Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Rousseau and Jal’na

Posted by Civilian Astrid Rousseau (Chief Justice) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Rousseau and Jal’na

Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Rousseau and Jal’na
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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Jal’na locked eyes with Urg, the fire that burned constantly in his eyes was reflected in hers. She lifted her glass to him and drank deeply. She nodded to Astrid, acknowledging her words, “If anyone can do it, it will be him,” she grinned, and it was a bit feral, “and we get to watch.” She took another drink. “Now, what about you? After all this formality, what will you do that isn’t work?”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

She grimaced. “I wish I had an interesting answer for you but I’m afraid that thus far my job is my legacy and has been my sole focus for quite a few years now.” She shook her head with a little chagrin. “But your husband and his team have been teaching me how to properly defend myself. Shortly after I first arrived here, my new home was broken into while I was inside. A local criminal had two goons break in to place cameras. They unexpectedly ran into me. Had not a passerby seen and intervened, I surely would have perished. I am a decent shot now thanks to the police chiefs diligent teaching but hand to hand and beyond… I was mediocre at best.”

“That is better than me,” Jal’na said. “It drives the Duroc trainers insane, and Urg has given up watching. Most found my lack of skill humorous at first, now they all fear desperately for my life.” The woman shrugged. She had come to terms with her lack of prowess long ago. “We cannot all be warriors.”

“Oh, on that we agree. I am sure I am fodder for their amusements due to how long it has taken me to pick up on things.”

“Now that I think on it, I really should find something to do with my time outside of work. Any suggestions?”

Rousseau, HotJ

“I can think of several things,” Jal’na said and took a sip of her drink. “It all depends on what you enjoy outside of the Law.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“I suppose I need to find out. I really was quite single minded in my pursuit of my education and career. I do enjoy Yoga and physical exercise but I do a lot of that with Duroc’s trainers so perhaps not something quite so physically intense.”

Rousseau, HotJ

“There is an endless range of possibilities. Music, art, children, literature, food, competitions, crafts just a few general areas. Then of course finding a specific within that becomes a deep cheS hole to go down.” Jal’na grinned with a shrug. “I enjoy knitting and cooking. Though I don’t get to do much of that now.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid face became contemplative as she considered the options. Jal’na had given some very good categories to tempt her. “Music, arts and crafts all at least have something productive to show for it which is appealing. I have no interest in cooking… eating? Yes. Cooking? No.” She laughed softly. “I have no idea what I would compete in though and I read so much for my job, I don’t know if I should like reading literature for fun.”

She sighed softly as she looked out vaguely towards the wandering people. “Children generally require a partner which I don’t have but I wish I did. I am terribly romantic in my notions but so focused on work these last few years, I’m afraid that part of my life has fallen away.”

Rousseau, HotJ

“One does not have to give birth in order to spend time with children. There are mentorship programs and volunteer groups. Director Enger has a very robust internship program at all levels of the school system. They also need tutors. The NICU and children’s wards at Sacred Heart need all types of volunteers. The orphanage needs big brothers and sisters. The possibilities are endless,” Jal’na named off just a few.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid was surprised at the list, though if she had really thought about the possibilities, she would not have been. She let her mind wander through the ideas and she had to smile at the thought. Children were such wonderful beings. Since Astrid dealt so much with juveniles and adults so much more, she didn’t feel she could leave her office at the office, but children.... “I have to say, you have opened my mind Lady Duroc. I would be more than happy to do some volunteering with children.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na smiled, and it was far less predatory than typical. “I will tell you a secret. I go to the NICU every day during my lunch to hold the babies. Some of their situations are very sad, but that time centers me. And it does them so much good to have that extra contact and comfort. It is good for me too.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

She couldn’t help thinking back to when her siblings were babies and she had held them. IT had been a treasured time for her and it was one she often remembered when she thought of them. They had been so tiny but they had snuggled in deep to her warmth. She missed them so deeply. Now as adults, they lived their own lives. She could not be more proud of them, but the thought of them brought a bit of tears to her eyes. Astrid blinked a little as her eyes watered. “My goodness, what a beautiful secret to impart. I can imagine the comfort that gives. I will definitely give that one a go.”

“It can be a difficult task, but it is very rewarding.”

“Do you have family besides Lord Duroc?”

Rousseau, HotJ

“Oh yes. Both my parents are still living, and I have a brother who is married. Urg has convinced my parents to visit. Quite a feat. They have never left Q’onos nor ever had the desire.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

The shadow’s eyes watched her briefly, this time from another floor overlooking the gala inhabitants. He didn’t want to stay… only long enough for her to sense him.

“I see. I hope you have enough time to prepare. It must have been something indeed, to get them to leave their home world if they have never wanted to before. I hope I shall meet them when they visit.”

“Urg is quite persuasive when he wants something,” Jal’na laughed. “We shall have you for dinner when they arrive.”

She stopped for a moment and her brow furrowed in worry once more. Astrid’s gaze returned to the room at large. People were milling about. Some were in clusters, discussing an array of subjects. Her delicate hand moved from the table to rub at the nape of her neck even as the shadow grinned and left as quietly and swiftly as he had come. “I am feeling terribly out of sorts. Maybe I should call it a night.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na watched. She didn’t think the woman was out of sorts. She’d learned to listen to her gut feeling and to those of the women she worked with. “Perhaps. Would you like an extra escort home, Astrid?”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

She seemed to war with herself but understanding she would likely get an ear full from someone if she didn’t take Jal’na up on the offer, she nodded. Astrid also relaxed a little at the idea of not being alone. Something was bothering her. Something was pinging her survival instincts and she hated the feeling. Jal’na was a calm presence, even though she was a new friend, and Astrid trusted her already. “Yes. I think I would Lady Duroc. I really appreciate the offer. I don’t know what is causing my disquiet, but it is ....” She rubbed the back of her neck again as she searched for the right word. “pervasive.”

Jal’na nodded and looked up, catching the eye of a male Klingon not too far away. She inclined her chin slightly and he made his way over. “Lady Duroc?” he bowed slightly. He was a typically built Klingon male. He wore the formal armor of House Duroc that evening, but it was no less practical for the formality. If Rousseau had visited the Kavaar’ton she would recognize him as Cmdr. Shiv’s first officer.

“Tearson, Justice Rousseau requires extra security. You will arrange to have another team join her guards before she leaves tonight,” Jal’na told him. He nodded, slammed a fist to his chest, “At once, Lady Duroc.” He looked toward Astrid, “Chief Justice.” He stepped back against the wall and pulled out a communicator.

She looked at the woman who had become her social companion for the evening. “Are you sure I am not keeping you from your evening?”

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na laughed loudly, drawing attention, but she didn’t care. She grinned at Astrid and looked at Urg and back. “You have saved my evening. There doesn’t seem to be any delegates here interested in discussing medicine so I would be forced to endure Urg discussing ships, weapons, and tactics. I will hear it all again tonight after we leave as he thinks over what he has learned out loud. I have no mind for such things, so I am thrilled to not have to listen twice.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid found herself laughing despite her being so ill at ease. She could imagine Urg’s enthusiasm could be quite a lot. Between the First Officer arranging for extra security and Jal’na’s infectious good humor, Astrid was able to relax just a bit more. The Chief Justice stood. “While I do not have Urg at home to discuss ships, weapons and tactics, I too have found that no one has wanted to talk Law. Tonight, we showed ourselves in support of the good work being done but I am glad to be leaving. I have a fine blood wine at home if you would like to partake in a night cap until Urg is ready to regale you with his musings but also, just escorting me home and finding some quiet for yourself is more than appreciated. Truly. Shall we?”

Rousseau, HotJ