Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in A Not So Surprising Visit

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in A Not So Surprising Visit

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in A Not So Surprising Visit
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Three days. It was exactly three days before Caitlyn built up the nerve to go see Kenzo at his office. The evening of their date had been an emotional night for her once she got home. Not in a bad way, but so many things had been brought up and it was emotional.

The first day she was far too busy in the work going on with the clan. Devlin took her and Ashran with Lord and Lady McKenzie to pick a spot for the House. They finally decided on a location and Ashran and Paul worked with Ragna to get the paperwork prepared to submit to the building inspector for the buildings and location. Caitlyn helped set up more of their camping facilities and the power, water, and waste grids were being extended and laid out for the first set of houses. That night she decided she could not go the next day. She simply could not bring Ms Fen something store or bakery bought. If the woman knew who she was, it was an absolute insult. BUT Caitlyn didn’t know how to make mochi.

The second day she dragged Marissa with her to every grocer they could find within 4 city blocks. She spent the rest of the day baking. What most people didn’t realize was that Caitlyn was a very successful pastry chef. It was secondary to the other cooking she did, but she excelled at it, and had won awards. Ragna took her to her and Seamus’ house and let her cook there. Caitlyn hadn’t made anything like what she made that day, in a very long time, but it seemed she remembered, and only needed a little assistance. That night she was made into a breathing pin cushion. Alathide was making her a dress for the symphony. She’d asked Revna about taking her to find something and dealing with the press. It had come out that she’d joked about wearing orange and pantone swirl. Alathide refused to use pantone, but she had a beautiful soft orange peach fabric and a stunning papaya as well. If the governor thought she would be gorgeous in that ugly combination, Alathide was going to assist in the effort to make the man speechless.

The third day, Runa was going to the government tower to speak to Director Enger, and so she urged Caitlyn to go ahead and take up the governor’s office to visit. After all those pastries would only stay fresh for so long. Caitlyn hemmed and hawed over it, but had no good reason not to go. So she worried over her clothes, and other trivial matters, before she got in the shuttle with Runa.

Kenzo could feel Caitlyn’s nervousness as Runa guided her into the building and through security.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Ms. Fen, Ms. Dillon is arriving.” Hyrushi said. “Please show her in as soon as she arrives.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“Of course, Governor.” she replied. “And please remember your meeting with the Budgetary Comittee in an hour.” She then looked at the lift doors as the slid open.

Dorma Fen, Governor’s Aide

The doors to the express lift slid open and there stood Ms Dillon with Dr McKenzie the new director of Early Education. Runa whispered to Caitlyn who shook her head, but she didn’t move. She was too nervous. Runa smiled gently, tucked Caitlyn’s hand onto her arm and guided her toward Ms Fen’s desk. They paused in front of it. “And here is Ms Fen’s desk half a meter in front of you. I’m just a comm away if you need anything.” She patted Caitlyn’s hand covertly and with a polite nod and smile to Ms Fen, she turned and got back on the lift.

“Good day, Ms Fen,” Caitlyn greeted with a smile, though she was nervous and wondered if this had been a good idea at all. Then she remembered the boxes in the bag she carried. This she could do. “I understand that you kept my secret though you had no reason to do so. Your discretion was an unexpected gift. I wanted to thank you.” She set a professional pastry box on her desk. Inside was a dozen, made from scratch blood orange eclairs with a dark chocolate ganache topping.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Dorma’eyes widened in surprise. “Ms. Dillon, you really shouldn’t have. These look and smell exquisite.” She leaned in and smelled them. “Wonderful… wait. Is that rose water I smell?” she asked with genuine curiosity. It was obvious from that single question Ms. Fen was not only knowledgeable, but also at least moderately talented.

Dorma Fen, Governor’s Aide

Caitlyn smiled but shook her head, “Almost. It’s Frosted Ricceasia water. It’s an Andorian flower that they use almost in the same way. I like the way it bridges the acidity of the blood orange and the sweetness of the dark chocolate better than Rose Water. I do hope you enjoy them.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Dorma smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Dillon. It is a wonderful gift. One I am sure the Governor told you to bring.” The smile on her face was audible. “He also told me a few days ago that you are to be granted access at any time you need to speak to him. Please do go in.” She pressed the icon on her desk and the door to the office swung open. “The door is eight feet to your right.”

Dorma Fen, Governor’s Aide

“Thank you, Ms. Fen.” She reached in her bag for her cane. Concentrating on moving through the space stopped her from blushing and front talking herself out of being there. She extended the cane and made her way towards the open doors.

Hyrushi walked to the door and said “Ms. Dillon. Welcome. If I may.” and he took her hand and placed it on his arm. “Please come in.” he said and he guided her to the seating area in the spacious office. As the doors swung closed, he helped her sit in one of the comfortable chairs and he said “I am very happy to see you. I have to say, our last evening has been on my mind a great deal.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The cane disappeared as he took her hand. “Yes, thank you, Governor.” The immediate release of tension and nervousness, and flood of comfort and trust at his presence was obvious to him. She sat, setting her bag by her feet, but she held onto his hand for just a moment longer. “I am happy to be here with you. It has been on mine as well. I’m not um interrupting anything?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Nothing that cannot wait. I took the liberty of preparing some tea, if you would care for some. I believe that this time we may actually be able to finish it before it goes cold.” and he smiled at her, taking care to allow her to feel his joy and pleasure at seeing her.

Hyrushi, Governor

She caught her breath slightly as his emotions touched her. It was still a very new and strange experience. Caitlyn had entertained the thought that she had imagined the clarity, the connection, of it. It was still as beautiful as before. Perhaps more so because he still wanted to connect with her.

“Tea would be lovely, thank you.” She leaned forward, reaching for her bag. “I don’t know how well this will pair with your tea.” She took a second bakery box out and held it out to him. “I couldn’t bring something for Ms. Fen and not you. You are the entire reason I am here after all.”

Inside was a small, slightly bigger than an individual serving, dish. She remembered he said he wasn’t overly fond of sweets. “It’s a brandied mango bread pudding.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo poured tea as she spoke and then opened the box. “Oh my… that looks absolutely delicious.” He reached in and pinched just a bit off the top and tasted it. His eyes widened slightly in surprise at the burst of flavor and he said “And appearances are nott decieving. That is wonderful. I look forward to enjoying it after lunch.” He set the cup in front of her and said “Your tea is directly in front of you.” It was an aromatic green tea with some kind of floral scent and a touch of honey. Kenzo watched her closely as she reached for the cup.

Hyrushi, Governor

“I’m glad you like it.” The pleasure at his compliment was delightful. She reached for the cup. Her fingers delicate and careful, feeling foe the size, shape, and handle. She grasped it and sat back. “It’s been a long time since I experimented or made anything new. It felt good to do so.” She inhaled the scent of the tea, her brown drawing together. Then she tasted it, twice. “This is very good. I don’t recognize the floral element. What is it?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo smiled. “A hybrid between Terran jasmine and Andorian rose.” he said. “I find it very calming and stimulating at the same time. It helps me focus throughout the day.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“It’s a very delicate flavor, and compliments the green tea well.” She took another sip, examining the flavor. “Andor has such a rich culinary palette. I love to use their herbs when I cook.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary