[b][Senior Chief Petty Officer Solares Morgenstern] - [Anvil Station] - [14:20][/b]

Maya’s cyan form flickered brighter for a moment as Tapo’Hatam finished speaking. Her gaze lingered on him, expression hovering somewhere between curiosity and approval.

[color=f08080]“Well,”[/color] she began, a faint, knowing smile touching her lips, [color=f08080]“for someone who claims to have difficulty with translation, you manage to say quite a lot.”[/color] Her tone was smooth, carrying a teasing edge, but her eyes stayed warm. [color=f08080]“As I said before! You speak with precision that is  measured, deliberate, but never dull. Ah, I am repeating myself now.”[/color]

Her tails moved in a lazy sweep behind her, one looping idly as she leaned forward a little. [color=f08080]“You know, most people would have bristled at my earlier observations. You, however, turned them into something poetic. Blades breaking against each other, you said? That’s beautiful. Painful, but beautiful. It reminds me that peace isn’t always born from harmony, sometimes it’s forged from the echo of impact.”[/color]

A small, mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. [color=f08080]“And I’ll admit,”[/color] she added, voice lowering with mock seriousness, [color=f08080]“I’m flattered. It’s not often that happens. Occasionally, I’m accused of being intrusive, or too analytical, or...”[/color] she paused, smirking slightly, [color=f08080]“Too pretty for someone of my kind.”[/color]

Her tails flicked once, amusement evident in every movement. [color=f08080]“You handle curiosity well, Commander. Most would have flinched or offered a deflection. You? You met me head-on. It’s... refreshing.”[/color]

Then, just as quickly, she pivoted, turning her attention toward Solares. [color=f08080]“And you,” Maya said lightly, “You’ve been suspiciously quiet through all this. Either you’re thinking very deep thoughts, or you’re waiting for me to talk myself into trouble again. Which is it?”[/color]

Solares looked up from her tea, the faintest smirk curling her lips. [color=#00FFEE]“Bit of both,”[/color] she admitted. [color=#00FFEE]“You do have a habit of making friends by dissecting them mid-conversation. Or getting them to like you via your endless charm?”[/color]

Maya placed a hand over her chest in exaggerated offense. [color=f08080]“Dissecting? Please. I prefer the term curious engagement! As for the charm, why thank you.”[/color]

Solares shook her head, chuckling softly before glancing toward Cassandra, who had just finished speaking. [color=#00FFEE]“Cassandra, I do not think asking if they can take apart the combat harness to see how it works will end well. My advice would be to acquire one from supply corps.”[/color]

Her attention returned to Maya, her tone softening. [color=#00FFEE]“And as for you, my dear Maya, perhaps try not to flirt and philosophize at the same time. It’s hard for anyone to keep up with you.”[/color]

Maya’s tails curved in an unmistakably smug arc. [color=f08080]“Why choose between them? Both are highly efficient methods of diplomacy. Also, I am most certainly not flirting!”[/color]

Solares gave her a look, the kind that carried fond and amused exasperation.