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 (21) 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

Jal’na glanced toward Urg, where the massive, even by Klingon standards, warrior stood, engaged in animated conversation. She very much would like to join Astrid, but she was aware of the fact this was the first time they had been seen together in public. She came to a solution. “I will escort you home, Astrid. Unfortunately, I can’t stay. Already those against Urg are trying to twist our marriage. We shall sneak out and I will sneak back in. I won’t have anyone naysay him because I disappeared and did not leave with him.” She sighed heavily, “It is an adjustment to becoming a political figure.” She waived Tearson back over and told him she would be escorting Astrid home, and then returning. To inform Urg’s security. “However, I would very much like a rain check on that blood wine if that is an option.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Her eyes turned to Lord Duroc, a sturdy and loyal friend and her heart went to him and his wife. Politics was never kind to the people who were good but they were exactly the people who needed to be where they were. She didn’t know what kind of twisting anyone could do, but she was sure she would eventually hear the rumors. Regardless, she would squash them the moment they came to her ears. It was the least she could do for Urg and his wife.

She returned her attention to Jal’na. “There was a door near the bathrooms. We can slip out there I think without much notice. And of course, the offer of blood wine is an open one. You are as good a friend as Lord Duroc has proven to be. I am glad to call you friend Lady Jal’na. Truly.”

Rousseau, HotJ

“I am glad to call you one as well. Come,” she stood, and her female guards moved with them, the others seemed to fade into the background. They were ever present though. It was easy enough to sneak out the side door, a car was waiting for them, along with Jal’na’s full guard and the extra she had ordered for Astrid. They slipped into the car and took off.

Tearson turned to look over the front seat. “Chief Justice, your guard has gone out the front with a decoy and taken your car to your home. We will meet them there. These are your extra guards.” They each introduced themselves and then left the women to their conversation.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid followed Jal’na and the guards easily, slipping into the car seat and relaxing for the first time since she had felt that awful feeling in the ballroom. She nodded politely to each of the extra guards, giving them a smile and thanking each before returning her attention to Jal’na. “So you seem quite happy seeing the children in the hospital. Are you thinking of having some of your own? I know it is early yet in your relationship with Lord Duroc so you can tell me it is none of my business or that it isn’t up for discussion. I will not be offended.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Every single guard smirked and pointedly looked away from Lady Duroc. Jal’na growled out a sigh. “Everyone else is discussing it. I much prefer to discuss it with friends who are genuine than those taking bets,” she hissed at the guards in the front seat. Tearson started coughing while trying to hid his amusement.

Astrid gave a valiant effort to not smile, glancing at Tearson and then the others present. It was very obvious that Lady Duroc was accurate in her assessment that people were taking bets about her future children.

“It is not a matter if we are thinking of it or not. Eventually we will. Urg’tohn’s brothers have not taken mates, and he is Lord of House Duroc. We will have children, eventually. I adore children, so the prospect is a pleasant one. Though I am in no rush,” she said giving the driver and Tearson pointed looks.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“Good. You and Lord Duroc will be able to have lives together before children come along. I think that is nice. Plus you have your career which is so important to you and the citizens of OED V. What’s important is that you and he make decisions together when you are ready to and not bow down to pressure from others.”

She grinned at Jal’na. “Though you and he are hardly pushovers.”

Rousseau, HotJ

The guards couldn’t seem to contain themselves and a dividing barrier appeared between where Jal’na and Astrid were sitting and their escort. Jal’na glared and then sighed with a shake of her head. “Urg promised me I would not have to give up my career when we married. I have no intention of doing so. Having children may change my perspective on that.” She leaned back against the seat. “It is a lot though Astrid. I never sought to be the lady of any house. It is an obligation that takes most of my time, but my work is far too important to me. I am finding it very hard to adjust.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid nodded as her eyes wandered to gaze out the window beside her friend. She understood the guards laughter at her remark. She had intended for it to be funny, but it also seemed Jal’na had a heavy weight on her mind and needed to talk. Only too willing, Astrid sighed softly. “It is a challenge, taking on new responsibilities while you still have the previous responsibilities. I think it will take time to find balance of what is important to you and what needs to be done… and you should be graceful with yourself as you continue to figure out where you want to move things around. I highly recommend delegating what you can. No one says you have to do everything.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na snorted. “Delegate? The very first thing Urg did was assign me an endless entourage of assistants. From personal security to a personal shopper. They all have opinions on how I should do things, how I should dress, and from whom I should purchase things. As if I am not a full grown woman, who has been making these decisions for myself for 10 years. It is enough to make me want to take Urg’s hammar and destroy something just because I can.” It wasn’t the added responsibilities that were difficult to adjust to. It was the constant interference and ‘correction’ of what everyone else thought a proper lady should be. Fitting into a mould had never been something Jal’na was very good at.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid gave her a look. “Jal’na! You do not look to me to be a pushover so stop acting like it. While you want to respect your husbands culture and the needs of the position you now find yourself in, you are a person who has had her own opinions and life for 10 years. You are not meek. You need to take control of those assistants. They are there to assist you, not the other way around. You are not a back seat passenger for your life.”

For a moment, Astrid was shocked at her own tone, not quite berating, but definitely firmly reminding Jal’na of exactly what she just said. She cleared her throat a little and looked a bit sheepish. “I … I mean, when I first started working as a Justice, everyone was trying to be so helpful, it was a cacophony and nothing was helpful. I had to take control and make them assist me. Correction only when it was dire, advice otherwise and only when asked, or genuinely needed.”

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na laughed, not in the least bit offended. “I see why you Urg likes you. You are a breath of fresh air, Astrid.It is true. The eary of the problem is, I am not uses to having so much help. I despise it actually. But it would be a huge dishonor to dismiss them out of hand or not make use of their talents. I simply don’t think about it. I am used to doing all things for myself. They mean well, but some days.” She grinned. “How did you handle it?”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“I choose. Just because you have all these assistants, doesn’t mean you need all of them. Think of them like a talent pool. Someone else made a choice about who they think will work best for you, trying to find someone to cater to every possible need you might have. That is great, but it is for you to choose. You need to assess your needs, your wants, and what you wish to delegate and what you do not wish to delegate. Then select the people that would most fit in with that dynamic. It’s not about their talents, it’s about your needs. Dismissing a few that do not serve your needs so they can find fulfilling work elsewhere is not a dishonor. It is showing honor to their time and expertise. You wouldn’t want to be the cause of them wasting that talent because you don’t happen to need them.”

“So, I chose and now I have a staff that serves me and my needs as the head of my office. It is my choice, my job. The trust has been placed in me to do it how I see fit. I choose how I do it and who I need to fulfill that obligation.”

Haven, CoS

“I will keep that in mind.” It was sound advice, and much how Jal’na ran her department at the hospital. It just didn’t feel like it translated well to her position as Lady Duroc. She would figure it out one way or another. “So when do you think I shall see you volunteering in the community more?”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Astrid considered this question, letting her mind go over possibilties before responding. She did not want to promise something she could not deliver. “It may take a few weeks or a month to shift some tasks around to others so that I can find the time. I have a lot I do because I am a bit of a workaholic, but I am not finding as much joy in it as I once did. The idea of doing something new with my time that provides value to others is actually something I have been really keen on lately.”

Rousseau, HotJ

“Then you will find something. Sooner than you think would be my guess. Oed is growing faster than we can keep track of. More responsibility on those un charge, but so many more opportunities for everyone.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

The slip moved into the driveway of Astrid Rousseau’s residence. She smiled warmly at Jal’na. “I have no doubt I will.”

As it slid to a stop and the guards started checking around, several left to coordinate the extra security with her usual team. The door was opened for her but Astrid didn’t move for a moment. “Jal’na, it has been a real pleasure. Thank you for escorting me home. Urg has found himself a good partner and I am glad for him and you both.”

Rousseau, HotJ