JP: Cmdr Alora DeVeau, Lt. Cmdr Sevantha Saa & Morro Caras, Tesslana Saa & Peirse Saa: Defiance (Return to Betazed Part 1)
Sevantha Saa
((Matron Tesslana Saa’s Office, The Saa Estate, Medara, Betazed))
Betazed was not unknown to her. In fact, ever since she had graduated from the Academy, Alora had visited on multiple occasions. That was, after all, her friend Kestra’s home. Then, she met Kalin, and Betazed became more firmly ingrained in her heart than ever. After his death, Enzada visited her, and the two immediately bonded. Then she died. And Alora became Matriarch.
Over time, Betazed became her home. Although Alora would always love Earth, she knew that was no longer her future. At some point, her career in Starfleet would come to an end and she would settle down for the rest of her days on her adopted planet. Then, her daughter would step into the role of Matriarch. After that? Who knew. Regardless, Betazed was her future. It was also her present, and she visited as often as she could - a difficult feat considering she was also a Starfleet officer.
Yet, Starfleet also allowed them a certain amount of leeway - and leave- within reason. Even though most of her business was done over calls with Ryzek, Alora visited the planet often. However, the most recent trip had business outside of that relating to her house. Sevantha had her own to attend to, and Alora promised to help.
That was how she found herself in Matron Tesslana Saa’s office.
It was going to be an interesting visit.
DeVeau: It’s a pleasure to meet you.
And it was. Mostly.
Tesslana: Most gracious guest I welcome you to my home.
The woman beamed with unmistakable pride as she ushered her guests into her office. Her attention remained primarily on Alora, though she cast occasional, curious glances toward her own daughter, whom she had notably failed to recognize when she first entered the house.
Peirse: Welcome home, Vana. Honored Guest Matriarch DeVeau, our home is open to you. Officer Caras, been some time.
Sevantha hadn’t made a big presence of herself even though she stood next to Alora as an equal instead of behind, in the face of her mother, the woman felt her stomach drop. Who she did stand in front of was Morro, to offer a slight shield between him and her mother, once she realized who exactly he was.
Peirse was glad to see them all, it had been awhile since he had good company within his own home. When it did feel like his home.
Saa: M’adi, Atda, allow me to formally introduce Commander Alora DeVeau, Matriarch of the Fifteenth House of Betazed, Keeper of the Silver Keys and Guardian of the Treasure of Medara.
Morro knew that Alora was tied in with the houses but he had only heard it second hand. From her title this seemed very involved.
Tesslana: Oh, darling, there is no need to trouble yourself with introductions.
When she returned to the group, having arranged the office precisely to her liking, her robes whispered across the polished floor. Her smile was warm, but there was no mistaking the authority sharpened beneath it.
Tesslana: The Matriarch of the Fifteenth House is always welcome beneath my roof. Mrs. DeVeau, your reputation precedes you.
Alas, Alora had no idea what the woman’s true feelings were. Without telepathy or even empathy, she was at a disadvantage compared to her Betazoid peers. Hopefully, Shyla wouldn’t have that problem - but she was too young to see what abilities she would have as of yet. She couldn’t help but wonder if the greeting would have been much different had she not officially been the Matriarch of a house.
DeVeau: Thank you.
Peirse: Please come in. We’ve been eagerly expecting you and made sure to make the proper accommodations.
Peirse knew this was all about appearances to his wife, but he wanted to make sure that all of their guests felt comfortable, and most important to him, he wanted to let his daughter know that she was welcome at home. He didn’t want an experience like this to be the reason she never visited them, and he could only make excuses to keep going out to Deep Space 14 for so long.
The Father’s response felt far more genuine, and to that, Alora nodded. Although she’d offered a smile to Tesslana, it was Peise who received a truth with the one she gave him.
DeVeau: I thank you as well.
Peirse noticed that Saa had taken some refuge behind the tall Orion he had met on deep space 14 when he was off on one of his fun rambles.
Saa: And Chief Engineer of the USS Thor, Morro Caras, my-
Before she could get the words out, her mother cut her off, not allowing her to complete the reveal to her regarding the reason for his presence.
Tesslana: As for the Chief Engineer… how fortunate that Starfleet sees fit to escort my daughter home during such… delicate family discussions.
Her gaze flicked briefly to Morro, assessing, measuring, before returning to Alora with deliberate dismissal.
Caras: There are more important reasons.. Like…
Peirse had to stop this. While he figured there was a reason for this meeting, even if introducing them as a couple was part of it. Now might not be the time, nor was he the person to say anything about it to Tesslana.
Peirse: All in good time my boy, welcome. This way.
Peirse put his hand on Morro’s shoulder. His intuition had already let him know what was going on when they had previously met, but he didn’t want conflict right out of the gate. It would sour the mood and he wouldn’t get to see his daughter for as long as he was hoping.
Alora had expected such a response from Tesslana, but she was a bit surprised to hear a similar one from Peirse. She couldn’t ascertain the motivation for either, except that he simply wasn’t Betazoid or associated with Betazed in any capacity other than an escort from their daughter.
Oh how wrong they were.
The dismissal of Morro caused Sevantha’s body to tense, she shot the Orion an immensely apologetic glance, as he became very aware of the personality type they were confronting.
Saa: Delicate? ::her brows raised:: If the proposed union is so fragile, then please, let’s skip formality regarding it and inform you I am here for its dissolution.
Peirse winced. It looked like his daughter chose that it was time to fight already. Without even the niceties of tea, or a social trap of the promise of dinner.
Good girl.
Alora kept her face well schooled. Years of amateur theatre had certainly helped her when it came to not letting her expression speak for her. Glancing over at Sevantha, she arched an eyebrow in silent encouragement.
Caras: I’m just here to help.
Peirse: You already have.
Peirse said it presenting a dual meaning, both earnestly, and sarcastically.
Tesslana: Sevantha! ::Voice sharp and condescending:: We can discuss private matters later. We have guests.
Sevantha tensed, she studied her mother, aware now that Tesslana did not view the presence of Alora as connected to the arrangement. At first, she faltered. Would she really humiliate her mother and press the subject, allowing herself to be pressured into silence? Then came anger, bubbling beneath the surface in a way that she’d felt each time a letter arrived from home detailing her mother’s reach and tabs she kept. All the way until she escaped into the Gamma Quadrant.
Saa: ::Soft yet sharp::You gave me parameters for this return and for what I must do, and so I followed them to the letter.
Alora wasn’t there to fight Sevantha’s battles for her, but she was there to give her not only emotional support, but a more tangible one if it became necessary. As much as she wanted to interject, she held her tongue.
Caras also kept his mouth shut. He didn’t want to get in the way of any of this more than he already was.
Tesslana was reminded of the ultimatum she had given her daughter, break the engagement if you dare. She had meant it more as a trap than a genuine path, a test of obedience rather than an action Sevantha could truly carry out. And yet her daughter had returned not alone, but with a Matriarch at her side. In that moment, realization settled coldly in her chest. Sevantha had not come home to comply. She had come home to end it.
Tesslana: Sevantha… ::A warning tone to stop this at once::
Saa: Commander Alora DeVeau, Matriarch of the 15th House of Betazed, I have asked her here to be my witness and assist in the dissolution of whatever engagement you have arranged for me.
At that, Alora nodded, standing straight and as tall as her somewhat petite form would allow. She met the gaze of both parents, but particularly Tesslana. Human she might be, but she also understood the significance of what Sevantha was doing in the face of parental expectations and pressure.
Tesslana studied the room and the guests present, her mind turning swiftly as she began to see her carefully laid trap for her daughter unravel before her. This was not the meek compliance she had anticipated. No, Sevantha had come prepared. Very well.
She would have to reclaim control of the situation. Separate her daughter from her support. Corner her where pride, lineage, and tradition would weigh heavier than outside influence. If Sevantha wished to challenge her, she would do so without backup.
Tesslana: What a delight it is to see such devotion among Starfleet officers. Commander DeVeau, your presence honors my house. However… matters of engagement, lineage, and house alliances are delicate things. They are best discussed among blood. I would not wish our honored guests to feel burdened by family complexities.
Peirse: We should avoid such topics… for now
Maybe this could be rescued. If not it would just end up in a blow up, and nothing would get resolved. Ultimately if that was Sevantha’s hope. Then the best way to do it would be to play a little game with it. Peirse knew how to play the game, but his heart also ached for Sevantha.
Morro looked like he wanted to say something but he didn’t feel like it was his place to give any input on the family complexities.
Caras: oO How would we even normally avoid thinking about that stuff?Oo
His mind thought this, but his point stood… how were they going to avoid topics like that when most of their thoughts were projected.There was no hiding it really. The honesty that was in Betazoid families must have been very nerve wracking when they were always in one another's thoughts.
DeVeau: And why is that?
Alora wasn’t going to dismiss the parents as easily as they dismissed Morro. She’d listen. That didn’t mean she would agree, but she would at least let them both have their say before disagreeing with it.
Tesslana’s smile never falters, though something in her gaze cools
Tesslana: Because engagements on Betazed are not merely romantic declarations, dear. They are matters of House alignment, generational responsibility, and ancestral covenant. As I am sure you are very aware of. ::A slight jab at DeVeau being human::
Alora’s eyes narrowed at the subtle insult that did not go unnoticed. She was human, yes, and since her ‘ascendency’ into the house, she’d dealt with her share of protests. After Shyla’s birth, that solidified the lineage at least, but that didn’t mean she still didn’t have to deal with opposition, whether it was outright, or not quite so obvious.
Caras: I’m not aware, so this is very fascinating to me.
Caras had been instructed by Sevantha not to delve too much into this. It was probably for his own good.
Peirse was quiet, watching the tense exchange between the women. It seemed like this was going down hill.
Saa: You set the requirements, Starfleet leadership or an individual of status within the Betazoid Houses. ::Gesturing to Alora presentationally:: I brought you both requirements to state my objection and dissolution of this idea.
For the briefest moment, Tesslana composure fractures, a flicker in her eyes, a tightening at the corner of her mouth. She had not expected obedience. She had expected defiance she could crush.
Tesslana: I set conditions. The intent was to ensure that such a grave decision was not made impulsively. Not to stage a… demonstration.
Maybe Peirse could disarm here with the logic and the bureaucracy of it all. Making her think that she stood any kind of chance against her daughter’s strong will.
Peirse: Dear, it looks like everything was handled to the letter. If that’s the case this is a pointless fight to have here and now.
Evening her stance, Sevantha attempted every measure to not lose her ground as her mother verbally wrestled for control of the situation. If Sevantha caved, gave into the position of child and parent too easily, Tesslana would win as duty, obligation, and guilt would be shoved in her face. Approaching this diplomatically, like a Starfleet Officer and Counselor, created a distance that would protect her.
Saa: M’adi, A’tda… ::she took a calming and grounding breath:: If you’d like further reason, then I’ve brought not only Starfleet leadership, but also my present partner. ::gesturing to Morro:: Again, Chief Engineer Morro Caras.
Silences fell, not long, but heavy. Her eyes moved to Morro fully now, assessing rather than dismissing. The word lingered in the air between them.
Morro did a small graceful bow to the best of his ability considering the situation.
Tesslana: Your… present partner. Tell me, Sevantha… is this an announcement? ::She rises slowly to her feet, robes whispering against the polished floor, reclaiming physical height as she regains emotional ground:: Or a shield?
In a way, he was both, but not because Sevantha merely wished to dissolve a marriage she didn’t want. The Betazoid counsellor’s love for Caras was obvious, as was how much he loved her. That alone should be enough to end the engagement, but while Alora had not been born a Betazoid, she knew how heavy certain duties weighed upon someone. Tradition was a rope that strangled Sevantha. She needed to cut it so she could breathe on her own. While Alora was there to offer support, she also understood she couldn’t be the one who stood her ground. Sevantha had to do that for herself.
Caras: I’m not sure I offer that much help in that department, unless it's a body shield.
Caras tried to disarm with humor, but it had no effect.
Peirse: Maybe it’s….. better if we pick an activity.
Peirse had no hope now. He could already tell from Tesslana’s voice that this was going to be a terrible argument.
That was low. Sevantha in her childhood often had been protected by her brother, now the accusation she would use Morro as a shield, continued to rob the daughter of her agency. The redirection of power, Sevantha was thankful for her experience with Starfleet Diplomacy classes, but she was reminded how skilled her mother could be with redirection. .
Saa: An introduction, a fact, something that is not negotiable. ::She clasped her hand together:: Only Velaan and A’tda offered their shields, I never was one to wield it well, that is not a foundational weapon of Tassa’Akai after all.
And now, the winning blow.
Saa: You know A’tda’s heart on the matter, it's why he stays to the side and speaks for neither of us. ::Pursing her lips:: And we are both aware that my brother would do.
Peirse’s hand had been forced. Sevantha was right. He was on her side, and he wanted to win. But he wasn’t sure this was the way to do it. Forcing Tesslana into a corner, and telling her they were all against her was something Tesslana feared politically, and in situations like this, it would bring out the worst in her, and she might do something rash. Like move up the wedding date. Peirse winced at the mention of Velaan, Sevantha was not here to play games. She was here to brawl.
As the favored child, the one with no pressure to be carried on his shoulders, Tesslana had loved her son freely without the political mechanisms playing in the back of her mind. It was only until the war ended and she had a daughter, her mind changed, and Velaan would repeatedly shield Sevantha from her mother’s burdens.
The name struck like a blow. The carefully poised matriarch stiffened, the composure she had worn like ceremonial armor splintering at the edges. Her hand tightened against the desk, knuckles whitening as the room seemed to shrink around her.
Alora saw it, the difference in her face, in her body. She required no empathy to see the pain that still struck her at the mention of the child she lost. If Alora lost Shyla, she wasn’t sure she could bear the grief as well as Tesslana had.
Her voice broke sharply before she forced it steady again, though the tremor remained.
Tesslana: Do not use your brother against me. ::Her eyes burned now, not only with anger but something deeper, something wounded and raw that had never healed:: You think I do not know what he would do? You think I have not heard his voice in my mind a thousand …
For a moment it seemed she might say more, but the words died in her throat. The fury drained suddenly, leaving only exhaustion and grief in its wake.
Saa: M’adi…
At that, Alora could not help but feel sorry for Tesslana. Even though what she saw spoke of a woman who put duty and tradition before her daughter, she couldn’t help but think the woman did care for Sevantha. Regardless, the choices she made were not Sevantha’s. She needed to let go. She needed to let her daughter make her own decisions about her life.
Alora wanted to say something, but the desire remained only a desire, and she kept quiet. Her presence was enough, she hoped, and Sevantha had done the hardest part - she’d spoken out against her mother.
Tesslana: I hope you are proud of yourself, Sevantha, dragging your House down before a Matriarch, parading your defiance of your own family as though it were something noble
Peirse: Is that what you think this is?
Peirse knew Tesslana was vain, but since when was she ruled by the very chains of power she held. There was a reason they had drifted so far apart.
Saa: Defiance?!
Sevantha felt like she was losing her mind. She had followed every rule and expectation, executed her requests to the letter, and yet because had done so, her mother viewed her as a rebellious child.
Saa: You gave me a choice, you gave me parameters to meet, and I met them. I came home to address them directly, all of which you asked of me. ::she frowns:: How is any of this defiance?
Tesslana’s words now came from raw emotion rather than the careful wordplay she normally wielded. Her mood rippled outward, palpable to everyone in the room even without Betazoid telepathy.
Tesslana: I know what I said! However, to go to your Starfleet friends… ::She paused as she did look at DeVeau, she was a more complicated situation::
Caras: I’m honestly not sure what’s wrong with that.
Caras was beginning to learn all of Sevantha’s hangups about returning home. Tesslana didn’t seem like she wanted anything to do with Sevantha other than control her. Sevantha just wanted to be free of it. She no longer wanted to be treated like pawn, or a child, of which Tesslana treated her like both.
Saa: M’adi, I am a Starfleet officer, why would I not go to my friends? Especially when your actions could impact the care of the crew?
Turning abruptly, Tesslana swept toward the doors, her robes trailing behind her like a storm cloud as she left the room, leaving the silence of her absence heavier than any argument she might have spoken.
Sevantha stood staring in the direction she had gone, arms dropping to her side, mouth slightly agape, dumbfounded, her mother had retreated. Disbelief she would even consider retreating with what felt like light pushback was educational to understanding how little her mother had been prepared for resistance. Usually, she came, she argued, and conceded to the demands placed upon her and acted in dishonorable subversion.
Turning to look between her father, her friend, and her lover there was a conflict of uncertainty. Did she apologize for the response, make an excuse for her mother, or did she celebrate what appeared to be a concession. Opening her mouth, she closed it again, unable to find her words as tears started to well up in her eyes.
Had she wasted their time for so little discussion? Their presence had been empowering and yet they’d also bore witness to a source of Sevantha’s turmoil so directly. In her professional life, she didn’t share or let others see the turmoil from home, she instead focused on helping others with their problems and making herself as a Betazoid and Counselor, less scary for them.
To have others see the conflict she hid with the uniform felt shameful.
Peirse: Well that could have been worse.
Peirse was only half joking with that remark.
Saa: …I believe that was her concession. ::she exhaled:: I… may have gone too far.
DeVeau: Hm.
Though Tesslana’s retreat was complete, for she had completely vacated the office for now, Alora’s eyes stared at the doors. Between the two women sat a lot of old wounds, and a divide that had only grown with the years. The latest conflict only deepened it further.
Saa: Alora, Morro… I am sorry you bore witness to her less than cordial response. ::She shakes her head:: She expected different results, but I am beyond grateful for both of your assistance.
Searching for the words, once more Sevantha failed to find them, before reaching out to take one of Alora’s and one of Morro’s hands to allow the whirlwind of emotions: gratitude, joy, confusion, and grief to share with them both. There were no words to the extent of her thanks, so what she did give them was the revelation of how she felt, and while part of her was still wounded, the relief was overpowering. Tears threatened to well up in the corner of her eyes, yet she smiled gratefully to them both.
Caras: … I’m not sure what to say.
Peirse: Nothing much you can. This is between Tesslana and Vana here.
Alora squeezed Sevantha’s hand. Though she had been there, it was the counsellor who had truly climbed the mountain. The others had merely been there to catch her should she fall. But she didn’t. Still, that didn’t mean the consequences weren’t painful.
DeVeau: I’m here to support you however you need.
And in her mind she hoped that time would allow Tesslana the opportunity to consider that maybe duty and tradition weren’t always right.
Saa: …I will need to still address her as daughter to mother, alone, before I resolve that our relationship is beyond repair.
Peirse knew she would have a harder time now. If Tesslana dug her heels in. It could take a long time.
Still Sevantha straightened up then gestured.
Saa: However, you all have come quite a long way and we have been poor hosts, please make yourselves comfortable on the first level as Atda prepares a meal. ::She smiles warmly:: Our home is rather traditional when it comes to meals, chime and all.
Alora really hoped that the relationship was not unrepairable, but rather than offer unwanted advice, she remained silent. Even if Sevantha wanted to move forward in that direction at some point, it wouldn’t be with things were so poignantly sharp and painful. Instead, she smiled and nodded.
DeVeau: I would like that. Thank you.
Peirse: Of course my dear, I am always at service to you. You all are welcome here any time.
Peirse rarely wanted to put up a fuss over Tesslana, It was merely for appearances, for Sevantha, Vana. He could at least be a good and present father.
Caras: So…. What is for dinner?
Peirse: Well you’re not going to believe this, but your mother’s favorite.
The counselor’s eyes lowered to the ground, sighing as she tried to settle herself. Of course, he’d tried to disarm her with a good meal.
Saa: Averitz breast with sides of blue-leaf salad with melted espra cheese and side of kimden rolls
Like any dutiful daughter, she could name every dish of her mother’s favorite meal, her gaze distant as she did. After another stabilizing breath, she turned and smiled at them all, yet the tears streaming down her cheeks made it clear how she was handling it.
Fighting back had been liberating, exhausting, and while she was relieved, her mother had managed to once again remind her what a problematic daughter she had always been.
Peirse had wrongly anticipated how this night would go… severely
[[To Be Continued...]]
Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa
Counselor | Head of Health | Second Officer
USS Thor
A240105SS2
&&
Tesslana Saa
Sentinel Peacekeeper
Peacekeepers
Matron of House Saa,
Service of the Seventh House of Betazed
T240211T14
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Commander Alora DeVeau
Chief Science Officer
USS Thor
&
Matriarch of the 15th House
Betazed
M239008AD0
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Peirse Saa
Freelance Appraiser of the Houses
Medara Authenticity Committee
&
Lieutenant Commander Morro Caras
Chief of Engineering
USS Thor
O240106MC1
he/him/his (player/character)