Posted by Civilian Jordar (Director of Building and Construction) in It’s been too long

Posted by Civilian Karina Enger (Director of Education) in It’s been too long

Posted by Civilian Jordar (Director of Building and Construction) in It’s been too long
Posted by… suppressed (77) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Alright Rondara, go unpack your bags and make sure that Squip has enough to eat.” Jordar said as he unslung a heavy bag from his shoulder and watched as his now 11 year old daughter and her pet Mellanoid Slime Worm made their way into the house, and quickly as said Slime Worm began to try and eat the coffee table “Get him off of that before I throw him into the sea!” Jordar exclaimed as Rondara turned and rolled her eyes at her father, “You know they evolved from aquatic life right? That would probably make him happier…” Rather than get into another fight with his tween daughter Jordar let out a long breath and said, “Just make sure you two are settled in, I’m going to go find Karina.” Rondara took off her jacket and tossed it on the couch, “Good luck dad, she’s probably already moved on. So nice of you to you know, call her or send a single letter....” She said with trademark sass, from her age and her mixed heritage it would be a wonder if Jordar came out of her teen years alive.

She did though have a point.

It had been over a year, no contact, no more an explanation than “I need to focus on my daughter” and he picked up and left. Sure he had relinquished his post and needed to vacate the colony. No use for a former captain and lieutenant governor mucking up the works. He was never an easy man to work with, especially with diplomacy or anything requiring tact. He was a proud Zaldan! Politeness and courtesy were signs of insult, not signs of kindness. He always got along with the Tellarite delegations or businessmen rather well, as they were a species he could really understand and get behind. It had taken quite a lot for him to hold down his command, his status on the colony, but it was never a good fit.

Karina? She just ‘got’ him. She understood him, and he understood her, but he was getting too close so what did he do? He ran away.

Jordar pulled a small chip from his breast pocket and rolled it across his fingers as he walked back towards the shuttle craft the two had used for the move. The chip, was an ordinary isolinear chip in which was contained a few simple lines of text. “Computer, locate and transport this chip to Karina Enger” He said as he held his palm flat and the shuttle’s computer replied, “Acknowledged” as the chip swirled out of existence in a cloud of teal energy.

It would materialize wherever Karina was, a few inches away on a flat surface conveniently close by. It had no trappings, no wrappings, nothing special to draw her attention, but if she were to put in an a PaDD or console it would read out as follows:

“I think it’s time you were the one to throw me in the pool. Care for a swim?”

–Jordar–

Where was Karina? Sitting on a bench in Sloan Square, finishing her coffee before heading back to her apartment. It was a rare thing, but she had managed two days this month of leaving her office on time. She didn’t know what time do with an open schedule.

A small isolinear disk appeared on the bench next to her. Her brow rose slightly. Before she could pick it up, her Oedian guard took it. After the attack on Attache Jones, security had been tightened.

The man scanned the chip, then plugged it into a micro PaDD he had in his pocket. Seeing the message he turned the PaDD toward her. “I know who it is from. Can you tell me the location it was sent from?” Karina asked. Could it really be Jodar? Was he back on Oed? No word, no warning? She had accepted he had to focus on Rondara, but she had still been disappointed. But to come back and not tell her he was coming?

She would do more than toss him the pool! Though that was a delightful memory. He was returning very quietly. She hadn’t seen Rondara’s school enrollment yet. Not that she watched for it. Her eyes narrowed and she tapped her foot.

The officer gave her the location. She took the disk and her coffee and turned toward the shuttle port as her shadows became shadows again.

She e tired the port and scanned the area looking for him or a shuttle that was still powered on with an open hatch.

Enger, DOE

Rondara was blasting what passed for pop music these days and Jordar meanwhile did his best to ignore the thumping through the walls. In 2400, you’d think that sound deadening would be more advanced but kids were kids, and sound was sound.

He rolled his eyes a little as Squip made its way across the living room, eyes on the plant he had just set down and Jordar gave the worm a stern look. Squip trilled and cooped before it slunk off down the hall to go curl up on Rondara’s bed.

He made his way out to the shuttle, still powered on in case Karina were to come looking. Rondara was right though. He didn’t stand much of a chance did he? But it was worth a shot at least.

He took off his jacket, wearing just his shirt and tie as he slung the jacket over his shoulder, leaning on the shuttle as if he were in an ancient earth romance movie. Truth be told he forgot that moving did indeed build heat and trying to move a household in a suit wasn’t the brightest idea.

—Jordar, DOBC—

Karina spotted him immediately as he sauntered his way over to the shuttle and leaned against it. He didn’t look quite right in a suit and tie. Jodar had always been more hands on, but, what was that saying? He cleaned up nice. She stayed in the shadows watching him for a few moments. She should make him squirm, but she couldn’t deny how her heart raced and the smile that crossed her face.

Well, he should squirm. She had gotten letters from Rondara, but none from Jodar. Maybe she had been more invested than he had been. Well he couldn’t just saunter his way back into her life like he hadn’t been gone.

Years of working with children kept her expression neutral as she walked towards him and stopped well out of arms reach. “Oed does not have enough pools to throw you in. And if my memory serves, and it does, that was an ocean, and Oed definitely does not have one of those.”

She paused and stared at him, “You would like that. Maybe I should toss you out a shuttle and you can try sky… sky diving.”

Enger, DOE

And there she was. As beautiful as the day he last saw her, and as biting and honest as ever. Why hadn’t he written? Rondara had, they had talked father and daughter enough about those letters but he never had directly. “Your memory is sharp and your words sharper. I have a shuttle here, care to join me on a flight?” He remarked as he turned to face her. It was as close to an apology that she would get, admitting that she was right and that he deserved to take a dive out of the shuttle.

Did her surprise show? An apology? He must be feeling guilty. Good, he should. She looked from him to the shuttle and then around. As if silently asking him if he really thought she was going anywhere alone with him.

it was indeed a long shot and Karina’s internal monologue was playing his tune in perfect pitch. He did feel guilty, he did hope she would go with him, if not in a shuttle but even just a walk.

“You look well.” He said a little lost for words. He had no right to just pretend nothing had happened, or that the last year and a half of silence hadn’t happened. “How is the school?”

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina did not look good, and she knew it. Long night’s, very little down time, meals on the go, and the stress. It showed and she knew it. Though she couldn’t help the thrill that he thought she looked good. Jodar wasn’t one to give false compliments. Unless he had changed a lot.

Whether she looked tired and worn down wasn’t the question, Jordar was always one to look past that. It was true, she had bags under her eyes and a slight slouch from one too many late night, but that’s not what he had meant. It wasn’t a false flattery to see that she was fulfilled in her work, tired because of it, but having great success.

“The school is excellent. Competitive, fully staffed, with a waiting list of applicants and students. The university is the same.”

“Why are you back?”

Enger, DOE

“I’m glad to hear it. I’m sure that’s why I haven’t heard back on Rondara’s paperwork, it was submitted two weeks ago, I’m sure your staff is busy handling it.” He stated, finding it interesting that she hadn’t seen it. Perhaps it had just been a mistake or Rondara’s streak of misbehaviors and new interest in dating (although Jordar thought her still far too young for that mind you) had impacted her performance.

“We had a colony ship of 10,000 arrive a month ago. Roughly half are children. Our admissions process has slowed down. There will always be a place for Rondara.” No matter what her attitude or behavior, Karina knew Rondara was intelligent, creative, and curious. Karina would fight for her as if she were her own child.

“I was needed. Since leaving the colony as Lieutenant Governor and resigning my commission I was asked to take on the Directorship of the Building and Construction divisions by the civilian government.” He said as he put his jacket back on and buttoned it casually.

“Also, I had unfinished matters to attend to.” He said with a slight pause. He asked the next couple of questions bluntly as always but in a rare case, he was afraid of the answer. “Are you dating? Do you have any intimate partners?” The implication was clear as day as he leaned his back on the shuttle, one foot on the ground the other on the hull, hands tucked into his jacket pockets.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Her brows rose in that, are you serious look she got when Rondara would say something totally illogical as if everyone should just accept it and move on. Karina was an ‘unfinished matter.’ It was pretty clear it was finished. She wasn’t really angry at him, more disappointed with how it turned out. So what did he want to finish about it? “The answer to the first is, no.” Who had time for that with the demands on her time. Karina wanted to make him squirm, but he knew when she was lying so saying yes would have been no good. “The answer to the second is none of your business.” Hmmm, that should have been her answer to both. Jodar knew she might casually date, but she wasn’t into casual encounters. So given that, he had his answer didn’t he?

“And you? Is that why you called me here? To make sure I don’t make things awkward for your new partner?”

Enger, DOE

Jordar nodded happily, a smile growing on his face, knowing the biting remarks were the truest expression of her feelings and to a Zaldan that was the highest compliment he could be paid. It also set the stage perfectly. “No friend, the answer to the first is no, there has been no one besides you. And the answer to the second? Quite the same as the first. Would you join me for a stroll and a cup of tea? I read that with the new colonists there are some highly regarded cafes I’d like to try.” He said with a wide grin as he opened his arms to her, hoping but not convinced she’d come in for an embrace.

He had been given briefings on the state of the colony before he took the civilian job, knowing full well the status of the schools, the developments, and the plans.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina made him wait a heartbeat longer, and then she walked toward him, slowly. “I should throw you out of a shuttle. You arrogant, conceded, vorple. You swagger back in here, looking like that, like you did not ignore my ex…” of course she would lose the word now, “my presence for over a year. No comm, no letter. If not for that amazing daughter of yours I would not have even known if you were alive. You think you can act like your behavior was anything less than cowardly, and we can simply go have tea?” She stopped right in front of him, looking up at his face that was so dear to her. “You will have to be a hell of a lot more sincere than ‘let us get a cup of tea’.”

Enger, DOE

Jordar watched as the ferocious woman he had indeed wronged approached slowly, calculating, and cut him down expertly with each word exactly as intended. Him arrogant? True. Conceded? That too. Swaggering? Yeah that tracks. Cowardly?

Cowardly…

That was a harder pill to swallow because of its truth. Was he afraid the she had moved on? Of course. He knew she wouldn’t leave the colony, that’s why he hadn’t asked her to go with him. So when he heard that Rondara kept in contact he had been afraid. He had been worried about what might come of those letters. The information that they might contain.

If this were earth in the 21st century the next step would be to plant a kiss on her lips, to hold her tight and everything would be good right? One way to find out!

He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her in, planting his lips on her forehead, avoiding the lips for now because this would work or backfire spectacularly. He embraced her tightly and said something exceptionally rare for a Zaldan and even more so for him. “I am sorry Karina. I was indeed a coward, and I can only apologize to you truly for not considering you” he said as he pulled her back in for a tight embrace.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina’s arms slid around his neck and hugged him tightly. She had missed him. She leaned back, eyeing him with suspicion. “Do not dare apologize Jodar. Do not feed me false courtesy. Do better this time,” she demanded, and then she kissed him. “I have missed you. Even if you are an arrogant, conceded, vorple.” She hugged him tightly, resting against his shoulder. “I know a great new tea house.”

Enger, DOE

“If you think my apology to be a false courtesy you must think very little of me… I have never apologized to anyone in my life, because they did not deserve it. You? You do. I will do better.” He replied with a smile as he felt her lips against his and then her head on his shoulder.

Karina’s head moved in a negative fashion against him. “I think a great deal of you, of which you know. I know you have never apologized to anyone. I simply do not want you to do so because other cultures suggest it as an appropriate action. I have always liked you as you are.”

“You of all people should know that I I couldn’t give a targ’s ass about the cultural practices of other’s, I meant it as I am sorrowful for my actions and wanted to express to you as such. I’m glad you like me as I am because that’s all you’re ever going to get from me.” He replied matter of factly, doing his best to explain to her that he truly was sorry.

“I’m glad you do, I’m parched and this conversation has tired me. Shall we?” He said as he gave her one last hug before he took a step back, letting her take the lead on where they were headed.

Karina turned and headed out of the shuttle port and toward the residential district. The colony had grown, but rather than taller and crowded it had spread out. The university was outside the area if the old dome. That was the last thing Jodar had had a hand in. Despite the growth it was still easier to walk most places. Karina had spent enough time in space, she liked the feel of the ground under her feet.

Following her, Jordar took in the sights, the amazement of the rapid growth the colony had undergone was spectacular, it truly was a different place to the one he had left.

“Rondara will be the death of me Karina. Are girls always so… difficult at 11?”

—Jordar, DOBaC—

She laughed softly, “In my experience, yes. She is learning that she is capable of different opinions than her parents. That she can make choices, but she does not have the life experience or knowledge to express those opinions properly. You will manage. She has always been outspoken.”

Karina looked up at him, “How is she?” There was worry in her eyes and a craving for news about his daughter. Karina loved her fiercely. She had missed Rondara as much as she had Jodar.

Enger, DOE

Everything she said made logical sense of course, standard child development was something he was certainly aware of but dealing with it on a day to day basis? That was something else…. “She misses Orion, she misses her mother. She understands why she can’t go back. Why I wasn’t there in the beginning, and why we left here initially. But she is acting out, a lot. I don’t know Karina, she really is a struggle now, she isn’t the kid you remember. Of course she is sweet, loving, caring, but she’s sneaking out, she wants to date, she’s skipping school, she’s talking back far more now. You’d think I’d appreciate it, but she is fighting me for the sake of fighting me, not because she believes I’m wrong. I ask her if she wants a pet she says yes, I get Squip, she hates it, she yells at me, and yet 30 minutes later they’re cuddling on her bed. I know she loves that damn slime worm but that’s just an example.”

He sounded worried, open, and unsure of himself, he knew he could be honest with Karina, and Rondara was part of why he hadn’t written. Cleaning up her messes and displaying that the cocksure bravado filled man was a crappy parent? He couldn’t keep his house in order yet have a long distance relationship worlds apart…

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina was quiet. It was hard sometimes to put what she saw in her head into words. Her mind wasn’t inherently wired for speech. “Rondara has been through…” there was a pause, “much loss, Jodar. Her father, then her mother, her world. She was in an orphanage for awhile. You returned, but she did not know you any longer. She moved to Oed and then moved away again. She lost her home, friends, the familiar, many times. And now she is losing her childhood self. She is starting the journey into an adult. That is a scary change in good cir…cir… events.”

“Perhaps she has some fear. Will her friends remember her? Will they still be her friends? Will she be behind in her classes or bored because she is faster? I can believe that she is afraid she will lose you again as well. Her life has been full of uncertainty. Perhaps you both should see a counselor together.”

Enger, DOE

She was right. About all of it. She usually was, much to Jordar’s chagrin at times, but she always did have that way with the world, seeing through to understand the root problems. “You really think it’s about loss? I suppose who am I to argue and you do make a solid point. I know how much she was affected when she lost you, that first letter she wrote was one she tried to write a dozen times. She didn’t want you to worry, but she cried Karina, she cried for so long when she wrote it to you.” The typical attitude he displayed was gone, he felt like the biggest fool for taking them off world. For abandoning the life they had, it was a main driver for why he wanted to return.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina’s heart wrenched hearing how sad Rondara was. She had suspected, but she never said directly. Karina could punch him. He should have brought Rondara with him instead of coming alone looking to repair a romance. Karina couldn’tblame him though. If she had refused to see him, that would have been horrible on Rondara.

She took a breath. “I think loss and fear. I could be wrong, but that would be my guess. Think about how you felt when you lost her. And all your worry since you got her back.”

“I want to see her.” It was both statement and question. “I’ve missed her as much as I’ve missed you.”

Enger, DOE

“You flatter me but don’t lie. You’ve missed her more, I know you well enough” he said with a smile, knowing just how much she cared for his daughter. Jordar stopped, “Come home with me, I have tea there packed away somewhere, if not the shuttle has a replicator.” He commented as he knew that was the more important relationship to foster. Would they get back together? Maybe? Maybe not? Would she be a second mother to Rondara? Always

Karina stopped and turned to face him. “I am not lying. The relationship ship I have with Rondara is… not the same as us. It is not the same as what you and Rondara share. I have missed you both eq… equally.”

“I tried to listen, I really did. I tried to be supportive but as you well know the Orion are a people of manipulation and subterfuge, coupled with extortion and violence. Many traits she picked up from her mother. I say it as it is, I always know where I stand. I don’t… I don’t know how to be a good father for her.” He said as he waited to see if she would join him right here and now.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

“No one knows how to be a good parent, Jodar. You simply do the best you can.” She began walking again. “You learn as you go along. That is something that you are very good at doing.”

“I will go with you, but I have to make a stop. I made Rondara a promise.”

Enger, DOE

Jordar was uncharacteristically quiet as they walked a short ways before she mentioned a promise. Rondara hadn’t mentioned any agreements or promises, no she mentioned various crushes at school and then lashed out when Jordar tried to say she was still a little young for that. Maybe she had said something? “Of course, shall I wait for you or give you our new address?” He said, not knowing if there was any secrecy in this promise.

Karina shook her head with a small grin. “No, come with me. It is no secret. Ruppeotil pudding. When you left, Rondara asked if she would ever see me again. That I would forget her. I promised I would always have some ready for her.” It was a dish native to her ho.eworld of Vair. It was a demanding dish to prepare, but Karina and Rondara had spent hours together making it. It was Rondara’s favorite. It took two days to prepare. It wasn’t something that could be whipped up last minute. If Karina had it already made, she hoped that would reassure Rondara she never forgot her.

“I too have missed you dearly, and your right as usual, I was a coward.” He said as he put his hands in his jacket pockets, exhaling a little before turning his head to look down the road.

—Jordar, DOBaC—

Karina paused again and touched his arm. “Yes, but you are here now. Whatever kept you away we can deal with now, or not. That is up to you.”

They had arrived at her apartment, and she entered the building expecting him to follow. She opened her door, it was the same, though it looked less lived in. The kitchen was pristine, like she didn’t cook anymore, there was no sign of the work she set aside when she was home, no jackets or blankets strewn about. The most she did here was sleep, shower, and make ruppeotil when the current batch needed replacing.

She set her bag down on the counter and went into the kitchen. She pulled out a bag and opened the fridge. Inside was the crystal dish full of a fresh batch of pudding. She grabbed the special oldling cups they were served in. She wrapped it all up and placed it in the bag.

“I’m ready.”

Enger, DOE

Following her into the apartment was a sad moment, realizing that she had put herself into her work, her routine, and her commitment to his daughter. It was an eye opening moment for sure, as he had gone wildly from idea to idea to help reassure and calm his daughter as they tried to live and work off world. Looking back it would seem that all it did was show Rondara that nothing in life was stable, that he as a father couldn’t keep up one activity or promise from one week to the next, yet here Karina was, making the same pudding week after week for over a year on the off chance she would see the girl again.

“Let’s go, I’ll lead the way?” He replied offering to take the dishes, trying to do something to show his desire to help and be a part, even though this was solely between Karina and Rondara.

–Jordar , BaC–

Karina decided she had made him squirm enough. She stopped, opened the chiller again, and the pantry. What she pulled out was everything necessary to make Jodar’s favorite meal. She had kept it on hand, hoping that they would both come back. She bagged those up, and let him have everything when he offered. “I am hoping you haven’t eaten yet.”

Enger, DOE

“I haven’t actually” He replied not realizing what she had grabbed as he led her down the road towards their home, a small townhouse for just him and Rondara in a more diverse part of the city. It was a little more run down, a little more ‘well lived’ so to speak, but it was where Jordar and Rondara were comfortable. It reminded them both of their time on Orion albeit for different reasons and that was a comforting thing. Now all things considered it was a very safe area, there wasn’t really any unsafe areas in the city, but it wasn’t some prestigious home in a wealthy district either. They rounded the corner and came to the middle unit where they had so recently called home and Jordar turned to Karina, “Maybe you should go first? Door should be unlocked.”

–Jordar, BoC–

Karina liked this area of the city. It reminded her of home. Nothing wad pretentious on Vair. It felt close and varied. She had briefly thought about moving into one of these communities over the past year, but she had no family and was never home anyway. Karina eyed him as he held back. She kissed his cheek. “Set that on the counter for me,” she said of the food.

She went up the steps, the door indeed unlocked. She went inside and winced. The music was excessively loud. Karina shook her head and followed the mind numbing noise to its source. She knocked, but there was no answer over the noise. She opened the door slightly and stepped in.

Enger, DOE

Jordar nodded as he took the containers and headed to the kitchen and was too accosted with the blaring of music and sighed as he moved to prepare two cups of Marob root tea.

Rondara didn’t hear her door open, and truth be told how she heard anything without hearing damage was a miracle of modern medicine. She sat in her chair working on some drawings, a pair of dark blue slides slipped off under her desk, a golden anklet on her left foot below a pair of dark denim capris, above an Andorian silk shirt with short sleeves halfway up the bicep adorned with a geometric pattern. Her jacket was tossed lazily to her side on the floor. She had two small golden loops per ear and a hint of complimentary blue blush to her pale green skin. Her black hair was braided back in a ponytail as she bobbed her head back and forth before she got a sense that something was different.

Karina watched her, seeing the same sweet but scared young girl she had been. Only now she had punk rock music to help her express it and an ungodly volume to help her mind and heart from having to feel it. She had grown, she was maturing, and had the incredible beauty of her mother, with a rustic edge from Jodar that made her all the more striking. Jodar would be beating back the boys.

Putting down her stylus, she turned slowly to see a familiar face when she let out a scream as if she were being kidnapped, leaping out of the chair and nearly tackling Karina in the process. The 11-year-old hugged the woman tight enough to be uncomfortable, a side effect of her being half Orion, before she looked up at Karina and then buried her head in the woman’s chest once more as she maintained that tight hug. “You came....” She whispered inaudibly before she yelled out, “Computer pause!” She wanted silence in this moment, having convinced herself that given her dad’s actions, Karina would at best be a pen pal, at worst, she was another loss....

–Jordar, BaC–

Karina opened her arms and then locked them around the girl that she wished was her daughter. She held her just as tightly as they rocked back from the force of Rondara’s momentum. She bit back a sigh as the music silenced. Karina rested her cheek on top of the girl’s head. “Of course I came leampu,” she said using the term of endearment. “Always. I am so happy you are back.” She squeezed her tighter with the words. “I have missed you hor… terribly.”

Enger, DOE

“Sel tahderi vu j’hordak fo korgasant… Gisjacheh tahderi…” Rondara whispered in Low Orion, the rough translation / meaning being ‘My father is nothing more than the shadow of a korgasant (a mindless predatory animal from Daros IV). Damn him!” In this context, the Low Orion of the insult implying that he is less than a mindless creature only out for it’s own good, he is it’s shadow, merely slinking along behind the creature always to be in second place, at the whims of the creature and the light cast upon it. There could be books written about Orion insults and their deeply layered meaning, but for now just understand that Rondara is deeply upset with her father.

Karina caught just enough to think she understood. She’d tried learning lower Orion because Rondara would often break out in tirades of the language. But it was a very nuanced language, and spoken language was already hard for the Cairn woman. She didn’t necessarily disagree with Rondara though.

She looked up at Karina, tears of joy and sorrow on her face, “I’ve missed you too, so very, very much. And I think the word you were looking for was ‘horribly’ which would work in this I think because it was horrible…” She broke the hug and sat up a little, “Did he try to win you back? Please tell me you didn’t fall for his ‘charms’ again… you deserve sooooo much better….”

—Rondara, Angry Tween—

Karina smiled and hugged her tighter. “Yes, that is the word I wanted. It has very much been hor… rible. As for your father. I will deal with that. I understand him, even if I do not agree with what he did.” She winked at the girl, “But he will work very hard if he wants to succeed.” She hugged Rondara again then leaned back to look at her. “We do not always get…” she tipped her head, “think the same with others, yes? That seems to be more true in families. We will work through it. We are a family of our own making, yes?” Did Rondara still feel that way? Karina did not want to assume too much. She would always consider Rondara and Jodar her family, even if they were not together.

Enger, DOE

Rondara eased her squeeze a little as she listened, the girl wiping away tears from her right eye with the palm of her right hand. She looked at Karina as if she were dumb, a classic kid move most often accompanied by the word ‘duh’ but while she could absolutely rake her father over the coals, Karina was different. “Of course we are! That’s why I wrote to you and wanted you to come visit, like I know why you couldn’t but I always invited you, like every time, it was getting kinda silly wasn’t it?” She said letting out a small giggle.

Karina shook her head. “No, not silly. In fact I have vacation time coming, I got it all approved. I guess now, I can just stay here. No travel time.” Karina had been hesitant to plan the trip. Orion wasn’t somewhere you wanted to go without having an escort. And she wasn’t sure Jodar would even let her in the door, but she had to try for Rondara. “I loved all of your letters.”

She had invited her on a whim, but Rondara started to really want to believe and hope that Karina one day would come. She’d always make sure that her room was clean and put together, that Karina would have some things she liked or at least shared with the girl, and as such she had a thought and jumped out of her seat and held up a finger “Hold on I’ll be right back!” She said as she tore out of her room, into the kitchen, and rummaged around in the fridge as she mumbled, “Where is it… ok if dad threw it out I’m gonna.... there it is!” She said as she grabbed it and a pair of spoons, running back to her room. “So I always tried to make it like you did, cuz I didn’t know if you were gonna come, but here, I made some Ruppeotil pudding! I don’t think this one is right though it’s too sour and like, almost a bit.... whats the word… metallic? Do you know what I did wrong? Like it’s not gone bad or anything....” She said as she started to pull inward a little, knowing that the pudding wasn’t anywhere as good as Karina’s and was unsure of herself. “You… you don’t have to try it if you don’t want to, I… I think I messed it up, it’s ok, don’t worry about it…”

–Rondara, Unsure Tween–

“I want to try.” She took a spoon, feeling a well of aching in her chest. Rondara had made it just like she had. She scooped out a bite and tasted it slowly. After a moment she nodded. “It is nothing you did. The ruppeotil berries were not quite… ummm… ready for picking… the word?” Karina shook her head, “They were not ready when they were picked and put in stasis. You did an excellent job.” Karina grinned, “We will have pudding for weeks. I also made it. I brought it over with me.”

Enger, DOE

The girl watched with baited breath as her favorite person tried her attempt at the pudding. She held her breath delicately as she heard that.... it hadn’t been her fault? She let out a breath with her lips near pursed, the air leaving her lungs slowly with relief. “They weren’t ripe?” Rondara asked as she thinks that’s the message that Karina is trying to send as she processes the other words, “Wait… Shut up… You remembered?” She said excitedly as she jumped up and held her shoulders up tightly close to her head before letting them down, wrapping her arms around Karina’s neck and squeezing hard. “So how have you been? I know the school is like, really busy now!”

–Rondara, Happy Tween–

“Yes, ripe.” Karina grinned. Rondara always seemed to know what she was trying to say. Then again, so did Jodar. She laughed happily at Rondara’s enthusiasm. “Of course I remembered. I would never forget, leampu.” She sighed wearily. “Yes, school is very busy, but it is good. I am good, but I work too much. And what of you? Did you enjoy your time back on Orion?”

Enger, DOE

The girl hopped onto her feet and grabbed at Karina to pull her up and drag her into the kitchen, “Ok we can continue talking but if you brought over like, actually good ruppeotil pudding she wasn’t waiting any longer. And besides, it was going to be great to actually catch up beyond the typical. She held Karina’s hand as they walked, the girl moving with purpose as she said, “You always have worked too much! How is this new? Glad to hear the school is good though.” She said as she pulled out two bowls and sat them down on the dining nook’s counter before she turned to Karina to give a classical tween glare, “How was Orion? Really? Shall I list the ways…” Before rolling her eyes and asking, “Did my dad put it in the fridge?”

–Rondara–

Karina held her hand and glanced around for Jodar as they entered the kitchen. Yes, she wanted a glimpse of him, to know he was there, even though he had to wait for her reunion with Rondara.

Karina moved over to the chiller and reached in, taking out both bags. She took the ruppeotil pudding and set the dish on the dinning table. When she returned, with a flourish she pulled out Joplaorn, Cairn Apricots, Honey Boar fillets, and brijiarana. It was Jodar’s favorite, but one of Rondara’s as well. “Your father said you have not eaten. I thought I could cook a meal in your new home?”

“Yes,” Karina nodded. “List the ways. I want to know all you have been doing.”

Enger, DOE

Rondara let out a little chuckle as Jordar entered the room. Karina didn’t quite get the subtilties of sarcasm and she started to say, “So when I asked about listing the ways, I… You know what, I’ll tell you later. That all looks amazing! Can I help?” She asked excitedly as Jordar said “I’d like to help too if you need the help.” He said fully knowing that his daughter didn’t want to talk about certain topics in front of him and wanted to give her an out if she wanted. In an odd turn, Rondara waved her father over, inviting him to join the work assuming that Karina wanted the help.

–Jordar & Rondara–

Karina nodded, “Alright. Later.” She looked up as he entered. Jodar had no right to look that good. She smiled though and slid the Joplaorns towards him. “You still know how to use a knife, yes? You can slice them long ways.” Jodar had been an undercover intel officer for a long time. He knew weapons, and his skill with a knife was impressive even in something as mundane as cooking. “Rondara take the Cairn Apricots. Peel them and then we will use them to make the sauce.”

Karina rummaged in boxes and cabinets until she found a pot to boil the brijiarana in. Then she began to heat the grill plate for the Honey Boar fillets.

Enger, DOE

Intelligence had been and forever will be messy work, the kind of thing where morals and ethics take a backseat to the mission. Much like cooking really if one were to stretch the metaphor, where one can bruise the vegetable before cutting it. Reducing meat to thin strips. Boiling animals alive to get the best flavor. Distasteful of course but all a matter of perspective. It is in this that Jordar picked up the joplaorns, a reddish green gourd the size of a large apple and produced a razor sharp paring knife and began to peel them to reveal their bluish insides. His cuts were exacting as he took delicate and measured movements to remove just enough of the outer skin. Similar to an interrogation he had performed where he… on second thought, maybe that’s a story for another time. This is dinner they’re preparing after all.

Karina had served in Star Fleet, she’d even worked deeply with intel a few times. She was a teacher at heart though. Still, there was something about a man that knew how to handle a knife.

Once peeled, Jordar cut the gourd into thin even strips, perfectly straight before giving a hashing slice into the body of the strips, the result being exceptionally even hash marks on the backs to allow the seasonings to penetrate better.

Rondara meanwhile peeled the apricots, far more clumsily than her father but still good for her age.

—Jordar & Rondara—

While they worked, Karina filled the pot with water and brought it to a rolling simmer before adding the brijiarana to the pot. It was a grain that cooked similar to oats or rice from Earth, but was much lighter in texture with a strong bitter punch. It complimented the Honey Boar that was very heavy and very naturally sweet. As Rondara peeled the apricots, Karina took the peelings and wrapped the fillets in them. The peels would crisp up like bacon, but they were savory, which would balance out the sweetness of the meat. She set those on the grill plate and they sizzled and hissed and soon the aroma filled the kitchen.

When Jodar had finished hashing the joplaorns, Karina reached around him, from behind, close and familiar, almost hugging him, and she sprinkled seasoning over the top of the vegetable. “Put those on the grill.” She turned to Ronadara, “Alright, do you remember how to get the…pit, the pit out? We’ll give those to your father to crush.”

Enger, DOE

Their closeness was a wonderful reminder of what they once had, what they might have again if Jordar played his cards right. He nodded, “Of course” As he took the seasoned vegetables and moved to grill them. Rondara was watching their interactions and rolled her eyes as they danced around each other in the kitchen, letting out a soft sigh and whispering to Karina when she was out of ear shot, “You deserve better… but it’s nice that you’re getting along…” She said, secretly hoping that they could be that family that Karina had mentioned. She knew her father wanted the best and tried his best, still pissed her off though.... “Yeah I remember, I’ll get a spoon” She said as she fished through the drawers to grab the small slotted spoon and dug the pits out, taking some of the fruit with it and jabbing her thumb with the spoon “Vra’xl!” She swore, a word similar to a four letter exclamation starting with an F. Jordar heard this, “Rondara what have we talked about with your swearing....” Rondara glared at her father before rolling her eyes again, “Sorry.....” She said as she placed the pits on a plate, muttering the phrase “Gleb’nar…” under her breath, a childish insult meaning roughly meaning ‘bossy pants’.

– Jordar & Rondara–

Karina winked at Rondara. She didn’t think Jodar was past redemption. Though they had been close there had been no serious commitments between them. The feelings had been there, but neither had taken that step.

“Jodar, I have heard worse from you. At least she used it properly. Unlike the other teenage mouths I hear utter it. As if using it makes them mature.” It was Karina’s turn to roll her eyes.

Jordar smiled at the chiding, having no problem at all with Karina’s assessment and figuring that he was just being overprotective and overbearing. Their time back on Orion hadn’t gone well at all, and she had taken up with some unsavory crowds, as if there were any crowds of kids on Orion who were upstanding and wonderful people…

She set the spoon down from stiring the brijiarana. She wiped her hands in the towel and took Rondara’s hand in hers and inspected it. There was a small cut. “Jodar, will you crush those pits.” She tugged Rondara along, “Let’s clean that up.” Into the bathroom they went, for the small medical aid kit, and a few moments later they were back. Ronadara was good as new.

Rondara joined Karina and felt the comfort and sense of care coming from the older woman. She stood and happily accepted the aid. Soon as can be she had no signs of injury and returned where her Father had finished crushing the pits. While the two were away, Jordar had taken tool similar to a garlic press and crushed the pits into a chunky mess before he quietly scooped them into a grinder to make a uniform size for the pieces.

The crushed pits were sprinkled in with the brijarana and the apricots were squeezed and then layered on the Boar fillets to grill and marinade the meat. Karina covered them to hold the heat in. “There, 20 minutes and it will be ready.”

Enger, DOE

“Shall we get comfortable?” Jordar said as he moved to make some tea and Rondara smiled, “Let me show you around!”

–Jordar & Rondara–

Karina took the invitation quite literally. It surprised neither of her companions because that was just the way she was. She slipped off her shoes and toed them into a corner. She pulled her blouse loose and then discarded it for just the cotton tank top she wore underneath. If her hair hadn’t already been down she would have done that too. Karina took Ronadara’s hand, “Okay.” She tossed a grin over her shoulder at Jodar. She felt a warmth in her core at the site of them both. She’d missed them, and she wasn’t sure if perhaps, this was just a daydream.

Jordar simply chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Karina, grasping her shoulders and squeezing her gently before he said, “I’ll set the table, shall we eat outside? It’s a pleasant enough evening” With that he moved to grab three place settings and gave Karina and Rondara a little peace, “Vaj’sha....” She muttered under her breath, a phrase translating loosely to ‘oh my god....’ as she watched her father and Karina get all cozy and comfy. She looked up at Karina and smiled, “Orion really wasn’t all that bad, it’s just that it wasn’t here, and you weren’t there…”

–Jordar and Rondara

Karina hugged Jodar back, hiding a grin over Rondara’s exasperation. She understood why the child was upset with her father, but her relationship with Jodar was something the two adults would have to work out for themselves. Karina joined Rondara and nodded. “I like Oed. It has been a good spot for my career, but it was quite depressing without both of you.” She put an arm around the girl and squeezed. “We are together now. That is the important thing. Have you talked to any of your old friends yet?”

Enger, DOE

Rondara looked up at Karina, a look of peace on her face as she felt the comforting arm around her shoulder. “Should I grab something to go on the table?” She asked as seh headed to the kitchen to pick up a dish before she paused and turned her head, “No not yet, we’ve only been back a few hours, and like I know Neltus and Vedi probably don’t even remember me....” She said, a look of melancholy flashing across her face as briefly as it appeared before she smiled, ” I do want to talk to Urashti though! Is she still here?”

–Rondara, Tween–

Karina hid her grin. She had always thought Rondara had a crush on those two boys. “They are all three still here. I think you will be surprised at how well they remember you. They haven’t moved, so the comms you have should still work.” Karina grabbed a dish and carried it out to the patio. “Dinner will still be a bit. Why don’t you try and give them a call?”

Enger, DOE

Squip inched its way into the kitchen and cooed at the two with a look of happiness on its face, a recorder floating inside it, having been a snack for the creature about 20 minutes before. Rondara saw this and let out an exasperated sigh as she said, “Really Squip? Really? Come on…. I have people to call!” She said, scooping up her pet and scampering off to her room.

Jordar returned shortly and gave Karina a smile. “Thank you for coming and receiving us back into your life, it only for today to start.”

—Jordar and Rondara—

Karina watched Rondara hurry off with a warm smile. She turned to look at Jodar and let out a quiet sigh that told exactly how she felt seeing him. “Jodar, you and Rondara are always going to be a part of my life. What that will look like we will have to talk about. I have missed you, Jodar, more than I have words to ex..exp… to say. It is sad that I can not use telepathy to tell you.”

Enger, DOE

Jordar turned to her and leaned on the counter, “I have missed you too, more than I can express either” He said, using the word she seemed to be looking for as he let out a breath and looked up towards the ceiling, “It’s too early to talk about that, for today at least, let’s just enjoy each other’s company and spend the time together once more.” As he spoke, he wanted to hold her, to embrace her more than just as a friend. He had fought his feelings when they had met, explored them gently when he was here last, and then he got scared, he took Rondara back to Orion and was a fool to do so, but he had made the choice and he had to live with that.

–Jordar, BoC–

Karina could tell how he was feeling. Regret and want, and a time machine. What she didn’t know was what changed. What convinced him to come back? “No, not tonight but soon.” He could hear the hint of authority in her voice. Not mean or cruel, or bossy, just certainty that it would happen. She watched him a moment, leaning against the counter, before walking up to him and sliding her arms around him and leaning her weight against him. Whatever came next, she was going to enjoy the evening, even if Rondara thought she was a fool.

Enger, DOE

Rondara was happily chatting with her friends on a 4 way holo-call, sitting in her room and regaling the other three tweens about her time on Orion, and of course absolutely embellishing the stories as she told them with frantic hand gestures and the like. Her slime worm drifted in and out of frame, much to Rondara’s annoyance as the other kids laughed and giggled at the sight of her trying to haul the adorable creature off only for it to come back again and again to play this fun new game.

Downstairs meanwhile Jordar had indeed made their tea and invited Karina to the small family room where a few chairs had been set up but most of the items were still boxed up. “How have you been, really?” He asked, not at all implying deception on her part, but more asking without his daughter in the room, he was concerned for her, he knew the stresses she was on last time he was this side of the quadrant and he knew it had been tough.

–Jordar–

Karina sipped the tea as she sat near him, turned to face him. “Overworked, too much responsibility, losing weight, proud of the work I’ve done, but very lonely.”

Enger, DOE

He sipped his tea and listened to her talk, an activity he could do for hours, and it was interesting, she listed 4 negatives to the one positive. It wasn’t a good ratio to be sure, and Jordar knew for a fact he had contributed to it, “What of those do you want to talk more about?” He asked, wanting her to lead the conversation rather than have him dictate.

Karina glanced out the window as she lifted her cup. What did she want to talk about? Anyone one of them all came back to work. She had been very focused since Jodar left. She wished she had something, anything other than work to talk about. Rondara saved her from having to answer.

Rondara came tearing down the stairs, “Dad can I go to Neltus and Vedi’s house after dinner? Please???? Their dad already said yes!” She asked as she had a look similar to her slime worm when it wanted to eat a tricorder… He turned to Karina, “I don’t know their father well enough… His name started with a T I think? What do you think?” He asked knowing that Karina would have a good sense on the man.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina nodded, “Tabris Asam. He’s a good man. Engineer for Star Fleet. Moved here to give his children more stability than a star ship provided. Neltus is El-Aurian like Mr. Asam. His other three children are Cardassian and a young Bajoran boy. He adopted them all from the same orphanage. The children had made their own little family, and he didn’t want to seperate them.” She smiled at Rondara, “He will make sure nothing happens to Rondara while she is there. The boys are the same. They are very loyal an a protective of their friends and each other.”

Enger, DOE

Jordar listened to Karina’s knowledge of the man and his family and felt reassured that she would be in good company. He knew the colony itself was pretty safe, especially for the kids and families, but given where he worked for so long and where he had just come from, he was still a little on edge. “Go on then” He said to his daughter as she gave him a big hug, followed by one to Karina, and ran out the door “Guess it’s just the two of us for dinner? She seems to be settling in well…”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Jodar was speaking to an empty chair as Karina hurried after Rondara. She caught the girl at the door. Karina motioned and a woman stepped out of the shadows. “Rondara, this is Zhamille. She is part of my security team. She is going to go with you.” She held up a hand, “I know, you are smart, observant, and have a better head on your shoulders than most twice your age. There have been threats to the cabinet members and their families. Some attacks. She will stay with you, but not get in your way. Alright? We all have rhem until things have been handled.”

Enger, DOE

Jordar had been turned to the side as he was talking, watching a few folks go by on the street when he turned his head to the now empty chair. “Mmmhmm, just the two of us, yup…” He said with a shake of his head as he saw her go to follow his daughter out to the door. The attacks on cabinet staff on the colony were still new to Jordar but given his background the risk and danger weren’t new to him or Rondara for that matter. He watched her coming back and said, “Tell me about these attacks, I wasn’t briefed on them before my arrival. What are we looking at?”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina returned and sat down. “I apologize. I did not want Rondara to run off or attack her escort. She is much like you, that way.”

She sighed and leaned back. “You know of the Vren. Our mysterious enemies that have attacked Oed over the years. They have been blamed for sabotage to assasination.” This was information Jodar was aware of from his time at Lt. Government.

“They have reached out for peace talks. Their planet is dying and they need help. They are here negotiating for help and peace. There are those in the Vren that are opposed, but more willing.”

“There are mixed feelings among the colony, of course. Shortly after they arrived, the Attache to the Federation Ambassador was murdered. We do not know if it is connected or not. There is always political unrest, and of course people are quick to point fingers. Security was significantly increased in case this was not an isolated incident.”

Enger, DOE

“Don’t apologize to me Karina, I know you don’t mean it as a false display, but you were very intentional with your actions and they should be recognized as such. You wanted to protect both my daughter and your guard, a very reasonable response.” He said, a gentle smile on his face as he responded before he quieted down and listened. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it was connected, the Vren are a fractious bunch and while some may want peace and to integrate, some are stubbornly proud in their superiority and would do anything to derail talks with the Federation.”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

“The investigation is still ongoing. I am not privy to the details. We had an emergency cabinet meeting about it. Security at the schools have been increased, especially for children of any government leader, ambassadorial staff, and leading Star Fleet officers.”

“I have met the Vren. They are different from us, but they want something different. It will not be easy.”

Enger, DOE

“Tell me about them. The ones you’ve met I mean. I’m curious to know how you think of them. The Federation has built itself as a collection of fractious and difficult members and yet somehow they’ve made it into a place of overall peace and prosperity. Difficult of course, but I can only hope that it will be positive in the end.”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

“They are very ritualistic. I met their cultural attache. That is not what he does really. They do not have anything like ambassadors and diplomatic positions until now. He asked me for a tour of the museum, specifically looking at the comet strike and then what history we had about the attacks from his people. He was very interested in seeing how we view those situations compared to their own point of view. He, along with the other delegates, are from a younger generation. They see how limiting it is to refuse to have good relations with their neighbors. They are aware of the hos… hos…tility of our shared past. They are a very thoughtful and calculating as well.”

Enger, DOE

“I can appreciate the desire to learn the different perspectives. The Orion usually teach their children how The Federation are a collective group of meddling interlopers who don’t respect cultural or historic rites and traditions. And to be clear I don’t think they are wrong. I do hope though things calm down between them and the colony.”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina nodded, “All cultures that explore are that way. Orions too. They have different… methods, but all want things their way.” Karina reached for her cup, and then settled back into her seat - feet tucked under her, hands wrapped around the heat of her cup, and looking at him. “Why are you here, Jodar? Why did you come back to Oed? You wanted a change from Orion for Rondara, you said that. Why come back here?”

Enger, DOE

This was a vulnerable conversation to say the least. He leaned forward, hands wrapped around the cup, his usual bluster and arrogance falling by the wayside as he was truly just ‘there’ with her.

“Karina I’m back for her, and I’m back for you.” He said, letting that hang heavy in the air for a little while, “My life has never been easy, not knowing if I’m going to see the next day, infiltrating the syndicate and putting a target on my back from half a dozen pirates. I have a daughter but have to escape I don’t see her for nearly a decade and then she’s foisted back into my life when I was here before. I was scared Karina. You and I…. Well… I didn’t give us the chance to go beyond the question. I was scared of the possibilities of what might happen if I explored that again. The mother of my child is dead because they found me out. OED is far enough from the syndicate to be safe of that, but I always have those skeletons.”

He said raising himself out of the chair. “And I come back waltzing in as if nothing was different. I had gone to Orion to try and blend in, I knew things had cooled down and so I thought she could get to know her people, her heritage. But it started to heat up again. I couldn’t put her through that and again, I knew OED was safe. And I knew you were still here. Karina if I’ve burned that bridge I completely understand. But I can’t keep running.”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina lwr him talk, sipping her tea, but listening to every word, each nuance, and when he stood she craned her neck to stare up at him. She didn’t speak right away. “Jodar,” she reached a hand out, “come sit with me.”

She placed her hand in his. She could not share her thoughts and emotions with him, and he could not sense hers. It left her floundering at times to express herself and connect with others. It had been a struggle well worth it with Jodar. The simple connection between their hands helped. “I was your XO once, I have spent my time with intel, not the way you have. I understand the risk of your skeletons. I know how much Tirtess hurt you. I know you loved her, and her betra… Turing away hurt you deeply. I accept you were scared. That you need time.”

Jordar squeezed her hand silently, he knew that in this moment she truly did understand. He was a headstrong man who absolutely was prideful and stubborn, and he needed someone like Karina to balance him out. Tirtess was his foil on Orion, but she wasn’t good for him, never had been.

She leaned forward and set her cup down. “I have missed you everyday, Jodar. It hurt everyday, everything I got a letter from Rondara, and no word from you.” She shook her head, “I do not blame you for not writing. I did not write either. I never said how I felt or what I might want. I do not tell you this to make you guilty. I tell you because you are a part of my life. An important part. After all this time, it still hurt to miss you.”

“That tells me that no bridge has been burned. I am not asking for… for,” what were the words? She could see the concept so clearly in her mind. “I am not asking for a promise of forever. If you only want to be friends, we can be that.” Karina smirked, “Rondara thinks I should make you suffer. I would like to try to have what we did. I would like more if it comes to that. I would like to be your friend if that is all you want.”

“But you must tell me what you want. I do not mange verbal innu… subtlety as well as I would like. You say you are here for Ronadara and for me. That you knew I was still here. Yet, you have not said what you want. Do not worry about assumptions. Be blunt.”

Enger, DOE

“Karina…” Jordar started, squeezing her hand once more. He fell silent as he thought. She too hadn’t written yet she knew where he was, she was right that Rondara wanted her to make him suffer as the girl thought the man a complete idiot. Truth be told? He was indeed.

“Karina I will be blunt as is my nature and my custom.” He said once more falling silent as he built the courage, “You are the one person who makes me speechless, which is uniquely funny given your trouble with spoken word and my inability to relate empathically. You are the one person who fills me out, who compliments me rather than fights me. You’re right, I loved Tirtess, in a way I still do, but I love what I wanted her to be. What she never could be.” With one final pause he finally said, “Karina, I want to be with you. I want to share my life with you. I want to start where we left off, if you’ll have me. I never wrote what I have thought, but I say it bluntly now.”

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina was silent for moments before she spoke. “I never said, and I should have. We were both content to simply leave to chance.” She paused for just a moment. “I, too, wish to share my life with you. Rondara too. I want you both, equally. Not because I have to, but because,” she paused for a very deep breath and de idea to dive in. “Because I love you both. I know those words will not fix the mistakes we both made.”

Enger, DOE

He sat quietly as he considered their next steps. Together. One night and one conversation wouldn’t do anything beyond lay out their mutual intent. “The question is how to tell Rondara where we stand. I know that she will be furious with both of us for differing reasons and secretly overjoyed. She’s of that age as you know…” He said trailing off for a moment. He moved closer to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and holding her gently as they spoke.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

That was a question. Karina wasn’t too worried about it, but she didn’t have to go home every night to a broody preteen. She had just settled back against his arm when her comm chirped twice.

Rondara meanwhile had successfully made it to Tabris’ home and was greeted by her old friends and gasped a little at how much they had grown. It’s not like she hadn’t herself, but they were all in their third year when they last saw each other and Vedi of two had shot up in height! She sent a message to both Jordar and Karina indicating she had arrived before thanking Mr. Tabris sweetly. It would seem the tough girl act was just that, and she quickly was her old self away from her father.

~Rondara~

Rondara was the center of attention. Not just for Neltus and Vedi, but their little brother Julin who was still in that stage where he imitated everything his big brothers did. However, it was shy Mecona who demanded most of Rondara’s attention. Normally attached to Neltus or Tabris, she was fascinated by having another girl in the house, even if only a few hours.

She read the messages quickly and grinned at Jodar. They had both been copied on Rondara message. “Perhaps it will be easier to tell her than we an… an…ticipate. But for now it seems we have a few hours before we must face her.” Karina knew Jodar would worry over it though. He loved Rondara more than anything or anyone. He would always try to do what he felt was best for her. “Do you want to tell her right away, or wait until we have become reaquainted?”

Enger, DOE

Jordar rubbed her arm gently as he listened, “Let’s wait for just a little while” He said as he watched the message, the two boys near her age in the background and the younger two hanging off her arms as she recorded the message. “Looks like you’re right and it won’t be as hard as I’m making it out to be, she seems to have fallen back into her old, gentler ways rather easily?” He said as he smiled and turned to face her, silent as he simply gazed upon her happily. The Zaldan people could be rather brusque and brash when in a confrontation, however their need to uphold truth and clarity in communications made relationships difficult with most other species, the upside though was it was easy to know where one stood.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Her eyes closed a moment at the contact. Verbal communication was difficult. Her people had no concept of privacy and secrets. Talking with Jodar was always refreshing. “She will be mad at us. But I am glad she has found her friends. She was mad at you because you were close. Right now she is happy to see me. It won’t take her long to tell me about my own errors.” Karina turned so she faced him, one arm stretched along his, her hand resting on his shoulder. She felt no need to speak, but rather enjoy the happiness his presence brought.

Enger, DOE

“That she will…” Jordar started as he trailed off, “She is a little firebrand isn’t she?” He said with a light chuckle as they simply sat together, enjoying the company of one another as they sat. Time passed as the sat before he chuckled a little, “So much for a dinner for three, how about just the two us finish cooking and enjoy the quiet. And Squip…” He said as he looked over at the slime worm, a book floating inside of it as it cooed and trilled, heading for the kitchen. “I don’t know why I got her that thing… it’s just a pest…” He remarked as Squip turned and made a frustrated little noise at him, with a motion that one might mistake for furrowing of one’s brow.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina laughed quietly. “He is cute, and Rondara seems fond of him. Dinner for just two sounds,” Karina’s eyes moved back and forth as she searched for the word she wanted but couldn’t find it. She shrugged with a slight grin. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I am glad you are back.” She stood and moved into the kitchen to check on the boar meat. She lifted the lid of the grill and the aroma wafted out and filled the space making her stomach growl and her mouth water.

Enger, DOE

“Cute? He’s an absolute pain. And of course she’s fond of him! He gets on my nerves!” He said as he smiled at the creature, a distinct fondness in Jordar’s eyes. He spoke the truth, every word was true, it simply wasn’t the whole story. He turned to her after that kiss on the cheek and was about to go in for her lips before she stood and moved back to the kitchen. His hand, which was headed for her cheek, fell to his side as he stood and shook his head a little from side to side.

He still needed to earn that.

He approached and wrapped his arms around her gently, “I’m glad to be back too. Now, let’s eat? I think I have a bottle of Andorian ice wine if you’re interested?” He said as he helped to pull the boar off the grill and let the meat rest before carving it and helping to serve the rest.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina leaned against him, putting her own arms around him in turn. “I think that will go very well with our meal.” While Jodar dealt with the board, Karina plated the rest of the meal onto two dishes. She also made a third plate for Rondara and set it in the warmer to keep for her.

Enger, DOE

Jordar uncorked the bottle and grabbed two glasses from a cabinet above them before pouring each glass half full, the shimmering bright blue sparkled in the light as he carried both glasses and his plate back out to the table, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees.

~Jordar, Director of Building and Construction~

Karina set her plate down and sat in the chair that was at a 90 degree angle to Jodar. She stared out over the view and breathed deep. The air moved constantly on Oed because there was nothing to break it up, but the city. But now it carried a hint of scent and life with it, rather than the sterile processed air that had been under the dome. You could feel a slight touch of damp to the usually dry air, and she could scent growing things in the air. “What do you think, Jodar? Has Oed changed much since you were here?”

Enger, DOE