Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vora Zorell (Scientist) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vora Zorell (Scientist) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival

(snip)

It was a reasonable question, but still it surprised Vora, whose long legs had allowed her to catch up with the boy quickly. “Favourite? Oh, well, that’s hard to say. I find many of them fascinating. But a few years ago I inherited a box of belongings that belonged to my mother, who died when I was five. In it is a beautiful ring that has a large yellow topaz. It’s currently my favourite for purely sentimental reasons and because it compliments to colour of my skin,” Vora said, smiling.

~Vora Zorell, Sciences

Jasper nodded. At this point, his attention seemed to focus more on their onward path than the conversation. He inhaled then shared his own favorite with pride clear on his expression.

“I like emeralds better. They are hard, but green like grass. They con…con-” He fumbled with the last word causing him to pause. His eyes pulled back and sought his father over his shoulder.

Sensing his son’s search for his attention, Kekec immediately aided him. “Contrast. Con-trast.”

He let each syllable roll off his tongue in clarity. Jasper smiled and repeated, following his father’s guidance.

“They contrast a lot despite being the same color.”

Ahead of them, the line had already dwindled as the next group went inside. Customers stepped up to the booth, paid, then took a seat at one of the nearby benches. As Kekec pulled ahead to pay for their entrance fee, a tour guide came out with a prior group. The tourists immediately scattered as the young man waited for more customers to fill the next group.

Once done, he returned. “We should figure out the order we want to go in. It would make it easier for the tour guide.”

Avik immediately spoke up first. “I prefer to be in the back, if no one objects.”

Jasper raised his hand, insisting on being in the front with his mother.

Kekec nodded in understanding then turned to Vora. “Vora, do you have a preference?”

-Avik, XO

“Front,” Vora said immediately, surprising herself. But it made sense. Being in the middle of the group would add to the possible claustrophobia and being in front gave her the feeling of choice. And people would know where she was if she got distracted by the pretty rocks. Once a geologist, always a geologist.

~Vora Zorell, Sciences

Jasper’s cheeks pulled into a wide smile. The young boy bounced a bit, then promptly stopped himself. It didn’t hide the excitement dancing in his eyes. It was clear to his father, who shared a similar trait, that Jasper preferred older playmates and teachers to his own peer group. In time, Kekec knew that would change. His vision shifted to Cassandra who appeared uncertain about their son’s joy. So many times, the topic had been brushed on by the pair and still the anxiety cropped in his mate when she was slapped in the face with evidence. It was a concerning development, but one he was forced to have patience with.

Quietly, he pulled in closely. “All Vulcans at this age tend to prefer mentors and adults to their own peers. I’ll continue to remind you, that will change and you will wish things had stayed the same.”

His hand squeezed hers in reassurance. “I’m going to stay in the back with Avik and our father.”

Cassandra gave him a questionable look, but he didn’t address it. His hand merely gave another squeeze as he pulled back toward his sister.

Confused by the decision, she shrugged it off when Jasper walked up to Vora.

“Do you think we’ll see your favorite rock down there?”

The question caused Cassandra to chuckle and draw in closer. “You just want Vora to tell you which rock is what, don’t you?”

The young boy diverted his gaze, confirming her suspicions. Any farthing worry faded causing her to gesture to the pair to follow her. She paused then glanced at Kivl, who instantly knew her budding question.

“I’m going to stay with father and help with Avik. I want to get her thoughts on a few options I’ve been considering.” It appeared innocent enough, causing the woman to nod.

“All right, Vora,” she turned about, “Jasper will be between us. Don’t let him burden you with too many questions.”

-Avik, XO