El had found her quarters earlier thanks to the quartermaster. Instead of a barracks that she was used to from her last school, El was confronted with the luxury of a room with only one other. The ensign Shelley Maddox was not in. She was apparently in science. She found the upper bunk to be unoccupied and tossed her bag on it, noting that otherwise she had a small closet to work with. No matter how one spelled it, the place was small. But, on the upside, she noted, it was close to the Galley and only a hop and skip away from engineering.

Returning after her initial checks she found the cabin still unoccupied and busied herself with unpacking. Clothing was a tight fit in the closet that was more of a glorified locker than anything but she fit that in. The work station was tiny as well; thankfully she was tiny and she was able to squeeze into the chair. Opening the drawers she found some ‘leftovers’ - a deck of cards with a mosaic design on the back, and what looked to be an old hand held game console. She tried it but it didn’t work.

“Peters broke it,” came a voice from the door. “That was Monica’s ex. Never could get it to work after.”
El wheeled around. “I …”
“Shelley. I do so hope you stay around. I feel all my roommates have a shelf life that is less than cheese.” She came into the room and shut the door with a clang. Shelley seemed as elegant as a bull. She was twice El’s size but it suited her somehow. El watched her go to her bunk and sat down. “I hope you don’t mind the upper bunk. Murder on my knees.”
“No. I love it!” El blurted out. It did look more cramped and a bother but it had a view outside and well, it would work. She hoped.
“I’m glad. Was bunk wars with Monica.” She worked at one boot to unlace it. “I’m one of the few, the proud, the scientists. You?”
“Uh .. Engineering.”
“Monica was a medic. Came back smelling of disinfectant. I suppose I’ll have to get used to motor oil.”
“What does a scientist smell like?” El asked before thinking.
“Something good I hope,” Shelley replied. There was a pause …
El, meeting the roomie