Amb. Lukin Zorkal - "Change Is Hard"
Amanda Nordstrom
((Starbase 118 Ops - Zorkal's Quarters))
They had travelled millions of miles away from home. From her home. From his. But now he was returning to his other home. Arys’ home. Now Geleth’s home. The full comprehension of what exactly had happened likely hadn’t truly processed completely for the little girl who was simply doing what she was told because, really, what else could she do? Although things had been explained, did she understand them? She was young, and trauma wasn’t always easily accepted, either consciously or subconsciously.
But she was with them, and in a far better place than she would have stuck in the cell-like walls of the orphanage. That was something Lukin needed to look into as well, had already started to do so, but change was difficult, particularly change on Cardassia. That had come at the cost of a war that had decimated half their population - and even then, people didn’t want to shift to new ways of doing things. Certainly they did if forced, but if given the choice? Lukin might have been among them at one time - but then he himself had changed. And he realised, sometimes it was necessary.
But now this child was dealing with change, and not all of it was good. Her parents’ death had been sudden. Her imprisonment in the orphanage had been sudden. Her subsequent fostering had been sudden. And her change from one planet to another to a starbase was also sudden. Even for an adult, it was quite the change. For a child, it was likely terrifying - and yet, thus far, she was doing quite well. Lukin was rather proud of her for that. That arrival on Starbase 118, however, had been late, and it was time for all good little girls to go to bed - but he did make a promise.
Zorkal: I can read you a story if you like. But first, you must get ready. Then we can read.
That certainly made the little girl happy, but she couldn’t get the story until she was done preparing for slumber.
Trovek: Come on, Jelly. Let's get you bed-ready.
She puffed up her cheeks and Lukin couldn’t help but chuckle. It was cute, that expression she made, and though he knew it was because she wasn’t happy about something, he couldn’t help but find amusement in it.
Zorkal: The sooner you get ready, the sooner we can read the story.
Geleth: Okaaaaaay.
Finally, she released him and went with Arys, and Lukin watched them disappear into the bathroom together. It was a good sight, Arys. Geleth. Together. A really good sight.
It didn’t take long to change, go through the proper hygiene and then settle into bed. They resumed the tales of Mitakut, the wild, hybrid hound of the white teeth that roamed the mountains in Cardassia. Perhaps it was telling how much the trip had fatigued the child, for she fell asleep just as he finished.
For a moment, Lukin lingered and stared down at the sleeping form beside him. She was tiny, small for her age certainly, and seemed even more so in the oversized bed. He reached out to gently stroke her hair.
Zorkal: Goodnight, Geleth.
There was no answer save the soft breathing. He rose and moved into the living room, the doors closing behind him. He found Arys on the sofa, cradling a bottle of wine.
Trovek: Nice story.
Zorkal: I didn’t realise you heard it.
Trovek: I might have been listening. Maybe. I will neither confirm nor deny that I did.
In other words, she just confirmed it. Lukin smirked and motioned toward the couch.
Zorkal: Have you claimed all this territory?
The way she moved indicated some reluctance and he eyed her, but took the seat beside her.
Zorkal: If you wish to read to her, I’m sure she’d be happy to have stories from you too.
Trovek: As long as she's happy. Or not unhappy. That's what matters right now. Tomorrow I will contact DeVeau and go through whatever paperwork there is. Not least of all because I want Geleth to be treated in Sickbay.
The treatment she’d received on Cardassia had been dismal until Arys interfered. That was another matter that he would look into. While Lukin’s focus was on Cardassia’s interests outside of the planet, that didn’t mean he couldn’t take an interest in matters on the planet itself. He had plenty of contacts.
Zorkal: Are you going to share the wine?
Trovek: ?
Zorkal: I see.
Lukin didn’t need any wine, but he had the sense that Arys was in some sort of mood. What sort of mood? He had no idea.
Trovek: ?
Zorkal: What weighs you down?
Other than the obvious. Just like Geleth, Arys had been through a lot, and much had changed for her. It was a lot for her to deal with as well.
Trovek: ?
-- Dalin Lukin Zorkal Cardassian Ambassador Starbase 118 Ops al...@blar.net M239008AD0