Page 163 of Every Almost

"Really?"

Orion nodded. "Really."

Charlie smiled.

They both turned their heads when the sound of footsteps approached, showing Reyna and Torvax walking in. Orion got up from his seat, Charlie following suit.

"Good afternoon, Captain," Orion said. "Torvax," he added, inclining his head.

"Chief," Torvax returned.

"Afternoon, Orion," Reyna said.

"Torvax," Charlie said, and he bowed to her. "Captain." Reyna's eyes found hers, and Charlie watched as a smirk played across the Captain's lips.

"Earthling," Reyna responded, the corner of her mouth continuing to twitch.

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Still not apologizing for the Caravan thing."

"And yet I live with the wound." Charlie smirked, thinking the Captain could probably cause an entire infantry to go thirsty with such a dry wit.

"Captain, I'm actually glad you stopped by," Orion said, pulling both Charlie and Reyna's attention.

"Can I help with something?" Reyna asked, moving directly into Captain mode with exquisite precision.

"Actually, I think I'll let Charlie tell you," Orion said, turning his eyes to hers. Charlie looked back at him, definitely mimicking that 'deer in headlights' look she'd tried to explain to him during yesterday's session when discussing roads and highways.

"Me?" Charlie asked, trying her best to communicate with her mind to tell Orion she had absolutely no idea what he wanted her to say. He was an alien, after all.

"Well, I thought it would be best to tell the Captain about our planned event in a few days." This time, Orion winked at Charlie and, gratefully, she got the idea.

"Oh! Yeah, of course. So," Charlie began, turning back to Reyna. "Orion and I have decided to put together a little event. We're calling it an Earth Night. This week."

Charlie watched something move across the Captain's face, realizing it was interest,genuineinterest, the kind that softened the line of her jaw and made her eyes warmer.

"Really?" Reyna asked.

"Yeah," Charlie confirmed. "I mean, basically, I'd share stories about Earth with whoever wants to hear them, play some of the music Tavi is rapidly getting into the ship's system, and just, share a night where the crew gets to hear about where I'm from." Charlie looked over at Orion. "Orion's been helping me organize it."

Reyna's gaze moved over to Orion, but then returned to Charlie.

"That sounds wonderful, Charlie."

"Yeah?"

"I mean it," Reyna began. "The crew has been different since the music system launched. Lighter and happier. And I think giving them the stories behind where this music comes from in context would be something truly special."

Charlie felt something bloom in her chest.

"I agree, Captain," Orion added.

"And I," Torvax said. Everyone turned to stare at him.

"You're interested in stories and music, Torvax?" Charlie asked.

"My species is efficient. Structured. Data-driven. That does not mean we don't like fairy tales," Torvax said sternly. Charlie chuckled.

"That's his way of saying, 'yes,'" Reyna added.