Passing the undecorated window three times, Orlando finally noticed a middle aged Kelpien of generous height reaching through a small slot of an opening, returning with a generous sized cup of hot liquid. Piercing blue, nearly transparent eyes gave him a once over before bowing her head slightly and moving deliberately slowly around him. Everyday the wonders of OED never ceased to amaze him. The planet had quickly become a melting pot of diversity. Perhaps it was the trade routes or the exotic fantastical ideas of being on the leading edge of something new, exciting and brave. With a silent smile, the woman moved on, leaving Orlando next to the window which was completely closed and mirrored to prevent seeing through the looking glass.

“Hello?” Orlando called turning his head and body together side to side. A small beam of red light emanated from the centre of the glass, and across his forehead it what he presumed was some sort of scan. With a small hiss, the window slid open, followed by a medium sized cup, steam circling from the top of the frothy liquid contents, onto the small ledge of a counter. Carefully picking up the drink, Orlando brought it first to his nose taking in the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla and few other spices making up his favourite chai latte. He took a sip and raised his eyebrows and lips in pleasant surprise. Perfection. “Uh, thanks a latte?”

As he turned to leave the magically latte window, Orlando nearly tripped over a small barista table with two chairs on either side. Shrugging, he took a seat. Must have been in a hurry and missed it he mused. Pressing his toes heavily against the pavement, he began rocking his heel up an down. A decade had passed since he had last seen Tiberius. Given Orlando and his brothers fall from disgrace with Starfleet he wasn’t sure how the newly appointed Chief of Security would react to his request for a meeting. Perhaps he wouldn’t even show. Orlando took another sip and watched the few stragglers mingling about looking for shopping bargains from the many stalls and vendors in the quite corner square, reminding him of a recent trip to Venice.

Orlando Richards (Visiting Teacher)