I thank Cadet Uhura for delivering the last minute research papers to my apartment. I brush potting soil from my knees as I stand.
She is staring at me in disbelief: stunned disbelief.
"Explain."
She blushes, then calms her features. "I'm merely surprised, Commander."
"Are these not…rather ordinary flowers?"
She looks down, appearing to reconsider her reaction. "I didn't expect you to be the type...ah."
I blink, frustrated. Have I violated yet another unspoken human behavioral norm?
"The geraniums needed planting. My mother sent these starts from Seattle."
She studies my face, then kneels to study my handiwork. "They're beautiful."