The smile that T'Rena displayed was something that threw Dorn off more than anything else she said. The male expected Vulcans to be cool, stoic, and unemotional. It gave him pause to wonder if their culture had experienced some change, or whether T'Rena was simply an individual who, perhaps like himself, who feel outside the general norm that gave rise to broader cultural impressions of a species. He was quiet as they made their way to the turbolift.<br/><br/>"Yes. I understand that Cardassian medical data is not widely disseminated." The male replied as T'Rena expressed interest in Cardassian biology and mentioned the brevity of it in her classes at the Science Academy. The dearth of medical data available to Cardassia's enemies made biogenic weaponry difficult to formulate, though the Maquis found a way. He lacked much interest in medicine or biology as a science - on Cardassia males were discouraged from that field; it was dominated by females who were held to have a mind for such things. It was, however, refreshing to have this familiar element - a female interested in science - at this time, and it helped diminish the anxiety he felt.<br/><br/>Dorn was unphased by the reaction of the other two cadets. It was very common and Dorn did not feel it entirely untoward. The Cardassian Union was not a power that had a positive history with any of the powers of the Alpha Quadrant. "It is not important." Dorn said, dismissing the matter in a distant tone of voice. He stood straight backed, and clasped his hands behind his back for the duration of the ride.<br/><br/>The pair exited the turbolift and made their way to the mess hall. It was large and filled with new and returning students alike. Every species of the Federation seemed to be represented to Dorn. He quickly scanned the room, and noted that replicators were in place, but there were also live chefs who had prepared meals from hand-grown foodstuffs. Dorn elected to join a line for real foodstuffs, doubting that any Cardassian cuisine was programmed into them and if he was going to try something new, he may as well try it prepared by skilled hands.<br/><br/>Ultimately Dorn ended up with a type of fish stew known as Cioppino, and that indelibly human beverage known as Root Beer. When T'Rena had refreshment they found a table and took their seats. Dorn watched the Root Beer bubble away, observing the carbonated beverage with a dubious expression. But otherwise his posture was confident and assured; the large male sat in a manner to communicate his size to anyone observing. If anyone looked his way they would get an eyeful of a Cardassian: proud, unbowed, and seemingly perfectly in place.<br/><br/>"Is your interest in biology part of a desire to practice medicine, or is it purely at the scientific level?" Dorn asked, returning to the subject of biology she had broached earlier. He raised one of the forks and set to work prising the flesh free from a half of a crab suspended in his stew.