[Backsim] Lohani Vananth-Polgonz: Sensed With Clarity
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost – Lighthouse Restaurant))
In typical fashion for the Sixth House Noble, Lohani always considered multiple agendas in her dealings. It was simply not possible to have a singular vision of the future when so much of life was unpredictable – and the hearty and vivacious enjoyment of that unpredictable life was at the core of the Sixth House’s mission…
At this very moment, she listened carefully to the thinly-veiled threat posed by Keehani Ukinix – that, should her petition move forward into the Reconciliation Forums, the Sixth House and other administrators of the Ninth would face the wrath of public discord. It was a good argument – and one which was evidently tailored to Lohani’s own sensibilities. Controlling the news was, after all, her way of contributing to the longevity of the Houses – and the will of the people was what guided her.
Lohani wondered how many agendas young miss Ukinix had in her mind.
Lohani: I can’t win the other Houses over to your side, but I can speak with the other Daughters and Mothers of our House – tell them of my estimation of you and the validity of your appeal. My voice carries a significant amount of weight. Perhaps it is time that the Ninth House got another chance. An unexpected change of opinion from even one House could be enough to tip the balance of the outcome in your favour…
Keehani herself rested her elbows on the table, then placed her chin on her hands to mirror Lohani.
Keehani: I agree.
Lohani: Of course I want something in return. If the Ninth House is going to experience a comeback, I want the Sixth to be firmly ensconced within that success. ::Smiling:: I have a son. You are unwed – and unpromised, as I understand. ::Smirking:: I think you can see where I’m going…
A smirk appeared on Keehani’s face, before that became a smile. Her smile got larger, before she quietly chuckled, unable to hold back amusement. She rested her chin on the palm of her hand, her index and middle fingers on the side of her temple.
While Keehani paused for effect, Lohani let her own expression linger, unflinching.
Keehani: It’s flattering that after all these decades, the Sixth House *still* wants a Ukinix to wed. ::very amused chuckle, slight shake of head:: Who would have thought! And I’m sure your son is lovely.
Lohani: Oh, he is.
Keehani: Having to rely on arranged marriages is what caused the Ninth House to become weak in the first place. I can just about *hear* my dear grandmother telling me not to do it.
Keehani smiled once more and looked down at the table. Lohani could sense her thoughts easily, aware that Keehani was opening her mind to her – no doubt to solidify her impending judgment on the proposed arrangement.
Keehani: And if she was here, I would tell her she needn’t worry. ::Looking back up at Lohani with neutral expression:: No.
The smile slowly faded from Lohani’s face – replaced not by disappointment, but by stone.
Lohani: You’re that certain, are you?
Keehani: Until just over three years ago I didn’t even know my name was “Ukinix”. I regarded the noble houses like many citizens do – with apathy. I’ve since learned that not all houses are the same. They all have their faults, and I agree in their day the Ninth House was a prime example of that. But even today, some are better than others. Daughter Vataix is loved widely, and do you know why? Because she uses her resources, her privilege, to help others. The Twentieth House, on behalf of the *government* of Betazed, scoured this part of the galaxy to find a colony world. And for what outcome? To have other houses protest like petulant children?
Lohani: ::Cocking an eyebrow:: You’re beginning to sound like Ms. Lekasa. Are you a hopeful Daughter of the Ninth House or a radical reformist?
Keehani: I am not a pawn to be used in a game of power, control and greed. Nor will I ever be. That hard lesson thanks to Kirilow Ukinix is clear to me. It is unfortunate it isn’t clear to other Houses yet.
Lohani allowed a pause to fill the air between them. Her own thoughts she kept to herself, projecting only her comprehension of Keehani’s words.
Lohani: Then that’s that.
Keehani: I honestly have nothing I can offer you to negotiate with. I am a non-noble citizen who is fighting for justice for my noble grandmother and what remains of her family. We will take our chances in the Reconciliation Forums of Betazed. One noble house has already agreed to support us in our petition. And The Four willing, they may not be the last House.
Lohani: We shall see.
Attendant: ::Polite nod of head:: Daughter. First Secretary. Are you ready to order your meals?
The sudden arrival of the server caught Keehani off guard. A small hint of the First Secretary’s awareness of the ‘trial by fire’ she had found herself in. Lohani enjoyed the moment and tapped her wine glass.
Lohani: Yes, I think so. And more wine. We have no more business to attend to. ::A look to Keehani:: Might as well enjoy our evening.
((Later that evening – Talaxi Palms Hotel, VIP Guest Accommodations))
As Lohani at last removed her dress, feeling freed from the trappings of the wider Federation’s standards, she at last felt as though she could take a deep breath as a Betazoid again. She tossed the garment unceremoniously on the bed as she moved across the room, feeling the warmth of the suite’s climate control soaking into her skin… almost as good as home.
She lifted a PADD from her desk and began typing a message to her wife, Lwustrode. It would be some time before it reached her, but Lohani tried to leave as much ‘unfinished business’ as she could.
// Imzadi,
You were right, of course. I do so miss home when I am away. I feel your absence, and the distance between us, in every moment.
When this business concludes, I intend to return as swiftly as I can and take a proper break from it all. It is a dreadful business keeping so much ‘bottled up’ – but it is necessary.
I look forward to our reunion. Give my love to Eelin.
L //
The thought of her son marrying Keehani Ukinix made her laugh aloud to herself as she opened another message window. The boy was only eleven years old, just beginning to develop an eye for romance – and many years yet from marriage. She wondered, with a chuckle, had she accepted, if Keehani would have been glad to know of the extended wait required before their wedding could be carried out… but of course, she had never expected the fiery young former-rebel to agree.
She began a message, this time to the Matriarch of the Sixth House of Betazed, ensuring that it was encoded as securely as possible.
// Matriarch Tiannidon Vanath,
Keehani Ukinix has as much fire in her as I suspected. Perhaps more.
You can put your fears to rest. I felt no temptation in her to accept the ‘proposal’ whatsoever. I sense, with clarity, that her spirit has not been infected with the same foolish malice that plagued her forebears.
When the petition is seen before the Forums, the Sixth House may indeed stand to benefit from allying itself with this reformed vision of the House of Wealth after all.
Your call, as always.
Lohani //
END
