Star Trek: Starbase 777 - ens-lebeau﹢ens-s’taass

[D] Having made his way over to the station and gotten fully moved in to his new quarters, Teekah had his warming rock transported over from Rapture and quickly made sure everything was oriented correctly before flopping down on the familiar rocky surface and passed out for a nap, exhausted from the days activities.

Upon entering the quarter's the scent drastically increased, it was pleasant almost domestic... It almost gave a homely feel to the environment. Taking a look around his new surroundings he spotted the warming rock, having a very much simular one in his own quarter's very much to his approval he turned his attention towards the other Gorn. "I am pleased you like it, there is much to discuss however how are you faring after the- medical simulation was it? That ssounds very intresting but also stressful." He dully taken into considering that Teekah was indeed trained for pressurising situations very much like himself however from his own experience it was nice to see a familiar face, one that didn't instantly dissappear he thought bitterly. What S'Sarhingro worn could be described as a robe that draped over his shoulders but was moreorless leaving his chest exposed. Clothing had always felt too restrictive to him, his broad and wide structure made it difficult to find something of satification. His lower half that seemed to match with the upper half was robe-like but thankfully covered most of his lower proportions. The loose material was wrapped around securely around his waist, where the fabric flowed downwards to knee-length. It was rather traditional to their homeworld given the temperature, such restrictive clothing served little purpose when soaking up the sun on their scales. Aside from his standard issue uniform most of his wardrobe consisted of very much the same style, same fabric.

“It was…stressful, but, informative, so I suppose not all bad? Though, I can definitely say I am glad to be done, my normal duties are much more preferable, even though I am trained for such scenarios.” He said, as he moved toward the food preparation area, spicing the meat, and chopping garnishes, wanting to make as pleasant of a meal as he could, given his current energy state. With a wide, toothy smirk, he eyed S’Sarhingro up and down indulgently, taking in his ruggedly attractive looks, and simple outfit, something he quite appreciated as he was able see the fruits of the other Gorn’s workout routine, a light flush coming to his scales at the thought. “I’m glad you are here though! Makes me more relaxed to see my favorite person!” He said with a wink, dishing up the shallow bowls full of the brightly colored and aromatically spiced foods.

"I am glad to be of service, I thought you may be a little tense after the simulation hence I decided to check-in. I am trouble however by analysing the human database given your upbringing on Earth. These courtship rituals are.... I am at loss what to think." Definitely no place to be on the Internet looking for informative intel with 'memes' and other variable nonsense. He followed the other gorn round the room. "I have to say I was not aware of your cooking skills." Commenting as he had taken in the scent of the food, while replicators could replicate any meal there was just a different taste to handmade cooking. He could not explain as to why but it did.

Teekah shook his head, the bright smile never leaving his snout. “They are pretty strange aren’t they? Hmmm…” He trailed off, caught up for a brief moment in finish plating up their meals, before his eyes went wide in thought. Bringing the two large platters over to the table, Teekah gestured for S’Sarhingro to join him, and took a seat on one of the couches. “How about we go with our people’s ways? You could teach me!” He said happily, eyes bright with excitement at the possibilities. “…There are many things that you’d be surprised to learn about me!” He said with a wink, before gesturing to the food in front of them. “I have prepared some raw minced chou’te’resh loin, some warm spiced sho’tu blood, and two pieces of prime valak’kal cheek, wrapped in something Humans call ‘bacon’!” He said, practically salivating at the sight of the delicacies. “All of this is fresh too! My parents sent me it in a care package!” He said with a chuckle.

As a perfect gentlemen he tok his seat on the other couch as Teekah brought the platters over, perhaps there was still more things they could discover together about one another however given his own past and upbringing there wasn't much very pleasant however was interested in learning how a gorn could survive let alone thrive on an terran planet. "Our peoples ways have... Changed to say in the slightest, there are various religions however extremesists believe they have found the 'true path of the gorns' but there are less drastic beliefs. I would be happy to share them however I would like to know more about your upbringing. It is uncommon to hear for our species to be brought up off world, a lot of mammal species tend to find us reptilian naturally repulsive." There was a dramatic change in their religions and culture after the Hegemony was dominated by the klingon empire but yet they were still formidable in every way possible. "I am impressed at your cooking skills, I have yet to try 'bacon' however I have heard that is rather salty in taste. An ensign told me in the mess hall how it was popular among human breakfast meals."

Teekah gave a sad smile, knowing that their people had gone through so much in recent years, and how much of their culture was either lost, to war, and time, and how much it had changed. He was deeply troubled by all their people had been through, but also grateful for the upbringing he'd had, and grateful for all his parents had been through to facilitate that. "I will not lie, there were times growing up that were hard, but thankfully, Earth, and the Terrans there are incredibly kind, tolerant and welcoming people, and most of the time, anything I'd get was curiosity rather than disgust or wariness. Something though which still surprises me to this day is the lack of understanding, and yes, sometimes open disgust at our carnivorous nature. You would be surprised where it comes from most of the time...generally not Humans." He said, relasing a deep exhale at the thought of the times he'd gotten looks, or backhanded comments when he'd eaten in public places rather than his own quarters. He was grateful for the change of subject when S'Sarhingro once again complimented his cooking skills, and nodded excitedly at the mention of bacon. "It is! Very tasty!" He said excitedly, before grabbing the bacon wrapped valak'kal, and eagerly chowed on the succulent meat, eyes closed for a moment as he enjoyed the flavors of home, remembering times where he'd helped his Mother in the kitchen as a child, barely high enough to reach the counter.

A growl escaped the gorn, pondering about the information he received. Momentarily wondered if Teekah would still be the same if he were raised on their homeworld but it was irrelevant now because they were here in this present moment. There was so much to teach about some religion and culture that was either dying or dead. His family was wealthy on his homeworld standard. The Hegemony was a large part of his upbringing, to served his house-clan regardless of the consequences. "I am fortunate that you did not have to experience much xenophobia. Yes, our carnivorous nature brings wariness especially to strict herbivores. I am inclined to agree with you however some humans were skeptical about my nature incase if I were to feel 'peckish' on an away mission however I am yet to fully comprehend human humour." He picked up a bacon wrapped valak'kal, analysing it before eating it. Though it was pleasant in texture the saltiness was more than he originally thought. "This bacon is a lot more.... salter than I expected though it is not unpleasant. The valak'kal is amazing. Compliments to the chef."

"Honestly, I've lived around Humans my entire life, and even I don't understand it!" He said with a chuckle, remembering all of the time as a child he'd simply just not understood slang or inside jokes the other children had been saying, though, in fairness, he would have similar insular jokes and phrases with other Gorn. "It is quite salty, though, with most of our cuisine, I've found it lacks quite a bit of seasoning, so when I cook, I generally try to compensate for that with additional ingredients like this bacon, and interesting spices!" He said excitedly, glad to be able to move onto a less serious topic for the moment. "So, I've been curious, do you have any children? I know you had mentioned a spouse in the past."

He shaken his head at the mere concept of understanding the human humour, while learning their idioms allowed to relieve some of the tension there were too many to understand. The topic of his 'wife' was difficult nonetheless, taken back he simply blinked in an outward response. "Ahh.... S'srarozs.. No, no hatchlings. I was not around often, our joining was simply to boost my family's power within the Hegemony. My house-clan was very prominent in serving in the Hegemony. S'srarozs was a warrior, a well-known one too. Her clan was some of the most fearsome warrior's, we were to be married but shortly the arrangement had begun I was turned away to fight in the war." It was a difficult conversation, he had not seen S'srarozs since the war. He didn't even know if she was alive, he deceived no communications since he was deployed m nor has his clan or hers contacted him. It was very unusual indeed however the global tension on their homeworld made it a difficult place to return to as of currently. With proving they can work togethered in their own unique hegemony then perhaps one day the hegemony will be able to freely rule under it's own domain again. "Forgive me for rambling.. Was your clan important on Earth?" Truth be told, S'Sarhingro wasn't too familiar with Earth except from basic knowledge an class M planet that humans originated from. He continued to eat his meal and forced himself to finish it, the cooking was great but the recent topic weighed in his mind on what or where the future would take them.

Teekah mentally cringed when he saw and heard how difficult of a topic for him, feeling sad at hearing the series of events that he’d gone through prior to and during the war, something that Teekah truly felt for. “That must have been difficult, however, I am glad you have come out on the other side of it as strongly-willed as you are, many others in a situation like yours would have struggled.” He said, thinking of how different the day-to-day life was for those within the Hegemony compared to those of their people living outside of it, just like he had. Teekah chuckled slightly at the question and shook his head, a sideways smile on his snout. “Not particularly, my Mother is a nurse at Starfleet Medical in London, and my Father owns and operates a shipping company that delivers live soil to worlds being terraformed. We’re a small family, but I think we do alright.” He said, grin widening as he thought of his family back home, before grabbing his glass and taking a pull of the warm spiced blood, reminding him of snowy days as a child.

S'Sarhingro powerful tail occasionally thumps against the wooden floor as it savors each mouthful. His scaled hands, surprisingly dexterous, clutch the meat and takes another mouthful hoping to now avoid the empathy that radiated off from the other Gorn. As the he continues his carnivorous feast, a low, rumbling growl emanates from deep within his chest, a primal reminder of their carnivorous nature shared between the two of them. It came to no surprise how some of the crew stole furtive glances at him, a mix of curiosity and caution in their eyes. Though he did not have the feel the need to surpress it around Teekah however could not shake the feeling of guilty that course through them, he had done bad things during the time of war. He did not entirely feel convinced he should be praised of living through it though he elected not to speak on it further. "Ah- I have yet to see London. I hear it is quite popular, no? I'm afraid if I were to go I may accidently step on someone." It was an attempted sense of humour, though far from a lie his size made it difficult to see the smaller people ahead of him but yet somehow managed without incident.. yet.

He chuckled at S'Sarhingro's remark, knowing that it was a joke, but sometimes with their size, there was some merit to that line of thinking. "It's one of the largest cities on the planet! I love it, the scenery, the culture, the history, and the people, it really is so unique and special...I find myself missing it quite a bit these days, espeically my family." He said, thinking back to his family home tucked right next to the Richmond Green, before shaking his head, pulling himself out of his thoughts, and back to the topic at hand. "That is more valid of a concern that you might think, given just how many species live on Earth!"

He was empathic towards Teekah at the mention of being homesick. Though he particularly was relieved to be anywhere but the homeworld as of lately, he did often wonder what the remaining members of his house-clan was doing given that most of his relatives disapproved of his transition from being a warrior to a Starfleet officer but regardless a choice he made nonetheless to benefit him and his people. "I would not be surprised, Earth is essentially the birthplace of the Federation thus places that are heavily populated would get more tourist attraction." Though he was not too keen on large social environments, a lot of things could do wrong in a matter of minuets with the increasingly amount of people gathering around in an area. "Do you visit your family on shore-leaves? I empathise with you, though my family wasn't very accepting of me serving under Starfleet I do too somewhat miss them as well." He placed a firm hand onto his shoulder gesturing support towards the smaller Gorn as he cleaned the rest of his plate, finishing his meal.

He thought for a moment about how things must be for S’Sarhingro, given what he’d heard about the state that homeworld was at the moment. He could imagine being from a world that was going through a rough time in its history. Earth had been in that place hundreds of years ago back during the third world war, and more recently, but to a much lesser extent, during the 2370s at several points. He was glad that the older Gorn was somewhere safe and secure on the station, as much as Teekah was sure he missed being around more of their people. “So many tourists! Though, sometimes it can be charming to see people have such an interest in your home! Gives one a good sense of pride of place!” He said with a bright grin, remembering the hoarders of tourists gathered at the places of interest all across London, and even into the cotswolds. “I do generally! Though, I wasn’t able to during the last one, as my parents were off on vacation, and I personally wouldn’t want to be sitting home alone while my family is somewhere else!” He said with a shrug, before pouting at hearing S’Sarhingro’s family wasn’t accepting of him in Starfleet and missed them. At the hand on his shoulder, Teekah moved around and gathered the larger Gorn into a hug, growling softly at the subconscious need to protect him from his family’s unacceptable. “They do not know what they are missing then! Starfleet is lucky to have you! And, selfishly, I am glad you are here too!” He said, burying his snout into S’Sarhingro’s neck to calm himself.

"I am... glad that you think so, for the longest time I had been in conflict whether choosing Starfleet was the best choice but I'm glad to see I am not wrong about my choice. I was somewhat concerned I would be the only Gorn aboard, I thank you for this." Open vulnerability wasn't exactly what he intended tonight however the embrace was very much needed to satisfy his choice. Sometimes family didn't mean blood but the people you choose to be in it. "I would like to visit London, perhaps we may go together?" It was an innocent question but if he were to attend it alone he would most likely get lost and would most likely scare off people if he were to ask questions. He rejoiced and folded his own across Teekah to keep the embrace as he rested the crown of his head onto the other Gorn's. "As for you I thank you for making me feel at home."

“I had the same concerns! I’ve been glad to find that there are not only other Gorn, but also other carnivores.” He said, resolutely staying in place, comforted by S’Sarhingro’s scent and physical presence, still slightly angered by his would-be mate’s family. At his asking to see Teekah’s home, he pulled back, a look of unbridled excitement on his face at the prospect of showing S’Sarhingro a place he loves so much. “Of course! It would be so fun! Also, it would be a good opportunity for you to meet my family!” He said, nodding happily, little yips and happy growls resonating in his chest at the thought. “Of course! You are home to me…” He said, taking a short breath. “…I love you.” He admitted, shaking slightly with nerves.

Family. Seeing their family..? That was not what he expected but couldn't help but feel.. anxious, relieved? Nonetheless it would be nice to spent time with Teekah. Embracing the gorn tighter he listened to the devotion and the confessions made his breath hitch, freeze even. "Teekah..." He announced his name with a single word pausing momentarily, pulling back from the gorn to look him straight in the face with one of his hands on the shoulder and the other to cradle the side of his face. "My admiration for you grows stronger with each passing day, it would be agreeable to be loved by you and of i that returns your affection." With a growl of admittance, he returned the same vulnerability and devotion.

So overwhelmed with emotion, all Teekah could do was further lean into the embrace, body fully relaxing against the larger Gorn. He was glad, amazed, relieved and many other things at S’Sarhingro’s admission. With a cheeky grin, Teekah looked up at him and growled teasingly. “The way you say my name is so hot…” He schooled his features back into something more serious, eyes alight with emotion and warmth. “Seriously though, you do not know how much it means to be that you feel similar, and that you are vulnerable in the moment, I try and do the same as much as I can. You are the best thing thats happened in my life since joining Starfleet.” He said, tone awash in sincerity and feeling.

A mischievous glint in his ember hues suggested something. With a turn up of his snout he admired his features. "You know next time if the medical staff run those simulations again.. I might become 'injured'." He empathised the injury part, thankful it was not a real emergency but a test. "Teekah... Being here with you reminds me of the terran phrase 'Family is not always blood relative, It's about the person who stands with you in your hard time, shares your happiness and problems.' It is you that I now confide my happiness to." Drawling out his name in a growl, tilting his head to aside with an almost smile appear onto his features.

Teekah's grin widened at the look on S'Sarhingro's face, glad that they two of them could talk so easily. "Oh? Well then, I'd be glad to fix you up then! Though in your case you might be a little special, because you'll be able to cuddle with the nurse afterward!" He said with a soft chuckle, eyes squinted with mirth. At hearing how vulnerable, tender and meanful S'Sarhingro was with his words, his eyes widened, tears gathering in the corners unbidden. When his spoke, his voice was raw with emotion, even in the airy tones of the Gorn language. "I am so glad that I can be that person for you, I will work everyday to maintain that trust and faith you put in me...as you are the person that I confide my happiness in as well." He said, eyes locked onto the enrapturing amber hued ones of S'Sarhingro. "You are such a special man...I am so glad I'm yours." He leaned forward slowly, nuzzling his snout with the larger Gorn's for a moment, making sure that his scent was layered onto S'Sarhingro's, a slightly possessive move from him, but one that showed just how much he loved him. With a cheeky grin, he met S'Sarhingro's eye once again. "So, how do our people's relationships traditionally work? Are we boyfriends? Intended mates?" He asked, unsure of the term to describe their relationship.

He shifted his weight round to touch knee to knee with the other Gorn, clasping his hand in his large one's. A streak of possessiveness has not gone reciprocated as he was a soldier, a protector. Though it was likely Teekah did not require it he was more than certainly there. The firey amber hues had always softened upon him, an uncertain feeling risen to a surface. Though he had a strong sense of right and wrong despite his temper he was certain their union together would be irrefutable to break. He studied Teekah's expression for any hesitation or hidden digust but finding none he carefully proceeded hearing his words. "Teekah. I will admit I have not been in a fully committed relationship with another however I would be more than grateful if you were to be my mate however if you wish to 'take it slowly' than I understand but whatever your choice may be I will accept and support it."

Teekah let out a contented sigh, appreciating the physical contact with S'Sarhingro, as it was something that always served to relax him and was one of his love languages. "Same here! But, I love you, and I know that's not likely to change...being your mate sounds like possibly the best thing in the whole world, and there's no way I wouldn't want to be!" He said happily, face broken out into a wide, happy grin as he further enveloped the older Gorn into a tight embrace, happy yips and growls emananting from his chest.

Contempt he made the right decision declaring his devotion for his new mate. He was pleased, he was happy... Tightening the embrace he buried his face into the crook of his neck inhaling his scent momentarily before pulling apart sheepishly before beginning to rise up from where they were sitting. "My reports are due very soon but perhaps we can reschedule to see each other again soon, this week I'm busy but perhaps you can join me during mealtimes or I could perhaps return the favour of cooking though I admit I'm not the best cook." He placed the palm of his hand onto his with a growl emanating from him. "I am very much glad you feel the same way Teekah, I assure you I'll do all that I can to make an adequate mate for you. I must go now." Raising one of his palms to cup the side of his face before deciding to depart heading towards the exit.