USS Eagle

Seeing Haia at a table alone, Lori moved through the mess hall and stopped beside the science officer.  “May I join you?”

Haia set her PADD on the table and nodded yes.

“You should try the lasagna,” said Lori.  “It’s not replicated.  Crewman Thomas made the real thing.”

“Maybe I will,” said Haia.

Lori smirked at the typical deadpan reaction.  “So, what are you reading?”  Lori knew talking about something that interested Haia would get her to open up.  At least a little.

“Lenali anatomy.  They’re quite an interesting species,” said Haia.

“What do you find so interesting?”  As chief medical officer, Lori had already studied them, but she was curious to hear Haia’s thoughts.

“Like most races, they’re basically humanoid, with some internal differences,” said Haia.  “Their ruddy skin color and sharp facial features and pointed ears led initial teams in first contact reports to creatively describe them as red elves.”

Haia paused and glanced to the side.  Following her gaze, Lori saw Iziraa approaching with her dinner tray.

“Howdy, girls,” said Iziraa, sliding into an empty chair.

Haia rolled her eyes.

“Still learning the social graces, eh Iz?” said Lori.

“What do you mean?  I’m following Andorian graces.”

“Never mind,” said Lori.

Iziraa shrugged.  “What are you talking about?”

“Lenali anatomy,” said Lori.

“Ah!  I’m impressed with their tails,” said Iziraa.  “Did you know that in combat, they can use them like whips?  They can fight two opponents at once, one in front and one behind.  The best warriors can take off someone’s head.  Amazing people.”

Of course Iziraa concentrated on the martial aspect of the Lenali.  “Anything else grab your attention?” said Lori.

“No.  Haia, you should try the lasagna,” said Iziraa.  “Crewman Thomas did a great job cooking it.”

Lenal III – Canbolla

Princess Yari had originally prepared to join her father to meet the Federation delegation when they arrived, but she had learned, for some reason, she wouldn’t be included.  She had no idea why, as she was basically one of the most important reasons the Starfleet people were coming.  Instead, she had gone to the palace and was in her personal parlor.  What did she know about such things anyway?

Sighing, she stepped onto the balcony, smiling as she thought about two nights ago when Jorsio sneaked onto the property and climbed a tree that grew next to the building.  He couldn’t stay long, as security patrols would find him, but even being together for just a few minutes, was enough to fill her heart with joy.

When Yari’s lady-in-waiting came into the parlor, Jorsio quickly scurried down.  With a deep, longing gaze, Yari watched, wishing she could run away with him.  Reaching out towards each other, she felt his fingers slide down hers, a sensation she never experienced, tingling up her arm.  She leaned and stretched as far as she could.  It would have been worth tumbling off the balcony to feel his finger tips just one second more.

Of course, all of that was a hopeless dream, a fantasy Yari could never live.

“Princess.”

Berathor.  When had he arrived?  Though he never spoke of it, she was certain he knew about Jorsio.  He was too good at his duties to not know.

“Are you all right?  I called out to you three times.”

“I’m fine, Berathor. I’m just doing a lot of thinking.”

Yari could sense that Berathor wanted to say more, but she also knew he would feel it wasn’t his place.  He had done so much to protect and take care of her, she came to love him like a beloved uncle.

“I don’t mean to disturb you, Princess, but I have important news.”

Yari sighed, leaning an elbow on the edge of the balcony.

“What am I required to do now?”

“It’s about Prince Jahk.”

“Oh?  Did one of his conquests file a paternity suit against him?”

“It’s nothing like that.”  Berathor could barely hide his smile.  “Once the arrangement was official, I started working with the prince’s security team.  I just received a report from them that the prince was flying his glider from the Grezhar cliffs on Mirilad Island.  He likes to go there alone, against their objections.  He’s past his check in time, so they suspect he may have crashed in the woods.  They’re organizing a search team now.  I just came from informing your father.”

Yari stood straight, her face pink from shock.  “Is he… is he alive?”  Her voice was subdued.

“I don’t know,” said Berathor.

Yari’s mind raced.  Her heart was pounding and she had to force herself to take short, deep breaths.  Her stomach churned like she had eaten something spoiled.

Grezhar was near an owalla beast hunting ground.  If Jahk survived the crash, he would still be in danger.  If something tragic happened, this could be her way out.

She immediately felt terrible guilt for thinking such a thing.  Besides, the plan to unify the countries would still move forward.  They would just find someone else of royal blood for her.  For all she knew, that could be a fat, old man, three times her age, that would need to drink zimba root tea to perform his husbandly duties.

“What do we do now?” said Yari.

“We wait, Princess.  We wait until we hear something, one way or another.”