<div align="center"><strong>-=Simeon Gaorong - at the pub-which-must-not-be-named - Eavesdown Docks=-</strong></div><br/>Demonstrating how he felt about the offerings available at...that establishment would have been uncouth. After Sasha ordered, Si added, "Whiskey and water," then waited for the server to depart before resuming his previous conversation. "As things are now? Weasels being weasels. However, unless we are planning to make an arrangement with Badger on our next visit to Persephone - whether working with him or making it clear to the man that we are not a crew with which to meddle - we will likely have an 'actual' problem. Not urgent enough to require immediate action, but it would be unwise to ignore the threats of a man in Badger's position, craven though he may be in a direct confrontation."<br/><br/>By the time Sasha was through barking at McPherson their drinks had arrived, and none too soon: Si needed a glass to hide his smirk behind. Wouldn't do to be caught amused at their new recruit's expense. Not while they were out and about anyway; maybe when they were back on the ship he could resume enjoying himself at the gruff man's expense. ...maybe he'd just wait until they were on the way back.<br/><br/>At the pub, drinks were the recreation of choice. Drinks and the view. He was not so boorish as to stare at her, of course, but now that they were more or less "off-duty" Si did treat himself to a somewhat less than professional glance over Sasha's attire. It wasn't as though it was suddenly new, of course, as she had been wearing it all along, and in more provocative poses than sitting at a table. Still, he hadn't taken his time in considering how the ensemble complimented her in both appearance and, to an extent, personality. It took more than a pretty face to create intrigue and allure, after all, and young Sasha had her fair share of both. Little wonder the underground dealer liked her so much; the first officer could surely find great success in a similar line of work. Ferret doubtless saw potential for a protege.<br/><br/>Those were less attractive thoughts, however. Enjoy the now. Si lifted his whiskey glass a touch, saluting her, then pretended to take a sip before returning the container to the tabletop. He was generous enough to patronize the establishment while they were there; that didn't mean he planned to actually<em>drink</em>the swill he bought. Truth be told, he wasn't even sure he trusted their water.<br/><br/>"Under other circumstances," he said slowly, "I would refrain from such idle thoughts, but given our current environs and your delectable choice of attire, I cannot help but find myself wondering just what sort of plans for 'happy hands' you must have waiting for you." One hand cradled his chin, index finger following the line of his cheek, knuckles just below his lips maintaining the ghost of a smile without the body. "I daresay I take it as a compliment you would rather spend some quality time with the crew than rush off to your own ends. Or is it merely professional attention to ship's morale?"