>3 weeks before the crash
The Sagisttar is a larger vessel than she’s used to, but she made it a point to familiarize herself with the layout. While the rest of the crew was busy with a voyage party, she saw little appeal in mingling. Getting to know the vents, chutes, and ladders would surely prove useful in the immediate future. Solari just didn’t think she’d run into anyone within the ship’s bowels.
Star pulls her sleeves down immediately upon the realization that she’s not alone, swiftly returning to the proper, standard state of dress. She comes to face Solari with a perfectly calm ease that all but immediately falters with recognition. She can’t speak.
The silence between them hangs thick enough that you’d struggle to cut it with a knife.
Solari was never one for physical affection. But she quickly embraces Star anyways.
Star chokes out something in the space between a sob and a laugh, hugging back bone-crushingly tight within nanoseconds.
“I didn’t—I thought—I…” she takes a moment to compose her thoughts “I didn’t think my transfer request was effective! Was planning to… busy myself with work.”
“I didn’t think I’d see you again unti—um—ever. You. You put in a transfer request?”
“Uh-yeah. With a—oh walls this is embarrassing. A request to be stationed with you. I didn’t think they’d oblige.”
“I—with—specifically with… me?” She’s bright red, eyes wide, staring down at Solari.
“Well, yeah! You’re the only—no, that's mean. You’re… more enjoyable to be around than most.”
“… I’ll take enjoyable to be around. It’s… I’m glad to be doing this with you.”
