Posted by Lieutenant Miriam Cross (Chief Medical Officer) in KwaZulu- Natal - Visiting Home, Introductions Are Made (Tag Cross)

Posted by Lieutenant Mthunzi Nkosenye (Chief of Security) in KwaZulu- Natal - Visiting Home, Introductions Are Made (Tag Cross)

Posted by Lieutenant Miriam Cross (Chief Medical Officer) in KwaZulu- Natal - Visiting Home, Introductions Are Made (Tag Cross)
Posted by… suppressed (25) by the Post Ghost! 👻
snip

Cross was about to wink back but decided instead to give the father a warm smile and lower her head.

As he did so, the woman in the doorway came forward and, following the same routine as the man, embraced her son. She then looked at Cross and approached her and put her hands on Miriam’s shoulders. “A true pleasure it is to meet you, my dear. I am Yibanathi. This is my husband, Kagiso. Welcome to our home. ” she said with a smile. She then pulled her close and gave her a warm hug. “Do come in. You must be tired and hungry from your travels.” and she almost pulled her into the house.

‘’Thank you ma’am’‘ the doctor replied hugging her back while trying not to loose her footing and trip over,at this point she did wonder if Nkosenye’s family were all as strong as he was.

Crossing the threshold, ‘house’ wasn’t quite the right term for the structure. Completely open throughout, it was a three story structure with a large open expanse in the middle, the upper floors hidden by the trees outside. The ceiling high above was clear so the whole interior was lit by the natural African sunlight. Large windows stood open all around the ground floor with screen over them to keep out insects. A soft, cool breeze seemed to blow continuously through the rooms, ensuring that the inhabitants stayed cool despite the heat outside. Looking up, the upper two floors seemed to be made or rooms surrounding the open space of the home, with doors leading off on all sides. Spiral staircases sat at opposite corners of the ground floor leading up the next. A large seating area decorated with large couches, chairs, stacks of pillows, and a large, low table in the center sat at the bottom of five steps that lead down from the front door; inviting all who entered to sit and relax. Past the seating area, the floor again rose into a huge kitchen complete with fire pit with a large copper hood providing an exit for smoke. Counters partitioned off the kitchen area from the rest of the room, but there were multiple openings for people to move through. Pat the cooking area was another large seating area, the walls of which were covered in bookshelves. Hundreds and hundreds of books, files, albums, vids, optical disks, and holo emitters filled every shelf. Actual photographs graced the walls, as did more African and tribal artifacts and maps. Some looked hundreds of years old.

The female doctor looked around rather impressed by the decor,even the air she was breathing seemed different.As her eyes fell on the artifacts and maps she remembered him saying his father was an Anthropologist ,her brain cells decided to remind her of the day she stole a map and practically got everyone in trouble.Cross shook her head slightly as if to get rid of that memory ,her locks bobbing up and down as she did so.

As the small crowd of people came inside, they started filling the front seating area. Nkosenye ushered Miriam to a large overstuffed leather chair draped with an animal hide of some kind. The hide had been decorated with black and red beads around the edges of it. “Sit, Doctor. Please. Would you like a drink?” he asked.

Nkosenye, CoS

‘’Oh yes please ‘’Cross replied realizing how thirsty she was ‘’Lt.. since we are off duty could we call each other by our first names’‘ the doctor suggested loud enough for those nearby to hear,then sat down wondering if her pretty behind was sitting on a once life animal .

Cross Dr.

Mthunzi grinned slightly and nodded. “Of course… Miriam.” and his mother slapped his arm. “Don’t just stand there, you big ox. Help me fetch the drinks.” and she dragged him to the kitchen. They could be seen setting out large clay cups and a massive pitcher made of some kind of pottery and colored in bright and contrasting colors and filling it with some kind of dark reddish-purple liquid.

As they prepared the drinks, Zanele walked over to where her father had taken a seat in a large chair that seemed to dominate the area and she whispered something in his ear, and cast a glance at Miriam and smiled as she spoke. In response, Kagiso simply smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. As Zanele took a seat next to Nomusa, who was still scowling at Cross, Mthunzi and Yibanathi came back with the drinks on a large tray. Setting it down on the center table, Mthunzi began passing out drinks. As he did so to Miriam, he gave her a slight smile and small shake of his head and mouthed “I’m so sorry.” and the smile grew a bit more. As he took his seat, Kagiso said “A toast. To our prodigal son. The spirits saw fit to bring him home to us, even if just for a short while. And they have graced our home with the company of Dr. Cross. We thank them for bringing both across our threshold safely and hope that will be happy for the length of their stay.” and he raised his glass and was mirrored by the rest of the family, Mthunzi included.

Nkosenye, CoS

How long had it been since she said that non verbal communication speak volumes....a few hours maybe at the academy. Cross took the offered glass looking at its contents with suspicion,wondering how she was going to get out of this one.

‘’I’m sorry Mthunzi I suffer from a condition and would prefer just a glass of water,hope I’m not being a disappointment ‘’the female doctor claimed with displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one’s hopes or expectations .

Cross Dr.

Mthunzi cocked his head to the side in a slightly confused expression. He said softly “It is only a berry juice, nothing more. But I can get you glass of water. An no, you are not a disappointment.” he said with a small smile. He fetched the water, and another clear pitcher with more water in it, and set it on the table and held the glass out to her.

Nkosenye, CoS

Darn Cross thought *Wrong number’‘ she had half expecting it was a trick maybe his culture was different as if the doctor was on another planet ,perhaps she should stop being so paranoid ‘’Thanks Mthunzi I appreciate it’‘ Cross said taking the glass of water and sipped it quietly.
There was much to tell,she could not wait for time alone with him.

Cross Dr.

Kagiso raised his glass and said in a deep voice not unlike Mthunzi’s “For the first time in many seasons, our home is blessed with all of our family within it’s walls… and with friends from beyond our circle.” and he smiled and nodded at Miriam. “The Spirits have seen fit to put us all together, and that means we will show our thanks. Tonight, we feast as our ancestors did. In celebration of family, hearth, home…” and again he looked and smiled at Miriam before casting his gaze over everyone, “… and new friends who we welcome into our home and our Circle with open arms and open hearts.” and he took a drink, but did not sit down. The family followed suit, but did not speak.

Cross raised her glass ‘’ To my colleague and his family’‘ she added still with a questioning gaze.

“Mthunzi, my son. My oldest. You have learned our ways perhaps better than even I have. And you bring honor to us by living in balance between the old and the new. Tonight, you will invoke the Spirits and carve our bounty.” This statement was met with a stunned look from Mthunzi and broad smiles and few soft words of celebration from his siblings.

Nkosenye

That gaze now fell on Mthunzi, as Miriam observed his stunned look, wondering what was going on in his mind.Surely he knew the way of his people the female doctor thought.

Cross Dr.

Mthunzi remained silent for a few moments and then said “Father, I thank you for your blessings, and I will be honored to invoke the Spirits and ask for their blessing. Thank you.” and he looked down for a few moments in deep thought. He took a drink and returned the handshakes from some of his siblings and a hug or two. As everyone began settling down a bit, he leaned over to Miriam and whispered to her “I would very much like to tell my family about you. But I will not do so without your permission.” and it was then his mother called from the kitchen. “Mthunzi! I need you to go to the market! I need a few more things for dinner!”

Nkosenye

‘’Not yet Mthunzi,not before you understand the other side of me’‘ Cross whispered ‘’Please let me come to the market with you’‘.

Cross Dr.

Mthunzi looked a bit confused but nodded once. Turning his head he said “Yes, Mother. Right away. Give me a list.” and he looked at Miriam. “The market is about two and a half kilometers away. We can walk or we can take a car. Whichever you prefer.” and he stood and offered her a hand up. His mother came up to them and said “Make sure the amandumbe isn’t bruised, Mthunzi. And see if they have any beets.” Mthunzi nodded and then looked at Cross. “Shall we?” and he escorted her out of the door of the house and down the front steps.

“We are going down the drive and then about a kilometer and a half to the east.” and he pointed in the general direction. “It’s a beautiful walk, and you should be able to see some of the park along the way.” and he looked down at her and said “We can talk on the way, if you like.”

Nkosenye, CoS

‘’We’ll walk’‘ Cross replied in a strange tone ‘’I have been idle for too long Lt’‘ her response was even more bizarre.For now the doctor looked round her taking in the scene and the alluring, appealing surroundings ‘’Not bad for a planet’‘ she whispered more to herself then anyone else.

Then it started,the same feeling Cross came to know all too well…the tingling rising in her feet until it reached her head where she felt her brain was about to explode. ‘’Changed my mind ,go by yourself.........’‘ and before Nkosenye could take in what was happening she disappeared in a flash , going straight towards the park.

Cross Dr.

Nkosenye stood dumbfounded for several moments, trying to process what happened. Then the realization set in and he started running, but not a sprint. He was moving with purpose, his eyes darting back and forth. As he crossed the threshold from the road into the park, he began picking out signs of he passing and he started following the trail. He hoped that whatever was happening with her, he found her before some of the natural denizens of the area did. His training from his youth came back in a torrent, and he began to follow her.

Nkosenye

Cross had not intended to deviate from the dusty road but on seeing the savanna everything changed,she made a swerved and kept on running, anything in the way the female doctor jumped on and off her speed never diminished.Born with natural athletic abilities,complementary by psychological characteristic such as mental toughness , motivation to endure pain and increase capacity of the lungs Cross was in her element .

Heading towards the open plain at first she saw only a few shrubs ,a tree here and there while the rest was simply grassland that seemed infinite ....unbeknown to her what dangers where hiding ,lying low ,watching her with caution for the right moment.........................

Cross Dr.

Increased aggressiveness and injury tolerance,recklessness .... ‘’

Nkosenye followed the sign she left in her wake, and it wasn’t difficult. She seemed to be moving at a rapid pace, not caring for what she was heading to or getting near.

After nearly half an hour, they were a few miles from the road. Nkosenye started calling her name loudly and watching her trail. It was then he spotted a new set of tracks. Large, canine, and multiple sets. In this area that meant one thing.

“Hyenas.” he said as if it were a curse.

If they were further north, Nkosenye wouldn’t worry too much. Striped Hyenas were scavengers and while a nuisance were generally not an issue. Here, though… here were the Spotted Hyenas. Predators. Pack hunters. They would attack lions at times. Nkosenye started calling louder and more forcefully. “Cross!! You need to come find me!! You are in danger, and so help me if you get killed I will never forgive you!! Why are you running from me?!” and he picked up his pace, trying to close the distance between them.

Nkosenye

Cross had stopped running,she had her fix and was by now taking deep breaths ‘’That felt awesome’‘ she said to herself .As the doctor was thinking of turning back she heard the distinctive tone of the CoS and although she could not see him, the doctor could perceive in which direction his voice was coming from.

*Wonder why he’s shouting at the top of his voice * she thought smiling ,regrettably that smile did not last long as Cross heard a distinctive high-pitched giggling sound behind her.

She turned her head ever so slowly and on seeing the Hyena froze ‘’I’m done for’‘ she uttered .

Cross Dr.

Nkoseye followed the trail and then heard the yip of the hyena. Cursing softly, he shifted his stance and with the adjustment his footsteps became almost silent. Making his way around a large brier bush, he saw Cross standing motionless. Past her he saw the large canine looking at her and licking it’s lips. Experience told him that wasn’t the threat, that was the distraction. Looking off to the side, he saw the shoulders of a pair moving to flank Cross. He had to act, and did.

Racing past Cross, he charged the pair sneaking up to the side of the small clearing. Yelling and waving his arms, he ran straight at them making as much noise as possible. The two startled and bolted away from the giant man and he turned and immediately did the same to the one by Cross. This one waited and lowered it’s head, and for a split second Mthunzi thought he was going to have to fight. But at the last moment, that one fled… at least momentarily.

Turning to look at Cross, his face was a combination of anger and fear. “We have to go. Now. They will come back.” and he pointed off in the direction they had come. “Fast as you can, Doctor.” he said, and the emphasis on the last word conveyed the level of angst and hurt he was feeling.

Nkosenye, CoS

Cross did not need to be told twice and although glad to see Mthunzi she picked up his unpleasant tone.

*Brilliant * she thought, their relationship was probably over before it had hardly commenced .
Cross Dr.

The two sprinted back they way they came, and soon found themselves back on the road. Nkosenye stopped and put his hands on his hips and began breathing in and out slowly, catching his breath. After a few minutes in silence he looked at Cross, his regular scowl on his face and said simply “The market is this way. We should hurry and get the items for dinner.” and he began walking off in the direction of distant noise and people.

Nkosenye, CoS

Cross did not reply but simply nodded as she followed behind the CoS, her eyes welled up and tears threaten to fall the moment the doctor blinked.This was the reason she had not wanted Nkosenye not to tell his family that she was more then a friend before opening up about her past,present and what he would expect in the future ....now it seemed it was too late for that,he was angry and had a valid reason to reverse his decision.

Cross Dr.

Nkosenye walked in silence for a few minutes. There was little traffic coming from the market this way, as there was nothing much by the Nkosenye family’s home. Stopping just barely within view of the market, he turned and looked down at Cross. “Why? Why did you run? Why did you put yourself in danger and just… leave me? I do not understand. I am angry… but mostly I am confused. You scared me. If you were so uncomfortable meeting my family, you could have just asked for me to take you back. I would have, you know. I did not want to put you in a difficult position. But I can see now that I have. I am sorry, Miriam. Please allow me to get the things for dinner my mother requested, and then I will take you back to the city.” The big Zulu’s voice sounded unlike anything anyone on the Merrimack had heard coming form him. The deep rumbling had been replaced with resignation. The strength and confidence replaced with pain. The trademark scowl on his face now held something wholly different… sorrow. It was obvious that he held himself responsible for her running.

Nkosenye

Cross was utterly drained more mentally then physical,she took her brown lenses off and raised her head locking eyes with Nkosenye ‘’Lt, you’re mistaken in thinking I felt uncomfortable in meeting your family’‘ she uttered in a hardly audible tone ‘’Just did not want us to be seen as a couple not before you know more about me’‘.

’Listen and listen carefully my father was created in a lab its called bio-engineering. They are called designer babies unethical human experiments but that does not stop private labs from working in secret.A gene was introduced in the embryonic stage to be born with natural athletic abilities,complementary by psychological characteristic such as mental toughness and motivation to endure pain during training and competition.’‘

‘’Stronger,faster,increase capacity of the lungs…Increased aggressiveness and injury tolerance,recklessness ....The eyes were purposely made red to pick the batch of babies made with this added gene.’‘

‘’It was when I grew up that I understood , carrying half my father’s DNA and knew also that spending a certain amount of time without some kind of stimulation my mind would reach that fine line between sanity and insanity.When I took off ,initially it was for the market but on seeing the savanna believe me it was overwhelming and too overpowering for me to resist’‘.

Cross paused ‘’I understand Lt if I’m to much to handle’‘ and with that the doctor lowered her head picking up some imaginary spot waiting for his answer ..if there was going to be any.

Cross Dr.

Nkosenye studied her intensely in silence. His scowl had found it’s familiar home on his face, but it was deeper and more… concerned… than was typical for the man. For several minutes, he simply stood and looked down at her. Finally, he stepped forward and knelt on the ground in front of her. He took her chin gently in one massive hand and lifted her face up so he could look into the red eyes.

There was a surprise look as he gently lifted her face up…it was not what she expected.

“We do not choose our parents. We do not choose the circumstances of our birth. Whatever science went into making your father I am thankful for… because it brought you to me. And I would not change that for anything.” and he put his forehead on hers. “Your eyes do not trouble me. Neither do your genetics, wherever they came from. You are simply the woman that I have given my heart to. I am yours, Miriam. Nothing will change that.” and he pulled his head back and looked her in the eye and said “But no more secrets. No more hiding yourself from me. And no more running off into the wilds without me.” and he stood up, brushed off his knees, and looked at the market and then looked back at her with a sparkle in his eye. “Besides, if it is ‘stimulation’ you need, all you have to do is ask. I’m sure I can think of something to keep you occupied, my love.” he said with a hint of playfulness and he moved beside her and held out his hand for her to take. It was obvious that it would take more than a risk-prone outburst and a pack of hyenas to pull him away from the woman beside him.

Nkosenye, CoS

She did wonder if he completely understood her but it did not matter Nkosenye was not deterred by what she had divulged ,as the doctor stood up a small smile formed at the corner of her mouth when he said he’ll give her all the stimulation she needed ‘’Don’t be surprised if you see me running around the ship like a mad hatter on my days off though’‘ and with that Miriam took his hand for she reasoned there was no need to hide their relationship anymore.

‘’Quick lets get what your mothers needs ‘’ Cross pulled at the massive man to hurry .....as she envisaged the woman waiting with a broom stick to wack her son with, at the very thought Cross burst out laughing.

Cross Dr.

Nkosenye took her and led her into the market. The market was a large open air space with stone walls around it. Most of the stalls and vendors were in the center, but there were arch ways in the wall that seemed to lead back further into more dimly lit areas. Their senses were assaulted by bright colors, smells, loud voices shouting and bartering, and music. Glancing at the narrow alleys leading off the center place, Nkosenye said “You can find anything in this place, legal or not.” Moving with practiced ease, and keeping a firm hand on Cross’s, he maneuvered her through the market and went to specific stalls and retrieved the ingredients for his mother’s dinner. Once they were done, he looked at her and bent down and whispered in her ear “One last stop.” and he took her through the market and then into one of the smaller alleys off the main area. Weaving their way back further and further into the dimly lit space, they came to an stall set back under an archway. A woman sat behind the display of various trinkets and items, and she was surrounded by bits of wood, bone, and various other materials.

Nkosenye approached and said something in Zulu. The woman looked up and a broad smile spread across her face. She was older, but stunningly beautiful. Her hair was thick and black, woven into a myriad of braids accented by brightly colored beads. Her dark ebony skin was flawless, and her eyes seemed to take in the light that shone on them and kept it within their depths. She wore a brightly colored robe that billowed out as she leapt to her feet and came around the display and wrapped her arms around Nkosenye’s waist and gave him a close embrace. She looked up at him and said something else in the odd language, to which Nkosenye laughed and replied. He then looked at Miriam and motioned her closer. Speaking to the woman, Nkosenye said something that included Cross’s name. He then said “Miriam, this is Fadira. The woman I rescued, and who gave me my necklace.”

Fadira looked at Cross and smiled, her teeth brilliant white against her dark skin. She took both Cross’s hands in hers and said something in Zulu. Mthunzi said “She says she is honored to meet the one who could tame my wild heart.” and he chuckled.

Nkosenye, CoS