Posted by Lieutenant Commander Charles Tenkiller (Chief of Security) in Toveka’s Quarters - Apologies For Others

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Toveka Brine (Chief Science Officer) in Toveka’s Quarters - Apologies For Others

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Charles Tenkiller (Chief of Security) in Toveka’s Quarters - Apologies For Others

SNIP

Toveka made the selected choice and looked at the rather bubbly amber colored liquid. “Interesting,” she murmured. Coming to the couch to sit on the other end, not sitting too close. She handed him a drink and nodded. “I appreciate that. I believe every race and every species has it in their make up. I have yet to meet a race that doesn’t judge, at least on some level, based on looks or race before getting to know the other party. Sad fact of life, I fear.” She glanced out the window at the debris spread out far beyond where they were. “And, since coming here, I have come to meet more and more. I would have thought there would be less because of where we were.”

Toveka
CSO

Tenkiller chuckled, but not in amusement… but in sympathy. “Yeah… trust me, I feel ya. You know anything about Earth history? Specifically the history of North America around, say… the eighteenth through twenty-first centuries?”

Tenkiller, CoS

She shook her head, a look of apology on her face. “I’m sorry, I don’t. But I take it your people were seen in a bad light as well? And that carries even to now?” Her own feelings of sympathy reflected back to him as a soft smile of reassurance followed it.

Toveka
CE

Tenkiller looked out the window for a long moment, his eyes not focused on anything. “My people are called the Osage. We are a tribe of what used to be referred to as ‘Native Americans’ or ‘Indians’… the reasons for those names are a history in their own right. We have lived in the area known as Oklahoma for centuries, forced there after our lands were stolen by the government of the new country formed on the North American continent. Another long story, probably best told over a lot of booze.” and he turned back to her. “Long story short: we have always been viewed by some as inferior. Me and my kin have been called all kindsa things I won’t repeat in front of a lady.” and his teeth clenched together, and he was quiet as he composed himself.

“My tribe is unique. We got ourselves an amazing history filled with discovery, love, war, heroes, villains, and everything in between. We had our share of tragedy and heartache, that’s for sure, too.” and he shook his head and looked down. “Like most of the tribes, we were almost killed off… but we managed to survive.” and he looked at her. “So yeah, I get where you’re comin’ from, at least a little bit. Dont know what it’s like to lose a planet. But I know what it’s like to be called small-minded, racist bull%$#@. So just know you ain’t alone in that, at least.” and he picked up his drink and took a sip and a small grin came over him. “Yep. That’s the good stuff right there.”

Tenkiller, CoS

“Humans mistreating another group of humans almost to extinction. That makes no sense. I mean, the Romulan culture is full of times we have had to put down rogue factions and those trying to raise rebellions. But to just go to a group of Romulans and kill them because they choose a different path isn’t done. There are a sect of Romulans who follow a deity other than the one all of us are raised with. And they had created their own society from it. Culture, art, education, stories, etcetera. They still believe what we believe, for the most part. But their deity merely watched wereas ours actually took a hand in making the Romulans what they are today. It’s hard to imagine us turning on them, completely, to that level.” She watched his clenching fist and shook her head with a smile.

She smiled in amusement as the beverage, listed as non alcoholic, had the same affect on him he had seen more liquors have on someone. It amused her and made her smile like she hadn’t in a while.

Toveka

“Yeah… well… I think we cornered on the market on self-destructive behaviours. For everything we humans have done that’s good, I’d be willing to bet there ten we’ve done that aren’t. But we are slowly starting to work our way past that… but still have a ways to go, that’s for damn sure.”

Tenkiller, CoS

She smiled much warmer at him. “I think some humans are further along than others.” She took a deep breath, and a sip of her tea before she spoke again. “I believe we had been having a rather nice dinner before we had company,” she tried to keep the edge out of her voice. She wasn’t perfectly successful. “Perhaps a more private setting where introductions and intruders are less prevalent? Would you allow me the chance to be less of a hostile companion and stay the entire meal with you?”

Toveka
CSO

Tenkiller looked at her and his shock was obvious. “Huh? I mean… well, sure. That’d be great. What are you thinkin’?” he asked.

Tenkiller, CoS

She thought for a moment, because to be honest she thought he would have turned her down. “Perhaps the kitchen some evening when work is not an eminent thing in the wee hours? I am interested in one of the desserts you hinted you may know. Perhaps you can save me from my culinary ineptitude?”

Toveka
CSO

He shrugged and said “Sure. I’ve only been here a few days, but you let me know what time and I’ll make myself available. Hows that sound?” he asked with a smile. Not the conversation he had expected to have, but not an unpleasant surprise.

Tenkiller, CoS

She smiled. “I’d like that. And I am at your disposal, Sir.” She laughed softly and rose. “I don’t wish to keep you,” she said it, but her mind knew it was a lie. She enjoyed her conversations with him. “I will release your ears and stop twisting your arm to stay. I am sure you have better things to do.” She stayed where she was beside the couch, not moving towards the door.

Toveka
CSO

He looked at her and grinned and said “That I may, but for the life of me I just cant think of ‘em right now.” but he stood, slowly, and held his hand out her. “Looking forward to dinner. And I appreciate ya lettin’ me barge in on your time off.”

Tenkiller, CoS

She took the offered hand, looking up at him with a smile. “I am sorry you can’t think of anything right now. It wasn’t my intention. And as for ‘barging’ in,” she shook her head, “I can’t even think of what you interrupted.” She took a step aside to let him pass between her and the couch if he didn’t choose to go around he coffee table. “And I’ll look forward to dinner as well.”

Toveka
CSO