A Moment To Take A Breath

Posted on Sun Mar 23rd, 2025 @ 7:16pm by Lieutenant Cassian Massy & Commander Anastasia Aventnova

5,863 words; about a 29 minute read

Mission: Let That Be Your Last
Location: Operations Headquarters
Timeline: Current

Cassian was just wrapping up the end of his shift when his body warned him enough was enough. He'd been hunched over looking at reports and updates for several hours, two cups of Coffee now cold and forgotten sat on his desk and his legs were starting to ache from being in one position for so long without movement. While the repairs were completed for the most part he knew that life on board wouldn't be the same as before with the Captain being recalled to Earth and the arrival of the ships former Commanding Officer, Admiral S'iraa.

Cassian didn't know much about the Admiral other than reputation or rumours from those in his many teams but from what he could gleam it seemed the Admiral was a fair but firm leader, diplomatic, willing to hear people out but once an order is given, he expects it to be followed without question or reservation.

Cassian was still coming to terms with not only the ship but his position too. The ship was colossal in size and his team massive in number, far more then he'd expect a Lieutenant to command, yet here he found himself. He thought about touching base with some of his old classmates to see how they were doing but now was hardly the place or the time for such things, especially since doing so would keep him at his desk for longer than he had to be.

Looking at the time from the old timepiece on the storage top, a gift from his last days on Earth before getting his assignment it informed him he was already 3 minutes beyond his end time. Cassian now found himself wondering what he might want to eat given that with everything that had transpired during the day that he'd not in fact eaten lunch yet. Hunger was an issue and he needed to eat something. Last thing he needed was for a dietary report to follow due to failure to eat properly from the Doctors.

He didn't feel like eating in but he did hear about this venue on board that had booths that simulated being anywhere, but with a table and chairs almost like a holodeck. Rome maybe, Paris, eating on the surface of Titan perhaps or maybe on the edge of Luna Island by Niagara Falls. The Moon Bridge in Taipei or the Lotus Bridge for the spectacular views.

Grabbing a Padd Cassian left his office handing over to the next shift that apparently were waiting for his handover and departure. A brief apology and update later and he found himself heading home. He looked up the venue's dress code, smart but not formal, seemed reasonable enough. Going at it alone though seemed like a waste of such a potential view, there were other places suited for solo diners but then he thought about the First Officer.

Initially he wondered that if after everything it was proper for him, his immediate manager, to invite her to such an outing given he essentially her subordinate.

By the time he made his way through his doors he'd also made up his mind. He was going to invite the Commander.

The major drive for this was that while on duty she was the First Officer, his manager but after that she was just like any other on board...a person.

=^= Lieutenant Massy to Commander Aventnova. =^= He didn't want to say more just yet in case she was not alone and didn't want to cause any embarrassment with his call to her.

Anastasia heard the call and checked the chrono on the desk, it was starting to get later in the day, but her work was never done. She'd just gone over the Admiral's schedule for the next day, filling in the changes that had come in about half an hour before, but she wanted to get to the day after's set before calling it a night. That would mean she'd have to put off the engineering update until bright and early the next morning, or maybe as a bit of light reading before getting to sleep.

=^= This is Commander Aventnova, how can I help you, Lieutenant? =^= She absently put the PADD down before reaching for the next.

"Commander, I was wondering if I could be so bold as to invite you to join me in dinner?" Cassian spoke, he didn't expect her to answer so quickly. "We didn't get to eat much after our earlier occasion so I was wondering if I could tempt you with something a little more substantial?"

Another glance at the chrono and another at the work still ahead of her. Maybe this could work to her favor, she hadn't had a lot of time to have one on ones with the department heads and if he'd been trying to get a hold of her previously.. "Certainly, Lieutenant, I'm sure a working dinner could be in the works. I could meet you in oh... fifteen minutes of you have an idea of where?"

"Actually, I was thinking something more...personal, social, off duty." There was a pause before he resumed. "If you are open to it that is." Cassian concluded hoping now that he made his point a little clearer than before.

"Oh." Anastasia said softly in surprise, blinking even though he couldn't see her. "Oh." She repeated, then shook her head to clear her head. She was used to dealing with everything as an officer, rarely ever letting anyone see her when she was on her 'own' time, especially those she served with. Of course, here on Dreadnought that may not always be the case, because there was ample space and technically time to spend off duty and actually a fair amount to do on board. She was silent for many seconds as she contemplated this, then glanced over at where her closet was closed but she knew the contents rather well: Uniforms and a single dress that he'd already seen her in, "But what will I wear?" She asked aloud.

"I wouldn't want to be so bold as to tell you how to dress, but perhaps given the venue, a semi formal dress of sorts, like the one I saw you wearing last time." Cassian replied. He had to admit to himself that hew question did catch him a little off guard. He'd be perfectly fine if she wore the same dress honestly but he didn't want her to feel like she had to.

"Semi-formal, right." Ana confirmed, "I'll have to discover something.." That would take a few minutes, but if this were personal she may need a little bit more time, "I know I said fifteen minutes before, but could you give me thirty or so instead?"

"That shouldn't be a problem." It would give him some time too.

"That sounds good, I'll be there as soon as possible. Aventnova clear." With the comm now off, Anastasia puffed out her cheeks. Well then, this was new. Okay, well, black was not the right color for this sort of thing and she didn't have a lot of options, so Ana stood and walked over to the replicator and brought up the program that had been gifted to her by her brother's girlfriend. Fashion on Roma Nueva was different than in the Federation, but she was certainly Roman.

After a few minutes, she'd decided on a dress that was styled on one of the formal togas of her world of birth. A clasp of the crest of Roma Nueva over her left shoulder, leaving her right shoulder bare, with what appaeared to be a two layered dark blue dress that ended up two inches from the ground, once she'd slipped on the inch and a half heels from the other day. "Well, this is about as good as it gets right now, Anastasia." She told herself in the mirror, adding a butterfly hairpiece that she enjoyed. Then she left to where Cassian had asked to meet.

Cassian had already sent to her quarters the address of the venue he had in mind, he'd meet her there. He opted for this because initially he wasn't sure how she'd react to him coming to her quarters or how the rumour could start that a gentleman caller had come to her quarters not in uniform. At least by meeting her there in the first instance would permit her to keep appearances for her own reputation as First Officer but also if she changed her mind at the last minute, she'd have that time.

The venue itself was a well decorated restaurant that from it wafted all manner or aromas and scents from a score of foods being prepared. This venue however had a specialty of placing people anywhere, with a table and chairs and nothing but scenery even with sound if desired. Cassian took the bold idea of selecting the location, he could only hope she'd enjoy it.

The 'Rue de la Monde' had been classed in everything she'd seen within three minutes of research on the way as a unique restaurant, with the reputation of being able to put anyone almost anywhere imaginable, through the use of pinpoint holographics, no doubt. As she approached the venue, her nose twitched appreciatively at the aromas and picked out at least Chinese and Greek recipes which made her wonder. Her eyes cast about for the Operations officer, though how he'd look in civilian clothes? OF course, where would he be waiting? Outside? Inside? She shook her head gently, of course inside.

As the door opened for her at her approach, she stepped in delicately, though the delicacy of a panther in the woods not wanting to spook their prey was still delicate. Again, she glanced about and spotted him, watching her.

"I'm glad you came." Cassian spoke with a smile on his face as he made his way towards her. "It's not that he doubted her, he gave her the option to back out if she wanted but glad she didn't. "Is the venue alright? Not too much I hope?" He didn't want to come over full bore, but he'd heard a great deal about this place and wanted to see for himself if it lived up to it, beautiful company was a welcome addition to share it with.

Idly, Anastasia reached out with her hand, palm down then froze. That was the Roman way of greeting someone on a date, but was this a date? Or was it just a getting-to-know-you thing from one officer to another. Of course, his reaction would tell whether he'd done research on her culture with a kiss on the back of the hand, or if he just gripped it, which would indicate just a friendly meet and greet type. "It's definitely a high-class place, glad I dressed up as much as I did. Customizable tables, hopefully it isn't costing you an arm and a leg?"

Cassian was a bit of a romantic and given the setting he wanted to make an impression. Playing the gentleman however he took his hand in hers and indeed placed a kiss to the back of it before returning his gaze to her. "That would be telling." The fee he was not worried about, making a fool of himself in front of her however was another matter.

"I have a table booked for us." It had taken some smooth talking to get a table but he'd managed it. "Shall we?"

'He thinks it's a date.' Anastasia thought to herself and momentarily she froze as the thought really settled it in her mind and she took her hand back to clasp it in front of her. If it were a date, what would he expect? How should she act? Did she want to be on a date? She'd not had time to even consider something like that, duty had always been there and she'd had so many dinners with colleagues that it was natural to do that, plus when she was on the Admiral's staff, she'd barely had any time to herself that wasn't spent training. "Sure." She finally managed to get out, but even to her it sounded strangled, "Sure." She tried again a little more naturally.

Cassian lead the way to the doors that had their names on the panel all set as an invitation. He entered the code he was given and the doors opened revealing a large span of water with a bridge spanning its narrow point, fog danced across its surface caught by an unfelt breeze flanked by trees and the occasional bird. Walking to the table he pulled out one of the chairs for Ana to sit in.

"Thank you." She'd kept her hands in front of her the entire walk over, eyes down and then she lifted the hem of her dress to sit forward as he slid the chair in towards the table, just as she'd been taught to do as a young woman. Finally she took a look around and inhaled before holding the breath in surprise, "It's beautiful out here."

"The selection was plentiful." He spoke as he took off his jacket to hang it over the back of the seat before taking a seat himself. He remembered flicking through nearly 40 pages of potential locations that were available to choose from, he hoped this one wasn't too much. There was a screen that could be rotated depending on who was using it to place orders or call for a server. "Would you a drink, something to start?"

"Sure." She said almost too quickly, then went silent. She realized after a few seconds that she'd also have to say what she'd want, but what would be appropriate? She was off duty, technically, though the Exec was never truly off duty, so would alcohol be proper? But if this were a date, would it not be? "What would you suggest?"

"Well, I guess it would depend on your tastes. They have an assortment of wines, reds, whites and even rose. There are non alcoholic beverages if you want play it safe. There are stronger drinks but I admit I'm not much of a drinker and even then it's a mood thing." Cassian explained from the top of his head from the menu he read last night and refreshed himself with as he dressed.

That certainly didn't help figure everything out, but she didn't want to pick up the menu only to look at drink selection, "I think I'll go with a glass of rose, but also some water. I don't want to overindulge and make an idiot of myself, not that I'm a lush or anything, you know."

"That's fine." Cassian was thinking white wine for himself. "A glass of white I think for myself." He added. "Would you like drinks first and more time to consider food, or other both when ready?" It wasn't that he was trying to make dinner complicated, just trying to make things easy and relaxed as he could.

"I'll admit that I haven't even looked at the menu, but I'm sure they have some sort of whitefish with vegetables, herbs and rice and that would be perfectly fine." Ana mentioned, then went on, "And we can talk while they're preparing dinner, right?"

"Of course." Cassian scrolled through the menu to find the fish selections, then turned the monitor to face her. "Here you are, the selection they have." From there Ana could create the dish she wanted or select from one of the choices already presented in the list.

None of the fish from Roma Nueva were on the list, but that wasn't that much of a surprise to her, as they were rarely exported. After a few moments, she'd selected the sea bass with an herb filled rice pilaf and some broccoli and cauliflower with ginger-glazed carrots. On a whim, she selected a dessert in advance, a Cherries Jubilee that had been advertised as being presented en flambe. "I think this will do just nicely."

Cassian wanted to be surprised by her order so quickly changed the view to order something himself. He went for a Salmon dish with some mixed vegetables. Once everything was done, he pressed 'order' and it was sent to the kitchen. "Done and done." Cassian turned the monitor so it was back in its neutral position. "I hope this didn't interrupt anything you had personally planned?" He wasn't aware if she had anything schedules once off duty.

"The only thing you interrupted were reviews of reports during the evening and something from the replicator once I got to my quarters." Ana gave a shrug, with a waving gesture that indicated it was nothing really, "Aside from spending time in the gym, I don't really have much in the way of actual hobbies aside from a good book. I usually don't have much in the way of free time to have any hobbies, given that I was an Admiral's Staff Tactical Officer and now with another Admiral on board, unless he brings in his own staff, I'll probably be his Chief of Staff along with being his Exec."

"Sounds like a pretty full plate." Cassian responded, he wondered if her earlier comment about not interrupting much, was she just being polite now that she was here? If anything, going by what she said she was a busy woman and had little free time, which he was encroaching on. A silence awkwardly hung in the air as Cassian looked around taking in the view, The moment was broken when the server appeared with the meals with cutlery wrapped neatly in napkins and just a moment later another server with the drinks. "This looks good." He spoke looking at his plate.

"It is, especially if someone isn't used to dealing with them." Ana watched the plate in front of her as it was placed delicately there and resisted giving it a frown. It did indeed look good, the fish a delicate brown that indicated it was done but still juicy, the rice fluffy and speckled with rosemary, chopped parsley and sage, the vegetables off to the side. But there just wasn't enough of it to suit her own personal desires, "I was the Staff Tac officer for an Admiral for two years, sure it's a lot of work, but the routine makes up for a lot of it, plus the prestige. Once I get to know this Admiral better, I'll be able to focus more on the ship as a whole and actual be able to have more time for more personal things." She cut into the fish and just as she'd expected, it flaked perfectly.

His own meal looked incredible, and he hoped it tasted just as good, he stole a glance over at Ana's meal and then back to his own. "So you go from staff to an Admiral, to Exec of this ship. Can I ask why the change?" Cassian could understand that there was indeed a certain level of prestige of working with an Admiral, but her role her was Executive Officer, sure it was to the largest ship in the fleet but still just Executive Officer. To him that seemed like a down step, but there was no doubt much to the story he didn't know.

“It wasn’t my choice.” She said simply and softly, “It’s actually my second stint as an Exec, the first was actually also on Ark Royal before the Admiral poached me for her staff. She saw who they were sending out initially for Dreadnought and thought he wasn’t up to it, so the Admiral subbed me out for him. One of the last things she told me before I left was that this was a temporary assignment, maybe a year, year and a half before I get my own first command. I could see her point, if I can handle being the exec of a ship like this, any other ship in the Fleet would be easy to handle being in command for.”

She had a point, being able to handle this ship was a sure bet situation to handle any other class of ship Starfleet could throw at her. "A temporary assignment, if that were to change could you see yourself staying here?" Nobody knew what the future held, it came with the uniform but it didn't hurt to hope at least since anything could happen between now and then.

“If I get orders to take command of a ship, I can’t refuse them.” She speared a carrot with her fork, “Either that or I’d never get the chance again. But if they determined I wasn’t capable anymore?” Ana sighed and chewed the carrot before answering, “I’d probably stay for a while, then resign and go home to Roma Nueva after I can bring someone else up to speed.”

"Understandable." She seemed to have everything figured out, and good for her her thought. He was just a lowly Lieutenant though and command of a ship didn't come in his colours. Still, her answer gave him thought about the subject in discussion and perhaps a change was in order, but to what. A silence developed, only the sound of cuterly, chirping birds and the gentle rolling of water under the bridge below them could be heard.

The silence reminded her that this wasn’t just a dinner, but he considered it a date. Probably, “I’m sorry if I sound so dour about it, but we Romans take responsibility seriously, it’s just our civic duty and we always are looking to contribute to society and the People. There aren’t many of us in Starfleet, but we throw ourselves into it just as we would at home.” She used the edge of the fork to cut off another bit of fish, “I’m only third generation Roman.”

"Oh no, I get it." He spoke. Clearly Ana was a hardworking, dedicated and full-on kind of woman that stuck to her beliefs, he couldn't fault her for that. "Nothing wrong with following one's beliefs and traditions." That however didn't make the moment any easier. The silence returned as he ate some of his meal. "How is it?" He asked, trying to make small talk to break up the lingering silence.

“This is quite good, doesn’t disappoint at all.” Ana replied, realizing that she wasn’t loosening up, knowing this was one of the few chances she’d have, “So, Cassian, what do you do in your free time?” A personal question, divert from the talk of duty.

Swallowing what he was chewing he cleared his throat to answer. "Well, I tinker with things, good with my hands so always doing something. Got into it during my academy days and built a siphon coffee maker the day after graduation, I still have it." It still brewed just as good a coffee as then, today. "I also like to read."

“Oh?” That last caught her attention, and she leaned forward a fraction, “What sort of books? I like a fair amount of different things, but there’s nothing like the classics. Much of it is in Latin or Greek, but I consider more eras in the ‘classic’ period as well, like Tolkien.”

"I lean into the thriller and science fiction genres mostly. As much as I try to keep work out of it a technical manual or latest system spec sneaks in there from time to time." Cassian spoke then finished another fork of his food. "I tried audio books but it just didn't feel the same as a proper paperback book in the hands."

Ana made a mental note to look up some of those books, perhaps see if she could find some of the ones he liked, just… Because “You’re right, it’s just not as intense, because if your attention flags at the wrong moment, you can actually miss an important little detail and not realize it.”

"For me it's the immersion of it." He replied. "It's far easier to feel a part of the story or invested in the characters if it's in the old paper style books over the more modern day padd styles." It helped him escape the now and modern of everyday life when he needed to.

"Honestly, I've never had enough space to collect paperback books as it is, so it's PADDs for me rather than the physical." She speared the last bit of broccoli and shrugged as she gestured with it, "Aside from those times when I can sit back and read, it's all about training, keeping up with my close combat skills and here and there working on learning how to properly ride a horse."

Cassian finished off what little he had on his plate, placed the knife and fork together and then pushed his plate aside indicate he was done. "That was good, full of flavour." Though the meal was small, it was just the right amount to take the edge off the hunger without over doing it. "Would you like a refill, or dessert?"

"Oh? You didn't order dessert already?" Ana said in surprise, "We're already in for a bit of a show, because I ordered the Cherries Jubilee, which I saw they prepare right in front of you, flambe and all, then served over vanilla ice cream."

"I didn't no, honestly being a first time here I didn't know how big the servings would be." He replied. "Thats ok though I can order something quickly, something light should do it." He spoke as he turned the console to face him and opening the dessert menu.

Ana watched him carefully as he searched the dessert menu. She was curious as to his tastes, especially when it came to desserts because she had more than a little bit of a sweet tooth. That itself came from her metabolism, itself higher than most because of the genetic heritage caused by Roma Nueva. But what someone picked for dessert did say something about what they were like.

Flicking through the menu he found something. Sweet Blackberry Mousse Tart. It was different and looked good, small since there were a pair of them but he thought it would be just right. He selected them to arrive at the same time as Ana's selection. "There, done." He said with a smile.

"That does sound good, to be honest, but I'll give you a taste of something that will blow them away, if my opinion is right." Her eyes glittered, "There's a strawberry version that also is almost to die for, but the cherries are a bit sweeter."

"And here I sat thinking you were sweet enough." Cassian spoke with a smirk while they waited.

Ana laughed, theatrically rolling her eyes specifically so that he saw her do it, but also so that he knew that she was doing it out of humour, not 'for real', "How much do you know about Roma Nueva?" She asked him, getting the question out before she really thought about why she was asking him.

"I'll admit, not much. A colony that I think followed suit of the Earth Romans ways I think, to what extent I honestly don't know. Few I think join Starfleet, aside from that, very little." While it probably would have been prudent to do some additional research on Ana before asking her to dinner, at least being honest up front would lay anything out on the table. "I do know you attended the Vulcan Academy, you served as Admiral staff, this is your 2nd stint as XO but this is the largest ship you have been on, you are still trying to figure out the Admiral and nearly decked a civilian within 48 hours of arriving." He grinned.

"Actually, that decking of the civilian was within six hours of arriving." Ana closed her eyes for a moment, still sort of wishing she had, "But close enough for Federation work. Yes, not many of us join Starfleet, mostly because we prefer to stay close to home. The original colonists were a slow-boat cryostasis colony ship who were of the belief that the times of Augustus Caesar were the epitome of the Golden Age of Rome, aside from the constant wars that is. What isn't well known is that they came across a biological radiation that alters genetics in the womb, so lives of Romans are a fair bit longer than standard human." She gave him a curious look, "So you really don't know a lot about our traditions then, right?"

"Can't say that I do I'm afraid." He spoke, but the question itself had more than a face value meaning. It made him wonder. "Why?" He asked wondering if he'd committed some cultural taboo against her, caused her some form of embarrassment for being seen out with someone below her station or the like.

"Oh, that explains things." Ana was about to be embarrassed, but if she was going to explain this, she was just straight up going to say it outright, "When you asked me to join you for dinner, did you intend it as just a getting to know you type thing, or as a date?" Direct she always was, "When I presented my hand and you kissed the back of it? Traditionally meant as a romantic gesture and intent at home."

"Oh." That could perhaps explain the noted degree of awkwardness he was feeling. "I'm sorry. Some human males like to do some things the old way, seems more....gentlemanly, polite. Some kiss the cheek then the other, some kiss the hand, others the knuckles or just before on the fingers when greeting a lady." He explained, but perhaps doing research first wouldn't have been a bad idea.

"Both cheeks is one of the accepted greetings in New Rome as well, typically between women, but not frowned upon by intersex." Ana waved it away as she saw the waiter enter the area pushing a cart with ingredients, giving Cassian another odd look, "I know I've been in Starfleet since I was eighteen, but I still get my customs mixed up. I'm only third-generation Roman, unlike the original families who are now seventh-generation, but I think I've bought fully into the Roman traditions. So it isn't your fault, it's actually mine."

"I hope I've not caused any issue you being seen here, in this surrounding with someone under your command?" Now he was trying to factor in tradition and appropriateness, considering her explanation of kissing her hand. He'd for sure have to do some research on traditions and such especially if he was to work with her when on duty.

That caused her to blink hard, because that threw her off a bit, "Why would that matter?" Ana asked gently, "This isn't about the chain of command, we're not children after all. The only reason why two people shouldn't be seen together off duty is if they are unable to keep personal life and duty life separate." She brought one hand up to her chest, "I have no problems with this at all and if someone reads too much into it, that's THEIR problem, not mine. The biggest question would be if you would be uncomfortable with that?"

"No, but it's always good to be certain." Cassian answered picking up his fork to sample his Tarts. An awkward silence lingered, one he felt he introduced by his question. If she was fine with it, that was ok, he'd have to brush up on his traditions though if he was going to make things a lot easier and better understood. Still, she was here, now, with him and was fine to be seen such. So that was something of a relief for him.

The ice cream was melting under the heat of the cherries and the thick syrup that had been made when the concoction had been flambe'd, and Ana actually found herself rather enjoying this time, honestly especially since things had been cleared up. Part of her was disappointed, part of her was relieved. She made a gesture with her spoon, "Would you like to try these? They really are good."

"Oh no, I've never really been able to get my taste around cherries honestly." He replied with a smile. "Besides, I know better than to get between a lady and a treat like that." He added before using his spoon to break apart one of the tarts, it was just big enough that a single tart could be eaten in 4-6 bites, perfect amount to enjoy it fully.

"Pity, you don't know what you're missing here." Ana chuckled. Shortly thereafter, the desserts were finished and they stood for the walk out the door. The restaurant knew who to charge and where and Ana tucked her hand into the crook of Cassian's arm in the approved fashion of Roma Nueva, determined to show that she wasn't offended in any way, because she wasn't. "This really was a lovely evening, Cassian, I appreciate you inviting me, really."

Cassian wasn't far off from finishing his own dessert after hers. Walking out the door he smiled, her hand on his arm. "Good, as did I." Even if it was awkward, the meal was amazing and the company equally so. "And you are welcome." He concluded as he watched others pass him to enter the establishment they'd just vacated.

About a hundred feet away from the restaurant, she finally released him and turned, gathering the folds of her dress in one hand to keep them from getting underfoot or in the way, something traditional again. "I enjoy sharing things from home, it makes my time away from Rome more tolerable, to be honest." She leaned in and gave him a kiss on first his right cheek, left cheek, and then back again to the right, but the last was closer to his temple than the previous one, then stepped back and smiled at him, "We may have to do something like this again, if you'd like. Rather relaxing being out of uniform."

"Of course, be delighted." Cassian replied letting her kiss him but knowing there was culture behind it so let it happen. "It is a welcome change being out of uniform, often one of the highlights when I get home, switching off to be the other person." He smiled as he explained but glad that she enjoyed herself.

She released the folds and they swished to a stop around her legs, "Then I suppose I'll see you tomorrow? I plan on making a quick swing around the Operations center and Engineering, just to see how everything is going. We can arrange another evening out at that point."

"I'll make sure to have everything squared away before your arrival then." He answered, making a mental note to clear up his desk, it was starting to appear like a padd library.

"Just keep doing what you're doing, Cassian, I haven't seen anything that has required any actual attention." Anastasia smiled before giving a curtsey, "Good night."

A slight bow. "Good night." A pause, then righted himself smiling.

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