She shifted when he settled near her, moving her legs so her knees nudged up against his. She wasn't an expert yet, but she was a quick study and she had been paying a close amount of attention to Kuron's body language. She would have guessed he was on edge naturally considering the situation but she thought at least that she'd picked up on little indications in the way he held himself as well. Her fingers responded to the closer hold of his but mimicking the motion and holding him just as closely back that way. But despite the subtle fierceness in the way her fingers held him back - when he smiled at her everything about her softened.

"Of course I'd stay. There's no reason for you to face all of this alone." Her fingers twined with his. Smiled back. "And you're welcome. You're doing wonderfully. Once this part is over, you'll be all done for the day. I've already got the nicest room on the ship picked out for you."

The door slid open and for a second her hand twitched, an instinctive move to withdraw. Except.... she paused and then her fingers curled with his again, looser so he could have his hand back when he wanted but there for as long as he wanted to hold on to her. Commander Hawkins' eyes noted it but he didn't comment, simply set the tray with its cups down on a nearby table and pulled over a chair so he was facing them both. Then he handed out the mugs, the smell of chocolate drifting up from the dark liquid in them.

"Thought we could all use something relaxing," his voice was easy but it thrummed with quiet authority. "All right, Kuron. I've read Lisa's reports. I'd like to hear your side of things now as you're comfortable."