JP - Commander Alora DeVeau, Lieutenant Commander Gogigobo Fairhug, Lieutenant JG Hiro Jones, Ensign Madison Marsh, Ensign Evan Ross, Lieutenant JG Karen Stendhal, & Commander Wil Ukinix - Friendly Reunion - Part II
Madison Marsh
((DeVeau (formerly Lumie) Family Home, Betazed))
The mention of tea brought back a memory of the dreamscape Gogi had shared with Alora and suddenly he was reminded that there was more to this visit than just a social gathering. The dream had been…troubling and during the subsequent conversation they had had, Alora had promised to tell Gogi more in person.
Fairhug: I could go for some refreshment.
She nodded her head in complete agreement with Alora. Tea? Of course she wanted to drink tea. In fact, she could only imagine how delicious tea on Betazed probably tastes compared to the replicator. This was a lovely opportunity to try an authentic drink of Betazed, as there were many more on her list to try while she was there. Madison provided an enthusiastic response with a hint of excitement in her tone of voice.
Marsh: Yes please.
Ross threw a glance at Fairhug, trying to make out if anybody else had any sort of reaction towards Alora’s apparent pregnancy.
Ross: ::under his breath:: …am I going crazy, or…?
Walking next to Evan, Gogi leaned over slightly to catch what he was saying, but Hiro answered the question before Gogi had quite figured out what Evan was referring to - the two of them didn’t have the greatest history when it came to muttered hints. Gogi just hoped there were no Tongo tables in the house.
Hiro caught the muttered musing, and took a small sidestep toward Ross.
Jones: ::quietly to Ross:: You’re not crazy. I think everyone’s being … tactful. ::wink:: We’ll talk later. I have an idea.
Fairhug: ::nodding:: I think Hiro has…what’s that Terran saying? “Hit the nail on the head.”
Karen eyed the group with quizzical amusement. The term "nailing it" was unfamiliar, but she sensed it was an idiom. With empathetic curiosity, she delved into the conversation, eager to grasp the nuances of this colloquial expression.
Stendhal: I'm convinced that a steaming cup of tea will help me to nail this down.
She stood next to Karen in a comfortable posture as she listened to the conversation around her. A steaming cup of tea would be wonderful in general. Madison had utilized tea in many different ways, but used it primarily as a stimulant when studying or reading through research articles. Drinking together casually in a group setting was relaxing in its own right.
Marsh: A hot cup of tea can be useful in several ways, believe me I know from experience.
If there was one thing Hiro found to be universally bonding, it was a warm beverage. Tea was a staple of every counseling session he held for this very reason. His father may have had something to do with this association, having underlined the ceremonial importance of tea in their family’s culture. He was excited not only to taste the Betazoid tea, but to see what kind of ceremony they put into its serving.
He and the others didn’t have long to wait. Leading them into another room, the group was greeted with a circle of chairs, all situated so they could easily talk with one another. Bedecked in rich fabrics of deep reds and golds, the floor to ceiling windows were wide open, the view of a garden in the back of the property. Fall flora prevailed there, the gold underline scarlet and searing orange, with a few flowers peeking their heads out, late bloomers who preferred the cooler temperatures, but would eventually give way to the chill of winter. For now, the breeze that wafted through those windows and upon which the pleasant fragrance of nature sailed along with it was cool, but not overly so.
In the middle of the chairs, tea had been spread out upon a low table, a cup for each visitor as well as the mistress. A woman bustled about, picking up cups and offering them to each along with a plate of Betazoid sweets. She was not old, but certainly had seen more years than Alora. Laugh lines crinkled at the edges of her eyes and every so often, a thread of silver winked from beneath the dark tresses that she had pulled back into a bun. Once everyone was served, she implored them to call upon her if they needed anything else, then hurried off to tend to other matters. The man who had greeted them hovered briefly, then he too let them be. Sipping at her tea, Alora let her eyes drift from one friend to another. It had been a long time since she’d had such a gathering. Raissa couldn’t come, Kestra was on her way, but wouldn’t arrive for two more days, and she wasn’t sure if Wil would make it or not. Regardless, she found herself thinking how lucky she was to have so many she could call friends.
DeVeau: I hope your trips here were uneventful.
Fairhug: ::looking to the others for confirmation:: Entirely! Makes a change.
Jones: Believe it or not, I actually napped! I couldn’t tell you the last time I got to nap in the middle of the afternoon!
He gave a self-deprecating chuckle, but the statement was true. On the Artemis, things seemed to go from one dire situation to repair and restore to the next dire situation. It kept him sharp, but there’s a lot to be said for being so relaxed you actually drifted off to sleep.
Karen smiled warmly at Hiro, instantly drawn to his easygoing charm. Despite their recent acquaintance, she felt a connection that transcended mere familiarity. His presence exuded a sense of genuine warmth, captivating her with his effortless charisma. She glanced at the others present. Without a doubt, they made for exceptional company. Madison felt like a sister, and despite their relatively short acquaintance, they had connected instantly. Her friendship with Alora had stood the test of time. Ross was remarkably amiable and personable.
As for Gogi, Karen admired him greatly and considered him an excellent first officer.
Despite the challenge of pronouncing Haukea's name and considering that she consistently stumbled verbally, starting with the initial 'H,' and inevitably continued to stammer through the rest. She couldn't help but acknowledge what a fabulous person (H-Hauk...kea) was. What an incredible group of people, Hiro included.
Stendhal: Taking a nap sounds incredibly appealing right now. By the way, my journey was remarkably smooth, I must admit. Everything went seamlessly.
Madison raised her cup of tea and felt the warm liquid splash against her taste buds. The beverage was absolutely delicious and she immediately knew that she would be addicted to this specific recipe. Hopefully they would have a similar one in the replicator, it was probable at least. Betazed was a well known and documented world, so the Federation database likely had plenty of options that would resemble their current drink. Her travel to Betazed was eventless which was much better than the events that occurred on Sannin VII where she swapped bodies with Corey Wethern.
Marsh: Everything went fine, which was a nice change of pace from our last mission.
DeVeau: All of you are welcome to stay as long as you like, even after my departure if you wish it, though that won’t be for a couple of weeks.
There were things to do and she had some time thanks to shore leave. Besides, it also gave her the opportunity to see those friends, both old and new.
Hiro wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to stay. There was still a lot of work to do, and nearly dying didn’t give a counselor carte blanche to take unlimited leave. He merely nodded in thanks for the offer.
Karen sipped her tea, it was excellent.
Stendhal: At one point I believe I'll seize this opportunity to visit my parents at Lake Mitzawal, where they reside, and, of course, my mischievous brother. After all, if I neglect to do so, I fear they might take my life. Perhaps I'll pass on seeing my cousin Misha, though.
Madison nudged and looked up slightly to meet Karen’s gaze. If Karen was willing to do so, she would enjoy meeting her family while on Betazed. She had always enjoyed making new friends and being in community with others. As an extrovert that is what truly energized her on a daily basis and right now she was full of energy with all of this quality company.
Marsh: I would love to meet your family Karen. If they will have me of course, I won’t force their hand or anything of the sort.
Fairhug: When did you arrive, Alora?
Alora didn’t have the opportunity to answer, for Ryzek reappeared, and with him two others. A young woman, fair of face with dark hair and equally dark eyes as well as young man with brown hair, though his blue eyes indicated he either wasn’t Betazoid, or wasn’t full Betazoid. Once again, Alora’s face lit up even as Ryzek announced the arrivals.
Ryzak: Matriarch Ascendant Ukinix and Son Ukinix, Mother Perennial.
Alora, however, was far less formal.
DeVeau: Wil! Keehani! Please, come join us!
Even as she spoke, Ryzek disappeared only to reappear with another chair, then repeated it so both had a seat. Jwasha, too, returned with two cups, more tea, as well as more sweets. Alora took a moment to go around the room and motion to each person and introduce them. Her circle of friends had grown, and it delighted her to no end that she had the opportunity for such a lovely gathering.
Wil, the one-quarter Betazoid and three-quarter Human from Earth walked over to Alora to give her a hug. Keehani, his Betazoid second cousin (known as “cousin” in Betazoid terms as the concept of a “second cousin” was foreign) stood politely behind, clasping her hands in front of her as if the Federation Diplomatic Corps was about to participate in a formal diplomatic engagement, just like she would on Amity Outpost.
Ukinix: Hey, mum-to-be, how are ya. Sorry we’re late.
DeVeau: Please, it’s fine. I’m glad you’re here.
The hug was returned with sincere warmth. He then turned to everyone in the circle, and gave them all a quick wave and a smile.
Ukinix: G’day everyone, I’m Commander Wil Ukinix. “Wil”.
Keehani: ::Slight smile:: You also hold the title of “Son”, Son Ukinix.
When Wil turned around to briefly roll his eyes at Keehani, Keehani’s smile turned into a smirk to tease him, before she offered her hand to Alora.
Keehani: ::Offering hand:: Mother Perennial DeVeau. It is wonderful to see you again after Wil’s acceptance ceremony yesterday. My grandmother, the Matriarch of the Ninth House Vaxa Ral, sends you wishes of mindful peace.
Although Keehani Ukinix was new to nobility thanks to a trial at the Reconciliation Forums of Betazed, she was finding her way quite quickly. She’d locked horns with Naminae Vataix, the Matriarch of the Eleventh House, to ensure that the Matriarch Ascendant didn’t stop a wedding between her friend Tri’lea’s wedding of the Twentieth House, and Ceciri Ariadust of Cygnet. Complicating the fact was that Naminae’s daughter, Matriarch Ascendant Rivi Vataix, was the chief of mission and her boss on Amity Outpost. While Wil was far more casual with Mother Perennial DeVeau, Keehani would use formalities, at least at first.
Keehani: Or do you prefer the more modern title of “Matriarch DeVeau”?
Alora’s lips twitched in amusement. The woman was the epitome of etiquette, but they weren’t there as guests of some diplomatic endeavour. They were there as friends.
DeVeau: Like I said at the ceremony, just Alora is fine, please.
Keehani, with her hands still clasped, turned to the others to greet them.
Keehani: Hello. I am Envoy Keehani Ukinix, Federation Diplomatic Corps.
Gogi, who had stood when others had arrived, had watched the formalities with interest. Such things had been completely alien to him before he had joined Starfleet, but he now had a much better appreciation of diplomacy thanks to his various experiences…even if he still didn’t feel entirely comfortable participating in it, although he had been told that he made quite a decent diplomat when the situation called for it.
The Bardeezan had been holding one of the sweets he had been handed by the lady who had set the tea and was absent-mindedly munching on it. It was a hard, sweet biscuit, very enjoyable and complemented the tea perfectly, but now he swallowed quickly in order to respond to the greeting.
Fairhug: ::with a gulp:: Erm…Gogi. First Officer of Starbase One-One-Eight.
Jones: ::with a small bow to Keehani:: I’m pleased to meet you both.
Karen listened intently as First Officer Gogi enunciated "118", meticulously spelling out and emphasizing each digit, almost as if he were recounting the details of a cherished home address. Intrigued by his deliberate articulation, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper significance to the numbers, perhaps harboring a story or memory that he was subtly alluding to.
Believing it to be a cherished tradition or perhaps a duty to infuse a touch of evocative flair into her speech, she opted to emulate this practice with a parrot-like precision. Karen playfully echoed the rhythmic cadence of spelling the numbers. Always smiling.
Stendhal: Karen Stendhal, Counselor of Starbase One-One-Eight. Nice to meet you both!
Madison followed Fairhug’s lead and stood up from her seat. She waited for her opportunity to speak allowing the more senior officers to make their greetings first. She did provide a polite greeting in a welcoming tone.
Marsh: Doctor Madison Marsh, Medical Officer at Starbase 118 and the USS Narendra. It’s a privilege to meet the both of you.
Ross: Evan Ross. Nice to meet you.
Ross was beginning to have a hard time with all those new faces. He could feel his thoughts wandering off - steadily back to the question whether there was a particular reason they had all gathered here.
Ukinix: So, Alora, is this a baby shower?
Taking another bite of his biscuit, Gogi chuckled at Wil's rather blunt question, while he chewed.
The rest of them had been too polite to say anything, but it seemed Wil had broken the ice for them. Gogi appreciated it.
Hiro just laughed, all decorum abandoned. He liked Wil. This brand of candor and straight-shooting almost always meant fun times were ahead.
Ross was glad that he had not taken a sip of tea, because he most definitely would have choked on it. Baby Shower. So it was official now.
Having already earlier sensed what was happening, Keehani gave Wil a slight smack on his arm with the back of her hand. They had both seen Alora just the day before so of course Wil knew she was pregnant. But it seemed the others didn’t. Couldn’t Wil with his empathic abilities sense that as well?
Ukinix: ::To Keehani, quietly:: What?!
Keehani: ::Quite scowl, eyeroll::
*******
Commander Alora DeVeau
CSO & 2O
Denali Station
M239008AD0
&
Lieutenant Commander Gogigobo Fairhug
First Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
E239411GF0
&
Lieutenant JG Hiro Jones, MD PhD
USS Artemis-A, Counselor
E239510KD0
&
Ensign Madison Marsh
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Ensign Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2
&
Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor
SB 118
ID: C239604KS0
&
Commander Wil Ukinix
Starfleet attaché and First Officer
Amity Outpost
V239511WU0
--
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
