Extra goods
The previous night had been a rough one for Dani Kypros, she'd had a very hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep and overslept as a consequence once she did drift off. The sensation of Rhys kissing her on the cheek and the sounds hr made as he left the compartment and closed the hatch behind him on his own way to work had finally roused her and the young woman panicked when she realized how late it was.
She was supposed to meet Captain Wade for breakfast that morning about securing some additional supplies and didn't want to be late, she'd barely have time to get ready and it took her longer than it used to these days. The quarters she and Rhys had been issued were functional, but they didn't come with anything they needed for the babies and she also wanted to find things to soften up the compartment and put some personal touches on the place.
Eva had arrived in the mess for breakfast early but hadn't got herself some food yet. She was hungry but she also had to wait politely for her appointment with the grounded pilot Daniella. A table was secured and she took a seat waiting with a curious expression, wondering what Dani was actually wanting.
Dani stepped into the mess, having taken a little extra care in her appearance since she'd be taking a trip to Shangri-La later that day to do a spot on the politician Derrick Princeton's talk wireless show. She wanted to present the appearance of a squared away officer even with obviousness of her pregnancy as she was representing the Strike Group as a whole.
She spotted Eva, already sitting at a table and winced at the fact the other woman had beaten her there. The Captain had become something close to a friend over the past few months since Dani had gone on a staff officer's schedule after being grounded, and the two women had often traded stories of growing up in Devotion.
"Eva, hi," she greeted the tall blonde with a warm smile. "Sorry I'm late, there was a line for the showers this morning."
It was by impulse that Evangeline got to her feet with a warm smile. "Hey Dani, don't worry about it. I just got here. So how are you feeling?"
Dani patted her stomach affectionately, her expression that of wry acceptance. "Growing larger by the day, but they seem to be cooperating with their mother today, unlike last night. How about you? A busy day with requisitions already?"
The two women started over toward the chow line.
"You know how it is Dani, everyone wants more than they need and the fact that half the civilian fleet seems against the military requirements in place currently doesn't make it easier. Never a dull day in my job." Eva smirked and picked up a tray for her food, letting Dani go first since she was the pregnant one.
"Thanks," Dani went in front of her and began to load it up. The way the babies were starting to take up room she wasn't able to eat large meals anymore, but she hadn't had anything since the night before and she was hungry. She piled on some of the foods that were higher in protein, trying to make the calories count rather than just put on weight that wouldn't do her any good.
"I'm sure things have been getting difficult lately, with everything needing more maintenance these days." Dani knew that none of the civilian ships, let alone the military ones, had been designed for continuous operations for s o long. It had to be a strain on resources to keep up with repairs.
"Rhys and I moved into family quarters a few days ago," she told the other woman with a pleased smile. "It's small but I think I can make it pretty cozy."
"That is good news for you Dani, I'm happy." Eva smiled, picking up some light foods for herself along the way. "So you're looking for some things for your new quarters?" She was used to people asking her for things, it was her job to monitor and provide resources when and where needed.
"I was wondering if you had any contacts in the civilian side of things that might be able to help. We've got the standard issue furnishings and those will do well enough for Rhys and I, but I wanted to try and put a personal touch on things, brighten it up some. Also, standard issue doesn't include a crib or changing table. If I leave it to Rhys he'd probably try and make one out of a tool chest."
Dani didn't want to sound like she was only valuing Eva for her position as a supply officer. The other woman was a reminder of her homeworld and it was good to have a friend with that background in common. "I've got plenty of cubits saved up, if that will help. If there's trading involved I'm sure I can come up with something."
Evangeline nodded "Well I have some contacts that might have some luxury items in storage through the fleet, so finding the provisions isn't a problem but acquiring them is going to be a little more difficult. As you know, we the military aren't looked on to highly in the civilian population which makes trading and general appropriation of equipment and items difficult. Frak it is harder than fighting the Cylons sometimes but my point is, it might take some time before I am able to get some things together for you." With a full tray of what she wanted, Eva started back towards a table where they could discuss in more comfort.
Dani nodded, she'd expected something like that might be the case. She followed the other woman back to their table after getting a glass of water to wash down the food and sat down across from her. "I understand, I thought it might not be easy. I've got plenty of time yet...well, I think I do anyway." The young woman glanced down at her stomach, "you here that you two? Stay in there until you're supposed to come out, no breaking the lease early."
She received a kick in response, but they'd been active all morning despite her earlier words, so she knew not to make the connection. Still, she chuckled as she returned her attention to the supply officer. "Anyway, I should have at least three more months before it gets urgent. I've made up a list of the type of things I'd like to get...the things for the babies are the must haves, obviously, but whatever you can find would be appreciated."
"I should be able to get some things for the babies just might take some time for me to get it together for you as I said." Eva sat down with her food and took a bite before looking across at Dani. "You know maybe you should let Rhys have a go at building one for you." She smirked, it was a joke but also had some truth. It was faster than waiting through proper channels.
"I'll talk to him about it, but there's only so much he'll be able to do." A mental image of Rhys trying to crochet a baby blanket, fumbling with the knitting needles in his large paw like hands made her laugh out loud and she shared it with Eva before starting in on her food.
"Just let me know what they'll want in return, when you manage to get a lead on stuff."
"I will do that" Eva nodded to the statement by Dani and then asked her own question. "So you must be looking forward to the day now right?"
"Oh lords yes!" Dani exclaimed, laughing. "I mean, look at me! I already look like I'm ready to pop and I've got almost four more months to go. I'm looking forward to when I get to hold them for the first time, and look into their eyes." Her expression softened and she put a hand on her stomach. "I think I was in shock for two weeks when I first found out I was pregnant, and then again when I found out it was two. But I'm excited now, bringing in two new lives into existence. Three years ago I never would have imagined it."
Eva smiled and nodded. "I can understand that. It is good that you are having children, I think it is important that we do." She took some more of her food and looked up at Dani again. "Well you're lucky to have Rhys, not everyone has someone to rely on. Hell if you look at half the faces in here, they are all putting on a brave face but it is good to find something good for a change." She sipped her water.
Dani nodded as she munched on her food. "I wasn't looking for it, but I'm glad it happened. I feel like I'm blessed by Lady Aphrodite herself." She wouldn't trade Rhys and her babies for anything, with the possible exception of the war never happening. "It is strange, though. If it weren't for the attacks we probably never would have found each other."
She looked over at the other officer. "So what about you, any strong handsome men ready to sweep you off your feet?"
"I wish. I'm afraid I am married to my work right now which is taking up all my time and doesn't seem to be calming." Eva raised a small smile as she reflected on her current life status. She hadn't really the time for relationships like that.
"That's too bad. You'd probably make a good mother yourself, and none of us are getting any younger. Work can't be that demanding, there's nobody you're interested in?" Dani didn't mean to pry, but Eva was a kind person and had a generous spirit. She deserved to be happy.
"Not right now unfortunately. I'm sure there is someone out there for me but right now I am all career woman." She smiled and took another sip of her drink before glancing at the clock, remembering what she had scheduled for today. Eva finished what she could on her tray and then looked at Dani with a warm smile. "So how is ground duty treating you?"
"Boring," Dani replied instantly. "But at least they didn't kick me out of the service or put Rhys up on charges, and it isn't like I can fly while I'm pregnant. So I guess I just have to thank the gods for small favors."
She was a pilot, a combat pilot. If she had to sit out of the cockpit for a while, so be it, but that didn't mean she had to like it. As long as she could still fly and be a good mother at the same time, there was no conflict.
"Yeah well it maybe boring but it is also safer inside this barge." Eva had been grounded for years, she accepted a promotion and a more important role in the fleet. At first it was all boring but soon she learned it wasn't about fun, this was all about requirements and right now they needed her expertise to keep resources and the fleet moving.
"This is true," Dani replied, finishing her meal. She'd grab a few protein bars to nibble on through the work day and keep herself from getting hungry till lunchtime.
"I guess we'd better get going," she said reluctantly, looking at the clock. A piece of paper was fished out of her pocket, containing a neat handwritten list containing the items she was looking for, and Dani passed it over to Eva. "Just do what you can Eva, I appreciate the help." She'd make it right, if there were some way she could do a favor for her friend in return.
"No problem Dani, I'll get to work on this soon as I can but if I don't get to work I won't have any contacts to call on." Eva smirked, getting to her feet. She knew Dani had things to do as well. "Soon as I get something I'll tell you okay?" Evangeline picked up her tray and cup.
"Sounds good," Dani pushed off the table and hauled herself to her feet, then took up her own tray and cup. "I'll talk to you soon."
"Yup. Take care and I'll talk to you soon" Eva smiled and was ready to head back on duty for what she had to do.