JP: Lt Zenno & Ens Saava - The Scandalous & The Mandatory, Part 4 of 10
Tim
((Timeskip, Saavin’s study, Saava’s Family Home, City of Kir, Vulcan))
As usual preceding bigger festivities her parents spend the afternoon together going over the plans for the evening again and again. Nothing should be left to chance. As they entered the study, Saava could smell her mother’s blend of tea, Tranquil Lotus. T’Vin looked up from the PADD on the small table in front of her as they entered. Father was at his desk in the back and as usual, he took Mother’s lead.
T’Vin: This is an unexpected element to the equation.
Saavin: Most unexpected.
Saava only briefly shot her father a look before addressing her female parent again.
Saava: Mother, this is Zenno.
Zenno: ::Respectful smile:: May the water bless…
The last thing he had expected was to be cut off and with a glance summarily dismissed.
T’Vin: We have everything we need here, Saava. Your manservant can remain at the spaceport. There is adequate lodging there.
Saavin: Yes, the spaceport.
Zenno: ::Acerbic:: Not a servant, ::the briefest pause:: Madam.
He had met this person and in less than five seconds she had precipitated a sharp response. Normally he was resistant to such sudden shifts in attitude, but her dismissive comment had been so unexpected and rude he spoke before he could help himself.
Saava shot him a look. She had not expected him to talk as she almost had. Her mother had a supernatural ability to immediately irritate everyone Saava had ever introduced to her but she thought Zenno would have been more resistant to Mother’s provocations.
Saava: He is a guest, mother.
Zenno: Perhaps…
T’Vin: ::Ignoring Zenno:: You bring a guest now? Of all times now? ::Not waiting for a reply:: Sovin! See our guest to some appropriate lodging. I believe there is room in the south wing.
Saavin: The south wing. Clearly.
Zenno had no way of knowing that the south wing was for servants and tradesmen working on the property. But Saava took it for the insult it was.
Sovin:: Of course.
T’Vin: ::to Zenno:: Evening meal will be one hour after sundown. And then we will discuss whatever this ::gestures:: is. Also Sovin, find him something to wear. ::Pause, then looking at Saava:: We will have much to discuss. That is all for now.
Sovin led them both out of the study and into the large atrium with a translucent dome. Zenno could see that it was programmed to mitigate the harsh sunlight with dimming sections. He wondered if it was a traditional architectural style, but their little group stopped. Sovin looked at Saava expectantly.
Saava: I have to go to… another part of the house. We will see each other again just before the evening meal.
She paused and her eyes went to Sovin and then back to Zenno. To his eyes it looked like she had more to say but perhaps she was reluctant in front of Sovin. He might be the first actual spy that Zenno had encountered in his Starfleet career. How strange, that it should be in the house of a friend.
He just smiled at her and with a tilt of his head indicated that he understood. Saava’s eyes met his and then she turned to go.
Sovin: This way.
Zenno: I have my things in the shuttle to collect.
Sovin: It is arranged.
Zenno: I also had a smaller bag?
The Vulcan turned his head and his eyes narrowed on Zenno as he didn’t break stride.
Sovin: It is *arranged*
He led the Bolian out of the atrium, down a hallway that was richly appointed with tapestries on one side and panoramic windows on the other which overlooked a massive desert garden. He wanted to pause and look but his guide was entirely disinterested in Zenno’s preferences. He had to take a few bounding steps to get caught up.
Sovin turned down a smaller side passage and went up a sloping hall. There were no tapestries or panoramic views in this one. Finally reaching the end of the passageway, he wordlessly stood aside as a door swooshed open.
Proceeding into the room, there was a single bed on one side, a desk and chair on the other. A small computer terminal extended over the desk. There was a small closet near the door. A window on the right overlooked the river and this was considered an extraordinarily positive omen in Bolian culture.
Sovin: There is a common area at the end of the hall and shared sanitary facilities. You may use the replicators there. *beat* If you replicate anything offensive, it will be noted in the logs.
Zenno barely heard the man as he was ecstatic about being able to see the river. He turned to face the Vulcan.
Zenno: ::Almost gleeful:: This is amazing! Thank you so very much. I have everything I’ll need. Have you seen this view? It’s *wonderful* and bigger than the cabin I had on the Arrow!
The Bolian put his eyes back on the delightful view.
Sovin: ::Pauses, blinks:: The tailor has been alerted to this emergency and will be here to correct all of this shortly. Accept his recommendations without amendment.
Zenno: ::Happily agreeing:: Of course, of course! ::Still looking at the river::
Zenno wondered if there were many rivers nearby? Did the Vulcans swim in them? Could he ask if he could? Maybe he and Saava could pack a lunch and eat it by the water and swim after? That would be the highlight of the whole trip.
His imaginings were cut short by his realizing that Sovin was still here, just standing there and looking at him. Zenno was unsure what he was supposed to do. Wait, was he supposed to tip this man? Surely not.
Zenno: Uhhh, thank you?
Sovin sniffed, likely a gesture of disapproval but Zenno wasn’t having it at all. He kept up his smile and turned back to the window. Sovin turned and left without another word.
Lt Zenno
Security Chief
USS Khitomer
A240006Z13
And
Ensign Saava
Nurse, Medical Division
USS White Pine
As simmed by
Lt Connor Dewitt
Chief Engineer
USS Arrow
A239901CD3