Commodore Taybrim - Take One For The Team
Jamie LeBlanc
((Voss Manor, Bellonphain, Betazed))
Upon disembarking, they were greeted by the scintillating sunshine across the goilden plains of Betazed. There was a nostalgic grassy scent carried by the hoorfa grass and jorrla flowers that reminded Sal of lazy teenage days spent playing sports against the backdrop of the golden fields.
As the group gathered with Lyra Voss, Sal slowed to take in the Voss Manor. He was dressed in fashionably polite Betazoid off duty clothing, and in that one action had transformed from an imposing Commodore into a Betazoid who could blend in with the rest of Betazoid society.
Sal Taybrim’s own family was decidedly middle class. Connected, of course, by geography and some long line of genealogy to the fourteenth house, but too far removed to claim any sort of succession or inheritance.
Of course, it was not his first time coming to a house of higher station on Betazed. Early on in his career Sal could get away with fading into the background, a pleasant, anonymous diplomat who people would speak to and then easily forget – which was an oddly comfortable place to be in socially. Since reaching the rank of Starfleet Commodore he now had to juggle his decidedly common birthright – which, was of course the same as millions if not billions of other Betazeds – with his now markedly increased social standing.
Which was a complicated thing when it came to his own homeworld.
Of course, Sal loved a challenge and diplomacy was his bread and butter. He would not shy away nor miss this. In fact he slowed down, drinking in every detail of the sprawling manor house, the architecture, the lovely landscaping and trellises of hanging julpa which had the sweetest scent like rain and honey.
And yet it also had the look of something that was lived in. Loved. Used. Lyra said her family was large and it seemed to ring true as he could see movement across many parts of the grounds.
Voss: Well, uh, welcome! This is the house. Built in 2053 and… yeah.
Sylvax: It is certainly something to behold.
McLaren: It looks lovely.
Taybrim: That architecture is magnificent, and the julpa trellis are my favorite!
A new voice called out, politely, without a telepathic barrage, which was considerate for newcomers.
Ardeena: Darling, that’s hardly a fitting introduction.
He turned towards the older Betazoid woman, his dark eyes sparkling kindly.
Voss: ::turning back to the group with a stiff smile:: Allow me to introduce my grandmother, Ardeena Voss, Matriarch of the Sixteenth House, bearer of the Revalan Diadem and keeper of the Orb of Stars. Govanna, these are my friends and colleagues, Lt. Ryden Sylvax, Lt. Commander Solaris McLaren, and Commodore Sal Taybrim.
Ardeena: How lovely to meet you all! We’re thrilled to welcome you into our home for Vestus. I hope you had a pleasant trip?
Sylvax: Thank you. It was a pleasant trip.
McLaren: Yes it was quite a lovely trip.
Taybrim: Beautiful flight, beautiful day, no complaints!
He could feel the exasperation rolling off Lyra like a stormcloud. And the excitement of her grandmother mingled with the slight confusion and curiosity of Sol and Ryden. It was quite the tingling in his empathic senses to feel the emotions collide.
Sal, for his part, stayed calm. Radiated calm. That was decades of practice coming to the forefront.
Ardeena: ?
Sylvax: My family? My father is Trill, and my mother is… well, Betazoid.
Ardeena: ?
Sylvax: ~That's right... half-Betazoid.~
Sal lingered back with Sol, watching her gaze, he murmured.
Taybrim: Telepathic communication.
Which was likely merely a confirmation.
Voss/Ardeena: ?
Sylvax: I think… we should get settled first. Drop our bags, see the house, and then head out. The bonfires aren’t lit yet, but there’s still plenty to see and feel. ::a small pause, glancing toward Lyra:: That way we can take it in properly, step by step, rather than rush.
McLaren: Yes, that would give us time to get refreshed, perhaps change into something more suited.
And it was at that moment that Sal wondered if his somewhat obsessive focus on being prepared – perhaps over prepared – was a bit too much.
Oh, but it would give him time to walk the grounds and converse with all of Lyra’s relatives.
A prospect he found curiously appealing, not to dig up information on Lyra Voss, but merely to have the opportunity to meet new people.
Voss/Ardeena: ?
Taybrim: I am good with anything, truly.
McLaren: Your family home is lovely.
Ardeena: Response?
Voss/Sylvax: Response?
McLaren: No this is my first time to Betazed. I’m excited to take part in Vestus.
Ardeena: Response?
Voss/Sylvax: Response?
Taybrim: I’m very excited to see the festival again. It’s been well over a decade.
Ardeena: Response?
Voss/Sylvax/McLaren: Response?
His dark eyes twinkled.
Taybrim: My dear Ardeena, I would love to hear all about it.
Taking one for the team, perhaps? Overly extroverted social butterfly Sal Taybrim would enjoy the conversation.
At least for the first few hours.
Ardeena: Response?
Voss/Sylvax: Response?
~*~
tags/tbc
~*~
Commodore Sal Taybrim
Sector Commander
Raskor II / StarBase 118 Ops
~Julian Beck
E239010ST0