The Path Not Taken: Dinner With The 'Enemy' (Part 5 of 6)

Posted on 02 Mar 2024 @ 3:09pm by Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor & Lieutenant JG Montgomery Vala

3,599 words; about a 18 minute read

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

Previously on The Path Not Taken: Dinner With The 'Enemy'

“Well as we all have appropriately exchanged our… cultural libations,” Vala said to the group, “I should very much like to propose a toast to my ailhun, the founder of this evening's gathering. Mhiohs!” He raised his cup then drank deeply from it.

“Mhiohs!” S’anra cheered, giving S’Ers-a a smile with a glint in her eye.

“Mhiohs! Mhiohs!” K’ratak yelled out loudly, sloshing his blood wine a little as he took a gulp.

Sera tilted her head in acknowledgement and watched her guests down another round of rather intoxicating liquids. Food. More food was needed…

Rising from her knees, it took longer than normal to find equilibrium. Her head was swimming and she felt off-balance. Was this normal?


And Now, the Continuation...

[ON]

Oh, right. Food. She scuffed her way back into the kitchen.

S’anra turned to Vala as Sera walked away, “Quite the nviahr you have there, Vala. I am surprised she doesn’t eat you alive,” she smirked then laughed loudly.

Clearing his throat, Vala smiled awkwardly, “We are a… balanced match. She is very good at seizing the initiative and I am good at pondering over it,” he laughed lightly in return.

Imin considered what Montgomery said. “You make it sound as if she favors Ohkala, Rh’vaurekorn. She's Vulcan.” Upon seeing Vala's eyes darken, Imin threw his hands up in surrender. “Peace, i’Varul. I have no desire to bring discord here to this table…” He paused for a moment. “By the Elements, I thought surely you were being deceived…you see, I recognized your mate’s face.”

Smile frozen on his face, Vala tilted his head to the side, “What do you mean Imin, ‘recognised’?”

Imin’s eyes twinkled, triumphant. He did so love knowing things others didn't. “Rh’vaurekorn, she’s a carbon copy of her foremother.”

Vala’s mouth hung slightly limply as he processed the statement. Her foremother… What had Imin to do with her? The woman was Rihannsu, that had been made clear by the box. His eyes flicked to the puzzle box and then back to Imin. There was more but… What did Imin know?

“S’Ers-a’s foremother? Such a small universe,” he forced a light laugh, “Are you acquainted?”

Imin’s dark eyes sparkled in secret knowledge. Oh how he lived for this…it had been far too long. “A small universe indeed. I have not seen her in many years, however you could say we are acquainted."

Another pregnant pause. String out the anticipation. "I helped train her. She was an exceptional student…and quite unexpectedly ruthless. I wonder how much she rubbed off on her granddaughter?”

Imin sipped his kali-fal as a form of punctuation, to further draw out the intrigue. He saw the subsumption of Montgomery’s expression…he did not know. How delicious!

“My, my, Rh’vaurekorn…it would appear there are secrets between you two. How quintessentially Rihannsu.”

Even though decades had passed since he had been surrounded by his people, Vala knew that a good poker face was crucial when dealing with sudden new information. He had been surprised before, but he was determined to not give Imin any more indications of his ignorance. This would be a matter to discuss with his mate, and no other.

“Ah Imin,” his tone was calm and pleasant, “You know the saying, ‘In the tapestry of love, the most vibrant threads are often those unseen’.” He raised his cup, “To know all would be boring, that is certain.”

S’anra giggled into her drink, “Vala, you are an insufferable romantic.” She mock punched him on the arm.

Imin chuckled along with S’anra. “Love you say, i’Varul? I did not think Vulcans were capable of such a sentiment. They are sticklers to their ‘Logic.’ You’ll have to tell us all about this at our next lunch.”

Vala shifted in his seat, his feathers rustling a little. Neither of them would truly understand the bond he shared with S’Ers-a. It was twice sealed, in both the Rihannsu and Vulcan traditions. In many ways it transcended definition, and love did not do it justice.

“You would be surprised what Vulcans are capable of,” he retorted, keeping his composure and managing a sly smile, “At least those of S’Ers-a’s caliber. There are things the Rihannsu lost when they fled the world of old. Such things that are, once restored, exceptionally pleasant to share.”

Imin leaned back a little as he studied Montgomery. “No doubt, i’Varul. Our sundering was a loss for all as the tales are told. It’s just unexpected…not once did you mention your mate was Vulcan. You seemed so open and honest…a true Federation believer…You are good, Rh’vaurekorn.”

“I am Rihannsu yet,” Vala said lightly, “It may have been many years but I enjoy keeping a card or two near to my chest.” He raised an eyebrow, “As for the Federation… well they may be as mercenary as the Star Empire when it comes to the crunch. We will have to see. I did rather like the… straightforwardness of it all until last year.”

S’anra nodded, “They are hypocrites. We may have been better off with Feh'rengsu or even the Klivammsu. At least we would know where we stood. They would have fleeced us or gutted us right away.” She snorted in derision, “These Hevammsu vacillate and toy with us, tch!” She clicked her tongue loudly, “After all we have done. All we have contributed. It is pathetic.”

“It is expected.” Imin replied. “We are seen as betrayers to our kind…what would stop us from betraying again? Or did we betray to begin with? They cannot be sure…and truly they cannot be sure!” Imin laughed, but it wasn’t a merry sound.

“Ah…forgive me, Rh’vaurekorn…it is nothing but the fanciful ramblings of a bitter old man. I’m too set in my path…too much Earth flows through this soul.”

Vala gave a small shrug, “You need not apologise. I fear years in the Federation draw us all towards the stability of Earth amongst the elements.” He glanced towards the female Rihannsu, “Well most of us. I'd wager you have a bit more fire in you, S’anra.”

“Too right, ha!” She let out a cold laugh, “All this circumstance does is provoke my ire. The dishonour of it all!” She would have spat it not in her friends home, “The Federation and their so called principles. Pah!” Her mouth curled into a snarl, “If they dared to face me with an explanation I would not show them any patience!”

“Oh certainly not, S’anra. You keep burning that brightly over every challenge, you will burn yourself out girl!” Imin chastised her all while chuckling. “I pity the male who catches your undying interest. Elements!” Imin turned his attention back to Montgomery. “You know, i’Varul. I amend my initial observation. I can see exactly why a Vulcan would interest you.”

“Oh? Perhaps you will enlighten me?” Vala said softly, cocking his head to the side with slightly sardonic curiosity.

“Well, they control their emotions, yes? It must be easier than running around life like…well…S’anra, for instance.” Imin’s eyes sparkled with mirth knowing his words would set the fiery Rihannsu woman off on some rant or another. She was easy to rile up, and Imin enjoyed doing it.

“I am perfectly capable of control, Imin!” S’anra retorted with a slightly sour tone, “I simply choose not to debase myself by suppressing my ardor.” She sipped her drink and gave him a fiery look, “I briefly took an interest in a vulcan some years ago, you know. I was curious. They are exceptionally… unlike Rihannsu.” She looked to Vala, “S’Ers-a seems… different though. She is less dry.”

“Vulcans just play word games,” Vala responded with a small smile, “They certainly do feel and express emotions, they just play with semantics and meaning to classify things as they will. S’Ers-a is perfectly witty and sharp,” he glanced at Imin, “and fearsome. In honesty she is quite full of the llaiir herself.”

Imin looked thoughtful for a moment. “I…will take your word for it, i’Varul. The thought of a fiery Vulcan does not compute…perhaps that is for the best.”

“Are Rihannsu not simply fiery Vulcans?” Vala said, his mouth breaking into a smile then a laugh.

“A gross oversimplification.” Imin puffed, finding the thought of being compared to a ‘Vulcan’ to be well…ludicrous.

Still laughing, Vala took another sip from his cup, “Maybe, Imin, maybe. S’Ers-a often says we are more alike than different and, in her case at least, I cannot disagree.”

“Hmmm…” Imin responded neutrally. “This has been, thus far, a most exceptional evening, Rh’vaurekron. Enough intrigue to be worthy of a fine house in Ki Baratan…and we are fortunate enough to have it here! On Earth, of all places!”

Vala nodded in response, "Humans say 'every cloud has a silver lining'. I suppose that this conflict has had the advantage of bringing each of us into the path of other Rihannsu." He raised his cup to S'anra, then to Imin with a slight coolness to his visage given the earlier altercation between him and S'Ers-a, "I must admit it has been very pleasant to have some… real culture of late."

–-

K’ratak left the gaggle of Romulans and wandered over to the kitchen behind Sera, “S’Ers-a, may I be of some assistance?” His booming voice echoed around the smaller room, “I do not mean to offend your hosting rights but I believe humans say, ‘many hands make light work’.”

Sera looked behind her and was mildly surprised to see K’ratak asking after her. He was quite courteous...was that a common trait in a Klingon?

“I…ah…the steak?” She knew what she wanted to say, mostly, but the words were coming out in a far different manner than intended.

“You eat animal flesh, yes?” Sera pinched the bridge of her nose. “My apologies…I’ve never had blood wine…it is quite potent.”

“You did well, S'Ers-a. Very well. I do not exaggerate when I say you would be cheered at a Klingon feast!” He boomed, smiling widely at Sera, “Animal flesh is highly acceptable, do you not partake of it?”

“I would…rather not be cheered. Blood wine is…in my opinion, it is not the most palatable intoxicant.”

Remembering what the blood wine tasted like, Sera’s stomach roiled uneasily. “Regarding animal flesh…generally not. Although I do not judge those who do choose to ingest animal protein.”

She pulled out the platter of wagyu beef tenderloin, perfectly aged and ready for the flame. “I suppose you would know how to cook these filets to an appropriate state? I believe Va…Rh’vaurekorn prefers his ‘rare.’”

“Raw but hot is the Klingon way,” he bared his teeth, “But my understanding of various customs that are not my own is that people feel more… comfort when food is eaten some way cooked.” K’ratak walked over to the filets, “I shall sample them as your mate likes them. Do you have a fire pit of some kind I might use?”

Sera tilted her head. “I have no objections to you eating in accordance with your preference, K’ratak. We have had to subsume so much of our own cultures to comply with the cultural mores of Earth. I refuse to do that in my own home.”

Beginning with a slow nod, which progressed to a more vigorous one, K’ratak’s mouth formed into a toothy grin, “Such an attitude does you credit. YoHbogh matlhbogh je SuvwI' SeymoHchu' may' DoH!” His voice raised as it was wont to do when speaking his own tongue, “The truly brave person equips themself with the strength of their convictions.” He nodded sharply. “I will eat as Kahless intended. Do you have a fire that I might use to sear this meat for the Romulans?”

“I do. There is a hibachi grill out in the garden. I will show you.” Sera answered and was inwardly quite satisfied that she had performed acceptably regarding her hostess duties thus far. She stepped through the doorway and walked down the steps off the covered porch to a small hibachi grill, pre-heated coals glowing in the darkening evening.

Her steps may have been a little less straight and true as a strange warming lethargy seemed to steal over her. It was such a subtle thing at first that she didn’t notice it.

“K’ratak…have you ever been to Vulcan?” She asked over her shoulder as she stopped before the hibachi while holding the platter of meat that would shortly meet the heat of said coals.

“I have, some years ago. I wished to investigate the climate and it's similarities to Qo'noS.” He glanced over to Sera, “I found some of your people… lack a sense of humour.”

Sera exhaled forcefully through her nose - her version of amusement. “Indeed. Vulcan 'humor' is...an oxymoron."

"I ask because…I am considering our collective options.” Sera said cryptically, but not to keep anything secret…she was curious to see what K’ratak would say…

“Hmm.” K’ratak grumbled softly, “You think Earth will not tolerate your mate much longer?” He nodded his head, “Will Vulcan welcome its lost son though? I do not know.”

“I do not think Earth will tolerate any of us much longer. I would rather not have my mate’s colleagues trapped in a gulag of sorts while I am able to return…home. Of course, I am also operating on the assumption that returning home will be a viable option.”

There was a sharp sizzle as K’ratak put the steaks on the grill, before glancing to Sera, scrutinising her. “QoH vuvbe' SuS. The wind does not respect a fool,” he said softly, “It is tempting to ignore the signs and to continue upon the road ahead. Daystrom is safe. Easy even. But you are right, S’Ers-a… the wind changes for us all.” He looked back at the steaks, little flashes of light from the coals illuminated his pensive expression. “It could be a dangerous path, attempting to provide a road to asylum. We are watched. The Federation at war is not so principled as it is at peace…”

Sera raised a brow in a self-satisfied manner. “I would have to concur with your assessment. However, I…enjoy the thought of a challenge. I seem to have more than ample time to consider possible strategies.” She was silent for a brief moment before making an inadvertent sound that most definitely was not the beginnings of a laugh. “Perhaps I could simply steal a warp capable shuttle.”

“We are watched,” he said in a serious tone, “I doubt you would succeed.”

“No, although the idea would be a rather unexpected maneuver on our part. I will most likely have to ask my komehk’il for a very large favor.” Sera’s eyes darted to the cuts of flesh as they charred over the hibachi coals. Her grandmother would, in essence, own her for what she was considering asking. She had just met these people; why would she be willing to amass such a debt?

Because it was the correct thing to do.

K’ratak took the steaks from the grill, having brought them to the ‘rare’ temperature the Rihannsu wanted. He took his portion and threw it into the coals, allowing it to rest for a few moments. Even raw, he preferred food hot. He flipped it for a few seconds more then pulled it out scored with charcoal dust. “We would be in your debt,” he said simply as he looked back to Sera, “You should be careful before you offer too much to save those who you know only a little. It will be easier to leave with Vala alone.”

Sera studied what K’ratak was doing, and quite viscerally approved at his approach to 'cooking.' A long dormant instinct stirred but she mercilessly crushed it down. It was illogical to consume animal flesh. Focus.

“I would consider such a cost to be…logical, K’ratak. I postulate that you and your colleagues are a family of sorts to Rh’vaurekorn. My duties involving
my mate’s family are quite clear in my culture.”

“Well you honour us all. I certainly would not be adverse to a change of scenery,” he grinned at her then raised the plate of steak, “I believe we are ready to dine!”

Sera nodded and led the way back to the dining room, which also opened up onto the garden. K’ratak entered behind her like a triumphant warrior.

“SopwI' SoH!” The klingon bellowed, not bothering to translate it. Dinner was to be served and he was hungry. He swept to the table and placed the steaks down, grabbing his own as he descended into a chair.

She looked at the table - all of the small bites and side dishes were on the table so she took a seat next to Montgomery. Everyone appeared to be relaxed, which was ideal. Sera glanced over to Imin and saw that he was surreptitiously doing the same thing. She would need to talk with him during a more appropriate setting. He knew things about her foremother, and that made him VERY interesting.

She looked at her glass and saw that it was filled with the bright blue liquid kali-fal. Ah. Well, it would be rude not to drink a glass poured…

Vala glanced over to his mate. He felt a wave of relief as she sat next to him. Hosting others was new for them. It was pleasant, and it satisfied Mnhei’sahe. But… he found himself apart from his ailhun more than he’d have liked.

He raised his cup to her, silently toasting her, smiling warmly.

Sera immediately returned the gesture, gazing upon Montgomery with eyes that softened with an emotion that was only for him. Tilting the glass back, Sera took a small sip. Such libations were unheard of on Vulcan, and yet here she sat, partaking of alien fare…enjoying.

Her thoughts slowly swirled about like the layers of sediment within her glass of Kali-fal. Just what kind of Vulcan was she? Did she even have a Vulcan heart…A Vulcan soul? Where was any of this coming from?

“K’ratak was so kind as to cook the animal flesh you procured.” Sera said to the table in an attempt to derail her inner musings. “Any complaints should therefore, be directed to him.”

Sera made a small sound at her own impertinence and her eyes darted back to Montgomery’s.

“My apologies. I did not mean to say that…”

Vala felt a moment's existential dread from his mate, but it was quickly replaced by mirth at her rather uncharacteristic statement. He couldn't help but laugh, "It looks perfect," he eyed the blood seeping from the meat with satisfaction, then looked to the Klingon, "Sop QaQ," he said in very broken Klingon, giving a nod of appreciation.

"You are not one for languages Vala," K'ratak boomed with a laugh, "Enjoy your meat. I am glad you don't take it too cooked."

"I like to see the blood at least," Vala replied, glancing momentarily at S'Ers-a who would probably not appreciate such a sentiment, "It is leather when overcooked. I am grateful."

Sera watched Montgomery select his portion and turned away to the side dishes to focus on something less…conflicting. While the rest of the dinner party enjoyed the labors of K’ratak’s ‘cooking,’ Sera occupied herself with small portions of the side dishes that had been placed upon the table.

She watched and listened as the group discussed various things, and it appeared from her observation that they all found each other’s company agreeable. Montgomery appeared at ease, like he had been aboard Galileo…Galileo…

Her time away from Vulcan had always had a feeling of impermanence. At some point she would have returned home, back to the life she had placed to the side in favor of attempting to find purpose and fulfillment on her own. She had simply never considered that it would all come to pass in this fashion.

Her thoughts turned maudlin as she continued to sip on the Kali-fal, and her normal mental controls were collapsing as her intoxication increased. Why wait until the morrow to contact her family regarding the state of things and the potential...favor, needed. Why not do it now?

Sera excused herself, less than gracefully stood, and scuffed off to one of the back rooms where their comm station lay.

To be continued...

[OFF]

--

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

S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Hostess with the Mostest

Dr. S’anra Krotash
Entomologist
Department of Zoology, Daystrom Institute
[PNPC Vala]

Dr. K'ratak of House Grevaq
Algae Engineer
Department of Microbiology, Daystrom Institute
[PNPC Vala]

LTCMDR Imin Volskiar
Senior Botanist
Department of Botany, Daystrom Institute
[PNPC S'Ers-a]

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