Cultured. (Orville x Reader)

Chapter Four.

Y/N sat in her library, the soft glow of the computer screen illuminating her face. She was immersed in the intricate world of Krill religious practices, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she compiled her findings. The beauty of Krill society, often overlooked due to their political extremism, was a subject close to her heart. She wanted to capture the essence of their culture, to show the world the depth and complexity of their beliefs.

"The Krill people have a profound reverence for nature," she typed, her gaze fixed on the screen. "Their worship of Avis, the life-giving force, is a testament to their interconnectedness with the natural world. The Anhkana, their sacred text, is filled with passages that encourage harmony with the environment." She paused, contemplating her next sentence. "Despite the challenges they face, the Krill people possess a truly inspiring resilience. Their ability to adapt to their harsh environment while maintaining a strong sense of community is a testament to their strength."

A gentle knock interrupted her train of thought. "Come in," she called out.

The door opened, revealing Kelly Grayson. The Commander stood in the doorway, her expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Your apartment is lovely, Y/N. It's like a little oasis in the middle of all this metal."

Y/N smiled, grateful for the compliment. "Thank you. I wanted to create a space that felt like home."

Grayson stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping across the bookshelves. "So, what are you working on? Something classified, I assume?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment. She knew she shouldn't talk about her undercover work, but there was something about Grayson that made her feel comfortable. "Actually, it's not classified," she said finally. "I'm writing a report on Krill culture. I spent three years undercover there, studying their language, their customs, their religion."

Grayson's eyes widened in surprise. "Undercover? You never said anything about that."

Y/N took a deep breath. "It was a deep cover operation. I was supposed to keep a low profile."

Grayson nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I can respect that. But you know, you can trust me, Y/N. I won't tell a soul."

Y/N hesitated again, then decided to trust her instincts. "Okay," she said, "I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone."

Grayson raised her right hand, a solemn expression on her face. "I promise."

Y/N took a deep breath. "I was sent to Krill to study their culture and to identify any potential threats to the Union. I posed as a university professor, teaching cultural studies. It was dangerous, but also incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about myself and about the Krill people."

Grayson listened intently, her face a mask of concentration. "And what did you find?"

"I found a people struggling to survive in a harsh environment, but also a people with a rich culture and a deep spiritual connection to their world. They're a threat to the Union, not out of pure hatred, but mostly out of fear. They're just trying to make a living."

Grayson nodded. "That's good to know. I'm glad you were able to see past the stereotypes."

"Me too," Y/N replied. "It was a life-changing experience. I do definitely miss it at times, but I know my life there was also a lie in many ways. I guess I feel a little nomadic as a result."

Grayson nodded thoughtfully. "That's a lot to take in. I had no idea you were going through all that. It takes a special kind of person to do what you did."

Y/N shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I learned more about myself than I ever thought possible."

There was a moment of silence as they both considered the weight of Y/N's words. Then, Grayson spoke. "I'm glad you're here, Y/N. You bring a unique perspective to the crew."

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her. It was nice to be appreciated. "Thank you," she replied sincerely.

"I'm curious," Grayson continued, "what are your plans now? Are you going to continue your research?"

Y/N hesitated. She wasn't sure what the future held. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "I'm still processing everything that happened on Krill. But I do know that I want to continue learning and growing."

Grayson nodded. "That's a good attitude to have. And who knows, maybe this ship will offer you some new opportunities for research."

Y/N smiled. "I hope so."

There was another pause, and then Grayson said, "You know, I've been meaning to ask you something."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I've noticed you have a bit of an accent," Grayson said carefully. "It's subtle, but it's definitely there."

Y/N smiled. "It's a combination of accents, actually. I grew up in New York City, but I spent a significant amount of time in Russia and on Xelaya."

Grayson nodded. "That explains it. It's a very interesting combination."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle hum of the ship. Y/N felt a sense of connection with Grayson, a feeling of trust and mutual respect. It was a rare find, and she cherished it.

Finally, Grayson broke the silence. "Well, I should probably get back to work. But I wanted to say, I'm glad we had this chance to talk. It's been refreshing."

Y/N nodded in agreement. "Me too. It's nice to connect with someone on a personal level."

They exchanged a warm smile, and Grayson turned to leave. "I'll see you around, Y/N."

"See you," Y/N replied, watching as Grayson disappeared down the corridor. She returned to her library, her mind still buzzing from the conversation.