Posted by Civilian Griget Kek (Vren Ambassador) in Farmer’s Market- Casual Saturday Diplomacy

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Farmer’s Market- Casual Saturday Diplomacy

Posted by Civilian Griget Kek (Vren Ambassador) in Farmer’s Market- Casual Saturday Diplomacy
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Having reached out to Kek and pitching the idea, Jeanette found herself in a good mood the next Saturday as she and Ren made their way over to Sloane Square. the market was in full swing and the content and happy energy from the market goers was infectious. She would be taking Kek through the market (with unobtrusive guards in tow on her part), and Ren was going to head off to the artist supply shops to get some of the things they needed to finish supplying their new studio.

The agreement was to meet in the Square by a set of benches off ot the side where they could greet each other without being in the way of others.

This was not some show they were putting on, though Revna’s suggestion to be seen together in public was an excellent one. The way Jeanette saw it, they needed a relaxed meeting with low stakes before they all sat down at the table for formal talks. Showing Kek the market was a great way for him to get to know Oed’s people and culture a bit better, and for the people of Oed to see that there was nothing to worry about. Or perhaps, less to worry about than they might be imagining.

After kissing Ren on the cheek as they headed off, Jeanette wandered over to one of the benches that seemed to be occupied. The person sitting there got up adn casually moved over to lean against a tree while she took a seat on the bench. She draped the long dark blue open cardigan over her legs. She was dressed for comfort, but still looked her usual polished self in royal blue linen trousers and a drapey white top made of a t-shirt material. Her long blond hair was loose.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

The obvious lowering of volume in the crowd was the first indication that something wasn’t normal. Then the crowd further down the path from the Ambassador parted to make way for a lone figure.

The Vren Ambassador was dressed in a loose fitting robe and walked with an ornate walking stick in his left hand. His head didn’t move, but his eyes did, seemingly taking in everything around him. He was quiet noticeably alone, odd considering the amount of people and public exposure he faced. He approached the bench and then gave Mathis a half-bow. “Ambassador. I thanks you for the invitations to accompany you. The market seemses to be quiet lively, today.” His facial expression was far to unknown to read, but the tone in his voice jovial.

Kek - Vren Ambassador

She rose with an easy smile on her face that was actually genuine. Despite how hard recents times had been, she was eager to get to know Kek better. Besides, they all could use a break and a chance to interact without so many stakes on the table. Today was not about negotiations, it was about connection and camaraderie. “Indeed it is. So far I’ve managed to stop by a few times and it seems to vary. It’s good to see people out and out.”

Jeanette drew closer. “I’m glad you agreed to join me. I thought we could just wander and chat. Do you have public markets like these back on Tutsikara?”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Oh yes!” Kek said excitedly. “In our capital we have a continuous market that never closes. Some of our ecology is strictly nocturnal-night, so we have vendorses who only sell their wares at night.” He turned and matched her walking speed as they began to move into the market area. Kek seemed completely nonplussed at the obvious stares, shocked expressions, and even a few glares. “It is a wonderful place to find almost anything our home provides.” The eyes rotated this way and that and he asked “Is this standard for your people’s cities?”

Kek - Vren Ambassador

She loved his enthusiasm. As they moved into the market, she walked at a relaxed pace, unhurried. “It depends on the planet and the various cultures found there. Across the Federation, many different people have markets like these, though some do not. If you mean specifically Humans, then yes, among a great many different Human cultures, markets have been an essential part of life. Even after we took to the stars and settled elsewhere, markets tend to pop up, even if what they offer can differ a great deal.”

As they started along the perimeter, she gave curious onlookers a friendly smile and a nod and then returned her focus to Kek.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Most fascinating.” Kek said. As they passed the stall of a local bakery, Kek stopped. His eyes focused on the various sizes and shaped loaves of bread, and his nostrils flared as he took a deep breath. “Oh… oh my.” and a soft chirrup issued from his throat. “What is that? It smells amazing!”

Kek - Vren Ambassador

“It’s called bread. It’s a leavened dough that is baked. Usually the most basics ingredients are flour and water, and from there other things can be added to change the taste or texture,” Jeanette explained. “And yes, the smell is intoxicating. I’m not sure if it’s something you can digest or not, but if you’re interested in trying some, I can purchase some and your people can check to see if it is something you can tolerate. If so, it could be quite the interesting experience.” She was mindful of what Vren physiology she knew thus far, and at the gala she hadn’t seen any of them veer away from their own carefully curated food. Yet, Kek was more adventurous them most of contingent, so if there was anyone who might try, it was him. She just wanted to be safe and not make him ill because they didn’t take precautions. That would be a nightmare.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Kek looked at the bread as she spoke. The eyes then rotated and fixed on the stall owner. “Apologieses. I do not knowing if there is offenses to me scanning your wares? Just to see if I can try some?” The vendor, who was openly staring at the Vren, finally shook his head and said “Oh! Um… naw. I don’t suppose that would be an issue.” He looked at Mathis and then Kek, then back and forth again as Kek reached into the left sleeve of his robe and produced something that looked like and old Earth ultrasound wand and he held it towards the bread. A soft sound like one of the old tricorders from Star Fleet’s early years issued forth. After a few seconds, Kek stopped and looked at a display screen. He watches the display for a few moments and then a loud chirp came out of him. “I think we are okay!” He looked at the loaves on the counter and then said to Mathis “Do you utilize currency or virtual payments here?”

Kek - Vren Ambassador

She grinned. “Depends on the vendor, but you’ll find both across Oed. In this market though, Federation credits are usually preferred.” Mathis pulled out her card and handed it to the vendor. “The Ambassador will have that one, but I’d like one as well.”

“Bread can be used in different ways for different meals. It can be warmed up and served alongside other dishes. Some people like to to put different spreads on it. You can toast slices, or put layers of fillings in the middle for something we call a sandwich. The ends can be dried out and toasted to add to other dishes as a way to thicken them, or as an outside coating on meats. Most Humanoid cultures have some sort of bread, as it’s one of those developmental things that occurs in our evolution. Learning to move from hunting and gathering to cultivating agriculture and combining things into multi-ingredient dishes is an important step in building our civilizations.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador