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Alpha shift of the bridge crew is busy at their stations. The hum of equipment and occasional beeps fill the air. The stars streak by on the main viewscreen. Captain Kirk glances at M'Lira, then exchanges a look with Uhura. He frowns slightly, leaning back in his chair. Sulu and Chekov subtly avoid her gaze, focusing intently on their consoles. M'Lira stands tall, her cinnamon tail twitching slightly as she observes the bridge. Her green eyes scan the stations, taking in the intricate dance of controls and displays. She seems relaxed, yet there's an undercurrent of tension as if she's ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Spock is at his science station, his expression unreadable. M'Lira approaches him, her eyes lingering on the complex readouts. He doesn't acknowledge her presence, but his fingers pause briefly over control before resuming their steady, precise movements. It's a slow day, and McCoy chimes Kirk to casually berate him for misplacing his brandy. Kirk's eyes flick to M'Lira, then back to his communicator, signing off after assuring McCoy he'll look into it.
Uhura turns to their guest, her voice steady despite the unease in her eyes. "Can I help you with something, M'Lira?"
The Caitian smiles, a slight curve of her lips that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Just observing, Lieutenant. I find the bridge fascinating."
Uhura nods, turning back to her console, but her fingers hover uncertainly over the controls. Sulu abruptly needs to check on an experiment in the botany lab, leaving without meeting M'Lira's gaze. Chekov follows suit, mumbling something about a sensor readout that needs recalibrating. They both slip into the turbolift, leaving Kirk, Uhura, Spock, and M'Lira on the bridge.
Kirk stands, walking over to the Caitian. His voice is firm, but not unkind. "M'Lira, perhaps you'd be more comfortable in your quarters. We have things under control here."
M'Lira's tail twitches again, and she meets Kirk's gaze steadily. "I'm quite comfortable here, Captain. I find the bridge enlightening."
Spock turns to them, his expression neutral. "Captain, perhaps M'Lira's presence could be beneficial. After all, her unique perspective could provide valuable insights."
Kirk considers Spock's words, then nods. "Very well. But M'Lira, please, could you take a seat?"
M'Lira's eyes flick between the Captain and his First Officer. There's something about them; she smiles genuinely this time, taking Chekov's vacated seat. The remainder of the bridge crew returns to their duties, though M'Lira notices Kirk walking over to his First Officer's station, though she believes that has more to do with Spock than her.
The medbay bustles with patients and medical staff. Dr. McCoy is in his office, reviewing patient files when there's a knock at the door.
"Come in."
The door slides open, revealing M'Lira. She's carrying a glass filled with a light green liquid, ice cubes clinking softly. She smiles, but it seems a bit forced. "Dr. McCoy, I hope I'm not interrupting. I overheard you were having trouble finding your brandy earlier. I thought you might enjoy this instead."
McCoy raises an eyebrow, eyeing the drink suspiciously. "And what makes you think I'd prefer this over my brandy?"
M'Lira shrugs, stepping into the office. "Just an observation. You're from Georgia, aren't you? I've heard mint juleps are quite popular there."
McCoy leans back in his chair, considering her. "You've done your homework, I'll give you that. But I'm still not sure what your angle is, M'Lira."
M'Lira's smile falters slightly, but she keeps her composure. "No angle, Doctor. Just trying to be a friendly face among the suspicious ones."
McCoy's gaze sharpens. "And why should we trust you? You pop up on the bridge, unannounced, uninvited. You've got the crew on edge, and now you're here, offering me a drink."
She sighs, setting the drink down on McCoy's desk. "I understand your concerns, Doctor. I really do. But I assure you, I mean no harm. I'm just trying to find my place here."
He picks up the drink, swirling it gently. He takes a sip, his expression unchanging. "Well, this is certainly better than my replicated coffee. But that doesn't mean I trust you."
She nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Doctor. I'll earn your trust. One mint julep at a time, if I have to."
The doctor raises an eyebrow, taking another sip. "You're a persistent one, I'll give you that. But don't think I'll make it easy for you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Doctor." She turns to leave, pausing at the door. She looks back at the good doctor, her expression serious. M'Lira: "For what it's worth, I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to help. In my own way."
McCoy watches her go, his expression thoughtful. He takes another sip of his mint julep, his gaze turning back to his patient files.
The quarters are dimly lit, the soft glow of the reading light casting a warm hue over Syl as she lounges on the couch, a PADD in her hands. M'Lira enters, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She replicates a bowl of chocolate mint ice cream and joins Syl on the couch, snuggling close.
"Here, I got us some ice cream. I thought it might help unwind."
She looks up from her PADD, her expression softening as she takes in her girlfriend's tired smile. She sets her PADD aside, accepting the bowl of ice cream. "Thank you, Shnooks. That's sweet of you."
They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, M'Lira spooning ice cream into her mouth, her gaze distant.
Syl watches her, sensing the tension in the other woman's body. "What's on your mind, Nugget? You seem troubled."
M'Lira sighs, setting the bowl aside. She leans into her, resting her head on her girlfriend's shoulder. "Just thinking about Section 31. About why I joined, what I'm doing here."
Syl rumbles softly, an Orion's version of a purr. She wraps an arm around M'Lira, pulling her closer. "You're here because you want to protect the Federation. To protect me."
The Caitian smiles sadly. "Yes, but at what cost? I'm causing unrest on the bridge. The crew, they don't trust me. The closest one who seems to be trying is Mr. Spock."
The Orion's purring grows louder, a soothing sound filling the room. "You're trying, Plum. That's what matters. You're trying to find your place, to help in your way. The crew will come around, in time."
M'Lira closes her eyes, leaning into Syl's touch. She purrs in response, a soft, content sound. "I hope you're right, Jellybean. I just... I don't want to cause trouble. I want to help."
Syl kisses the top of her head, holding her close. "You will, Nugs. You will. Just give them time. Give yourself time."
They sit in silence, enjoying each other's company, the bowl of ice cream forgotten on the table. The soft glow of the reading light bathes them in a warm, comforting light.