Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Government Tower- The Core Bonds of Family

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Government Tower- The Core Bonds of Family

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Government Tower- The Core Bonds of Family
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Eela popped a piece of sushi into her mouth with her fingers and just gave Kenzo an amused smirk.

“Well, I was working on a degree in biology, and had intended to go on to a Masters, but I was working at a teen summer camp before my last year started and I really enjoyed it. I seem to get along with teenagers. So instead of doing a Masters of Biology, I got a teaching degree and last year I finished a Masters of Education.”

Caridee grinned. “We actually met while he was working at the camp. One of his campers became a patient, which is a long story, but we got married four years ago. We actually celebrate our anniversary before we leave Oed.”

~Eela & Family

“Indeed? How fortuitous, being able to share the day with your mother and mother-in-law.” Hyrushi said. He looked at the baby and said “And tell me about this little one. She certainly looks like both of you… although the exploratory streak she appears to have I would say is a gift of her grandmother.”

Hyrushi, Gov.

Like every proud parent, Caridee beamed, running a hand over the fine mass of dark curls forming as the baby chewed on a bit of sandwich. “This is Alais. She’s six-and-half months old. She was born just before Mom left Earth actually.” She gave Kenzo a knowing look. “She’s an easy going baby except for the fact that she always want to be on the go, so yes, very much like someone we know.”

Eela grinned. “I was just so glad I was able to be there for it. If I hadn’t been waiting to get under way to Oed, I would have still been in the Corps, and who the hell knows where I would have been.”

“We’re just trying to figure out how you managed with babies on a starship. Goodness!” Kian said, blowing out a breath. “There’s only so many places you can take a baby.”

Eela nodded. “Well, it sort of helped that this one”-she gestured to Caridee”-was born on a starbase. And by the time Jourin came around, we were in a very different situation. We had more a support network....” She paused as she realized that that was false, but that was new information they were all processing. “In any case, life in space isn’t for everyone, but I always thought the balance between life on a planet and exploring the stars gave you both the greatest life experience and education.”

“Oh it did!” Caridee said. “Though I think Jourin takes after you more in that love than I do. Still, as hard as it was with Alais, it was an adventure, and I have to admit it reminded me a bit of being on ships with you, even though it’s so different as a parent myself. So…”-Caridee bowed her head with a a grin and cheeky flourish-“kuodos Mom. I don’t know that I could do it long-term myself.”

~Eela & Family

Hyrushi watched the exchange between the four of them, felt their affection and relief at being together. But being such a powerful empath meant he felt the rest, too. The underlying tension about the wayward son… and the turn of events with the father and ex-husband. He softly cleared his throat and said “I just had a thought. Alais, even though she is young, has an opportunity to be part of history. Instead of finding a sitter… you should bring her to the gala. She may not remember being part of such a momentous occasion… but history will remember her presence. I can assure you, she will not be any kind of disturbance or distraction. Far from it, actually.” He looked at Eela and said “Children are the future… are they not?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Eela met his deep gaze with her own. Of course, they knew things that the others in this room, and even in this tower, did not. But it would put children in everyone’s minds before the topic came up in negotiations. A tiny quirk of her eyebrow communicated to him her amused approval of the idea.

She did not speak right away, but turned her gaze to Caridee, who was radiating waves of uncertainty. “There will already be children present, students from Oed, actually. But it’s up to you. I can understand that you might enjoy a break, and we can still make that happen, but if your concern is that she’s going to be noisy at inopportune times, well, the spontaneity of babies can actually be quiet the tension reliever. Besides, it will give me more of an opportunity to show my granddaughter off rathe run abashedly. And we have a green room set up for VIPs. I have access, so there’s no reason why you as my guests can’t use the space to tend to her needs.”

Kian and Caridee gazed at each other, and were it not for the fact that the other two adults in the room were gifted empaths, they might have missed that the two were having their own unspoken conversation. “Well, it would at least give you something to do when others are trying to mingle,” she said to her husband, with a slightly teasing smile.

Kian grinned and looked at the governor. “Large groups were never my thing, though I can manage social situations. Out of the two of us, Dee is the one who can work the crowd, so you know… the idea has merits for that alone. I say we try, and if it’s too much we can make a quiet exit. Goodness knows by tomorrow night we’re going to be probably punch drunk with tiredness,” he said with a chuckle.

~Eela & Family

Hyrushi waved off the concern. “Then let’s get you settled so you can get some much needed rest. Eat all you like, and when you are ready simply go to the lift in the reception area outside this office and take it down to the 3rd floor.” He stood and went to the desk and tapped a few times. “You will be transported directly to your hotel. Your belongings have already arrived. Tomorrow, if you need assistance with clothes, it will be handled. Just let the front desk of the hotel know and we will ensure all three of you are both dressed and refreshed.”

Hyrushi, Gov.

“Actually…” Eela chimed in, grinning. “It’s even easier than we had planned. An apartment on the second-floor of my building came available and I snagged it for you. It’ll make security issues that much easier, and the original plan so much simpler. If that works for you, of course. You’re allowed to say no and keep the hotel, since it has a little kitchen as well.”

Caridee raised her brows, which, like Eela’s pushed against her ridges, though her ridges were much softer. “More space, presumably. And we’re a stone’s throw from you so when we drag you out of your place or insist you take a break from work here, Cort just has to point you in our direction? Sounds too easy,” she teased. “Aren’t we like a block or so from you place?”

Eela laughed. “Yes. A block and a half. I know all the security stuff can be really unnerving and overwhelming at first, so let me say thank you for going along with it. I promise they won’t get in your way. You can still do anything you feel up to doing, it’s just sometimes you have to let them know first.”

“Bah, bah, bah!” Alais said, her brown eyes intense as if she were following the whole conversation.
“Exactly, my dear,” Eela said with a grin.
“You’re so going to spoil her while we’re here, aren’t you?” Kian said.
“Absolutely!”
“Which prerogative will you being using? Grandmother’s, Captain’s, or Lieutenant Governor’s?” Caridee said, setting Alais down on the floor in front of her as the child fussed in her lap.

“All of the above, naturally,” Eela deadpanned before slipping into a smile.

“Oh, before I forget in the flurry of stuff going on, We’re on to do the ritual. Day Four would make the most sense, I think. We’ll be doing it at a different location, because my place isn’t quite right, and the Governor has offered his place as an alternative. But are you still okay to administer it?” Eela asked Caridee.

Caridee nodded. “I brought everything we need, plus you have some of it too. As long as you are still okay with my doing so. It’s been awhile since I’ve done the actual concocting, but there are checks we can do to make sure everything is safe.”

Eela inhaled deeply and nodded. “Caridee studied with Ruans, which are Haliian spiritual guides, as a part of her psychiatry training. And she’s a medical doctor by training, so can monitor the process.” She shifted her attention to Kenzo, her demeanour more serious. “Thank you in advance for providing a space my mother feels comfortable in. It’s such an important piece of Haliian spiritual life, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.” That her mother chose Hyrushi’s place spoke to their great trust and the comfort she had observed they had with each other. Or at least it certainly seemed on her mother’s end. The Governor was a tough nut to crack for sure, but she could already tell there was deep respect between the pair.

Meanwhile, Alais was crawling a little bit and venturing towards Eela and Kenzo.

~Eela & Family

“Safe spaces can sometimes be in short supply… as I am sure we are all aware.” Kenzo said somewhat softly. “If I can provide one to Captain Dasca and her family. it is my honor to do so.” He bowed deeply to Caridee and then stood straight, walking back towards the group. He stopped short and his eyes locked on the door to the waiting room. He then turned and went back to the desk and touched the comms. “Ms. Fen, I told you to go home.” There was a brief pause before a voice said “Of course, Governor. Just finishing up. Two minutes and I am leaving.” Hyrushi walked back and took his seat with the family and said “I am not entirely certain who works more hours: your mother and I, or our staff.”

Hyrushi, Governor