For the admittedly insular Luna Black her quarters were a haven of refuge. This was the one place on the gargantuan Star Base Bravo she could be largely assured of being left alone, and adjusting to life on the station had her reaching for her safe space fairly regularly. But there was one problem, her quarters didn’t have a window. It happened on ships and bases alike, not all of the small suites especially those used for more junior officers could have one. She’d made the best of it, giving her space a comfy and cosy vibe, setting up lighting pre-sets that were cossetting, laying out warm textiles such as blankets, throws and cushions, arranging her many, many books to create a sort of library and reading nook with a supremely comfortable chair in a corner by the desk. It was cute, but at certain times and in certain moods she felt a little boxed-in. After a replicated dinner of Penne with a Pancetta and Pea cream sauce followed by a nice sour apple she scooped up a book, a bottle of water, a P.A.D.D. and a banket into a black messenger bag and set off to do some more exploring.

The buzz of the recreational areas was vibrant and joyous, but to the painfully shy Luna this was uncomfortable and set her on edge. Still she appreciated the intrepid feelings of exploration, letting her curiosity carry her to wherever seemed an interesting place to go. She noted various facilities, cafes, eateries, bars for future reference and, as was typical, went largely unnoticed by the many crew and civilians who bustled about their evening as she moved between groups of chatters and bodies coming the other way. After around half an hour of peering here and there Luna spied a small area that piqued her interest. It was a little section of transitional space between the edge of some facilities and the start of a section of crew quarters that contained some semi-private spaces either for work or modest congregation, constructed in little squares of upholstered seating with small convenient tables adjacent for P.A.D.D.s and drinks and other paraphernalia. Best of all, the two squares furthest away gave up two sides, one for entrance and one composed of a large floor-to-ceiling window affording a great view of the planet below.

It was perfect.

Luna took in the planet for a few minutes, watching cloud formations slowly rotating in a mesmeric show of scale. Placing her bag down she carefully slid off her boots and popped them neatly under the adjacent table. Bottle positioned nearby with the cap removed and a blanket slid over her legs she nestled up against the edge of the seat, tracking the trajectory of an outgoing shuttle for thirty seconds or so as it caught her eye before gratefully slipping into the world of her book, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott.

After a trying double shift in Sickbay, Hilea was physically fine, but mentally scattered. The Rodrigues twins had been very difficult but mother and babies now resting comfortably. An hour long work out and soak in the gym’s hot tub did little to improve her mood.

A set of cotton sweatshirt, pants, and sneakers, Hilea started chores in her quarters. Getting restless she walked into the other room. Filled with her bonsai and other botanical creations, the room was a pop of green, color, and scent.

Looking over at the now-meter-high flowering apple tree, it needed a new home. A nearby simple cart she kept for such occasions was loaded with the offering, she grabbed her tools, headphones, and some chocolate bars she made then headed out to find a temporary home for the apple tree. It was a large base and a few plants she found improved the space to her eyes and psyche.

A few minutes later she came across a spot she thought was very suitable. A nice view. It would be attractive to the contrast of the stars.  The young woman in the corner was reading a book. Hilea asked her, “Do you mind if I add this tree over near the tables? The counterpoint against space on the other side of the room adds an interesting element. Though it needs a bit more light.”

“Um…” Luna scrambled to sit upright, for no real reason at all, as if a parent might chastise her for slobbing around reading a book. The sudden stress and startle stole the Counselor’s words from her. It didn’t help the word she was trying began with a P. P was her nemesis.

“P… p…”

Change of tactic.

“Yes, of course,” she managed. “I think that’d look nice.”

Nice? Nice. Great word, Luna. Does she care what you think? Oh she’s a Vulcan, oh gosh, she must think I’m so illogical. Way to represent humanity, Luna, she thought, as if that job fell on her and not the other thousands to millions of humans in Starfleet.

“I was hoping for inventive or spectacular, but nice will do.” the tall woman said.

“Um…” Great start, Luna thought, though this was nothing new for her. She could psych herself out of any first meeting so that she didn’t even give herself a chance to be anything other than mediocre at social interaction. The problem was that Luna didn’t trust her ability to assess what the plant was, from an aesthetic point of view.

“I… would never have thought to put a plant there, so… yes investive,” she admitted.

Adjusting the lighting to suit the plant, Hilea set the cycles so that the plant would get the light it needed. Satisfied with the results after some tweaking, she turned and greeted the woman.

“Hilea t’Rehu.” She said, Pronouncing the Rihannsu name properly. “Recently transferred from starship duty.”

Noticing the book, she remembered it had been talked about by non-humans. She hadn’t read it yet. Recently she had been introduced to a human custom called movie night. Over the past few months, it had expanded her understanding of humans, though there was still much to learn. Instead she inquired, “What is the book about?”

Two questions. Luna fumbled over her brain trying to work out which one to answer first, her confusion over Hilea’s two names adding a whole new level of addle to the situation.

“Um, it’s about four women, young women. Sisters. In the nineteenth century on Earth. Semi-autobiographical? Um…” Luna considered some more words to explain it, without ruining the story should Hilea wish to read it.

“It’s about work, and love, domesticity… it’s considered a classic…” she addeded, looking the book over, rather unable to look Hilea in the face. But she had to briefly to introduce herself.

Come on Luna, you can do this.

“L… Luna Black, she said, looking up and accidentally meeting the other woman’s gaze, her words escaping her as the unexpected Amber hue of her eyes completely derailed what confidence she did have.

“Um….”

Come ON, Luna, she implored herself in her mind. Say something, build a rapport. But what? Oh! The ship!

“I… recently transferred here from a ship too,” she offered, her features not having received the memo of relief from her mind over coming up with something to say and still looking just slightly petrified.

Why she intimidated the human she didn’t know, but humans weren’t the masters of body language and inflection. Giving the woman an out she offered, “Interesting. A classic. Is there a screen adaptation you consider accurate?” Hilea paused, setting aside the now empty cart and sitting down headphones in hand. “Movie night is getting quite popular. I have to confess that it has allowed me to learn about Federation culture in unexpected ways.”

Luna looked mildly less timid, but only mildly.

“Um, I don’t really… watch… Um… I prefer to read,” she responded.

Come on Luna, that’s a closed-personality response. 

“D… do you like to read?”

Hilea chuckled once, and even a slight smile could be noticed. “If reading was something to be avoided, then medicine was the wrong choice. Ever since my Medical credentials were reinstated, any free hours are typically spent in either research, lab work, or extra hours in the clinic or surgery.”

Luna couldn’t help wondering why Medical credentials had to be reinstated. Was Hilea in some trouble?

Reaching into her pocket, Hilea took out two chocolate bars. “Would like some dark chocolate. It will keep me from eating both bars at least. However, my knowledge of human literature was in the too-short Officer’s Exchange program. Though I am not the usual selection. I was told an hour before my shuttle left. Most candidates get a month to prepare.”

Luna’s question was answered. She made a mental note that this would be a good follow-up topic. Being a counselor, she could use her work knowledge to overcome her shyness and this woman seemed pleasant and open. Luna continued to listen.

“To be honest, I am looking for musical selections, but I would be glad of any suggested readings, Luna.  Curling up with a thick blanket, perhaps some Vulcan brandy, though Ale is superior, though now a rarity, is a special counter to the coldness of life.”

Luna opened her mouth to give an instant response in the negative as far as chocolate was concerned, but she managed to reign that in and made a different calculation in her head. Were she counseling someone on loneliness, how to make friends and me charismatic, what would she advise? She would say be open, say yes to offers and say thank you. No is a very finalistic word.

“Um… y… y… y…”

Dammit.

“…thank you,” she managed, and took the offered bar, looking it over. It seemed a type she wasn’t familiar with.

Good, she mentioned curling up with blankets, you can relate to that. You can do this, Luna counseled herself.

“Um… yes! Um… I like to curl up with a blanket and read too.”

Why? Share.

“…but my quarters don’t have a window… so… so I came here.”

Next level. Share a feeling. Open up.

“Feels…” Claustrophobic? No, that was an over-used technical term and she didn’t have that phobia. “…feels sort of closed in? A bit?” Luna congratulated herself inside. If she were her own counselor she’d have been proud. She fumbled a little inexpertly with the chocolate wrapping, but gained entry in any case and took in the aroma. It smelt wonderful.

Hilea nodded in agreement. “Something of a problem for many of us. There are ways to trick the eyes—mirrors to make a space look larger. I have even considered adding a flat panel display of one of the more pleasant views outside the station. ” Pausing, she took a bite of the dark chocolate. Melting in her mouth as she chewed, the rich, smooth,  dark chocolate, had a hint of orange flavor at the finish.

“Perhaps, that is why we are both not in our quarters. What do the humans call it? Room fever?” Hilea asked.

“Ummmmmmm, Cabin Fever?” Luna suggested. She liked the idea of the display, but if she got the illusion correct then she’d never leave her room. Little did she know there was already a system in place in her quarters for this, a holographic window display. But she’d never activated it. The Counselor in her informed her that a screen was a bad idea and being out and about meeting people was good. But the Luna in her disagreed. Still, this Hilea seemed pleasant enough. She hadn’t said anything mean yet. Luna copied her and tried some of the chocolate. Her already large eyes widened with the immense taste of it.

“CABIN fever, thank you,” Hilea said in response. The chocolate had a more immediate effect on Hilea. “Sometimes just to have a moment to savor the good things in life.” She took another bite, letting it melt and smooth out in her mouth before swallowing.

Hilea replied. “So what brings you here, Luna? I’m one of the surgical staff.”

“Um, I’m a counselor,” she explained after swallowing the chocolate. The sweet orange fragranced her mouth with an almost festive richness. “My C… Captain said I wasn’t going to get the experience I needed on my old ship… so um… when he promoted me I was assigned here… lots of people on Starbase Bravo, um… new patient every day sort of thing.”

And now you need to ask her.

“What about you?” Luna added quickly and took another perfumed bite of chocolate. It was too tempting.

“Surgery, clinic hours, time to dabble in the lab when it is quiet,” Hilea said. “Too bad good Ale is memory. Perhaps an interesting counterpoint to the chocolate.”

Savoring the flavoring, Hilea turned back on the conversation. “Counselor.” She repeated more to herself.  Then added. “No doubt I am on your list somewhere. ”

“Oh… well…” Luna took a moment to compose phrasing in her head.

“Often we p… pair counselors with patients of the same race together, that’s not to say that counselors can’t counsel people of other races, b… but… for example… a Vulcan Counselor would probably be of more help to a Vulcan… so if there’s one on staff… so um… maybe not on my list? I don’t know,” she replied weakly.

Hilea chewed on half of the remaining chocolate while she thought about Luna’s answer. “So, since I am not your patient, I can count on complete honesty, good.”  She paused. “Perhaps, being my friend instead of my counselor would be an acceptable option.” Hilea said geniunely.

Luna found this troubling. She didn’t know this person who may or may not be a Vulcan. Already she was talking of friendship, something Luna found to be a difficult concept. Letting people in often resulted in pain. She wasn’t immediately sure how to respond. The only viable answer she could come up with was derailment.

“Um, well, I’d say maybe that you might get more honesty from a counselor? I can’t be a good c… counselor without being honest b… but friends could lie to one-another to be kind?…”

“Interesting that Mnhei’Sahe would require an falsehood.” The UT clearly translating the word as honor and ruling passion. Seeing the furrowing brow on the clearly uncomfortable woman. “I apologize, if I have made you anxious. I tend to ramble. It has been a complicated day.” Hilea said, getting up and retrieving the cart, and her headphones.

Something in Luna was sorry she was going. Despite her slightly uncomfortable forwardness, she had been kind and open and had given Luna chocolate without a moment’s hesitation. And Luna did want this new posting to be successful and part of that was actually having some proper friends rather than being an also-ran. Luna had never had what she would have classified as a proper friend. Someone who was just as into being friends as she was, who built anything more than surface acquaintance. She hoped that could change. And this Hilea seemed willing. She was new to Star Base Bravo, maybe she needed a friend too? It occurred to Luna this really wasn’t just about her. If Hilea was being so open and kind, even to a stranger, looking for places to put plants maybe she was wanting to meet people as well? Maybe her interesting heritage was as Luna’s anxiety and a bit of a bump in the road to socialising.

“Wait, um…” Luna said quickly, sitting forward. “I… ‘m sort of pretty anxious anyway, it’s n… not you. Um, please stay, if you want? I may not… you might not be one of my patients but… you could tell me about your day…? If you wanted to…?” She offered Hilea a smile. It was one of her better and more convincing efforts and showed her rather prominent front teeth.

Hilea stopped. Turning around she saw the genuine smile from the young woman, the innocent eyes. Hilea had had to make herself fit others ideas of what she should be to survive. Perhaps like herself, this one needed a second chance.

Sitting back down, she looked at her headphones. “Perhaps a topic change. What do you consider good music? ” Hilea added with her own small smile.

“Oh! Um…” Luna didn’t really think of herself as a music person, but when she did listen it was calming. This would be a surprise to nobody.

“I um… On Setlik two… where I’m from… in my town there I was this big round meeting Hall, like a big theatre? Used as a cinema and theatre and meeting area and spiritual place… there was this choir they had there… people in my town who used to like to sing… I always went to listen, it was beautiful… just voices, no instruments. The sound… would reverberate around the top of the hall… I’d always go listen to get away from people. It was peaceful. So now I listen to that kind of thing, sometimes, to relax after work?”

Hilea nodded. “Most people who sing do not understand that playing the instrument can be just as engaging as being able to vocally reprocess the sounds. It helps me unpack the stress of the day, usually.”

“Oh um, what do you play?” Luna enquired. It seemed the logical next question.

Mostly a Rihannsu instrument similar to guitar but played flat. I have a few in my quarters. Though it has been a  while since I have had any audience.” Hilea said geniunely. “I would be very interested in learning any human styles I might be able to mimic or merely enjoy.”

Rihannsu. Luna recognised the word. So that was it, she was a Romulan. Hilea’s mention of an Officer Exchange suddenly made sense. The U.T.’s spicy translations did also. Luna looked at the woman again with a different lens. It was a little odd to be sat sharing chocolate and conversation with a Romulan. It was a lot less odd than it might have been twenty years before but Romulans still weren’t a common site on Federation facilities.

“I think there’s a kind of human guitar played on the lap? I’m not sure really…” Luna replied  not really knowing what else to say. Her parents had never taken much of an interest in a musical education for their daughter and as her natural tendency was not towards musicality she’d never learned and was far too shy to try, lest she be expected to perform.

Hilea nodded. She got up and retrieved her things. “Thank you for the conversation. Perhaps we shall meet again. She started to leave then turned asking. “What do you like to add to chocolate? I need ideas for my next batch. The replicator version is underperforming. I had to get into the lab and fix it.”

Truth be told Luna didn’t eat much chocolate. But when she did…

“Um, caramel?” She offered, hoping it would be taken as a good suggestion.

“Burnt Sugar?” Hilea asked. The UT did not quite have a Rihannan counterpart for the word. It had spat out a complex formula and some to her incongruent words. Her head had taken on an odd tilt.

“Um, not burnt but kinda brown?” Luna tried to explain. “It’s… very sweet but um, well I like it.”

“I believe I understand.” Hilea’s head righted again but if anything, she looked more in thought. “Something I haven’t made yet. Do you have experience in cooking it? There is a small galley in my quarters. Enough to make a few small confections. Life is cold and hard enough without a bit of something for self. As a counselor, would you agree?”

Luna thought back to her Childhood on Setlik II and the menial work she had had to do being pigeonholed by her gender. Part of that was cooking and baking.

“Um… yes. Everyone… needs a few treats now and then?” She replied. “I’ve not made it… not f… for a few years b… but um, I could make it. It’s not hard, a bit messy maybe?”

Hilea seemed unworried. “That is a typical event. But your assistance would make the time pass easier. Installation of a small kitchenette, if I remember the term correctly, was needed. However, I initially did it to be curious about food without prying eyes. Now it can be a stabilizing force.” Hilea stopped almost abruptly. “Please tell me if I am oversharing.”

Luna shook her head emphatically.

“No, no. I um, I haven’t really cooked anything since I left Setlik two. I um, I didn’t really want to honestly. I had to do a lot there. Wasn’t allowed to do much else. B… but it’s fine.”

“It’s fine you want to do it, or it’s fine you will do it but would prefer another task? I would prefer the company. Listening to the computer for music and interaction gets stale.” Hilea ask Luna honestly.

“Oh, um… I can show you how to m… make it?” Luna offered, trying to be bright and friendly. Hilea was kind of intimidating and she was getting her trains of thought in a big muddle. She closed her book and stood, collecting the blanket. “If um… if you want?”

Hilea smiled warmly. Even Luna would be able to tell it was genuine. “I am…grateful.” She said pausing. “For some reason, I don’t make friends easily. Shall we go?”

Luna nodded.

“Oh um, me neither.”

Luna followed as Hilea led the way. Apparently she was going to make caramel for a Romulan now. Luna from an hour ago would never have believed it. But she’d been assigned to Starbase Bravo to broaden her horizons, and she was certainly doing that.