He couldn't help himself from thinking Such beauty, even in a dim light. Still, he focused on what she said and replied. His voice carried compassion in an oddly stern tone - "Tau 44 has been the rightful space of Crayterians ever since we first settled in it. Even though it's hard... we have to fight to protect what we care for, don't you think?" Recalling her take on violence, he quickly added "Of course, each of us fights in our own way." and nodded with a gentle smile.
"So what's on your mind, Babe?" she asked. His mind raced for a moment. He didn't want to ruin his plan right now. Things had to be great... but he didn't want to lie either... The conflict in his mind, however, already made him silent for a few good seconds. So, he quickly replied as evenly as he could "Not plenty, mainly work. And the cruise I just spoke of."
He took her hand and they started walking downstairs. "So, would you like some avian roast or should we do the kids a favour and eat the veggie-mix they seem to despise lately?" he chuckled.
![[Image: JNC-sig2.png]](https://discoverygc.com/wiki/images/7/7c/JNC-sig2.png)