Kiera: Oh oh Daymen! Did you see? We have new people working here.
Daymen: Hey! Yeah, I heard that we got some other Gyallians, I'm curious to meet them.
Kiera: I think they're just guarding our new supplies or something.
Daymen: Ah that tracks, we export some pretty sought after metals so I'd expect they'd be targets for theft.
Kiera: We should go peek >:]
Daymen: At the supplies??
Kiera: At the new guy!
Daymen: OH ahaha, I was about to say aren't you going to get to use the new stuff? But yeah sure lets go introduce ourselves.
Kiera: I think they're over here - yeah! Look at that guy, he's so ~broody~
Daymen: Oh yeah definitely- wait
Kiera: What?
Daymen: [Fangs and claws] is that who i think it is???
Kiera: Who who who?
Daymen: ...That HAS to be him, hold up - I think I grew up with him.
Kiera: NO SHOT thats crazy!
Daymen: Yeah yeah I'm gonna re-introduce myself - [Hey! Ikamo! Is that you? Or am I making an ass of mysel?]
Ikamo: [...??? Hello?? Who - ... no way. I know you, whats your name again?]
Daymen: [Hahah I'm right! It's Daymen!]
Ikamo: [Thats it, Daymen, it’s been so long I misplaced your name. Are you well? You ended up very far from home.]
Daymen: [Very well! I work here at Biofusion doing IT work. Looks like you never left the force, huh?]
Ikamo: [It’s honestly what I know best - though playing security guard isn't my favorite thing to be doing. It's nice to see a familiar face in a place far from home.]
Daymen: [Likewise, I didn't expect an old friend to drop into my workplace haha. Let me introduce you to one of my coworkers and friends!]
Ikamo: [I, ah... o-okay, sure.]
Daymen: Kiera! This is Ikamo, we grew up together on Gyallia. Ikamo, this is Kiera, she's one of the scientists here and specializes in shapeshifting genetics.
Kiera: Hi hi hello!!! It's nice to meet you! Do you speak much Common?
Ikamo: Ah, h-hello. Yes - I understand more, my speech is less good.
Daymen: You'll get it, most people here speak it so you'll pick up on things.
Ikamo: Hmm. [Daymen, what is "shapeshifting genetics"?]
Daymen: [Oh, it's the DNA of transformation and shape change.]
Ikamo: [Oh, so she knows the science of how we change forms?]
Daymen: [Yeah more or less, not specifically Gyallians, but for anyone who changes shape]
Ikamo: [Understood.] Knowing "shapeshift genetics" is very uh, how do you say, impressive? Is that a good word for it?
Daymen: Yeah that'll do!
Kiera: Aw, thanks! I love getting into the weeds of it all and figuring that stuff out. It's like a puzzle that needs solving.
Ikamo: I am not good at puzzles, so you have my respect.
Kiera: I'm sure there's plenty of other things you're good at though!
Ikamo: Hmm, there are few fights I have not won - these supplies will be safe at my watch.
Kiera: Hahaha great to hear! I better get to it before the boss man comes in and throws a fit but I'll see you around! And I'll check in with you later Daymen, I got some shit that's acting up.
Daymen: Submit a damn ticket about it for once!
Kiera: Fiiiine fine.
Ikamo: (Nods) [Is she always that bubbly?]
Daymen: [Sure is. Good luck with her haha - once she decides she likes someone she has a way of winning them over]
Ikamo: [I would prefer to be left to my work... even if it's boring. I guess as long as she's not distracting me.]
Daymen: [Aw she's not so bad, maybe we can go out and get some lunch together sometime! We'll figure it out, I should get back to it too though. We can catch up proper later?]
Ikamo: [Yeah, maybe not today, but sometime this week we should grab a drink.]

Kiera: We’re going out for drinks! You should come with!
Ikamo: I need to be going back to the Gyallian wing.
Kiera: Aw come on, it’s the end of the week! Live a little, aren’t you done with work until Monday?
Ikamo: I… have other things I need to do.
Kiera: Oh come on, like what?
Ikamo: Do you insist on pestering me about it?
Kiera: Oooh you picked up that word from Lydia, didn’t you?
Ikamo: It is a very good word.
Kiera: Fine fine, I just think you deserve a little break! Join us for maybe an hour or two? It can’t hurt, especially since the work day is done.
Ikamo: If I join and find I do not like it, will you stop asking?
Kiera: Cross my heart hope to die.
Ikamo: … I do not understand the meaning of this phrase.
Kiera: It just means ‘I promise’!
Ikamo: … I still do not understand how that phrase means it, but okay. I will finish here and join you.
Kiera: YAY I’ll tell the others and come back to get you!
Ikamo: Just tell me where - ah, okay….

Kiera: See? That was fun!
Ikamo: It was less bad than I expected.
Kiera: What were you expecting?
Ikamo: I enjoy the quiet, and this place was not so loud. It was nicer to be there than some other places I have been.
Kiera: Oh yeah we’re all too old for that loud bar shit, and honestly the food is better there than most the more popular spots anyway.
Ikamo: Hmm.
Kiera: Do you think you’d be willing to do this again?
Ikamo: … I have other, how you say…. tasks? Aside my job at Biofusion, that would keep me away.
Kiera: Aw… well I get it-
Ikamo: - but… if those tasks are complete, then… yes, I would be willing to do this again.
Kiera: OH hell yeah! I’ll be sure to ~pester~ you whenever we’re going so you don’t miss out when you’ve got the time.
Ikamo: Hmm… I will allow it, the pestering. Goodnight.
Kiera: Night! See you later.

Daymen explains to Kiera and Markus how he knows Ikamo. This likely takes place early in Ikamo's integration to the group

Markus: I mean, he's nice enough? But he was soooo quiet.
Kiera: He doesn't really talk much at work, either. Usually just with the other security people, and even then it just seems like it's as needed.
Daymen: Yeah, he's never been a guy of many words, least not in the time I knew him.
Markus: You knew him before this?
Daymen: Oh yeah, I thought I told you guys?
Kiera: You told me when we first said hi at work.
Daymen: Oh. Well that's my bad haha. I knew him when we were teenagers, we went to school together.
Markus: ohhhhhh. Was he a quiet little nerd or something?
Daymen: HAH absolutely not, he wasn't very good at school.
Kiera: Oh god haha, like F student bad or just not good?
Daymen: I don't think he was THAT bad like, he would do his homework most of the time. It's not like we were sharing what our grades were all the time, but from what I remember he was probably a C student? Passing but not excelling.
Markus: No wonder he ended up military
Kiera: Hey now, that's mean hahaha
Daymen: I think he was in it more because his family had a history of it. He lived at the nearby base.
Markus: Oh was not from around there?
Daymen: I... actually don't know? I might ask him if he was originally from the area. I don't think it's normal for kids to live at the bases. I know that by the time we were 14ish he had started working, though.
Kiera: that seems awfully early for a kid to be working
Daymen: I don't think it was a real job, he just described things he had to do around the base. It seemed like odd jobs.
Markus: he was living AND working at a military base as a kid while going to school???
Daymen: yeah he was always busy for someone who was as uh, well antisocial isn't the right word... he just didn't have a lot of friends, at school at least. I don't know about at the base.
Kiera: hmm...
Daymen: he was kind of an awkward kid. I remember him telling me he wanted to do sports but he was too scared.
Kiera: what is there to be scared of?
Daymen: (he takes a long sigh) so like, I've described the Power dynamics in Gyallia right? How the strongest are rewarded. I think he was scared of that. It can be kind of brutal.
Markus: I mean he seems like quite the fuckin jock now
Daymen: haha, he wasn't when we were kids. I wouldn't say he was lanky but he wasn't the strongest in our classes by a long shot. He clearly has worked hard to get where he is right now.
Kiera: I think I'd describe him as sort of antisocial now, though. He initially was really hesitant to hang out, even if he's come around.
Daymen: Yeah that's not how I knew him. He's been pretty open with me lately...
Kiera: Maybe it's cuz you guys have a history. I've been slowly chipping at his armor, but he seems like he's really nice once you've passed that threshold.
Markus: yeah he barely talks to me, I'm kinda worried he hates me to be honest.
Kiera: I think he's just got that scowl on his face permanently hahah.
Daymen: he has changed quite a bit since I knew him....
Markus: in a good way or bad way...?
Daymen: hard to tell? Like Kiera said he's pretty closed off, which he's always been shy, but I wonder if something's happened to him to make him totally standoffish like he seems to have become.
Markus: I mean he's in the military and he's said he's been out in the field, I imagine he's seen SOME shit.
Daymen: hmm. I guess maybe not that surprising after all... I just wonder what it is, then.
Kiera: I think we can get him to open up! Like I said I've been wearing him down, there's something there worth digging up.
Markus: you're particularly persistent, I'm shocked he tolerates you
Kiera: he can't escape me at work ;)
Markus: ah so he's being polite
Kiera: I mean yeah, but I'm getting glimpses
Daymen: like what?
Kiera: I think he called our boss a name on Friday, because he left the room and then Ikamo said something that made the other Gyallians laugh.
Daymen: oh I wish I know what he said!
Kiera: me too!!
Markus: Would it be worth having a translator up?
Daymen: unfortunately Gyallian isn't very well done on most apps. It's super rough just cuz the lack of input. Maybe I can find or contribute to a FOSS project though...
Kiera: if you do I'd love to download whatever beta.
Markus: do you think part of the reason he doesn't talk a lot is the language barrier?
Daymen: almost certainly, tho hes quiet anyway. But I don't think it helps.
Markus: I mean I'm happy to explain word meanings to him... I don't want to be rude mid conversation though but like, if he wants to stop us to ask I wouldn't be mad at all.
Daymen: I can let him know, he usually just asks me though later.
Markus: I think it might just help him in the moment tho, yaknow?
Daymen: Definitley
Kiera: He did tell me that he understands more than he can speak, so if nothing else I think he's getting most of our conversations anyway. He speaks very fragmented and kind of slowly, though.
Daymen: yeah I think he's doing the thing where he has to translate it in his head as he's going, which i still kind of have to do but not nearly as bad as when I first started.
Kiera: just a lot stacked against him. I guess I'm happy he's hanging out at all with us, then.
Daymen: ... I think he needs it. He's confided in me about some things that I don't wanna necessarily say, cuz that's for him to share, but I think he just needs some friends right now.
Markus: he doesn't have any at the Gyallian Wing...?
Daymen: ... I don't think he does, honestly.
Markus: that's... kind of sad.
Kiera: ... hmm, I guess if he's lonely that could also explain why he's the way he is...
Daymen: yeah, I'm not invested in psychoanalyzing him, but I think giving him a safe place to land and just exist is enough.
Markus: well that's easy enough to do, long as he's not doing it just to placate you or anything.
Daymen: yeah, I think he'll open up as we keep being friendly. It's about the long game with him-
Kiera: - and I'm in it to win it >:)
(They laugh abt it lol)

Ikamo has been deployed off TGS to do some Sun Cultist stuff. Kiera texts him while he’s away. They are using an encrypted messaging app that Daymen set up for their friend group so Ikamo could communicate with them without worrying about DK snooping.

Timecodes are relative to Kiera/TGS.

Ikamo’s vocabulary and grammar is a little better than normal (albeit a little stiff) because of language assistants.

`14:27`

Kiera: Hey! Are you around tonight? We’re going to [hangout spot] if you’re free. :)
18:10
Ikamo: Sorry. I was deployed off station 2 days ago.
Kiera: oh shit! Are you coming back…?
Ikamo: Yes.
Kiera: when?
Ikamo: When my assignment is complete.
Kiera: and how long will that take
Ikamo: I do not know.
Kiera: boooo
Ikamo: I will message you when I return.
Kiera: okay fineeeeeeeeeee. Can I keep texting you in the meantime?
19:07
Kiera: … hello? :(
19:32
Ikamo: You may pester me as long as you know I will not be able to respond quickly.
Kiera: yay! :) I’m out with the gang so I’ll ttyl
Ikamo: Give them my hello.

`05:34`

Kiera: hey watcha up to
12:46
Ikamo: I cannot talk about it. You were up very early.
Kiera: booooooo
Ikamo: Are you well?
Kiera: I’m fine I was having an insomniac episode but I’m awake with coffee. I’ll go to bed early tonight.
Ikamo: It would be best if you did.
13:02
Kiera: Can you tell me ANYTHING about where you are?
Ikamo: Maybe very little. It is planetside. The air is better than the station.
Kiera: oh neat! I’ve never been planetside, so I wouldn’t know what that’s like
Ikamo: That is surprising. You have never felt terra under your feet?
Kiera: Not unless it was imported to a park, no
Ikamo: It is worth going. I have learned I forget myself when I am in space for too long.
Kiera: seems like it’s a spiritual experience the way you describe it
15:40
Ikamo: Stations are big but many are copies of nature. Planets are much different. A real atmosphere fills you with clean breath.
Kiera: Sounds like I gotta plan a trip!
Ikamo: If you can you should.
Kiera: Got any recommends? :)
Ikamo: Not [jungle planet]. It is close to TGS but it is sticky and stupid.
Kiera: HAH okay noted.

`11:23`

Ikamo: I will be back at TGS in a few days.
Kiera: YAY do you know exactly when?
Ikamo: No. I am not part of navigation. But we are coming back.
Kiera: Well did you guys succeed in whatever you were doing?
Ikamo: No and yes. Some went well and some did not, but we cannot do anything else here.
Kiera: Does that mean you’ll be sent out again?
Ikamo: It would be odd if I was not.
Kiera: boooooooo
Ikamo: This is my job, Kiera.
Kiera: so is guarding the storeroom at Biofusion.
Ikamo: Only when they assign me there.
Kiera: I like it when they assign you there though
Ikamo: You should ask them to.
Kiera: Maybe I will!
Ikamo: Do not actually, I will get scolded.
Kiera: YOU SUGGESTED IT
Ikamo: While rolling my eyes.
Kiera: I can’t see you doing that over texts buddy
Ikamo: If you are patient you will see it in a few days.
Kiera: looking forward to it ;)

`15:45`

Kiera: What do you do while traveling in the ships?
18:02
Ikamo: We mostly continue drills as normal.
Kiera: booooooo
Ikamo: You are fond of that word.
Kiera: are all Gyallians that boring???
Ikamo: I am in the military.
Kiera: yes but you guys gotta have SOME free time
Ikamo: We do. Most spend it playing games.
Kiera: okay but what do YOU do?
20:57
Ikamo: Not much. I have been in meetings all day and want to sleep.
Kiera: aw :(
Ikamo: Rest is important.
Kiera: so is having a bit of fun.
Ikamo: You may suggest something if you want. I do not promise I will do it.
Kiera: HMMM you guys have movies?
Ikamo: A few.
Kiera: pick one out and I’ll watch it too. :)
21:15
Ikamo: [Drama Movie Title]
Kiera: oh shit good pick. Okay I’ll turn it on. :)
Ikamo: I have not seen it. If I do not fall asleep I will tell you what I think.
Kiera: hell yeah
08:21
Ikamo: I fell asleep. Finished it now. It was okay, the villain was boring. Main character was good.
Kiera: Morning sleepy head! But the dynamic between the lead and her brother was so good right?
Ikamo: It was what kept me watching.
Kiera: How would you rate it
8:57
Ikamo: 3/5
Kiera: Not bad!
Ikamo: Not great, also.
Kiera: Would you watch it again?
Ikamo: With friends, not alone. I have another meeting. We should be back tomorrow.
Kiera: Oh yay! See you soon. :)

I have been toying with the idea of giving Ikamo a little bit of a car hobby, but in the same way young boys want to play with a tonka truck. It is a BIG MACHINE THAT CAN BE DRIVEN. This may or may not remain canon.

Ikamo is driving his miserable little golf cart with supplies to bring to Biofusion and spots Kiera along his commute. He pulls over as she is walking. It is around noon.

Ikamo: Kiera.
Kiera: Oh! Hi Ikamo! Nice ride hahah.
Ikamo: (He rolls his eyes a little) Are you not at work today?
Kiera: Oh, yeah I'm going, I was feeling kinda sick this morning so I called out but I'm feeling well enough now to go in.
Ikamo: I see. ... I am, going to Biofusion if you wish to not walk. I will not be mad if you choose to not trust me.
Kiera: Oh! No actually that'd be so great. I normally take the tram, so you'd be saving me $5 haha.
Ikamo: Hmm. Enough for your sugar coffee.
Kiera: Exaaaaactly.

(He makes a space for her and allows her in before he drives off, taking more care than he normally would to actually follow the 'road' laws.)

Kiera: I don't know a lot of people who can actually drive! Not a lot of reason to when there's a tram, right?
Ikamo: Hmm.
Kiera: Do you always drive to work?
Ikamo: ... no, but when I can I like to.
Kiera: Is this your cart?
Ikamo: It is Gyallia's. There are many we in our army can use. I only am allowed this type right now.
Kiera: Oooh are you working up to something better?
Ikamo: ... no. I can use many kinds.
Kiera: Oh, then why just the cart...?
Ikamo: ... (he gives a bit of a sheepish look) they know I like to use the machines.
Kiera: OOHHHhhh I see, you're reckless.
Ikamo: I am not! I am good at using them. It is some joke they have on me. They think it is funny.
Kiera: Wait, for real?
Ikamo: ... no, but yes also. Ack. There is no reason for me to have anything more here in TGS. But I see it on their face - I look silly in this small square shape, and they laugh inside.
Kiera: Ohhh, okay honestly? That's fucking hilarious.
Ikamo: It is annoying to me but I cannot argue with them.
Kiera: Okay but if you had your choose, what would you drive?
Ikamo: ... Is 'drive' the word for using these machines?
Kiera: Oh! Yes. What you're doing now is driving.
Ikamo: Okay. Are all machines like this called 'carts?'
Kiera: Ah, nope, that's just what this one is. Carts are vehicles like this, or sometimes the metal baskets that you use at the store that you push - stuff like that. The bigger vehicles I think more people drive is a car.
Ikamo: ... they sound very much the same, 'car' and 'cart.'
Kiera: I know, it's not fair.
Ikamo: Tsk. So... a 'vehicle' is a machine you drive? And a 'car' is the type that is, not the big rectangle ones, the smaller ones? They are used by civilians.
Kiera: Yes! The big ones are trucks.
Ikamo: Hmm. Vehicles, Trucks, Cars, Carts.
Kiera: Mhmm you got it.
Ikamo: Thank you. These words are strange to me. I will try to remember.
Kiera: No problem!
Ikamo: Then, I would like to drive a car or a truck. The car is more fun, a truck is more useful. It will be for what I need that day that I would choose.
Kiera: Do they have cars and trucks for you guys to use in the Gyallian Wing?
Ikamo: Not many as I like to drive. Most are flying, and I do not know how to use the flying machines- vehicles.
Kiera: Ahhhh you're a terrestrial vehicle guy, then.
Ikamo: ... like 'terra' as like ground?
Kiera: FUCK I am so sorry ahaha, I keep confusing you. Yes, exactly.
Ikamo: It is okay. Yes, the vehicles of land and ground are better for me.
Kiera: Do you at least get to drive when you go home?
Ikamo: Yes, and when we are planetside other places.
Kiera: They let you drive the fun stuff then?
Ikamo: We often need to. And... I will not let them say no.
Kiera: HAH.
Ikamo: I follow orders as I should ... but not the ones about driving the vehicles. They know that I will not, so they allow it.
Kiera: You've bullied your way into being the fuckin', designated driver?
Ikamo: You will have to tell me the meaning of 'designated.'
Kiera: AUGH, uh, the go-to or chosen person or object. Usually when we say "designated driver" we're talking about someone who is chosen to drive while everyone else has alcohol and can get drunk.
Ikamo: Ahhhh. Yes. I am the chosen driver, because I have chosen it, and they have stopped telling me no.
Kiera: You are absolutely hilarious, I can't believe you've bullied your way into having driving rights.
Ikamo: My superior knows this well and should stop fighting me.
Kiera: What, is he worried you'll fuck up?
Ikamo: He should not be, for how we used to race.
Kiera: WAIT YOU RACED?
Ikamo: When we were younger.
Kiera: Like, officially? The real sport?
Ikamo: Oh, no. For fun only.
Kiera: .... did you use the army vehicles...?
Ikamo: (he gives a guilty look and a small smirk but does not say anything)
Kiera: Oh my god you raced military vehicles.
Ikamo: I have said I am good at driving.
Kiera: Did you even have, permission?
Ikamo: Hmmmmm... What is in the past is not a worry in the right now.
Kiera: IKAMO oh my gooooooood.
Ikamo: You have a saying I think, it is something like "boys are boys?"
Kiera: "Boys will be boys" yes, and holy shit that is a perfect way to describe your nonsense.
Ikamo: You understand that young men like to do stupid things.
Kiera: Frankly I'm shocked you haven't pulled any crazy moves on this little cart.
Ikamo: Hmm. You are a civilian passenger, and it is my job to make sure you are safe.
Kiera: Fair enough I guesssss.
Ikamo: ...I will not let you say anymore that I am too grumpy for fun, though.
Kiera: Oh, I'll keep saying it until you can prove it to me, hotshot.
Ikamo: (he chuffs a little silent laugh) Perhaps if it is safe and there is a moment it will be allowed, I will bring you for a more fun ride.
Kiera: I'm absolutley going to hold you to that!

This is a pretty rambly one. They're not dating but they've moved into good friends here.

Ikamo: There is a holiday for your kind next week, correct?
Kiera: Yeah! It's [Thanksgiving], so we're getting some time off.
Ikamo: I have heard of this holiday - we have one similar, but it is not for some time. Is this one every year?
Kiera: Oh yeah, is yours not?
Ikamo: Our large feast is every 4 years, as [specific celestial bodies] finish an orbit around Gyallia. I do not understand how it works, but it means certain food is ready to take.
Kiera: Oh like a harvest festival!
Ikamo: Yes, that is the word. Is [Thanksgiving] the same?
Kiera: It's got some other historical context, but yeah functionally that's kinda it. Honestly the festivals themselves are more fun than the holiday, we used to go out to them and spend the week after school checking everything out.
Ikamo: "We" is your family?
Kiera: Yeah! My brothers used to take me, it was great when I was really young because when I'd get too tired they'd carry me around and I'd get to see everything while being TALL.
Ikamo: Ah. You are the youngest.
Kiera: Sure am.
Ikamo: You only have brothers?
Kiera: Sure do.
Ikamo: I am not surprised you made them do this for you.
Kiera: Well that makes it seem like I did it on purpose....
Ikamo: You want me to believe you did not?
Kiera: ... well, I'd like you to believe that.
Ikamo: I know you too well.
Kiera: Hehe ;)
Ikamo: Will you go home this year to see them, then?
Kiera: Honestly, I don't really know how I'm going to make it back this year. I'm putting a revised application in for that grant so I really have to concentrate but... ugh, going back home for a bit would be nice.
Ikamo: Is it a long journey?
Kiera: It could be worse, I think? My family is on [space station name], but it would mean I would have to take a few weeks off.
Ikamo: Ah. Is there no warp gate in your home?
Kiera: No, there is, but fuck me it's expensive. I mean, maybe I can get the fam to help pitch in so I can go, but it's a lot to ask and I don't really want to put that on them...
Ikamo: I did not know that the warp gate was expensive.
Kiera: Oh yeah, it sucks. It's like [$2000] for a round trip.
Ikamo: One person??
Kiera: Yeah dude.
Ikamo: That is... too much, for how it works. I am sent through it often, and so are my comrades.
Kiera: I mean I imagine if your activities are military funded it's not something you have to worry about, right?
Ikamo: You are right... I do not make use of the gates for personal travel.
Kiera: Well what do you do for vacations then?
Ikamo: Hmm? Ah, I do not... take, many.
Kiera: You mean to tell me you don't take ANY breaks??
Ikamo: I take the breaks I am given.
Kiera: I bet you stay at base, don't you.
Ikamo: ... it is as you say. (he is clearly a little embarrassed)
Kiera: Why don't you ever go home?
Ikamo: To Gyallia?
Kiera: Yeah, Daymen goes, especially on holidays.
Ikamo: He has family to go home to.
Kiera: ... do you, not?
Ikamo: Not that would care, no.
Kiera: Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't realize.
Ikamo: It is okay, I have been without for a long time.
Kiera: I didn't mean to touch on a sensitive subject...
Ikamo: (he shrugs) It, just is what I have lived for a long time. I did not know my, how you say? Extra? Family very well.
Kiera: Extended, or distant, both work.
Ikamo: Ah. Extended, then.
Kiera: Not tryin to sound like a dick but...not even your parents...?
Ikamo: ... they have been gone since I was young. Both met their end protecting Gyallia.
Kiera: Wait, oh my gosh?
Ikamo: Hmm?
Kiera: They died?
Ikamo: Yes? It is as I said.
Kiera: Holy shit I'm so sorry.
Ikamo: ... I appreciate, it. As I said, it is okay. It has been a long time.

(Kiera has known Ikamo long enough to be able to tell when he is purposefully withholding thoughts he might otherwise want to say. She feels confident pushing here.)

Kiera: How... old were you?
Ikamo: Hmm. 10?
Kiera: That's way too young...
Ikamo: ... I would agree.
Kiera: Wait, and none of your extended family came to help you? Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins?? Anyone???
Ikamo: No. I was given to the army, since both my parents were in it. They watched for me.
Kiera: ... wow. That's, really messed up.
Ikamo: hmm?
Kiera: Just, that none of your family came for you. I couldn't fathom it.
Ikamo: ... it is, not so un-normal for us. I have learned that taking a child not yours, even if family, is a long process. It seems my parents did not plan very well ahead for the possibility. But I was not visited by my extended family... so, I do think they did not care much.
Kiera: How did you, live?? Did you go to school?
Ikamo: I did. The army took care of me and sent me to school. When I was 16 I signed up formally, and began training.
Kiera: So really the military has kind of been your family, hasn't it..?
Ikamo: ... yes.
Kiera: ... that... explains a lot...
Ikamo: Is it bad, to you?
Kiera: No, no. I just had wondered a few things about you, but this clears them up.
Ikamo: ... May I ask what things?
Kiera: Uh, well, the obvious one is that you're very loyal to your duty, and your planet-
Ikamo: - It is a surprise to you because Daymen is not. Gyallians are more loyal than him...normally.
Kiera: - I mean YEAH I figured that one out pretty quickly, but there's something else to it. It's regimented for you - you trust the system, you play into it. If you're given an order, you don't ask questions.
Ikamo: ... you say as if this is bad?
Kiera: Uhh I mean I don't think it's inherently bad? You like structure and order. But uhhh, well yeah, you have certain vibes about it.
Ikamo: ... you are not wanting to say something.
Kiera: Eh don't worry about it, haha.
Ikamo: I think I would like to know.
Kiera: It's really not important.
Ikamo: Are you afraid of what I will think?
Kiera: ... well, I don't want to be mean.
Ikamo: ... you can be honest to me.
Kiera: You sure...?
Ikamo: Daymen has... there are things I did not understand were done by Gyallians only. I cannot know what is bad if I am not told.
Kiera: Well, it's not really about that... although, seriously, you've gotten so much better. Like, we've noticed, as a group.
Ikamo: ... I am glad? Though I am not glad that it was obvious.
Kiera: You should be proud. :)
Ikamo: Then I am. But I would like to know what you are thinking.
Kiera: Uhh okay weeeeeeell... actually, remember when we were hanging out at [hangout spot] like two weeks ago maybe? And that big guy came up to you.
Ikamo: ... Hradrok. My superior.
Kiera: Okay, Hradrok. He, uh. Well first of all he's TERRIFYING??? Like holy shit what an aura he gives off??
Ikamo: He... yes. He holds much power, and wields it well.
Kiera: He... seems to hold a lot of power over you.
Ikamo: ...
Kiera: ... like, for how stubborn you are with us, and closed off, when it comes to someone like him, you just.... bend. You did this with the other chick too, the white haired one.
Ikamo: -Tikala. She- we- .... have worked together for a very long time.
Kiera: ...And Hradrok?
Ikamo: And Hradrok.
Kiera: You let them step all over you, Ikamo.
Ikamo: ....
Kiera: Like, I can't understand anything that you guys say, but I can kinda get an idea of the vibe, right? And like, I don't know, I really don't know what you guys have going on, or what the hierarchy is, or how you guys do things, but I know you and how stubborn you are. When you're at Biofusion you're such a hardass - and I mean that in a loving way - but as soon as you're in a room with those two, you basically melt away. It almost feels like you forget who you are, and it's... weird to see.
Ikamo: ... (he takes a deep sigh).
Kiera: I'm sorry-
Ikamo: -you are correct.
Kiera: I'm, still sorry.
Ikamo: Do not be. I have known them for a very long time. Beyond our rank, they are hard for me to... ignore. I do not have good words in this language.
Kiera: Enough that you completely just, lose any of your inner fight...?
Ikamo: ... You have said, you have brothers? And you are close to them?
Kiera: Yea? We- .... oh.
Ikamo: ...Hradrok is my brother, and Tikala, for a time, was my partner. We three were close... we are not, anymore, and have not been for a long time. But, my brother, and my first love, they always are. It is hard to tell them no, even without rank.
Kiera: I... yeah, I get it... but, if you're not close anymore, why work with them...?
Ikamo: The simple answer... is we have the same goal. It makes sense to work together, because we do so well. Our history is over 10 years long and we are good at what we all do.
Kiera: ... So what's the complicated answer?
Ikamo: That... I do not have the same freedoms they do to choose.
Kiera: Like...?
Ikamo: I... cannot say.
Kiera: UGH it's secret military shit isn't it.
Ikamo: Mhmm.
Kiera: It's always the secret military shit.
Ikamo: (he cracks a small smile) You would not be in this work for long, with the way you talk.
Kiera: HEY what's that supposed to mean?
Ikamo: You like to do the talking about others - the word is "gossip," yes?
Kiera: Don't pretend that you don't like to gossip.
Ikamo: It is not professional to do so.
Kiera: Says the man who will shit talk with me all day about mister boss man at Biofusion.
Ikamo: He is, what we Gyallians like to call, "[Barking Shrew]" - it is a small animal that has a loud bark, but hides when challenged.
Kiera: (she laughs) Ikamo you are fucking SCATHING when you want to be.
Ikamo: (he smirks) How do I give someone respect when he has no Power? It is not our way.
Kiera: You could stand I think to give yourself a bit more respect, for all the Power you have. I think you should let yourself ... well, be yourself more around Hradrok and Tikala.
Ikamo: ... I understand what you say, but it is not simple.
Kiera: It's what I think, still.
Ikamo: Hm...I do... thank you for telling me. You, and the others, have helped me remember myself. I lost it for some time.
Kiera: Oh! You're welcome... you're more fun than you let on. You do it on purpose, I think.
Ikamo: I do, for protection.
Kiera: I think you can let up, personally.
Ikamo: ... I think you are right.

They are dating at this point. Ikamo has been off station many times by now.

`08:45`

Kiera: Ugh boss man is being insufferable wish you were here to mad dog him
12:34
Ikamo: That is the phrase for giving someone a mean look, yes?
Kiera: yes
Ikamo: Then I wish I was there to mad dog him.
Kiera: He’s backed off by now but holy hell man he’s on my case today.
Ikamo: Is there a deadline?
Kiera: Yeah :( [Sun Cultist Company] wants this series of serums by the end of the month and we’re getting close.
Ikamo: Are they being aggressive?
Kiera: Very. They’re threatening to pull funding if we don’t do it.
13:25
Ikamo: Your company is best suited for their request. I think it is a hollow threat.
Kiera: I think so too, but boss man is still being a bitch.
Ikamo: I wish I could help more.
Kiera: It’s okay this is enough. I’m just complaining.
15:32
Ikamo: We may be gone for at least one month so please keep telling me if you are okay.
Kiera: I thought it was going to be two weeks?
Ikamo: So did we. It does not look that way anymore.
Kiera: ugh I’m sorry it’s not going well.
Ikamo: We both are in bad times for work it seems.
Kiera: That’s liiiiiife~

`22:46`

Ikamo: Difficult day. I wish I could spend the night with you.
Kiera: awwww I’m sorry hon. :( Can you tell me anything?
Ikamo: I failed my objective and got beat to shit.
Kiera: oh no :(
Ikamo: It is getting harder and harder.
Kiera: Wait did you get beat during your mission or after for not doing well?
Ikamo: Both.
Kiera: BOTH?
Ikamo: Both are my fault.
Kiera: why are you getting beat up by your own people?
Ikamo: I did poorly on my objective and when I was questioned why I acted out of rank.
Kiera: and that’s punishable by being beat up???
Ikamo: I issued a Challenge and lost.
Kiera: oh….
Ikamo: I am ready to lie down.
Kiera: Did you get medical attention?? Are you still on your feet?
Ikamo: I did. I am eating right now, but I will go sleep soon.
Kiera: I’m sorry hun :(
Ikamo: Did you have a good day?
Kiera: I had a normal day so it’s probably a good day.
Ikamo: I am glad. Make sure you eat something too.
Kiera: Yeah I had dinner already. I’m just watching my silly little show.
Ikamo: Haha. Don’t stay up until 1am. I am going to finish my food and lie down.
Kiera: Good, sleep well. I promise I’ll turn in at a reasonable time. :P

`18:23`

Kiera: You okay? It’s been a few days…
19:30
Ikamo: I am okay. There is a lot happening.
Kiera: You can’t catch a break can you?
Ikamo: It seems not. Things are moving too fast. Did you meet your deadline?
Kiera: oh my god we did but BARELY. I don’t think we can pull something like that again, we’re really drained from that.
Ikamo: It seems unfair that they demand so much.
Kiera: Man you’re telling me.
Ikamo: I am actually still on mission. This determines when we come home. I will catch up with you later.
Kiera: oh shit no problem go get it done!!

`07:12`

Ikamo: Success would come easier if I was left to do my work without micromanaging.
08:45
Kiera: Gosh TELL ME ABOUT IT. What happened???
Ikamo: I would have completed my objective if I had been left to my work. They have decided I need to be supervised. It costed us.
Kiera: ughhhhhh
Ikamo: It makes me want to jump to space where I cannot hear them.
Kiera: Does it mean you’ll be gone longer?
Ikamo: Yes.
Kiera: UGH
Ikamo: I am very frustrated.
Kiera: Did they at least recognize that it wasn’t your fault this time?
Ikamo: Everyone knows why the outcome happened the way it did. We all are angry. We have a meeting later about next steps.
Kiera: Ugh well I hope it goes well :(
Ikamo: It will be full of ego but we must agree on what to do.
Kiera: You can give them an earful.
Ikamo: They will only get silence from me. And mad dogging.
Kiera: oooooo angry Ikamo time >:)
Ikamo: Yes.
Kiera: Then I hope your anger is made known by your silence.
Ikamo: It will be louder than their voices.

• this interaction happens outside of their normal messaging app that Daymen put encryption on Ikamo’s phone for and within normal texting/messaging/sms/whatever.
  13:29
  Ikamo: Hello. It is Ikamo, I work at Biofusion intermittently to secure supplies necessary for your workplace. I am messaging you on behalf of the Gyallian Knights squadron # 72-H. Can you confirm with me that [Sun Cultist company] put in an order for genetic serums that were shipped at the end of last month?
  13:58
  Kiera: (lots of … before sending the message) Oh hi Ikamo! Hope you’re well. Yes, we did provide those medications to [Sun Cultist company] at the end of this last standard galactic calendar month. It was lot number # 137639-2Ab. This is public information so if you need to confirm, it is in our public facing network database. The contents of the serum itself are under NDA, however. If you have any additional questions I can direct you to our HR department for further clarifications and any public statements you may require.
  14:15
  Ikamo: Thank you, we will confirm this information with the public database and our records. I will get in touch again if further information will be necessary. Have a good rest of your week.
  Kiera: You too!

`02:45`

Ikamo: Thank you for playing along. I should be okay to message normal now.
Kiera: What happened??
Ikamo: Why are you awake?
Kiera: Uh. No reason.
Ikamo: It’s the silly little show.
Kiera: It got so good.
Ikamo: You should be resting.
Kiera: I wiiiiiiill I promise. Tell me what happened!
Ikamo: I had to talk like I did not know you so well, but I think one or two of them are aware of us.
Kiera: Uh are we in danger??
Ikamo: You are not. I have some complicated things that make this an issue for me.
Kiera: I'm guessing you cant talk about it.
Ikamo: I tell you all I can.
Kiera: Why did you have to ask about work?
Ikamo: ... I tell you all I can.
Kiera: UGH.
Ikamo: You are smart. You can think about how a company like that getting genetically altering serums may be of interest to various powers.
Kiera: Oh god it's too early in the morning to be having that sort of existential crisis.
Ikamo: I am sorry for worrying you, but I did say you should be asleep.
Kiera: Are you going to be okay?
Ikamo: I will survive this encounter like I have all others.
Kiera: With a straight face and a deeply judgmental silence?
Ikamo: You know me well.
Kiera: Well... let me know if theres anything I can do...?
Ikamo: You've helped me plenty today, thank you. I think we're wrapping up, there are talks of returning to TGS to regroup. I'll let you know.
Kiera: Oh yay! I'll take that thought with me as I finish this episode and go to bed.
Ikamo: Rest well.
Kiera: Goodnight!

18:13

Ikamo: We are coming back to TGS, but I am being sent ahead. Will have to do some work when I arrive but I will come to say hi to you first.
Kiera: YAY I missed youuuu
Ikamo: I look forward to being done with my time sensitive task so we can spend a day together.
Kiera: How long can your first hello be?
Ikamo: Only a few minutes. I am being granted a special warp to save time traveling, so it is important I get right to work.
Kiera: Oh shit that’s faaaancy. Are you gonna come through the big gate?
Ikamo: That is the plan.
Kiera: Maybe I can just meet you there?
Ikamo: It is possible someone will accompany me. If not, that would be best. They do not need to know I am planning to meet with anyone. If I have company just stay where you are.
Kiera: ah I see. Okay let me know! I mean I’ll probably just be at work lol.
Ikamo: You are an easy person to find I am not worried.
Kiera: if I’m at work we can make out in the supply closet. ;)
Ikamo: What is the silly little show teaching you?
Kiera: That secret love is sexy as hell.
Ikamo: It is also very stressful.
Kiera: it’s part of the romantic tension~
Ikamo: Are you okay with it?
Kiera: What, tension?
Ikamo: Us being a secret from my people.
Kiera: I mean it’s not ideal but I think since our friends know it’s not that hard to do.
Ikamo: I prefer it not be. I am sorry that my circumstances make this complicated.
Kiera: Come home and kiss me and I’ll forgive you. ;)
Ikamo: I will see to that tomorrow.
Kiera: WAIT REALLY THAT SOON?
Ikamo: :)
Kiera: YAY okay imma clean the apartment now lol I’ll see you soon!
Ikamo: You make me laugh. See you soon.

Ikamo brings Keira supplies to do her research/self experimenting.

Not sure when exactly this is but it probably has to be post TGS

Ikamo: Here.
Kiera: Oh, what are..... oh.
Ikamo: Hmm. I hope they are correct.
Kiera: You... where did you get this?
Ikamo: (he looks sidelong, clearly guilty of stealing but doesn't appear to feel bad about it) ... it is, safer that you do not know, I think.
Kiera: ... yeah, you might be right. Holy hell...
Ikamo: Is it enough?
Kiera: Fuck, more than enough - well, for now. I'll probably go through this kinda quickly because it's... a destructive process, figuring it out. But this is more than I could even get at Biofusion sometimes.
Ikamo: Hmm... if it is that much, it might be missed. Next time I can get less.
Kiera: Next time??? You're going to do this again??
Ikamo: ... I, told you. I will help you however I know best to. This is the way I know.
Kiera: I.... hm....
Ikamo: ... I know this has problems.
Kiera: ... yeah. I'm not... sure...
Ikamo: If you do not want me to do this, I will stop. But, it's what I can do... it is not without danger, though.
Kiera: Like you'll get caught?
Ikamo: I am very good at what I do, even more when The Hunger helps, so I am very sure I will never be stopped... but I am not unknown. The number of people who know who I am is very few, but not zero. If they find me out, they can very easily find you next.
Kiera: ... okay, I getcha.
Ikamo: I can... return this, if you would like.
Kiera: .... no, I think I want to use this...
Ikamo: ...
Kiera: I just... the, temptation, to ask for much more, that kinda scares me.
Ikamo: I will retrieve whatever you need.
Kiera: I know and that's terrifying, honestly.
Ikamo: Why?
Kiera: I dunno, I'm afraid of the greed part of it? I've wanted to do this so long, and it's... there's pieces of the process just handed to me. That's, so much more than I had even when I was stealing from Biofusion.
Ikamo: ... it is, a chance to do more than you could, though. You have tried the right way for very long and no one believes you were worth it.
Kiera: ... and you do? (She knows the answer, but wants/needs to hear it.)
Ikamo: Yes. (He knows what this question is and answers swiftly and firmly.)
Kiera: ... I, that's... that's really sweet. I'm just, scared of the consequences.
Ikamo: ... I think, being scared of what comes ahead does not always bring results-
Kiera: - this is coming from someone who made a pact with an eldritch being.
Ikamo: .... I can only speak to what I know.
Kiera: (She takes an extremely deep sigh and looks at the components)
Ikamo: ... are you upset with me?
Kiera: No, absolutely not. This isn't... no, I appreciate it so much. I just have a lot to think about.
Ikamo: I understand. I will... do whatever you ask me, [love]. I want to help. I do not know how else to. If there is a better way, tell me, but I can also do this.
Kiera: Okay, yeah, let me think about it.... I love you, thank you.
Ikamo: [I love you].