Posted by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Laying Cornerstones

Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Laying Cornerstones

Posted by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Laying Cornerstones
Posted by… suppressed (14) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Kols was walking towards the front as Ragna walked back in. “Mrs. McKenzie, hello. Shall we? Do you have any particular dietary restrictions that should be considered before we depart?” she asked as she gestured back out the front doors of the museum.

Kols, Curator

The question reminded her of the previous day and her attempt at dinning out. At least Kols wasn’t asking her to pick the place. “No restrictions. Thank you for asking.” She stepped through the doors and followed along beside the woman.

Ragna

“Excellent. Then come. I know a close-by establishment.” It didn’t take them long before they arrived at a small cafe with outdoor seating. Kols walked in and the host smiled. “Curator, good afternoon. Your usual table is ready.’ and he looked at Ragna. “And you have a guest today?” Kols nodded and said “Indeed. Mr. Hyde, Mrs. McKenzie-Edman of Earth.” Hyde smiled and said “Welcome. Welcome Mrs. McKenzie-Edman to Cafe Luns.” and he walked them to a table outside, but in the shade. “Your usual, Curator?” he asked to which Kols replied “Please.” Hyde looked at Ragna and said “And would Madame like something to drink?”

Kols, Curator

Ragna smiled politely, “Peppermint and chamomile tea, please.”

Ragna

Hyde nodded and left. Kols then looked at Ragna and said “Now tell me… this clan of yours. Do you adhere to traditional practices or have you moved wholly into the modern era?”

Kols, Curator

“Somewhere in between. We keep many of our traditional practices, but we are aware of the benefits and downfalls of our advanced technologies. On Earth we have a transporter for emergencies only, a handful of sliders and shuttles. Otherwise we walk or ride. Usually we sail if we have the time for such a journey. We still grow our own food and raise livestock. We raise sheep and use the wool to make fabric. My uncle is a blacksmith.”

Ragna

The arched eyebrow was the only indication of an emotional response from the Curator. “Interesting. Tell me, are these traditions kept secret? Are they proprietary? Or can suchbthings be shared with others outside your social structure and familial designations?”

Kols, Curator

Ragna actually chuckled. “Well my uncle and sister-in-law might argue that they have proprietary secrets when it comes to their smiting, but no. We freely share what we know. We have been very active in conservation efforts back home. In fact many of us will be working with groups on Oed, using what we know, to help restore the planet.” She brightened noticeably, “In fact my husband has already started. He is the new Conservation Director for Oed. As for our customs and traditions, it brings us joy to share. Only by remembering our past can we truly move forward.”

Ragna

The Curator nodded in understanding and then paused as drinks were set down. She ordered food, waited for Ragna to do the same and only spoke after the waiter had left the table.

“This is very encouraging. You see, I had an idea for an expansion to the Oed Museum. But not another structure, per se, nor an additional wing or such. No… I am envisioning a living museum. A center for ancient cultural appreciation and immersion. A place where outsiders can come and engage with practitioners of ancient crafts and ways of living. And if I am not mistaken, I believe you and your clan could be the first offering of such a learning environment.”

Kols, Curator

“Oh yes, we can do that. It’s something we did on Earth also. Are you thinking somewhere here near the city or on our land?” It was something they had done quite a lot back home. Immersive experiences on Bomlo that taught about different crafts, the culture and history, archeological sites in the area. The craft masters particularly enjoyed it because it brought in business. She pulled out a PaDD and started swiping through the data on it. She pulled up a series of images, “These are some images of our village on Earth. The plan for our land here, is very similar.”

Ragna

Kols looked at the pictures and nodded. “Yes… yes, that would do nicely, I believe.” and she handed the PaDD back. “It would have to be away from the city. And we would have to set up some kind of facility to enclose an area where we could duplicate the environment of your homeland. But if we can manage that, you think that yiu and your people would be willing to share your knowledge?”

Kols, Curator

Ragna nodded, “Oh yes. They are are very enthusiastic about sharing. We will be working to cultivate the land we have purchased and make it viable and thriving. Many of the techniques we will be using are ones we have practiced over centuries or more. On Earth, we simply invite people to come onto our lands and to see things first hand. Not a sample or simulation, but the actual day to day work that goes into actually sustaining our clan. Doing an independent site would be different for us, but I don’t see any major objections over it.”

Ragna

Kols nodded and said “Excellent. In that case, perhaps I could offer the assistance of the Oed Museum in helping you and your people when they arrive? We have a strong volunteer community and access to equipment you may find helpful. We also know many contractors and fabricators in the city. We can certainly make introductions as needed.”

Kols. Curator

“My chiefs will be arriving in 2 months.” Ragna lifted her cup and drank as she thought. The building of their land was a huge undertaking, meant to merge the new clans. She also k ew it was very important to make the McKenzie-Edmans a part of the greater Oed community. She didn’t feel this was a decision she should make. “I am sure they will be grateful for the introductions. I can make an appointment to introduce you all when they arrive.”

Ragna

Kols nodded and said “I will look forward to that meeting.” and then their lunch arrived. Kols picked up her fork and said “If I may inquire, why dod your clan decide to make a large move? And to here? Surely your lands on Terra were sufficient for your needs.”

Kols, Curator

Now that was a question Ragna had been asking herself ever sense Revna and Mike had brought up the idea and she and Seamus were tasked with coming and laying the groundwork. She knew the reasons, she just didn’t see the point. She couldn’t say that though, and she certainly couldn’t let anything but professionalism show on her face. It was also quite possible this woman and Seamus would cross paths at some point, and despite her bad behavior, she would never willingly nor purposely shame him. That made her heart ache because she had, she didn’t know how to fix it.

Ragna gave the woman’s question consideration. She could tell it as a saga. That was part of her job after all, to record the histories in such a way, but that would take more time than they had. “There was political upheaval within one of our joined clans at the time of our merging. Laird Michael and Lady Revna understand the value of our history, but also know that sometimes that history can hold us back. Our people are explorers. We enjoy the challenge of conquering challenges and testing our strength against them. There are members who chose to stay on Earth and care for our ancestral lands, but our chiefs felt a move to a new challenge to face together would help to solidify and start this new chapter of our history with a strong foundation that we can all face together. They chose Oed because Oed is facing many challenges and we have the knowledge and resources to help.”

Ragna

Kols nodded at the explanation amd said “Then we are fortunate to have you. I do believe that a partnership with your people and the museum is going to be greatly mutually beneficial.” At that moment, Ragna’s PaDD chirped with an incoming message…

“I do apologize. I am waiting on some official documents from the planning and building office.” Ragna pulled the PaDD from her bag and opened the notifications.

It was Seamus.

Inside her stomach churned with guilt. Seamus wasn’t cruel, she wasn’t afraid but she did dread facing him again after the way she had acted.

My most wonderful wife… it began. Please let me know when yiu are heading back. There is something I want to show you. Don’t rush. I will be waiting for you.

Seamus

Shane surged at the words. She was not a wonderful wife and he shouldn’t be waiting. He should turn her out for the way she’d been. She deserved no better. She typed a very quick answer. I am in a meeting for the clan and have another immediately after. I promise to return as soon as it is finished, Seamus. -Ragna Somehow the words conveyed the guilt and unending remorse she carried.

She looked back at Kols, “While I have this out, shall we set a tentative date for a meeting? To be quite honest I don’t see any tentative plans being possible until the colony ship arrives and people are settled. Perhaps two months after that?”

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

Kols inclined their head. “Logically, it would be more efficient if you simply let me know when you are ready and then we can make arraignments. I will, however, say that I believe that the work we have discussed thus far to be of great importance to the living history of the colony; and as such it will be a priority for myself and the museum when you are ready.”

Kols, Curator, Oed V Museum

“Of course,” she slipped the PaDD away. “When I have a more definite date of their arrival, I will be in touch to schedule a meeting.” Ragna ate quietly for a moment. Delicate and polite with her food. She remembered Revna telling her once that Vulcans never touched their food with their hands, so she was very careful not to do that. “Documenting the living history if a culture is very important and an honored undertaking. Our clan has had an official archivist for centuries. I am glad that we can contribute to Oed’s efforts.”

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

“Are your archives coming to Oed?” Kols asked. “If so, I would be honored if you would consider the museum as a place to store and maintain your collection. Our archival storage is state of the art, and we have plenty of space.”

Ragna set her fork down and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “That hasn’t been decided yet. The plan is to have both the physical archive and a digital so that both Earth and Oed can access them. Before it can be decided what will be where, everything has to be scanned and entered into the digital library and a secure and properly maintained location. Either way we will be maintained Physical archives in both places from here forward.”

She thought for a moment and then said “We could even utilize your skills as one of our Archivists, if you would be interested.”

Kols, Oed Museum

Ragna had not expected that and she was surprised she was excited at the idea. “I would be very interested, Director. I’ve maintained our own archives since I was 18 and worked there since I was 12.”

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

“Well, we can discuss it as things progress. Just know the offer is there.” There was a chirp from her bag and she reached down and pulled out a PaDD. “Oh. I am terribly sorry, but I am going to have to cut our time short. One of our sponsors has requested a personal viewing of some items, and I simply must show them around.” She began to pack up and then looked at Ragna. “Could we have lunch again at some point. Your company has been not at all unpleasant.”

Kols, Curator