The Formal Dinner (part 7)

Posted on Fri Aug 12th, 2016 @ 4:31pm by Commodore Samantha York & Kalikana (Kali) & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate

1,351 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Timeline: Day 1, evening

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"The Qunari, yes. We do not trade with them. Indeed, we rarely have any contact at all. They are a peaceful people who prefer to keep to themselves."

[NEW]


"Very nice. Not all civilizations can boast peaceful relations with their neighbors," Sam said, bending to take a closer look at the flower, appreciating the blue, purple and maroon hues of the petals.

"We have been at peace for centuries. I found a history book once that said the two people once traded, but the Qunari prefer a simpler way of life and so moved further away from Jenefran settlements. There is really no reason for contact between the two, except for the rare occasion when our emissaries would seek the Qunari wise women to trade for medicinal herbs. I have not heard of such ventures in my lifetime." She, touched one of the follwers with a soft caress. "Although I have had little word of Jenefran affairs in the past few years. Not since my mother died."

"I'm sorry," Sam said automatically. Listening carefully for any clues in what Kali was telling her.

"It was a plague that ravaged the kingdom. Many people died. Both my parents got sick. My mother did not recover. I used to go out with her, to visit the cities and people of Jenefra." She glanced to the palace doors to make sure Keelan was far away. "Much has changed since that time."

"I've done some research on your people. I find them fascinating. Is there a museum I could visit tomorrow?"

Kali smiled. "Yes. There is one not far from here. I believe my father has arranged a tour for your science people."

"I don't think Lieutenant Hale will mind if I join her," Sam said. She looked to Damon. "Do you want to come, too?"

"Wouldn't miss it." He agreed.

"I think that would be permissible. As long as you take care of the plant first. The roots will need to be treated and it will need to be replanted immediately."

Ah. So, there was something in the pot with the roots. Sam nodded. "I will take care of it personally. I know the botanist. She'll be happy to let me into her workshop."

Kali looked relieved. "Good. I wish we could talk more, but," she glanced around the garden. "It appears I have much to prepare for." She didn't look happy at that. "I will bid you goodnight, Samantha York and Damon Raine."

"Thank you. Goodnight." He bowed.

Kali again bowed to the two and casually made her way back to the Palace.

Sam stayed where she was, looking at the flowering bush and following Kali with her mind. "What do you think?" she asked Damon telepathically. "Never mind. Tell me when we're back on teh ship." Even though the Jenefrans were almost impossible to read telepathically, that did not mean there weren't telepaths around who might be listening in.

King Mrowen led Jennifer through the more lighted areas of the gardens. "We have a fountain in the center of the garden," he told her. "It was built by the third King of Jenefra."

"Handcrafted by his own hand?" Jennifer asked curiously placing her hand over her chest as if overwhelmed by the thought.

"No, he designed it," the King replied. "His craftsmen built it. SInce then, it has only needed minor repair."

"I would very much like to see it if that suits you your highness." Jennifer replied.

"Of course," Mrowen replied courteously. "This way." He led her to the fountain and stood back so that she might admire it.

Jennifer took a couple steps forward as she was awestruck by the towering fountain. The four layer fountain was made of a stone resembling marble which causing the water to sparkle as the moonlight reflected off of it. Several angelic type sculptures were depicted on each layer carved in great detail they would almost appear real with a different finish. She turned to the King smiling brightly like a child setting foot in a fairytale. "I have no words to describe this, it is a memory I shall never forget."

She placed her finger to her lips as she began to ponder. "Would this perhaps be the venue for tomorrow's festivities?"

"No. We have an ancient cathedral where such events are held," Mrwen said. "The art is quite impressive. The early Jenefran people worshiped the gods of the sky. That belief is reflected in the murals."

Jennifer smiled back clasping her hands together. "You must be proud your highness. Watching your only child wed to a successful man. It must be like a fairy tale."

The King waved a hand in the air dismissively. "They have been engaged for over two years now. It is time they marry."

Tate found it a curious response in addition to her wonder as to why an engagement of two such persons of importance had gone on for so long. Jennifer's outward expression did not change despite her curiosity. "All the more reason to be proud your highness? You must have been anticipating this day for so long."

"Of course. But with Kali's mother dying, we had to put things on hold," the King said.

Jennifer's smile faded as she walked over to the King placing her hand on his hoping she was not overstepping her bounds. "My apologies your highness. I am very sorry for your loss."

A slight pause.

"Perhaps, if it suits you I would like to offer you my company to the wedding. Call it a diplomatic gesture."

Mrowen glanced over at Keelan for a moment. "I do not see the harm. Your people have been invited to the ceremony."

Jennifer bowed her head graciously to the King. "You have been a most gracious host to my people your highness. It would be a sin for me not to return the favor in kind. If there is any other assistance I can offer, please do not hesitate to ask it of me."

"Thank you for your kind offer, but we have things well in hand," the King replied.

"Of course your highness. If I could pardon myself once more, but now that I am to accompany you to the wedding, would it please your highness if I was to adorn attire more local to Jenefra as opposed to my standard wear?" Jennifer asked. The thought of having the honor of adorning such a lavish garment versus her formal Federation attire made her smile.

Mrowen raised an eyebrow. "That will not be necessary. Wear whatever your people wear to weddings -- as long as it is formal."

"I'm afraid you're looking at it your majesty." She said with a slight frown. "Our tailors are not as refined as yours, unless of course the venue calls for such an artisan."

"I'm afraid my people are far too busy with the court's needs. I was told your Starfleet had replicator technology."

Jennifer bit her lip realizing she had become momentarily lost in the Jenefran elegance. She quickly erased the expression. "Of course your grace, you are correct. It is capable of emulating anything so long as it is programmed in."

"So then you have nothing to worry about," the King replied. "And so I shall expect you to not wear this," he indicated her uniform, "for the wedding."

"Of course your grace. I promise I will not disappoint." Jennifer replied as she began to plan her outfit already.

---------

Now that Sam and Damon were alone, she again slipped her arm through his and continued to stroll around the far side of the garden. "This is definitely turning out to be an interesting evening."

As the two strolled through the gardens, a servant brought a potted plant covered in a gauzy material. "This is from teh Princess," the servant said, handing Sam the plant.

"Thank you. And thank the Princess," Sam said
____
OFF

Kalikana
Princess of Jenefra

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations

King Mrowen
King of Jenefra

Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate
Intelligence Officer

 

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