Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment- The Comfort of Friends

Posted by Civilian Astrid Rousseau (Chief Justice) in Dasca’s Apartment- The Comfort of Friends

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment- The Comfort of Friends
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

It was a reasonable question, all things considered. She had heard through her staff that Kenzo had told the cabinet that she wasn’t there because of ‘unrelated medical reasons’, but no one knew outside of a select group of people what had gone down. It probably helped general perception that she also was using her cane in public, so
people would likely assume it was her back that was bothering her. Eela had no idea what Astrid knew, though she also trusted the discretion of her medical team.

Eela went to go reach up to grab some glass jars containing loose herbs and frowned. “Do you mind grabbing those two middle containers in front? I’m still a bit sore.”

Astrid seemed at ease when she reached and pulled down the jars of herbs. She set them on the counter and opened them so that Eela could get some then stepped back a simple pace to give her room to maneuver. She did stay nearby though, just in case.

While Astrid helped her, Eela got the infuser and the teapot out. “To answer your second question, it is progressing. The medical issue I experienced is resolved, but I am dealing with the fallout. It will take some time. And that of course is not even factoring in Dash’s death.” She paused, hands wrapped around the clear glass teapot, and looked over at Astrid. “I experienced his death, Astrid. Or rather, my body experienced what he physically went through. It’s complicated, and it created a dangerous situation for me, but it’s forced me into a place where I have no choice to process things. Not just his death and the medical issue, but Cory’s abuse, and the loss of my ship and career.” She let out a throaty chuckle. “It’s been… a lot.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

She couldn’t pretend to understand the emotional and mental turmoil added to whatever physical injury had occurred. She honestly had no idea how to help her friend. Astrid took many psychology classes as a part of her education because she needed to understand the nature of people and why they did what they did so she could mete out the proper consequences to assist in rehabilitation rather than doing nothing but locking up all offenders of every rule. Still, it wasn’t the kind of education that helped her BE a psychologist and she was a bit out of her league. “I cannot even imagine what that is like really. I have never been in anything close to that kind of situation. Do you want to talk about it? Or shall we let it be for now and heal your heart by talking of idle gossip and other subjects of an equally amusing caliber?”

Rousseau, HotJ

A genuine smile traipsed across her face. “You know, something lighthearted would be good to start. I’ve been warned that pushing my feelings to the side will only complicate things so I’m okay talking about it all, but gossip and tea sounds lovely.” Eela measured out a roughly 50/50 blend of the herbs and poured just hot enough water over in a swirl, letting the pot fill. She grabbed a cover, slipping it over the pot and reached to the lowest shelf under the tea where colourful handmade cups sat. She pulled out two that seemed to match a set that were glazed white with a watercolour pattern in bright colours. Finally she grabbed a small tray and set the tea pot atop.

“Come, if you can grab the tea pot for me, we can go sit out on the patio.”

Astrid did as she was asked, carefully taking the teapot outside. Astrid loved the outdoors of patio spaces. Her own home had a substantial patio and outdoor sitting area as well as the hot tub and pool. Compared to her time working as a Justice before her appointment to OED V, she was quite in the lap of luxury. Mostly, she simply was being practical. Her home was the only other place besides her office in which she spent substantial time. For her to be able to work as much as she did, it had to be comforting. It seemed that Eela was similar. Though, her home was more colorful than Astrid’s who’s home was a mix of pastels instead.

She led them past the breakfast nook and casual sitting area and around the corner to the right where a hallway followed along the floor to ceiling windows. They passed the dining room where they could see directly into the foyer, and from here Astrid could see that the living room and dining room were actually an open space divided by a wall in the middle that held a fireplace visible to each other side and was passable on either side.

The patio was essentially a large L-shaped space that Eela had divided into rooms of sorts. The doors opened out onto a dining area and cooking area. To the left was a large pergola with a sectional and large coffee table. To the right was a pair of lounge chairs, and beyond that disappeared out of sight. The sides of the patio were protected by an almost imperceivable glass like structure that served to protect Eela from any attempts to intrude on her space or threaten her safety. A necessary precaution. Amongst all of it were raised beds set at a different heights, with many such that Eela wouldn’t have to bend too far. Everything was lush, in bloom, or producing fruits or vegetables. It was a riot of colour, with no specific theme. Eela just grew what she wanted and loved.

The patio space was lovely and much more a riot of plant life than Astrid’s. She found herself charmed and bent over a bit to smell some of the blooms as she passed by them. Astrid had never gardened herself, choosing to employ people to make plants live around her. She believed in the importance of fresh air and plant life being a morale booster.

Eela beamed as her friend took in her outdor space and radiated enjoyment. Right now it was such a blessing to have such warm feelings in the atmosphere around here.

She led Astrid to the the pergola and setting onto the large sectional sofa, placing the cups on the table while they waited for their tea to brew.

Astrid placed the tea pot on a trivet, careful not to let any spill, and then took a seat.

“So, gossip. Tell the good stuff,” she said with a gleam in her eyes. “I hear things in the Tower quite naturally, but I’m intentionally out of the loop.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“I wish I had a lot to tell you but I am afraid I am also often out of the loop. I do know that one of my assistants has a significant crush on Lord Duroc. She could barely speak when she accompanied me to my usual hand to hand and weapons training session on board his ship. When we left, she caught sight of him and turned the most unflattering shade of red.” Astrid smiled. “The poor girl wouldn’t say a word but has requested to be my assistant for all such activities. Of course, I had to say no. The man is married after all. His wife was very kind to me when we had that delegation in.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela laughed as she checked the tea, but it needed to steep a little longer. Wise choice. I would not mess with Jal’na. She’s my physiotherapist and does not go easy on anyone. If she took someone as a threat?” She arched her brows. “I would worry for your assistant.”

Astrid laughed too, shaking her head. “I don’t. The girl can hardly speak in his presence. Not exactly the eye catching kind of person a Klingon would be attracted to. Jal’na has nothing to worry about there.”

“I don’t know that I would want Jal’na to be my Physiotherapist. As sore as I get coming out of my sessions with Lord Durocs own staff, I cannot imagine what lovely and horrible torture Jal’na would put me through. I am sure she is effective however.”

Eela grinned. “To be fair, she knows I’m a stubborn-ass captain and if things aren’t laid out as a challenge to be conquered, I probably wouldn’t bothered. Not when it comes to myself. Terrible, I know, but true. And without her help, I would not have resolved a great deal of the disc compression I had been dealing with when I first got here” Eela smiled softly. “I’m very grateful to her.”

“Tea is almost ready, but needs another minute,” Eela said, gazing out over her space. “Time though, is something I have plenty of. I know it’s wise to take this time off, Astrid, but in all honesty, I chafe. The Starflet officer in me wants to be doing something. There’s so much going on right now It’s hard to sit back and just let it whirl on around me.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“You know, speaking of Jal’na… She made a suggestion to me at the delegation dinner that really made an impact and maybe it would be a good suggestion for you too. She suggested I do volunteering. I have been helping with the small children, reading and playing games since then. Also, the occasional time in the NICU holding babies. They are so warm and I don’t know if you remember, but babies smell amazing. It has been a rather lovely way to spend my off hours. It has helped me a lot.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela couldn’t help but laugh a little. “In fact I just met with the volunteer coordinator to start to process of my being vetted as a volunteer in the NICU.” She drew in a steadying breath. “I have… personal experience. My son was born premature and we weren’t sure how he would fare. Fortunately he only had to spend a few weeks in an incubator, but it was a very difficult experience in a time where i was already dealing with a lot. I can only hope to help other parents and let them know they can share the burden.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“I on the other hand have no personal experience with babies beyond when I was helping my siblings when they were born. I was hardly old enough to consider that “experience” though. I have a good head on my shoulders and I have the ability to calm people down when they are losing their emotional regulation so they were kind enough to accept me into the fold from time to time. The children are so strong and resilient. I feared I would break, seeing them so unhealthy or knowing their conditions were sometimes fatal, but my focus is on giving them a safe place to be children.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela nodded. “It is hard. There was a while for that first week when we weren’t sure he would make it. And our ship wasn’t exactly close to a major medical facility so we had to just… hope,” she said. “But I remember that first day when he was strong enough to be taken out of the incubator and I got to hold him for the first time.” Eela smiled even as her eyes misted. “He was so tiny and I held him against my skin and sang to him. An old Haliian lullaby that I vaguely remembered my parents singing to me. And I just felt so lost. I had just lost my parents in a Borg attack a few weeks prior, and my daughter was four. I felt so adrift, like the Universe didn’t make sense anymore. And then I held him, and for a brief moment it did.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“I cannot imagine what that feels like but I hope one day to experience that click. The only time the world makes sense is when I am dealing with the intricacies of law and the fallibility of people. And of course, one day I hope to have my own baby in my arms. Family is complicated for me but I do want the chance to be a mother. At this rate however, I am pretty confident my two siblings will get there before I do.”

Rousseau, HotJ

“Even if they do, I’m sure you’d make a great auntie if given the chance.” Eela didn’t want to make some trite comment about how Astrid would get to be a mother when the time was right, because that wasn’t always true and there were some painful realities some people dealt with in their pursuit of parenthood.

Astrid was glad there were no placating statements about her ability to be a mother. She knew she had made familial sacrifices for her career, but she also knew her family was complicated and she worried what bringing a child into that life would be like. Her father would be happy enough, but her step mother and brother were viscous people. She was far from them now, but perhaps a child could motivate them to leave New France. She wouldn’t put it past them.

“But if you’re looking for some hands on experience, I’m sure my daughter would be more than happy to have another trusted person to babysit for them. My granddaughter is still a baby but increasingly on the move. Very curious and loves people.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Her attention returned to Eela and she smiled. “If you ask my brother and sister, I was a fine caregiver. Babies do have that new baby smell that is so addicting. Please feel free to give her my contact information. I might not be able to do it often, but it would be a delight.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela grinned. “Caridee will be here for a few weeks, and I’m sure would be glad for the extra hands. Especially since my mobility is a little variable at the moment.” She snorted. “Besides, security being as tight as it is, someone else in the cabinet doesn’t need any further vetting. Do you know how nice that is right now?” She hated feeling distrust of anyone around her and there was a reason she had been keeping mostly to her apartment, aside from just her physical healing. She had every reason to be wary of strangers, but that didn’t make it a situation she was happy with.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“I am sure it is given what you have been through and I don’t even know more than a tiny portion of it. I suppose we all have trust issues don’t we? Anything that gives us some comfort and peace amid that, is good.” She smiled. Eela didn’t have to tell Astrid her life story for them to be friends. Somehow, they just clicked well with one another and relaxed in each others company. “I for one, cannot wait to meet Caridee.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela beamed. “I think you’ll really like her. Caridee usually gets along with most people. And I’m really glad for her presence. If it hadn’t been for her, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It’s hard to fully wrap my mind around just how much I owe my daughter, but I’m glad we’ve been able to remain so close despite all the things that have happened in recent years.” Eela turned slightly to face Astrid more. “There are few people who truly stuck by me after the accident. Caridee being one, and my best friend Roger being the other. I certainly didn’t make it easy on them, though it was never intentional. But I’m very aware that I could have been far more alone in the aftermath.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“I don’t think a person like you would be alone after tragedy. You are worth being loved and cared for and I am sure people see it.” She smiled softly, looking at the woman before her. It seemed that Eela didn’t always recognize the steel strength inside herself. Or maybe she was finally learning that it was there and still didn’t have confidence in it. No doubt she would find it in time and she would be a powerhouse.

Eela snorted. “You would think. But I was a bit different than the person you experience now. I can’t bear to be alone in the truest sense, but I went through a great deal of loss when I woke up from my coma. It’s taken years to fully reconcile all of that, and honestly I still don’t think I have. Not yet, anyway.”

“Tell me about Roger. I assume he is not here on OED V.”

Rousseau, HotJ

She broke into a wide and warm smile. “Roger was the first officer on the Berlin when I joined as the Counsellor. It was my first senior staff position, and Cory and I moved there when Caridee was four. At first Roger and I clashed a lot, but once we sorted out his resistance to having a counsellor on board, we became great friends. Best friends, actually. We’ve known each other for thirty-five years, and while we’ve spent most of that time away on our various assignments, we talk and message constantly. He is… dear to me in a way that is hard to express.”

Eela flushed as that memory of that night in San Francisco came to mind. “He always understood me in a way few people ever have, including my ex-husband. He understands my need for non-monogamy and how it related to my culture and need for physical and emotional connection with people in meaningful ways that aren’t always romantic.” She let our a breath and leaned in a little towards Astrid. “I’m trying to reconcile some things in the aftermath of Cory’s… intrusion here on Oed. Cory was jealous of Roger. Of our connection. And I never crossed that line with Roger because I knew it wouldn’t be okay with Cory. I could have other relationships when I was stationed alone, but not with Roger. It was an unspoken rule… demand, whatever you want to call it. But… the night I left Cory I was distraught. And I ended up at Roger’s doorstep. He’s a Rear Admiral working at Starfleet Command these days. And he knew how off-kilter I was, how adrift and terrified I was. And he did the thing a Hallian in my position would offer another: comfort, a safe harbour. It wasn’t about romance or starting a relationship. It was just…” She shook her head. “For me, I took him at his word, that it was just for that night, that it was a kindness, if fueled by a helluva lot of whiskey. But Cory suggested that there was more to Roger’s feelings than just that. And that I should be cautious.

“Astrid… I don’t know that I want to be careful anymore. There’s nothing standing in the way except the possibility of things going terribly and us losing a friendship that has grounded and sustained me for decades. But I haven’t been in a place to open my heart until I came to Oed, until I met Dash. And now there is this grief for losing someone I cared about deeply, and it complicates everything. I feel so overwhelmed by it all.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Long before Eela disclosed her and Roger’s one night trist, Astrid could guess it was coming. A deep friendship of that nature meant that at least some time in their lives, they each had considered the other for partnership. To deny ever thinking it would have been a disservice. Why wouldn’t you consider someone who was that close to you and that in tune with your wants and needs as a partner? For a moment, Astrid felt envious of her friend.

“I am glad you have had that with Roger. I think he is your safe harbor. And…” She paused, considering her words. “I believe if a one night didn’t hurt your friendship, a relationship will not. If you are as close as you say you are, even if it does not work out romantically over the long term, you are good enough friends and people to respectfully end the romantic side. You might need a little space after, but it won’t end your friendship at all. Therefore, you should go for it. Who knows, Roger may ease that sense of being so overwhelmed. You owe it to yourself to give it a chance.”

Rousseau, HotJ

It was so unexpected but as the tears welled in her eyes Eela realize that Astrid’s words were everything she had needed to hear. “You’re right, of course. You don’t maintain a friendship for over thirty years without knowing how to talk things through. I mean, it’s not like we haven’t had arguments or rough spots. And he has always been there for me no matter what.”

Her heart sympathized as Eela’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. Maybe she simply needed to talk all this out with an understanding ear. It made Astrid feel a bit needed and that helped her as much as her words helped Eela. Astrid had been missing friendship from her life for a long time. Urg was a good Klingon and she knew he would want her to come to him for anything, but she knew that some aspects of friendship were best left for women.

She drew in a deep breath. “I confirmed with a friend that something with Roger scares me, because I know it would be intense. And it’s complicated now because I have feelings for another person who is here on Oed. It’s all very complicated.” She snorted. “I suppose it wouldn’t be my life if it wasn’t.” She had picked up that thread of envy from Astrid, but she wasn’t sure yet how her empathy would be handled by her new friend. It took time to work those issues out and so Eela tried to be cautious at the beginning. Goodness knows she had gotten herself into serious trouble in the past when she hadn’t been mindful.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Intense and complicated. Why didn’t you say so? It sounds like the easiest thing in the whole universe!” Astrid shrugged dramatically and then began to laugh.

Rousseau, HotJ

Eela laughed too. “Ahh, I keep joking that if my life were boring I’d be dead, so I might as well just get used to the drama.”

Eela turned to face Astrid more fully, mindful to not twist her back. “I’ve always been non-monogamous. A good number of my peole are, so it’s not uncommon. But I married a Human was was monogamous. Our arrangement was simple: when we were together, it was just us, but when work meant our lives were apart at times, as they often could be, then we were both free to seek companionship as we needed. I had thought he understood that need because I was Haliian. I’m not sure if I’m ready for serious relationships yet. Cory’s… visit, and him grabbing me just shattered so much of what I thought had been reality. And then Dash dying. But I have known that I don’t want to be monogamous. I don’t want to make compromises anymore than deny who I am. Who I love. I let everything else chip away at the person I had been. And now that I’ve found that person again, or a new version of her, I don’t want to repeat the same patterns. I want to be free to love whomever my heart is drawn to, but I realize that not everyone that meets that qualification will be okay with my being with others. And then of course I am the Lieutenant Governor, and in the public eye. I don’t fear judgement in that way, but I won’t be able to protect my partners fully from the media. So I feel like I have to live in secret to keep them safe. Or am I just making it more complicated than it needs to be?” It was a genuine question with a plea in her tone. Eela wanted Astrid’s opinion whether she had direct experience with the subject or not.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Astrid smiled ruefully and shook her head. “You apparently have not employed the Public Relations person I have recommended yet.” She gazed at Eela for a long moment, the pleasant expression remaining on her face. She wasn’t offended that Eela had not hired the person or only used that person for the struggles with Cory. Lt. Governor was a social and political position even though it was a Star Fleet position. The same rules still applied. “I believe there are many people in offices of power like ours that still live significantly private lives. I believe Polyamory is prominent enough that it isn’t scandal worthy if you are honest about it if asked. Simply reiterate that you and your partners like to lead private lives and you ask the public to respect that.”

Rousseau, HotJ