Getting to know you
Posted on Mon Mar 10th, 2025 @ 7:49pm by Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros & Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn
Edited on on Mon Mar 10th, 2025 @ 11:16pm
1,864 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: Misty Mountain Tea House - Promenade Upper Level - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD001 2100 hrs
Ja'sol and Zhara arrived at the tea house and were told that it would be about a fifteen minute wait for a table. They were brought a small pot of tea while they waited.
" So, Zhara, I have heard that this tea house serves both excellent food and beverage here. I understand that they serve a hot pot which is meats and vegetables that you cook at your own table after they instruct you on the technique. That or we could browse the menu and see what they have to offer, What sounds good to you? "
"I'm interested to see what they have on the menu, and what sort of herb teas they offer," she replied. "This is the first time I've been here, and I'm curious."
" This is my first time here as well. " Stated Ja'sol with a smile. " I was told about this place from a friend of mine who works in engineering, He brought his wife here and they were both impressed with the food and service. But as for Tea, I think I'll just have the green tea. It pairs well with just about any type of food. "
Zhara nodded. Just then the waitress came over and led them to a table. "Are you here for tea, tea and sandwiches, or something more?"
"Tea and sandwiches for me," Zhara replied. "I'd like vanilla chamomile tea and cucumber, tomato, and...whatever you think would go well with the other two."
"We have a sampler with a selection of four sandwiches. Cucumber, tomato, cream cheese, and watercress," the waitress replied.
"That will be perfect. Thank you."
The waitress turned to Ja'sol. "And you, sir?"
I would like the yakitori beef and noodle bowl with Miso soup, pickled plums and Matcha tea please. And for desert I would like red bean paste mochi ice cream.
When the waitress left, Zhara turned to Ja'sol. "So, why did Edmund bring you to Club Neverwinter?"
" Edmund seems to think I'm working too hard and need to socialize more." Said Ja'sol. " It sounded fun so I thought I'd give it a try. The dance floor was a little too much for me, it was like I had to many voices in my head at the same time. Other than that, I was enjoying myself. But to be honest, this is more my speed when I'm getting to know someone. A shared meal and pleasant conversation. "
"I was surprised at the invitation myself." Zhara shrugged. "That is not the type of place I normally visit. I'm an empath, and it was a bit...much."
" All Eldorans have some form of Empathy and very few are true telepaths. I find it useful being able to read they're emotions, It can help tip the scales in investigations. it helps out quite a bit in my chosen field. " Ja'sol agreed. " It isn't the type of place I'd normally got to either. I found it very disorienting. "
"Yes, and the volume of the music added to the disorientation. I'm sure they do that on purpose to add an audible barrage to the visual and emotional ones. It feels like what I imagine a drug trip to be like." She shook her head. "I'll stick to classical and instrumental music. It has a calming effect, which helps calm a distraught patient."
" You mean like the music they're playing in here? I believe this is traditional Japanese music they are playing. " I pause for a moment to think. " Did you say help calm a distraught patient? Are you in medical Zhara? "
"I'm a counselor on the Pioneer and yes, somewhat like this, but I favor orchestral or symphonic music. Or more traditional strings like violins, harps, and piano. Although a piano uses both strings and percussion." She shook her head. "I had a friend in the academy who loved oriental music and dance. What sort of music do you favor?"
" That's a hard one to answer, since I like a variety of music. " Stated Ja'sol. Growing up I like the Eldorian festival music. I guess that would be similar to Polynesian music. I also learned to like Mozart in the academy, as well as The Hu, Mongolian folk metal. Traditional Japanese music, An old Earth Band call Manowar and even some Klingon Opera.
Zhara smiled at the last one. "Klingon opera is definitely an acquired taste. I believe in using all the senses in my therapy, so I gravitate to the more relaxing and contemplative music. Klingon opera is neither. But I have no problem with them enjoying the music of their culture. I prefer watching their war games."
War games? I almost had a front seat to one when I was in the academy and it involved my roommate. There was this petite female Klingon when we were there and he took a fancy to her and tried to make a pass at her. She did a closed fisted backhand across his face and then stood there and smiled while looking pissed, before he could respond there was a large hand on his shoulder. He turned to see a massive Klingon about two and a quarter meters tall glaring at him. It was Colonel Valadorn who teaches the marines at the academy and it was his wife my roommate was hitting on, We had to get him out of there quickly before things turned ugly. " Said Ja'sol. " It was scary as hell to see that massive Klingon like that. "
"Oh, yes. You don't mess with a Klingon's wife. Or husband." Zhara shook her head. "The one I'm referring to is a mock ship-to-ship battle. Although I don't mind watching two Klingons spar with a bat'leth. As long as they aren't trying to kill each other, that is."
" Now Bat'leth competitions can be thrilling to watch. " Ja'sol agreed readily. " Watching them go at it in such fierce competition keeps you on the edge of your seat. Killing your opponent is frowned upon unless there is a matter of honor to be resolved, but if someone should lose a limb that is acceptable in the judges’ eyes. "
"With medical science, the limb can be replaced, fortunately. I like observing their skill and grace. I like dance for the same reason. Both focus on footwork, body positioning, and arm movements." She smiled at she took a sip of her tea. "It's an unusual way to look at it, I know."
" And it's one I can appreciate Zhara. Each and every movement is done by years of training to learn the proper moves. The Bat'leth is a weapon and shield at the same time, defending while looking for an opening or a weakness to exploit and then seize the moment and drive the attack home. It's like martial arts on earth and learning the katas to perfect one's movement and techniques. "
She nodded as she took another sip of tea. "It is. We often limit ourselves by looking at only black and white where there are so many subtleties to flavor perception."
" I find your views refreshing Zhara, that is what I like about the federation. With all the species and talents that each race possess, It brings us together and makes us stronger as a whole. We can work together and be so much more then we could apart. That's why I made my way to the Federation from Romulan controlled space. "
The food arrived and they both grew silent for several minutes as they ate. "This is nice. I'm glad they added traditional sandwiches to the menu."
" The beef yakitori noodle bowl is one of the best I have had since I left the academy on Earth, Would you like to try some Zhara? "
"All right." She picked up her unused fork and took a small bite. "That's very nice, too. But with the number of people here, I'm not surprised." She took another drink of her tea. "Did you discover Japanese cuisine on Earth?"
Ja'sol glanced up at Zhara, " Yes I did. There was a classmate of mine, her name was Yukia and her family home was in Kyoto and her family ran a restaurant there and have done such for over ten generations, Sadly she was killed in the line of duty taking on a ship of weapons smugglers and was one of the three federation personal killed during the boarding action. It's a shame, she was a good friend. "
"I'm sorry. We all know that it's a possibility, but it's still hard to lose a friend in the line of duty."
" Security isn't the safest duty in Starfleet. When you board a ship you never know what you'll be facing. It could be Pirates, Slavers, Weapon or drug smugglers or a number of other types of Illegal activities that go on in the galaxy. But it's what we choose to do and are doing our best to make our corner of the galaxy safer for everyone. Just like you wouldn't turn away a person who is having a crisis in their life. You would do what you had to to help ease their mind or soul, or whatever a person may want to classify it as. I don't think I'm wrong about that with as professional as you are. "
"No. We all do what we can, and it takes all of us working together. You see that more clearly on a ship like the Pioneer. I think that's why I like Starfleet." She finished her drink and smiled. "And with that, I should get back to the ship. Thank you for sharing a meal with me--even though this was all Edmund's idea. I hope he and that redhead are enjoying themselves."
Ja'sol smiled, * Well Edmund was right about one thing, I do need to get away from work more often and mingle with the rest of the crew. At least I got to meet you and got to know you better Zhara. If you ever need any assistance or just want to hang out for a bit, just give me a call. " Ja'sol paused briefly. " I'm not sure if I should say this or not, but I'm going to anyway. You're the first councilor that I've been able to talk to without feeling dread or apprehension, I feel comfortable with you and like your honesty. "
That made her smile. "I'm happy to hear it. Next time you need a counselor, you know where to find me. I promise to behave the same then as I have now. And thank you for an enjoyable evening." Then she headed back to the ship to check in with counseling. With most of the crew on shore leave, she should check for messages--and see how Sophia was doing.
"You're welcome." Ja'sol answered watching as she left. He needed to get back to the ship and check on things there as well. It had been a wonderful evening.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn
Counselor, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Pioneer
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