[You had to bring it up as she was chewing on some of her vegetable block, didn't you? Her eyes widened in surprise, and no answer came until she swallowed down what was in her mouth.]

I-I called you that? I didn't realize... oh how embarrassing.... [She buries her slowly-reddening face in her hands for a few seconds. When Feldt resurfaces, the color on her cheeks clashes with her hair.]

I guess... oh, I don't know. You've been there for me for the last four years, even back when I had only known you for a few months. Ian and Dr. Moreno helped raise me when I was little, Linda too. Before I knew it you were there for me a lot. Giving me advice, making sure I was okay, even after I left without a word, being so understanding... after a while, it felt like you were another father figure in my life. Sometimes... I wondered if that's why it hurt so much after you left in your new ship for the first time.