In the hall junction to their quarters, Stinger overhears the sisters in a heated debate about him and his horoscope.

"Nino stop it already! You haven't been this worked up since I met Max those years ago. Yes, the Captain is interesting. But, you of all people… you know damned well that I haven't even had a friend outside of our family and cleaning business in decades. If you keep pushing, he might even stop coming by! For now, just let me treasure every little time he says 'm'lady'. Please... I beg of you."

He wasn't even going to stop by after the bizarreness of the last encounter. But their arguing drew him in. And just his luck too - because he was going to stop saying 'm'lady' so he didn't encourage her. After hearing that, how could he be so cruel?

"Bugger it," he mumbles to himself as he goes to check on Aleksa and the ship's presence has confirmed Nino isn't with her. He just can't handle Nino right now, not with all her babbling about the stars and his 'destiny'. As if knowing something big was around the corner would have changed how he protected Caine or that he did what he had to in order to save his daughter or turning himself in after it. Criminently.

Hands shoved into his pockets to quell the feeling that this is a bad idea, he considers what in the hell he'll say. Hearing a door slide open and movement out of his peripheral vision, he realizes she's heading somewhere. He stops in his tracks. Why should he interrupt if she has something to do?

Aleksa wouldn't have normally looked, but the sound of the boots tromping behind her ceased - outside of her room. Recognizing him, she turns, hands clasping in front of her self consciously. "Can I help you, Captain?"

Removing his hat and tucking it under one arm, he opts to keep it simple. "I...I was just going to inform you that your research has been filed with the department of science on Orus. With Her Majesty's lawyers it sped through the process. Your mathematical proof seems to be stirrin' up quite the controversy in academic circles. Any amazing revelations to share today?"

Her hand covers her mouth at his teasing and the realization she's known in the wider 'verse now. She shakes her head - hand remaining in place.

"Well, m'lady, where are ye headed?"

A calmness fills her and she stands a little taller, "Actually, I was on my way to apologize for yelling at you and Nino when you'd been nothing but kind to me."

He gives a negative shake of his head. "I shoulda known better." Then changing the subject, he rubs the back of his neck as he asks, "Has m'lady seen the bridge yet?"

"Not yet, Captain…"

Returning his cap and offering her his arm with a miniscule of intimacy he says, "Stinger'll do just fine."

Taking him up on both she asks, "Ok, Stinger. Is that a nickname or your given name?"

"My name."

"Does it have the same meaning I'd understand or is there something in another language?"

"Splices are often given names that hint at the gene cross used," he shares.

"So, then Apini would relate to Apis for honey bee?" she pieces together.

He nods.

"My name isn't as descriptive. But Aleksa means defender. I guess I've had to be that several times in life though."

"Appropriate for a strong, intelligent lady," he analyses.

To take the attention off herself, she inquires, "Tell me it's none of my business if you don't want to answer, but is Nino right when she says you're over a hundred in Earth years?"

He runs a hand over his chin in consideration, "Somethin' like that. And I know better than to ask a lady her age."

It makes her smile. "Well then. Where do you call home?"

Shoving his mouth sideways he thinks for a second. "Here among the stars. Though, Kiza and I have a little old fixer-upper outside of Chicago. Not too far from where your family lived."

"Lived? We still do." She's trying to glean his meaning.

"Now that you're aware of your entitled status, it's only a matter of time," he says so matter-of-factly that it makes her do a double take.

She halts and it tugs on his arm - turning him around a bit. "You're serious?"

"Bees don't lie, m'lady." He's suddenly somber.

"I...I don't…" she stammers.

"A lot to take in, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Shall we postpone the bridge tour?" he asks, concerned he's upset her.

"N...no. Please, I've been so cooped up," she pleads.