A cupful of Tea(rs)

Posted on 28 May 2019 @ 8:59pm by Yeoman 1st Class Halona Grayson

Mission: Hahai i na pilikua nui - Hunting Monsters
Location: Grayson's quarters
Timeline: After War Crime

Halona knew wars were dangerous, she had been in the room more than once when her father had been negotiating with opposition, overheard some distressing things admitted to, but what she'd witnessed today by the Gorn to children, babies it broke her heart in ways; she didn't even have words for. Her fingers pressed over the paper in front of her, she had made about hundred paper orchids. After crinkling the edge of the petals like she wanted she set down the one she completed. She took a breath and wiped the tears away again. Halona stared at the paper flowers in their bright colors all those lives cut short by savagery it was wrong.

Halona pushed away from the table and walked to her desk and after checking the time differential she placed a call to Paladin Jinn's office.

"Ambassador Jinn is in a meeting right now how may I help you?" The speaker was looking at a PaDD, not the screen so all Halona could currently see was a grayish forehead and black hair. His voice was smooth and he sounded almost bored.

Halona swallowed three times before she spoke her voice still wavered. "When my Father is free to talk please have him call me."

At the word Father the PaDD was lowered to show the brightest pale blue eyes Halona had ever seen. Halona didn't know his name but that he was Cardassian and apparently the new aide to her father.

"My apologies Miss Grayson I will get your father right away, he's been reading reports of your ship's endeavors he's concerned to say the least." With those smoothly spoken words he vacated the screen's view to walk away. She heard a doorway part then hiss closed.

It was about three minutes before the Cardassian aide returned, "He's finishing up some details on a treaty. My name is Takenni Gaik can I help you anything until your father is free?"

Halona wanted to ask how long he was her father's new aide and what happened to Richard Chabort, who'd been her replacement when she left for the academy training. She shook her head softly, "I can't go into details but it's nice to meet you though."

Gaik hmmed softly nodding his head as if he knew what she meant. He walked away and she heard him ordering a cup of hot chocolate and he brought it with him as he returned to the desk. "If you where here in the office I would offer you one as well, as it is why not get yourself something on your end, so we can talk comfortably until your father is available."

Halona hesitated then figured she might as well besides it was better than sitting waiting in silence. She walked to her replicator and ordered a peppermint hot chocolate with marshmallows, after she sat down again she saw Gaik regarding her with wide eyes. "Your news must be distressing indeed to order that this late."

Halona blinked at him and nodded after a moment. She took a slow sip and closed her eyes trying to relax but instead fresh tears tracked out from under her lashes.

Gaik, didn't say a word he sipped his drink letting her get herself under control on her own.

She sniffled softly shaking her head, "How long have you been in my Father's office?" Her voice trembled but she was trying.

"About a month I believe, I still haven't mastered getting his coffee right. He is insistent something is missing." Gaik retorted without humor.

"Two pinches of nutmeg, one pinch of cinnamon and two sugar cubes in Bolian dark roast for days when he's in a rush, switch to Colombian when he needs to slow down and never give him decaffeinated unless you want to have him grouchy for the rest of the week." Halona said softly.

The conversation went on that way for a few minutes before her father appeared by Gaik's left shoulder, his expression concerned but his eyes were wide.

Halona blinked and couldn't find the words to start.

"Do you want me to come out there?" His steady voice was calm but she could see he wasn't as calm as his words would convey.

Halona shook her head, "You're busy where you are and besides you promised mom to stay out of trouble areas after the last time someone tried to kidnap you." She swallowed and took a drink from her cup it was almost cold but it didn't really matter then, "I know now what you meant that war isn't always black and white there's areas where you see red and have to get past it." The tears started again as her voice broke as she looked at her Father whose symbiont was a few hundreds of years old. "How do ... you... Pass it?"

Paladin Jinn swore several words then shook his head and as he gazed at his daughter light-years out of reach, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You live... you live and you remind yourself there's still good out there, even for all the horror there's reason to keep going, to be honest, being yourself, being a gentle soul who cares about happy people."

Halona nodded her throat tight she wiped her tears away, mouthed "Thank you. Love you, Daddy."

"Love you too, get some rest and call again when you can doesn't matter what time it is." Paladin Jinn said gently.

Off

Halona Grayson YN1