Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in I Don’t Mean to Interrupt Such a Busy Person… (Tag Hyrushi)

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in I Don’t Mean to Interrupt Such a Busy Person… (Tag Hyrushi)

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in I Don’t Mean to Interrupt Such a Busy Person… (Tag Hyrushi)
Posted by… suppressed (38) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Hyrushi enjoyed good food, but today it was the company that intrigued him the most. “So tell me how you came to become a chef, if that is not too personal a question. You obviously have a gift for culinary art. Was it something you discovered early on?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn nodded, dabbed her mouth with her napkin and then carefully reached for her class to clear her throat. “It was.” The expression on her face changed, she was remembering and far away for a moment. There was a hint of fear in a way that only a child can understand it. “I remember being able to see and going blind. It was terrible, losing that input. The loss of color and distance and shape and position. My parents had me fit for a VISOR of course, as soon as I was well enough, but it took a long time to adjust, I was so little and it was hard to adapt, to understand what was happening. So even after I had it, I couldn’t always use it, and things looked so incredibly different than they were supposed to.”

“Eating was incredibly difficult, everything was. Then one day we went out to eat, I don’t remember why, and my parents were reading the menu to me and I smelled something. It smelled delicious and I wanted it. Of course I had no idea what it was. The server tried to help, and finally the chef came out and took me into his kitchen and let me smell everything. He explained to me what each scent was from the spices to the meat and how it was cooked. I’d never really paid attention to the aroma of my food before,” she smiled ruefully, “most children don’t. Unless it is very bad. I just knew if it looked good and tasted good I liked it. After that I hounded my mother constantly to let me smell what she was putting in the food, to let me add things and try cooking. I wanted my food to smell good. I guess it was something that I felt was uniquely mine at the time and incredible, not difficult or a struggle.”

“Some things, the aroma was wonderful, but the taste was horrid and we couldn’t eat it.” Caitlyn laughed, “but I learned and I enjoyed it. That’s how I knew what they were making in the kitchen. I was able to identify the aroma. It’s turned out a useful skill, I don’t need to have a menu read to me all the time.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo listened intently, more so than he realized, and then he asked “May I ask why you do not use the VISOR? Or have cybernetic prothesis? If that is too personal, please simply say so. I mean no offense and I do not want to seem like I am prying. I am simply curious why you choose not to pursue that avenue.”

Hyrushi, Governor

She knew the question was coming. It always did, but even after all these years, the memories were still hard, frightening, painful. The burden never got less heavy, it just became familiar. “It is a fair question.” She paused, her whole body still, even her breath. “The answer is why I went to the House. It is not a pleasant story, and not for those that have a weak constitution.” She carefully set her fork down, in a way that indicated she was simply pausing in her meal, and not ready for it to be removed. “I will tell you, but you must promise to say if you wish me to stop. I will not be offended.” He could feel the rush of nervous energy, fight or flight, but a very quiet resolve. She would not let Gavin and the memories take one more moment from her.

“I had a VISOR, as I said. My parents opted for that because cybernetic prosthetics were still in the developmental stage when I became blinded. They didn’t want me to go through several surgeries so young. Despite the struggle to adjust to it, I loved my VISOR, and if it was my choice, I would still have it.” That was the easy part to tell. Her face was expressive, and the fear, remembered pain, and terror were physical for him. It was a long moment of silence as she picked her words carefully, the pulse in her throat was visible as it pounded in a very wild rhythm. “My ex-husband was a malicious man.” Caitlyn forced a deep breath, as memories flashed before her unseeing eyes. “His favorite form of torment was to steal my VISOR. He knew I was afraid to be alone in the dark, and that I had never learned to navigate without my VISOR. It… brought him great pleasure to see me afraid of him and then have to beg for his help.” That was not the extent of Gavin’s depravity, but it was the part relevant to his question. He could feel how hard it was even now, to accept help from anyone after that, but despite the deep aversion, she did. From Ashran and those in the House and even from him. Which had been difficult.

“I finally managed to arrange to get away from him. I was scheduled for surgery to have cybernetic prosthetic eyes implanted. I wasn’t going to let anyone do that to me again.” She set her hands in her lap, shifting in her seat as the memories became present. “Gavin found out about the surgery and then he found me. He followed me to where I was staying, after my pre-op appointment. He was very … thorough.” Caitlyn couldn’t stop the hitch in her voice and paused, reaching for her glass, and then changing her mind, feeling her hand shake, and returned it to her lap. “No one knew I was hurt or came looking until I missed my surgery. My doctor sent the police to check on me. I suffered a concussion, broken bones, chemical burns,” this time she moved her hair away from her face on purpose, showing the scarring where the VISOR implants had been. “I have permanent brain damage to the occipital lobe, so a VISOR or prosthetics won’t work for my anymore. Medical science is wonderful, but the thing about the brain is that it must be treated quickly in order to reverse the damage. Gavin made certain that I would always be trapped in the dark, and cognizant that I was.”

She was shaking from the tension, and had a need to get up and move. The adrenaline from the retelling, but she knew where nothing was in the restaurant nor the colony. But there was also a deep resolve to not run from ghosts of memories.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

There was the sound of him adjusting in his seat. “Ms. Dillon, please give me your hand, if you would. There is something I would like to give you.”

Caitlyn didn’t respond right away. Her brain needed to switch lanes of thought before it registered what he was asking and not just the sound of a voice near her. There was that instinct to pull into one’s self, an act of protection. Caitlyn knew though, that was a valuable instinct in the correct situations. Her gaze somewhat focused towards him.
She was not in the past but the present. She didn’t think the Governor of the colony, nor the man behind the office would hurt her. She felt that with a certainty. She reached out cautiously, sliding her hand over the table so that she didn’t knock anything over.

When her hand was on the table, Hyrushi took it in his own very lightly. “As I said before, I am only half human, with my mother being Betazoid. A gift from her side of my lineage is this…” and suddenly there was a a wash of calm and tranquility flowing through her. At the same time, there seemed to be a kind… siphoning, for lack of a better word… that seemed to draw all of the feelings of fear and hurt and anger and the need to run into a single point in her mind and then it simply flowed away. There was a sensation of heat form where their hands touched and, after a brief moment, he pulled his hand away. “I appreciate your trusting me with such powerful memories so soon after meeting me. I will not divulge any of that to anyone. But.. I am sorry that you ever had to know a person like your ex-husband. I trust he was brought to justice?” He used the words he spoke as a cover as he silently dipped his napkin the water glass and then wrapped the cold, wet cloth around his fingers.

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn gasped, her hand jerked in his, but not in fear only surprise. Both and the sudden spark the contact created and the flood of tranquility. It was strange and felt rather intimate. It left her flustered with nervousness, but then that too was eased by the tranquility. “How…?” she started to ask but then the fear and the panic and hurt was gone. She’d never experienced anything like it. She was left not knowing what to say. She wondered if he could feel her gratitude.

“A skill I have developed over the years.” Hyrushi said softly. “I don’t make the ability public knowledge, but I felt that you could use some… comfort… in dealing with such memories.” He looked at her for a long moment, contemplating something.

Belatedly she realized he had let go of her hand, and she was sitting there simply waiting for him to take it again. She pulled her hand back quickly. “Yes. Yes, he was. He’s still in jail. He’s not up for parole anytime soon. The Court will let me know if he is.” She folded her napkin in her lap. “It’s not your fault. It’s not mine. It’s his. It… is hard to share, but nothing is gained by being silent. Silence perpetuates the myth that the victims are at fault. That we did something wrong to deserve such treatment. I can’t be an advocate for others, if I don’t live my convictions.” She didn’t quite smile. “I don’t tell many people, it’s personal and painful. There are times and places for complete openness and Truth. I felt this was one of them.”

Her head tipped to the side and she seemed to actually see him for a moment. “Thank you. That was very kind of you to do for me.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“It was my pleasure. I am glad it helped.” Hyrushi said. He took a few bites and then said “Is there anything about me you would like to know? It seems only fair that I extend to you the same honesty that you have shared with me.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“Oh. Well putting me in the spot.” Her tone was lighter, a result of his help, and a glimpse of the personality beneath the struggle. “Not going to give me the days between now and dinner to come up with an endless list of potential topics incase the conversation lulls?” Her words were banter rather than teasing or flirtatious. Though perhaps a hint of the later.

“Somehow I get the impression that lacking in conversation won’t be an issue.” Hyrushi said, with a noticeable warmth that wasn’t there prior.

There was quite a lot she would like to know about him, but what would be a place to start. She smiled, “Well, I won’t ask your favorite food. That seems a bit unfair, considering my training. Instead tell me what you wanted to be when you were a kid. If you are that, why and if not, why not?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

There was a soft chuckle. “Now if only the press would come up with such questions, I might be inclined to do more interviews.” He took a drink, his black eyes still set on Caitlyn. “When I was very young, I wanted to be a samurai. I learned all the stories and legends of them, watched every vid or movie I could find, and even learned the code of Bushido. Unfortunately, the last samurai- Saigo Takamori- committed seppuku in the late nineteenth century as a final gesture of loyalty to Emperor Meiji.” and he chuckled again. “So… not a lot of openings for that particular field. After that, my father was insistent that I be educated and learn a field that would benefit the family and others in the community. So I attended Kyoto university and received a dual masters in Civil Engineering and Psychology. It was then that the war began. My father and mother had moved us to Norvella, a small planet with a great deal of potential… and also unfortunately caught directly between the Federation and the Cardassians. My time there was… intense.” The edge in his voice was positively palpable, but when he continued it was 9mostly) gone. “My father was a prominent figure and tried to negotiate with both sides. The colony was then handed over to the Cardassians. I was named the Chief Negotiator for the colony with the Cardassian administration on the planet. For two years, we did reasonably well. But a new administartor was brought in and… well… his priority was not cooperation, shall we say. My mother is a diplomat and a member of a High House of Betazed. She was allowed to leave to stop any kind of ‘incident’, but my father and I had to stay.... for ‘leverage’.” He paused and took a drink. It had been years since he had spoken of all of this. Why he felt moved to do so now he didn’t understand, but he continued.

“Two months after my mother left my father was arrested on false charges and taken away. An arrest warrant was issued for me, but I was elsewhere and they were unable to take me into custody with him. After a few months moving around, I was found by the Maquis. I assisted them as a negotiator, but a year or so after I was arrested by the Federation. I was sent back to Earth to stand trial. But, as my mother is someone of influence, the Betazoid government stepped in. They made sure that I was kept out of court. The Federation also took into account that no Federation citizens had been harmed by my actions with the Maquis, and they placed me on five years supervised probation. As I wasn’t allowed to leave Earth, I decided to pursue further education. I was named a Rhodes Scholar, attended Oxford University, and earned a Doctorate in Political Science. My probation was ended after three years, and I went to say with his mother. She is the Betazed ambassador to Bajor. I continued my education while working as a civil engineer, and earned another doctorate in Interspecies Relations with an emphasis in Crisis Management. Simultaneously, I was the Chief Federation Negotiator working to bring some of the disaffected colonies back into the fold. My time with the Maquis gave me a bit of credibility with those who view the Federation as… hmmm… how to say it… ‘less than trustworthy’. And that led me to being named Governor of Oed V.” He stared at her for a long moment and then said “Which is a very long-winded and verbose way of saying that I am not, unfortunately, a samurai.” and he actually laughed… albeit softly.

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn’s expression was thoughtful. “If I remember correctly, Bushido has 8 virtues. Justice, Honor, Politeness… I can’t remember the rest. It was a long time ago. It seems to me you have those things in spades. You would have to build a time machine to go back and live exactly like they did, but it is really more the spirit of creed than the exact replication. Especially as society changes as the future arrives.”

“Justice. Courage. Benevolence. Politeness. Honesty. Honor. Loyalty. Self-control.” Hyrushi replied almost reverently. “Most practitioners viewed Justice as the most important virtue of the Bushido code. It showed one’s ability to weigh situations on a logical and moral scale, decide upon a course of conduct, and act without hesitation or straying from that course.”

“Justice in that capacity is a hard line to walk. Many think they do, but they don’t. They turn and twist justice into a thing to be feared and uses for their own gain,” her tone carried insight and experience. “Anyone who strives to maintain justice in its honest form has a lot of character and Is a person to be admired. I imagine it is not a virtue that is ever mastered but constantly learned and striven for.”

“What happened to your father, after he was arrested? If it’s not too personal.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo could be heard taking in a deep breath and exhaling. “No, it is not too personal. I do not know, at least not for certain. It is most probable that he did not, like countless others, survive his captivity. If he did, he chose not to return. Either way… by death or by choice… he is no longer a part of my current life. I have mourned him. And my family held a funeral for him before I came to Oed. So there was a small bit of closure, at least.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I’m so sorry,” and she was. She understood the pain of losing a parent. Not knowing for sure must be 1000x worse. “I can’t imagine how difficult it is to not know. You sound as if you were both very close. What about your mother? You said she was allowed to return to Betazed.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“She was. ” he said. “She lives on Bajor.” He paused and then sighed softly. “She and I have never been ‘close’, per se. I often think she had a child because it was expected of her, not out of any desire to be a parent.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“That must have been difficult for you growing up, and frightening knowing she was leaving and you and your father had to stay un such a turbulant situation. I’m glad you made it out.” Trauma. She had heard it in that single word earlier. It seemed to be everywhere and touch everyone and everything. “It sounds like you are close with your father’s family?

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo paused… a lot. “That… is a discussion for a future meal. One that has a very complex and very… informative… answer.” But he then added “But it is something I find myself wanting to share with you… if that is not too bold of me to say.”

Hyrushi, Governor

When the conversation started his pauses worried her because she didn’t know what they meant. Now she was starting to be aware that he spoke carefully. The pauses didn’t indicate danger, but thoughtfulness. She was unaware of the slight flush to her cheeks. “I can tell a lot by tone and inflection, but those can be an affectation. I have no idea if I am providing decent conversation or if you are nearly falling asleep to the drone of my voice.” It was true she didn’t know, but there was that tone of banter in her voice again. It might be bold, but I appreciate the candor. I look forward to hearing those stories when you’re ready.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Do you like sushi, Ms. Dillon?” Hyrushi asked immediately after she finished talking. “And if you do… could we have our next meal tomorrow evening? I do not wish to pressure you, and you are free to decline until a later date, if you would prefer. I would simply like…” and there was the pause again, “… I would like to enjoy your company sooner rather than later.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Surprise and nervousness and uncertainty. She had agreed to dinner, and she very much wanted to spend the time with him. It had been a long time. Not since Gavin when she entered the House. She didn’t quite trust her instincts. Was she ready to date? She had agreed and she wanted to. Did layer rather than sooner really make a difference? Probably not. He was the first stranger in years that didn’t provoke an anxiety attack in her. Her heart raced as she took that leap. “I want to, but I don’t know if I can. We’ve only just arrived. Would it be terribly rude of me to take out my comm at the table to check. Or you could direct me to the foyer?” Caitlyn was raised with manners and she felt it rude to be distracted by devices when your focus should be on the people with you. She had only answered the comm earlier because he had said he had sent her his contact and she wanted to make sure she got it.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Please, do make your call. I will give you some privacy, but I will be where you only need wave and I will return.” She could hear him stand and move away, only to return the few steps he had taken and he set his hand on her shoulder. A wave of security and safety washed over her. “Just raise your hand I will come back. You are not alone… I promise.” and he stepped away.

Hyrushi, Governor

She heard him return and turned her face towards him curiously. She was not prepared for the touch on her shoulder. She didn’t flinch, but it was obvious she hadn’t anticipated it. His words struck an anguished chord in her. His words did more to reassure her than the feelings he shared, but there was still anguish over her past. “Thank you.” The words were quiet but full of feeling. Her unique comm appeared in her hand after she took a long drink of her water. Her fingers taped at the keys rapidly and she listened as the device read the response to her. There were questions, that she promised to answer when she got back. Though it was pretty obvious Caitlyn had met someone fairly unique. Only Ashran new who it was. Or at least he thought he did.

The comm disappeared into her pocket and she half turned toward where she had last heard his foot steps and raised her hand. She didn’t leave it up long, not wanting to look like a school child, and she told herself it was silly to feel that instinctual rush of fear of no one answering. At least these days thay feeling wasn’t quite so strong. He was there and if he happened to be looking away she would just raise her hand again in a minute.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Footsteps came towards her and Hyrushi’s voice said “I am here, on your left side.” He took his seat and said “You never told me if you like sushi.” There was a definite hint of teasing in his voice. He knew all too well the magnitude of what was being asked of them both at the moment… to lower well-established and indeed necessary protections for the sake of, perhaps, discovering something long absent from both of their lives. So… humor. An art he was adept at, but shared with very few… and none in the recent past.

Hyrushi, Governor

Her posture relaxed as he approached, but it was only noticeable to someone paying attention. “I do like sushi. But I’m a bit of a snob about it,” she added in a conspiratorial whisper, responding to his humor. “Sadly, I haven’t had it in many years.” Before Gavin, Caitlyn had been a bright, bubbly, joyful person. There was affection and fun in the House, but humor was a rare luxury. His drew her like sunshine.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Well, I too am a snob.” Hyrushi said with a level of warmth in his voice that was only increasing, even it was in very small increments. “That is why I prepare it myself. If you would like to, and feel comfortable doing so of course… and your call allows for it as well… perhaps you would do me the honor of dining with me at my home tomorrow night? I would be happy to come get you… so you do not have to make the trip alone.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The effects of the abuse she suffered was never more apparent than now. Especially to an empath. She wanted very much to agree. She felt comfortable with him, but she was still learning to trust her judgment again. Being alone with a man in his home was frightening. A situation she didn’t know if she was prepared for. But Hyrushi didn’t frighten her. In fact he had the opposite effect. “Can I tell them your address? Will you understand when my comm goes off and I answer them because they are checking on me?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Again with the pause. “My address… hmmm.” He said as he thought over the potential ramifications of the request. “I’m sure you can understand my hesitancy to give out my home’s location to those I have not met.” He thought for a moment and then said “How about we compromise? We can eat at the Governor’s residence. I rarely use it, and then only for official functions. The kitchen can prepare a meal, there will be staff present so we will never be alone, and the location is public knowledge.” He then had another idea. “Or, if you would prefer, you may share my home’s location with either Seamus McKenzie, as he is a member of my cabinet and an authority with your people I believe; or with Capall McKenzie. He too is a known entity to me, although I have not met him personally yet. And yes, you are always free to call whomever you like at any time. And you are of course free to leave at any time as well.” He regarded her for a long moment and then said “I know what it means for you to even consider doing this. Just that consideration is an honor. But I do not wish you to ever feel uncomfortable with me. If you need time to think on my invitation, I completely understand and will take no offense if you decline. Just know that the invitation has no time limit. If we cannot do it tomorrow, I am quite willing to wait for you.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn worried her lower lip between her teeth. Both options eased her worry. She did understand his desire for privacy and security. She recognized the similarity of his two homes with her own plan for the House and a public office space. She didn’t know Seamus, but she knew Ragna. But Capall she did know. She’d worked with him in the simulations and she liked him. And if what people said about his computer skills were accurate, he could track her anywhere as long as she had her comm. She trusted him to be discreet and help her if she needed. “I would be comfortable just telling Capall. But… well the truth is, even if I tell you where the House is, when we have a location, I may never be able to take you there. It’s not just my home but everyone else’s.” But maybe she wouldn’t live there. Maybe she could have her own home, just a small one. The idea filled her with trepidation but also a sense of excitement. Maybe she could work towards that. “I understand your desire for privacy and security. If you would be more comfortable at the public residence, that compromise works for me. But I would like to accept the offer to tell Capall and have sushi with you.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“If that is what you wish, then that is what we shall do.” Hyrushi said softly. Being honest with himself, he was actually fine with that option as well. Capall McKenzie was (unknown to most) a new addition to the Colonial Intelligence Agency, and this would be a good opportunity to see how he operated. “Please send Lord… that is his title, is it not?… your itinerary for tomorrow. He is welcome to contact you at any time, as are the members of your organization. And again, you are free to leave at any time.” He exhaled a sigh of relief that he wasn’t aware he was holding.

“It is, but he hates when we use his title. If it’s alright, I will tell him later.” She hesitated, “How, uh will I get there? I don’t want to give a car service your address.” Telling Capall where she would be was one thing, but he was going to be very busy, she didn’t want to have him drive her also.

“I will send a shuttle for you, if that is alright. And it will remain at my home for your use whenever you want… so you will always have a way back with no waiting.” he said.

“Thank you.” He was thoughtful. “Do you know where the McKenzie-Edman lands are? I have the coordinates. They are quite far out from the city.”

“Now, then… shall we finish this excellent lunch? I do wish to keep you, but I also know that you are quite busy.” he said with an audible grin.

Hyrushi, Governor

She flushed and felt it that time. His words created butterflies in her stomach. “I’m really not that busy today. My next meeting isn’t until tomorrow morning with Commissioner Karlson.” Oh maybe that was forward? But it was also the truth.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Hyrushi smiled slightly and he said “Then in that case, let us not rush. I would like this time to last for as long as possible.” He took a bite and chewed thoughtfully for a moment, swallowed, and then took a drink. “So tell Ms. Dillon… or may I call you Caitlyn, if that is not too forward of me?… what are you looking forward to most about Oed V? Has anything sparked your interests?”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I would like it if you called me Caitlyn, but what should I call you? Or did your parents name you ‘Governor’?” She was teasing him, very lightly, feeling it out with caution. She knew that wasn’t his name. She had caught edges of humor from him and wanted to hear it again.

“At times it seems like they may have.” he said with a soft chuckle. “Please… call me Kenzo.”

His laughter sounded warm, even if it was brief. She liked it. ‘Kenzo’, she wondered what it meant.

“Oh, the food. Oed has so many interesting options. Not just restaurants but grocers. I want to try it all. And the markets. I love small business markets. They usually have the best selection and quality. I haven’t done either in a long time. I heard one of the botanical gardens has a sensory garden for children. I would like to visit that too.” She had obviously read up on Oed. Years ago she would have loved to be a participant in the culinary arts scene on the colony and not just a taste tester. But sampling would be wonderful.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“The Sloan Square Farmer’s Market is a wonderful place. It can get very crowded, but it is worth the trip.” Kenzo suggested. “You may also hear of a location called the Plaza Exchange. While it is the place to find the exceptionally hard to get items I do not recommend that you go there unaccompanied. Some of the more… not above board… transactions take place there; and the clientele can be a bit on the rougher side.” He shook his head and said “And this is where one typically asks why I, the governor of the colony, know of and allow such a place to continue.” and he chuckled.

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn shook her head. “Such places serve a purpose. They might be rougher, but they tend to have their own code, their own rules, they live by. It is dangerous to break them. Many organizations, even mone, have contacts within such groups. They are sometimes willing to do things that it takes legal channels too long to do. They help hide people and move them in secrecy. They are also a good way of getting information and evidence.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Indeed.” he replied thoughtfully. She was a remarkable individual, Kenzo thought to himself. Intelligent and highly motivated to help those in need. The fact that she understood the subtle intricacies of navigating the needs of the one or few versus the need of law and order was… well… appealing. “You have quite the understanding of nuance, Caitlyn. A skill many lack. I will say I was impressed before. Consider me more so now.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The compliment struck deep in a positive way. She had a sense that nothing much impressed him. “It’s not really an understanding of nuance but a lesson in survival.” She was compelled to clarify. “I was not always so open minded. My childhood was peaceful and happy. I had an unbendable sense of right and wrong. Experience taught me to be more flexible and to understand that often circumstances cause people to choose actions that they wouldn’t in a perfect world. Some would choose it even in a perfect world. That doesn’t make them bad people. The universe, as we understand it, exists in our comprehension of opposites. No law without lawlessness, no light without darkness, no matter without antimatter. Then there is everything in between. The House has taught me that sometimes the most trustworthy and honorable people, are those just, or more, outside the law.” She took another bite of her food. She grinned with an attempt at humor again, to keep the memories neutral, “Besides where else would aspiring chefs aquire expensive exotic ingredients for the dish that will propel them to infamy?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

That smile… it made Kenzo’s hand stop his fork halfway to his mouth. Obsidian eyes memorized every small curve, every dimple, even the way her face became alight. He took the bite and smiled to himself. This is not at all what I expected… he thought. After swallowing, he said “So is that what chefs aspire to? Infamy? I mean, a culinary infamy of course. I’m certain most don’t attempt to assassinate their diners like that chef on Risa some years ago.” and he chuckled. “Or maybe they do? I am not well versed in the aspirations of culinary art practitioners.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The smile turned into a grin as he chuckled. She liked the sound, itbwas deeper than his voice and rumbled softly. Her finger tips could almost imagine what it would feel like. “Well maybe infamy is a strong word, but it is competitive, and the more you stand out the better. Even mistakes and failures gain you notice if it is because you tried something daring. As for assassination, I know a few people who thought about putting eye drops in the water glasses of the Michelin Star judges.” Then she laughed. It seemed to surprise her. Like she hadn’t heard it in awhile.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“I never put much credit into food reviewers. Good food is good food… it shouldn’t take a wholly subjective rating system to make individuals want to eat it.” He paused and said “What was your favorite dish to make?”

Hyrushi, Governor

“No it shouldn’t. Food should be enjoyed and appeal to the person eating it.” She looked thoughtful, “My signature dish was King Oyster Mushroom Steaks with Pesto and Almond Aillade. I enjoyed making it. I really like my roasted chicken with chared lemon salsa Verde. It’s my favorite comfort food. My mom uses ro make it. Omelets are always fun too, and never the same.” She brought her glass to her lips. “You make sushi, do you make anything else? Of course that’s no small achievement.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Hyrushi took a drink and then set his plate aside. “I do some standard Japanese dishes: edamame, gyoza, yakitori, miso soup. Nothing drastic or complex… my version of ‘comfort food’, I suppose.” He watched her for a moment and then said “What about you? Any hobbies that you occupy yourself with, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi, Governor

“Familiar food is comfortable food. It brings back memories.” She considered. “I like camping. We did that a lot on Earth. I used to go to the ballet.” She sighed, “I say that a lot, ‘used to’. I like to listen to symphonies now. Any music really. I tried learning to crochet, but I don’t have a knack for it. I enjoy literature of all kinds. Classics from all over. Audio books aren’t quite the same though, and braille is hard to get.” She set her fork and knife facing right, horizontally on the plate. A subtle cue to the kitchen that her meal was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed. “I enjoy hiking but have to be careful. With the brain damage I get dizzy suddenly sometimes. I like pottery. I have no idea if it is any good,” she grinned, “but I like shapping it by feel alone.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“I would like to see what you have created. ” Hyrushi said sincerely. “We can trade. A meal in exchange for a piece of pottery.” He voice carried his smile.

“Oh now I have to go hunting for where they are packed. I will bring something.”

A Risian male came by and smiled. “Governor. Ms. Dillon. I am Chef Kus. Madame, it is an honor to cook for you. I actually worked in the kitchen at Störsvagard in New York City just after you left. I must say, you left some very big shoes to fill… as you humans say.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn smiled, “It is a pleasure Chef. The meal was outstanding. My first on Oed.” She hadn’t thought about New York in a long time. “I loved working in the kitchen there. Did Phoebe ever retire or is she still scaring the pastry chefs to tears?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“She actually opened her own place! It’s called ‘Eclipse’ and is only open during a lunar eclipse. Fortunately for her, it’s on the third moon of Zyginda; so there are lunar eclipses every six days.” Hyrushi inclined his head and said “Well thought out.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn grinned but shook her head. “She finally found a place it would work. I’m happy for her. She always had unique ideas for establishments. And themed food names. It was like Halloween party snacks all the time. She was really unique.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary