[Center][h1][color=8882be]"Phi"[/color][/h1][/center]
[hr]
[I]A shy girl, that's how she sees me? I suppose that makes sense, I've only been holding myself back the whole time we've been together. Note to self, open up a bit more. I'm not likely going to find something this close to family ever again.[/i]

Phi's eyes drifted upward, accompanied by a somewhat wry expression. She didn't exactly hate such a show of affection, it had its place. But Navi was definitely right in this case, Phi didn't love headpats, either. However, for Tarak's sake or maybe some other reason Phi simply shrugged. Seeing Navi try so hard to act normally despite falling apart, Phi's issues felt small and she ended up burying them a little deeper than usual. 

While Tarak stepped up with some words of wisdom Navi needed to hear, she was temporarily not needed, and likewise distracted. The one wearing her lunch, Laurey, had a less than comfortable expression and was practically hiding behind the Captain now. That reaction wasn't hard to read considering Navi's breakdown during their introduction. She made a mental note to help clear that up in the coming days as she got to know everyone. Right now wasn't exactly a good time, not when they were still sorting out the details of the mission. Speaking of, Phi spoke up again briefly.

[color=8882be]"Yeah, I like the way Avelyn thinks, too. Though it might be better to save the resources needed for a decoy unless absolutely needed."[/color]

[I]And while I'm working on getting to know people maybe I can put some effort into not being so paranoid about mind magic? She obviously wasn't peeking at anything a moment ago. If I'm not being stupid for once she probably doesn't care to look in my head. I feel like I owe her an apology. Would that be weird out of the blue? Probably.[/i]

Her thoughts were drawn back to a darker place, as a few unsavory people were mentioned. Mentally preparing to shake those feelings off and stay focused, her thoughts stalled at the first sight of Mr. Cuddleton cradled in Navi's arms. After the earlier shock from the slippers Phi was more or less ready and held her composure. That didn't mean the stuffed bear didn't melt away her blooming negativity and attempts at focus alike. She smiled at the girl an inch shorter and one year older, happy to see her feeling better. She flashed a grateful expression at Amy, belatedly realizing her as the source of such a convenient healing totem.

[I]What is it about cute, soft things that's just so irresistible? All this time I still don't have a good scientific answer. Must be some kind of ancient magic. Yup.[/i]

And on that thought Captain Zhang made her decision, which was an order even if not clearly stated. Phi nodded sharply, showing she understood. She was relieved Natasha had chosen the shorter route, even though it sounded like they couldn't easily skirt around the dangerous space of Maiden's Reach. Of course she would have accepted either option since Natasha was their commander now. It definitely made a psychological difference to have a superior Phi wanted to serve under for once, and she was willing to bet good credits most of the others felt the same.

With a chuckle at Nero's reaction to his new status as crew, Phi began to excuse herself. This quiet exit was interrupted by the strange and strangely pleasant alien among them. Curious, she paused with her head cocked to one side. She had to admit, Amy was good at catching people's attention. Three words came to mind as Amy talked: cute, naive, and altruistic. Fortunately for her, Phi admired these traits in an individual and it brought a smile to her face to know someone like this was with them. She only hoped their story wouldn't end in tragedy.

With another chuckle and a nod in Amy's direction, Phi slipped away while she could. Taking advantage of the good mood, courtesy of Amy, Phi hummed to herself as she strolled all the way back to the cargo hold. Her crates were stacked neatly to a corner, and one in particular she shifted and unlatched. Inside were a variety of outfits and appearance related accessories tightly packed together. There were also tools for modifying or creating garments, which would be put to use shortly. After a few minutes of weighing her options Phi decided to sacrifice a lavender velvet shawl and the padding material of one of the prosthetics. Setting herself up out of sight Phi got to work on the small but important project she had decided to start. 

Some twenty minutes later she stopped to check her handy work. It wasn't one of her greatest creations, but for a hasty job with limited material it wasn't bad, either. Tucking it under one arm she looked around to make sure no one else was around, having almost spaced out into her work. Thankfully no one seemed to be secretly or overtly watching her which eased her fear of embarrassment. From here Phi left the cargo hold and returned to the main corridor, to first check Amy's quarters, hoping to catch her alone. She wasn't hard to find with a little searching, and Phi cleared her throat to catch the woman's attention. From behind her back Phi presented the recognizably seal shaped plushie she had made.

[color=8882be]"So, coincidentally I came across this today, and I think a certain someone might appreciate it far more than me. Would you mind giving this to her for me? No need to say where it's from."[/color]

Phi lied as if it was the most natural thing, certain she could hide her talents and keep an embarrassing hobby secret. While many still viewed Phi as a child she did not see herself the same way. But if her affinity for cute things, particularly stuffed animals, ever came to light then the reputation she was trying to build would surely go up in flames. In that case Tarak would probably still be patting her head well into their eighties. So with a short wave accompanied by another bright smile Phi turned to make her final escape back to the cargo hold.