Thire was headed towards his office after returning from Prison Escort. That was not part of their job, why were they stuck with it? To his surprise the new secretary stepped up to him, "Commander."

"Yes Gunner." Thire looked at the kid.

"Senator Lyni has come to see you." Not being able to see the Commanders surprise the shiny continued, "She said that she would wait in your office until you came back."

So much for grabbing a data pad and heading to the mess hall to eat and work at the same time. The dance to welcome the new Senators had just been announced and Fox wanted him to make sure that the security was tight enough. But Thire nodded, "Thank you Gunner."

Entering his office he found that Lyni had set out plates, cups, silverware and was looking up from the basket she had set on the 'company' chair. She smiled at him, "Hello Commander." Taking out a container from the basket, "Thorn told me you were out all day so I though I should bring you some dinner." With a shrug, "Besides we've eaten in my office enough, it was time to eat in yours."

Removing his helmet he rolled his shoulders, "It smells good."

She smiled again at the comment, "Thanks." Ducking her head shyly, "I like to cook in order to release stress and feel useful."

Watching her set out and open a few more containers before putting serving spoons in them, "You know, Commander Fox would say that this was a bribe."

Looking up at him, "And what would Commander Thire say it was?"

He laughed, "A not so subtle reminder that duty has made it seem like I was avoiding you."

Raising her hands in a surrender gesture, "Guilty." Laughing at the look at his face, "Whats wrong with missing one of the few people I know I can call my friend. Someone who I don't have to be on guard with."

"Nothing at all." He stood behind her chair and set the basket on the floor before pushing it in a bit as she sat down. Pouring some of the juice she brought into the cups, "I hope this happens more often."

A soft laugh came as she answered, "Taste the food before you decide that." Carefully watching him as he tasted it and his eyes got wide. "That bad?"

"This is amazing!" She was relieved and they both happily started into the meal and told each other about what they had been doing recently.

Over dessert Lyni spoke up again, "Is the dance thing a big headache for you?"

Thire nodded, "It's a big headache to organize security for it, but I think it's much more of a headache for Commander Fox."

Lyni sighed, "And I guess there's a rule saying none of you can go to it despite working so hard to help make it happen."

"We can go to provide security. But as we're not citizens or invitees we can't." He was resigned.

She looked up at him, "Do you think you could go if you were invited?"

He shrugged, "There is no rule against it, but no one would accept it."

"What if you weren't in uniform." He looked at her startled, "If you were in an outfit that made you fit in, could it happen?" She looked so hopeful.

Sensing that there was something behind this questioning he asked, "Why is this important all of a sudden?"

She blushed deep purple and looked down, "Because the invitation to the ball said I could bring someone with me and I was hoping you could be my" a slight frown crinkled her eyebrows, "I believe the term is 'plus one'."

Thire raised his eyebrows, "I though your brothers would be enough of a body guard."

"Your right they are, I wouldn't ask you to be my body guard." She sighed, "I can take care of myself." He heard enough Senators say that before and didn't let his disbelief slip out. Looking at him again, "I was hoping you could come as a friend. A the only person on Courrisant who really gave me a chance to be myself without waiting for me to destroy something."

This little speech had the effect of making Thire blush as well. "I don't know if I can Lyni." She looked crushed, "I wish I could go, but it's not accepted."

He had crossed to her side of the desk and crouched beside where she was sitting, "You said yourself they never want you to take off your helmets. No one knows what any of you look like."

The new hope in her eyes was tremulous and he answered, "I'll try Lyni. But you know I don't get paid. Where would I get a different outfit?"