Star Trek: Eventide 777 - vara′toran-aella-5

It was officially her first day on the job. Aella had never served outside the Dominion so this new Alliance thing was most likely going to be a bit of a struggle for her. As it was her first day on the job, she thought it would be good to take a look at the senior officer roster and-- "Lieutenant Ughaz'udan," She said the name out loud and laughed when she realised who he was. She knew all about the Allied Fleet Service, but she didn't actually think the Founders would let a Jem'hadar serve within the ranks "Computer, locate Lieutenant Ughaz'udan." "Lieutenant Ughaz'udan is in his office" And that is exactly where Aella planned to go. Zooms~~!!!!

Aella made her way back to her quarters safe and sound. She had her regular communications with the Founders where she gave them all the information she had learned about that Weber guy. Was he interesting, she thought. The Founders agreed and they even praised her for her outstanding work in just a few days. Feeling quite pleased with herself after her meeting, she thought perhaps now would be a good time to step onto the promenade and actually find a nice pair of flat shoes.

Aella returned to her quarters and wrote up her report to the Founders. It had been a rather eventful day, but she was looking forward to her communications. The Founders were always eager to hear what Aella was up to on 777, she was their eyes and ears after all. "Yes, I understand. I will see to it I do," Aella wrapped up the transmission and prepared a PADD before she set back out to head to sickbay.

1

Back from her medical check up, Aella began writing up a report about her experience.

Vara'toran Aella 5 Had a very interesting medical evaluation today. I am requesting to never have to do it again.

2

[d] After her very short nap, Aella woke up for her regular communications with the Founders. It seemed like she spent more time talking to them than anyone else on the station. "Of course, yes, I understand. No, I have not made contact with him since our last encounter," Aella regretted not being able to interact with the Jem'hadar, but it seemed like the Founders preferred she stayed away from him. "Seeking out new relationships" was what they wanted her to focus on. The call didn't last much longer and Aella was thankful it was brief. The Founders had changed their tune since they last spoke. They were no longer satisfied with her work on the station and considered her to be "too adversarial" and even considered reassigning her for a more "agreeable" clone.

Hey, Zhimata. Klingon Opera, tonight, 1900?

OH! Zhimata, yes, tonight. I'll be there. #holodeck-1 ？

Don't be late. ;)

That was right, she promised the nice Klingon-Vulcan boy a date. What was a date? Aella had no experience with interpersonal relationships. The Vorta were taught to be seductive, sweet, and cunning. No one ever taught her about trying to form genuine relationships. Was it even possible? Regardless if it was or not, the Founders were not happy with how she was currently doing things. Starting arguments with others, bullying Starfleet officers. She was on the edge of being labeled as defective.

Aella scurried down the corridor and back into her quarters. The one good thing about being a civilian diplomat is she didn't have to worry about roommates. She was sure anyone who shared quarters with her would be annoyed by her constant back and forth. It was hard serving the Founders all day! "Computer, begin report. Vara'toran Aella Five to the Founders of the Dominion."

Today I cried for the first time....

1

Aella quickly returned to her quarters and kicked her shoes off. "Computer, open a channel, Founders." Aella commanded before grabbing her head set and throwing it against the wall, shattering it into pieces. "Founders," Aella sat on her bed and looked at the computer monitor she had set up on her nightstand. She probably looked like a disaster, but she didn't care, as long as she had her communications on time. "My visual sensory device has malfunctioned, I am requesting permission to see the Starfleet doctor for a replacement vision correction device."

"Aella, it is good to see you are well,"

"Permission to go to medical?"

"You do not need our permission to seek medical treatment. You are free to do as you wish. Remember your mission is to build relationships with others. We want you to explore your free will. You have your duties as Liaison, but outside of these reports you are free to live as you wish. We want you to be an individual."

"Understood. Thank you, Founders."

3

Back in her quarters Aella had already finished the bakkwa she got back at the bar. She wanted to eat more, but she wondered if eating too much would be detrimental to her health. No one had ever studied Vorta nutrition before. Well, maybe a nap would be better than snacking after all. She had free will! She could sleep midday if she wanted to, no one owned her. Well, not when she was off duty at least. "Computer. Play me your best selection of Klingon opera." Aella laid down on her bed and closed her eyes.

Eshen knocked on Aella's door. "Aella? I have something for you."

As Aella was approaching her quarters she noticed... Eshen? She walked up to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Hello Eshen, what a coincidence! You said you had something for me?" She asked, giving him a sweet smile. It seemed like she was back to normal ,well, almost.

"Yes, I - by Kah'less's tantalising triceps, you look so cute!"

2

The compliment was unexpected it gave Aella a shock. Her eyes widened and she smiled nervously. "Why... Why thank you Eshen," She was still new to receiving compliments. Usually she was giving them and most of the time they were only to butter up her targets to win their trust. Genuine compliments were a whole different world to her. "Please, come in." Aella said as she led Eshen into her quarters. As expected from a Vorta, the room was completely empty aside from a couple of PADDs on the table and a few outfits in her closet.

Eshen put one hand on his hip and with the other, rubbed his chin like a calculating property developer. "This place could use some decoration."

"What do you mean?" Aella understood that solids enjoyed to customise their spaces, but she had no eye for aesthetics including interior design. It wasn't like she had any items to decorate with either. "My quarters server their purpose. I can speak with the Founders on the monitor and write reports at my desk. I do not see the need for anything else."

"Hmmm. What about entertainment? Keepsakes? Where are you keeping that butterfly pin I gave you, by the way?"

"The Dominion do not engage in leisure activities, including entertainment," It was true, although the Vorta loved playing games. Aella had no money so gambling was out of the question. "I do not have any "keepsakes". As for the butterfly pin," Aella walked over to her desk and opened a drawer to take out the pin. "It is safe."

Eshen put a hand on her shoulder. "Aella, my dear, that's a keepsake. If you make a lot of friends here, maybe you'll collect more of them."

".... I am not so sure I will be making anymore friends," Aella said as she went over to her replicator and replicated some bakkwa. "Would you like anything to eat? What was the thing you mentioned you had for me?"

Eshen sighed. "Aella..." but he trailed off. He just got out of medbay; he didn't have the energy for this. He handed her the vial. "A friend of mine did some kind of scientific alchemy to produce this rippleberry enzyme concoction. He says it'll help you taste things, temporarily."

".... Scientific alchemy?" Aella took the vial and looked at it. It was tiny, how would something like this help? "How do I use it? I am hesitant to try this experimental medicine. The Vorta are immune to poisons, however how do I know your friend did not design one?"

"I scanned it while I was in medbay, just in case, but you don't have to use it if you don't want to. I just thought it'd be... Interesting for you. You eat it, then you taste something."

".... I will try it then," Aella said as she opened the vial and ate the pill. It was tasteless, but Eshen did say it was an enzyme not an actual rippleberry. She then ate a piece of bakkwa. "..... It's terrible," Aella put the small plate down on the desk and shook her head. "No no, this is terrible," She darted over to the replicator and requested a plate of rippleberries which he then inhaled. "Mmm mm... Tell your friend-- his medicine needs some adjustment," It then dawned on her.... She could taste the bakkwa. It was disgusting but she had an opinion.

"Aella, could you please specify: do you think it tastes bad because this is the first trial of the enzyme, or does it taste bad because bakkwa sucks? No offense."

"... I am not sure..." Aella took another bite of the bakkwa and shook her head. "This tastes awful, try it," She offered it to Eshen. "It's chewy and oily, and salty and sweet!"

Eshen took the bakkwa. "Okay, but I'm doing this for you." Eshen ate it, then scrunched up his nose like a rabbit. "Yes, this is certainly bakkwa."

"i didn't realise it tasted so terrible?" Aella said in disbelief as if she had just been betrayed by a dear friend. "I do not think your friend's medicine worked. He is welcome to try again."

"It worked a little. Give him some credit." Eshen held out his hand for the empty vial, in case Cecil wanted it back later. "I'll take your input back to him for trial two. Maybe one day you'll even be able to taste my cooking!"

Aella blushed at the idea of trying Eshen's cooking. Food seemed to be quite an important thing for solids outside the Dominion. She handed the vial back to Eshen. "Tell him.." Aella paused, for once thinking before she spoke. "I appreciate his efforts. I will be sure to mention him when I speak with the Founders." Aella walked close to Eshen and gently touched his arm. "And about the Founders... They have decided to let me explore my free will and to help me my meetings with them will be less frequent." Aella seemed a little concerned as she spoke. Freedom was a very novel concept for her.

Eshen put his gloved hand over the hand touching his arm. "I'm glad for you, Aella. I did say this might turn out better than you'd think. Maybe next time, give me a little credit."

"I have never gone this long without speaking with the Founders, it is very unsettling," Aella looked into Eshen's eyes. "I am curious, how do you make friends? You seem to already know everyone on this station. I talked to a grumpy man, a newbie mission specialist and... wait make that two grumpy men and a mission specialist."

"That's a big question. I can't teach you everything in one go, but remember the three Es: experience, eloquence, and, most importantly of all, enthusiasm." Rule three. Well, technically rule three was 'respect social boundaries', but he's moving that one to number 7 just so the EEE rule can be the third.

1

"Experience, I am a Vorta commander and I have much experience commanding troops and i deserve absolute obedience," Aella began. "Eloquence, you look fantastic today, Eshen. Your eyes are radiant and your physique is toned," She smiled. "Lastly enthusiasm, I want to see you again sometime and I am looking forward to our next encounter. The klingon opera was very enjoyable." "How was that?"

"Hmmm. Maybe tone down the parts about obedience and conquest and make the compliments subtler, but otherwise, that wasn't half bad! Oh, but not for me. I love obedience and overt compliments, you know that."

"What is wrong with obedience and conquest? I have free will and my free will is to dominate all," Aella paused, realising what she just said. "I mean... people are free to believe in what they want," She raised an eyebrow. "You enjoy obedience and overt compliments? Interesting. You are my favourite solid on this station."

"Thank you." He felt he'd earned that title, really. "Right, the thing is, Aella - a lot of the people on this station had their free will dominated by the Dominion, so they're a bit miffed about it. Best not to go around mentioning it if you want to make friends, see?"

"Oh, but the Dominion is the nest," Aella said before thinking again. "But i can see their view. The Dominion did cause a lot of damage," She frowned. "How do I connect with others if I cannot share my love for the Founders?"

"Share your love for other things. A measured amount of passion is endearing to most. What do you love other than the Founders, Aella?"

Aella froze at the question. What else is there besides love for the Founders? She blinked and looked at Eshen, full of confusion. "I.... I don't know. I love the Founders and...... playing games, but I don't have any money so I can't gamble."

"I have money, my dear. I'll take you sometime. Perhaps you should ask the Founders for an allowance. But we should explore other hobbies, too. Maybe on our dates, like we did with the Opera?" This was like with Heinrich. Eshen can't conceive of not having a million hobbies. What did people like Aella and Heinrich even do with their free time? Recite the Dominion anthem and mope, probably.

1

"The Founders give me an allowance but I already spent it on new shoes," Aella frowned, things were very expensive. "I wouldn't mind exploring other hobbies," She looked at Eshen and gave him a flirtatious smile (out of habit, she's a vorta after all).

He didn't really react. He'd built up a tolerance at this point. "How do you feel about... Books, maybe?"

"Books. Are there any books about the Founders?" Aella would be interested in pursuing literature, she did enjoy reading because it helped her learn more about the world and hopefully a better diplomat.

"Oh, lots. Not entirely favourable to your side, though. I meant more like fiction."

"Fiction? Made up stories? Please, tell me more. What sort of topics is this "fiction" about?"

"Fantasy... Fairytales... Historical romance... I mostly read the last one."

"historical romance. This intrigues me," Aella raised an eyebrow. "You can send recommendations to me via PADD and I will look into it. Perhaps I will learn how to impress you on our next date."

"To impress me? I'll do that. It... would be nice to be the courted and not the courter for once, actually. For your... what did you call it? Exploring the dating rituals of solids?"

"Yes, the dating rituals of the solids. Well, the solids outside of the Dominion," Aella smiled. "I will study whatever material you give me." Aella looked into Eshen's eyes, although she didn't have much of an opinion about his looks, he did have a very alluring gaze. "you are very sweet, Eshen. I could easily see you as a Vorta," In a weird way, it was a compliment.

He took it as one. "Well, thank you. I still want to meet the Founders one day, you know." That'd be something to put on his resume.

"I will relay your request during my next communications. I am sure they will be excited to meet the man who helped me so much--" Aella paused suddenly, feeling nervous. "For some reason the idea makes me... nervous. I an worried if they'll like you or if you'll like them.... they're almost like my 'parents' as you solids call them."

"Well, I hope you've been flattering me enough in your reports to help. As for me? I rarely dislike anybody, to be honest."

"I have given the Founders detailed reports about everyone I have met," Aella said. "I am just nervous that their appearance may shock you. I understand Founder Odo is well known throughout Starfleet, but the other Founders take a much different form when not interfacing with Starfleet," Aella said before scurrying over to her desk and pulling out something else from her drawer. It was a flat piece of metal with a single button on the top. "This is my hologram of Founder.... The Founder I talk to," She pressed the button and a tiny hologram of a pillar of goo came up from the plate, the goo changed between various shapes before disappearing.

Eshen looked a little confused. "I don't mean to undermine what was obviously an important reveal for you, but I'm not particularly shocked that goo people look like goo."

So.. he didn't mind? She ignored the fact he called the Founders goo. It was difficult for anyone outside the Dominion to understand the greatness of the Founders. "I understand the Founders are goo to everyone but the Dominion, I wish I could share my love for them with you like you can share your passions with me."

"I mean, I'm already interested. Don't you remember when we first met and I asked you a million questions about them? If I could change forms like that... Imagine the possibilities." Do not imagine the possibilities, Aella. Your mind is too pure.

. "If you could change forms like the Founders..." Aella giggled and shook her head. "I think with your obedience and if you could change forms, I would make you.... Stay as you are because you're perfect, you have already reached perfection."

1

"Would you?" Eshen asked, suddenly very serious. "What if what I am is as fluid as the Founders? What if I changed forms, too? What if my true form was imperfection? What if I had no true form at all?"

"No matter what your form, your essence will remain. You know and I know I cannot judge aesthetics. Everything, everyone looks the same to me," Aella said, completely sincere. "But what I can see is the essence of a person and that Is your perfection. You could transform into a targ or a Cardassian vole and i would still.." Aella paused trying to think of the word. "Deeply admire and respect you."

"I suppose you're right in that you're incapable of judging me by my looks. But I like being judged by my looks. Judged well, that is. I mean, I put so much work into them! But..." How could she see the essence of him when he couldn't even see it himself? "...Never mind. I deeply admire and respect you, too."

"I am sure you are the most attractive solid on this station," Aella blushed a little. "You and that Jem'hadar, you're both my type~"

"Both of us? That's quite the contrast. What on Earth do we have in common that's your type?"

"Well," Aella thought for a moment. "I like strong men. When I commanded my own fleet my men would carry me," Aella giggled thinking about all the memories. She never thought she could feel nostalgic. "And you both... well, i guess it's true girls like bad boys."

"Bad b -" Eshen laughs into his glove. "Am I a bad boy? I always thought I was more of the princely type."

"You have that look to you," Aella looked into Eshen's eyes. "Your jade eye shadow and your lips and..." Aella paused before realising... did she think Eshen was /beautiful/??? "If I could judge aesthetics I would say you are beautiful." Was the most she could bring herself to say.

Eshen tilted his head. "Do you really mean that? Or are you just saying that because you know it's something I'd like to hear from you?"

"The Vorta may have silver tongues, but I am completely serious. I would not lie to you, Zhimata. As much as my instincts tell me to keep you far, my... both of my hearts tell me to keep you close." Human terminology was very confusing but hopefully Eshen would understand.

Eshen was silent. He wasn't used to this level of sincerity from the Vorta. What was he supposed to do now? Fail to attempt to return the sincerity? Maybe he should kiss her and then faint, too. "...I see. Thank you. Anyway, I..." He fiddled with his gloves. He should go, right? Run away like Cecil tried to?

"You are welcome," Aella said as she noticed Eshen fiddling with his gloves. Hmm did she say something wrong? Maybe this interaction had gone on long enough. "Please tell your friend I await his next experiment."

Eshen clasped his hands behind his back. "I will." Then he turned around, walked some, glanced back and opened his mouth as if to say something, shook his head and left.

She found Eshen's reaction quite strange, but she let him go without pushing the issue further. Once Eshen was gone she decided... Perhaps she could rearrange her room a little. After about an hour the task was complete. She had her few worldly possessions arranged nicely on her desk along with the clip that Eshen had gifted her. Now....

1

11:20

Ughaz'udan agreed to see her?! Aella grabbed the gift she had carefully wrapped and headed out of her quarters.

[D] Aella finally made it back to her quarters after her 'date' with Ughaz'udan. The first thing she did when she got back was turn on her monitor and-- Wait, that's right. She already had her meeting with the Founders this month. No communications until next month. That's what they said. Aella suddenly felt lost and very lonely. "Computer. Play music, low volume, Aella beta two." As the soft sounds of Klingon opera began to fill her room, Aella walked over to her desk and picked up a PADD. "Fengshui: The Simple Way was the book she had up. She couldn't judge aesthetics, but after some research she learned of an earth culture that had rules for aesthetics and decided to try that. The book laid out the exact locations for each piece of furniture. She spent the rest of the evening replicating various pieces, moving things around. It kept her busy so her mind couldn't wander. "The final touch..." Aella said as she moved her alter against the wall and placed the pin Eshen gave her on the bottom step. There were multiple spots for 'keep sakes'. At the top of the alter was her hologram of one of the Founders, shapeshifting into various shapes. Aella stepped back to look at her work. The bottom step only had one item, but she hoped to fill it with more gifts from her friends. Someday.

1

Hobbies... Now what sort of hobbies could she explore. Aella had a lot of ideas, some from people she spoke to and others from things she observed or read. Cardassians like to debate, Bajoranms pray, Klingons fight in the holodeck... What else? Betazoids... Well that mother daughter pair, they do sports. Humans also like sports. What would be an easy sport-- or game? Aella looked through the map of the station's recreational sector. There was a pool. Interesting. Aella had never swam before. She decided to replicate a simple bathing suit and head off to the pool!

Aella was terrified, but at least she was in her designated spot. She had no weapons, no soldiers, nothing. She was terrified, being a civilian was terrifying.

Back in her quarters Aella was pacing back and forth. For the first time in her many lives, she felt nervous. It was a strange feeling, she didn't even think it was possible. Sure she felt a similar feeling in the past, scared, angry, but it was not like this. She knew she was never in any real danger and when she was in Dominion space she knew that if she were to die it would be for the Founders. But now with free will, her life was hers alone. Sure she still lived for the Founders, but all her choices in life from this point onwards were her own. Aella was trying not to have an existential crisis alone, but she really wished there was something she could do to help. Now would be a great time to have a squad of Jem'hadar back her up.... All she could do now was wait for this all to pass. She was not accustomed to being away from the action, in fact, she wanted to rip her hair out and scream it was so frustrating.

This yellow alert was longer than expected.... In fact in this time Aella had eaten her weight in bakkwa and taken three naps. She tried to do some light exercise, but it was difficult alone. Perhaps she could ask someone for assistance later. "Computer. Begin personal log." Might as well practice saying nice things like Eshen told me to.

Eshen You are fun to be around, my Zhimata, funny, you teach me a lot. Georgia You are... Helpful. Perhaps you and your daughter can assist me with hobby exploration later. Whidbey You are intelligent and insightful. I look forward to more philosophical discussions. Weber You and I will meet once we are standing on better ground. Hopefully we can come to understand each other better. Dominic You are unjudging and kind, I owe you. Samantha You are helpful, perhaps our paths will cross again. Sauk You will become a great Starfleet officer one day. Your hard work is admirable.

"I think that's everyone.." Aella pondered to herself, wondering if she forgot anyone. She was going through the long list of people she had interacted with on this station. There was definitely some names missing...

4

Who else, who else....

Dr. Hsarr M'ow Thank you for the glasses. I will cherish them and use them well. You are a skilled doctor and I put my trust in you. Heinrich I have my eyes on you-- Wait, no ,that wasn't positive. She was trying to say nice things about the people she had interacted with. Her and Heinrich did not exactly hit it off on the right foot, but she had to have something nice to say. Heinrich You are observant and intelligent. I wish for us to meet when we are both in better mental places. Maggie We must swim again. I enjoyed our time together, even if it was short. You are a charming Ensign. Orith I am sorry I was judgemental towards you. I hope to enjoy Romulan Ale together some day. Virana You are wise. I hope we can converse again on better terms. Ughaz'udan

Was there anything to say about him? Aella say back on her bed and pulled her knees to her chest. No there was nothing she wanted to say to him. Perhaps her list would have to stay incomplete until she thought of something. "Computer. Pause log and save it, lock access, Aella beta four."

3

1

2

Aella heard the sounds of the Eventide docking, well, she thought it was. Her Vorta hearing would never deceive her. That means... Zhimata is back! Aella quickly bolted out of her quarters in hopes of running into her dearest Zhimata!

As soon as she got into her quarters she began typing furiously on her PADD. She was going to tell all of this to the Founders. They would know how that Austin Whidbey treated her.

4

2

After angrily tapping away at her PADD, Aella ended up taking a nap. She woke up only an hour later, still feeling tired but not wanting to sleep any longer. She needed someone to talk to, but she couldn't bother Eshen. Or Ughaz'udan, or anyone else... maybe-- Maybe Georgia is free? She seemed knowledgeable. Aella sprang up from her bed and headed out.

Aella! I’m on my way darling, you are going to rock this! I know it! Maggie

1

Wait, should I wear uniform? -

❤️

no you can be sexy, this is not official duties - Aella 5 ❤️

Thank god, I don't have to dial down! OMW again! -

❤️

Aella had everything arranged in her quarters. She had her monitor up on the wall and a table with some comfy egg chairs because a future without egg chairs is not a good future. She also arranged some food, Rippleberry pancakes with milk tea, also for topping she had some chocolate syrup because she's chaotic. Everything was set up for Eshen's arrival. She had clearly been doing some fengshui decorating too, she watched a lot of information videos about it.

Eshen's hair was half-up half-down like a fantasy elf, and he was wearing a black silk shirt with gold accents, bracelets of malachite and jade, other gold jewellery, tight black trousers and shiny, formal black shoes. Even his jade eyeshadow glittered gold. He was either dressed to deal with royalty or at a casino. But despite the oddly sophisticated air it all gave him, as soon as he entered the room, his face split into a smile. "Aella! This place looks so nice! Not only are there more items, but they're organised so well. Maybe you should help me decorate my room." Had she seen it yet? He couldn't remember.

1

"ZHIMATA!" Aella exclaimed as she rushed to Eshen to give him a hug. He looked.... Ready for something. Well, she honestly couldn't say if he looked good or not, he looked the same as ever. Although she could tell he spent a lot of time into his fit so she could only assume he looked drop dead gorgeous. "You spent a lot of time on your apperance," Aella giggled as she led Eshen into her room and offered him a seat in the comfy egg chair. "I am sorry I didn't dress up too," Aella said, dressed in her typical Vorta commander attire. It looked like a 90's sci-fi disaster, typical of the Vorta. Slim fitted jump suit with a mismatch of patterns, She had a skirt with her outfit with a gradient, it just looked terrible all around. "The Founders will be calling soon, but I made-- replicated some food. Rippleberry pancakes. I wanted to try your friend's medicine again, but after my last experience with beer I think I'd like to stick with Rippleberries for a while."

"No worries. You know me: ever overdressed. But wait - your first experience was with beer? Aella, I'm so sorry." He was apologising as though it was something traumatic. Because it was. To have beer one of your first tastes? Sheer tragedy. "If you want to get into alcohol, start with something light and flavoursome, like a bellini or campari and soda... Ah, another time, maybe."

"No no, I don't really see the appeal in drinking poison. The Vorta are immune to most poisons, but I am not interested in seeking it out. I will drink tea and non-poisonous substances," Aella said as she sat down and began to eat her pancakes. "I made the programme for these myself. I can't cook, but I can tell the replicator what to make. The replicated Rippleberries do not taste as strong as the real thing, but it is better than feeling like I'm eating cardboard. Please try them!"

Eshen pushed aside the illogical fear that he might get something in his teeth and then start a war with the Dominion with a single bare-toothed smile and dove right in to the pancakes. "It's good!" For replicated food. "I love drinking poison. Especially wine. Woo, poison!"

1

"'Woo, poison'? Zhimata you have strange tastes but... Perhaps that is why I like you," Aella said as she delicately ate her food. Enjoying the texture of the moist pancakes. "How has your day been? Meet anyone interesting? I heard we have some guests on the station."

"I have excellent tastes. In fact, I simply know the truth of the world: what is beautiful is also often eclectic and bizarre." Eshen ate a pancake delicately, somehow. "My day's been... Eventful. I met the mother of my - a close friend of mine. She reminded me of Grandma a little. Don't know if I've ever mentioned her to you... Oh, but she made me pancakes back on Earth, too."

"You are a very fascinating solid, Zhimata," Aella giggled and took a sip of her milk tea. "Oh, interesting, your grandma？ Klingon? I did not know Klingons made pancakes," Aella was quite intrigued with the life of solids. Their 'family' seemed important. Dominion had no family, well aside from the Founders.

Eshen muffled a quiet laugh with his gloved hand. "Klingons? Making pancakes? Never in a million years. No, she was just a nice old lady who lived down the road I snuck out to see. I would help her with chores and then we would bake together."

"That sounds.... Cute? I think, I don't really know much about family. We only have the Founders," Aella said before taking another bite of pancake. Not even two seconds after she started eating again her monitor began to blink! "They're here! Computer, on screen!" Aella said and the monitor began to flicker. "I told the Founder to choose a form that would be aesthetically pleasing to you." She told Eshen. As the screen began to come into focus, there on the other side of the screen sat a Bajoran boy with messy bangs with an undercut. He had narrow eyes, almost like Cecil's in fact and wore a silver and blue Bajoran earring on his right ear.

"Good evening from Dominion Space. Aella five, and... Eshen K'Tann."

He looked kind of like Nalas... Well, he wanted attractive and he got it! Wink wink. He sent that mental flattery Nalas' way before focusing on the task at hand. "Hello! Good evening from Station 777."

1

"Aella was smiling so much, her gods were finally meeting her Zhimata!!* "Zhimata, this is Founder Kronos and Founder Kronos this is Zhimata. Thank you for speaking with us!" Aella sounded like a daughter introducing her boyfriend to her parents... Well, she kind of was. The Founders were the closest things she had to parents.

"It is nice to meet you, Eshen K'Tann." The Founder had an emotionless expression as he observed the two of them. "I once took the place of a solid, which is the form I am using. This is up to your standards I hope. I have not taken this form in many years."

"Spectacularly." Don't flirt with the Founders. Don't flirt with the Founders. Do not. He held back during his day job, so he could do it here, too, right? This was too important to Aella. Never mind that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and he was probably the only person in the quadrant ballsy enough to take it. Ah, the sacrifices we make... "And you too, Founder Kronos. Aella's told me a lot about you. Good things, I assure you."

Aella carefully observed Eshen, half waiting for him to try and flirt with her gods. Well, she wouldn't blame him. It was in his nature after all. She was definitely not surprised when he seemed pleased with the Founder's appearance. Of course.

"I have no doubt. Her reports have been.... Interesting," The Founder sighed and looked at Aella, giving her a disappointed stare. Like a parent with a rowdy child. "You have been teaching her about socialising," The Founder looked down at a console he had in front of him. "Enthusiasm, experience, eloquence... The big G, no genocide. What does this mean, Eshen K'Tann?"

"Ah, well, those are just... Tips I have for social encounters within the Federation, I suppose. Enthusiasm is about showing a person you're interested and friendly, eloquence is about choosing your words carefully within cultural and linguistic nuances, and experience means talking to a wide range of people in order to learn and adapt. As a liason, she has been learning fast and doing well." It's time! Time to big Aella up, to make her look good, to support! His! Zhimata!

2

1

Aella just smiled, trying to look her best. Eshen was doing a great job talking her up! She had already lived 20 years as Aella 5, she hoped Eshen's words would help make a case for 20 or 30 more years.

"Interesting," The Founder nodded and glanced at Aella briefly before turning back to Eshen. "So Aella talks about genocide often? We heard about a certain Mr. Whidbey getting into an argument with her? We sent her to your starbase to get along with other solids, not brag about war crimes."

Ah. Oh dear. Sounded like she hadn't been doing well with the Big G. "She doesn't brag about war crimes. It's just that Eloquence is the weakest of her E's and sometimes she phrases things a little badly." Understatement of the fucking century. "But it's nothing she can't learn from. She's forged positive relationships with other members of the crew already - and not just me, right?" Eshen looked at Aella.

"Yes! I have met many nice people and I am exploring hobbies. In my report I have a list of every single person I have interacted with. I am trying to work on not mentioning genocide, but.. It's a bit hard to fight my Dominion conditioning," Aella said, suddenly looking at bit sad. She was never very confident about talking about free will with the Founders-- perhaps it was a hint of resentment in her voice? Upset that her journey to find her own free will seemed unnecessarily hard.

"We are concerned about that," The Founder said flatly, clearly unimpressed. He did not have much confidence in Aella and it showed. "What do you think about this, Eshen K'Tann? She is a Vorta, perhaps they as a race are unredeemable, but you try?" He said as if Aella wasn't literally sitting in the room. Aella just remained silent, clearly very ashamed.

"I believe anyone is capable of transcending the limitations they were born with, Founder Kronos. I come from two races prone to violent emotions, and yet I am rarely ever angered. And I especially believe that a person can redeem themselves when they receive love and support from those close to them." Eshen put a hand over his heart. "Helping Aella along her journey is not an obligation I feel but a task I choose to pursue because I believe in its worth, despite the trials and tribulations we may face along the way, and because Aella is very important to me. In short, Humans, Klingons, Vulcans, Vorta - our bodies may be solid, but I believe we are all beings of change, like you."

1

Aella was nearly moved to tears at Eshen's words. He wholeheartedly believed in her as her Zhimata and she would have had it no other way. She resisted the urge to hug him, not in front of the Founders. "Zhimata is wise, he has taught me a lot," Aella said with a soft smile.

"Perhaps," The Founder raised an eyebrow, very intrigued with the hybrid's little monologue. He did not seem fully convinced, but the answer was sufficient for him. "Do you believe Aella is making the most out of her free will? You are... The second choice she has made in her 5 lifetimes of service. We were expecting more progress than just a selection of a single Zhimata."

"The second big choice, perhaps. But she makes a hundred little choices each day. Perhaps she can't see it, but as a being of free will, I can. Besides, even if one is indecisive between two... paths, for example, there is still a power to that, one not found in walking the path someone else chose for her." Eshen paused. "Wait, what was the first choice?"

"I am making a lot of choices, Zhimata has guided me," Aella said as she looked at Eshen. She was so happy she chose him to be her Zhimata. He was kind, understanding, and best of all an amazing diplomat.

"The Vorta are a primitive species," The Founder said as he looked back down at his console. He was clearly still not impressed, despite Eshen's words. "But if what you say is true, we will continue to look into integrating more Vorta with your Federation," The Founder looked back at Eshen. "The first choice? She chose her name, Aella."

"That's right! Zhimata, my predecessor chose the name Aella. It was with Aella 2, from then on I became Aella. I even grew out my hair and changed my clothes," Aella said with much enthusiasm, she had completely forgotten about the actions of her predecessor. "I used to be a different Vorta, but I changed! See, we are capable of it!"

"Perhaps it seems unimportant, but... it's a beautiful name. Do the Founders appreciate beauty?" Eshen had always been curious about the Founders. He had a million questions for them. If only he could ask all of them in a single call...

"Thank you Zhimata! I spent a long time thinking about it, it comes from earth," Aella said with a bright smile. She tried to move her little egg chair closer to Eshen so she could rest her head on his shoulder.

"We do, in our own way, I suppose you can see that with our Vorta and Jem'hadar," The Founder looked back down at his console. "Ah yes, we remember Kelron 1, he helped assimilate many worlds into the Dominion and was rewarded by being added to our cloning database," The Founder paused and looked at Aella who seemed to be busy hugging Eshen to look at him. "We may be gods of the Dominion, but we cannot predict the future, even with our clones. Kelron 2 was unhappy so we allowed him to make a choice, and well, you can see the results of that choice in front of you, Mr. Eshen K'Tann. We had no objections, Aella is.. .Reliable, as of now."

"Earth? The planet Earth? Interesting." Truthfully, he'd pondered changing his own name many times. Probably to Dion, or Jade, or... Jadion? But his reason was more or less entirely just to spite his parents - not like hers. But his first name was Vulcan, and despite his many complex feelings about them, he didn't want to deny his heritage. "Well, I believe that change is beauty, and so I find Aella and Changelings quite intriguing. So..." Eshen held Aella's hand. "Is this just Aella's performance evaluation, or am I under scrutiny, too? I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have."

"Yes! I chose to be Aella," Aella giggled, holding Eshen's hand tightly. She didn't really seem to have much opinion about her predecessor, after all Kelron walked so she could run, in a human way of speaking.

"We have questions for you as well," The Founder looked at Eshen, clearly judging him, but in what way? Hmm. "Solids are intriguing, that is why we sent Aella to Starbase 777," He bagan. "We have your profile Aella made for us," Kronos pressed a few more buttons on his console. "What is your plan with Aella? We are aware you two are... Dating, solid courtship," The Founder looked at Eshen curiously. "Since now you know you two cannot procreate we are curious as to your intentions."

Was this seriously the 'what are your intentions with my daughter' question? Oh fuck. Oh no. Oh shit. These are all things Eshen does not say or let show on his face, because if there's one thing he can commit to it's composure, but he is nonetheless repeating those in his mind. All he can think to do is avoid the question. "I rarely pursue any relationship of mine with a step-by-step plan in mind. It makes things much more... organic."

2

Aella closely observed Eshen's expression and then turned to look at the Founder. Eshen gave a good answer, but she was worried that the Founder would not accept it. She wanted them to like her Zhimata, she really did!

"Aella has free will and we will allow her to pursue any relationship she chooses," The Founder sighed, clearly not liking Eshen's answer but it was Aella's choice. "However she is on the base as our representative, not to seek mates," The Founder was clearly having a hard time grasping just what Aella and Eshen were. Courtship did happen within the Dominion, but not with outsiders. At least within Dominion space the Founders had some control over the nature of the relationships taking place. “We hope to visit your station in the future if the Federation will allow it. So tell us, Eshen K'Tann, do you dress like that every day?"

"Me, personally? Yes, more or less, but this isn't the dress code or anything. That said, people of the Federation do appreciate a little... flair in one's appearance." It's him. He's the people.

"Flare? Is this something you think would work for the Vorta?" The Founder said as he moved a little closer to the screen, trying to get a better view of Eshen's outfit.

"Zhimata is the most fashionable person on the station-- well, he spends a lot of time on his clothes! Right Zhimata? Everything thinks your handsome!"

1

Eshen glanced at Aella with a soft smile. It's not like he had any trouble flattering himself, but it's always nice when other people do it for him. "Well, not everyone. There's no accounting for bad taste. But many people do, yes. I imagine presentation, in general, must be important even among Changelings, when you can choose it so easily for yourselves, yes? As for the Vorta... I think flair would very much work for them."

"We will consider that in our future clones," The Founder looked back down on his console, he was taking notes. This was a very fascinating interaction with a solid. "And we will send Aella more money so she can explore aesthetics," He stated. "Since you are a diplomat, we entrust you will help arrange a time when we could visit your station. If it makes you more comfortable, I will come alone. Perhaps you could teach me about this solid courtship."

"Ohh Zhimata, you can help me pick out clothes and stuff!" *Aella was pretty excited for this, she wanted to be pretty and flashy just like Eshen!"

"Teach you more about solid courtship? I... would be amicably amenable!" Was Eshen... being flirted with, in a way? By a Founder? If so, plot fucking twist. "As I would be to helping Aella pick out clothes with her new funds. I'll arrange a time; I'm sure it will be quite the learning experience for all of us."

2

"I will be looking forward to it." The Founder gave a slight smile and a nod. ”Do you have further questions for us? Or myself specifically, as a Founder I am part of the great link, but I have experience as an individual."

"Yes, Zhimata, he was one of the Founders who explored the alpha quadrant! -- Are you gonna try and date him too?" Aella whispered, giggling at the thought of her Zhimata dating a Founder. Her gods were more accommodating than one would think.

Now, hold on, she's doing the flirting for him. What in the world was going on? "I mean, I'm certainly interested in establishing a more informal variation of diplomatic relations with him if he wants to, yes." He turned to Kronos. "I do have a lot of questions, but I'd rather not overwhelm you - perhaps I'd better save them all for your visit?"

"Very well then. Relay any information regarding my visit to Aella and she will tell us. We look forward to seeing you." Kronos gave Eshen a serious look, as if to say 'watch your back'. The Founders were clearly very weary of a solid courting one of their Vorta.

"Thank you Founder. Glory to the Dominion."Aella tapped a few buttons on her PADD and the transmission ended. "The Founders are so great. They created the wonderful Dominion, do you understand why we love them so much now?"

Eshen smirked. "I'm afraid my only real love is love itself... but I did kind of like that guy."

Aella giggled when she heard Eshen say that she liked her gods. Well, that was a good start! She had no objection to Eshen trying to pursue a Founder, in fact she thought maybe the Founders could learn a thing or two from some solid courtship. "Founder Kronos is very kind, did you think he was handsome? I want to explore aesthetics too, I want to be hot like you Zhimata!"

"You already are, Zhimata. Perhaps you might not be aware of it, but you have a very pretty face already. It's just a matter of what you do with it." Then Eshen paused suddenly, as though he'd come to some grand revelation. But all he said was, "He's a Changeling. He can be any height. Would it be weird to request that he be tall? It would, right? You can't just ask things like that to the Gods, no matter how hot the Gods are."

Aella couldn't help but blush when Eshen complimented her. Even though she had chosen her appearance long before she even knew what aesthetics were, it was still comforting to know that her Zhimata found her aesthetically pleasing. "I want to look good next to you. I can't see aesthetics, but I am willing to learn the rules. Like with Fengshui, I could decorate my room without having to know about aesthetics, I just followed the rules!" If there was one thing Vorta could do right it was following instructions. After all, that's what they were programmed to do. "Tall? Perhaps I can ask, but he prefers to keep the form of the Bajoran man he used to live as,Aella was honestly not very knowledgeable of her gods previous life as a solid. All she knew was that he was a Founder and his words were her commands. "Any other requests?"

"Oh, that's it, I just like tall people. Short people are cute too, but for someone of my moderately tall height they're a bit less of a novelty. That's why I tend to go for Klingons. Unfortunately, the tallest Klingon I know is gay, but not for me." Eshen looked around the room. "Wait, you used Fengshui? You followed rules... Aella, how about I write you some Rules of Aesthetic Appreciation?"

"I will sure to tell him that. Maybe he is tall, I am sure he would be willing to accommodate your requests," Aella felt like she was playing matchmaker a little. Setting up one of her gods with her Zhimata? Interesting turn of events. "Oh he is gay? I am aware solids like to classify themselves based on sexual or romantic preference," Aella didn't really understand it herself. She understood pronouns and gender, but did not really take into account that people chose their romantic partners based on such things. The Vorta were always open with gender, even if they typically presented as one of two genders. "Yes Fengshui-- Oh a rulebook for aesthetic appreciation? I would love that! Perhaps that would help me be more aesthetically pleasing. I want to look good for you, Zhimata."

"I appreciate the effort. Perhaps if you really internalised the rules I might look a little better to you, too." He was pretty sure she was attracted to him as much as a Vorta can be attracted to anybody, which is to say in an artificial sort of way, but he still wanted her opinion of him to rise whenever possible. She was his Zhimata, after all.

"I will try my best!" Aella said as she wrapped her arms around Eshen. "Thank you for talking with the Founders. I think they really liked you! Founder Kronos is probably back in the Great Link telling everyone how amazing you are!" Actually, probably not. Kronos was clearly on a ship and seemed unimpressed the whole time, but Aella wanted to believe he was pleased. "Send me the rules of aesthetic and I will memorise them quickly!"

Eshen returned the hug eagerly. "Well, maybe one at a time. I can only write so fast, after all."

"Okay one at a time!" She said with much enthusiasm. She was pretty excited about this, Aella sexy era was right around the corner! What she was really worried about was trying to get a Founder onto the station... and having him go on a date with Eshen. Now that would be a challenge.

With Eshen gone, Aella was left alone in her quarters again. She felt pretty confident after her meeting with the Founders. She was doing good work and she was thankful they agreed even if they still had their doubts. * "Computer. Play music, low volume, Aella beta two." *The sounds of Klingon opera filled her quarters again as she began to clean the room, arranging furniture so delicately. She was proud of herself for discovering Fengshui. It was rule based, easy to follow, with very specific instructions. She began to fold her clothes to put away. Mostly horrible patterned jumpsuits. The Vorta were not known for being fashion savvy, no way. She didn't have many outfits, just a few dresses and skirts. Her mind began to wonder, how would her life be different if she had chosen to stay as Kelron? Would she still have Eshen as her Zhimata? Maybe she would have never even gotten her current assignment, after all Kelron was a strong military leader, not an overly dramatic girl who makes her Jem'hadar carry her everywhere. But she wouldn't have had it any other way. Despite all the arguments, war crimes, everything, she knew she was much happier as Aella than she could have ever been as Kelron. (edited)

1

Aella arrived in her room and put her bowl of croissants on the table. She took her hair down and grabbed her brush to comb it. She was pretty tired from running around all day despite not having an actual job on the station. Her days were filled with a collection of casual conversations to heated debates about ethics. She had been trying her best to fit in, but for some reason she couldn't help this feeling of being "fake". Her smiles, her tears, it never felt like she was fully herself. The feeling of being just another Dominion commander weighed heavily on her, even with her new found free will. She had a couple of hobbies now. She liked swimming (more like flopping around like a fish) and trying new foods. Well, the latter was more of her trying different textures rather than foods. Objectively she was making a lot of progress as she was already going well beyond what anyone could have imagined a Vorta to be. "Computer, Dominion database, bring up profile for Kelron 1."

1

Back in her room she immediately headed for her closet where she kept some of her old clothes. A pair of trousers, slim fit with a very strange woven pattern. For the top, she held up a long sleeve jacket with an oversized collar. It was terrible, in fact. The pattern was filled with swirls, something out of art noveau, but worse. The outfit was a mix of all sorts of earth tones, gold, green, red. It was a wreck, but it was what Kelron wore. She changed out of her jumpsuit and looked in the mirror. She looked just like Kelron, perhaps this was who she really was after all.

To pass the time Kelron finished up her report on her PADD. She had a lot to tell the Founders, including her little experiment. Perhaps this was part of the Founders' plan for her. Maybe she was not meant to be Aella after all.. Or even be she. Well, all doubts aside, Kelron wanted to see if he felt any more comfortable being perceived as Kelron rather than Aella--

Vara'toran Aella 5, As you are Dominion Liason, I believe it would be beneficial for us to talk. If you agree, please suggest a preferred date and time for us to meet at your leisure. If you can think of none, 1700 at my office will do. Signed, Captain Mephistopheles Mo

(edited)

Captain, it would be my pleasure. I will see you at 1700. - Vara'toran Aella 5

00:37

Aella stumbled around her room as she attempt to dig out her Vorta commander outfit. It was hideous, like all Vorta clothing. A slim fitted jumpsuit with a mis-matched multicoloured skirt and a low cut top. Maybe it seemed too casual for Starfleet, but the Vorta really did dress like 90's sci-fi trainwrecks. She grabbed her PADD and headed out the door.

It was her first time arranging a sleepover and honestly Aella had no idea where to start. She had already read through all the guides to Feng Shui to make her room perfect. She moved a few dressers and chairs around, added some decorations. Honestly, her room looked like an old Chinese restaurant from the 21st century, but it was very cozy looking. Aella was already wearing a long night gown covered in a lemur pattern. For some reason she felt connected with the animal, maybe because they reminded her of what the Vorta looked like before the Founders.

Guess who was at the door! It was Maggie at the door dressed in a silky dark red nightgown with a small bag wrapped around her shoulders. She lightly chimed the door. “Aella! I’m here!” She said as she waited to be welcomed into her friend’s home.

Aella hopped over to the door and waved when she saw Maggie! Her first sleepover! Did this mean Maggie was a Zhimata too? Aella wasn't quite sure what to call her, but she enjoyed her company and was looking forward to this sleepover., "Hello Maggie!" Aella took a moment to look over her friend's fit. Silky nightgown, dark red, it was... Good? She was not the one to consult about aesthetics, but she did remember reading in the Feng Shui book that red was a lucky colour so this was a good sign, right? "Come in please!" Aella stepped to the side so Maggie could walk into her quarters. Aella had hung up strings covered in fake chili peppers and small bells. The table was covered in christmas lights that made the whole room glow like the night sky. It was a bit haphazardly decorated, but it was clear there was an attempt.

2

Maggie walked in after her friend. She smiled as she looked around the room, taking notice of everything the woman had set up. “Oh wow! This is really lovely Aella.” She said as she looked around, not caring about the haphazard nature. She was happy that her friend put in a try. “You look lovely as well!” She said as she placed her bag down lightly at her feet. “This is my first sleepover in years, how have you been since we last spoke?”

"R-Really?" Aella watched Maggie's expression carefully when she stepped into the room. She was usually not super concerned with how others perceived her or her artistic abilities (non existant, she's a Vorta), but for some reason having Maggie come over made her feel overly self conscious. Aella tugged on her night gown to try and smooth out some of the creases. Maggie looked elegant whilst Aella felt like her fit was rather childish. The lemurs were very cute, but it did look like her and Maggie were dressed for different parties. A light blush crept across her face when her friend complimented her. She really didn't think she had done a best job, especially compared to how Eshen decorated. "Thank you so much Maggie, you look.. elegant," Aella was trying not to stare, but Maggie really did look good. "It's my first sleepover... ever," Aella said shyly. "I've been well. I tried french fries for the first time, they were really good! And how have you been?"

Maggie smiled as she looked towards Aella. Slightly adjusting her nightgown to show a little bit less skin. “Yep! You have done a really lovely job!” She said with a grin. “Plus I love your nightgown! It’s so cute!” She said with a grin. Then blushing at the compliment. “Oh thank you! I tried to look uhm, elegant!” She said with red all over her face, getting complimented by a Vorta? She must have been doing something right! “French fires? How did you like them?” She said with a sigh coming after the question about she had been. Thinking back to the tubes. “I’ve been…fine! I got stuck in the tubes and had to be saved by a crazy Russian but we are going good so far!”

This poor Vorta girl could not take so many compliments, Maggie was just too nice! She looked back down at her night gown, covered in happy lemurs. Maybe it looked childish, but if Maggie liked it then Aella felt like it was a good pick. "I looked up this animal, it's from earth! It's called a lemur and it looks pretty close to what Vorta used to look like. I wish we kept the tail though," Aella said, actually curious why the Founders decided to take away their tail, but then again who could question a god? Aella noticed Maggie was also blushing, oh that was good! It meant she was having fun! Right? "They were.. filling. Salty, a bit dry," Aella commented about the fries. She was still new to the world of food, there were still a lot of things she hadn't tried so she was reserving judgement until she had a strong catelogue of tastes. "The tubes? OH! The Jefferies tubes right? Crazy Russian? That sounds bad, you weren't hurt were you?" Aella said as she walked over to Maggie and gently placed her hand on her shoulder.

Maggie smiled as she looked to her friend and returned the hand, lightly placing hers on Aella’s own shoulder. “Oh don’t worry I was fine! I was tangled up with a very mean guy who may have looked at my work on the wormhole I told you about. But it’s fine, he seems…rude but okay.” She said with a small sigh. “And you would have been very cute with a tali! Obviously close might be a challenge but I’m sure you could make it work. Heck, your making lemur nightgown’s work.” She said with another blush. “So! How do you wanna sleep for when we’re actually doing the whole sleepover thing?”

"A very mean guy? Oh no Maggie!!" Aella wasn't sure who Maggie was talking about but he sounded awful. "And he was trying to peek at your work? What was his name? I will tell him off for you!" How dare anyone be mean to Maggie! Aella was ready to throw hands-- by throw hands she meant bully because she was not here for physical fights but she could win verbal ones! Aella sighed but smiled when Maggie touched her shoulder. They were touching! She had to tell the Founders about this" She had her first human friend! "Maybe I can tell the Founders to see if they can include for the next round of Vorta!" Maybe Aella wouldn't be able to get a tail, but perhaps the Founders would consider it for other Vorta. The second compliment from Maggie made Aella giggle, her night gown was really cute, huh? "Oh umm... I have never done it before... I was thinking you could just share my bed, right? It's big enough," Aella gestured over to her bed, which was definitely spacious for the two of them. "Sharing a bed is a sign of trust amongst Vorta, but I'm not sure if that is the same with solids."

Maggie smiled as she looked at the bed. “Oh I’d love to share the bed with you! It’s a sign of trust with us too. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything’s good.” She said with a giggle. “And I think you should.” She said as she hugged her friend lightly. “And don’t worry about the mean guy, I don’t think it really matters! Let’s just have some fun.” She said as she looked to the bed. “Do you mind if I sit on the bed? I have snacks in my bag for us?”

Aella gigged when they hugged, it was her first time hugging a human! she had hugged a Betazoid, klingon-vulcan, and a Jem'hadar. "But if anyone ever gives you trouble again just tell me their name and I'll give them the one two!" Aella laughed as she imagined actually fighting something. She stepped away from Maggie so she could straighten out some of the wrinkles on her bed sheets so they could sit there. "Yea it's not problem!" Aella fluffed up some of her pillows so her and Maggie would have something soft to lean against.

Maggie laughed loudly as she lied down lightly on the bed, stretching her legs. “Aella love, you are much too wholesome to be getting into fights on my behalf. Plus I don’t even like fighting! I would much rather talk then fight, that’s tactical’s job.” She laughed as she reached into her bag and pulled out a case containing something. Aella could smell it from within the case. It was… “Some rippleberry pie for you! I made it myself before coming down!”

"Wholesome? You really think I am?" Aella sat on the bed and looked at Maggie who was lying down. She looked comfortable, it was a good thing the civilian quarters were so spacious. Actually she much preferred this to her Vanguard fleet quarters if you could call them quarters at all. "Maggie, I was a Vorta Commander in the Dominion War, I wasn't so wholesome," Aella gently reminded her friend that even if they were chatting casually now, Aella had a lot of blood on her hands. She watched as Maggie sat up and started rummaging throwing her bag, smelling something sweet-- "RIPPLEBERRY PIE!" Aella said with excitement! Maggie made her pie?? "Where did you get the Rippleberries? They're not exactly easy to find in this quadrant!"

3

Maggie laughed lightly as she placed her hand on her friends back. “I had to call in a few favours, but I felt it was important enough for my very sweet friend!” She said as she hugged her friend. “The most wholesome and cute Vorta ever!” She said with a giggle. “I really value your friendship, so I had to grab you something good.” Maggie smiled as she took the pie and placed her lightly on a table. “Do you wanna wait to have it? Or should we eat now for dinner?”

Rippleerries in the beta quadrant were definitely a rare find. How did Eshen and Maggie manage to get them? Little did Aella know it was Cecil who was single-handedly supplying the whole Rippleberry trade, probably. "You're so nice Maggie-- and I am glad you think I'm so wholesome and cute," Aella laughed out loud, she honestly couldn't believe it. Maggie could probably see the blush on her cheeks as she spoke. "Mmmm I want pie now! Vorta have different nutritional requirements than other solids, the Founders thought a species that needed all these vitamins and such would be very insufficient," Aella explained as she walked over to the table and began to set out some plates and utensils she had prepared.

Maggie smiled as she pulled a knife out from her bag and started to chop it up into neat little slices. Three for Aella, and three for Maggie. Soon enough they were all on the plates that had been prepared. “Heh, and how would you describe me if you are so wholesome and cute?” She said as she helped get the table in order. Before sitting down on the other side of her friend. “If you want some of my pie you can go ahead. I don’t want you missing out!”

"Hmm," Aella said thoughtfully as she took a seat across from Maggie with her plate. "Mmm maybe helpful and-- open minded! I never met a human who was so willing to hang out with a Vorta!" Aella picked up her fork and took a bite of the pie. She had eatend Rippleberry pie from replicators in the past, but this was completely different. The flavour was sweet and a bit tangy. With her newly acquired taste she could also enjoy the crust as well. "Oh-- this is amazing! Maggie you are so good at cooking!" Perhaps that would be the next hobby she would explore. A cooking Vorta, now that was something no one expected. "How did you find the receipe? I can't believe you really made Rippleberry pie!"

Maggie giggled slightly as she dug into her pie with a soft sigh. She did like her own cooking, so that was a plus. “Great! Thank you, a lot of work was put into this pie.” She said with a smile. “I like to think everyone should be as open minded as I am. I’m not going to hold where you came from against you, but I guess some folks are just like that.” She said with a shake of her head.

"I can tell," Aella said as she happily ate her pie. It was very good, actually she was surprised so many solids enjoyed Rippleberries. The fruit was incredibly sweet and tangy and Aella didn't think there was any earth equivalent. Perhaps 'raspberries'? But what did she know, she was an alien. "I wish they were too, but well, the Dominion did do a lot of bad things," Aella put her fork down and looked at her half eaten pie. She was thinking back to the Dominion War, not about what she saw a Vorta commander, but all the humans and Cardassians she saw lose their lives. She had never considered the loss of life on the other side, it was strange.... Remorse.

Maggie sighed softly as she dug into her pie with a soft grimace on her face. “I suppose. I mean, everyone has someone who fought in that blasted war. They could’ve been at DS9, or maybe on Betazed but still…everyone has someone.” She took a breath. “I’m probably fairly odd, but I don’t….hate Vorta or Jem’hadar or anything. I feel like you all were tools of something you were born to do. Was it awful? Yes, but hey that’s war. There’s no angels in war, and that’s never going to change because war never changes. It’s all sinners, no saints.” She took a breath. “Let’s get off that topic I guess. Do you have other friends on the station?”

"I suppose you're right," Aella replied softly as she took in her friend's words. She rememberd the battle of DS9 vividly... She remembered leading her Vanguard fleet through the Wormhole, and then-- "Wait, Maggie," Aella suddenly stood up, knocking her fork and plate to the ground. "I remember the Wormhole. My predecessor disappeared in it.... Aella.. Aella 4? She was going through the wormhole and disappeared," Aella completely ignored Maggie's attempt to change the subject, this was something important that could possibly help her friend.

Maggie looked towards Aella. “Aella wait-“ That was when her friend started speaking. “Aella I can’t possibly ask you to dig up any details on your old life for my project….” She said with a huff. “I really can’t ask for such a thing….” She said, her foot tapping against the ground from stress. She adjusted her gown to stop it from falling off her shoulders from how much she was shaking from the idea.

Aella walked over the Maggie's side of the table and grabbed her hands. "I have all the memories of that life.... perhaps there is something I know that can help you," She said as she knelt down and looked at Maggie with a serious expression. "It was... The Dominion had taken Deep Space Nine and I was in command of a small group of ships. We were heading through the Wormhole. I remember being engulfed in the light.. It was normal and then the next thing I know it, I wake up in a Dominion maturation chamber and I'm Aella 5. The Founders told me my predecessor was missing in action, I never found out exactly what happened to her or her men," Aella paused. "I have suspicions those Wormhole aliens had something to do with it. The aliens that chose Sisko to be their emissary. I knew they were always on his side."

Maggie looked towards the woman with a bit of a shocked look on her face. She looked at her and held her hands close to her chest before thinking for a second. “Hmmm, okay…” She thought for a moment. “Right right, I don’t think the wormhole I’m trying to open would have aliens…but it could be helpful! Maybe trying to find out what happened to your past life could help me! Try and work out what might’ve happened to her, it’ll be hard but….that could be a big help!” She said with a giddy smile before giving a kiss to Aella’s cheek. “Aaaaa! That could be really helpful! Thank you so much Aella.”

Aella studied the human girl's expression, a mixture of surprise? and a little sadness. Aella wished she could have been of more help, but sadly she was just one Vorta. "I know, but the wormhole aliens-- the ones that Bajorans worship, they're really powerful. They could be in other wormholes," Aella said thoughtfully. She was just about to stand up again when Maggie suddenly kissed her on the cheek! She-- had no idea how to react. Her eyes widened and her face turned bright red. "M-Maggie --- Umm I," Aella stuttered as he tried to think of the right words. For some reason her mind was defaulting back to Dominionese, she was so stunned. A few sentences of gibberish came from her mouth before she was able to centre her mind again. "I.. I can look into it-- but I don't think we have much information aside from the disappearance. I can only conclude that Aella 4 was killed in action, even the Founders couldn't retrive her body or any of the others and... They're our gods."

Maggie nodded as she listened to what the other woman had to say, before a blush grew on her face. She had kissed Aella on the cheek! She didn’t want to make the girl feel uncomfortable! “Oh! Sorry for uh….the kiss! And thank you, any little bit you can try to help out would be very much appreciated.” She said as she continued to blush slightly. “And if anyone can help…it’d be you…”

"I will see what the Founders have to say," Aella stood up and walked back over to her side of the table so she could pick up her plate and fork that fell. Thankfully not too much of the pie was ruined and she quickly cleaned the floor. "I can't guarantee anything, the Founders have also been unsuccessful in figuring out what happened. If it was wormhole aliens then... The only solution would be to go into the wormhole yourself."

Maggie smiled as she looked to Aella, lightly moving over to pick up some crumbs off of the floor as to make sure Aella’s floor wasn’t dirty. “Any little thing helps a ton. I would love getting some more info.” She said with a slight sigh. “You are a really great person, you know?” She said with a smile. “Thank you so much.”

"I am a Vorta, Maggie," Aella lightly reminded her. She appreciated how much faith this human had in her but she was not exactly known for being a 'great person'. Once the crumbs were picked up, Aella grabbed another plate of pie to nibble. "You're not gonna try and go into the wormhole yourself, are you? Please tell me you won't try it," Aella spoke in a worried tone as she frowned at Maggie. She did not want her friend to take unnecessary risks, not for this even if it was important.

Maggie let out a tsk as she looked at her friend and placed her hand on her friends shoulder. “Just because your a Vorta does not mean your a bad person.” She said with a small smile. “And I’m not planning on it, at least not at first. I would have to get approval to even do something like that, so likely drone flights first, if not forever.”

"A lot of humans would disagree," Aella looked up at her friend and laid a hand on top of hers. "I appreciate your kindness," Is all Aella had to say to that. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She had thought she seen it all, but these solids always found a way to surprise her. Eshen wanting to date one of her gods, Maggie kissing her on the cheek and teaching her how to swim, never in a million years did she think such things could be possible. "As long as you don't go into the wormhole yourself. When new clones are reactivated, the memories of our predecessor are put into the new clone. Sadly all Aella 4 remembers is going into the wormhole and that's it."

Maggie nodded as she looked towards her friend with a smile. Giving her a small tap on the shoulder, never would she think she would be close to a Vorta and…yet it felt nice. To be friends with Aella. “I swear…” She shook her head and walked over to hug Aella. “I promise I’ll stay safe okay? I won’t go in, besides! Who else would I have fun sleepovers with? Meanies in the tubes?”

1

"Okay, I'll hold you to it," Aella giggled as she tried to keep herself from tearing up. But it just worried her, that Maggie could possibly go missing just like Aella 4. She knew that the other needed closure, but prayed to the Founders that she could get that one day without having to take the ultimate risk. "That boy in the tubes must have been really bad," Aella had no idea who said meanie could be, there were a lot of mean people on the station, mostly humans, but meanness was universal. “Maybe next time I can crawl in the tubes with you!" It was clear Aella did not follow Starbase announcements about the tubes, actually she enjoyed them.

Maggie giggled as she once again pressed a kiss to the girls cheek. “Hold me to it, and I promise I’ll keep it.” She said before standing up and sitting down on the bed. “Oh he wasn’t too bad, I think he was scared more than anything. My feminine charms can do that to weaker men.” She said with a giggle.

Another kiss? Aella was so lucky! She smiled and followed Maggie over to the bed and plopped down next to her. This human was too friendly! "Scared in the tubes? Sounds like a horror b-movie plot," Aella joked as she grabbed one of the pillows on her bed and hugged it. So this was what a sleepover was, perhaps she could recommend the Founders implement these in Dominion society.

Maggie smiled as she lied down on the bed and smiled, pulling her gown against her body. “Oh yeah, we had a crazy Russian worker coming down to try and recuse us, we were in a yelling contest. I don’t think you would’ve enjoyed it, not that I did either.” She said with a laugh. “So, what do you wanna do next?”

Aella laid down next to Maggie, still hugging her pillow. "That does sound really crazy. I get worried about you and all my other Starfleet friends at work," Aella yawned as she closed her eyes. By other Starfleet friends she was mainly talking about Eshen. It was no secret she didn't have many friends because, well-- not many officers liked having Dominion personnel onboard. "Huh, now? Well... I don't know what people do at sleepovers. Do you know the game Kadis-Kot?"

Aella, Zhimata! Would you like to come over this afternoon (1900 as usual) and try some Earth cuisine? I remember you said you can only taste sweet or salty things, so are there any things in that flavour range you want to try? - Eshen

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Zhimata!!! I wanna try earth food! The Founders have sent me a replicator recipe for one of their new foods! I will bring it over, it's called Founder's Pie! - Aella

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Is that what they do in the Great Link? Think up recipes? That's kind of cute. I'll just improv something, see you at 1900! - Eshen ❤️

P.S. Why are you a squirrel?

Something like that!

There's no lemur emoji. I was trying to find an earth animal that looks like Vorta. - Aella

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Aella put down her PADD and went over to her replicator and repeated the recipe the Founders had given her. Whilst the replicator tried to make sense of the recipe, she took this time to get dressed. Fashion was still a mystery to her, but she was trying. When she was done changing, she grabbed the pie box and headed out!

She finally arrived back at her quarters!