066 Romantic
Kat watched as a male soldier smiled at a female soldier across the room from her. She frowned as the male soldier presented a collection of colorful flowers to the woman. A blush was evident on her face, and the man smiled even wider. Kat huffed. She saw no point for such flashy actions. It was all just a show, the man claiming the woman as his in front of all the other soldiers.
Kat leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. She scowled as the metal of her right arm squeaked. She hated to be on base, but they were waiting for their orders and a possible replacement for Thom, though Kat didn't want a replacement. She'd forgotten again to get oil to take care of the parts of her prosthetic.
She turned her attention back to the scene before her. She didn't see why women wanted the flashy actions that so many of them considered to be romantic. Most of it seemed to be based off of ancient rituals that all revolved around a man possessing a woman. Why they would want things like that she did not understand.
Kat glanced to her side as Carter sat down. He didn't speak right away, just sat staring at the scene before them. Kat uncrossed her arms, cursing as her right arm squeaked again. She saw him and felt him shift in the seat beside her. She waited but was surprised as he didn't scold her for not taking care of her arm.
"What exactly is going on?" Carter seemed only partially interested. From his tone Kat guessed that that wasn't what he wanted to talk about.
"Some guy making a fool of himself over a woman." Kat shook her head slightly. "Is there something you need, Commander?"
"Yes." Carter grabbed her right hand and flipped it palm side up. The action wasn't violent, it was gentle, as though he were afraid he might break her arm if he used too much force. He set down an object in her hand and her fingers reflexively clutched the oil container. "I need you to take care of that arm. I don't want you being shot by a sniper due to that squeak giving you away."
Kat looked down at the container and then back up at Carter as he stood. "Yes, Commander."
She watched as he left, then looked down at the container of oil. There was a faint hint of a smile on her face.