Betazed, winding down the day.

[capt_will_riker]

::carefully dumps heavily marinated replicated chicken into pan, adding another sprinking of replicated oregano for merit::

::shakes head one more time, uncertain which is more aggravating...the Betazoid passion for passivity that leads to more rigid veganism than even most modern species employ, or the cogs in their import process that still haven't been fixed, years after war::

::reaches to other side of oven, grabbing a bottle off countertop and popping the cork, smirking at own complaints::

At least they know their wine.

::pours a dollop, listening to stir-fry sizzle while eyes drift to nearby window, then wall chronometer::

::debates taking a swig, or growing a few more grey hairs instead::

::tells self not to worry, just like countless times before...but can't stop the internal half-plea, half-question that escapes::

::Imzadi?::