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

(snip)

“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

Eela laughed as she bent forward to scoop Alais into her lap, whose brown eyes were wide with delight and curiosity. “It does seem a toss up most days.”

“Well, everyone has a lot going on. I know it was hectic when my mom first arrived and I swear it’s worse, not better, since she settled in. There’s a reason we opted to take the extra time off to make the trip out here. The reverse was never going to happen. Not for awhile anyway,” Caridee said.

“Oh, I don’t know, I’ve toyed with the idea of going to Halii some day. But much like Earth, there’s only very specific reasons I’d go. Besides, I really like it here and there’s still so much I haven’t seen and done.”

Caridee smiled. “Well, I for one am excited to exp-” She yawned and barely was able to cover her mouth in time.
Kian grinned and nudged his wife with his elbow. “I think that’s out cue to go get settled. We’ve been up for what, twenty hours now?”
“Twenty-two. We were going to shift our day to make the adjustment to Oed-time easier, but someone had other ideas,” Caridee said, pointing an accusing finger at the baby.

Eela smirked and gently pulled her hair out of Alais’ grasp. “You’re going to have to be good and get some sleep. I hear you’ve been making it difficult,” she told the baby with all seriousness. Alais seemed to study her grandmother rather intently for a moment before Eela lifted the babe so her parents could take us.

The couple stood. “It was really nice to meet you, Governor. I look forward to talking more when we’ve had some rest.”

Eela also moved to her feet. “You can message me when you’re awake again and we can make plans for tomorrow evening. I have something I need to do in the morning, but I’ll be free after lunch.”

~Eela & family