“You look fine! Stop fussing,” Kel said, shaking her head.

“It’s dinner with the Captain, it’s a big deal,” Sair said, finger combing her newly dyed hair. The lilac had faded quite a bit and she needed a better pop, so she’d gone with a slightly more pink tone that suited her naturally blond hair. Her hair was also fairly short and exceptionally straight so there was only so much she could do with it.

Kel came to stand behind Sair, already dressed in wide legged black pants, a semi-sheer black tunic and a black and gold coloured wrap that was wrapped over one shoulder and around her body. One version of Kobliad formal wear. Resting her hands on Sair’s shoulder, she kissed her daughter’s cheek. “You’re nervous because he wants me there too. But we can tell him we talked and that we have an understanding.”

Songz grumbled. “It’s not fair.”

“I know sweetheart, but it is life and you and I have been in deep in this battle a long time. I’m okay with this. I know you’re not, but we always knew this was how it might go, even when you left for the exchange program the first time. I’m just glad we got to have this time with you. And your father will come out and visit himself when it’s time, if you’re still okay with it.”

Sair turned. “Of course.” She inhaled a deep breath to steady herself. “I understand reality, but don’t ask me to be okay with it. I can accept but that’s as far as I can go right now.”

Kel leaned her head against her daughter’s. “I love you and Koro with everything I am. Come on, go get dressed before we’re late.”

Before she had gotten ready for their dinner Sair had taken Koro to the childcare centre and sat in the room while he explored and met the other children. Then she let him know she would be gone for a bit and back to put him to bed. She hung out a little bit longer outside the room until she was certain he was okay with her leaving. Go figure, Koro hadn’t even fussed. Her child was exceptionally amenable to situations- he just went with things.

Sair was in a similar silky suit but hers was in a vibrant magenta wth black embroidery along the edges of the wrap, which crossed her body in an X in the front and the ends fell over her right hip, pinned together with a silver and pink jewelled clasp.

They reached the Officer’s Mess and Sair stopped abruptly, her body tensing.

“What is it about this place that makes you so uncomfortable?” Kel said.

“Words matter. This is an Officer’s dining space. I am not a Starfleet officer and it just feels… wrong.”

Kel smiled. “But the Captain is an officer.”

Sair glanced at her mother. “Yes, and that is the only reason I agreed to it,” she said before stepping through the doors for the very first time. Her mother followed.

~Sair & Kel Songz