Dagen thought for a moment. How to make a ‘long story short’ as he had heard back on Earth. “Traditionally as you know there isn’t usually a lot of chat with the Symbiot around the potential host. The custodians who look after them also have a database of the history of the Symbiot and their hosts and the logged ‘mannerisms’ of the wee beastie - usually from observations from the hosts. That allows for an easier ‘match’ of a Symbiot to a host, in a perfect world of course. Thor bucked the system and insisted that he choose.” He gave a wry smile. “Which is the only reason that I am joined. I had failed later tests and was put out of the program. It created a … stir … amongst the Commission.” His eyes tracked the others in the simulation. “However since then, Thor isn’t a passive participant. He wants to interact and, admittedly, has unique ways of getting is will to be at least considered.”
- Thor, CE

Niniane’s eyes widened in surprise. “That is quite unheard of… as far as I know. How fascinating. Does that mean that theoretically Thor could right now have a different opinion about me than you?” she asked.
- Niniane Fahr, sci

Dagen looked down at his drink and swirled it around in the glass. The tinkling of the ice cubes seemed ironic with them surrounded by so much .... ice. His features took on a humored look as he glanced up to Niniane. “Thor has an opinion about everyone. He is the silent partner in the room, always observing. Including me.”

Niniane raised one eyebrow high - higher than should be possible on a human face and gave him a secretive smile. She was well aware of the fact that he hadn’t answered her question and she let him know silently that she was aware of it.

Dagen looked at Valleea. He could very easily say the same about her. “Long time no see Doctor,” he said. “A little different from Jeffries Tubes though you are ever very creative about your dress.”
Dagen Thor

Valleea laughed slightly. “Indeed it is!” Her expression shifted slightly and she considered Dagen and then Niniane. she didn’t mind her friend hearing what she had to say to Thor. “And I contacted our mutual acquaintance. For better or worse, a search is beginning.” She still wasn’t sure how she felt about it, but it was clear that it was a monumental thing.”
Ensign Valleea, Doctor

His eyes took her in again and then glanced over to Niniane before flickering back to Valleea. “I too made a call. Took that leap of faith to find out what I have been missing.” His features tightened with some emotion then turned to Niniane. “Family. It has been a long time since I’ve connected with them.” A pause. “Too long.”

“Yes,” Valleea said softly with a nod, glad he’d made the leap too.

Niniane raised both eyebrows and gave Valleea a questioning and curious look.

“You could say we challenged one another to take steps in our relationships outside of here.”
- Dagen, CE

“Dagen had a contact that is going to help me track down what happened to Daharren. I need to know, one way or another, or I’ll never move on with my life,” Valleea told Niniane.
Ensign Valleea, Doctor

Niniane smiled and looked at her drink nodding. “Well I’m very glad to hear it. There is nothing worse than in-between states, where you can do nothing else than wonder what might have been.... or what could be.” she said.
- Niniane

(snip)
OOC: Later that evening in another chat:

Shalahn smiled and sang “I’d like that.” in her multilayered voice. Then she looked around the room, looking a bit pensive. “So, what do humans do on occasions such as this?” she asked Dagen.
- Shalahn, nurse

Dagen looked around the room taking in everyone. “This is something that is … needful for humans. They are, as many races are, social creatures and often their work does not allow sufficient integration. Or networking. coming together in these times are means of both celebrating successes, sharing sorrows, getting away from the ‘usual’ to something just different, or just casual chat to get to know one better.” He thought that spoke of the why but not the what. “They share experiences. They bond. Sometimes mate. They may even talk about building a new thing like, oh, a sonic screwdriver or something. It is like … you and I sharing a memory only by a farther lower grade of discourse.” He smiled, bringing up their previous meeting and the intense way of sharing thoughts.
-Dagen, CE

Shalahn’s large eyes widened shortly in understanding, then she watched the people talking again, laughing. “I see. No wonder they need a whole evening for that if they only use words.” she sang. “How they ever get to the mating part within that time is a miracle to me. I wouldn’t mate with a male whom I don’t know at all, and how can you know somebody after only one evening of using words?” she pondered, her singing voice sinking slightly deeper in thought as she sung the words.

• Shalahn, nurse