#file 33

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Dear Mr. Brody,

Our investigators did find something at the abandoned base. It was buried beneath some old rubble, since some buildings there seem to have collapsing roofs, but it’s mostly intact. 

It’s a tablet. We found a matching charger at the store and got it up and running again, but all that was on it was an app. Not one on the app store or downloadable online, it must have been coded for this person specifically. 

It’s title was as follows:

7-2-12-6 14-1-17 7-21-22-1-20-6

When we opened the app, it had a password entry page. We’re trying to find the password as we speak.

Sincerely, Cerceruska Private Investigators

(Vela’s part in italics.)

It was difficult to leave the bed and the wonderful room, but once they had done so, Vela was again entranced by the planet in general. She wanted to explore all of it with just Dritz, but as guests she supposed she would have to stay with everyone. Her only actual concern was Fera, who had changed into a beautiful white gown that was incredibly sheer in some areas. Most areas, the longer she looked at it.

"The three of you," he was saying with a disapproving glare at herself, Dritz and Orion, "look horrible. No offense. But you can't dress the way you do on this planet. Don't you have anything a little more... relaxed? Or remotely beautiful at all?"

He gestured at the passersby, who all just looked incredibly wealthy to Vela, in rich fabrics with revealing designs. She shook her head, looking at Dritz, but Fera just made a frustrated noise.

"Alright. We'll go shopping. And that's on me as well, don't worry." Vela found she didn't want to turn down the offer, instead turning to Dritz again for his thoughts.

Hearing Vela speak was such a beautiful, rare thing that, in that situation, it aroused him. The realisation that they would have to leave hit him as she pulled away. He nuzzled against her with a huffy sigh.

"Yeah, you're right," he groaned. "Fera will definitely have an opinion if we end up arriving late."

He rolled off the bed and the two of them made their way downstairs to the lobby. Fera seemed to have an endless stream of absolutely picturesque gowns and outfits, and was wearing something just as gorgeous as always. If a little... Wow. See through. Dritz kept his eyes firmly on Fera's face.

"That's... Actually a real kind offer, Prince Fera, thanks!" Dritz said with a grin. "Maybe a bit... more conservative for me, personally."

Unlike Dritz, Orion had let his gaze freely wander over Fera as long as possible. It wasn't like he had anything intimate on display, and it seemed as though passersby were not staring at him either. Dressing in this way was, apparently, entirely acceptable on this planet.

"I agree with Dritz," he chuckled, glancing sheepishly at the Chrysalan. "I'm not sure I want to wear anything too... showy. There are some of us who can't pull off your elegance, y'know."

Fera scowled at them both, turning to walk away while complaining about how dull they were. Vela lagged a few steps behind as they followed, distracted by looking at the outfits other people wore and wondering which sort she might like. It was just so... unusual to her to see anyone wearing so little fabric. Maybe she could try it too?

[Do you think I could wear that?] She had tugged on Dritz's sleeve before pointing at a woman who only wore a band of cloth around her upper chest and a separate piece around her waist. Vela had to wonder if she would feel self conscious in such an outfit.

Dritz laughed as they followed Fera, "C'mon, Fera, you wouldn't want either of us stealing all the attention either. Ori is right, neither of us have the aesthetic." He gestured to a gentleman who was somehow visibly wealthy, and roughly of a similar build to himself, wearing a long loosely open robe over shorts that were somehow elegant. It was quite the statement. "I think something like that is maybe more my speed."

He soon turned his attention to his flower, lagging a short distance behind them. He followed her gaze and immediately turned back, not hiding his enthusiasm in the slightest, "Absolutely. You could wear that in a heartbeat. And should. You should wear that. Let's get you that. As soon as possible. Yes. Definitely."

Fera snorted softly to himself as he contemplated the two of them in anything similar to what he might wear himself.  No, that would not work. And it wasn't as though he would try to dress them in any way which would draw more attention to them, in the first place. But they were still dull.

He glanced back, unable to keep from hearing the conversation between Dritz and the Vela. Such as it was, anyway. With a slight glower he looked at the woman they had been discussing. He had to begrudgingly admit that she would probably look good in such clothing. Not that he would try to recommend anything to her, out of plain dislike.

There was a particular shop he knew of, run by a Temeron gentleman with powder blue skin, four arms, and a flamboyant fashion sense of his own. They were greeted here warmly and told to look around at whatever they liked, while the shopkeeper gestured dramatically with one pair of arms and tidied folded clothing with the other.

"I see nothing wrong with the outfit you might choose for yourself," he told Dritz airily. "Feel free to choose your own colors as well." He pulled Orion off separately, already with a vision of what he would need.

Vela was a little bewildered at being left alone and stayed close to Dritz. Luckily, there were many of the type of garment she had seen on the woman being sold here. There was one design, in flowered fabric with no straps, which particularly called to her. [Which color?] she signed to her partner hesitantly, unable to see any that were very dark. [And are you sure I can wear this...?]

The store they were led to was unlike any Dritz had come across before. Even in huge cities, he hadn't ever seen so much beautiful, flamboyant garments that somehow also had so little fabric. There were robes and wraps like Fera's; barely there and elegant, some dripping with jewellery or with gemstones stitched into the hemlines, some with detailed lace. There were avant garde one piece outfits with revealing slashes in sensual, dark textures, fun and flashy two piece garments with unique patterns. Dritz was blown away by the colour and creativity, wondering how his people ever used to do without such bright and often times impractical fashion. He liked his work clothing, he did, but no one ever expressed themselves with plain, durable jumpsuits.

He followed Vela over to the band of fabric she was looking at, part of one of the prettiest two-pieces. Looking at the selection of colours, he was immediately drawn to one that seemed to shift from sunny pastel yellow to sky blue depending on where one stood. The fabric was subtly shimmering, never garish, nor did it diminish the delicate flower pattern.

"This one. You'll look so sexy. Especially sexy. So yeah, I'm definitely sure," he grinned exaggeratedly.

Vela stared at the garment Dritz had chosen, moving it just slightly to watch the colors of the fabric shift in a way she found almost miraculous. How were such wondrous garments even dreamed of? She would never have imagined this while living on Aurctas.

[Alright,] she signed, though her motions were hesitant. [It's pretty. How do I know if it fits me?]

"Oh, how lovely- Yes, you want to wear that immediately, don't you?" The shopkeeper had approached from seemingly nowhere, perhaps having sensed an imminent sale. He scanned Vela up and down, his third hand on one hip. "Yes, it's just right for you. And here is your size." He handed the bewildered Aurian one of the garment sets from the pile; how he knew what would fit her was definitely a mystery in her mind. "Go on, the dressing rooms are right here, please put it on and see how much more beautiful you feel!" And he had darted away again, leaving Vela to give Dritz a little bemused smile as she did as instructed.

It took some time for her to figure out how the garment would stay on her body. The subtly hidden hooks in the back were a new concept to her, but eventually she had dressed in both halves of the outfit and glanced at herself in the room's mirror with some surprise. She had known how much of her body would be showing, but seeing it worried her a little. The garment was nice, but she did feel a bit awkward...

As she left the dressing room, it surprised her to see Fera there along with Dritz. She froze in place a moment, then realized he was assessing what she was wearing, for whatever reason. With a little frown, he began rummaging in a rack of clothing near him, pulling out a length of fabric in pale blue. It surprised her so much when he tossed it at her that she could only stare at it for a time.

The fabric was sheer, and there wasn't all that much to it. However, it didn't take her long to figure out that it could be wrapped around her waist, acting as a sort of skirt but not hiding the pretty fabric of the bottom half of her outfit. It left her feeling more secure than before. She looked up in an intention to thank the prince, but now it was only Dritz standing there again.

[Is it alright?] she signed to him, beginning to smile as she realized the answer from the look on his face.

Dritz couldn't help smirking at the Temeron encouraging Vela, almost ushering her into the changing room before she had a chance to protest.

He was browsing the longer shorts and loose shirts when he heard the changing room open again, and he turned immediately to see Vela in the bikini. It took him a good few seconds to close his mouth, and even longer to stop staring in awe. The shifting fabric complimented her pale complexion so beautifully, and her lithe, toned body was perfectly shaped for the style she'd chosen. Dritz's face was quite flushed by the time he managed to say, "You look... amazing."

The only thing that initially put him off the outfit was her obvious lack of confidence in being so exposed, but when Fera threw her the... Pretty see-through skirt thingy, there was no longer a negative to the choice.

Plus, it was see-through.

"Really amazing," he added with an unashamed look up and down her figure. "Like... Really. Really."

[Really?] she signed back, playfully teasing. [Thank you. It feels so... different. But I think I like it.] The addition of the skirt had taken away most of her timid feelings regarding being so undressed, or at least it helped. Dritz obviously enjoyed what he was seeing, and that made her more confident as well.

Abruptly she remembered the clothes she had been wearing before, hurrying back into the room to pick them up off the floor. She folded them as neatly as possible, carrying them out and tucking them under one arm in order to sign to Dritz. [I'm glad you think I look good. Were you going to choose anything?] Would he wear an outfit that showed more of his body as well? The thought pleased her, and she began to realize exactly how he must feel when looking at her own outfit.

Dritz nodded, though he was very visibly still distracted by her outfit. "I sure am, it seems like the thing to do. I'd hate to be left out!" he laughed.

It took him almost no time at all to find something he enjoyed. It had been a while since he'd done any clothes shopping, and he'd honed in on a pair of shorts almost the moment they set foot in the shop. They were slightly longer, and looked like they might be of a flattering fit, in bright greens and blues somehow muted by the refined pattern. They were definitely bright enough for him, but elegant enough to be available in a place like that. The fabric was of the sort that would dry quickly after... swimming? If that was indeed what they were going to be doing, anyway (Dritz was still not sure of the specifics.) He also found a loose robe to use as a more modest cover up; darker blue and plain to compliment the shorts.

Normally Dritz would not be so concerned with covering himself up some, but it seemed like nearly every other resident of the planet preferred to, so it seemed appropriate.

Once everything was collected, taken to the changing room, and on (and so very comfortable), Dritz gave himself a final examine in the mirror before slipping out, "So... what do you think? Not a patch on the other folk I've seen, but I like it!"

Vela waited patiently for Dritz to reappear after he had chosen his clothing, without feeling the need to look around further. She couldn't see Fera or Orion anywhere, at least, and wondered about that.

Her eye lit up once her lover came out of the changing room, and she looked him over closely. The shorts were pretty, and she thought the robe was nice, and yet... her focus seemed to fall on the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt. It was a little distracting. Her gaze kept sliding down to admire her favorite aspect of his body...

[You look wonderful to me. Better than anyone else,] she signed without hesitation. She couldn't help moving closer, then found herself slipping her arms around his waist under the robe to hug him. Being able to feel more of him even in public made her incredibly happy.

Dritz's antennae flickered happily as he spotted immediately that she was very happy with his choice. He gladly pulled her to him, nuzzling into her silky hair.

"N'aww, you're the best," he said, squeezing her. He almost forgot that she was in a state of undress too, and felt a wave of warmth go through him at the sensation of their bare skin meeting. The resort was going to be frustrating, to say the least, if Vela was going to be dressed like this often, as well as press herself against him like that.

He cleared his throat, grinning cheekily, "We'd better try and find the other two. I think we'd get in trouble if I were to take you into the changing room right now like I wanna." He winked at her.

It took Vela a few moments to realize what Dritz meant; did he want to try on more clothes? But the look in his eyes, as well as the wink...

[I wish we could,] she finally signed, a playful expression on her face. That evening, when they could be alone, seemed so far away. Maybe it would be better not to initiate too much contact with him until then. She was able to keep this resolution for all of a few seconds before reaching for his hand and keeping it tucked close to her side as they went in search of Fera and Orion.

As it turned out, they were waiting just outside the shop. Somehow Fera had worked out what they were purchasing and already paid the Temeron, or maybe there was some other method which Vela was unaware of. Regardless, for whatever reason he did not seem too happy, glancing at her quickly and then away. Orion appeared very relaxed now in a pair of shorts which weren't as long as those Dritz had chosen, but he also wasn't wearing any form of top. Vela looked him over briefly, but other than the complex pattern of the shorts, she didn't see much to be interested in. She really had meant it when she said Dritz looked the best to her.

"Hey- whoa. Look at you two." Orion was grinning widely, and Vela offered back a modest smile. "Dritz, you look great, and Vela... you ever thought about modeling?"

The Aurian had no idea what this meant, turning to Dritz with a puzzled frown. However, Fera spoke up angrily before he could reply. "Where do you want to go? It's too early to stay in, or for dining. We could visit one of the private springs..."

[Does he mean water?] Vela forgot everything else to sign eagerly. [Can we go?]

For a brief moment, Dritz had wondered if Vela was rejecting he idea of a stolen moment together, but of course, she had simply taken a moment to catch the meaning; he'd never known her to not be in the mood when he asked...

He kept her close as they left the shop, catching a glimpse of Fera leaving a few moments before they left. He didn't seem in the best mood, but Dritz supposed he had been planning to be there with Orion alone.

Speaking of, Dritz beamed when they met up.

"Looking good, Ori," he returned, proudly putting an arm around Vela's shoulders at the mention of modelling. She'd be popular on a lot of planets, he was certain. But her puzzled expression suggested that Aurctas perhaps had no concept of modelling, which made sense. He resolved to explain it later... Maybe with a first hand look at her modelling itself.

"Yes! I am looking forward to the springs, actually. Are they the steamy kind?" He glanced at Vela, "I think we wanna visit the warmest we can!"

"Yes, yes," Fera sighed, waving a hand dismissively. Not only was he irritated that Dritz and the Vela were around, with her getting attention for her outfit, but also he was admittedly annoyed because he had not been able to get Orion to dress in anything more... extravagant than what he had chosen. "They're all rather hot, I believe. And we can even get private springs, so we needn't all stay together."

This was the only small comfort he had at the moment. It was also what he kept his mind focused on as he brought them to the area where the springs were located- a sprawling complex of buildings with many different sections that separated the vast amount of natural springs this planet contained. He marched straight up to the desk in the lobby, where a nervous-looking human female watched them approach with some alarm.

"Two," the prince said, his tone crisp as he frowned down at the attendant.

"Oh... good afternoon, sir!" the human squeaked, gesturing to the computer on the desk in front of her. "I apologize for this inconvenience, but we... we only have one of the springs available right now, and only for the next hour. A very large group from Coralis just arrived the other day, and they aren't leaving until next week and have taken up almost every available-"

"What?" Fera snapped angrily. "That can't be possible. We need two."

"Hey," Orion cut in, looking about as worried as the attendant did. "We can all use one. Can't we? It's not so bad. We're here together, so why not? What do you think, Dritz?"

[I'm not sure,] Vela was adding her own input before anything else, [but I really do want to go, if it's the only chance we have...]

Something was definitely wrong with Fera. He was being sharper than usual. Which... Definitely was saying something. Maybe Dritz could pull him to one side to check on him later... They were at least slightly friends.

However, Fera seemed less than friendly when they were made aware of the restrictions in the spring availability. Truth be told, Dritz was just as miffed, if more quietly so. He had been looking forward to reveling in Vela's innocent contentment. She had such a genuine love for the water that it was a joy to watch, and even more so when it was warm.

"Oh... Well... We are all friends. I appreciate we were looking forward to some quiet, uh, coupley time, but this could be fun too. This is the very reason you brought us, right, your Highness?" Dritz ventured, looking sheepish. He quickly turned to Vela and signed, speedily and sloppily, back, [I'm sorry sorry. I will made it up to you later, we will share bath. Love you.]

[It's fine,] Vela replied with a smile. [We will have our time later. I love you too.] They would have a more than enjoyable evening together, and if she was being honest, she just couldn't pass up the opportunity to experience the naturally heated water, no matter who else would be there with them.

It also didn't escape Orion's notice that Fera seemed somewhat unhappy with the situation. Sure, it was a little discouraging, but it wasn't that bad, was it? Still, he tried to understand as the attendant gave the prince the details of their spring and he led them off through the maze of corridors, seeming to know exactly where to go.

The scruffy mechanic slipped an arm around Fera's waist as they walked, leaning closer so the others wouldn't hear. "Hey, I'm sorry too. But I get the feeling we'll have plenty of time to spend alone in the future. You need to get along better with these two, they're our way of getting around until you have a ship again." Of course this wasn't all he would say, but leaned even closer to murmur, "And I kind of like being the one in a group with the most beautiful partner. Though it's getting pretty tough not to have my hands all over you." Fera only smirked just slightly, enough that Orion could tell, and held his head a bit higher. He must be feeling at least a little better.

When they reached the enclosed area that held the spring, Vela felt as though she couldn't move as she stopped to stare at it. It did look entirely natural, like a pool of water surrounded by rocks, but there was actually steam rising from it. There were a few chairs and tables scattered around, along with piles of soft towels stacked in convenient locations, but she really didn't want to look at much else except the spring.

Tearing her gaze away for a moment, she signed to Dritz, [Can I just get in with these clothes on? Or do I need to take them off...?] She was so desperate to experience the water that she thought it wouldn't be so bad if she had to do so naked, like in a regular bath.

Seeing Orion and Fera getting a bit closer, Dritz felt more comfortable pulling Vela closer. The other two just evidently weren't so public as Dritz and Vela liked to be. He thought idly that it could be due to Fera's royal blood, perhaps Coronal were not approving of displays of affection. Dritz had always been a fan, even when he personally hadn't anyone to display with, it was always cute to see.

The spring was unlike anything else Dritz had ever seen, and he liked to consider himself at least fairly well travelled. He'd seen natural springs, but most that he'd been aware of were silty or muddy, and cold, natural points for beautiful swamp plants to thrive but not anywhere one would associate with luxury bathing. Even the surrounding rocks were clean and almost uniform, while obviously being natural. It was as though the spring itself held the same high standards of the resort.

In response to Vela, Dritz laughed heartily, shaking his head, "Some kinds are for being naked, but I think given the circumstances, we'll keep these on. After all, Fera was kind enough to buy them for us, and they're looking good."

Much as he would very much like Vela naked in the warm spring.

Still uncertain, Vela nodded. It made sense that some clothes were made for wearing in the water. At least, she thought they must be. Societies had different levels of modesty as a whole, from what she had read.

Unable to wait any longer, she approached the spring's edge after removing the wrap from around her waist and placing it in a dry location; it hardly seemed to practical to wear that, anyway. She glanced back for a moment to see Dritz watching her, and Fera and Orion farther away, standing next to some chairs and not even looking in her direction, but instead conversing with each other. With a smile for Dritz, she slowly began to step into the water.

It wasn't long before she felt somewhat overwhelmed. The immediate warm sensation of the water against her skin was intensely enjoyable, so much so that she had to stop when it had only reached her knees. She was not even fully in the water yet, but seemed unable to move as she signed to her partner. [This is incredible. It's warmer than we usually have our showers. I don't know how I lived without this.] Her expression was blissful as she glanced around her, now afraid to move deeper because she thought she might never want to leave.

Dritz watched Vela enter the water, wanting her to experience it fully before he joined her. The problem was, though, that he desperately wished to join her. He was torn between wanting her to take her time and enjoy the new sensation of far hotter water than before, in such a huge spring, but at the same time he wanted to flop in and pull her to the corner so they could cuddle.

"You like it huh?" he beamed, though it was quite obvious. He stepped in after her, keeping a small distance away to let her experience the space. "You gotta get right in here though, flower," he encouraged, moving towards the deeper parts until deliciously hot water was beginning to lap at his belly, making his antennae stick up happily. It was definitely warmer, as she had said. He held his arms out, tempting her with the promise of an embrace.

Nodding, Vela turned her head to watch Dritz enter the spring. For a few moments she was able to forget her uncertainly about moving from where she already was, and focused on him instead. And when he held his arms out to her...

Carefully, she began to make her way toward him. The water dragged at her, but not in a way that was frightening or bad at all. If anything, she wanted to be able swim through it and stay as long as possible. All thoughts of having to force herself to leave were forgotten for now as she continued putting one foot in front of the other. It was still so odd, actually walking through water, and yet so delightful.

Just short of reaching Dritz, she opened her arms as well, slightly falling into his embrace and squeezing him tightly. While she had found the water enjoyable before, now that she was pressed against him, she felt it was even better. [It's so wonderful,] she leaned back to sign, her expression one of pure amazement and joy. [Do we have to do anything else? Or can we just... stay here?] She was hoping it was like a bath, where one could stay a good amount of time without any other expectations.

Dritz couldn't resist widening his stance when he caught her, dipping them deeper into the water. From Vela's expression he could tell she hadn't really experienced water in that way before, which struck him as odd but obviously made sense. He himself hadn't had much experience either.

"We can stay as long as you like, flower," he said brightly. He clung to her and spun them in slow circles in the water, pushing off and letting the momentum rotate them gently. "I'm glad you like it so much."

He beamed and backed off from her, far enough for them both to need to reach out, "Hey, I got something fun to show you. Tuck your legs up so you're floating!"

Once she got used to the sensation, he pulled her towards him through the water, pulling her into a kiss.

Being told they could stay a good length of time satisfied Vela, who was quick to attempt anything Dritz might suggest. All of it delighted and somehow relaxed her, especially when he showed her a little about how to float. She was happily drawn into the kiss, clinging to him tightly in exhilaration.

She took a quick glance over her shoulder as Dritz continued to help pull her around slowly, noticing that Fera and Orion had still not even approached the spring. Perhaps they were being given privacy for the time being? She was grateful for that, no matter what the reason.

[Have you ever been in a spring like this?] she questioned abruptly, curious. [Or... does Chrysala have them? I didn't look that up specifically, I would not have thought of it at the time.] Unable to help herself, she reached out for him again, pressing close and resting her head against his shoulder as he replied, feeling the most blissful she possibly ever had in her life.

Dritz chirped softly with amusement as he pulled Vela around the spring, finding a place where the water nearly came as high as his shoulders. It was so warm, and Vela was so happy, he couldn't think of anything more perfect right then.

"Chrysala kiiind of has something similar, but not nearly as nice. There are steam spas, which are nice and warm, but they're mostly a beauty treatment, and only really a recent thing as stuff like luxury, fashion and beauty has become a bigger part of life there. But I think it's only a matter of time before they pop up some hot springs in random places," Dritz rambled, happily squeezing Vela close. "Is your eye okay, I didn't get any water on it?"

[That sounds nice too,] Vela signed thoughtfully, wondering what it would feel like to be surrounded by steam. Obviously she would have to try this the next time they were on Chrysala.

She felt unable to stop cuddling with Dritz in the water, and didn't reply to him again right away. Finally she shook her head as she leaned back. [No, I don't think so. I can't wait until you can make the modifications... Maybe we can find a way to waterproof it as well. I would like to go under the water or even... swim.] The idea of being able to swim was somehow very compelling, even without being familiar with water at any point during the rest of her life.

Orion's approach went unnoticed by Vela, being so intent on imagining what it might feel like to move with absolute freedom through the water. She startled a little to turn and see him there, though he was still remaining at a respectable distance, with a rather sheepish expression on his face.

"Hey. Uh... sorry about the sharing thing, again. But hanging out with all of us, as friends.. I do like the sound of that too. So are you enjoying the spring? It looks like it. I'm not sure yet if Fera is wanting to get in..." He cast a dubious look back in the prince's direction. Vela wasn't going to say anything, but she wondered if he was very mad about having to spend time all together.

The thought of completing the modification to Vela's mechanical eye did frighten him sometimes. When he was thinking clearly and the notion came to him, it was exciting to think of giving her more freedom with it, he was completely confident in his abilities and certain he would do a great job. When he thought of all that could go wrong, however, an anxiousness took over. What if he messed it up and Vela was so angry and heartbroken that...

He hugged her tighter for a moment.

"Once we're able, we'll go looking for the parts we'll need. I should examine its capabilities beforehand though, so I know what I'm changing," he said idly, contemplating what basic components he would need were this anything but his love's very delicate face.

He offered Orion a grin as he made himself known.

"This place is great, I think we'll have a hard time leaving," he chuckled, winking, "Everything okay with you?"

"Everything's okay with me, yes," Orion sighed, glancing at Fera again. The prince had arranged himself elegantly on one of the lounge chairs near the edge of the spring, seeming to be inspecting his fingernails with a frown on his beautiful face. "I'm not sure about him. He won't tell me anything, either..."

Not wanting to dwell on it too long, he turned back and smiled at Dritz and Vela. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. It is really nice. I guess Earth used to have springs like this, but... heh, you know what a lot of humans were like in the past. Or, if you don't, then I can say they ruined way too much on Earth before they got smarter about it. I don't think these exist there anymore. And again, never having been to my own home planet myself..."

He trailed off, though he was smiling good naturedly. All of that was in the distant past anyway. "These springs aren't meant for swimming as such, but it just made me wonder if either of you actually can. Although I guess... I know Vela can't." It was all he could do not to chuckle, wondering why the Aurian looked so forlorn about her lack of swimming skills as she shook her head.

Dritz glanced over at Fera, observing him for a long moment. He was such a difficult person to be fond of, and he'd been so unkind to Vela, which he would not forgive, but he found he was still kind of fond of the prince. He clearly required a lot of effort to like, and Dritz was willing to try.

He smiled warmly, just in case Fera happened to look up, he might at least realise that he was thought about.

Turning back to Orion, Dritz's antennae were curling back down sadly.

"That's so terrible. I was aware that very early Earth humans had made a lot of mistakes, but I had no idea it was so devastating. I'm sorry, Ori. Maybe one day there will be a big turnaround and you will be able to enjoy springs on your home planet, should you ever wanna visit..." he said softly, stroking Vela's back idly as he did.

Fera's eyes flicked briefly upward, just in time to see Dritz smiling at him. He only frowned, wondering if they were all talking about him. And why shouldn't they be? He was the most important one there. Fortunately, the Vela wasn't doing any signing. Who knew if the water negated her powers? He pondered over this as he resumed inspecting his perfectly flawless nails.

There was no chance he was getting in the spring with her there.

Orion sighed, but smiled as he shook his head. "Maybe. I haven't felt a real strong urge to visit yet. If I was ambitious enough, I'd go back like some humans do and try to help fix things. But... I dunno, I just feel more like I belong in a starship than anywhere else."

He edged closer to Dritz and Vela, lowering his voice more. "Listen... I know this is an awkward request, but can you please ask Fera to join us? I just want him to enjoy himself here and I've asked... multiple times. Maybe if he sees you're earnest enough... I mean, if you want to. And of course, Dritz should probably try by himself." He gave Vela an apologetic look, but she seemed disinterested, instead only moving her hand through the water and watching the way it flowed around her.

Dritz nodded. It made a lot of sense for Orion to have that sense of adventure. It was what had gotten humans off of their planet in the first place, at least as far as he was aware. That, and the terrible state the planet ended up in for a long time. Again, as far as he was aware. He wasn't great with other planets' history, especially not Earth's. It was too far away, and space too large for it to be a topic covered during schooling.

"I think starships need you just as much as Earth needs other humans," Dritz offered cheerily. He pretended to inspect the water as Orion spoke, nodding and playing off what was being asked. "Of course," he muttered. He let himself drift a little in the water, idling and telling Orion and Vela about how little his education covered other planets, now that he thought about it, in an attempt to stall asking Fera, so that it wouldn't look suspicious.