Maria paid careful attention as he talked about his brother, and then took a good look at the diorama, taking in every detail. "Your brother's a very good artist. It looks as if he really wanted the students to know about life in the settlement. Interaction is the best way to learn." She signed "Maybe one day, maybe he'll invent a real life holodeck." She gave a teasing grin, but there was a bit of seriousness. His brother's displays were already life-sized and interactive. That was close.
Maria followed him to the tree and put her hand next to his, able to make out the beat easily through the bark. "You feel it? It's beautiful. There's a lot of unique beauty here." She signed, slower since she was only using her free hand. "The sap is tasty too. Sweet and a bit spicy. I think I like it better than Lacey's maple. Don't tell her that." That might led to a cooking contest, or other competition. She did know the people of the station well, despite not always being social.
"We can even dance to it." Maria gently wrapped her free arm around Miguel and swayed to the beat, with her other hand still on the tree. She watched his face carefully to make sure it was okay with him.