Captain Isara Aleron: Divine Diplomacy
Isara Aleron
She listened as they spoke. She wanted to just visit and not have to make decisions for just once, so she let the others take the lead in the conversations.
Aleron: That sounds like fun. Let’s do it.
Reine'X: I'm in too!
S’Relaai: If you want sweet foods, then I think I know where to go.
V’Nille: Lead the way then, S’Relaai.
Orla: Oh!!! I nearly forgot!!! I wanted to give you this!
Their host paused and turned around to face the bubbly Ops officer.
Reine’X: Response
The woman had pulled off her backpack with a heavy thump and had begun rifling through it, bringing out a package of something wrapped in little brown paper sleeves. She handed it to S’Relaai with a bow.
Orla: This is for you! It’s a cookie!
S’Relaai: For me? I am honored, Nelis Orla. Thank you.
Isara watched with some amusement as the host carefully took the cookie and began to sniff and examine it carefully.
Aleron: It’s a treat, S’Relaai. It’s edible.
Reine’X: Response
Orla: It’s one of those baked desserts I was talking about! My people got the recipe and started making them after… ::smile faltering:: after… after we met humans! ::smile right back to full brightness::
V’Nille: It is fully edible and should be reasonably safe to eat.
S’Relaai: I see. It smells good, though I am not familiar with some of this scent.
The otter-like being took a bite and chewed it carefully before swallowing.
S’Relaai: Oh, I see. I like how it tastes. My thanks again. With certainty, I know where to take you now. Please stay close.
V’Nille: Oh, that’s promising!
Aleron: :: muttering good-humoredly to herself :: I’ll have to add that one to the diplomacy handbook.
Reine’X: Response
After he’d finished eating the cookie, the K’tsélai guided them further into the city. Isara was impressed with the architecture. It couldn’t match that of Alpha Centauri, in her opinion, but it held a certain beauty and appeal nevertheless. They eventually arrived at a two-story building that had a round roof and small chimney which emitted a small, steady stream of smoke. S’Relaai opened the door, causing a chime to sound and he quickly ushered them inside. The interior seemed to resemble a bakery and Isara smiled at the scents she was smelling.
Valcarian: Oh, we have guests, I see. Good afternoon! What can I do for you?
She shouldn’t have been surprised to see a Valcarian here, but she was. She knew Brol Piers had made his small empire near here, but they’d recently learned he was no longer in power. And most of his subjects were disenfranchised Valcarians. Valcarians who suddenly found themselves without a place to go once Piers had vanished. And so, it seemed that at least one had come here.
S’Relaai: Hello, Varbuk. Yes, these are from Starfleet. They wanted to visit a bakery.
Varbuk: Ah, baked goods. I see, I see. Do not worry, Starfleet. The K’tsélai make some excellent pastries out of what they can grow and gather here. Honestly, I work here so I can learn how to make them on my own! Let me grab the master baker so she can give you the full tour.
S’Relaai: I would be pleased if you did that for me, Varbuk.
Varbuk nodded and walked to the back of the building and Isara threw up an eyebrow at the nearest officer.
V’Nille: I wasn’t aware you already had some other outsiders living on Aelkuun, S’Relaai.
S’Relaai: There are a few, yes. Most here are visitors like you, but some like Varbuk have been granted permission to live here in Tseraiq. It has given us much to learn about both their peoples and the space beyond our system.
Aleron: That is a most enlightened attitude, S’Relaai.
Reine’X/Orla: Responses
S’Relaai: This is true. It has been an adjustment but it is one we welcome.
Another K’tsélai emerged from the back wearing a long tunic around her torso, along with a long skirt.
S’Relaai: Allow me to introduce you. This is K’Saalit, the master of this shop. She makes all of the food here. It is very good. K’Saalit, this is V’Nille, Isara Aleron, Reine’X, and Nelis Orla.
K’Saalit: I would hope you like it, S’Relaai, given how often you come here! I am honored to have you all as guests.
V’Nille: And we are honored to be here as well. If the smells here are any indication, I look forward to having a taste.
Aleron: I, as well, K’Saalit. It smells absolutely divine in here.
Reine’X/Orla: Responses
K’Saalit: Anything you see here is what we can make. Please choose any that you would like.
V’Nille: You three go ahead. This is a tough choice to make.
Isara nodded and began to walk around examining the products available. In the end, she settled on a fruit pie that reminded her of cherry pie and a loaf of freshly baked bread.
Aleron: I suppose I should ask what form of currency or trade do you accept? Our people normally do not used money anymore, but we do retain the concept of it.
V/Nille / Reine’X/Orla: Response
K’Saalit: Response
She nodded at the female and gave her a grand smile.
Aleron: Then I will take these two, if I may.
K’Saalit: Response
V’Nille / Reine’X / Orla: Responses
Isara stood back as the rest made their selections and nibbled at the pie. It was absolutely fabulous, even if she couldn’t quite place the berry. Obviously it was a local berry, but it resembled one she’d encountered often, but was just different enough she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
S’Relaai / K’Saalit: Response
V’Nille / Reine’X / Orla: Responses