It was hard to be new on the Bridge. Also, new on the ship. Cadet Helen Myrian wasn't one to socialize.

It was hard.

Captain Pike thought she was too competent to keep enjoying Enterprise's resources, so requested her transfer to Discovery. Pike had never seen a better Engineer at a tender age.

Helen didn't want to go and her roommate talked a lot.

But she had loved her mane of thick long red curly hair.

The first thing Helen did when she got to the Bridge was to fall on all fours. A great start.

A very tall man, Kelpien, a gentleman, since everyone was muffling a laughter, helped her to get up, with her face flaming behind her colorful hair.

"Cadet, this hairdo is against protocol."

She was trembling. He was so, so tall for her 5'2.

"Sorry, sir.", she said, realizing he was no one less than the Captain. "But on the Enterprise Captain Pike cut me some slack. Would you not? After all, it's dread. I'd have to get bald."

The Captain stared at her blue eyes severely.

"Come on, Saru. With your Ganglia, you're not one to talk.", mocked Michael.

"Very funny. I know how a woman feels about her hair. I'll allow it. But no more protocol breeches."

"Aye, sir."

Helen gave a thumbs up to Michael and everyone was smiling.

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Ash Tyler.

He was another matter entirely. Now that there were no more wars, he was allowed to choose where to stay, and he chose Discovery. Saru allowed, since he was such a valuable asset. But sometimes...

He became psychotic.

And Michael was still so in love with him and that frightened her.

Thank God there was Hugh to treat him. But even so, Michael couldn't bring herself to forgive him yet.

It had been a while Paul didn't make a jump. So he and Hugh had a lot of free time and the ship was in peace.

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"Your hair is so beautiful. It shines and bounces. You look like a Celtic princess. I wish mine had been like this.", said Helen to Tilly, while the other brushed it.

Suddenly, her brush went to the floor. Tilly seemed moved.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Tilly started crying and emotionally, hugged Helen.

"No, I... I... I've only been criticized about my hair all my life. This is the first compliment I get. Ever. And you? What's your excuse?"

"Me?"

"To destroy your hair with colorful dread."

"Shut up, bitch!", and they laughed., "I just don't want to be ordinary, that's all. I used to be a platinum blonde."

"I like it."

"Well, I didn't. As you can see. And as the Captain will see, I have several tattoos.", she smiled, feisty.

Tilly got puzzled.

Helen became silent and red.

"You... you got a major crush on Saru?! But you just got here! It's been a week, tops!"

"His hands are so soft, he is so tall, intelligent, his eyes change colors like gems, he is so gentle..."

"You realized all that in a minute?!"

"Whatever. He's too much for me. He would never notice me anyway."

"No!", Tilly held her hands., "No, he's not! You're a strong, beautiful woman! I'll help you!"

"Tilly, I don't think this is such a good idea. It's not like we're at the Academy anymore, plus he's the Captain, we could get in so much trouble... What do you have in mind?"

"I know. Trust me."

The thing was, she had no idea.

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It took weeks for Tilly to come up with that strategy. Helen was caught completely by surprise.

"Look, Captain", called Tilly inconveniently, "Helen is having problems with her navigation controls!"

That was certainly strange and overfamiliar.

"What seems to be the problem?", he asked.

"There is no problem!", Helen answered, tomato red.

"There is too! Why, Helen, you seem to have a fever! Captain, she can barely walk! I'm sure you could take her to sickbay?"

Saru sighed. He could feel there was something amiss.

"Tilly, are you disturbed? You have leave to go to sickbay, Cadet. If you are that unwell, Tilly can accompany, why not."

"Because... Because... I am lazy!", desperated Tilly.

Now he was sure he was being mocked.

"You two. My Ready Room. Now."

No one dared to laugh. And no one understood, for Helen's relief.

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"Thanks a lot, Tilly!" Helen whispered.

"I did try!"

The Captain, on the chair, asked, calmly:

"Can someone explain me what is happening here? Since you arrived here, Myrian, everything became topsy-turvy."

"Please, Saru, don't talk like that to her! She means no harm! She likes my hair! She- likes! She has a huge crush on you! Oh fuck!"

Helen put her hands on her face.

The room was silent for a while.

"Let me process that." he said.

"I'm sorry, I'll cut my hair and request transfer to another vessel." said Helen, stoic.

"No, please!", said Saru, kindly. "I didn't mean to be so hard on you. I don't deserve your affections, though. You are a... very beautiful girl, I'm sure you'll find someone of your status."

"Excuse me.", Helen left, hiding her face.

Saru was confused.

"Now, why did you do that?", said Tilly, "Don't you think you deserve happiness? Or, as a Kelpien, you saw her as a menace?"

"That's not funny, Tilly. But if you want to know, I was... afraid."

"For a change. Keep missing opportunities, Saru. You'll see where that leads you."

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At night, Saru was lying on his bed, thinking. When his doorbell rang.

Suspicious like always, he dressed and opened the door.

It was Helen.

"Hi."

"Um... Hi. What are you doing here?"

"I... have to talk to you, Mr. Saru."

"Oh. Come in."

He had no idea why he had invited her in. His Ganglia almost got worked up.

But she came in. His room was Spartan. Clean. Objective.

"I just came here to... apologize. It was not my place to hit on the Captain. There is a hierarchy. I'm just a cadet. Right?"

He held her arms strongly. She was wearing a discreet turquoise nightgown.

"I never said that."

"But you acted like that. As if you were superior."

His hands descended over her arms.

"Did you really come here just to apologize?"

She laughed, softly.

"Only if you want me to."

He grabbed her in a wild kiss, protocol to the winds, loosing emotions he didn't know he even had. When she held him and he felt her body, he felt something hardening, and they touched. He nearly tore her clothes, not seeming to be that controlled, quiet Kelpien from the Bridge. When they were together the kisses were fierce in a hunger that was new for both of them. They were both shy, but soon, bared each other, looking at their differences curiously.

"This. is. wrong." interrupted Saru.

"No! Wanting or lust is never wrong! Who's to know?"

Saru took a deep breath and controlled himself.

"You are a very beautiful girl." he touched her exquisite hair. But you are just a girl. Please, get back to your room."

Tears ran down from her face and he felt sorry for her. How could a woman or better, girl, feel lust for a Kelpien when they were hunted?

That was a first.

Saru kissed her on the mouth and pushed her. She was relenteless. He was horny.

Now, go back to your room, Cadet.

She left, in tears. Tilly would probably know. But it was for the best.