Star Trek: Starbase 777 - rec-lounge-02

*Drowning in paperwork was about the right way to describe Ki'ana's current state of being, what with being the organiser of the soon-to-be-happening cultural exchange festival. Many had applied with their own ideas and thoughts as to what they wanted to showcase of themselves and she and Amanda had tried hard to accommodate as many as they could - which was way easier said than done. Make one happy and the rest boo and hiss, that sort of trouble. She was just about ready to call it a day - but of course, she still had to work things out between all parties involved. So the Kelpien had parked herself in the lounge, out of uniform, and gotten to work catching up on all the communications she'd been handling.*

Beraal had just finished his first shift at Starbase 777 in his new post, and to say Intelligence was a shift from what he used to be doing was an understatement. Since the Trill Initiation, nothing has been normal; everything feels new or significantly different. The Starbase was the largest and best scenery change, though; there was so much to do and see. The combination of demanding assignments and diverse alien cultures created a challenging yet exciting work environment. Honestly, this was a dream posting and a good place for him to learn. * *He walked into the rec room with Bolian Tonic water in one hand and was still in his purple uniform as he scanned the room. One of the main things that caught his eye was the Kelpien, who looked just overwhelmed. He approached her with a polite nod. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice you seem quite overwhelmed,” he began, keeping his tone respectful, “I’m Beraal Levix, and I'm new to this assignment.”

Ki'ana looked up from her PADD at the Trill man talking to her. She hadn't expected to be joined by anyone else, much less someone that'd take the time to ask about her, but the interruption from her thoughts was honestly welcome. "Just a little. I'm almost done with the planning for the cultural exchange this week - you know how people can be, what with the paperwork and all that." Following a short pause she added, "I'm sure you've heard about it. There's been excitement about it all week long."

Beraal softly moved to sit down as he slowly nodded. “A ton of differing opinions? “He mused, remembering his times as the Math Club representative. Definitely nothing close to what the Kelpien was facing. He slowly nodded about the festival and said, “I've seen the announcement, and my supervisor mentioned it. It's really impressive how you're putting this together. Are there any particular cultures or events in the lineup that you're especially excited about?" Having not taken an extra careful look at the announcements, his plan was to stroll and explore it with a more unfiltered look.

"Well. I'm excited for the Magna Romani cultural display, for one. We got our away team coordinator - she's this tough Magna Roman redhead - to actually come out and do a showcase! And here I thought she was something of a shut-in." Ki'ana snickered. "She's supposed to be showing off armor and weapons, or so I hear. Can you believe it? It's like a window into Earth's past, you know how they are. No more spoilers, though." She added with a wink. "So. The name's Ki'ana. I think you might've seen my name on the announcement that went out. It's nice to meet you."

Beraal raised his eyebrows, impressed by the mention of Magna Romani. The sound of it alone was intriguing. When Ki'ana insisted on no spoilers, he gave a playful "aw-man" look but followed it with a warm smile. He nodded, remembering the three names on the announcement. *” It's a pleasure to meet you, Ki'ana! And thank you for the sneak peek—it’s only made me more excited about the festival,” *He said enthusiastically; it was something that he definitely was going to go to. “I’m looking forward to experiencing these events firsthand. The Magna Romani sounds particularly fascinating. " He drank some of his Bolian Tonic water softly as he asked. “So are you just finishing up with minor details for the festival, or is there still more to smooth out?”

"Well, the major details have been sorted out, at least. The minor details need a little work, but it's nothing we can't solve in short order." Or so she hoped. Thus far the hiccups had been small and easy to fix, but there was always space for stuff to go wrong. Always. Especially at large events like this one. "You'll have a grand old show when we open over the weekend, that much I promise you." She said with a kind smile. That much she could promise - she, Amanda and Paco had spent an inhuman number of hours putting everything together, and they were finally ready to show something for it. "Is there a particular culture or people you're hoping to see displayed?"

Beraal listened and drank his tonic water, loving its calming coolness. Honestly, he thought Erul was on something when he first suggested Bolian tonic water to help him. He flashed a grin hearing about having a grand old show. * “It sounds amazing! I should give my early congratulations on the event,” *he uttered gently, tipping his drink to her. * *Beraal found his excitement growing with every piece of information about the event. When asked about which culture he hoped to see, he hesitated. Being new to the Starbase, he was still getting familiar with its diverse population. He delicately tapped the table with his forefinger as he pondered which culture he wished to see. “I think- I am most interested in any of the Khitomer Alliance. Do we have any Cardassian or the Romulans representing?” *He didn’t know much of either culture, only the primers that he had read. *

"There are, in fact. You might be quite happy to learn that we have an entire lineup of people waiting to exhibit." Ki'ana replied cheerfully. "Of all races, actually. It's been a lot, organizing everyone. What about Cardassian or Romulan culture interests you the most?"

Beraal smiled, appreciating Ki’ana’s enthusiasm. “That’s going to make the festival even more exciting,” He paused, biting his lip before responding. “My interest in Romulan culture stems from their fascinating history. They originated from Vulcans but developed a distinct society with unique values and norms. Their strategic maneuvers and political intrigue are captivating. Understanding their evolution separately from the Vulcans provides deep insights into their current behaviors and motivations.” Beraal’s eyes lit up. “It’s intriguing to see how history shapes a civilization’s identity and policies,"

"I see! Well, I'm sure you'll get your fix. There's at least one or two exhibitors for each. There's a Romulan who's offering to make food - well, not ale, obviously." Ki'ana replied. "I've tried one or two dishes on my own time and I think people are going to love them. Can't say the same about Cardassian yamok sauce, though, but I'm sure it'll all turn out." She flashed a cheeky little smile. "How about others? Surely there must be other races on your mind for the event."

Beraal's eyes lit up with interest as Ki'ana mentioned the various culinary offerings at the upcoming event. He leaned in slightly, his analytical mind already working to process this new information.It was almost as if he arrived at the station right at the perfect moment "Fascinating! The culinary diversity alone sounds intriguing. I'd be particularly keen to sample authentic Romulan cuisine!" Beraal said as he tapped the table softly, thinking about everything "Well, food-wise, I hope the Trills on the station also put on a good show, hopefully featuring some fresh fruits, wines, and cheeses from Trill. The Vulcans are always interesting to learn more about; despite their emphasis on logic, their culture is quite unique." He smiled as he thought about some other cultures. * "Bolians are another fascinating species; their large families and calming foods, like their tonic water, are distinctive to their culture." *Beraal paused momentarily and then added, "I'm curious if Kelpiens will be represented at the event?

"Well, there is... one. He's a bookseller from the promenade; he was very enthusiastic indeed." Kii replied. "And... I'll be making Kelpien pastries to hand out as gifts. Baking is a passion of mine - I grew up with it." She added with a bright smile. "Do look out for those - I'm told our pastries can be quite moreish. Some people just can't get enough, especially those with a taste for savory baked goods..."

*Beraal's eyes widened with interest, and he leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. *"A bookseller? How fascinating! I must admit, I have a weakness for physical books myself. There's something about their texture and smell that can't be replicated," *He said, making a mental note to visit the bookshop soon. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he continued, *"I'll definitely seek you out at the festival to try your pastries. I love experiencing new cuisines!" *He paused briefly, tempering his enthusiasm, * "It's wonderful that you're sharing your culture through baking. I'm sure it'll be a hit. Do you have any other Kelpien traditions you're planning to introduce to the station?"

"Well, see. I've never been much of a Kelpien myself. Mother and Father lived on Betazed, far from home." Ki'ana explained. "I grew up with Betazoids and humans for company, not others of my kind save my mother and father themselves. I don't know much about my own culture." She sounded almost sheepish saying that. Her cheeks colored a light shade of pink to go with it, too. "Therefore this is the best way I can express part of myself. At least, I think it is."

Beraal nodded , his forest-green eyes focusing on Ki’ana as he processed her words. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth, understanding that feeling of growing up in strange environments. * “I get that feeling of disconnection, Ki’ana,” *He said, his long fingers absently tapping out on the table. * “Growing up, I was constantly moving from one starbase to another because of my parents’ assignments. I rarely spent time in Trill space or with many other Trills besides my family.” *He paused, his gaze becoming slightly distant as he recalled his own experiences. *“It wasn’t until I took a sabbatical to become a Trill initiate that I really delved into my own culture. And even then, it was… different from what I’d expected.” *Beraal’s attention refocused on Ki’ana, “It’s great that you’re finding ways to express yourself and your heritage, even if it’s not in the most traditional sense. Our experiences shape us. Your time on Betazed is just as important as your Kelpien roots.”

"Well, as a Kelpien I can't really showcase Betazoid culture now, can I. That'd be odd, even for someone who grew up there but who obviously isn't one of the natives." Ki'ana replied cheerfully. "Trill initiate? You studied with the Guardians? Did I get that right? To be joined? How did that go?"