Wonder of the World

Posted on Thu Jan 25th, 2018 @ 7:17pm by
Edited on on Thu Jan 25th, 2018 @ 7:22pm

3,667 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Unknown Life, Unknown Dangers
Location: India, Earth

Annika stepped out of the shower with a final kiss to Ediras' mudcled shoulder. She still ached a little but nothing she couldnt handle. Wrapping a towel about her hair she set to getting dressed in a salwaar kameez and leggings.

Ediras smiled and watched her leave giving her an obvious head to toe look before the glass door closed behind her. The visit planetside was definitely something turning into things he didn't expect but he was glad for it. He hoped that his presence or involvement in her life wouldn't pose a risk to her career but she had told him it wouldn't and he'd trust her in that.

The reason that she'd said it wouldn't affect her career is, unless she got pregnant something she was not intending to do he was still a civilian wherever she went he could come without hindrance from Starfleet if that was what he wanted of course. She just finished dressing and was putting on a pair of sandals that wrapped around her feet when there was a tap on the door. She was surprised to see her parents at the door. "Mother. Father. Please come in."

Ediras heard talking, sensed the presence of others close by, Ankira felt surprised, then who had arrived? He quickly finished showering and wrapping a towel around him walked into the bedroom that was just adjacent. It would take him a minute or so to dry his hair, brush it and dress.

They heard the shower shut off and Annika simply shrugged. Her father however his face took on the look of revulsion and fury. "He is staying here?"

"Of course father. Where else was he to stay. My claim of bringing a guest was not believed."

The sudden change of emotion didn't go unnoticed, it only served to speed up his dealings before he dressed in semi formal shirt and black trousers, socks and shoes. He brushed his facial hair and then moved to join Anika in the main living space.

"Its not that we didn't believe you Ani, only that..."

"Only that what? It's so impossible to believe that I might want something other than my career? I am a Commander in Starfleet, and Executive officer of one of the most respected battleships that exists. Is it too much to ask that my word be respected?"

"Well no Ani- but you've never been like your brother, you've never brought someone home without consulting us first."

"You will learn father that I am NOTHING like my brother."

Her mother chimed in at that moment "We noticed. What cause had you for breaking his nose anyway? He had to see a doctor, and they wouldn't get rid of the black eye when he told them what happened. The doctor said something I don't recognize..." she repeated the butchering of a phrase in the betazoid tongue that meant 'good riddance'

It was obvious that Anika was the focus of some intense questioning, himself the recipient of some hard stares. This however was a family matter and one while he wouldn't step in unless invited or had to, he'd stand with Anika. Being the tallest in the room to some people by a large margin he made sure to position himself behind and off to the side of Anika, letting her lead while he'd be there if required. The phrase was indeed butchered, so Ediras corrected in its proper pronunciation.

"Yes that is what the doctor who repaired your brothers nose said. What does it mean?"

Ediras explained the meaning and why it was used, explaining the actions the brother made to warrant such a remark which given the insult to Betazoids the Brothers actions resulted in, he came off light compared to the 'aliens' that were the victims.

Anika's amusement at the doctor's unwillingness to let her brother go without a mark of his shame, was decidedly plain, but she refused to remark on it. She watched her father's irritation ratchet higher and poked it "At least, I can be trusted to behave appropriately in public. I mean, what if Ediras was a diplomat, or a high profile member of Betazoid society. I assure you your company would never do business with anyone from Betazed again."

"The conduct of your Son was most unbecoming, not only to be rude to his Sister by eliciting the aid of a female to entice me from her but to make very rude racial remarks about Betazoids on very old and sensitive historic issues so casually without any consideration to the effects of his words." Ediras spoke. "Not to mention his intoxication was embarrassing not just to myself but those around him."

Annika's hand slid into Ediras' and squeezed gently, hoping to ease his anger. She could feel it, and that was both odd and concerning to her. Maybe their sexual contact had made him more open to her and was projecting his anger.

Her father spoke "Entice you from her? Does that mean there is something between you?"

"And if there is?"

"How dare you stand before me like an insolent little-"

Anika cut him off with a growl "If the next word out of your mouth is whore- by Agni I swear I will walk out of here and you will NEVER hear from me again."

Ediras was at some mild disbelief that a father would address a child thusly. One might have expected that he happy for the daughters accomplishments not berate her for what they clearly see as failings on her part. He stood, silently, observant to see what would be said next.

When they stood silent except for a quiet word from wife to husband, she closed her eyes. "That is what I thought. Please join me Ediras, I have no need for more of this." She entwined her fingers in his and led him out of the room without a second thought. They walked to the elevator in silence and they were inside it before she whispered "I'm sorry for them."

As the elevator doors began to close his slammed his large hand to the side of the door, the safety measures opening it again. "I find it most disturbing that you would come here, with the self opinionated attitude of yourselves, coming after your daughter, even going so far as implying most unsavoury words to her." He stepped out of the lift and beelined it to the Father. "Your Son is at fault yet you come here after Anika because she struck him, imagine good sir the damage I would have done for the insult he gave me yet I walked away out of respect for Anika."

Ediras stared the man down. "Your moral compass is so messed up I will be amazed you make it to the lobby, Anika has done well in her life, your Son is a drunk. She has achieved something to be proud of, your Son flirts with the neared woman and the deepest cup available. I would suggest strongly you look at the real problems in your family, or perhaps a mirror."

A pair of tears slid down her cheeks as she heard bis passionate words in defence of her and her position. Wiping them away she straightened her back so as not to betray her innermost feelings.

The large bulk of Ediras turned and headed back to the lift, leaving the dwarfed male and his wife no doubt in shock at his outburst. While he was normally a tolerant man this incident held a personal, racial sting to it, one he was hard pressed to ignore or the rage and anger that came with it. It was obvious he was angry, not just from his body language, the way he walk and held himself, his facial expression or the two large fists as he stormed towards the lift and stepped inside.

"Thank you for that. You didnt have to defend me in that speech." Her voice was quiet even as she wiped her tears on the edge of her kameez.

"It needed to be said." Ediras still clearly fired up, he knew he'd have to meditate later to bring a measure of calm and normality to his life again. He was still in disbelief that parents would focus on the wrong doings of one child when the other is at fault.

She hid her face in his chest for a long moment, trying to catch her breath at the enormity of what had almost happened. It was a moment of pure weakness for her, and for once she set the Commander aside and let herself just be Anika.

Ediras held her tenderly as the lift took them down to the lobby, as he considered the outcome of his little attack against her Father he hoped too that it reflected the sheer difference in perspective of how the Father saw things and how the masses did. He also considered that culture would play a part but did the Father realise the price his actions held with them? "Where would you like to go?" Ediras asked. "We can check into another Hotel if you wanted."

"No, it's alright. I had a plan for today and we might as well enjoy ourselves" she whispered as she entwined her fingers with his and gently led him from the lobby. He didn't know much about her homeland- but it held one of the world's most famous architectural marvels- the Taj Mahal. That was the plan for today, and her credentials could get them into rooms that were normally closed to the public.

Opting to let things be left behind them Ediras followed her to where ever she would lead them. He was still in disbelief that the Father would act so against the Daughter who is his mind was the victim just as he was, yet the Father came in accusingly. He had to wonder if in this culture was male dominant. "So where are we going?" He asked softly.

"It's a surprise" she said with a hesitant smile up at him. She was a tall woman and she loved that he was taller than her.

"A surprise." He replied. "I can sense that already." He could pick up she was happy with her plan, getting over the ordeal with her Father at least which was good since they had left them behind. "Might as well get it all in while we can or have the opportunity."

"Indeed" looking down at her bare hands, she made a note to get some henna done before she went home. Her sister of course had had it, on hands and feet. It was lovely and she missed the patterns on her skin. She punched the destination into the tiny computer in the little tourist shuttle, and climbed in when the door opened.

As the tourist shuttle took off and sped them away Ediras took in the views from the viewports. Everything seemed to have its place, a purpose, a reason for being. People went about daily lives and the rainbow of colours from the different attires people wore. It did make him wonder how Anika would look if she were dressed in a similar garb but considering she had worn the red he picked out before, she looked amazing in it.

She was in dark green and gold today, in an ancient style that had never gone out of fashion here. The gold accented her skin tone and made her look more golden in her coloring. "What do you know about this area?"

"Its beautiful." Though it did open his eyes to the designs and architecture of the buildings. It gave him ideas for his own works when it came to tenders for various works. Everything around him seemed to have a reason, a design, a history behind it which to him considering what he did only added to its appeal. "But aside from appearances, very little. I have not travelled Earth much."

"Good. Then you'll really like where I am taking you. India was at one point a hub of the ancient world, and well..." she gestured out the window at the approaching spires of the Taj Mahal and gardens.

He could feel the warmth from her, clearly having improved her mood since the ordeal with her parents. "It's good to see you like this. The real you, no uniform, or even the dress I picked for you, but this, you."

She blushed and shrugged her shoulders a little bit "You might be the only one in the universe who appreciates it, but while you're flattering me, you're missing the view. Look out the window Ediras"

"Can't I do both?" He smiled as he looked out the window at the view of the nearing halls and gardens.

"Just you wait until we get inside"

As the little shuttle came in to land he could see other tourists enjoying the views and the marvel that was the venue. When the door opened he stepped out, his hand out to her to help her down and he could sense a measure of peace around him. Everyone was calm, collected, happy and centred. It would make for an ideal meditation site for sure.

She squeezed his hand and then passed through the doors so they might walk through the gardens to the magnificent building.

As soon as they passed the doors into the gardens the full glorious view of the halls became all the more real. "Did you know that it has some of the most beautiful architecture still preserved to date?" Ediras spoke as he took everything in around him in some hope that even he might be able to use a snippet of it for a project.

Grinning up at him she teased "I thought you didnt know anything about my home." Shed hoped he would like it, and his expression did not disappoint.

"The building is different." Ediras replied. "You see in my line of work I look at a building, a design but not the local or surrounding lands. I find it distracts from the picture or project I'm trying to work on. Besides who doesn't know of this place, its white ivory marble, commissioned 1632, mausoleum completed in 1643 but other works continued for the following decade to be utterly completed in 1653."

"Thank you so much for bringing me here." Ediras hugged Anika and armed with a broad smile he didn't let her go as he looked at the white building.

Anika grinned into his chest and let him swing her around in his enthusiasm. Part of her had hoped hed never heard of the place so it might be a surprise, but this was almost as good. "Lets go in shall we?"

"Yes yes, lets." Almost sweeping her off her feel leading her by the hand into the large marble building. Ediras had the eagerness that seemingly only youngsters could muster but for him this was more than just a tourist attraction, it was a building of exquisite construction, detail and decor.

She was delighted by his enthusiasm, and with her hand tucked firmly into his she simply allowed her to lead her around and show off his vast knowledge of art and architecture. She was more than a little attracted to his delighted-boy like demeanour.

Ediras almost picked her up to carry her feeling that he could move around much faster if he had but given the location perhaps it was not the best of ideas. With each detail he scanned it with his professional eyes, new ideas came to mind, thoughts for contracts, design ideas for proposals. There were few aliens present and he, like the others stood out clearly.

She had to bring her hands up to cover her mouth as she giggled. That thought she'd heard with a precision that made her wonder what it would be like to have him in her mind. That thought in turn made her blush. Noone however- seemed to care about the presence of the alien, or his companion in more traditional garb.

Room by room he swept through each, stood on each balcony to take in the views, peered through every window not just for the view but its art, design and craftsmanship. Like a kid in a sweet shop Ediras was all over the place, touching what he could, looking at what he couldn't. It was like a gold mine of information to him and his profession.

Anika took note of which rooms got the awestruck look of pure delight from him, and gazed down at her own, bare hands. She would need to get some henna applied before she left, after all she was at a wedding.

As time went on, rooms went by and more ideas teamed into his head he turned to face Anika. "This building is incredible." He leaned down and placed a kiss to her cheek but straight after he paused. With finger and thumb he lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers tenderly.

Her cheeks heated with the initial kiss, but the second left her blushing like a schoolgirl. "I am glad you like it.." she whispered as she nuzzled her cheek into his hand.

"So where next?" He asked. "Was there somewhere you wanted to go see or do while we were out?" He'd just spent several hours darting from room to room in this large marvel of a building. Her feet no doubt ached from his pulling effort so he wanted to give the chance that she might pick something for herself.

"I've always wanted to go see the mirror mosaics..." she said softly "The shrine that holds them isn't far from here." her smile was soft as she snuggled under his arm once more.

"Then lets go." He smiled holding her to him. "Lead the way." His hold upon her gentle but wanting as he walked with her out of the large doors of the building still buzzing from the last few hours.

It wasn't a long trek back to their shuttle, and she programmed the destination before flopping down in his lap with her arms around his neck.

One hand rested upon her thigh, the other around her holding her to him. "I saw the blush, I felt it too." He whispered to her, his cheek against hers as he whispered it.

"I haven't been kissed in public in a very long time" she whispered back to him.

"Does that mean I should make a habit of it?" Ediras grinned as he held her, still holding his closeness to her as he whispered.

In a fluid movement she threw her leg over him, so she was straddling him, face to face. Kissing him soundly she answered his question with action instead of words.

Impressed with the move Ediras pulled on her drawing her as close to him as possible, he ignored the slight discomfort from the suddenness of the move but to feel her emotions, charged and passionate. In this moment he didn't want it to end, a bliss, a tranquil moment in time he hoped wouldn't end soon. He didn't want to try and peek at the flight timer lest it ruin the moment between them.

"We don't have long enough to act on that particular desire..." her murmur was disappointed as she snuggled in and rested her head on his broad shoulder.

"I thought I was the empath here." Ediras replied smiling as he felt her rest on his shoulder, his hold on her remained.

"I have been hearing you this morning...I am not sure why. I was sure it was intentional on your part" she explained.

"It...may have been." Ediras answered. "Does it bother you?" He asked wondering if she viewed such as an invasion or an unwanted exposure to his abilities.

"No." she whispered into his ear "I kinda like it."

That was reassuring, a comfort too to know that. After the ordeal with the wedding, the Brother and then the Father it was a comfort to know she welcomed his presence in more ways than one.

She kissed him softly again, as the shuttle began to descend. She rocked against him for a moment, before rising to check the computer that was navigating them to the next site.

A gentle tap to her backside told her he knew her antics. "You should compose yourself before the door opens." Her attire no doubt out of place from the swing of her leg and the pull on her to draw her closer to him.

She laughed softly and a sinuous motion reset her clothing to its proper place. A tug got the tunic back so that it ended mid thigh.

When the shuttle landed he let her exit first and then followed her, more people about and he could sense the peace around them almost seemed commonplace. "So where are we headed?" He asked as he looked around at the buildings surrounding them.

"This was an ancient shrine." she said softly "It is still respected as a place of worship." she led him to a set of stairs that actually led underground. It was quite a bit cooler down here, where the stairs ended into a cavernous room.

"The temperature is relaxing." At least to him, no doubt normal to most especially those that visited this place daily. He followed her down the steps and when they entered the room it seemed to shine, sparkle. At first he was unsure of what it was but as he looked closer, it was small shaped mirrors.

Anika walked up to a wall and brushed it with reverent fingers. It seemed she could stare into forever in this place.

Ediras watched Anika, she seemed fascinated by the room and he had to admit there was an appeal to it. It seemed to shine with a radiance of its own, glistening in the light as the small mirrors reflected light and image off each other.

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