Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den

Posted on Mon 31st Mar, 2025 @ 9:14am by Commander Heriah Rex & Commander Entaaro Nasz

1,183 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Phoenix Gamble
Location: Entaaro's Office
Timeline: Current

-Start-

{OPS Wardroom Delta- Communication Suite}

"This is good work, Entaaro," Heriah said as she placed the PADD down after reading Commander Entaaro's OFFICIAL LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS REPORT- Vorthal IV and reached for her glass of Rivals Talanack, made with synthehol of course. "Your insight into the conflict on Vorthal IV is profound and exemplary."

Entaaro had his tea and was sitting at his desk, stacks of well organized padds and printouts adorned the desk along the back wall, facing two chairs with smaller stations of their own.

He beamed with apalling joy over being complimented. "Many thanks. It occurred to me only as an after thought when i heard the Commissar demanded proof of injury among the Federation diplomatic wing. Had they understood why that question was asked, they could have learned as well, but the desire to serve lead them to answering any and all questions as diplomats, and not xenoanthropologists. Everything is relevant, words can matter a great deal and even a simple question can bury complex truths."

'What kind of Klingon is this? Drinks tea. Talks like he's educated. You need to slap him around and put him back in...'

"You are so very right," she said. "Simple words can matter a great deal and also prove that they are not so simple after all." Heriah sat back and reminisced. "Refkin...Rex...he spent some time on Earth. He was one of Rex' previous hosts. Refkin wanted to learn Kung Fu, a special technique as a matter of fact. During his travels, he learned a bit of Mandarin. I...well Rex...and I have forgotten it to time but we know just how tonal Mandarin really is. Your report on the tonal aspects of this language," she said as she tapped the report displayed on her PADD, "reminded me of that factoid about Mandarin. Tell me, are you familiar with the Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den? It's a poem; an Earth poem in Mandarin China."

He had, the puns of his classmates rushed back to him, "Shh, Surely shall she shake shells assuredly sharing Sheik's sheep..." He laughed at his own merriment, "I am familiar. A proof of concept that character based icons can be as nuanced as letters. When one only sees the same icon each time they have missed the most important aspect of it, How it is Said, and Why those words. Even the inflections upon writing it and thus losing tonality, gains the penmanship and intent of the stroke."

'I retract my statement. Leave him as is. Let him be an embarrassment to his kind.'

"It gladdens me, Entaaro, that there are those so willing to learn outside their own ways for the betterment of all," she said.

'And you too. Did I ever tell you how embarrassing it is to be your sym...?'

"If I may," she took another swig of her Rivals Talanack, then continued, "there are still pockets of traditional Mandarin speakers on Earth. Primarily in China. They are part of a movement to keep ancient Chinese tradition alive in the face of future developments. If this request of yours get approved, you should suggest that a linguist, several even, from among these Mandarin traditionalists be included. I mean, how better to communicate with someone who speaks in tones other than to have a translator whose language is defined by tones? You want for negotiations to go adequately?" she asked rhetorically. "This is the way to get that done."

It was a truly fascinating extension to the ideas he raised. Terrans had more languages than most, a divisive past with grudges long held would do that.

"I learned Japanese on Earth to introduce myself to your Hemispheric polities. For a small nation to have such endurance to their culture fascinated me. When I tried to learn Mandarin, I found the depth of the character library daunting, Japanese offered a refuge. MY attempts even now pale in comparison to others. I would much appreciate any opportunity to study it again." His eyes darted nervously for a split second, "Would you be taking these course with me by any chance Commander?"

"Ooohhh," she said with a frown, "I do not believe I have it in me to try learning a new language."

'You have me in you. I want to learn. So, yes...'

"Maybe I do have it in me," she said. "Not only are we commanders of 109, but...out here...on the fringe of Federation space...we are also diplomats in one form or another. I cannot hurt to try," she said, taking another swig from her beverage.

Deciding to take his shot He sat up in the chair as a person no longer trying to be small. The rail thin and willowy Klingon was anything but, towering over Heriah even sitting. There were days he wished it weren't so but the dysmorphias of youth had almost left him behind.

"I would enjoy that greatly. Our initial meeting was quite the impression, I would also enjoy your company again outside of the classroom, purely as friends I assure you I am quite the professional." His savoir-faire was decent, to suggest he needed to clarify as though multiple paths existed created a space for something without being intrusive.

'You just got friend-zoned. Before you could hope to lead him on then do the friend-zoning yourself.'

"I would not have it any other way," she said then gulped down the remainder of her Rivals Talanack. "I will have to work that into my schedule though." She placed her glass down and set forward as though about to stand. "Now, though, I am due in the holodeck. I need to brush up on my target practice."

He felt a tonal shift, and realized he had mis stepped. She didn't seem offended but the conversation ended so abruptly once he mentioned going out as friends there was little else to assume.

He stood, gathering his robes and simple belt. "Of course, I appreciate your insights into the work I do. Please call on me anytime, the work is thrilling, and so is talking with you." He moved towards the door to usher her towards it.

"Believe me," Heriah said as she stood, "the thrills are only beginning. I look forward to our next meeting...and your next report." She stopped before him, before making her exit. "You have a good rest of the day Entaaro."

He stooped under the door just slightly and bowed to respond in a farewell. "I shall, your compliments have been most welcome."

The doors closed, and the feeling which is much more rare than lust trickled into his awareness.

He liked her even more becoming certain she was definitely holding back something crazy, and Entaaro wanted to see it.

She was fascinating, she was perfect, she was also his commanding officer. Entaaro realized he was lingering at her door and took off abruptly.

-End-

 

RSS Feed