<snip>

“I have my parents, divorced and in different parts of the galaxy at the moment. They still speak professionally when necessary and, occasionally, mostly when it has to do with me or something mutual that I’m unaware of. The last time I had anything resembling a relationship, I think we just ended up wanting very different things. I did, however, come away with this adorable furry thing.” she said reaching up and scratching Rex behind the ears.

• Sheleah, CNS/DO

“Ah!” Andriss said, “Then it sounds like you came out of it with something positive at least.”

He turned more serious for a moment.

“Denobulan relationships are all about balancing. It can certainly make for difficult decisions at times, but getting to know several people intimately, trusting each other to have intense relationships with other people and still maintaining a certain intimacy, is also quite rewarding at times, too. Quite difficult, but also rewarding.”

-XO Andriss Krex

It was easy to tell the mood was getting serious but Sheleah appreciated his words of wisdom. The opportunity to listen to such a unique perspective could not be missed.

“Many races have a problem trusting just one mate no matter the gender. I applaud you on your patience and obvious diplomatic skills when it comes to your personal life. I’ve taken many family therapy courses when I decided to counsel on ships with families but, I may yet seek your advice. You have a perspective that I’ll probably never have the opportunity to experience first hand and I think I’m okay with that.” she said with a smile.

• Sheleah, CNS/DO

“Ah, that’s the beauty of Starfleet, Counselor,” Andriss said kindly. “A Denobulan family is much like a starship in its own strange way. We rely on each other’s strengths in good and hard times, and, permitting, we make it through. There are many things you all have to teach me. Like my interest in Earth’s disco music, I picked that up on my first posting,” he reminisced. “I’ll never know what it is like to be a ship’s Counselor or the daughter of a diplomat, however I do understand that a little better now.”

He smiled widely.

-XO Andriss Krex

“I think I might have some disco music in my repertoire. Mother got me into ballet when I was around three and it’s one of the things I still practice frequently. Well, as frequently as life allows. We should get together and compare musical tastes sometimes. I can see where a Denobulan marriage would be like a star ship. I’ll have to keep that in mind going forward.”

As Sheleah finished speaking, Rex shifted and sneezed. His new position landed his front paw on Krex’s shoulder.

“I think he’s saying hello or telling you how good your sofa is for napping.”

• Sheleah