2023-11-24: Keeping Company

• Log: Keeping Company
• Cast: Emalya Zamana, Sheryl Nome, Maya Jintek
• Where: A hospital on planet Ragna
• OOC - IC Date: March 28, 2024 (Backscene from November 24, 2023 / Novembr 0097)
• Summary: After Emalya Zamana is injured in the line of duty and transported to planet Ragna, two people show up to visit: Maya Jintek and Sheryl Nome! This is backscened to take place during the Gallia IV routesplit.

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<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

Ragna is a beautiful planet, with sparkling seas and blue skies. Emalya Zamana has a nice window out onto it from her hospital room, because--

Well, it's best to back up. Back on the trip to Gallia IV, Emalya was one of the pilots who'd signed onto the expedition, and also one of the more prolific explorers of the planet's surface. During one outing, the patrol was attacked by wild animals hunting for their latest meal--and that pack was fought off by the Meltrandi warrior, though the last involved throwing herself and the enemy off a cliff since she couldn't pierce its thick hide.

While she'll be fine eventually, the expeditions doctor's aren't in a position to give her the care she needs... and so:

A soothing white hospital room is here, large-ish and solitary. There's a TV on the corner, the aforementioned window, and a number of monitoring machines. Emalya herself is in bed, her broken leg elevated in a cast and her generally bruised-up and bandaged form reclining.

She is not up to very much at the moment, just looking out the window thoughtfully.

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Ragna is a beautiful planet, which is why a few certain someones arranged for Sheryl's birthday celebration to take place here. It was a marvelous outing, with tons of shopping and sightseeing and culminating in a delicious dinner at Ragnyannyan (no affiliation with Niang-Niang, also known as Nyan-Nyan) and a thorough enjoyment of the local wildlife (i.e. the mercats).
        
        But not everyone who came to Ragna got to actually enjoy that outing. While Sheryl doesn't know Emalya beyond in passing as one of Alto's coworkers in the SMS, she has a little time the next morning, and so she stops by a local florist, then slips into the hospital. She happens to run into someone else with the same idea, and so it's together that they're directed to Emalya's room.
        
        *Tap, tap,* goes the door. When Emalya bids her visitors enter, Sheryl does just that with a sunny smile, a pink floral tank top and green short-shorts, blonde hair tied up in a thick ponytail, a sun hat to keep the dazzling light off her shoulders (though Sheryl of course also applied liberal amounts of Nome Shield; the sun is bright on Ragna), and dark sunglasses. In her left arm, she carries a bouquet of local flowers, and with her right, she tips down her shades to wink at Emalya. Again, Sheryl doesn't really know her, but she absolutely assumes Emalya knows her.
        
        "Surprise~!" she lilts.

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         When Maya had heard about what happened to Emalya, she'd been surprised. Not at her actions, which were entirely in line with the heroic Meltrandi she knew her to be, but that she'd required hospitalisation. They hadn't known each other long, but Ema had seemed so tough! It was also a little scary, as she'd also been exploring some of the wilderness of the uncharted planet. They'd all have to be more careful in the future. Considering the nature of the injuries she'd sustained, it had been decided to move her planetside when they had the chance, to a facility better able to care for her.

         It hadn't been too hard to secure some extra shore leave, especially when she said it was to visit Emalya in the hospital. As such, the day after the party, Maya made sure to make her way over to give her some company. They wouldn't be able to see each other for a long time, after all, given the distances involved. Considering that, she thought it'd be a good idea to get something that would provide it. Hence, the large mercat plushie she bought at the shops.

         It was a nice surprise to see Sheryl had had a similar idea to her completely independently - trust in the Galactic Fairy to have a generous heart in addition to all her talent - and they went in together. The mercat in her hands was large enough to block her face as they entered, and she waved one of its hand flippers. "Hello Ema! We thought we'd keep you company!" Maya said, putting on a cute voice as she spoke for the mercat. While her crew might have to depart, she'd at least have a very cute friend to look out for her.

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

Tap tap! Emalya says, "Come in!" and looks to the door instead of the window. No, it's true that Emalya knows Sheryl by face; her expression is delight tinged with surprise to see her. "Miss Nome!" she starts, seeing her first, and then--

"And a plush mercat! Ah, those little creatures are adorable things!"

She doesn't see Maya at first. But she wil shortly. First, "Surprise! Yes I am very surprise!" A bright smile spreads on her face; it's hard to judge her age at a time like this, considering Meltrandi especially. "It is so nice that you have come! I appreciate this company, I do not precisely know many people in this..." Pause. "Planet."

"Miss Nome, I must say that I am surprised you would come personally, but very pleased. I enjoy your music greatly!"

She says, "I think this table is ideal for the flowers, and--"

When she reaches to tae the MERCAT she sees--

"Maya! You made it!" She is at least as delighted to see her friend! "Ahaha, and you did bring me something to keep me company, yes..."

Now that they're closer, it's in her eyes mostly--she looks very tired. To say nothing of all the bandages.

"Please, come in, both of you, and sit with me if you have the time. I am dreadfully boring here."

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        It's honestly more a whim than generosity of spirit, but it might amount to the same thing in the end. Being on hiatus, being on a planet that's brand-new to her, and most importantly being without her super-manager Grace, Sheryl has a bit more room to follow her heart. (And the Galactic Nymph already follows her heart quite a lot.)
        
        She grins when Emalya's eyes widen with delight. She laughs at the mention of not knowing a lot of the locals. "Join the club! Though we did meet a lot of new people last night, didn't we, Maya?" She walks over to bring the bouquet to the table in question and adds, "It seemed a shame that you came all this way and didn't get to hang out with me for my birthday!" Because Emalya had to be hospitalized and frankly the facilities here are far better than those on Gallia IV, which are pretty much non-existent except for what's on the fleet and the military academy, but still. Sheryl flips her hair with extravagant flair and winks again. "You can thank me with a present later! ...Just kidding~."
        
        She smiles over her shoulder at Maya and her mercat shenanigans. They are quite adorable. Accepting Emalya's invitation, she pulls up a chair for herself and sits, crossing her legs. This time, she gives Emalya a closer look. A broken leg, lots of bruises, and tired eyes... "That wildcat really tore you up, huh," she says with sympathy, if perhaps not a lot of tact. (Sheryl sometimes says too much.) "I heard from some of the others in the SMS what happened. How long do the doctors say you have to stay in for?"

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         It was great to hear that Emalya was a fan of Sheryl as well. Of course, who wasn't a fan of Sheryl? She was such an incredible artist, after all. As she handed over the plushie, Maya could definitely see that her friend was really out of it. Hopefully they weren't disturbing her, but she genuinely looked delighted to see them, so it was probably fine. And she did say that she was bored, after all.

         "Mmhmm, it was a great party; it's a shame you couldn't make it, but at the very least once you're better you can spend a LOT of time with these guys!" She said, gently patting the mercat plushie's head. "We don't get to stay too long, unfortunately." The downsides of working on a state of the art battleship. She took a seat as well, concern for her friend on her face, but also warmth at knowing that she was doing fine. "The rest of the patrol is doing fine, by the way. They wanted to tell you that when you come back they're going to buy you a round of drinks as thanks for what you did. Each!" While Maya hadn't been there, they'd told her of Ema's heroics there. All of them were really impressed, although it had also sounded like they'd started embellishing things already. By the time she got back she was certain that, at least the way they were telling it, she'd have been fighting a dinosaur the size of a Gundam.

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

"Oh, meeting new people is also good!"

A chagrined smile at that. "True! It is a shame." A laugh, then, merry. "What kind of presents do you like?" A beat, "Though I owe you in any case, my youngest had a very good date at your last concert! They enthused much of it to me."

Then, of course--Emalya doesn't feel at all disturbed. "Yes," Emalya says. "I enjoy the water, and do not often get to be in it in most places where I live..." A pause. "Ahhh yes. Well, that is all right. Even a little while is good." She hugs the plush, and sets it down on her lap.

"I am glad to hear this of the patrol! I take it that I will be very intoxicated when i see them next then!"

Emalya looks to Sheryl too and, "Yes, that's true. But, what is the saying? You should see the other guy!" She grins. "Though you cannot, because I think the scientists took its body as a sample. But if you could!"

Yes. It... probably wasn't the size of a Gundam. Maybe the size of a mobile doll. Maybe.

She sighs. "They say I will be here for months," she says, and she sounds... less than enthused. "Apparently the break is quite bad. I tried to tell them that the bleeding was mostly on the inside where it should be but they did not find it very funny."

"...It's been a while since I was in a real fight," she admits then. "I do not know if I am a 'warrior' anymore after all."

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Company is always preferred when you're in the hospital, in Sheryl's opinion. Hospitals are The Worst (TM), so anything to take your mind off of where you are is a good thing. (Biased? Sheryl? Never.)
        
        "Oooh, did they? I'm glad they had fun! Honestly, I miss performing--" and never mind that she just did a concert a few weeks ago for the Zuvorg Empire; Sheryl likewise assumes Emalya means the concert before that, back in April-- "but I really had to crack down on my education if I want to graduate by the end of the year."
        
        She smiles over at Maya as she passes on the message from the patrol. Good for all of them, really. "Yeah, we'll be heading back soon," she says with a bit of a shrug. "It might be boring in here, but at least you've got a gorgeous view."
        
        Her smile takes on a mischievous air when Emalya asks what kind of presents she likes. "Oh, are you insisting? Hmmm~" Sheryl taps a manicured finger to her chin. "How about you surprise me?"
        
        That smile slides all the way into a smirk when Emalya talks about the wildcat she fought. "Ooh, grotesque," she teases. The smile finally fades when Emalya says she'll be here months, though. "Months... Well, I'm sure you won't be here that entire time," she says bracingly. "When the expedition's over, we'll come pick you up and you can spend the rest of the time recovering back on Earth."
        
        Sheryl's not sure how long the expedition will be, but it's surely not going to be months. Right? Either way, they definitely wouldn't leave Emalya behind. The world would have to be on fire before that happened.
        
        But then Emalya doubts if she's even a warrior at all anymore. Sheryl pauses at that. She knows how much battle is important to Zentraedi and Meltrandi, so it feels wrong to try to brush it off as no big deal, but Sheryl's no warrior herself. She can't really relate with Emalya's struggle. Quickly, she shoots Maya a glance, as if to silently urge her to find the right thing to say here.

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         She was sure that eventually they'd release photos of 'the other guy' for science-y reasons. One of the patrollers was apparently a digital artist, and a bit of a jokester, so maybe there would be some amusing image edits there. "From the impression they gave, I don't think they're gonna let you walk away. Crawl, maybe!" Maya laughed - it definitely looked as if Ema had become something of a folk hero to some of the men and women aboard the ship. That was fine. It made things more fun when it was something like this. It was sad to hear that apparently she'd be here for months, though. "Really? Surely you'll be able to scoot around on crutches at least, or ride around on a wheelchair?" She wasn't a doctor, but she'd vaguely heard about things called compound fractures which were apparently nasty? Was that what this was?

         "I'm sure you'll graduate just fine. I'd offer to help, but my training's a little different from yours." Maya said, holding up her hand with the IFS implant visible. "Alto's a great pilot, though; I'm sure he's got time to help you out." She'd had a mock battle with him and he was definitely something in the pilot seat. The woman wasn't the most aware, however, of his... complicated relationship with Sheryl and Ranka. She was simply thinking of ideas to help out her idol.

         The comment about whether Ema was a warrior or not, though... Sheryl seemed to be stuck for words, so Maya took this moment to offer her own thoughts on the matter. "All those people back on the ship would say you were. It's all about stepping up and fighting when needed, right? And that's what you did. And sometimes you get hurt... or worse." She smiled, however, despite her words. "I may not know what precisely a 'warrior' is, as I'm sure the word means slightly different things to everyone. But you're doing a great job at protecting others, and when you get out of here I'm certain that's what you'll keep on doing."

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

Emalya has had good and bad experiences with hospitals. They're a little more neutral for her. But this one is at least nice. --She did mean the one before last, so it's good that Sheryl pics up on it. "Yes!" she confirms of the mythical Fun, and then--"Ahhh, important! Your education is vital," Emalya says. "It is good to prioritize it. You will have time yet for more music!"

Then a laugh to Maya. "I will make them carry me!" She doesn't seem to have let it go to her head, anyway; she just did what she felt was necessary at the time, the right tactical movement. But, for months, but not in bed at least. "That should be possible," Emalya answers. "My bones are very hard! This means that when they do break it is somewhat difficult. In the old days they would have simply replaced the bone with machinery! ...But I do not mind waiting for my natural leg to heal, either."

Alto... "Yes, he is a fine pilot. If you have his aid then I am doubly certain for you."

But Sheryl has a good point, too. "Yes," Emalya answers her. "It will be good to return home as well. I enjoy seeing new places very much, but I would like to see my family!"

But she wonders, about herself. And Maya has an answer o her own. "...That is good," she says. "I am unsure. I stepped away from battles for a very long time. I thought I had left war behind me. But is it my nature, as Meltrandi? ...i do not think I want to entirely lose touch with that 'self', in any case."

"...But it is true. When we fight we do not give in to our fears. Whether or not I wll continue in this way, I believe it was a good battle, with the creatures."

"...It is complex," she says. "I am not sure of the answer I wish to be true! But in any case, that is one woman's wonderings. You must tell me of your trip out as well!"

"But it /is/ a wonderful view. And I will surprise you! You will be very surprised!"

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        "Oh, Alto's already helping me out. We attend the same school. Or... we did, back before he graduated," Sheryl amends. "But still!" She looks down at the IFS implant on Maya's hand and makes a noise of understanding as she nods. "I've seen those on a bunch of the pilots on the Nadesico. That's definitely not for me."
        
        Being 'all natural' is one of her selling points, after all.
        
        "So I've realized by now! It would've been nice to graduate with Alto... but I guess I'll graduate with Ranka instead now," Sheryl tells Emalya with a quirk of a smile. "She goes to my school too, you know." Did they know?
        
        Either way, she nods along as Maya voices her encouragement. She'd never considered the hardness of Zentraedi bones and how that might make recovery more difficult, but it does make sense. "That sounds pretty extreme," she admits of the machinery replacement. "Good thing you don't mind waiting."
        
        Her family, huh... Sheryl's blue eyes cast downwards for a split-second before she reasserts her smile. "Something to look forward to, then! And a reason to stay put and behave, no matter how boring this hospital room is." Sheryl might be speaking from experience there. "You'll have plenty of time to think of what you want to do with yourself from now on, too." She grins at Emalya's declaration, too. "I'm looking forward to it already~"
        
        But then Emalya asks about how their trip went. "Ooh, there's so much to talk about! Let's start backwards--we went to this place called Ragnyannyan for dinner. They had a lot of the local delicacies on their menu; if they deliver to this hospital, you've got to try them out. Sagiri baked the birthday cake, and it was delicious! Strawberry champagne--such a unique flavor combination!
        
        "Then there were these two girls from a budding music group who put on a performance to try to recruit me. Not good enough to sway me to join their team--I'm up for an occasional collab, but I'm primarily a solo artist. Still, they had a lot of potential. The performance wasn't planned; I put them on the spot and they rose to the challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing how they do in the future. If you get bored once we're gone, try asking around about Walkure."

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         Maya laughed along with Emalya at being carried back. "Yes, I think that was their intention!" She'd not been aware that bones healed at different rates between humans and Meltrandi, which was interesting to learn. "Huh... I wonder where I sit on that spectrum then..." Maya had been fortunate enough to not have broken any bones in her life, so she had no idea about any differences in her physiology, given her own heritage. The most notable for her were pointed ears and emotive hair. "Would a mechanical leg be better or worse than waiting for yours to heal, out of curiosity? Or just different?" It seemed like there was a lot of variance in the quality of artificial augments like that. Regardless, it was Ema's choice.

         "Speaking of, has your family been informed? Will they be able to visit?" It was a long way away, after all, and space travel still wasn't the easiest thing to do. A few months here would be rough without friends or family. Hopefully she had some hobbies she could do while healing in a hospital. If they could visit, though, maybe they could leave the hospital for a bit and make the most of their time here. See the mercats, try the food, listen to the music, that sort of thing.

         It did sound like Sheryl was doing well with her piloting lessons at least. Maya wasn't offended when she said she was uninterested in getting an IFS for herself. "Mmhmm, I've done a little bit of flying unassisted before, and it was a lot of fun. You know what's best for you! And I didn't know! I guess you two will graduate top of the class, then?" She grinned. Sheryl would almost certainly aim to get a higher grade than Ranka. Hopefully that friendly rivalry would benefit them here as well.

         Her nature, huh? "I think that that's something we decide for ourselves. Maybe you'll work out your own answer for that while you're here?" Ema would certainly have the time for philophical musings, that's for sure. Then they started to talk about their time on the planet. "I definitely think Walkure has what it takes to be successful. Might take a little bit, but I could feel their energy. I'll probably see if I can buy some of their music before I leave." They weren't as good as Sheryl, but really, who was? "And of course there were the mercats! The entire crew loves them. They're so cute and friendly!" She sighed as she remembered her time with them. "Oh, but we're not supposed to take them with us. Definitely not. Even if one tries and follows us home." That... was going to be hard, given the collective response to them.

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

"Ahaha, good!" Emalya considers Maya. "I understand that you would have bones more like mine than a human's, but it is variable dependent on the person of course. It is a wonder that we can have children with each other at all!" She is always impressed by that, though her own kids are full Zentradi.

A pause. Better, worse, or different? "I think just different. It would be better in some circumstances--it would be much fster, for certain!"

The IFS... inteeresting. "I did not know!" Emalya says of Rana.

Emalya notices the way Sheryl's eyes cast down. She's attuned to such things, despite her oblivious demeanor. "Yes, this is true. I will have to be on good behavior!" A shake of her head to Maya. "When they are able to communicate with Earth again they will let them know. If Fold travel opens up again then they would be able, but otherwise, it will be some time before I see them. But it is not so bad. They are adults now, it is good for them to go along without their mother for a little while."

But they decide for themselves... "Yes. Perhaps I will. It is something I have wondered at for some time, since I chose to return to the battlefield. ...I am glad that I did, at least. I have made many good friends!"

So much to talk about! Delicious dinner, and strawberry champagne cake! "Oh that all sounds wonderful! I will definitely attempt to remember the name!"

Two girls... Walkure! "I am interested in hearing them. Even if they have a ways to go, or perhaps especially so! I enjoy music generally as well as specifically. I cannot dance much like this but I can listen still, yes?"

The mercats. Emalya laughs. "If they are half so cute as this," she pets the plush, "I must see them for myself. Though..." She glances left, glances right. "If some happen to find their way onto your ships then I did not see anything! Ha ha ha!"

"It is bold to try to recruit a new person immediately though! Even if they did not know of your own talent yet. I think that boldness could serve them well."

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Maya supposes that Sheryl and Ranka will graduate at the top of the class. Sheryl can only laugh, mostly at herself. "We'll see! We're in different programs, though. Ranka's in the music and art program--she started before she debuted. She's done very well for herself... though taking a break from her career this early into it is a risky move."
        
        But it's been worth it. There's a lot on Gallia IV that's been valuable to them both. That much, Sheryl doesn't go into, though. Friendly rivalry definitely helped motivate Sheryl with her concert at the military academy, something that was made exponentially more difficult to arrange without Grace around.
        
        Regardless, she shakes her head at Maya. "Visiting would be really hard, considering how much of a trek it was to get to this neck of space in the first place. I hope they did hear word at least, though." Emalya confirms otherwise, though, but at least her children are grown up, from the sounds of it.
        
        She giggles at the talk of mercats. "I have a gut feeling quite a few are going to 'try and follow us home.' But what do I know~?" A wink at Maya and Emalya both. Emalya gets a chuckle and a hairflip, though. "Oh, they knew who I was~. That's why they tried to recruit me. But that just makes them even bolder, like you say. There's only two girls in the group right now, and the one seems timid still, but the other has guts. They need to get on each other's wavelengths better still, but if they can do that..."
        
        Or if they get some more members to round out the group's dynamics. Or both!

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         "I'm sure a xenobiologist would be able to give a reason for why life around the galaxy has so many similarities." Even with things like precursor interference, you'd expect some more divergence, right, given the time period? This wasn't one of Maya's area's of expertise, admittedly. It did seem like an interesting field, of course. Speaking of education, it was nice to hear that Ranka was doing well, though hearing of Sheryl's concerns for her career was a little worrying. "I'm sure she'll be able to make it work for her. And given how related that education is, I'm sure it'll help her career in the long run." A solid foundation was always important, no matter what kind of natural talents you might have.

         It was sad to hear confirmation that Emalya's family likely wouldn't be able to visit, but not unexpected. At least the woman didn't have any regrets coming out this way. Maya wasn't sure if she should be concerned or happy about the idea of mercats being smuggled onto the ship, but she resolved to be as ignorant as possible so that she would not have to make a decision either way. That was the safest thing to do, absolutely.

         "That boldness of theirs will serve them well." Maya commented on Walkure. "While I'm not an entertainer, I do consider myself a fan of them. If they're brave enough to do something like that, then it says something about their attitude in general. And attitude is important to succeed. Just as much as skill, perhaps even moreso." There were a lot of talented and skilled people out there who didn't have that drive and personality. She nods. "At the very least they'll do something interesting." And Maya wanted to see it when it happened.

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

"Hmmm. I think that for her it will serve to make her fans anticipate her more rather than forgetting her," Emalya opines on Ranka. "Her image is well-suited to taking some time off for school; it is a time of innocence!" A pause. "But I do not disagree with you of course that it is a risk."

But a xenobiologist probably could. "That I do not know. But it is nice! I have some sisters who settled down with humans."

It is sad, but... indeed it's expected from Emalya, and she doesn't regret coming out here. "But the next time you communicate with Earth, I have recorded a message for them," she says. "So there is that! I will be fine."

Mercats!! Emalya laughs a little longer at those. She then listens to the true nature of Walkure's boldness!! "I see... Yes, in battle or on the stage, one must be in perfect tune with one's partners!" Pause. "Actually in a lot of other things as well," she reflects.

"Well, than you for letting me know about them in any case! I will have the opportunity to watch for them while I am here!"

"Ah, school," she says. "I remember school! They had special programs to give us from the war skills to succeed in 'society'. It was fun!"

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        "She'll have to," Sheryl says of Ranka. She shrugs at Maya and Emalya both. "Oh well! Either it'll work out or it won't. Ranka's hard-working and talented, so it'd be a shame if she fizzled out already, though." Even if that might ultimately be better for Sheryl's career.
        
        Sheryl's no xenobiologist either. At best, she has a vague understanding of Protoculture's influence on the galaxy however long ago they were active, and beyond that, she could only shrug again. She smiles as Emalya enthuses about Walkure. "Absolutely," she says, both of being in perfect tune and in doing something interesting.
        
        "Hmmm... Special programs for fitting in, huh?" Sheryl muses, giving Emalya a thoughtful look. It makes sense, but it's not something Sheryl's really ever considered before. Given the culture shock that happened with humans and Zentraedi first met, it's only reasonable that Zentraedi would eventually develop classes to let their brethren adapt to it more peacefully.
        
        "You're welcome! The shopping is also great, but I'm guessing that doesn't have delivery options," Sheryl says dryly, "so that's something you'll just have to discover on your own once you can walk around."
        
        Food and music are at least easier to have sent to one's room. There's a big TV right there, too, though Sheryl hasn't had an opportunity to experience the local culture there. She does turn a thoughtful gaze towards it, though, and asks, "Have you tried watching the local TV yet?"

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         "It's always a risk. Fans can be fickle sometimes. I know that I'll wait for her, at the very least!" Having spent some time with both Sheryl and Ranka, Maya knew that she wanted to support both of them. There was that personal element now. She hoped that others would be willing to do so as well. "Having a message recorded sounds like a good idea. Better than just hearing that you're hurt from the Captain. I don't think she likes having to give messages like that anyway." It must be stressful being responsible for communicating disasters to the crew's family.

         She nodded as Sheryl asked about special classes. "I don't know all the details, but I think I remember Mum mentioned that Dad had taken classes like that too. He'd said that they were tough, but worthwhile." Learning how a society functions in peace would have been as much of a culture shock to the Zentradi and Meltrandi as the discovery of music. There were sadly a few who weren't able to make that transition, too. Those classes were really important in Maya's opinion.

         Looking at the TV gave her an idea, though. "If the TV's no good, and you get tired of reading, maybe you can give video games a go? There's lots of portable ones you can try out, and they'll certainly keep your mind more active than just watching TV all day. And if you let us know if there's anything you'd like before we leave, I'm sure we could try and arrange something. Just... sooner rather than later, right?" She smiled. They couldn't stay long, but at least they could make Emalya's stay more pleasant.

<Pose Tracker> Emalya Zamana has posed.

"I think that is better as well. I would prefer they hear it in my voice! ...But a Captain's duty is a solemn thing. I will not add to it if I can help it."

It'll work out or it won't! "True, it is one or the other." Emalya nods along at that. ...Her hopes for Ranka are still there, but when you put it baldly like that she's not going to argue. It would be a shame, though.

But, "Yes! They were very nice. I learned the skills I would use in my work for some time!"

Maya's Dad... hmm. "Yes! They were certainly tough. It was hard to think of such things..."

"Shopping! Yes, that would be nice. I will look forward to it." A pause. The TV... Hmmm. "I have not. I was not awake for very long before you arrived." But, Maya's idea... "Oh! Video games! I have not tried those in some time. That might be fun. If you could acquire for me some of those I would be appreciative!"

Then she yawns, without really meaning to. "...yes. Sooner than later. I..."

"Well. I thank you again, for coming to see me. You have brightened my stay considerably."

<Pose Tracker> Maya Jintek has posed.

         It definitely looked like Emalya was on the way out now. That was fine - when you were sick or injured you needed to rest more in order to recover. It'd be nice to be able to stay longer, considering they wouldn't be able to come back, but probably best to leave her alone for now. "No problem! Always nice to spend time with you. We'll let you get some sleep. Let me know what games you want, or else you might get stuck with me just pushing my interests on you!" She picked up the plushie again and put on a cute voice. "Don't worry Manya, I'll take good care of Emalnya!" And with that, she waved goodbye and left, wishing her friend all the best while considering what else she could do before she left to make her stay more bearable.