Jylliene and Nijil sat at the table at the midway, waiting for their food, while discussing the holodeck program. “I can’t believe I cried and carried on with a hologram,” Nijil said with a sliver of embarrassment. She smiled comfortingly at him. “Hologram or not, it was a chance for you to remember your family. I’m sure I would have done similarly,” she replied. After a brief pause, she added, “I promise it stays between us,” reaching across the table to take his hand. His hand greeted hers, squeezing tighter. Seeing his mother, even as a hologram, seemed too much. A lot of Romulan history came to pass with the Mist station and the old shuttle. He should have known his sister would have coerced his mother into answering a lot of questions to make the photonic version seem real. She was out of step a good number of years, but the important parts of her personality were there. “Thank you,” he said, looking at her hand. “The hover cycle was...invigorating,” Jylliene said, as their dinner arrived. “I rather liked it at altitude. You have a bit of a daredevil streak in you, though,” she chuckled, gesturing at him with her fork. “A remnant of my youth I’m afraid,” he equally gestured with his spoon. “Don’t women like the dangerous types? Maybe it’s not as universal as I have been lead to believe.” Jylliene laughed. “There’s ‘dangerous’ and there’s ‘I hope to all the Elements that the holodeck safeties are fully operational’,” she teased with a wink. “The ocean was beautiful, especially with the moon shining over the waves. “It was a great vista. I go out on the ocean generally. Would dodge the patrols so I could rev up full throttle. Only got caught once.” He took a bite. “And what do you mean safeties? This is a Romulan holographic program.” Jylliene said, “Romulan program, but a Starfleet system. You know how we are,” she replied with a grin. He laughed, brushing her leg with his shoe as he leaned back. “The Klingons have no safeties in their holodecks I would wager. Hey, what did you get to eat?” “Broiled fish,” Jylliene replied. “It seemed appropriate after seeing the ocean,” she added. “And you, that looks like a cut of meat?” “Yes. Eye of Round. Sounded interesting. I supposed there are non-round shapes they come in. Triangles?” Jylliene pondered this and shrugged at him. “It looks filling,” she commented. As they ate, she quietly remarked, “I like your mother. I hope we find them.” Nijil agreed. “I’d have to ask the Captain if I could make a run to Romulus. Must be more clues there. The system’s surveillance surely recorded something. I’ve spent a lot of time searching for a record of them or a transmission.” He wanted to get away from thinking of his family. A minute of silent eating passed. Feeling the dampened mood, Jylliene’s mind raced for something else to say. He stopped eating. Something with her spots caught his eye and he reached a hand out to...then pulled it back. A smile crossed his face, but grabbed his glass instead. The drink went down hard, slightly alcoholic. Duty was not for over a day yet, so there were no worries of recovering in time. “You look nice.” His words felt lame. Smiling at him, Jylliene replied, “In this? Thank you,” she said with a gentle chuckle. “I’d have dressed up a bit had I anticipated dinner after, though I imagine anything I’d have worn for that would have made the hover cycle ride a bit more awkward.” Pausing, she added, “And you, you look wonderful. You should have seen yourself after the ride. There was a giddy joy to you. You lit up. Your eyes were - well, I could have held that image forever,” she mused, gazing at him tenderly. Nijil looked off to the side, wondering if he contorted his face while he concentrated, or relaxed for that matter, while flying. “I would have flown longer,” he paused. “This sounds self-serving...to have you hold on tighter.” He looked up. “I even made unnecessary hard turns. Anyhow...” Chuckling, she said, “So that was your motive, eh? For that matter, a longer flight would have been welcome to me as well. Once we got to altitude, that is.” “Yes. I’ve always flown on one of those alone. Having you there. So many thoughts.” He went back to finishing his meat. He stabbed a piece and offered it to her. “What kind of thoughts?” she asked, a gleam in her eyes, as she took the offered bite. His foot tapped her leg again. “I don’t think I can say.” A tinge of green fell over his face. He coughed. “Dessert?” he asked, as the waiter arrived at their table. “I think later,” she replied quietly. “It’s been an eventful day. Walk with me back to the quarters?” Jylliene asked, offering her hand as she slid her chair back to rise. “Why of course. Wouldn’t miss it.” Nijil placed a strip of latinum as a tip, stood in turn, and took her hand under his arm. His other hand caressed hers softly. They left the restaurant and proceeded toward the upper decks. Pausing outside Jylliene’s door, they exchanged a warm kiss that soon grew more heated. “Would you care to come inside for a bit?” she asked him, quietly. “Yes, but I don’t think for only a bit,” he said with a measure of conviction in his eyes. He glided the back of his hand down the side of her face. She smiled softly at him and replied, “The invitation stands. Please come in.” They entered her quarters, the door sliding shut behind them.