LT Gila Sadar - We are gathered here today...
LT Gila Sadar
(( Sadar-Aqila Quarters - Compartment 83, Sector 03, Deck 6, USS Artemis-A ))
The news that Sil-net and Lieutenant Commander Jovenan, two individuals with whom Gila considered herself to have a rather close relation, had instigated a romantic relation most recently was not only very surprising, but frankly, a bit unfathomable to Gila. While she enjoyed the company of them both, in many ways, she had trouble imagining two people who - at the surface - were more different than the soft-spoken and gentle Chief Science Officer, and the tempestuous goodness and brash proactive personality boasted by their Chief of Tactical.
And yet, somehow, it was also entirely within expectations. Aliens were weird like that.
Jovenan: I’m sorry, Doctor, I hope this news doesn’t change the dinner plans. We considered telling you later, in case you had something else important, but there was no reason to deny it after you asked about it.
Realizing that her measured response had caused undue anxiety within Lt. Commander Jovenan, Gila rushed to assuage whatever fears she may have instilled, and with traditional Gila flair, made everything far worse.
Sadar: Oh! Uhh, no, absolutely not! I-I’m sorry for asking something so personal of you, Lt. Commander! ::wrings her hands:: I-I didn’t intend-
Thankfully, Sil-net managed to interject.
Silveira: No Sada please… ::he smiled at Nan:: It was our pleasure to share this news with you. I am glad you are the first to know about us.
Jovenan: That’s right. You don’t have to apologize for asking something personal from us, we want to share those things with you if and when you’re comfortable with it!
Gila felt oddly emotional at the two aliens’ words. The notion that they cared for her to the extent that they felt pleased with sharing such personal details with her brought her a strange sense of belonging, a sensation that was exceedingly rare to the perpetually nervous naysayer that she’d turned into. It was a warm state of being, and so very sad.
Sadar: C-Congratulations, both of you. I am genuinely overjoyed on your behalf.
The stately Edo woman smiled wider than Gila had ever seen, her already bright personality shining even more with genuine joy, and while his expression was no less vivid, it was Sil-net’s words that expressed their shared sentiment.
Silveira: Thank you Sada. You're a good friend.
oO A friend… Oo
Jovenan: You are! ::pause:: Or… Is there something else on your mind?
Gila did debate whether she should say anything. While she did observe a lot of Mizarian customs, even now, she attempted to not enforce her culture on her fellow crew. Frankly, a lot of Mizarian customs weren’t compatible with the emotional aliens with whom she served, and yet, she recalled the disappointment and guilt she’d felt at not being able to do her duties as Madi-net’s friend when she and Lieutenant Haukea-Willow had first started dating.
While long-distance friendship was something to which she had gotten accustomed, the inability to do her due diligence as a consequence of it was not. But Sil-net and Lt. Commander Jovenan weren’t far away on another Ship in another sector. They were here, right in front of her. And if she had to be completely honest, she wanted to do her duty to them, as a friend.
Sadar: O-Oh, it’s, uhh... I-It’s... W-Well... ::deep breath:: O-On Mizabet, when a close friend intends to start a coupling, it is the duty of their friends and family to perform a, uhh... Well, it’s essentially a, uhh, compatibility evaluation? ::raises her hands:: O-O-Of course, I-I don’t mean to infer in any way that you aren’t compatible, b-but I felt that, uhh... W-Well... ::clears throat::
Silveira: I hope that’s a poor translation. ::He looked puzzled at Nan:: I mean… It's a sort of ritual? Or a party?
Jovenan: What does it entail?
It was no surprise that the two aliens were confused at her lackluster explanation, so Gila tried again.
Sadar: Hmm... A ritual is probably the best way to put it, yes? E-Effectively, it allows friends and family of one party to, uhh, assure that the match will be beneficial and in the best interest of the involved parties. ::scoots uncomfortably:: M-Mizarians very rarely become couples out of, uhh, affection, so it will perhaps seem a tad, uhh... ‘Sterile’ to you, b-but I... I-I would like to share this with you? I-If you’ll permit me.
She wasn’t sure if she’d explained it properly, but she’d at least seemed to help soothe some of the concerns that the two of them had initially felt at the concept of an ‘evaluation’.
Silveira: Interesting, I would feel very honored by that Sada.
Lt. Commander Jovenan nodded while enjoying another spoonful of her soup, but evidently, Sil-net intended some sort of gratification after being interrupted in the middle of such an action himself just before.
Silveira: What do you think, my love?
The Lt. Commander’s blush deepened to a degree that Gila was uncertain was healthy for the pale woman, but she didn’t say anything.
Jovenan: Okay. Sure! Is there something we should do or say?
Sadar: W-Well, i-it’s essentially a conversation, so just, uhh... R-Respond as honestly and genuinely as you please.
Silveira: Response
The two intended gripped each other’s hands, looking at each other with a devotion and an infatuation that Gila couldn’t comprehend. She’d seen many couplings in her years - as a Spiritualist, her father had assisted with numerous evaluations in his time - but the complete lack of doubt or second-guessing was as foreign to Gila as could be.
Jovenan: Did I already say that you look charming in that suit?
Silveira: Response
Uncertain how to commence the evaluation in this mood, Gila just stared holes into her soup, until the Lt. Commander seemed to recall that she was there.
Jovenan: Apologies, Doctor. Please begin.
Sadar: Y-Yes Sir! ::clears throat:: Today, the colloquy to establish the successful union of Lieutenant Commander Jovenan of the Science Department of the USS Artemis-A and Lieutenant Vitor Silveira of the Tactical Department of the USS Artemis-A will be observed. I sit here today as a friend of Vitor Silveira, and a loyal subordinate ::uncomfortable clearing of throat:: a-a-and... F-Friend, of Lieutenant Commander Jovenan.
It still felt extremely rude to say such a thing, considering Lt. Commander Jovenan’s position, and yet the Lt. Commander had maintained that opinion despite Gila’s numerous attempts at observing proper decorum... And frankly, it would’ve felt wrong to not acknowledge the close relationship the two of them shared, while conducting the evaluation. After all, Gila wasn’t here just to evaluate whether Lt. Commander Jovenan had the best intentions at heart for Sil-net, but also to evaluate whether Sil-net would treat the Lt. Commander with the care and respect that she deserved...
Was that not the act of a friend?
Silveira/Jovenan: Response?
Sadar: Sil-net, in the truest words in your heart, what do you hope for from the future?
Silveira: Response
Sadar: Do you believe that the coupling with Lieutenant Commander Jovenan will be conducive to bringing you happiness and satisfaction of your goals?
Silveira: Response
Gila now turned her eyes on the Edo Lt. Commander.
Sadar: Lieutenant Commander, you have heard the truest words of Sil-net, a friend of mine whom I hold very dear. Assure me, p-please, with no uncertainty or cloud, that it is your intent to honor and defend his goals, as though they were your own.
Jovenan/Silveira: Response
Tags/TBC
LT Gila Sadar
Medical Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240006GS1