[ The absolute worst part, Chris is realizing, is that he had started to let himself believe that this could continue. Only a day in to him knowing Loki was on his ship and he'd already gotten used to the idea, started assuming that Loki would return to his quarters, would pop up randomly during the day, would be within reach.
It's a ridiculous notion. He knows that. Loki isn't part of Starfleet, isn't even a member of a Federation planet, and now, apparently, has started drawing dangerous creatures right to their doorstep simply with his presence alone.
He can't stay. Of course he can't. And yet... ]
We'll collect all the data we can. So that if they show up again, we'll be better prepared. [ That was mostly for Spock's benefit, dropping a little tidbit of instruction down in his lap and knowing that even a vague hint like that will be enough to keep Spock occupied for hours, days. Chris is just grateful his voice came out perfectly even, as if it doesn't matter to him one way or the other, as if this is just another diplomatic milk-run in a long line of them, one more annoying but inevitable part of their jobs that just has to be done.
no subject
It's a ridiculous notion. He knows that. Loki isn't part of Starfleet, isn't even a member of a Federation planet, and now, apparently, has started drawing dangerous creatures right to their doorstep simply with his presence alone.
He can't stay. Of course he can't. And yet... ]
We'll collect all the data we can. So that if they show up again, we'll be better prepared. [ That was mostly for Spock's benefit, dropping a little tidbit of instruction down in his lap and knowing that even a vague hint like that will be enough to keep Spock occupied for hours, days. Chris is just grateful his voice came out perfectly even, as if it doesn't matter to him one way or the other, as if this is just another diplomatic milk-run in a long line of them, one more annoying but inevitable part of their jobs that just has to be done.
He presses his knee closer to Loki's. ]