudoc Andone CO