Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) in Side Sim - Did You Say Brunch? (Day 2)

Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Side Sim - Did You Say Brunch? (Day 2)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) in Side Sim - Did You Say Brunch? (Day 2)
Sharl’s Bistro was already known for its brunch. So it was no surprise when the owner was contacted by the Poet Laureate of Vulcan herself with a request for a private table for two for a seating. Of course, they were booked solid for six weeks in advance. But there was always room for celebrity.

Vash’tur was welcomed by the Maitre’d and shown to a small dining area just off the main dining room. A manual door with frosted glass inlay separated the space from the rest, and it was here Vash’tur was seated. This had originally been set for her and her daughter… but recent developments had made a change to the dining card opposite her. Now… she waited for someone she did not know, and wished to be meeting under very different circumstances.

Vash’tur

Zef has been totally surprised to receive the notice from Alex’s mother. She’d thought about not going to the meeting, but in the long run decided things couldn’t possibly get worse.

Dressed in a long but casual gown that hid the pristine undergarment that would be a barrier between her and the world for the next week, Zef entered the bistro and stopped at the hosts desk. “Zef Rollo, I’m meeting Vash’tur Cochrane for lunch?”

“Yes, Madame, if you’ll follow me.”

He led her to a table that was as private as the eatery offered. When she saw the Vulcan woman already seated, Zef swallowed and took a deep breath. “Hello again. I wasn’t expecting a lunch invitation from you or your children.” The host helped her get seated so the two women faced each other.

Zef took a sip from the water glass and folded her hands in her lap. “This is your meeting, Vash’tur, so please begin.”

—Zef

Vash’tur was a striking woman. Flawless almost-copper skin and almond shaped eyes with dark pupils gave her an exotic look, even for a Vulcan. An ornate hairpiece lay on top of long, jet black hair. But there was an air about her… something ethereal, but substantial. Her gaze demanded attention, even though her demeanor was calm and peaceful. When she spoke, there was a refinement to her words; not an air of superiority, no. But the conveyance that her words were purposeful… meaningful… important.

“Tell me about you.”

Vash’tur

The request was unexpected. “Alright. I was born on the planet Baj and raised in a…tribe is the closest word I can think of, a vary large tribe. My childhood was normal. I had friends and family, went to school and was a good student. Somewhere around age 9 or 10, I became interested in the stars and I never lost my enthusiasm for them. When I was 16 I applied to Starfleet Academy and was accepted. I left my home world despite my parents pleas to stay. Living away from home I began to be influenced by other species and their lifestyles and did some experimentation.” Zef took another sip of water. “Is this the kind of information you are seeking from me?”

—Zef

“I requested that you tell me about you. While your biography is certainly helpful for context, it does not answer the question.”

Vash’tur

Light eyes closed for a long blink and then Zef just started talking. “I’ve spent a lot of my adult life without a significant partner. Aside from being a counselor whose job it is to know everyone’s secrets, there are some things about the Bajeen lifestyle that other species find difficult to accept once they know about them. Your son was open to some of these things when I reported for duty a year ago. He was funny and caring and honest and he’s the first human I’ve ever gotten involved with. Originally, we agreed to a non committed relationship but it turned out to be the most satisfying partnership I’ve ever had. I never meant to fall in love with him.”

—Zef

“But you did, I take it. When? And have you been involved with others outside of your own kind before him” she asked, her tone flat, but with an air inquisitiveness; and there was something… ‘unhostile’… about how she spoke.

Vash’tur

“Yes, to all of it. About a month ago, Alex told me one night at dinner that he loved me.” She thought back to the dinner. “He didn’t make a big deal about it—he invited me to dinner in his quarters and while we were eating, he just said it.” Rollo shook her head again. “I didn’t say it back, although now when I think about it, I know I could have because he was so much in my mind and heart all the time.”

“Then why not tell him then?”

She twisted the stem of the water glass between thumb and finger on the tablecloth. “I’d been involved with others for a short term before. I was even mated once—humans would call it married, but my mate died. Alex is the only human male I’ve allowed myself to get really close to.”

—Zef

Vash’tur

“I didn’t know it at the time. I told you I realized it in hindsight. I had other things going on too…things that involved my worlds way of life.” Zef grew quiet and bit her lip. “And we always think we have more time…”

—Zef

“So tell me of these ‘other things’. Logic leads to the deduction that these ways are central to your current difficulties.”

Vash’tur