Hobbies and downtime plans

The group chatted for a little while longer; while Rye had been watching the events on the moon via the scanners she wanted a first-hand account of everything that had happened. After that, there was the evening meal to organize and idle discussion regarding each other’s plans for the bulk of their downtime until they arrived at Thera. Rye was unsurprisingly planning on spending almost the entire time working on the shield system. “I’m pretty sure I’ve got a plan to get it working right. I told you it’d take a genius weeks to get it working, but if my initial thoughts are good then I can probably do it in under two. You can call me a super genius at that point.” That last comment was accompanied by the Rabyth woman poking her tongue out cheekily before Meli responded in her monotone “Technically, **** skill with engineering does not require genius intellect - only hyper focus. Perhaps hyper-bunny would be more appropriate.”

Rye stared at the Velca for a moment after that statement before bursting into laughter. “Ok nerd, using your lack of tone for sarcasm when you’re normally working so hard on impressing mister I-can-see-you-staring-at-her over there is cool. What are you planning on doing this week, besides our heroic captain?” Dustin choked on his drink at that even as Meli tapped her chin for a moment before replying. “I think I will continue my study of human culture. I am currently partway through reading a series of entertainment texts from different eras to see how their consideration of the metaphysical has changed over time.” The Rabyth looked at her blankly for a moment before Meli explained “I’m going to read a lot of fantasy stories to see what humans think about rituals in non-religious contexts.”

Dustin smiled at that - Meli nerding out about human culture was rather cute. Both of the women turned to him then, and he shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure right now. I have some official bits and pieces to do - I need to send a report back to Star Command regarding the state of the crew. Positive things, don’t worry” he added quickly when he saw a look of concern flash across Rye’s face, before continuing “but that’s not really down-time stuff. I’ll probably do some reading up on the species we’re going to run into along the route - and I definitely need to learn more about the Feliax before we get to their home world. I do not want to embarrass humanity by screwing up talks with a species I’m trying to recruit to help me with diplomatic actions.”

Meli shook her head at that, and Rye rolled her eyes. “That’s still work, captain. What are you going to do to unwind? All work and no play leads to bad decision making I hear.” Dustin sighed at the Rabyth’s words and nodded. “You’re right. I don’t really know. Back on earth, all I really did when I had free time was sleep or read up on things on my tablet. Mostly because I didn’t see the point in putting effort into anything really, hobbies or work. Now I’ve got a reason to put effort in and there’s just… so much to do. I tell you what, let me have a check through the inventory. There’s bound to be something in there I can spend my time playing around with.”

The two women nodded begrudgingly at that - neither of them seemed convinced that their captain would actually take time off. Feeling for some reason like he should prove his words to his crew, Dustin dragged himself out of the chair in which he had been lounging and walked over to the automat. Scanning through the various goods it listed as being in the hold he paused and smiled. “Well, this’ll do. Probably.” He said to himself, before keying in the request. The machine whirred away to itself for a while, before beeping. “Goods selected are too large to be dispensed by automat captain. I have a service unit bringing them up from storage. ETA two minutes” Sola’s voice came from the speakers as Dustin returned to his seat. “There we go. I’ll practice something I’ve not really touched since I was a kid. It’ll **** me to spend time not working, and hey, maybe I can work it into our music night.”

His words left the others slightly confused until the door to the room slid open and the small service robot trundled in holding a case. Dustin took it from the robot, which beeped in confirmation and returned to whatever duties Sola usually used it for. Setting the case on the table, Dustin undid the clasps holding it shut and flipped the lid. Inside, nestled in soft red padding sat a beautifully made guitar. Whistling softly to himself, Dustin pulled it out and strummed it experimentally. “This is a lot better than I was expecting” he said, trying to remember chords he hadn’t played since childhood. “EarthGov really went all out on some of the supplies they sent on this trip with me. We’ve got like five more of these if the automat is to be believed.”

After a moment or two of experimentation he set the instrument back in it’s box, closing the clasps with a snap before taking it through to his private room. When he returned, the other two were sat smiling. “You looked like you were having fun” Meli said, her ears flicking into the joy-for-others position. Dustin nodded. “Yea. I used to play a bunch as a child, but dropped it halfway through schooling - didn’t feel like making a career out of music was for me, and got pulled into trying other hobbies by friends. Honestly surprised I remember as much as I do - but I’ll practice alone for a bit before I play for you two properly ok?” The women nodded, before Rye stretched and yawned. “Right, plans all made. I’m gonna head to my bunk and crash out if that’s ok captain? Sola can handle things on autopilot for a few hours can’t she?”

Dustin nodded, before calling out to the AI. “Sola, continue on planned flightpath and jumps until further notice. If there’s any emergency, page all hands as we all need sleep right now.” The AI’s response came quickly. “Confirmed Captain. I estimate I will have completed the next two jumps by the time you awake as the next two systems are short travel between flight points. Do you wish me to pause between jumps?” Glancing at Meli to check, Dustin shook his head as he replied “No, just keep to the flight plan. Thanks Sola.” Stretching, he turned back to the others only to see that Rye had already left. Meli smiled at him, her ears flicking into anticipation for a second before she turned to leave as well. “I’ll go and grab my things and be right back, Dustin.” She said, adding over her shoulder as she stepped out the door “You wanted spontaneity tonight I believe?”