Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 18, 2021 21:42:52 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] They both took their seats as Judy began ladling the soup into the bowls. Jovireh helped herself to a little of each of the seasonings, Devra added a bit more so, and they each took a breadstick. "Oh that's a shame," Devra said in response to Max's explanation behind the synthehol. "I'm glad that you're taking care of yourself, though." Jov sighed quietly and looked down at the bowl in front of her. They hadn't even started eating, and this was already heading for a disaster...
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 18, 2021 22:41:16 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]"It's more Max taking care of me," Judy said, leaning towards her husband. "She doesn't make it easy. After she broke her hip during the Battle of Cardassia, got her Purple Heart..." Max began an anecdote, framing Judy's wartime injury in a heroic lens until she cut him off. "I slipped and fell on the bridge. Not really impressive."Many on the crew knew that Judy had earned a Purple Heart during the war, but few knew the story behind it, which was more about aging than heroics. "I didn't realize how fast wheelchairs can go, until she started to run off on me with hers, and it was a manual one," Max returned to his original point. She mimed the act of pushing her own wheelchair. This kind of story showed a whole different side of the Captain that the crew didn't often see: playful, irreverent, sometimes even reckless; Max almost regretted that most people didn't get to see how much fun his wife was. It was also a display of the chemistry between the two seniors.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 19, 2021 15:34:53 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Devra laughed heartily at the anecdote, and even the more reserved Jovireh chuckled, her eyebrows raised in amusement at the mental image the couple had provided them. "I never realized Starfleet decorated officers for clumsiness," Though she had no problem believing Judy left Max in the dust of her wheelchair if she was determined to get somewhere. "It's a shame you've always been so graceful," Devra teased her daughter as she dipped the breadstick into the soup. Jovireh just shrugged as she did the same. "Blame father. I was what - seven? - when he started teaching me martial arts." Her mother clicked her tongue and shook her head in response. "Six," she corrected. "It was the only way to get you to stay in one spot for longer than three minutes!"
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 19, 2021 18:03:04 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]Judy chuckled, happy to diminish her own decorations. She finally dipped a breadstick into her soup, as Max already began taking whole spoonfuls of his. The soup was, as usual, a success, in his opinion. On the topic of martial arts, both hosts had a good chuckle. "It seems like it's worked out well for you," Max pointed out, referring to Jovireh's career. "My parents actually wanted to get me into martial arts, when I was that age, but these," she adjusted her trademark eyeglasses, "ruined the plan.""I think it's something about us only children. We run up the walls because we don't have anyone to fight with," she speculated, and Max nodded.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 19, 2021 20:22:44 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Eating while the others spoke, Jovireh shrugged at the statement of being an only child. "That may have been it. I just remember having an endless supply of energy and getting bored really easily." Devra nodded to confirm, swallowing her bite before speaking. "The crew would often joke about hooking you up the power grid." It was usually suggested whenever the little girl had gone running by in the corridor. "Endon and I thought about having another child, but the ship was so small... And our work kept us so busy... It was difficult enough to keep one child engaged, two seemed like an impossibility."
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 19, 2021 22:42:41 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]Max chuckled knowingly. "I grew up on a freighter, and the crew made the same kinds of jokes," he said. "There's a story his mother really likes to tell about just the kind of kid he was," Judy started an anecdote she'd picked up from her mother-in-law, and Max began to turn red. He knew exactly where this was going, but he wasn't going to stop it. "When Max was five, I believe, he and a friend somehow managed to climb into the ship's air vents, and made their way into the cargo hold. Now I have no idea how, but they managed to bust open two crates, one of really fancy candy...""Lake Cataria chocolates," Max added, his face buried in his palms. "Those, and the other crate was of Yamok sauce. Now, and remember, this man grew up to be a chef, they chose to dip the chocolates in the Yamok sauce," Judy concluded the story. Max's face contorted with equal parts utter embarrassment and self-deprecating laughter.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 20, 2021 2:18:14 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] The laughter around the table was contagious, and Jovireh found herself becoming more comfortable with the company. Max's deep blush - as amusing as it was to see - made her feel a little sympathy towards him. "Every child is entitled to their mistakes. And I bet you haven't made that one since," she said jokingly. Devra looked up from her soup with an expression that said she'd been waiting for the right moment to bring something up... And for some reason, decided now was the perfect time. "Speaking of children... When are you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?" she asked her daughter coyly. Jovireh gave her a confused look, considering she had never mentioned anything about a boyfriend. Had Judy said something when they met yesterday? Maybe she should have cleared up that misunderstanding immediately... "I don't have a boyfriend.""The bite mark on your shoulder says otherwise," Devra replied matter of factly. Jov suddenly choked on her soup, barely managing to keep it all in her mouth. Now it was her turn to blush, her face burning a deep green. "Mother!" was all she could manage to say. Of course she should have known the woman would see that particular mark in the two seconds it took for her to change shirts... But she certainly hadn't expected it to be brought up at dinner, and in front of her Captain no less.
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 20, 2021 2:36:02 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]After that show-stopper of a story, it was... regrettable for the mood to be so quickly soured by such a topic. Judy and Max looked nervously at each other as they heard a number of things they most certainly shouldn't have heard. There was nothing wrong with Jovireh wanting to keep her relationship to herself, and frankly there wasn't anything wrong with biting either, so long as it was consensual. "Sometimes, you want to wait until you've reeled them in properly before you introduce them to the parents. I waited more than a year before I introduced Max to mine, until we were sure we're in it for the long haul," she pointed out. Having been through these situations as both a daughter and a mother, Judy knew to take the level-headed, peacekeeping approach. When Jovireh wanted to introduce this boyfriend to her mother - and her Captain - she would do so.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 20, 2021 3:06:09 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Her mother never had been very good at remembering that Humans weren't as open and honest as Betazoids, though Jovireh had hoped living on Earth for thirteen years would have given the woman some sort of a filter. Clearly that hadn't happened. Casting their hosts an apologetic glance, she took a steadying breath. Might as well put the question to rest now so it didn't come up again. "He's not my boyfriend. It's a lot more... Casual than that. But if we do decide to get more serious, I promise you'll be the first to know." After they had been rescued from the colony, she and Shavan had spent more time talking than usual, to the point she was now considering him a 'friend with benefits' as opposed to a 'recurring one night stand'. But she was still hesitant to allow herself any deeper feelings, and since he hadn't brought it up she figured he wasn't interested in that either. "But if you would like, I can introduce you to Leanna and Evi tomorrow if they're free. I'm sure they would love to meet you." There, that was a nice segue into a far less awkward conversation. And as expected, Devra lit up with excitement. "Oh that would be wonderful! Evi's the one you've been helping with telepathy, right?" Jov nodded with a smile, relaxing once more now that they were on safer ground. "Yes, and she's really come a long way."
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 20, 2021 4:42:16 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]As much as Judy thought a serious relationship could be a good anchor for Jov's life, she was happy to let the topic move on, to friendships, as it were. "It's delightful how the three of you found each other. It's the magic of this part of space," she commented, with a sense of ownership over her station and all three residents involved. "It really is," Max agreed. He had just about finished his soup, and Judy didn't have much left either.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 20, 2021 11:23:08 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Jov nodded in agreement, using the last bite of breadstick to soak up the remnants of soup in her bowl. "I was really lucky to meet them so soon after moving here, also. They really helped make the transition easier," she added to the statements of approval. Devra took a few more bites to finish off her soup before speaking again. "Well, if they're not available tomorrow we can always arrange another time to meet."Swallowing the last of her breadstick, Jov wiped her fingers and mouth with a napkin as she looked over at her mother. "How long are you planning on staying?" For the first time all evening, Devra actually looked uncomfortable. "Well, I wasn't planning on bringing it up just yet..." Oh sure, Jovireh's sex life was a perfectly acceptable topic to bring up, but how long Devra was going to be on the station wasn't? "I was taking a stroll yesterday while you were working... And the Promenade could really use some color and life... And my expertise could really help with the hydroponics in the park..."The younger woman's eyes widened slightly as she realized what her mother was hinting at. "You're moving here?" Devra leaned back, picking up her own napkin, suddenly flustered. "Only if you don't mind, of course. Nothing is settled yet, there's still a lot to do. I'd have to quit my job on Earth, get my own quarters, find suppliers to open up a floral shop, meet the local scientists... And I don't want you to feel like I'm going to be looking over your shoulder all the time. You have your own life now; I would just like to be more a part of it again." Jov couldn't remember ever seeing her mother this way, and wondered just how lonely she had been on Earth without ever talking about it. She turned the sudden information over in her mind. The fact her mother immediately mentioned getting her own quarters was a good sign. They'd be living and working on separate decks. And Jov would be lying if she said she never wished her mother was close by. After another brief pause, she turned her gaze to Judy with a smile - a silent reassurance that this topic wasn't nearly as awkward as the last had been. "What do you think? Will the people here enjoy having a flower shop?" Jovireh could see the appeal, but the couple knew morale and aesthetic preferences of the residents far better than she did.
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 20, 2021 15:33:14 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]Again, Judy and Max kept tactfully quiet, hoping not to make it worse. There was, evidently, a complex relationship playing out before them, between mother and daughter. They stayed focus on the wine, and each other, until Jovireh reassuringly asked for their input. "I think that's an excellent idea. The promenade needs, I'd say, a good florist," Judy voiced her approval. "I know I'll be a regular. I'd much rather give Judy real flowers instead of replicated ones," Max added, and she gave him a quick, tactful kiss to reward him for being such a romantic. Then, Judy looked around at the empty bowls. "Well, do you want seconds, or shall we move to the main course?" she asked.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 20, 2021 16:07:37 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Devra breathed a sigh of relief, her smile once more bright with excitement. It was clear she hadn't been expecting her daughter to agree so readily to the idea, and had likely been expecting it to turn into an argument. But the more Jovireh thought about it, the more she realized that it would be a good place for her mother to be. She clearly wasn't happy on Earth, and whatever her reasons she still refused to move back to Betazed. At least on the station, even if she didn't make many friends, she'd have her daughter close by. "Well... As long as you're sure... I'll start making the arrangements in the morning." Even without empathy, the woman's excitement was radiating, and Jovireh couldn't help but start to feel a little excitement of her own. It would be a new experience for both of them, and while she still had some reservations about her mother being around all the time, she knew that likely once she settled into a routine then everything would work fine. "We can move on," Jov replied to Judy's question about the meal. "Don't want to fill up on soup and not be able to enjoy what else you've made." While she'd never taken the couple up on their invitation of a private dinner before, they had supplied enough food for missions and celebrations that she knew that everything they made was worth saving room for.
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|
Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
|
Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 21, 2021 0:09:15 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]"Let's get moving, then," Judy accepted. She collected the bowls, as Max took the pot of soup to the fridge. "Devra, if you need anything to get settled in, get in touch. You know where to find me."Devra joining their station community combined two of Judy's priorities as a Captain, namely of cultivating families and encouraging small businesses. Plus, the woman was so darn excited. The couple brought out a bowl of white rice, as well as a large lamb roast; it was covered in a collection of herbs, including a coating of crushed mint leaves. The smell was powerful, but pleasant, as is common for lamb dishes. "This is a pretty classic lamb roast Judy and I make. It's a lot easier than it looks," Max explained, as he sliced it with a large knife.
Tag Jovireh Velal
|
|
Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
|
Post by Jovireh Velal on Feb 22, 2021 7:08:08 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Jovireh picked up her glass and took another sip of her wine, her thoughts still processing this new development. It was going to be an awkward first couple months... her friends and coworkers were likely to find out a lot more about her than she had ever planned on them knowing... Maybe they could have a private conversation about what not to talk about. She probably should have done that before dinner tonight, but given how it was basically sprung on her she hadn't had the chance to plan that far ahead. "I'll also see if I can introduce you to some of the local scientists. I'm sure they'll love having someone else who knows what they're talking about." And so would her mother, but she knew better than to say that. The last thing she wanted was for Devra to feel like she didn't enjoy listening to her talk about her passion and former work just because she didn't understand half of what was being said. "Thank you both so much!" Devra replied, her smile and excitement growing even more. The more people she met early on, the easier the transition would be, for both her and her daughter. Even if the scientists didn't need or couldn't accept her help, it would be nice to have lunch with people who shared similar interests as her. And if she got a little lost in the logistics of getting started, it was good to know that Judy was willing to help as well. As the new dishes were brought to the table, they both admired the sight with surprise and appreciation. "It looks as wonderful as it smells!" she replied to Max's explanation that it was really a simple dish to make. Jovireh nodded her agreement, grateful for her decision to not have more soup.
Tag Judith Eastman
|
|