Chief Petty Officer Riata looked around the mess hall and saw Doctor Martin sitting with the Andorian counselor, Lieutenant Sh’Thanlink. She headed over and stopped at their table.

“May I sit here?” She asked them.

“Of course!” Joshua said with a nod. “Have a seat. He waited until she sat down. “I am glad you decided to join us. I need you to stop by for your physical.” He smiled when Riata frowned at him.

“I will do that.” Riata said. She would put it off as long as she could.

“Today.” Joshua said. “Otherwise I will be speaking with our command officers.”

Riata mumbled and nodded her head. “I will be there.” She said grudgingly.

“Just think.” Thracia spoke up. “You won’t have to go back for another year then.”

“There is that.” Riata grumbled, though it did not really make her feel any better.

“Oh.” Thracia said to Joshua. “I have started on your first painting. It is going quite well. I decided to do one based on the Bajoran people first.”

“That is good.” Joshua said with a smile. “I am really anxious to see them but I know this will take some time.”

“What is this about paintings!” Riata spoke up with interest. She quickly saw there might be some kind of money making scheme here.

“I am painting a few pictures for Joshua.” Thracia explained. “For the sickbay.”

“She is a very good painter.” Joshua added with a smile. “I offered to pay her but she won’t let me.”

“I would like to see some of these paintings.” Riata said with interest. She could already smell the credits. If she could get the Andorian counselor to go into business with her.

“I have one in my office.” Thracia said with a smile. She wondered what Rita’s fascination was with her paintings and then it hit her. “No.” She said quickly and seriously, her eyes met Rita’s. “I do not paint for profit.”

Joshua’s eyes widened and he looked from Riata to Thracia. “She doesn’t.” He added to back her up. “As I said earlier I tried to pay her.”

“Perhaps you have not considered how it could set up your future.” Riata continued. “Think of the credits you could put away.”

“I enjoy painting because it is for friendship.” Thracia continued. “If I were being paid it would not be enjoyable.” She shook her head. “I am not interested in any way of being paid.” She could tell that Riata was not happy and that this was probably not the last she would hear of this but the Ferengi woman did not know how stubborn Thracia could be. She would stand firm on this. There was no negotiation.

Riata looked at Thracia and replied with a sigh. “If that is your final word.”

“It is.” Thracia was clearly relieved. She knew that the Ferengi’s were known for doing whatever they could to make a profit. She had expected her to argue more but possibly she realized that Thracia was not going to budge.

Riata smiled as she continued to eat, her mind was turning. There had to be a way to change Thracia’s mind. Andorians were known for their exquisite paintings, it would be easy credits. She had to take her time and think this out. Come up with a way for Thracia to agree with her. She needed to think this through.

Thracia stood suddenly. “I have an appointment in a half hour. I need to head back.”

“I will walk with you.” Riata said, standing as well. She held out a hand. “I know I know you won’t be selling paintings but can I at least see what it looks like?”

Thracia did not want to show her, she was concerned it would lead to more conversations between them but she finally nodded. “You may, but nothing about credits or profits. Understood?”

“Yes.” Riata said quickly. She would agree to anything if she could just see the painting. It might inspire her as to what tactic to take.

They left the mess hall and walked to Thracia’s office, talking about notions of importance. Opening her door, Thracia walked in with Riata right behind her. She saw the painting and her eyes widened as she headed over. It was more beautiful than she had imagined. There would be plenty of credits for and a small amount for the counselor. She did not know what talent she had.

Thracia watched her and she waited for Riata to turn and then spoke. “I know you see a profit and I know back there in the mess hall you were agreeing but deep inside you still think there is a way.” She shook her head. “I give you my word as an Andorian, and if you know anything about us you will know that we do not break our words. I am not selling paintings with you. I am a counselor. That is what I do. Painting relaxes me.”

“I just…” Riata began.

“Just don’t.” Thracia said. “I would like to be friends but if you continue down this path then I will have to request that you stay away from me.”

Riata was smart and she knew there were times to stand and fight and times to step back and concede defeat. She decided that the latter would be the best choice. There may come a time at some point where Thracia would change her mind but Andorians were known for being a people of honor. “I would like to be friends.” She said finally.

Thracia sighed in relief and a smile crossed her face. “I hate to cut this short but I have someone showing up here any moment.” Her appointments were kept private and she did not want Riata standing here when they showed up.

“I will see you later.” Riata said and headed out. She turned to sickbay and walked in, looking around for Lieutenant Martin.

“You did show up.” Joshua said as he looked up and saw her come in.

“I know you said you had an appointment.” Riata said quickly. “But I was next door so I thought I would just come and wait here.”

“My appointment was canceled.” Joshua informed her. “Please come back and have a seat. This won’t take very long and you can be on your way.”

“And no visits for a year.” Riata reminded him. “Don’t be calling me back.”

Joshua laughed. “Only if I find something wrong.” He motioned to the bed. “Have a seat.” As he started to get his instruments together he spoke conversationally. “What did you think of the painting?”

“It is very good.” Riata replied with disappointment. “The counselor has made it quite clear that she will never sell them for profit.”

“I hope you believe her.” Joshua said as he picked up his tricorder. “As hard as it may be to believe, she does not want to sell them.”

“I know that now.” Riata said with sincerity. “As I said she made it clear, in a way that I know she means it.” She paused. “We will be friends. I do not have many on board this ship.”

“I will be your friend as well.” Joshua told her. “I don’t have any hidden talents however. What you see is what you get.”

“One cannot have too many friends.” Riata said. It was a quote she heard many humans say.

“That is true.” Joshua nodded. And the crew of our ship are among the best out there.” He stepped back. “You are all set. I will fill out the necessary paperwork and you are good for a year, barring no injuries.”

“Thank you.” Riata said as she left. She thought about her missed opportunity as the scene faded.