The comment wasn’t mean spirited and it was clear it was in good fun even if it was mildly at T’Vara’s expense. “You three have grown quite close in a short period, haven’t you?”

“I’m not sure to be honest, she did mention drinking some on her date with Avery but maybe the hot water enhances the speed of the alcohol hitting her system, I’m sure she’ll be alright with Mei-Lin looking after her though.” It was possible the Romulan had drank some prior or taken something to enhance the effects. While she seemed to be dealing with things well, it’s possible she was hiding coping in other ways. But Lindsy didn’t want to presume too much further.

“As far as us being close, we have a bit. I feel like everyone needs others to put trust in or at least bounce ideas off of, regardless of role or position. Those two benign roommates, almost an odd couple but they work quite well. I feel like I am a bit on the outs after moving up to deck two but I think once everything is resettled we’ll be back at it. I am happy you obliged and joined us, I feel like you deserve to have others to talk with and get a break away from things too. Sometimes we just need our own space away from the men…”

“I’m sure it isn’t just the room that will take some getting used to; you’re in a relationship now of whatever sort, so that will take up time too.” Tiraa pointed out lightly and finished what was in her glass of wine again. She hardly seemed affected at all. “I’m thankful you invited me, but don’t feel obligated to do so. I am very aware of the difficulties people feel with me socially and I don’t blame them. Being around people who aren’t comfortable being around me is no fun – unless of course I’m purposefully trying to make them uncomfortable.”

A smirk pulled at her dark green lips just briefly, then she shrugged. “As for the men… I have it a bit easier I suppose. I can just tell mine to go away and he will do exactly that.”

“Yes, I suppose that is quite a convenience, although I suspect there is a tradeoff for that. Everything is a balance, as far as I am concerned. It’s part of the reason I meditate as much as I do. I’ll eventually get settled into my new role, it’s weird being an advisor and planner as much as I am now, but I’ll make sure to give you and Zedd the best options possible.” She took another sip of her wine and grabbed the box of chocolates, taking out one before handing it to Tiraa to have some as well.

Tiraa took the box and looked over them before she selected one and placed the box back down on the lip of the pool. “I’m sure you will, Lindsy, but don’t overextend yourself on such matters. The main reason I am on this ship is to provide jobs and opportunities for it and part of that task is handling the fine details.” Tiraa smiled, “If I don’t get to do that, what good am I here? I might as well return to my bar.”

She bit off a piece of the chocolate in her hand then continued after she had swallowed it. “You are an excellent navigator, and I would hate to see worries about mundanities take precedence over that for you.”

She nodded in acknowledgement “Very true. I don’t think I could allow myself to stray too much beyond charts and planning routes to be honest. I am probably considered obsessed with the work, but itbrings me peace and a sense of calm working through everything. Doing that work allows me to plan out routes and whatnot. As far as running what I consider to be smaller errands and simply listening to dealers talk, that’s an easy part at the end of the day for me to go and do.”

“Just don’t let your desire to please Zedd make you lose what brings you your own joy and purpose in life. When push comes to shove, you are the only one you can truly rely on to remain, so do not sacrifice parts of yourself to others that you might regret giving up – especially at this stage in a relationship. You don’t know anyone here well enough to be putting yourself out already.” Tiraa finished the wine in her glass and stretched under the water. “You’re better than that.”

“Thank you,” she said. Lindsy appreciated the reminder and encouragement. “It’s actually part of the reason I’m here. I decided I got sick of working for different guilds and consortiums. I opted for the freelancer route, with much better pay and negotiation opportunities. And if I don’t like it, I just leave. Fortunately I have that option. My attraction to Zedd was unexpected but an opportunity in itself. I’ve decided lately that as long as things are mutually beneficial in opportunities that present themselves, they’ll likely be taken.” She grabbed another chocolate, having already eaten the first one and enjoying it quite a bit. Part of her wondered if Rallid had made these as well. It seemed Tiraa had found herself in quite a situation, albeit at times hard to read, but Lindsy respected that.

“I think as long as you remain realistic to what it is and not allow yourself to chase some childish fantasy romance, you’ll be just fine.” Tiraa smiled and it was kind. “Take advantage of the opportunity it affords you, just not with ill intent.”

“Always,” Lindsy replied. “You don’t work running weapons for the Dominion as long as I did being reckless…..Sometimes I worry about the work I did on the other side during the war. But it was a job, and the Karemma paid well.” There wasn’t a single part of her that felt like a traitor in any sense, just at times she wondered out of a sense of responsibility to those back home.