Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities
Posted by… suppressed (38) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
He guided her gently to the glass and then said “Speaking of… I have everything prepared, I just have to assemble it. Would you like to move to the kitchen while I make the rolls? You may sample as I go. Decide if you want to flee before I serve.” and chuckled softly.

Hyrushi

“I would like that very much.” She took a sip of her glass before standing. Reluctantly, she let go of his hand and slid her hand up his arm, so he could lead her to the kitchen. She remembered the layout of his penthouse, but not exactly where every object was. She didn’t mind trusting him to guide her at all. Surprisingly, even though she’d been nervous the day before, she realized she hadn’t felt that instinctual fear that she usually felt in trusting someone else.

She sighed wistfully at the feel of his sleeve, “I wish I could tell you that you look handsome, Kenzo, but all I can say is that your blazer feels very nice.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Trust me, I do.” he said with a slightly flirty inflection in his words. “And I will say that you look absolutely breathtaking this evening.”

Caitlyn laughed at the obvious playfulness. “Thank you. Alathide, she was a seamstress in Scotland. She mostly did alterations, but she made this for me for tonight. She’s planning to open a shop, but she wants to try and make her own designs.”

He led her to the island in the kitchen and helped her up on one of the stools, a gentle touch of his hand to the small of her back as he guided her to the seat. He set her wine glass down, took her hand and guided it to the stem; his fingers linger on hers for a moment before he stepped away and took off his blazer. As he pulled on an apron, he said “Tonight we will have miso soup to begin with, my great grandmother’s recipe. Then gyoza, japanese dumplings, made from the recipue of the family of my assistant, Ms. Fen. Her family has owned a restaurant in a small town for over five hundred years. Then we will have assorted sashimi, maki rolls, and for dessert- green tea ice cream. Is that acceptable, Chef?” he asked as the sounds of the kitchen came to life.

Hyrushi

That light touch on her back had an odd effect on her. It was not at all unpleasant; it made her close her eyes and just experience it for a moment. Her ears followed him as he moved around the kitchen. “That all sounds wonderful. I always thought that family recipes were much better than anything a professional chef could create. They have a personality and character all their own. That can’t be replicated in a commercial kitchen. That takes time, tradition, passion, and love.” She turned the stem of her glass as she listened. The sounds of the kitchen delighted her. Even if she didn’t know where anything was in the room, she felt at home. “Ah, so that is why you said Ms Fen must know who I was?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He took the lid off the miso and the earthy, salty, aroma of tofu and seaweed and mushroom wafted through the kitchen. “Ms. Fen is nott just my aid. She also teaches Culinart Art at the university. Had she wished, she could have been an amazing chef. That is why I am sure she knew who you are.” He stirred the soup and then said “I know chefs like to sample as they go. Would you like me to give you samples of what I am doing? Or just wait for us to sit and eat?”

Hyrushi

“The University teaches culinary arts? I wasn’t aware. She must be very talented if she teaches. And very patient.” Caitlyn sat up a little more at that. She had guest lectured a few times at culinary schools. She had always enjoyed it.

The soup smelled delightful. No matter the culture, soup always made her think of cool days and warm blankets. “Oh no, I’m not the chef tonight, you are. As good as that smells though, I am eager to try it. Though I will be patient if you wish.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo took a spoon and dipped it in the soup, making sure to get a bit of the seaweed and tofu. He blew on it gently and then turned to Caitlyn. “Here, try.” and without thinking about it set two fingers under her chin and slowly put the spoon to her lips. For just a split second, his fingertips brushed her bottom lip and he slowly pulled the spoon back.

“Appealing?” he asked, momentarily unaware of the intimacy of the past few seconds.

Hyrushi

Caitlyn had reached for the spoon, but it didn’t end up in her hand. Instead he fed her. Caitlyn was not unaware of the intimacy or the sparks the tingled as he brushed her lip. She tasted the soup, it was very good. She was absolutely still, her heart racing enough to be noticed. “Extremely.” Caitlyn wasn’t sure if she meant the soup or the man.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo turned and almost missed the moment… but then he felt her sudden and intense reaction. He stood rigid, his back to her, and black eyes stared straight ahead for a brief second, and then he said “Caitlyn… I sincerely apologize if what just happened made you uncomfortable. I didn’t think… no, that isn’t correct… what I mean is I didn’t analyze or plan that. It simply… happened.” He turned and looked at her. “Honestly, my only thought was that I didn’t want to spill anything by handing you the spoon. My… doing that… it was more… well… ‘natural’… ‘instinctual’… than intentional. And if I overstepped I am truly sorry.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn was almost crestfallen when he apologized. She understood why, and for the millionth time she cursed Gavin and what he had done to her. Her face gazed at him, and her hand reached out and settled on his arm unerringly. “Please don’t apologize, Kenzo. You haven’t overstepped, truly.” She hated he was apologizing for a moment that, for her, was quite extraordinary and pleasant. Perhaps he didn’t experience the same way. “I was … surprised, but not uncomfortable.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

His hand found hers and rested on it for some time. He then said “Nor was I.” softly, his fingers lightly moving back and forth on the back of her hand. “And please do not think that I did not feel… something. Because I did. I only want you to know that I will respect any boundaries you have… now or in the future. And at no time should you ever feel obligated to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.” He looked at her for a long time in silence and then said “You are a most remarkable woman, Caitlyn. And I find that I very drawn to you. But never will I impose myself or my will on you. In any form.”

Hyrushi

There were things she was feeling, that she wanted to express, but too many hard lessons on keeping quiet tied her tongue. She was unaware that as an empath Kenzo could sense it. She had met many species, but had no in depth experience with someone who was. She wanted to explain that she didn’t feel threatened by him at all, except that she was as drawn to him as he was to her. That he felt trustworthy and safe to be around, but that she was still learning to trust her own judgment again. How could she trust anything after she had married a monster without seeing what he was. That she had not dated, at all since Gavin. That there were triggers to her trauma that she didn’t even know about because she hadn’t even wanted to date anyone, until him. That she was excited and thrilled and happy to be here with him. “I believe you,” she hoped, some how, those three words conveyed what she wasn’t able to express.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo said “Good. And I am smiling.” and he was. He took a breath and then said “Caitlyn… I told you that I am an empath. That part of me can sense what you are feeling. I do not, not will I, use that ability to pry or to monitor you. But… your emotions are like body language to me. It is part of the conversation when we speak. I have trained very hard to keep my abilities under control and to use them minimally. But they are still there. So in the interests of clarity and open, honest communication… I want you to know I can feel what you feel. Not as intently as if I fully opened that connection, but I can feel the hesitation tied to the past… and I do not begrudge you that hesitation. I can also feel that you are happy to be here… happy to be with me. And that means a great deal to me. I want you to feel comfortable. To feel safe. Because you are. On that I give you my word.” He took a breath. “If there is ever anything you want to say to me, but cannot put it into words, simply tell me to feel you. That will tell me more than anything. Is that acceptable to you?”

Hyrushi

She didn’t answer right away. She was thinking over everything he said. There was no worry or uneasy over what he said he could do. It seemed a simple solution to what could sometimes seem an insurmountable obstacle. She was certainly willing to try. If they were to continue for any length of time, his ability to feel her feelings was a part of him. She would never accept only a part of him. “It is. That… that actually makes me feel… more confident.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Hyrushi exhaled slightly and said “Then that is how we shall proceed. Now… dinner. I am going to prepare the maki rolls first. They will have tuna, scallion, cucumber, and avocado wrapped in nori, and the sushi rice will be on the outside. It will be topped with masago. The other roll is spicy scallop. First I am slicing the cucumber.” She could hear the sound of his knife on the cutting board. It sounded sure, precise, and oddly proficient.

The sound of the knife slicing through the cucumber and the crisp thunk as it touched the board was a pleasant sound for Caitlyn. It brought back memories, pleasant ones from when she started school. She’d loved to cook, but she hadn’t been a chef yet. She’d watched with fascination the way the master chefs had wielded their knives with such speed and precision. “A Teppanyaki chef came to the Academy once and taught us about turning cooking into a performance. That a culinary experience wasn’t just about the flavor of the final dish, but the experience from choosing the ingredients all the way to the final taste.”

As he made the rolls, he told her step by step what he was doing. He told her he had made the sushi rice with rice vinegar, the traditional way. As he prepared pieces, he offered Caitlyn samples of the ingredients. Slightly hesitant at first, he fed her just as he had the first time; each time his touch lingering just long enough to convey his growing attraction to her. Not in a carnal sense, either. He was intrigued by her… she impressed him, and that far more than just surface beauty. She possessed a strength that he wasn’t sure she was aware of. And despite her past, perhaps even ‘to’ spite it, she was there… in his home… in his kitchen… eating food he had prepared specifically for her. And none of that was lost on Kenzo.

Hyrushi

She listened intently as he told her how he was preparing the food. She asked questions and commented. She could discuss food and culinary arts for days without end, but she enjoyed just having a conversation with him more. She found herself anticipating each time he prepared a new piece, knowing he was going to offer. She felt giddy and told herself she was being silly, but that feeling didn’t go away. There was an intimacy, much deeper than the physical, teasing at forming. It urged her to be breathless and tugged a private smile to her lips.

She liked him. He was reserved without being secretive, and didn’t mind that she was as well. He didn’t push for details she wasn’t ready to express. If he was curious about what had happened to her, it wasn’t the morbid twisted type of curiosity of people who thrived on the pain of others. He was formal, but not in a standoffish way. She had a sense of respect from him. There was also a softening of those formalities as well that made her heart race. She wondered what he would be like if he was ever comfortable enough to let go of the formality and completely relax around her.

Her arms were folded in front of her on the edge of the counter as she listened to him move around the kitchen. She was not quite lost in her thoughts when her comm went off. It startled her, she’d forgotten about it and checking in. She flushed, amused and surprised at herself. She quietly and quickly replied, and then thought it would be a good idea to let Capall know, if it was alright with him and not inconvenient, that she would be later than she expected. A couple extra hours.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Capall replied that that would be fine, and in fact to just call when she was ready; the time didn’t matter. As long as she was comfortable… and she always had someone a simple comm away.

Capall McKenzie

She thanked him, told him she was comfortable, and promised to tell him when she was ready to leave.

Kenzo remained silent while she sent and recieved her messages. When she finished, he said “I trust you have found no reason to ask to be extracted? I know the wasabi is powerful, but I didn’t think I had used that much.” The soft smile on his face was audible in his speech.

Hyrushi

Laughter bubbled out of her. “No. No, not at all. The opposite in fact.” She took a sip of her wine. “And I had to apologize. I forgot to check in.” A testament to how comfortable she felt.

“Please do not feel that you have to excuse yourself to make a call going forward.” Kenzo said as he began to roll the maki together. “I was assuming that you would have a safety plan in place. I would expect nothing less.”

“Your understanding is a balm, Kenzo. So many people don’t understand, or they don’t want to.” She turned the stem of the wine glass in her fingers. “It becomes instinct. You don’t even think about it. How can you leave without drawing attention, or without being seen by the person your with. To judge people that happen to glance your way or get to close or just trying to be friendly. Sometimes things trigger that instinct and you have to go. There is no controlling or calming. Whether there is truly a need to run or not. It’s primal, necessary, you won’t survive if you don’t listen to it.” She sipped her wine delicately. “Some of us never lose that hyperaware fight or flight response.” This was easy to say, to explain. Caitlyn had walked many people through understanding these reactions in themselves and in loved ones. It was easier to step back a bit.

“As for the wasabi, I enjoy spicy food. I will admit that, though, that wasabi is something I have only ever been able to tolerate in small amounts. After that my nose runs, my eyes weep, and I sneeze. But I enjoy the added complexity the wasabi offers.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Wasabi is one of my favorite flavors. I am very fortunate that I have a cousin whose family grows wasabi; so what you will have tonight is real Japanese wasabi, not replicator or green horseradish.” he said with a chuckle. Suddenly the sounds of the preparations ceased, like everything had gone silent… but the soft music could still be heard.

Hyrushi cleared his throat. “I just realized something. I believe that I have smiled and laughed more in the hour that you have been here than I have since my arrival on Oed.” It was no secret that Hyrushi had a reputation for being extremely reserved… some even call him ‘cold’. That reputation was pervasive in the articles written about him. It didn’t help that he was also very private. As much as the paparazzi was active on Oed V, there was almost nothing about Hyrushi’s personal life on any net or in any vid. Speculation was rampant, of course: He owned over a billion acres of land on Oed. He used his position to give the Orion Syndicate eyes and ears inside the government. He was actually a lab grown sentience. He was a Maquis assassin during the war. And Kenzo’s own personal favorite: he was secretly three different people. He looked at Caitlyn and said softly “Thank you for that. Because it is because of you.” and the sounds of preparation began again.

Hyrushi

Caitlyn seemed to study him, but really she was just pondering his words and listening as he began to cook again. “Thank you for telling me. I’m glad you are enjoying the evening.” That had to be a revelation for him, and another to share it when he was not accustomed to sharing. “It’s the same for me. It has been a long time since I have felt so light.”

She leaned forward on her arms, towards him. She paused a moment, waiting to make sure he wasn’t cutting anything. “Does that mean I’m ruining your reputation?” She was teasing him again.

Caitlyn

“As it is just you and I here, I can simply deny the fact that I have the ability to smile.” he said and deftly cut the rolls into equal pieces. He then put the various sashimi on a plate and then he said “Alright. Dinner is ready. I will guide you to patio and come back for the food.” He came around the island, taking off the apron as he did so, and said “I’m going to take your hand now.”, which he did and set it on his arm.

Hyrushi

She slipped off the stool, but she made no offer to move yet. His proximity made her feel precarious in a most delightful way. He made her feel exhilarated and soothed. For one still moment she just desired to stand next to him. Then time seemed to start again; her fingers tightened gently on his arm. Her other hand carefully reached for and picked up her glass, so that he could guide her to the patio.

Caitlyn

He set his other hand on hers and guided her, noticably slower, to the patio. The touch of their hands sent bursts of electrivity through his hand and made his heartbeat thud loudly in his ears. As they stepped on the patio overlooking the garden, he said “The chair is in front of you and to your right.”, his words somewhat soft as he slowly guided her hand to the back of the chair. “Please allow me.” he said softly and he took the glass from her hand and set it on the table.

It wasn’t only Kenzo who was feeling the sparks. It made her feel breathless even as she told herself not to be silly. That didn’t stop how she walked closer to him, more like an escort rather than a guide. Her thumb rubbed slowly against the side of his hand that rested over hers as they walked. His hand on her back sent warm waves up her back. She moved around the chair slowly letting his hand linger. It was surprising and delightful how at ease she was with the contact.

He waited for her to step in front of the chair and then helped her sit by putting his hand again gently on the small of her back before helping slide the chair forward. His touched her shoulder slightly and said “I will be back in a moment.” and he walked back inside.

“Alright,” she said quietly. She listened for his footsteps, to the music, the sound of the water in the garden. The scent was delightful and the sent of the candles reminded her this was a date, and she flushed sitting alone at the table.

A minute later, he returned with three platters; one in each hand and the third balanced on his forearm. Het set the soup down first and then the two chiller-platters that would keep the sushi cool. He took his seat across from her and said “Would you care for sake?”

Hyrushi

He had only been gone a moment, but his return caused a noticeable relaxing of her emotions. There was of course the pleasure of his company, but he could tell she really struggled with being alone. She had learned to accept it, to navigate and function and be on her own, but the fear of being alone never really left her.

Her gaze turned toward him. The longer she was around him, the more accurate her sightless gaze became, though it was never exact. “I have actually never had sake, but I would like to try it.”

Caitlyn

He picked up the warmed bottle. “Sake is rice wine. Traditionally, it is served at body temperature so you are not distracted from the flavor by temperature.” He poured two small ceramic cups three-quarters full and set on in front of her amd then took her hand placed it on the cup.

Hyrushi

The cup felt delicate and small. Ceramic was sturdy but it could also be easily chipped or broken. Her fingers traced around the outside of the cup, determining if it was smooth or embellished. “Is there a traditional toast before drinking Sake, or does one just drink?” Caitlyn loved food, to try new things, experiment with flavors and textures and combinations. She also loved the tradition and customs that went into food.

Caitlyn

“In Japan, one would take great pains to not touch their drink before everyone at the table has had their cup filled. We can put a checkmark on that.” and he smiled. “Once all the cups are filled, one person says ‘乾杯’ (Kanpai), then everyone else at the table repeats it, and then we drink. So… KANPAI!” he said with vigor.

Hyrushi

“Kanpai!” There was laughter in her voice, but it was clearly driven by delight. She lifted the cup and drank. Cautiously, and just enough to experience the flavor. She was quiet a moment, indulging the experience. She set her cup down. “That is quite surprising. Most fruit wines are served chilled or room temperature to bring out the flavor. I wasn’t sure what to expect when you said it was warmed to body temperature. It’s very smooth, and the warmth extends the essence. Thank you for sharing.”

Caitlyn

“Thank you for coming.” Kenzo said sincerely. “Now then… do you want to use chopsticks, a fork, or your fingers? I won’t be offended by any of those.” and he chuckled. “Or we could repeat the sampling in the kitchen.”

Hyrushi

Heat rushed from her stomach, up her neck to settle in her cheeks. She wanted to say yes. She really wanted to say yes. There was also hesitation. She didn’t want to examine the reason for it, not here, not with him. She wanted it to stay in the past. She reminded herself that the only question that mattered was if she felt uncomfortable and the answer was a resounding ‘no’. “I can use chopsticks, but I wouldn’t mind continuing to sample.”

Caitlyn

Hyrushi’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. “Very well… as my guest it is my duty to make sure you are happy, so sampling it will be.” The sound of his chair sliding across the tile was heard, and then there was some kind of ‘adjustment’ made to the seating. Rather than sitting across from her, Kenzo moved to the side of the table diagonal from her… not next to her, but much closer. “There. Now I will not have to reach across the table. I hope that is acceptable for you.” he said softly.

“I do not mind if you sit closer.” Caitlyn was surprised at herself. She could brush it off that she was teasing, but they would both know she was not. She really should be more cautious, but nothing about him put her on edge.

“First, the miso.” Kenzo said and moved something on the table. “If I may be so bold…” he said, and reached and took her hand in his. He started moving it to the bowl but he stopped suddenly. He held her hand motionless for a moment and then said “I very much enjoy holding your hand. And that is very strange to me. I have not been… drawn… to anyone like this in a very long time. I just wanted to be honest and open with you so you can understand what I am thinking and feeling.” and then he set her hand against the side of the bowl; the warmth of the miso almost overshadowed by the warmth from his hand.

Hyrushi

“I enjoy it as well, and it is strange for me as well. It has been… a long time.” She paused considering what she wanted to say. “I will be equally honest, and say I welcome you holding my hand anytime you want.” She was flustered, unused to being so open, and flustered by feelings she hadn’t had in almost a decade. “I suppose it is difficult for you to truly want to … or able to be close to people. Never knowing if it is you or your office they are drawn to, or does being an empath help sort that out? I’m sorry if that’s rude or too personal. I have met telepaths, but never really known them.” His hand was warm and the bowl was as well. She tried not to think too much and just experience it. The warmth and the sparks.

Caitlyn

“No, that is not rude or personal at all.” Hyrushi said. “Let us eat, and talk, and after we are done I will escort you back inside and we can discuss what it means to be an empath and also what it means for someone… spending time… with one. And I will answer any questions you have. Now then…”and he half-filled the wide, deep spoon “… miso. Although this may be better suited for you to eat yourself.” and he chuckled softly.

Hyrushi

She went absolutely still, she didn’t even breathe. Physically she was much like a statue, but inside was the exact opposite. There was chaos and turmoil. Remembered pain and terror. Her mind wouldn’t work, so she could realize it was just a horrible memory. She simply felt the instinct to run, but she knew that would only bring more pain. So she sat utterly still and expressionless.

As nothing happened, slowly her mind began to work, reminded her of where she was and who she was with. Embarrassment and shame joined the pain and terror. “I… I didn’t… I didn’t,” it was hard to get the words out and breathe. She could ask him to listen, but the memories were too awful. She hadn’t meant that he feed her. Though she slowly realized it had sounded that way. “I meant… I… I’m not… I don’t…” She had to breathe so she could explain. She had wanted to hold on to the closeness that had been created while he let her sample his cooking. She was embarrassed by her mistake, but it wasn’tthat bad. What was awful was she had triggered herself and he would probably apologize again. She was achingly ashamed.

Caitlyn

Kenzo paused, his black eyes locked onto her unseeing ones. He remained still, silent… letting her feel the emotions that sprang up in her even though they were painful. As the emotions in her began to spiral from fear to shame to embarrassment, he reached forward with his mind and drew the shame and embarrassment away from her. Always wary if imposing his feelings on another, for a rare moment he also allowed her to feel him. His patience… undertanding… his desire for her to be safe and comfortable with him… and most importantly his desire to not impose himself upon her in any way. All of that flowed slowly from him and into her mind even as the shame and fear was absorbed into him and his skin began to grow red and small blisters began to form on the palms and backs of his hands. He gritted his teeth, set his hand wordlessly on her shoulder-careful to not let her feel the blisters- and then stood and moved back to the other side of the table. He didn’t apologize, didn’t give clichéd platitudes or inquires. He simply asked “Are you alright, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi

She felt a sense of calm and patience and safety. From… somehow she knew it was Kenzo. Then there was that draining away of the fear and shame and pain. It was shocking in a way that drew her attention, stopped the chaos. She breathed deeply once, twice, and a third time.

His hand was gone before she could reach for it. She heard him move back around the table with regret. Had she offended him? Had she ruined what had been such an amazing evening? She took another slow breath.

“Yes… I am. Just bad memories. My apologies, Kenzo.” Her face turned toward his voice. “When… I said I would like to continue to sample, I did not consider how that sounded. How it would proceed. I simply, only considered that I wished to continue the closeness, the intimacy that was beginning. I did not know I would react that way. Please know it was nothing you did or did not do. I did this to myself, and I am deeply sorry for disrupting our meal.” Her regret was palatable. She knew what she reacted but it was too shameful to explain. “Thank you for helping me,” for taking away the pain and fear.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“You did no such thing.” Kenzo said flatly. “None of that. You did not do that to you. What you have suffered, and survived, did that. And that was not your doing. That responsibility lies solely at the feet of Mr. Menton. And neither our evening nor our meal is disrupted. And I only moved to give you your space so you can find your balance again… not because I wanted to. Quite the opposite, actually.” He silently lifted the chilled sake bottle up and cradled it in his hands, the chill permeating his burned and blistered hands.

Hyrushi

His words, the tone of his voice, the finality and validity spoken as if gospel. Nothing could contradict it. She smiled, “You are used to getting your way, Kenzo. However, you are correct.” It was hard to remember sometimes, even now after so long. She didn’t wish to dwell on it. It was just a moment in an otherwise amazing evening. She reached for the bowl of miso and gently placed it in front of herself. She lifted the spoon, one hand held under it incase she had over filled the spoon and brought it to her mouth. It was warm and the tofu was smooth and the miso infused perfectly as the broth. “This is extremely good, Kenzo. Did your grandmother teach you to make it?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“No. I never knew her… or either of my father’s parents, actually.” he said. “One of my cousins taught me. Her mother and my grandmother were quite close.” Again, pause. “And yes, I am. But I hope you do not take that as me being conceited or selfish. I simply tend to state truths that others may try to shy away from or sugar-coat. That, to me, is a waste of time and leads to miscommunication. If I say something that I know to be true, I will say it the plainest possible language so as to keep the miscommunication to a minimum. And I also tend to plan things in a way that ensures the greatest chance of success. For myself and those around me… or in my care.”

Hyrushi

“It’s wonderful that someone was able to pass that down. It’s like a piece of those people live on each time the food is served.” She waited in the pause, having already figured out he was careful with how he chose his words. His last words filled her with a pleasant warmth. “No. You don’t come across as selfish or conceited. Your words are never harsh or cruel. Personally, I find your directness reassuring.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

There was a soft chuckle and Kenzo said “Oh, I would not be so brazen as to say ‘never’. There is a time and place for directness and plain talk to carry with it a promise that the words are intended to be remembered.” and he chuckled again. “Although I do not ever see that being the case in speaking with you. Tellerites, yes. Zaldans especially. But not you.” A sudden thought occured to him. “I have a question. Without your sight, how do you know what species you are speaking to? I would imagine that was not so much a problem on Earth; but here it will be a much more prominent need.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn chuckled, “Well in the case of Tellarites and Zaldans it is not cruel or unnecessary, but a necessary form of clear communication.” She ate from her bowl while she considered his question. “On my own, I can’t. Before I went to the House I met many species, but I could see then. Over the years we have sheltered as many people from other species as we have humans. In those cases there was a file, or a call from a contact that would have that information. And of course there is Ashran and Marissa, Kelsey, and Paul of course. They tell me. But on my own, the only way I can know is to ask. So I do. Sometimes people understand why I ask and others are insulted before they realize. But the only way I can know is to be told. Even if they aren’t speaking Standard is not an indication because so many people are multi-lingual.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“And Universal Translators can take away the subtle word usage that tends to give linguistic cues.” he added and took a sip of the soup. “This always reminds me of Kyoto. That is where I went to university the first time. There was a ramen restaurant across from the campus and they had the closest thing to this miso I have ever had outside of a family kitchen.”

Hyrushi