The Path Not Taken: Dinner With The 'Enemy' (Part 1 of 6)

Posted on 22 Feb 2024 @ 10:48am by Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor & Lieutenant JG Montgomery Vala

3,291 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 19 - Tomorrow's Galileo
Location: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, Earth
Timeline: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, Earth - 2396

Early 2396 - 4 years after the deletion of Cold Station 31 files.

[ON]

Managing a dinner gathering was nothing like engineering, but controlling the multiple pieces of the upcoming social event had turned into something intricate and time-consuming because Sera wanted to ensure that there was something comfortable for everyone in attendance.

The Romulan contingent was easy enough, but finding something suitable for Montgomery’s Klingon colleague could have potentially proven far more complicated. She was inwardly pleased that the specialty spirits store the kali’fal had been procured from also had a few bottles of high quality Blood wine for purchase.

To complicate the dinner planning, her neighbor Mrs. Yamaguchi had apparently told others within the community of her off-the-cuff repair of the condenser and there had been a number of small, handwritten requests for assistance with some mechanical issue or another from other members of the community. As it gave her something to do that allowed for some sort of foray into the engineering realm, Sera was amenable to assist. It was logical…just more complicated now.

So her day started after Montgomery left for his commute into Okinawa proper. She dressed in a simple cotton Yukata that had bamboo imagery on the sleeves and bottom hem of the robe, along with the requisite tabi sock and geta sandals. A tasuki sash wrapped about her upper arms and back held the sleeves of her yukata away so they wouldn’t get dirty while she worked.

Before leaving, Sera ensured Fvillhu was fed and content, and as her last check-in found the spoiled feline lounging in the dappled sunlight of the garden; she felt confident all would be well with the cat while she was out doing repairs. If the tasks could be completed by mid-day, Sera would go to the transport station and go into Tokyo proper to retrieve the items she had ordered for the dinner.

--

The repairs were completed by mid-day and Sera was able to keep to her preferred time schedule. It was a short walk to the municipal transporters, and Sera walked up to the attendant to obtain a chit to travel to Tokyo. The attendant took her identification chit and scanned it. “Impossible, I’m afraid.” The attendant said in polite Japanese.

Sera was confused. What did that mean? ”I would like to travel to Tokyo. Why is that impossible?

Apologies miss. You do not have access to such a destination. Your chit is restricted. You may only travel on Okinawa island.”

Sera blinked as the attendant handed back her chit and she stood there unmoving for a moment. She was restricted? What did that mean? She had an unrestricted Visa.

Sera was in turmoil. There had to be an explanation for this, for an error was unlikely. Looking at the transporter pads for another moment considering, she finally turned and began the 15 minute walk back to their home. Perhaps the specialty store could courier the products she desired for a fee?
It would be something to handle when she got back to the house…

–-

It had not been an easy week at the Department of Xenogeology. As word had spread of the Star Empire’s entry into the war, Vala had found himself treated similarly to how he had been when he first arrived at Daystrom in 2373.

Rihannsu were well known to use espionage, manipulation and spycraft to achieve their ends, so in these times of conflict many people fell back on the old stereotypes and thus he was treated with extreme suspicion at every turn.

His respect for the critical thinking skills of those who submitted to such paranoia was commensurately diminished. Why on Earth would the Star Empire infiltrate the Department of Xenogeology of all places? With people who were openly Rihannsu? Surely everyone knew that if the Tal Shiar were going to infiltrate any Federation Institute they would do so disguised as a Vulcan. But that was what they wanted you to think, those people might say, it's a double bluff. Ridiculous. It was eye roll inducing.

Nonetheless it was what Vala had had to put up with. People averted their eyes. People avoided talking to him. His superiors didn’t seem to know what to do. Reports to him on inconsequential pieces of rock were now written in the vaguest of terms, presumably to ensure he learned nothing pertinent from their contents. The joke was on them though as he really could not be less interested either way.

Thus the days progressed. He had invited his two fellow Rihannsu to dinner as S’Ers-a had bid, and he’d managed to catch finally the often elusive Klingon, K'ratak, as the week came to an end to invite him as well.

It would be pleasant to be surrounded by people who did not wear fear on their sleeves, Vala mused as he departed on the day of the meal, though he was sure that if anyone else heard of it they would suspect some kind of conspiracy was happening amongst the representatives of the ‘hostile powers’ at Daystrom.

--

Some time later Vala slid the door of their abode open to the traditional ministrations of Fvillhu weaving about his legs. He bent down and gave the strange creature his usual long stroke along the back then made his way inside.

The room was particularly well ordered, even compared to its usual standards. Things had been moved, adjusted or removed to provide the room with a particularly impeccable neatness. It was clear S’Ers-a was applying her many aptitudes to the success of the dinner later on. He could not immediately see her, but he could hear some noise from their small kitchen. “E’lev? He said as he walked towards the door, “I have returned a little early. Have you had a pleasant day?”

Sera’s head whipped up. She had not felt him come close nor even registered the front door opening to signal his arrival; That was how preoccupied she had become. After she had returned home from the municipal transporters, she had poured her unexpressed frustrations–and worries–into ensuring the house was prepared for guests. At least the specialty shop was more than happy to courier the bottles she requested…for a nominal fee, of course. Ferengis. It was expected.

The kitchen was a hive of chaotic activity. Sera had utilized every surface for preparation, and although most of the meal’s dishes were complete or were nearing completion Sera still felt a sense that nothing was under control.

“Oh. You are early.” Sera said in response. “Is everything alright?” First the travel restriction and now he was home early? Did something else happen? She went to the sink to wash her hands and once dried walked over to him. The desire to be taken into his arms felt like a necessary thing.

Halting in the doorway so as to not affect any of the delicate cooking operations, Vala embraced her, “Rhiana, all is well. As well as it can be. I simply… left early. I feel more productive work is probably done in my absence,” he chuckled lightly and held her close.

As he held her, he could sense… concern. His smile was quickly wiped away, “Is… is everything ok with you?”

“I am disturbed, adun. Sera admitted as she laid her ear against his chest, listening to the soothing thrum of his heart. What had once felt disconcerting when their bond was now comforting. “I was going to go to Tokyo to purchase particular spirits for our dinner and My itinerary was denied. The Transporter attendant was able to inform me that my travel chit had been restricted to Okinawa Island only.”

Rage at this injustice flashed through his mind. A series of thoughts immediately burned within him: What right did they have to meddle with his ailhun? What had she done but associate with a Rihannsu? Where were those famous 'Federation principles'? Imprisoning not just a citizen but a representative of their oldest allies on a tiny island. It was as dishonourable as it was disgusting.

He continued to hold her for several moments more, attempting to calm his initial reaction to this news. It would not do to have an outburst and in any case S'Ers-a would already know exactly how he felt about such an offense.

He slowed his breath, "I would imagine, then, that mine has also been similarly restricted." He rested his cheek on her head, "And those of our guests." He closed his eyes. "This cannot be allowed to stand without reaction. I must speak to the Director of Daystrom."

Sera pulled herself away from him and tilted her head in question. “What do you believe they could do about this? I am more perturbed that this was unilaterally agreed upon and we were not informed of these new restrictions.” Sera let out a huff of air. She was still processing the sudden agitation that Montgomery felt upon hearing her news. She did not blame him for his reaction, but it was sometimes a challenge to effectively process such passionate emotions.

“Well that is my issue,” he had a fierce look in his eyes, “The Director is the most senior Federation official on the island. They shall provide an explanation for this. I will see them tomorrow.” Some Rihannsu imperiousness entered his voice, “I will go to their office and I will demand to see them.”

Sera found his willingness to go on the offensive for those under his protection to be quite acceptable. She opened her mouth to say something more when the old iron bell that was situated next to their front door was rung.

“Ah. Perhaps that is the courier.” Sera offered Montgomery an explanation. “The specialty store was willing to transport the items…for a nominal fee, of course.” Sera strode out of the kitchen to the front door where a rather put-out Ferengi man stood holding a transport crate filled with bottles. “My uncle didn’t know how far of a walk this would be or he would have charged double for delivery.” He groused.

Sera raised a brow and reached out with her hands to take the heavy crate from him and the Ferengi offered it up gladly. She turned and put it down within the house and turned back to the young Ferengi. Reaching into her obi, Sera pulled out a small pouch and pulled out a strip of latinum. “For your troubles.”

The Ferengi perked right up at that. “You Rihannsu surely know how to appreciate your vendors.” He said in a most agreeable tone.

“Understand that if I order from you again, there will be more…gratuities for such timely service.”

“Oh, absolutely! The walk was nothing. I bid you good day.”

She watched him turn and walk down the stone path, through the opened gate in the wall and disappear into the sand path, no doubt on his way to return to the municipal transporter station.

Sera picked up the crate and brought it back into the kitchen.

“Libations for this evening. I even managed to procure some blood wine for your Klingon colleague.”

Vala had taken a few moments to cool his temper while S’Ers-a dealt with the Ferengi. His eyes caught the box and he walked over to her to examine its contents, “This is very thoughtful, e’lev,” he looked from the bottles to his mate, “You are as meticulous as you are beautiful.” He smiled, and began unpacking the drinks.

“The humans have a saying, one which I did understood and rather appreciated their creative license on to be fair…’The devil is in the details.’” Sera went back to the large pot cooking over the heat of the burner and stirred the contents gently. Their stasis unit was chocked full of foods ready to be prepared as the time for their gathering drew closer.

“The steak is in the stasis unit. It has been marinating, however I will allow you the honor to cook that to your particular specifications.”

Regardless of what was occurring around them given the political climes of the moment, there was a dinner to continue preparing.

Fvillhu chose that moment to jump up on the worktable that Montgomery was using to unpack the bottles, and meowed at him furtively.

Vala clicked his tongue a few times and stroked the underside of the cat’s chin with a knuckle, “I think Fvillhu would care for some steak,” he chuckled, continuing to minister to the cat, “I will perhaps save him some so he can join us for dinner.”

He finished petting the little creature with a signature long stroke from head to tail, then went about chilling drinks as appropriate. Given the challenges of the day, a bloody steak would certainly cheer him up.

That evening...

The libations were chilled, the dishes were prepared or only required plating to be served. The house had been immaculately tended to, and the dining room was ready for guests. Fvillhu was lounging on the pillow at the head of the table, most near the open rice paper doors that looked out upon the small enclosed garden, very much the feline head of the family.

Sera had retreated to their room, and changed out of the simple yukata into a kimono which was far more formal and fitting for the type of gathering, and the importance of their guests. It was a dark sapphire, complimenting her eyes, and the motif was that of cranes in flight. The obi was a burnished silver color and had intricately embroidered fans upon it. The traditional Japanese kimono felt far more familiar to her than the Starfleet uniform she once wore.

She quickly redid her hair, braiding up the long tresses and coiling them up into a braided bun similar to what she wore while on-duty as an engineer. Satisfied that her appearance was appropriate–and would bring honor to Montgomery–she stepped back out into the main room to see the two most important males in her life lounging about the dining room.

“Are we both tired already? Our guests have not even arrived yet.”

Vala had already donned his clothes for the evening. He was wearing a traditional summer kaftan from his homeworld, Dhaelthra IV. It was muted in colour, comprising of earthy tones, with the inner robe a blend of pale and dark greys, greens and browns. It was secured at the waist with a wide belt, fastened with cloths and leather. The outer kaftan itself was more elaborate, its fabric depicting scenes from Dhaelthra legend, beautifully embroidered in dark blues, deep purples and rusty reds. Knots and tassels of fur adorned the lower part of the kaftan’s opening, and the most striking feature of all were the arms. Each sleeve ended in a bouquet of long feathers from a host of different birds of the great forests of Dhaelthra. Blues, reds, browns and creams gave the overall ensemble a dramatic flair.

Fvillhu was, of course, enraptured by the whole thing. He stared with wide pupils at the feathers, pouncing from one arm to the other as Vala attempted to calm him down. Then as quickly as he settled he would be distracted by a piece of fur or a strap. By the time Sera arrived Vala had been forced to pin the cat to his chest in a big hug to avoid him over exerting himself. Fvillhu’s purring was most audible.

“I will certainly be exhausted if our feline friend does not calm down,” Vala said with a sheepish look, “I felt something suitably… Rihannsu would be appropriate for this evening. I imagine my colleagues will not be familiar with Dhaelthra so I thought now might be an apt time to showcase its attire.” It felt like an act of rebellion too, against those in the Federation who were hoping their Rihannsu citizens would simply and conveniently disappear.

Sera looked up the two of them and exhaled sharply in amusement. “I believe I may have been the source of your conundrum, adun...Mrs. Yamaguchi gave me a feather from a bird known as a ‘peacock.’ Fvillhu is quite enamored with it, and I can move it with one hand and continue reading my padd. Both of us are efficiently ‘entertained’ in the afternoons while waiting for you to return home after work.”

She walked over and reached out to him, taking the overstimulated feline into her arms and gently ran her index and middle fingers slowly over the top of his head, calming him down. Once sufficiently soothed, she placed the cat on the floor where he meandered off into their bedchamber to find a suitable evening nap spot.

“The Feline crisis has been averted.” Sera mused looking over at what Montgomery had donned for tonight’s gathering. She had never seen clothing like it. Motioning for him to stand, Sera wanted to more closely inspect what he had chosen to wear.

As he stood she began to pick off light colored pieces of fur courtesy of Fvillhu. “This is representative of the clothing worn on Dhaelthra IV?” Sera inquired, reaching out in a rather un-Vulcan-like manner to touch various aspects of the rather tactile overcoat.

“I had not considered wearing formal Lyr’Zor attire.” She mused as her fingers ran through the various feathers, furs, and leathers. It was quite a fascinating representation of Dhaelthran culture. She could see the appeal Fvillhu found in it.

"Yes, it is summer attire. Formal," he posed a little for S'Ers-a, "It is cooler than it looks," he said sheepishly. The layers of cloth were not heavy, and flowed easily as he did a little spin to show off the back, "Imin has what I can only surmise is a full replicator library from the Star Empire. There was not an extensive set of programs from Dhaelthra but I was impressed by the selection. This design was within." He returned his gaze to her, "Obviously were it authentic this would be handmade but… I like the cut."

Sera watched him intently as he turned around for her, showing off his rather fascinating outfit…it fit him well. Quite well.

He lifted an arm and his hand easily swept out of the sleeve, he raised his hand and lightly touched her cheek with the back of his fingers, "Ouye, you look radiant, e'lev."

It was not often that she was caught off guard, but his honest compliments thrilled something within her. She dipped her head slightly and leaned ever so slightly against his touch on her cheek.. “As I am not capable of luminescence, your statement is illogical, Adun.”

Vala made to speak, but decided not to. He'd never really understood why humans used that term either. She was beautiful but she did not glow.

“I can see why your robe was so fascinating to Fvilleh…the subtle movements of the feathers are quite interesting.” Sera added, wondering how she was going to keep the cat off of his hemlines tonight…or her own fingers.

There wasn’t time to say much more as the iron bell gonged again, announcing someone at the door. “Will you see who is at the door?”

Vala bowed his head a little towards his ailhun, before sweeping around dramatically to walk to the door.

To be continued...

[OFF]

--

LTCMDR Montgomery Vala
Chair of Xenogeology
Department of Xenogeology, Daystrom Institute

&

S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Currently in-between jobs

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