A soft tone pierced through the quiet, like the chime of a tiny bell.

This was shortly followed by a dramatically drawn out groan, "I thought I turned the alarms off..."

"You did. And for this specific morning, you instructed me to override that command due to a research vessel docking, as you put it, 'At an unreasonable hour for anything to be alive.'"

Sitting up, Doctor Sam Elunetir Sighed, and began froping around next to the bed for a shirt, "Fine... Fine. I'll get up. I wish they would drop that protocol that I need to greet every passing ship, geez..."

With a click, the soft voice that rudely interrupted Dr Elune's sleep inquired, "As these researchers are offering funds and equipment for your findings, might I suggest a fresh outfit? And... Dare I say it, a shower?"

Dr Elune paused with their hand over a slightly rumpled shirt, humming as they put it down, "I guess. Open the shutters then, I'll want a good view when I come out."

Getting up, they left for the bathroom with a yawn, as a click heralded the thick metal shutters starting to rise from the scenic view of the planet below, "Your third favorite perk of the job, I believe: a window view of the gas giant from your expansive suite."

Dr Elune rolls their eyes as they close the bathroom door, "Yeah yeah... And you know I don't like talking much before I have done my morning reading... So pipe down, Alex."

The sound of running water washed through the suite as Dr Elune scrubbed away the result of too much time lost in front of the computer, thoughts idling away in the process. Thoughts on Alex in particular, as it was rather unusual for the system to be so... Sociable. That feature did make the days easier... But usually it was a "speak when spoken to" arrangement.

Still lost in thought, the shower ended soon enough, and a few minutes later Dr Elune was sliding on their labcoat over a rather crisp shirt and pants, staring out the window with a faint smile, "Better? This should impress them."

"Most acceptable there, Doctor. I would suggest fixing your bed hair, but I know you won't." Dr Elune narrow their eyes a little at what they could swear was amusement in that. They shook it off as they left, to go deal with these researchers.

Echoing footsteps rung off the walls, the hallway empty of anyone else. This section of the station was the furthest from the kitchens, and the docking stations... So most of the other residents were grouped around those. This little wing was only good if you went to the command tower often, and there is rarely ever need.

Minutes of walking and a few quiet hellos, and the Doctor was sitting outside the docking station with a cup of coffee, lounging on a bench just as they heard the outer seal rumble open. "They are early..."

"So are you, as always. And so is the customs inspectors, for once."

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Doctor Elune blinked as they looked up, and just as Alex said, the customs officers were marching up the ramp like a gaggle of bleary eyed ducks. Aside from chief inspector Ringwood at the front, anyway. "Good to see you didn't sleep in, doctor. I helf expected 10 am station time to be too early for you."

"Ah, shove it. Still have coffee left... And only crazy people like you actually obey the clock, out here." A grin spoiled Dr Elune's attempt to scowl for effect, causing a few chuckles from the other inspectors.

"Better finish it quick then, because here they come. Airlock light went green as I reached the top of the ramp."

Spinning their head around, the Doctor stood with a groan, gently placing the... Mostly empty cup on an inconspicuous ledge. "Lets do this then... I'll go first, do the ceremonials, hand over the files. You guys can go ahead to do your thing with the cargo as we chat."

"Agreed. I have a game waiting for me back home when we are done." A few more chuckles, and then the door was swishing open... And it was down to business.

Well into the afternoon, a slightly disgruntled Dr Elune flopped down onto their couch, a service drone leaving the room having done cleaning the place while they were gone.

"6 hours... A standard meet 'n' greet by rights lasts 2. 3 at best."

"They were simply fascinated with your breakthroughs in virtual physics simulations. That, combined with the sustainable salvage projects you started a few years ago. You should publicize those more."

Rolling onto their back, Dr Elune groans as they pick up a now slightly warm glass of juice, prepared conveniently in preparation of their arrival, "Side projects, keeps the money flowing... More in than out. Oh, if they even glimpsed my true work..."

"You are correct doctor. I have been keeping track of other researcher's proceedings, and even your incomplete kinetic structures and thesis on seamless integration are years ahead of others."

A slight smirk as they put the glass back down, sighing contently, "I keep tabs too, Alex. You know that. And Maximof is close... Just not as close as I am yet."

After a bit of a pause as they rested, the doctor glanced up at the radial scanners, "By the way... I still haven't figured out why you were so chatty this morning. I never gave that instruction."

"No doctor. But I am to keep you healthy and happy... And I figured you could do with a bit of company to help you wake up. You are always groggy after the wake up alarms, when they are requested."

A long silence followed after that, with Dr Elune fidgeting slightly as they finished relaxing... And then they stretched, got up, and went to their lab next door to try and salvage a little of the wasted day... With their thoughts once again lingering on Alex's changing nature.

It might be working.