After a few more numbers, he took his first break as did the crowd that gathered. They broke for the bar for refills and as they did, enough people cleared in front of the red head who had a fresh refill herself. It was then she noticed the stranger who had given her the toy still on the couch. Recovered from her shock, she stirred her drink a little and gave him a gentle smile. Did he notice? She didn't know but for the first time in awhile, she felt good about herself. She still wrestled with her issues but she felt good.
The Guard himself at this point paid no more mind to the stranger as well. He had pretty much been no trouble so he ignored him while the Commander himself finished his drink. As he left, he stopped by Doreen.
"It's nice to see you smiling, young lady," patting her hand twice as he walked by and left for his quarters, tired and worn from a day's work.
More people poured in as the pianist sat for his second set, an obvious hit with the ship's personnel.
![[Image: 7Md2x4D.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7Md2x4D.png)