Food of Love

Posted on Fri Dec 18th, 2009 @ 1:34pm by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Lieutenant Commander Eliza McAdams

1,907 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Balowlli System
Location: Kerr's Quarters
Timeline: Current

ON:

Kerr found Sonaata sat in the observation lounge, staring wonderfully out as the stars streaked past the window like flashes of beauty. He silently walked up to her and cleared his throat softly to announce his presence.

As he looked down on her face, he couldn’t help but notice the warmth he garnered from her presence. Located not in her splendour, he found, but in the magnificence of her being. In her soul. Something to which he seemed automatically and magnetically drawn to.

“Sonaata, how are you today?� he offered, taking the seat provided next to her.

Though the diplomat was not prone to making her discomfort known, nor was she ever likely to complain if there was any possible way to avoid it, Sonaata had admitted at least quietly to herself that she had found the first couple of days a little unsettling. It had nothing to do, she decided, with the quality of the company or the facilities, though the size of the tiny Nova-class was certainly taking some getting used to. Having spent a lot of her time flitting between the Normandy-class carriers, the compact space was a definite climate change and readjusting to the limits of the confined space would take some time. Ultimately, it wasn't a problem though, what had made her uneasy was the realisation that a ship this size fostered a very different atmosphere amongst the crew, especially those stationed for some time. Careful observation and a tendency to hover without imposing had provided an interesting snapshot of life aboard the Archimedes and it had been with no small measure of quiet surprise that Sonaata had realised just how close Coltan was to this crew, or at least certain members of it. The sense of unity, the strong resemblance to a family unit, was an interesting dynamic but it had left her feeling out of sorts and it didn't take much of a psychologist to discern why. She had come and eventually agreed to stay in order to support him, after all, and now it seemed very much like the only one without connections was her.

It didn't affect the smile on her face as he sat, however, or the gentle pleasure in her eyes at having a few moments to spend with him. If anything, Sonaata had observed her unease with the objectivity of a true diplomat and simply acknowledged it without fretting overly much about what to do in regards to it. Pragmatically, if she deconstructed the situation in a particular way, then it simply meant that her task ought to be easier and that the transition for Kerr would run far smoother because of the support network already in place. Sonaata wouldn't have been herself if she hadn't derived genuine comfort from the idea that the symbiont had a ready-made home to welcome him and so she had shouldered her own disembodiment optimistically and simply set her sights on limiting it somewhat. So far her interaction with the crew had certainly given her hope that she'd be given a chance to get to know them as well as their Commanding Officer seemed to.

"Quite well," she replied softly without stretching the truth very far. All things considered, despite the stubborn ache of grief that she was simply trying to deal with quietly, she had very little to complain about. "Though my head is far too full of Klingon by-laws, I had to cut myself free from my paperwork for an hour before I drowned entirely." Her eyes scanned his face for a moment and then her smile broadened. "Pleased to be moving finally?"

“I think I am,� he replied genuinely, looking out again at the stars streaking past. “It’s nice to be on the move again, to have purpose. There’s not much else to do but sit and think when she’s stationary.�

He took a seat next to her, more to be courteous than a genuine desire to sit and then arched his neck slightly to face her. In all honesty, with the mission details still being worked through and disseminating throughout the crew, Kerr had realised that Sonaata may have felt disconnected somewhat and wanted to alleviate the strain to her.

“I come to you, Sonaata, to extend an invitation to dinner. Mrs. Gray has graciously cooked and I would like it very much if you would join me. If you would join us. I want to introduce my family to you, if you were willing.�

In her typically gracious way, Sonaata appeared surprised without her features shifting very much. There was a slight elevation of her eyebrows that made her eyes a little larger than normal and her lips parted just a little but they were subtle signs and easily missed if one didn't know her well or have a particular knack for reading body language. A pause of only a few hearbeats lingered before a familiar warm smile spread across her face and the moment of shock passed, replaced by genuine gratitude. She had spent almost the entire duration of her journey here preparing herself for disinterest on his part, being unable to judge Kerr's reaction entirely either, and with those stern admonishments in place she was finding herself quite taken aback by how much to the contrary his reception of her had been. Though he had already expressed a desire to keep her close, involving his family was a step she had not expected and would never have assumed, especially not after the silent understanding that she and Altir had shared in regards to future and family. It was a step towards true friendship and though her smile didn't falter, she had to work very hard at keeping the moisture from her eyes.

"I'd love to," she replied with utmost sincerity. "Would you like me to bring anything?" In truth, it was a custom that Altir had first introduced her to since he routinely refused to show up to any of their luncheons or dinner dates without a contribution of his own, even if they were going out rather than her choosing to cater for it herself. As much as she balked at the idea of being elevated above anyone, Sonaata had been rather horrified to realise, once she'd set foot of Elas, just how many customs she'd accepted without question when their only achievement was to promote the division of classes. The children who had brought her gifts on her birthday had always seemed so pleased by the opportunity that the Dohlman had never questioned whether or not it was an entirely fair expectation.

“Oh, no,� he replied, genuinely. “Mrs. Gray has everything all taken care of. It’s just your company that is required.� He rose gently from his seat and looked down upon the softness of her face. Inwardly smiling, he extended his arm out to assist her vacation of her own chair.

As they made the short walk to his quarters, they chatted little but comfortably and, as the doors opened, a small figure innocently blocked both their passages into the room. Kerr stepped aside slightly and allowed Rory to continue.

“Ms. Sonaata,� she said softly, and almost nervously. “I picked these from the Arboretum this morning.� She held out her little arms and presented the tall and graceful woman before her with a neatly bound bouquet of flowers. “For you,� she said.

Of all the gifts she'd received over the years, Sonaata was hard pressed to remember one that had left her feeling so touched. Though she hadn't made it obvious to Coltan, she knew something of his family arrangements, having made at least a brief study of Kerr's new host prior to her arrival if only to give herself some idea of what to expect. It was not spying so much as her diplomatic training coming to the fore and she had made no mention of his adopted daughter simply because she hadn't wished to encroach. Now, smiling gently, she lowered herself to her knee in order to accept the flowers at the child's own height and looked the little girl directly in the eye as she softly replied, "That's very sweet of you, Lorelai, thank you. And thank you for inviting me to dinner, I'm very glad to meet you at last."

“Me, too,� came her simple reply as Kerr nodded to her. She smiled innocently, turned on her heel and made for the table. “You can sit next to me,� she offered, padding the chair next to her.�

“After you,� Coltan said, unable to keep his smile from beaming.

Mrs. Gray then walked over to the table, setting down the heavy plates in front of Rory and then circling the table to place the others. Turning to Sonaata, she smiled. “It’s nice to see you, again, Miss,� she offered still containing to walk. “I hope that you like what I’ve made. Can I get you a drink?�

"Just water, thank you." Having slipped into the proferred seat fluidly, barely disturbing the furniture as she did so, Sonaata took a moment to absorb the atmosphere and found herself quite moved by the simple happiness inherent in this one domestic moment, this singular glimpse into the everyday life of the man who was now her only link to one she had loved enough to let go. Her own childhood had been peppered with far more complicated mealtimes and though she had control over than now and could opt, at will, for less ostentatious events, there was no escaping the fact that she often ate alone. It was either that or in the company of her fellow diplomats or advisors and those tended to end up more as business meetings. It was difficult to leave the job behind at times.

This was lovely, however, and the slender brunette was instantly glad she'd accepted the invitation even though there had really never been any question that she would. Smiling warmly at the older woman, she added, "I'm sure whatever you've prepared will be lovely." Shifting her gaze to the little waif sitting beside her, Sonaata's eyes sparkeld as she added, "When those who know you best come to the table without complaint, I take that as a good sign you are well known for not disappointing." Though she had still been addressing the girl's governess, Sonaata winked at Lorelai before turning her attention to the table setting. Time spent away from Elas had taught her many customs and Sonaata was a quick and thorough learner but though she needed no instruction, that didn't stop her from asking, "So who, I wonder, is going to tell me what all this is used for?" A tiny smile tugged at her lips as she looked towards Coltan but it was back upon the face of the small child sat eagerly beside her that the Elasian's gaze eventually settled.

Rory simply giggled, shrugging and covering her reddening face with her little hands as she did. Taking a seat opposite, Coltan sat and smiled, enjoying the comfortable atmosphere that had descended on his quarters since Sonaata had arrived. To an outsider, they looked like visage of a relaxed family, content in each other’s company. And that was what Coltan had wanted. Something to bridge the gap between then and now, between Kerr and Lane, and between his heart and his family.

OFF:

 

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