An Odd Pairing For Brunch (part 1)

Posted on Fri 20th Sep, 2019 @ 1:19am by Krell House of Mer'uk & Lieutenant Commander Kiara Lena & T'Vala & Tessanna (Tessa) Valeri

1,167 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: A Diplomatic Affair
Location: Orchids & Jazz, Deck 600
Timeline: MD 8, 1043

Krell sat behind his desk and watched as time seemed to stop. There wasn't much going on in the Klingon Empire at the moment that he had to be concerned with, and he felt like an outcast that was frozen in time. He needed to do something, perhaps find a holodeck and slay some targ, or he could eat something. He hadn't eaten anything today, and maybe it was just his blood sugars out of whack. No, that wasn't it; a Klingon Warrior didn't have to worry about his blood sugar. Nevertheless, he was hungry, and a Warrior should never be hungry!

Krell stood and marched towards his door. Once out into the front lobby, he glanced over at the woman behind the desk. She seemed to be easy on his eyes. "Lieutenant, would you be so kind as to ask the Vulcan Ambassador to join me for a late breakfast?"

Lieutenant Regos debated for a moment. Was this one of those times her mentor told her was not worth arguing? She decided it was. "Yes, Sir, I'll relay the request immediately. Where would you like Ambassador T'vala to meet you?"

"I'm thinking Orchids & Jazz. I need to sample some of their cuisine to see if it's acceptable for Klingons." Krell paused for a moment, "What's the regulations on transporters for movement on the starbase?"

"Medical emergencies, tactical emergencies," Lissi thought out loud. "I don't believe it's encouraged for personal transportation, if that's what you're asking. In fact, Sir, I'm not even sure how you would get someone to transport you. Not all decks have transporter rooms, you probably need a good reason to use them, and asking medical or security to get you somewhere ... probably not your best request." Thank goodness! That's all I need. An ambassador who goes thither and yon on a whim and in an instant.

"Besides," she said, "that wouldn't be warrior-like, would it? Perhaps a bit sneaky even, for a Klingon Ambassador?" While she let him think that over, she added, "Let me contact the Vulcans and see if Ambassador T'vala is available this morning." Using the computer interface, she requested her counterpart in the Vulcan office. Her own ambassador kept trying to push her into the role of a secretary, but that wasn't her purpose here. At least, it kept her informed on where he was ... most of the time.

"Good morning, Madam Valeri," Regos said to the woman who appeared on her screen. "Ambassador Krell would like to invite Ambassador T'vala to meet him at Orchids & Jazz for an impromptu meal. They open at eleven with sandwiches and salads, and her company would be delightful."

"Really?" Tessa asked. Ambassador Krell actually wanted to see T'Vala again? Then she giggled. "That could be interesting." She checked the Ambassador's schedule. She had one meeting and it wasn't very important. Tessa could move it to another time. "Okay. I'll make sure she's there." She paused and looked at the other woman. "Are you sure he said delightful? That's not very Klingon, and she is a Vulcan."

Lissi smiled at her counterpart and winked. "I'm sure it was something that means the same thing. I'll let my ambassador know that yours will be happy to accept his kind invitation." She disconnected and turned back to Krell.

"It was just a question, Lieutenant. I have not read up on all the policies and procedures that the Federation suffocates itself with. As with transporters, Once an enemy ship's shields were down, we would often send boarding parties to attack from within, not to mention the ship's cloaking device was used for sneak attacks. Such is the way of a warrior." The way she talked to him was an insult, but he couldn't just kill her so he decided to storm out without another word. He was, after all the Klingon Ambassador and had to control himself to a certain extent.

Lieutenant Regos smiled and marked a star on her calendar for the day. Then she made her own plans to be at Orchids & Jazz, watching out for her irritating charge.

====

Tessa bounced into the Ambassador's office. The Vulcan was sitting on the large chair that made her look like she was sitting on a throne. She knew that T'Vala used this to appear more intimidating. It usually worked. "Sorry to barge in, Ambassador."

T'Vala looked up from the PADD she'd been reading. "Hello, Tessa. Do you need something? I do not have an appointment until noon."

"Well, actually, it's been postponed until four. You now have an engagement for brunch." The assistant grinned.

"I do?"

"Yes. With Ambassador Krell. His office called. He would be delighted to have your company for brunch at 11 at Orchids & Jazz."

T'Vala raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain he said that?" She stood and removed her robes of office, laying them across the back of her chair.

"I am. It's all set. Do you want me to go with you?" Tessa asked. She would prefer staying in the office where she could listen to music while she worked, but it was her job to ask.

T'Vala's expression did not change, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "That will not be necessary, thank you." She was pleasantly surprised by the request. By the time she was out the door, she had sloughed off her air of authority and now looked like any other Vulcan. "I will return by four."

---

The Starfleet lieutenant who was Krell's bodyguard was in place before Krell or T'vala arraived. She had a balcony table where she could overlook the entire floor below and keep her back to the wall. Glancing around the loft and taking in everyone there, she dismissed them as threats, though she'd keep an eye on them anyway. Below, she was studying each group, fortunately not too many people so early in the day, and had marked two for continued observation.

Krell entered the establishment known as Orchids & Jazz and stopped in front of the doorman, "Hello," he said in his deep Klingon voice, "I would like to see if you have a table for two, please."

Mr. Velasquez nodded gravely. "I can arrange either a private table for you, or one where you will be seen, as you prefer."

T'Vala heard Krell before she saw him. She walked silently up beside him to see if he'd notice.

“I would prefer a nice quiet table that’s private.” Krell said then gently put his hand on T’Vala’s shoulder without looking at her. “Hello Ambassador, how are you feeling today?”

"Pleasantly surprised," she replied.

“I am...pleased that you decided to join me for..” Krell checked the wall chronometer. “Lunch.” He turned his head to her and almost smiled.

She looked at him intently for a moment. "I believe you are." There was a distinct twinkle in her eyes. "Fascinating. I find I quite look forward to lunch with you."

(To be continued...)

 

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