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 (21) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Have you ever wanted to find your uncle? I will say that some of the best friends I have ever had were my cousins.” he asked. “I have not met any representatives of your clan… at least, not yet. I have a meeting scheduled with Lord Michael McKenzie tomorrow. I understand he is some kind of musician and only recently took over as the leader of your clan. Is that correct?”

Hyrushi

“I haven’t met him yet. He’s a McKenzie. The Edmans are a clan from Norway and the McKenzies are from Scotland. My understanding is the two clans have quite a long history. I know Lady Revna. She,” she paused for just a breath, “she is the one who brought me to the House. She was my counselor when I was in the hospital. I am not clear on the details, but there was some turmoil within the McKenzies that climaxed after Revna and Michael married. Ragna was badly hurt during it. Michael is the eldest and heir. He was also a punk musician with Government Kills before all of that. They had a very popular song… ‘FedSec Fascists.’ Capall and Runa speak very highly of him. Capall and Seamus are his cousins, but they are closer like brothers. Those three married the three Edman sisters. Revna is the oldest and heir. When they married, Lord Cuyler and Lady Helka, and Lady Tara stepped down from leading the clans. You said Seamus McKenzie was on your cabinet. You haven’t met him yet?” She hadn’t either. He had a fearsome reputation. She was a bit nervous to meet him. Then again she was nervous about meeting most new people, though she did it anyway.

Caitlyn

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet; but he comes extremely well recommended.” Kenzo said . “His knowledge of conservation and ecological protection program design and overall biome sustainability is some of the highest I have ever seen. The Federation Terraforming Council has tried to bring hom on for almost a decade and he always refuses them; so his applying for the position here is quite the boon for Oed V.” Hyrushi said with no small amount of pride in his voice. “I actually saw a vid of him from several years ago. I don’t know if you were aware, but Mr. McKenzie fought for months to prevent a proposed government development. He made no progress whatsoever. However, upon hearing that Parliament was going to approve a measure to destroy a partivular old-growth forest in order to build government facilities, he marched into Parliament carrying a traditional Scottish sword and stood on the floor of rhe House of Cimmons before the entirety of the assembled politicians and said, and I will never forget this, ‘I swear by the blood and bones of my ancestors laid to rest in that land centuries ago that if you touch one… just one… tree or blade of grass I will kill you all.’” and Kenzo chuckled. “He was, of course, arrested immediately and spent 90 days in jail. But to his credit not a single ‘Aye’ vote was cast and the measure failed spectacularly.” and he chuckled again. “I have to say, that is a very ‘Oedian’ approach.” and then he laughed. “As to the song, I am afraid my exposure to ‘punk rock’ is very limited. I don’t believe I have ever heard the song before. Have you?”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn grinned, “That sounds like something Ragna, his wife, would do. A matched pair there, I guess.” She picked up her cup and took a sip. “I have. Not my type of music at all. But we had a Resident once who was escaping from a crooked politician. Apparently their music resonated with her because she would blare it from her room all hours of the day.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“While I am not familiar with that musical genre, I do have a great deal of respect for the overall message of the movement.” Kenzo said thoughtfully. “And I am glad that the music offered solace to someone when they needed it.” He looked at their bowls and said “Oh, I’m sorry. We have finished our soup. Are you ready for the next course, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi

“Yes, please. Thebsoup was very good. My compliments to you and your grandmother.” She set her spoon in the bowl. “Music has a way of doing that. I have a great respect for composers of any genre. They are able to express for others what may be trapped and locked deep inside and don’t know how to express. The right piece of music can release that. It’s a gift.”

Caitlyn

Plates moved around on the table and Kenzo said “Well I am not certain that I want to meet someone who needs a song entitled ‘FedSec Fascists’ to unlock whatever is bothering them” and he chuckled. “Now then, the sashimi is closet to you. I recommend eating that first; before you try the rolls. Chopsticks are by your right hand. Wasabi and ginger are in the center of your plate.”.

Kenzo

“Well maybe not,” she agreed with a grin, “but when that person has been targeted by a corrupt politician, you can understand how the music resonates with them.” She listened as he described where everything was. She picked up the chopsticks, holding them expertly; she clicked them together once and then twice to make sure she had them positioned correctly. She used them a little unconventionally at first, poking the sashimi with them, but careful not to stab the fish. She was judging the sizes of the pieces so she could pick them up and be balanced on the chopsticks and not tumble off. She tried the first piece without anything. She chewed the piece thoroughly letting the flavor of the fish fill her palette. She didn’t need to say anything, the look on her face made it quite clear she enjoyed it. “Delightful. Do you recommend the wasabi with sashimi? I’ve only ever used it on rolls.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo thought for a moment and then said “I think gauging how much wasabi you are picking up will be difficult. With your permission, I can add a touch to the soy sauce and you can just dip your chopsticks in that, then pick up whatever you like. Would that work for you?”

Hyrushi

It was difficult with out specific measuring spoons or cups to gauge amount, especially with chopsticks. It was more of a visual decision. Caitlyn could figure it out, or oay the cost of too much wasabi, but his offer was very thoughtful. “Yes, thank you, Kenzo. That would be helpful.” She rested the sticks on the pillow, she remembered the word meant pillow, but not the correct Japanese term, and moved her arm out of the way.

“Where did you learn to make sushi?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He chuckled softly and said “From Ms. Fen, actually. About a year ago. I mentioned in passing that I missed having authentic sushi. She made several concerted efforts to get suppliers of the ingredients and then taught me.” As he spoke, he mixed in a small amount of wasabi into the small dish of soy sauce. He made sure it mixed thoroughly and then said “There. That should work for you.” He took a drink and then said “Now I make it every few weeks. It helps me feel less… disconnected… from my people on Earth.”

Hyrushi

Retrieving her chopsticks, Caitlyn dipped them in the soy sauce and took another piece of the sashimi. It was just enough to know the wasabi was there, but not over power with heat. The flavor was earthy and added a zing to the flavor of the fish. “Thank you, that was just enough.” She picked up her cup and took a drink. “What else do you do to stay connected?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He chewed thoughtfully for a moment and then said “I maintain my family’s dedication to Shinto. I train in kyūdō and jujutsu in a dojo I have on the other side of the garden. And I spend some time doing shodo… japanese calligraphy.” He looked at her for a long time and then asked “Do you have any hobbies, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi

She dabbed her mouth with a napkin before speaking. “My pottery of course. I still cook and bake some. I help in the garden, though it’s hard to do on my own. Hiking, camping. When I was a kid, I used to volunteer at the animal shelter. I’d like to do that again. I enjoy reading when I can find books in braille.” She ate for a moment. “I enjoy classical music, and have thought about learning to play.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Well, the Oed library system is very proactive in maintaining texts that are accessible to all. I don’t think you will have an issue.” Kenzo said. “What instrument would you like to learn?” he asked and took a bite.

Hyrushi

“I see a trip to the library in my very near future.” She thought about everything else she needed to do, “Well, maybe in a couple of weeks.” She deftly lifted the last of her sashimi. She savored it: the flavors and texture and aroma of the soy and wasabi. “I think a string instrument. I love the sounds that come from them and the vibrations and tremble. They are my favorite sounds in the orchestra. Do you play at all?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo chuckled as he took his last bite. “Oh no.” he said and then took a drink of sake. “I am about as musically inclined as that red clam sashimi.” He looked at the plates and said “Well, it appears we have concluded the dinner portion of the evening. Would you care to take a walk? Or would you prefer to go inside and talk?”

Hyrushi

Setting down her chopsticks on the rest, Caitlyn considered. It was hard to believe he had such a garden this many stories up. She would like to experience it again, but the other option was much more tempting. “Just a short walk and then we could go inside?”

“Of course.” and he stood and walked around the table. “I’m going to take your hand and help you up, if I may.” and he set his hand on hers and held it while she stood.

“Dinner was excellent, Kenzo, and your company delightful.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He set her hand on his arm and said “I cannot remember having a better dining companion.” He led her across the patio and into the garden. As they moved into the bamboo, he said “Caitlyn… may I please say that I have enjoyed this evening immensely. And if it is not too forward of me, I would like to ask you for another dinner; if you are so inclined.”

Kenzo

She set both her hands together on his arm, which had the effect of allowing them to walk slightly closer together. “If you are being forward, then I will as well. I am elated that you want to have dinner again, and I am very much inclined to accept.” They walked for a moment in silence. “I will be bluntly honest, Kenzo, and admit that I did not expect to enjoy this evening as much as I have.” She squeezed his arm warmly. “Not that I thought it would be awful, far from it. I expected it to be much more awkward and difficult I guess. Not because of you, but because it is a first in my new life.” Her face turned towards him, “but it was not. It has been very comfortable and relaxing. That is because of you.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He stopped their walking and looked at her. “Caitlyn, I…” and his voice trailed off for a moment. “I enjoy your company. More than I anticipated even after lunch yesterday. I am comfortable with you, as well. Very much so. I am just… concerned… that the obstacles to privacy associated with my office will prove to be burdensome to you. And that is that last thing I wish to be.”

Hyrushi

Curiousness crossed her face and emotions as he paused. She listened thoughtfully. Caitlyn was concerned as well, but there was a gentle spark of affection lit by his concern for her. “It is true that I have lived in hidding for many years. First out of necessity for my survival, and then because I needed to heal. Along the way, I made the House my home. I want to help others the way I was helped.” She paused. “Nothing about coming to Oed was ever going to be easy. If I wanted that, I could have stayed on Earth and continued to assist there.”

“There is a time for hiding, for waiting, for hidden healing, but life will always change. That is the only constant. Whether by choice or outside circumstances we are drawn back into life. We can embrace it and adapt to the burdens, or the struggle will destroy us.” She squeezed his arm again. She was nervous and there was a thread of anxiousness, and worry of rejection. She was also genuineand earnest. “At the risk of being far to forward, I would like to face those obstacles and burdens that an acquaintance… a relationship with you might bring. I don’t expect it will be easy for either of us.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi was an individual of unflappable stoicism and who possessed a ‘poker face’ that any gambler would kill for. He had sat motionless with a blank expression as his very life was being determined on more than one occasion; and he had never so much as flinched. ‘Nonplussed’ was the default emotional state he existed in. So to say that her honesty and directness surprised him was an understatement akin to saying ‘Ferengi like latinum.’ He stood immobile and silent for a long time… not because he was thinking; but because he couldn’t. No words came to him, no thought… for once his mind went completely silent.

He finally regained his composure enough to say “I apologize, Caitlyn… it has been a number of years since I have been so… so… pleasantly surprised.” He took both of her hands in his own and said “I believe I, too, would like to face those obstacles… with you. I do not expect to be easy or always comfortable either; but I believe that even the possibility of this is worth the investment and attention it will garner.” He gently squeezed her hands and then said “And when you are ready, but at no point before, I believe I would like very much to kiss you. Please let me know when that would be acceptable to you.”

Hyrushi

He was silent much longer than normal, long enough Caitlyn began to worry she had been too direct, too honest. Well, better to know now than later. However, when he spoke, it was obvious she had simply surprised him. She let out a breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding. She didn’t know if it would work out for either or both of them, but she very much wanted to find out. She started to speak when he squeezed her hands, but his next statements left her stunned. The shock on her face was obvious by the small ‘o’ shape of her mouth that replaced the gentle smile. Her emotions and her mind went still and blank. They simply couldn’t process forward for a long moment. When they did, she was flustered but also exhilarated by the thought. She was also suddenly warm from the blush that rushed to her face.

“O… okay.” She almost groaned. That sounded as if she was agreeing right then. Maybe she was. She certainly wouldn’t object, but she was honest enough with herself to realize she might not quite be ready for that. What if she reacted badly, like she had earlier to something so simply? Something that hadn’t bothered her only minutes before? She would be far too ashamed to ever see him again. She had been certain she had, at the very least, put him off. He hadn’t minded, in fact, he wanted to see her again anyway. “I… I mean… I will.”

Caitlyn

“Good. Then it is something look forward to.” he said and then set her hand on his arm and they began to walk, albeit much more leisurely. “And while I appreciate the fact that you are least tempted now, I am looking forward to the moment when you are confident the gesture is the right one for you… and I.”

Kenzo

“Am I so obvious?” She was slightly embarrassed, but she was more thrilled that she was relaxed enough with him that her emotions to showed. It only reiterated that she would take the opportunity to know him better. There was a twinge of doubt. What if she never knew when it was right? That was an obstacle for another day.

Caitlyn

He chuckled and said “Empath. I could feel you want to for a moment… even if it was fleeting.” He paused their walk and then said “I am usually much more… reserved… about feeling the emotions of others. However I find it harder to not want to feel you. So some of what I sense is the… the… bleed through of what you feeling.”

Hyrushi