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 (37) 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

“I will ensure I have a selection on hand, then.” he said with a smile. He took a breath and then said “So have you decided when you would like me to come visit you? Or is that still being worked out?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Her brows went up. He would keep the spices she liked on hand? “Kenzo? Are you asking me to cook for you?”

He hadn’t been, but the idea did have it’s merits. “I think that would make for a lovely evening, if it interests you.” he said.

She thought about it, “I think I would enjoy that, but I don’t have a proper kitchen to use.” She had used Ragna and Seamus’ house but she couldn’t invite him to eat there. It wasn’t her home.

“You are welcome to use mine, of course. And I am very happy to assist as needed.” Kenzo said.

“I think that would work well. You can let me know when you would like to do that.”

“My kitchen is yours to commandeer whenever you would like.” he said with all sincerity.

Caitlyn laughed. “Oh, don’t say that. I might show up in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep.” She said it jesting, but she did have trouble sleeping some nights.

“Just call the lobby guard. They have instructions to grant you access.” he said flatly.

Surprise replaced the laughter and was followed by a warmth that flowed off of her. She didn’t know if she could be brave enough to just show up at his home because she had a whim to cook, but his matter of fact offer made her feel special.

She sipped her tea and smiled around the cup. He was eager to see her again. “Well there is the day after tomorrow. You are welcome to come after that, but a lot of heavy construction will be going on for several days. Then there is also two days after the symphony. Things will have calmed down a bit by then.” She bit her lip slightly and then said what she was thinking, “OR you could come both days.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo thought for a moment and then said “Day after tomorrow. Amd if you are so inclined after, then after the symphony. We could enjoy a proper night then, if you like. The media will have already started on the gossip by then, I’m afraid.”

Hyrushi, Governor

It did cause dread. Her previous encounters with the media had not been pleasant or even neutral. However she was also certain. She nodded, “I know. I still think it’s worth it.” Her expression turned curiously amused. “I am sure I would like to enjoy more time with you. However, I am curious what you consider a ‘proper night’?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“A more… customary… date. I pick you up. We, perhaps, enjoy some sort of entertainment. I then take you to dinner at a nice restaurant. Afterwards, perhaps we go for a walk or somewhere for a drink. Then I take you home and we stand outside your door and exchange awkward goodnights like we are fourteen year old children after a school dance.” and he laughed.

Kenzo

She laughed as well. The image he painted was amusing, but fluttered her stomach with anticipation. “Yes, that would be a very proper night. It sounds wonderful.” She lifted her cup to her lips in the following silence and drank. “Oh, you should know my dress is orange,” and she grinned.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Pantone swirl as well?” he asked with no hesitation. “I think I may have something that will compliment that.” he added with a smile. “And I must say that I am quite looking forward to it. Oh, I called the Symphony. We will be meeting the orchestra and conductor after the performance. I hope that you don’t mind.”

Hyrushi, Governor

She sat up, her eyes bright, “Really? Oh. Kenzo, that would be wonderful! What a lovely and unexpected surprise.”

She shook her head with a grin, “No, Alathide refused to use pantone. But I’m told it does have cream colored chiffon on it, and the sequins are also orange at the top and fade to cream at the bottom.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo smiled and said “Even without seeing it, I know you will be a vision, Caitlyn. And I cannot wait to see you wearing it.” He thought for a moment and then said “Dinner before or after?”

Kenzo

She felt like that 14 year old girl he described at the compliment, but also the feelings he was allowing her to share. She hoped it was as lovely as Alathide described. She very much wanted to look lovely for him.

The symphony would run late, and they were to meet the orchestra and conductor after. She didn’t want to rush that to make a reservation. “Before.”

Caitlyn

“Very well.” Kenzo agreed. The Symphony starts at eight. I do not want to rush through dinner; so may I pick you up at six? I will make a reservation for us at a quaint little place I have heard some of the staff and security personnel mention.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“Six o’clock will be just fine.” She pulled her comm out, the ear piece reading to her quietly. Then she typed for a moment, and his personal comm beeped. “The coordinates for the temporary landing pad we have set up.” The comm disappeared. “I am very much looking forward to the evening Kenzo.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He reached across the table and took her hand gently. “As am I, Caitlyn.” and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

Hyrushi, Governor

She smiled at him and returned the squeeze. “Well, we have the immediate future planned. Tell me what has been occupying you the last few days.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo smiled slightly and said “I have been working with the Federation Science Counsel to streamline the data analysis processes of the Vren issue. Politicians became involved and, as is typical for politicians, managed to take a straightforward exchange and make it so convoluted and difficult it stalled everything the exchange was about.” He leaned forward and stage-whispered “And even though I am one, I can’t stand politicians.” and he chuckled.

Hyrushi, Governor

“Oh dear,” but she couldn’t help but laugh with him a little. “It sounds like you may need a star system’s worth of your tea to get through the whole thing. You must have quite a headache.” She shook her head, “Things would be so much simpler if people kept their opinions to things they actually understood or had a stake in the outcome.” She shrugged a bit, “Though that’s not likely to ever happen.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“As long as there are politicians, there will be strife.” Kenzo said. “Although it does make for a certain level of job security.” and he chuckled dryly. “But it will get worked through. And even if it doesn’t, Oed will not stand by while those with no stake in the events make decisions. We will do what we can, when we can, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Kenzo

“That is all anyone can do. Plans only go so far, and there are too many variables to be able to control every situation. All we can do is determine what we will do in the moment. One of my most favorite people in history, Eleanor Roosevelt, said, ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift––that is why it is called the present.’ I always thought that was very insightful. If more people treated the present as a gift, people might be happier. I always tried to follow that advice.” Caitlyn was aware she struggled with that now. She never used to, but her past had made her wary of the present and what might happen later. But she worked hard to become that person again.

Caitlyn

Kenzo nodded slightly and then said “Well, she was certainly correct with regards to those days I have been able to spend time with you, Caitlyn.” From most, the words may have seemed to a ‘line’, but there was a sincerity in his tone that was conveyed even without him sharing his feelings with her.

Kenzo

“I’m glad.” Her smile was genuine and there was a great deal of affection in her. “You make it easy for me to remember how to enjoy living in the moment.” It was true and surprising and wonderful. “So, to go against such thoughts, I have a little planning in mind if I’m to cook for you. I can’t make sushi, but I’m decent in the kitchen. Make any request you’d like.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo thought for a moment and then said “Feel free to make whatever you wish. I would not call myself a true gourmet, but I do like many different foods.” He then chuckled. “Although I am also fairly certain that if I have the opportunity to work beside you in the kitchen before her, Ms. Fen will probably have my head for a trophy.” and he chuckled.

Kenzo

Her expression turned lighter. The smile and absolute playfulness coming off of her, transformed her. It removed the world wary weight from her. She dropped her voice to a stage whisper, “Well I’m certainly not going to tell her, so that secret is safe between us.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo smiled, letting her feel the warmth he felt when he looked at her. “Secrets already? My goodness, Ms. Dillon… people are going to talk for certain.” he said quietly… and with an unintended tenor of flirtation in his voice.

Kenzo

Caitlyn was sure she was blushing from the warmth of his feelings. She didn’t care. It was too wonderful a connection to be embarrassed. She laughed softly, “Oh, my dear Kenzo, they are going to talk anyway. What is that old song? Something about if people are going to talk, we should give them something to talk about? Or something like that.” Caitlyn wasn’t even aware of how that sounded. She was flirting back, relaxed, and joyful in his company. “At least with secrets it will keep them guessing.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo gently set his hand on hers and said “I look forward to the opportunity of giving them such an opportunity, Caitlyn.” He was quiet a moment, but the flowing of emotions from him was unmistakable. He was looking at her… and the sight made him very happy.

Kenzo

Pleasant shocks raced up her arm from her hand and made her heart race. Caitlyn knew Kenzo was aware of the fact, but she didn’t mind that he did. “I look forward to it as well,” her voice was softer, quieter, and her hand turned under his and held his gently in return. Her eyes dropped to her lap as if she was aware of how intently he was looking at her. In a way she was aware, through the connection he shared with her. She wasn’t quite used to it, but it wasn’t really that hard to tell what was his emotions and which were hers. She assumed he was careful to make sure of that. “I’m very glad I met you, Kenzo. I’m very happy when you’re around. I admit I’m a little overwhelmed, but in a good way.”

Caitlyn