smartass_captain

From:

It’s a recurring paradox to Felix: the contrast between Jim’s brash self-confidence and how careful he is to keep those backup plans. Failsafes. Perhaps it’s the captain’s cunning in him? It’s still a little odd to sense that buried caution: as if Felix were a more demanding partner. As if Jim was the one who needs to prove himself.

It’s as well that Jim looks down, because seeing that reaction only widens the Imperial’s smile.

“Well, I hope your backup will keep for tomorrow.” Look at that hot appley goodness! He lifts his glass in a brief salute (is it full again? Good Sanguine). And perhaps it’s the wine or the mood that emboldens him, but he lets curiosity have the run of his tongue for a moment: “Your grandmother?”

Jim is so rarely inclined to speak of his family. Granted, Felix can’t remember if he’s said anything about relatives who aren’t Stratos, but surely Stratos is plenty for anyone.