Infinite Diversity, Infinite Combinations - Scene II

Posted on Fri Mar 11th, 2016 @ 10:52am by Maxym Balasz & Ensign Reva Madhava
Edited on on Fri Mar 11th, 2016 @ 10:56am

Mission: Further Challenges
Location: VIP Quarters

VIP Quarters *

Maxym! Menna’s telepathy reached Max when he was still several quarters away. Where have you been? Why must I remind you that you are here as my companion until I choose to leave?

Max sighed aloud, suddenly feeling every single bit of his exhaustion. He didn’t answer instantly, choosing to wait until he was inside her quarters. He arrived at her door and pressed the chime. He had a feeling it was going to be a long, tense few hours until Li arrived and he was assured she was alright.

Come in, Maxym, the old woman ordered from inside. She was wrapped in a shawl, sitting by a small console, knitting. Every few stitches, she referenced the console. When Max entered, she looked up at him while her hands continued working. “Where is my son?”

“He stayed in Lt. Sukotav’s quarters last evening. They had dinner and a tour of the station as I understand it,” Max answered. He decided ‘tour’ sounded better than ‘a bar in the Pit’.

“Since when is Grax engaged enough to take a tour of the Station? Any station?” She harrumphed. “Meanwhile, I understand that you are getting cozy with the Hawkes’ daughter.”

Max’s eyebrows shot up. “You understand? Where did that bit of news come from Menna?” He moved on into the kitchen and began preparing tea for the two of them.

I heard her in your quarters last night, she thought to him. She disliked raising her voice to be heard from another room. What happened is such a tragedy.

There was, apparently, no privacy beyond these walls. He had to smile as he carried out the tea and placed hers on the small table. He sat down on the sofa and sipped his own. “It is a tragedy. After all that happened with Rhys, she had three brief years with Sakkath and then he was taken from her. She….she needed my help.”

“Indeed, she does.” She set her knitting in her lap and let her hands go idle as she looked at him. Finally, she smiled slightly. “Li should let her mother know that you two have re-connected so well.” Menna, while sympathetic about someone losing a spouse, was also very pragmatic about her family’s continued line and the influence they wielded on Betazed. An affiliation with Marianna’s and Lucius’ families had been attempted with Li and Rhys; now, perhaps, it could be done with Li and Max.

“I know what you’re thinking, Menna.” Max’s tone held a note of reproach. “I warned Li last evening. If you were listening, then perhaps you are aware that she took the spare room?”

“Had she not, I would have stopped listening. And I’m making no secret of what I’m thinking, unlike some in the room,” she chided him. “You and Li could create wonderful children.” Wonderful: meaning purebred. Not green. Not part-this or part-that.

Max lowered his cup and let out a slow breath. “Don’t you think you’re moving a little fast there? She just lost her husband, barely a week ago.” He didn’t want to get into how deep their conversation had gotten the previous evening, or the secrets both had shared. “You’ve known all along what I wanted haven’t you?” he asked quietly.

“You kept it under wraps fairly well, my dear. But when she walks into a room... or is mentioned in conversation...,” she mused, smiling, “you let your thoughts slip sometimes. I knew you didn’t want to discuss it.” She started knitting again. “It is soon, I agree. Best to let her go through whatever grieving process she needs.” She paused and looked at him sharply, “And be glad you aren’t in the same position as that poor human.”

“That poor human is lucky they have been able to fix him so quickly. He’s in sickbay resting now, according to the doctor, and everything has been put right. Li confirmed he is no longer linked to her, mentally. Darwin seems like a good man, and a good friend who got a little more than he bargained for.” A hint of jealousy colored his thoughts as he spoke of Darwin. “Li is seeing Ambassador Sokar right now, so that he can remove the severed link.”

Menna was nothing if not sharp; she caught the flicker of his thoughts about Darwin. “Yes, he is. If the fates are kind, then he’ll return to normal,” she said, sounding purposely naive. “If he is just a good friend, then there is no need for concern on your part.”

Max nodded. “Perhaps I pity him a little too. He cares for her but sees that her path and his are separate. I cannot imagine willingly giving her up as he has. I did once and I wasn’t sure I’d survive it. I know I couldn’t live through it again.”

“Li is in chaos right now, Maxym, but even from the distance between us last night, I could read that she thinks highly of you - and not just in a respectful way.”

Max had been in Li’s mind, much closer than Menna, and he nodded. “She and I...last night….” he was having a hard time finding the right words. “We were ….together.” He tapped the side of his head. “I know how she feels.”

“How fortunate that you have been assigned to this Station, then,” she seemed about to say more but stopped and looked toward the door.

After a moment, it opened and Grax entered the suite. “Oh... Ah, Mother,” he nodded at her then glanced at Maxym. “Everything... oo... How is Li?”

“We will know soon, Grax.” At least Max hoped it was soon. “She is with Ambassador Sokar now.” He looked Grax over and decided he looked very well indeed. “Have a good night out with Riley?”

Grax nodded. When he spoke, he used a monotone, as if he were reciting a grocery list: “He showed me some interesting places, including some of the places Reva likes to go. There’s a spot in the Arboretum, by the lake, where they sit together. Mother, I’m going to stay with Riley while we’re here.”

“I think it’s a good idea, actually.” Max smiled up at Grax. “You need time to get to know him anyway.” He knew that would irritate Menna.

Menna, who had looked down to count her stitches, looked up at Grax then at Max. “What idea?”, she asked even as she caught it from both. “Staying with him!? No, you may not do that!”

Blinking, Grax shook his head. “I wasn’t asking if I could go to a sleepover, Mother.”

She part-coughed, part-gasped, which resulted in a sound slightly like the yip of a small dog. “You...!” She was ...confused, outraged, and utterly unused to Grax having a backbone or a preference for anything.

“What harm can it do, Menna?” Max’s tone was cajoling. “He’ll be safe on the station, especially with Riley keeping an eye on him. It will give you time to do the things you want to as well. Like perhaps catching up with Marianna?” he hinted.

“She is not on this Station,” she replied quickly. “But I could catch up with the Hawkes. Including Li,” she said, looking calculating. “I do not approve of this, Grax! Mr. Sukotav will come to his senses and will not marry your daughter!” This time, she had yelled - Grax had gone to his room and she wanted the satisfaction of yelling versus thinking at him.

I wouldn’t bet any of the family fortunes on that, Mother, Grax replied. He loves her for all she is. He sounded smitten, too.

“And it’s not for the family fortunes, either,” Max answered. “I can assure you of that, which should put your mind at ease, Menna.” He paused a moment. “Catch up with Li?” His eyes narrowed.

“Well, she was just a little thing when I last saw her - a teenager perhaps.” Menna paused and looked at Max, “How do you know it isn’t for the family fortunes?”

“I picked that up when he was here for dinner. He’s remarkably clear-eyed about Reva.” Max nodded to Grax. “I will be happy to arrange whatever you need to take with you to Riley’s.”

“Thanks. Really, I just needed...,” he hefted a small bag, “this stuff. It's irreplaceable.”

Menna, still not happy but willing to let the argument go for the moment, cocked her head to the side. “Something from Reva?” Grax nodded but didn't say what it was; he was also guarded so she couldn't read what it was.

He nodded again and headed for the door. “I'll contact you about dinner, Mother. Or, perhaps lunch tomorrow.”

“I need to go next door too and get some sleep. Li will be here when she’s done with Sokar. Call if you need me Menna.” He hoped she wouldn’t.

The old woman was left alone with just her knitting.

***************
Menna Avaavax
Grax Madhava
Maxym Balasz