“How low are your ambitious.” “We poor Feles are limited in that regard.” The Kavki laughed. The two often had little sessions of banter like this. It meant nothing. They were just playing on ancient species stereotypes, joking with an old enmity that reached back to the Xeno Conflict. They still had a trace of that, an old instinctual dislike for the other’s species, but any conscious animosity was swept aside. All that remained was the dream of all on this ship. The dream of finding something better. Lenore turned to the captain. “Permission to leave with Faarax and prepare for docking?” “Permission granted,” was the sullen reply. Lenore left the bridge in pursuit of her child as Sudu entered, looking flushed but satisfied. It took little time for the pair to meet up again, as Faarax had not gotten far. As they traveled in their lift to the docking control area, Lenore looked at her adopted child. He was hissing a little in pain, but kept it under control. “You okay?” “Sort of. I don’t like clambering on that warp drive. But then I don’t like a lot of things I’ve gotta do on this ship. No need to fuss, it’s not like I was hurt.” “It won’t be forever. And you did get yourself burned.” “Where?” Lenore gently pulled off one of Faarax’s gloves. The skin under it was red, almost raw from the heat of the conductors. He winced as she gently tapped the palm.