9 ☽ ACTION ☾ TIME FOR TEA

[berthierite]

[ There appears to be a new worker at the Jasmine Dragon. Immaculately dressed with clean makeup, she's an enthusiastic waitress with a flawless smile. It isn't Berthier, of course, but a young brunette with strangely empty eyes. Her name is Yasmine; does anyone remember hiring her? ]

[ She's an efficient worker, that Yasmine, but everyone who leaves one of her tables seems to be leaving with a rain cloud over their heads. Must be a hard day in the city. ]


[[ooc; This is a post for Berthier's Dark Energy Scheme, which you are still welcome to participate and sign up for. In this post, you will be able to interact with Yasmine (timefor) and grow suspicious of her. You're also very welcome & encouraged to threadjack away and interact with our victims. Confrontation of the droid at the end of the month on the log comm.]]

Comments

Tuesday, 29th, evening

[universaltranslator]

[Uhura doesn't stop by the tea shop that often -- she likes Charlie and Rapunzel, but she's not much of a tea drinker -- but today's the kind of cold that just demands tea.

She smiles at Yasmine.]

Are you new? I haven't seen you around here before.

voice;

[conglomeration]

[This would be the first time he's contacted someone unsolicited, but it's -- fine, right? She offered. Sort of.]

Hello? [Is there some protocol for greetings on these things? He doesn't even have phones back home okay] This is Zelgadis, we spoke twice before... [In case his distinctive voice wasn't a clue.]

Re: voice;

[universaltranslator]

[Unfortunately for Zel, he catches Uhura before she's taken in the dark energy. She sounds (and is!) pleased to hear from him.]

Of course! I'm glad you called. How are you?

voice;

[conglomeration]

[He nearly sighs in relief. She's so good at not being awkward.]

Managing. This place is different, but it's not really that different at the core of things... [work, money, lodging. Avoid people as best he can.]

[He clears his throat, realizing with some embarrassment that he's rambling.] I was hoping you wouldn't mind helping me with something. I want to search for some information but I don't understand much of the vernacular when it comes to technology. [And it might hold some hope for him, who knows?] If -- the offer's still open, that is.

Re: voice;

[universaltranslator]

[A born charmer, she is.]

I'd be happy to. I work most days at the Welcome Center.

Or if you'd like, we can meet at the Jasmine Dragon. I've always found good food makes studying easier.

voice;

[conglomeration]

The tea house? [He's been covertly exploring. Eh, whatever, and the sooner the better. Except for the obvious problem, of course...] That's fine.

[A pause as he debates mentioning his condition before he goes. It would probably be wise -- but she seems to used to dealing with 'different' people, and the irrational part of him (yes, it exists) doesn't want to make it a big thing when it's entirely possible she could not bat an eye. She seems that type...]

When did you have in mind?

voice;

[universaltranslator]

I'm here right now, if you're free.

voice;

[conglomeration]

[The smile is evident in his voice, but he tries to keep his nerves out of it.] I am. I don't have much to do here so far.

So I'll... be there in a bit.

voice;

[universaltranslator]

See you soon.

[Unfortunately, by the time he arrives, she'll have had her tea and be in a foul temper.]

action;

[conglomeration]

[It's habit to wear his hood and mask in public, and so he's well covered as he enters the teahouse. Aside from his shadowed eyes, the only visible piece of his skin are what his fingerless gloves leave uncovered. Being well-covered by a belted tunic doesn't hide his lithe build, though his booted steps are strangely heavy for someone his size. He carries a sword, double edged, and has a long cape -- instantly identifiable as a sorcerer.]

[A glance around doesn't give him an immediate clue where Nyota might be, so he takes a breath and steps over to someone who looks to be an employee and asks about what sort of teas they offer. His voice will give him away even quicker than the cliche magician's clothing.]

Re: action;

[universaltranslator]

[Uhura is on her second cup of chai and feeling foul. How long is he going to take?! It's almost a relief to hear his voice.

Almost. She's still pretty cranky.

Coming up behind him -]

Zelgardis?

[timefor]

[The woman turns her head slowly, smiling.]

Yes. That is right.

[Her head inclines towards Uhura, attentive.]

How may I help you.

[universaltranslator]

[There's something strange about that smile.]

I'd like some tea, please. Earl Grey, hot. Can I just sit anywhere?

[timefor]

You may, sit anywhere.

[She bows politely as she goes to make the tea.]

[universaltranslator]

Thanks.

[Uhura takes an empty seat. Polite, but not very friendly for a waitress.]

[timefor]

[No, not very friendly at all, but she is prompt and returns with the correct order quickly. Click-click-clicking in stark heels across the floor. She stops rather abruptly, standing a moment too long with the drink in her hands before sliding it on to the table.]

Please. Let me know if everything is all right.

[A small gesture to the cup. Maybe the new waitress just wants to be reassured she got it right.]

[candothat]

[Sometime after Uhura has received her tea, Chekov enters, orders a coffee (not his first of the day, and, in spite of the hour, very possibly not his last), and helps himself to a seat next to his superior.]

Uhura, hello.

[universaltranslator]

[Ugh Pavel what are you doing here.]

Hey Pavel.

[candothat]

[Just saying hi, drinking his weight in coffee, and dismissing Uhura's unusually terse greeting as stress or something. The usual.]

I didn't realize you liked tea.

[universaltranslator]

You thought you knew everything about me?

[candothat]

No? Is there something wrong?

[universaltranslator]

Nothing.

[She scowls into her drink.]

[candothat]

[That looks a lot like something. Surely she'll tell him what it is eventually. For now, Chekov is content to down his coffee and change the topic.]

Are you busy this next weekend? I was thinking of a shopping trip.

[universaltranslator]

And we'll do what? Buy cute little skirts?

[candothat]

I would pass on that, but if you like.

[He can only be flippant for so long, Uhura. What's gotten into you?]