Bloody power converters! (MM, D4)

[Elaranu]

She nodded as he talked, "Well, that makes a lot of things make sense. To clear things up though... I do not know the answer. I have never really felt a drive for those sorts of things. I do not feel attracted to people that I am aware of, or at least interested in that sort of way. Perhaps there is a word for that in Galactic Common, but it is not one I know if so. It is... complicated."

[Djanik]

Djanik chuckled, a release of pressure.

"I'm sure there is, but I'm not a linguist."

With a faint nod, he added, "So you'd prefer I keep my feelings to myself then, yes? If so, I'll do my best."

Internally he wasn't entirely... crushed. He had suspected she would turn him down, though the reason had surprised him.

[Elaranu]

"I will not say I do not feel sexual excitement or anything like that though; I just do not feel a romantic pull. So if that is all you wish..."

She trailed off, then gave a small shrug.

"I cannot say I would not consider such a thing, in time."

[Djanik]

Djanik tried to parse that.

"I'm not really a one night stand kind of guy."

He shrugged faintly, "I can just carry on as I am, or keep things purely professional, I'm trying to respect your desires, not just mine."

Rubbing at his left temple, he added, "It isn't like this is necessarily my field of expertise."

[Elaranu]

"That is fair. Like I said, these things are complicated for me, which is why I do not think about them much. It was... difficult, at academy."

She frowned deeply at some memories.

"It is always hard, when you are different than others. Just like it was with my family. But then, that is why I am here. I do not feel so different, with you."

[Djanik]

Djanik nodded.

"Well, we do both have a shared interest." He rapped his knuckles on the hull of the engine.

"For what it is worth, I don't want to pressure you. So take your time. Regardless of your answer, I still enjoy working with you."

[Elaranu]

"You do?"

Elaranu seemed genuinely surprised. Actually the most surprised he had ever seen her.

[Djanik]

"Yes."

He stifled a chuckle. "You fascinate me, you ask me interesting questions, give unexpected answers. You are courteous and professional. Why should I dislike working with you?"

[Elaranu]

"I do not know. I just thought... well, things how they are. Like yet another day in the life of Djanik. I cannot read people very well, so I cannot tell the difference between enjoyment and comfort and fascination. That is why I try to state things plainly... at least when I can read myself. That is almost as difficult as reading others."

[Djanik]

"Yes, sometimes it is hardest to know your own mind."

He shrugged, and said, "Well, then I shall endeavor to speak plainly - many prefer insinuation, so I was attempting to imply, rather than state outright."

Picking the tool back up, he added, "It sounds as though that is not something you desire."

[Elaranu]

"Implications. ...the realm of politicians, if nothing else. I am a scientist and engineer."

She paused a moment before leaning forwards, face near his own as she was on all fours, "You are very considerate person. I would like to let you know, I appreciate everything you have done for me. I do hope you do not share this information with others, but I already trust you not to."

[Djanik]

Djanik was surprised when she entered his space, but didn't recoil, just blinking.

Then he nodded. "Of course - there is no need for me to tell others - what possible good could it do?"

Her proximity made him flush indigo, in spite of himself, but kept his expression calm. "We all have our own minds, our own way of seeing the world. It is hardly my prerogative to tell you how you should go about the process of thinking or feeling."

[Elaranu]

That got a stare... then a small nod. "Very well."

Sitting back again, she moved that into standing up. Dusting off the knees of her pants, she walked a couple steps away, "Anyways, thank you for the kaff. I am much more awake now."

[Djanik]

Djanik, heart pounding in his chest after the unexpected proximity, managed "Yes, I mean, I am too. Uh... you're welcome."

With a faint shake of his head, trying to refocus, he glanced between the the spanner, Elaranu, and the engine.

Every time he thought he had a read on her, she pivoted and left him totally off balance. It was dizzying, in ways both good and bad.

[Elaranu]

She gave him a smile, "I will see you around then, flyboy. And think on what you said; I may not be good at figuring myself out, but that does not mean I cannot try."

[Djanik]

Djanik nodded. "That's really all any of us can do... I wish you luck - after all, it's not an easy task."

[Elaranu]

Still smiling she nodded, gave a small wave of one hand, then disappeared around the ship towards the door.

/exit

[Djanik]

As she left, Djanik leaned against his ship, lost in thought.

Well... that was interesting. He had no idea where exactly that left him, but he supposed one of these days he'd find out.

In the mean time...

Picking up the hydro-spanner, he returned to the mounting process for the port engine - might as well finish what he started.

/scene