[Venus' smile deepens at Allison's enthusiastic welcome. She returnes the hug, holding Allison extra-tight for a moment before releasing her. She's delighted to see the young woman back to her usual self. She misses her when she's not around, and of course, she's watched Alexander worry over Allison so she's happy on his behalf as well.]

I sympathize, but good luck finding him. I suspect you've heard by now the Admiral's made himself even more absent than usual.

[Nobody really seems to know just how absent, or whether or not it's the Admiral's choice but that's not a question she's come here to have answered anyway.

She slides one arm around Allison's shoulders, not quite ready to let her go just yet, and manages to stretch her other hand down to give Brownie a quick ear scratch.]

Just a club soda for now, if you wouldn't mind. Are you getting back in the swing of things yet?