<blockquote><div><cite>thisistheclincher wrote:</cite>Once introductions were over by the key players and the Captain departed, Artemis unobtrusively followed behind Lieutenant Jones and the newcomer Dren Falon, but listened intently to their conversation as the three made their way to the cafeteria. The scientists stomach was rumbling, but he wasnâ€™t sure if it was hunger or the fact they had just jumped through hyperspace. He couldnâ€™t understand why he seemed to be the only one affected.  It was particularly busy at this point of the day in the food hall, where he was guided into the existing queue.<br/><br/>Observing the Nekan, he witnessed the alien had a full range of facial expressions and emotions, including fear, humour and sadness.  He was also interested in the alienâ€™s female Mech A.I. as it was imbued with more character qualities than a normal interface. The A.Iâ€™s worked as the pilotâ€™s back-up, a processor capable of monitoring the Mechâ€™s vitals, provide intel and combat strategies, and emotional and psychological support. It often manifested aspects of the users personality. Artemis, although not a pilot as such, had an A.I. but preferred to keep it offline.<br/><br/>Grabbing a tray, Artemis pondered over the reasonable selection of products. He opted for the sausages in onion gravy with a hint of cranberry. Dipping the ladle twice for extra meaty juiciness, he than whacked two large dollops of mashed potato sprinkled with herbs and pepper. Not much of a vegetable eater, he added a small portion of peas to the side of his plate. Not like he had his health to worry about.<br/><br/>He sat beside Dren, and listened as they discoursed until the bat-faced pilot disturbed the mood. He found his accent annoyingly difficult to understand, straining to pick out the words. While they played out their wager, the scientist turned to the alien, â€˜So, Mr Falon. Tell me, has your kind inhabited many worlds in its space? Have you encountered other forms of life outside your own? Are there planets with vast amounts of water? Hydrogen and oxygen?â€™ His voice trailed off, feeling stupid. He was getting too carried away. â€˜My apologises, I shall let you eat in peace.â€™ Stuffing half a sausage in his month, the heat burned his tongue. Placing his hand over his mouth, he panted loudly.</div></blockquote>