Lt JG Wil Ukinix - Change of Heart

[Danny Lee]

((Vataix Estate, Ohmallera, Betazed))

 

Ukinix: That’s my second cousin. And next to her is my grand aunt who I’ve never met before.  She doesn’t look too well.  They’re trying to join the party, but the guy at the entrance won’t let them.  Anything you can do to help them get in?

 

Eislas: ::Glancing over towards the bouncer.::  Won't be an issue, although this hardly seems a suitable setting for your grand aunt.  

 

::Aagan walked over to the bouncer.  He couldn’t see what happened, but it didn’t seem like they spoke to each other.  Suddenly, Aagan gave the two Rals a nod, and they walked through.  While Wil grabbed a nearby chair for Vaxa to sit on, Aagan picked up a nearby jug of water with some clean glasses and brought them over.  He poured a glass of water and handed it to Raxa, as Wil moved closer to them, seat in his hands.::

 

Eislas:  Well, Mr. Ukinix, this seems like a terrible spot for a family reunion.  Fascinated to see what you'll do next.  

 

::Wil nodded in agreement with Aagan, as he looked at Keehani, eyes slightly narrowed – he was still somewhat annoyed with her.::

 

Ukinix:  I agree whole heartedly.

 

Keehani: ::Shrugging:: I wanted you to meet Grandmother.

 

::He turned back to look at Aagan, before placing the chair behind Vaxa, allowing her to sit down.::

 

Ukinix: Aagan, is there anything I can do to thank you?

 

::Wil walked a few metres away and grabbed two more chairs and placed them in front of Vaxa, as Aagan responded.::

 

Eislas:  Oh I'm happy to just sit by and watch for the time being, I was worried this party would be dull.  

 

::Wil watched as Aagan took a nearby seat.::

 

Ukinix: No worries.

 

::Keehani, still standing, placed her hand on Vaxa’s shoulder, before she turned to look at Wil as he was himself sitting down.::

 

Keehani:: ::Cheeky Smile:: Want another drink?

 

::Wil looked at Keehani, still unimpressed.  But he then looked at his half empty glass, and let out a small sigh at the situation.  A drink was probably a good idea.::

 

Ukinix: Yeah, why not.

 

::Keehani gave her Grandmother a kiss on her temple, before making her way through the people to the bar.  Wil looked at his grandaunt and smiled, not knowing what to say.  After a few moments of awkward silence, Vaxa finally spoke quietly.::

 

Vaxa: ::Smiling:: You have your grandfather’s eyes.  And his smile.

 

Ukinix: ::Nodding:: You look a bit like grandpa too.

 

::There was more awkward silence, before Wil spoke up again.::

 

Ukinix: Keehani told me about your illness.

 

Vaxa: Yes.  I have good days and bad days.

 

::He could sense through her weariness, there was an underlying confusion – and that she was working hard mentally to be coherent.::

 

Ukinix: I’m surprised you and Keehani turned up.

 

Vaxa: ::Rolling her eyes:: Oh, she’s a determined one. She wanted you to meet me tonight. “We may not see him again”, she said.  She hopes you’ll convince your grandmother to help us.

 

Ukinix: OK.  So, this whole thing about my grandmother’s help…

 

::Vaxa made a big sigh to cut off Wil, before explaining to Wil what her childhood was like.  How her parents considered their children “assets” to be used to gain control of other houses.  How, throughout their childhood, they were constantly living under the threat of having their titles stripped from them.  Competition amongst the children was not only encouraged, it was considered mandatory.  Vaxa was told that her eventual matriarchy was not guaranteed.

 

Her face turned glum as she recalled how she and her lover Itum were “exiled” to the Piri Islands on Betazed, and she had thought she had lost everything.  When her family died, the other houses acted swiftly to ensure she could not assume her position as head of the Ninth house – even though she held the title.

 

When Wil asked about her relationship with his grandfather, Vaxa admitted that when Astradem Ukinix left Betazed for good she was glad to see the back of him - it was one less threat to her title and left only her two younger sisters to compete with.  But she explained to Wil that ultimately he probably made the right decision to leave.

 

Wil could sense her sadness as she continued.::

 

Vaxa:::Holding back tears::  I’m told I have a year to live.  Maybe two.   

 

::Wil placed his hands on hers and squeezed it gently.::

 

Ukinix: I’m so sorry.

 

Vaxa: ::Covering her mouth:: I just want what’s best for my Keehani before I go.  *She* was the one that discovered your grandmother could help.  But I don’t blame Astradem if he doesn’t want to help.

 

::Vaxa smiled at Wil through her tearing eyes.::

 

Vaxa: When I was nine, and Astradem was seven, we used to play together sometimes.  I found that difficult at first, I hardly knew him really.  But for three months, we got to know each other, ::Smiling:: and we had so much fun.  I remember that time fondly.  I saw a good side of him.  And of me.  We fell apart after that.  We were never close again.

 

::Wil covered his mouth.  He suddenly felt awful for not only the woman in front of him, but for his grandfather.::

 

Ukinix: Maybe there’s still time for you two to connect again.

 

Vaxa: Maybe.  I don’t hold out hope, though.  I don’t blame him.  But I ask one favor of you.  ::Smiling:: After the war ended and I found out my parents and sisters had died, I wanted to change things – make the Ninth House *truly* noble.  Make our family name a good name, and *help* the people of Betazed.  But ::shrugging:: then I was forced to change my family name and stay in exile.  It might be a bad name amongst ::looking around:: these people here, but your grandfather chose to keep it.  Ask him if he will help me make our name good again.

 

::As Wil nodded, he looked around for Keehani.  He couldn’t see her – instead he saw many of the guests quietly talking to each other, looking in Wil’s and Vaxa’s direction.  He turned to look back at Vaxa, as she took a breath.  Wil sensed she was feeling uncomfortable, and unwell.::

 

Vaxa: Would you mind-

 

Ukinix: ::Nodding:: Yeah, let’s get you home.

 

::Wil looked around again for Keehani but was not able to spot her – especially with many other guests looking at him.  He offered his arm and helped Vaxa to her feet.  She walked with him slowly back to the entrance of the party, as Keehani finally joined them.  Wil asked the bouncer to organise a transport for Vaxa, and Keehani gave him the destination location.   Wil escorted Vaxa to the nearby lawn area.::

 

::Keehani rubbed her grandmother’s shoulder and gave her a kiss on her cheek.::

 

Vaxa: ::To Keehani:: You stay and have fun, you’ve looked after me so much, you deserve some time.   ::To Wil::  It was lovely to meet you, Bill.

 

::Wil chuckled, as he placed his hands on her shoulders.::

 

Ukinix: You too, Vaxa.  I’ll talk to my grandfather. 

 

::As Wil stood back from her, there was confusion on her face.::

 

Vaxa:  Your grandfather.  What was his name again?

 

::Before Wil could answer, Vaxa suddenly became a whirl of sparkles, before she dematerialised back to her house in the Piri islands. 

 

Wil placed his hands on his hips, and pursed his lips together, reflecting on the conversation he’d just had.  He thought about his grandfather, and the dysfunctional family he must have grown up in.  In some ways Astrad and Vaxa’s lives were similar – pariahs and forsaken from something they considered their birthright.  And yet, their outcomes were very different. A lot, lot worse for Vaxa.  His thoughts were interrupted as Keehani spoke.::

 

Keehani: Thank you. I mean it.  And I’m sorry I ambushed you the other day.

 

::Wil turned to look at Keehani, his hand on his chin.::

 

Ukinix: ::Cheekily:: And what about tonight?

 

::Keehani’s pupils looked up, as a grin came to her face.  She nodded her head, before she put out her bottom lip, and looked at back Wil.::

 

Keehani: ::Smirking:: Nope.

 

::As Wil laughed at her, she jumped forward a few steps, and gave Wil a  hug, which took him by surprise and made him let out a small “oof” sound.::

 

Ukinix: Look, I can’t guarantee they’ll help.

 

::With a serious and slightly anxious face, she stood back and nodded.::

 

Keehani: I know.

 

::Suddenly her face lit up with wide eyes and a big smile.  She grabbed Wil’s hand, and dragged him back inside the courtyard.::

 

Keehani: Come on.  Let’s go party!

 

::As they reached the edge of the dance area, Wil spun around when someone spoke to him.::

 

Any: Response

 

Ukinix: Oh hey!

 

Any: Response

 

::Before Wil could say anything, Keehani boldly put her hand out.::

 

Keehani:  Hello, I’m Keehani.

 

Any: Response.

 

 

 

 

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Lieutenant JG Wil Ukinix

Engineering Officer

USS Veritas

V239511WU0