Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment- Dinner with Kenzo

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment- Dinner with Kenzo

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment- Dinner with Kenzo

(snip)

Drying her hands, Dasca surveyed everything. “Table is already set, so I think aside from some serving spoons, we’re good to take things to the dining table. You don’t have to go all the way back down the hallway though. If you turn right at the end of the cabinets you’ll see the entire side of the apartment is all connected along the exterior wall. Dining room is just on the other side,” she said, moving back around the island and pulling a couple spoons from the cutlery drawer.

“Convenient, and quite a thoughtful design.” Kenzo said in appreciation. He carried the platter out of the kitchen and towards the dining room.

“And makes use of the floor to ceiling windows, of which I’m very much enjoying,” she added, her voice carrying easily in the space.

Since he already had the platter, she set one in the salad bowl, the fruit and vegetable mix with light dressing nicely coating the leaves he’d torn up and carried it off to the table, returning for the wine bottle and their glasses.

In the dining room, she had set two places at the end of the table closest to the windows that overlooked her work-in-progress patio. But the direction her place faced meant she had at least a bit of a view of the colony from her place smack dab in the middle of the government district. At first she had thought it would be too busy, too noisy, but not only did she like the energy of being in the middle of things, it was bloody convenient. She enjoyed being able to walk to her office and many of the places she had meeting or appointments. That alone might save any degeneration of her spine from all the hours she spent sitting and talking with people. Maybe I should suggest some walking meetings… she mused as she went back to towards the kitchen. “I’m just grabbing some water, feel free to take a seat,” Eela said, humming to herself as she moved back to the kitchen.

Kenzo made sure the platter was within easy reach of both place settings, but he did not sit.

Returning with a large clear pitcher of cold water, she wore an easy smile and proceeded to fill each of their water glasses and take a seat.

After Eela sat, Kenzo took his seat and said “You cooked. Would you like me to serve?”

Eela smiled at him. “Sure, go for it.”

“I have another wine, but this one you brought is so delicate I actually think it’ll go nicely with everything.” The vegetables had a bit of a sweet and tangy glaze and the salad would be similar but with more of a bite to it. She always thought the fish was a delicate balance of richness, green herbs and a tiny hit of vegetal spice.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Then we will stay the course.” Kenzo said. He raised his glass to her and said “My thanks for a lovely meal.”

Kenzo

She lifted her glass. “And I am delighted I have had the opportunity to cook for you. To home cooked meals and pleasant company.”

Eela took a sip of the wine and let him serve the fish and vegetables while she helped herself to some of the salad and passed over the bowl. “You know, this is a tradition for me. Once a week, if at all possible, I cook. Or at least I did. When Cory and I first got married, it was just something we did amongst juggling our busy schedules. And I managed to keep it going for most of my career too. Even during the war. That story about the rations was as close as I could get to it. But Haliian culture all but demands we find ways to build connection. And I never found a better way with someone I didn’t know very well than sharing a meal. That and it carried on a tradition my parents started. This is the first meal I’ve properly cooked in, oh… months, sadly. So I’m very glad for it.” In the dining room, the music was a bit more audible but still not intrusive, comprised of a mix of instrumental and traditional vocal from a multitude of cultures, including her own.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Food is the great equalizer.” Kenzo said while serving himself some of the salad. “Without it, we are nothing. With it, we are community. And understanding cuisine breeds familiarity that can be used to put new acquaintances at ease. Before any contentious negotiations, I always insisted on a meal between all parties. No business could be conducted. They always started off awkward and quiet; but by the end the majority were very positive experiences.” and he set the salad aside. “And only twice was there bloodshed; so statistically the reasoning remains sound.” and he smiled slightly as he took a drink.

Kenzo