Lunch Money (Day 9 MA

[Elaranu]

"Well, yes and no. I understand marriage; A commitment to living together with the expectation of raising children. But I still do not understand the obsession humans seem to have between dating and marriage. Raising children and living together should be maximized for the good of the future children and the compatibility of the household, no? To do it based on having a good time together repeatedly would be setting false expectations and ignoring crucial considerations for future well being. If I understand it correctly, many humans even sever their marriages for 'personal differences', despite the consequences to offspring or stability of the community.''

[Astin Denive]

"Most humans woulld consider that a clinical examination of the whole thing, Elranu." Astin offered with a soft chuckle. "That it lacks any sort of passion or appeal. Because while you might be right about all of that, for the most part. It also somethhing humans don't wish to do, and can many times create worse enviroments for human children. Kids need love as much as they need stability after all, and while that creates a stable home it's not a loving one."

Placing down his sandwich he shook his head. "It's also why sometimes getting a divorce for' personal diifference' is in the best interest of the children and the community, because staying together despite that can create disharmony that effects the children, and the friends and co-workers of the parents." It was all pretty complicated all things considered.

[Elaranu]

She thought a moment, "Mmmm... such vast differences. I do not believe my parents loved me, and I feel I turned out fine. They provided for me, after all, and offered advice and help as needed. They proved they were concerned for my welfare and future prospects, and that is how they treated all my siblings. Not to mention each other. You may call it clinical, but it works. ...not that I am saying the way you describes things does not. But it feels less consistent.''

[Astin Denive]

"That's likely a difference between our culture and races, not everything that works for one race works for another. It is less consistent but ut tends to work for us." His lips curled into a slight smirk.

"As you said though you turned out fine, you're an intelligent and attractive woman. You also come off as a bit detached and distant which means I'd likely not want you as a doctor or a sexual partner. Not that you are trained in the former or interested in the latter."

[Elaranu]

''Incorrect on both accounts actually, Mister Denive; I have field work in emergency medical procedure and field dressing, as well as experience with multiple genders. Just because I am not interested in romance as a concept does not mean I do not want kids one day, nor feel pleasure from the act of trying, as it were. I have my own desires and preferences, it just does not include of the debris that surrounds all that stuff.''

A sip of tea.

''As you said, perhaps it is at least partially cultural.''

[Astin Denive]

That brought on a bit of a laugh, and he shook his head. "Seems you're a bit more interesting then I took you for then, Miss Elanaru."

"Debris, never really heard the trappings of love referred to in such a way before. It makes a bit of sense though. As for myself I don't mind enjoying the presence of a lady. I'm not interested in kids or anything serious though at the moment. War time isn't the proper time for that, a fella can't run off with a rebellion and take care of kids or a lasting relationship."

[Elaranu]

"I would say no one forces someone into rebellion, but that would be hypocritical of me. I suppose one could run away, but I also get how that is not really any easier of a life for such considerations."

[Astin Denive]

"Its not like either of us will become any less wanted either. We're likely both in the Dictator's database, and soon that will be in the entire Empires." It could make coming and going a bit more difficult.

[Elaranu]

"Yes, and I am still fuming off about that. It boils me like tea. Still, what is done is done. I may not deserve to be wanted like this, but I do not think an apology would do at this point, would that I even wished to give one."

[Astin Denive]

"I can understand your anger there, and I'm sorry you were dragged into this. You're right though that a simple apology wouldn't do." Maybe if.... Well best not to think about it.

He shook his head. "I'd offer to help if I could, but the best I could likely offer is a night out drinking."

[Elaranu]

"There is nothing wrong with getting your mind off things like that. Especially if you can recommend interesting things. I would be surprised if the rebellion here has much variety in libations though, no?"

[Astin Denive]

He raised his hand tilting it from side to side. "Honestly we're a bit limited in that regard, a lot of what they have is locally made, and while not bad. Well sometimes you want something specific."

"That doesn't really effect most mixed drinks though, so it you ever want to get together let me know. I'll see if I can name a few things you'll like."

[Elaranu]

A finger went to her chin, "Hmmmm... well, broadening my horizons would be beneficial to my future, for the purposes of socialization and such. So we shall see I suppose? Now, of all times, does not seem to be one in which I am taken to planning ahead."

[Astin Denive]

"Aye, with how unpredictable out current situation is, it's a bit silly to plan too far ahead." He shook his head.

"I mean in a weeks time we could be on opposite ends of the galaxy."

[Elaranu]

A nod, "...well, hopefully I end up on the nice side of the galaxy, if that happens. Wherever that might be."

[Astin Denive]

That brought an amusee smile to his lips, and he took a sip of his tea. "I'm not too sure either, but if you find it please do let me know."

[Elaranu]

She nodded before sitting back in her chair a little, "So, if I may change the subject... May I ask what you are doing tonight? Are you going to be part of the fighter squadron diverting fighters away with me, or do you have another mission?"

[Astin Denive]

"Seems I'll be playing dress up and visiting a moonbase." Astin replied with a small shrug. "Not much for space battles and all that, when it comes to piloting I'm better in an atmosphere."

"You stay safe up there though, tie fighters are dangerous ships." At least from what he heard.

[Elaranu]

"I know; I have piloted one before, not to mentioned fiddled around with one's insides. They are crude designs, but they do what you ask of them, to go fast and shoot hard at close ranges. A concentrated swarm of them would rip my freighter apart."

[Astin Denive]

"That's the second reason I'm not flying against them, the freighter I'm on isn't mine alone and it'd be a terrible shame if she got shot full of holes a few weeks after we got her."

He eyed the chiss woman for a moment. "Couldn't convince the folks in the dock to give you one of those fighters they've stocked up?"

[Elaranu]

"Oh I could fly a Z95, yes yes. But my freighter is more heavily armed, as long as I can find volunteers for the turrets. It would be a shame not to use the firepower if we have it."

[Astin Denive]

"Well, to each their own. I hope you can find some butts to fill those seats you have at least." She'd likely need the help as the freighters tended into be heavily armed, but also big and slow.

"Seems we'll both have our hands full this evening though."

[Elaranu]

"And not how either of us would choose to have our hands filled. Fate fights dirty, whether you call it luck or the Force or whatever."

She took a sip of the now only somewhat hot drink, "...at least the tea is nice and bitter."

[Astin Denive]

"I like to go with luck myself." He didn't really trust that force stuff, especially from what he had seen from most of its users.

Looking down at his own cup he took a sip. "You like your drinks bitter then? Or are you simply after something that reflects your current temperament?"

[Elaranu]

"Well... by bitter I mean woody and earthy things, like root vegetables or tea, not like kaff or citrus peel. And I also like red meat and sour things... just not a fan of overly sweet or spicy things."