A Cultural Exchange (part 1)

Posted on Sun Aug 28th, 2016 @ 8:01am by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Illise Hale
Edited on on Sun Aug 28th, 2016 @ 8:07am

1,005 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Timeline: Day 2, 10 AM

ON

Sam was particularly interested in the history and culture of the Jenefrans. So she arranged for a tour of the Royal Museum with a guide who could explain the history of the people and how there had come to be two different people on the planet.

She included Illise, who, as head of science, would benefit from the information and could give Sam some of her insights. She also invited Damon, who always had an insightful view on a situation.

They were to meet precisely at 1000 hours outside the Royal Museum for the tour.

Illise arrived outside the museum five minutes early for the tour. To pass the time she browsed the artwork on display in the courtyard. She stopped in front of a rather striking sculpture. There was no inscription, so she stood trying to decide what it was supposed to represent.

"Hi," Sam said cheerfully. "Our tour guide is late."

"Hello." Illise replied pleasantly, turning to face her. "Thank you for the invitation Commodore. I got up early today in order to spend time in the gardens cataloging some of the local fauna. But after breakfast, on my way to the gardens, I ran across a few of the guests from the dinner last night." She sighed. "I'm afraid I didn't make it to the gardens at all. Truthfully, small-talk has never really been my strong suit." She smirked, "When I was on Qo’nos it wasn't really a very valuable skill."

Despite her lack of talent in this area, Illise now had a loose grasp of the standings of the local sports teams, two recommendations for best-selling books, had been convinced that the markets would likely go up in the next third, and had one invitation to dinner - private. The later had come from a fairly persistent male Jenefran agricultural official. She had been evasive enough so as not to agree to anything, which only seemed to encourage him. Not wanting to be late for the tour, she had made a grateful, yet polite exit, glad for an excuse. However, the official seemed the type who enjoyed the chase, and she had the distinct impression that he would likely track her down and ask her again at some point.

"It wasn't mine, either. I've had to learn," Sam replied wryly.

Damon arrived a moment later carrying three containers of liquid precariously between his hands. He handed each of the ladies one of the stone mugs before explaining. "Apparently the Jeneferan's drink this liquid in the morning like we drink coffee or tea. Their Trade Minister was quite insistent that we try it. From the way his eyes widened after his first sip a few minutes ago, i'd say it has the same kind of kick as a fresh roast as well." He smiled.

"Thank you," Sam said, carefully sipping the drink. "Wow. You're right. I wondered where you disappeared to this morning," she added with a smile.

"Like I said," he smirked "he was quite insistent. He showed up at our room around four this morning...I thought he was kidding when he said he would do so last night. I didn't have the heart to tell you I was leaving for a coffee."

In spite of Illise being there, Sam gave Damon a brief kiss. "Considering the hour, I understand. They clearly don't run on normal hours, do they?"

Illise took the mug offered by Colonel and gave it an inquisitive sniff. She was no stranger to alien foods, and had long ago learned to tolerate and even enjoy dishes that others might find distasteful. But this liquid had a rather pleasant aroma, reminding her of apricots and roasted chestnuts, and something new. Taking a sip, it tingled a little in the back of her throat as she swallowed. It had a unique rich flavor and a strength that left her with a radiating warmth through her body.

"I could come to really like this stuff." Illise commented to Damon. "What do they call it?"

"Lasah." He strained to remember. "There is something special about how they make it. But then there wasn't much I could make out from the stammering of the Trade Minister. We jogged most of the way since he wanted to get a good spot in line at the shop...That may be the fist time he has broken a stiff walk in ages." Damon laughed.

"Perhaps we can negotiate for the recipe." Illise said only half-joking, then blew off some of the steam and took a longer sip.

"Oh," Damon remembered as he looked down at the drinking vessel. "we are to keep the stone mugs as his gifts to us. I gather that it's a sort of traditional drinking mug." He spun the mug in his hand admiring the floral design etched on it. He noted what may have been a jewel encrusted on it's surface and made a mental note to ask the trade minister about it later.

A tall Jenefran male with brown and white spots in his hair walked up to the group. "Good morning. I am Jellicon. I am here to take you on a tour of the Royal Museum. Before we begin, do you have any questions?"

"I would love to hear about the origins of your people and your planet," Sam said. "If that's part of the tour, I will be happy to wait."

Jellicon bowed. "There is some ancient art, sculpture and architecture. I will include more about the people if you wish."

"Thank you," Sam said.

"I'm from a military background." Damon said with a smile and nod. "I'm curious about your military heritage."

"Most of that is ancient history. We were once a far more barbaric people. We almost wiped ourselves out, but we pulled back from the brink and set up the society we have today," Jellicon said.

(To be continued...)

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Jellicon
Jenefran Museum Guide

 

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