Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Vren XO

Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Vren XO

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Vren XO

(snip)

Food was not her concern just now as she surveyed the room and all the people gathered. Jeerd’rf Mawrg was a pragmatic person but also highly cautious. Then again, any second-in-command should be, or so she thought. She would leave the optimism to her brother who trailed after Kek. Jeerd’rf was on the smaller side for a Vren, hitting only 1.9 metres tall, but what she lacked in stature she made up for with her intense gaze. Even her fellow Vren knew when to steer clear when she was in one of her moods, and while this was not that time, she wasn’t entirely thrilled to be here. It was an honour, of course, and to anyone that asked, that would be her response.

Standing alone for the moment, Mawrg’s colouring was more muted than others in the contingent. The dark blue base was washed with a paler grey-blue and her skin was mottled with only a few dark grey spots.

Movement near her drew her attention quickly as something small was moving towards her at quite a pace. She looked down to find a small version of the Humanoids in the room, but this one was even smaller than those that greeted them when they arrived. It moved around on all fours and stopped right at her feet before sitting back and looking all the way up. Jeerd’rf wasn’t sure what to think or even do when a woman moved swiftly to catch up, calling out words in a language she hadn’t heard before but was quickly translated as, “Alais, stop and wait!”

The woman in the long black and gold garment scooped up what Jeerd’rf could only assume was an earlier form of their younglings. She understood that they were born as small versions of adults, not unlike their own young, but she did not expect to see one here at this event.

The woman set the youngling on her hip and smiled at Jeerd’rf. “Hello. Sorry about that. This is my daughter Alais. She’s very curious and also very much interested in exploring tonight. I hope she didn’t startle you.”

Jeerd’rf eyed the parent and child and replied in her own language. She had not learned the common tongue of this place, though she had been encouraged to do so. “No, I was not startled and there is no harm done. I am surprised to see such a youngling here tonight though.”

~Jeerd’rf Mawrg, XO & Dr. Caridee Severn

He moved through the crowd having been keeping an eye on his boss’ guests and hoping to help with introductions. Apparently, it was a good plan. Cort came to stand next to Caridee and offered the Vren a warm smile. “I see Alais is following in her grandmother’s footsteps.” He grinned at the baby who smiled back, before he focused on the Vren XO . “Jeerd’rf Mawrg, I’m Cort Belanger, Lieutenant Governor Dasca’s senior assistant, and this is Dr. Caridee Severn and her daughter Alais. They are the Lieutenant Governor’s family.”

~Cort Belanger

Mawrg tilted her head back and forth slightly in contemplation. “Many generations in one room. Curious. We of course can have the same, but we do not maintain family units as you do.”

Caridee nodded. “For us, especially my mother’s people, family is very important and forms a central idea upon which a society is built. And family often can extend to beyond those with a genetic link to include those whom we choose to have in our lives. All these different relationships are very important.”

Jeerd’rf leaned in and gazed at Alais with something a little less wary of an expression. “I have a sibling. That is not uncommon for hatchlings who survive to make it to the nurseries, but we do not know ever those that created us. The community helps us once we leave the nurseries but from then on we can survive on our own.”

~Jeerd’rf Mawrg & Caridee Severn

Caridee wasn’t sure what to make of the Vren’s comment but it seemed to be (at least on the surface) a tentative connection. She wanted to say things and ask questions, but this was not her workspace and the interactions here very different. She had a sudden appreciation for what her mother’s life as a Captain and a diplomat might have been like. Was it always this tense? Did you always feel like you were going to say the wrong thing and have it all blow up on you?

Cort though, wasn’t fazed by the remarks. “Many Humanoid children are reliant on their parents for many years until they are truly self-sufficient. A lot of it is related to our biology develops. But it’s for this reason that many form family units to support the upbringing of the child. And in many cultures, like Caridee’s maternal ancestry, the extended family and chosen families are very important. I’ve learned from Lieutenant Governor Dasca that community is very important on Halii and I know from her that she took that philosophy with her when she joined Starfleet.”

“Starfleet is your military, yes?” Mawrg said, the universal translator producing accurate speech.

“Partially. It’ primary focus is exploration and supporting the Federation. But that does require defence at times, and there have been notable periods of it. Captain Dasca was a starship first officer and captain for many years. I’m sure you two will have plenty to talk about,” Belanger said.

The Vren considered Cort for a moment and then took in Caridee and the baby once more. It was hard to tell what was on the Vren’s mind, but Jeerd’rf didn’t appear outrightly upset in anyway. Caridee had to give it to Cort. He was a natural in this setting.

At length Jeerd’rf said, “I will have to do so then.” The XO gave a nod and then just walked away.

Cort flashed Caridee a smile. “Well, how does it feel to make your own first contact?”
“I kind of want to throw up,” Caridee said, breaking into a sheepish smile.
“You did great.”
“Better you than me, that’s for sure. How did my mom do it all those years. Like, that was intense and I don’t know how I could do it day in and day out.”
“But being a psychiatrist is easy?” Cort said with raised brows.
“It’s different.”
Cort offered her a warm smile. “True.” He gestured with his head towards where Eela was conversing with a man Cort didn’t recognize. “She’s good at all this. Always has been as I understand it. I’m glad you get to see her in action.”
Caridee grinned. “Me too, Cort. Me too.”

~Jeerd’rf Mawrg & Caridee Severn & Cort Belanger