Ensign D'Cyra Varati - Gin No Sato
D'Cyra Varati
((Japanese Garden Teahouse, Peace Park - Amity Station))
Varati: Ah, I see, it's definitely worth the long journey. ::pause and smiles at him:: I think we actually had classic books from “The Adventures of Captain Spanky”-series when we were children. But back then I didn't really understand them. ::soft giggle:: I'm ashamed to admit I haven't read “Aiden Price” yet. And "At Sword's Point," well, that caused quite a stir when it was published. Many cajs / "families" weren't very amused by it… But I'll have to ask you something personal about that later, if I may... Ah, but first we should order something – do you know what you'd like?
The book “At Sword’s Point” had really hit a nerve... many of the large families (cajs) associated with the Syndicate did not find this report amusing. Not only did it raise uncomfortable questions, it also cast a negative light on significant sections of Orion society.
Jakarn: Did you now? I hope The Captain’s adventures didn’t annoy your parents too much. And, ah, what was that you recommended - the Wagyu beef and the matcha ice cream? Those sound lovely - the beef first, perhaps.
Typical writer! She watched him study the menus, made of heavy paper and framed with cord, with great meticulousness before carefully setting them aside.
Was this nonchalance genuine or merely an act? Since childhood, she had observed enough diplomats, politicians, and underworld bosses up close as they came and went at soirees on Varatikar.
Varati: ::soft giggle:: No, I don't think my parents were annoyed about it, otherwise they certainly wouldn't have had these works. … Yes, the Wagyu beef is supposed to be excellent; I think it's served as carpaccio? I think I'll start with the sushi selection today. ::look at the drinks menu:: Hmmm…
It's a shame D’Cyra had already taken off her sunglasses, otherwise she could have studied Jakarn in more detail.
Jakarn: It recommends the sencha green tea as a pairing with the beef; that, or matcha. Does either strike your interest?
She wasn't a big tea lover. There were a few varieties and blends she liked, but she mostly preferred other drinks. Studying the drinks menu again... what would go well with sushi and this exciting companion?
Varati: I'll save the tea for later. Right now I'd like something sparkling! How about some sparkling sake? The "Gin No Sato" has a particularly fine perlage.I think that would be a good choice, also with your beef.
The waiter, classically dressed in a Japanese kimono, took their order.
Somewhere in the background, an artificial stream babbled gently, and the soft sound of a temple bell drifted towards them.
Jakarn: Well, then, miss D’Cyra; what called you to the Delta Quadrant? Are you with Starfleet?
The question was actually superfluous, oh, wait a minute – she wasn't even wearing a uniform. And at social events, she almost automatically reverted to the roles and behaviours she had learned from childhood.
Varati: You've got me now, Mr. Jakarn!
With a smile, D’Cyra raised her hands disarmingly in a playful manner.
Varati: You're right: I am a science officer in Starfleet. And for almost exactly a year now out here on Amity. ::pause:: I had no idea where I'd end up after my final exams. Since I had no preferences, I was free to drift through the galaxy for six weeks until I arrived here. I'd expected all sorts of things, but not that I'd land on a diplomatic outpost. My parents were equally surprised, and my siblings... well, they were more amused by it. The fact that it had become a diplomatic outpost, of all things. That's just how siblings are. ::leans back in a relaxed manner:: Do you also have a large family, Mr. Jakarn?
Jakarn: Response
D’Cyra listened to his remarks with excitement and genuine interest.
Varati: People read the books, but usually all they know about the authors is what the publishers' PR departments want to sell. You said you're on a research trip again this time. So will it be another travelogue or a continuation of the Aiden Price series? Enough small and large diplomatic charades have already been played out here – not that I know much about it...
Jakarn: Response
But before they could delve deeper into that topic, the waiter arrived with the drinks. A bottle of sparkling sake leaned against an ice bucket, next to two elegant glasses and the tea. With a deft "pop," the waiter opened the bottle and poured the sparkling wine. D’Cyra had only wanted an aperitif, but the waiter must have had his own idea and served a whole bottle.
Varati: Oh, our drinks! I think the waiter was a bit too generous with us... I think you now have to have a drink with me! A toast to Amity!
Smiling and with bright, shining eyes, she raised one of the delicate glasses and toasted him.
Jakarn: Response
TBC
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