Logically, Irian is aware of approximately how much time lies between them, but hearing the number aloud still staggers her a little. She takes a drink from her water glass, partly as something to do while she considers her answer to his question, and partly because her throat feels suddenly quite dry.
She dislikes sharing too much information; it's both a cultural trait and one she learned working in an occupation where the right words overheard by the wrong person could cost one one's life. On the other hand, what he's asking is common knowledge in her time: 'safe' information that she doesn't need to feel too reticent about giving away. All the same, she bides her time for a moment, letting him wait while she thinks about how to word her response.
"They are far better than they have been in many years," she says finally. "But at great cost."
She pauses, and her brows arch slightly, an expression a bit like one he might wear. "I've heard Starfleet has regulations regarding discussion of future events. Perhaps I should avoid saying any more."
And perhaps she is seeing if he'll ask her to provide details regardless.
no subject
She dislikes sharing too much information; it's both a cultural trait and one she learned working in an occupation where the right words overheard by the wrong person could cost one one's life. On the other hand, what he's asking is common knowledge in her time: 'safe' information that she doesn't need to feel too reticent about giving away. All the same, she bides her time for a moment, letting him wait while she thinks about how to word her response.
"They are far better than they have been in many years," she says finally. "But at great cost."
She pauses, and her brows arch slightly, an expression a bit like one he might wear. "I've heard Starfleet has regulations regarding discussion of future events. Perhaps I should avoid saying any more."
And perhaps she is seeing if he'll ask her to provide details regardless.