Author's Note:
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The small craft landed as close to the habitat as could safely be accomplished. The elderly woman inside gave a small, almost invisible, smile and continued to prepare a generous repast for her guest. It had taken significant time for the right questions to be formed; she would give them their due consideration.
"Come", she aimed at the interior door that kept the temperature consistently warm and the bulk of the dust outside of her tidy home. The voice control security unit unlocked to allow entry.
Pouring hot water into the teapot with absent attention, her eyes scanned the property through the thermal covers over the windows. She stayed here in the too-big homestead to be with family; many of her beloved kept vigil with her only meters away in the family crypt. She would, in her own time, join them but recognized that 40% - or more - of her life lay in an unseen path before her.
Her visitor, accustomed to the cultural norms on her small patch of the universe, removed cloak and shoes before stepping over the interior threshold. Under one arm he carried a bribe of sorts, a bottle of sparkling wine with just a hint more sweetness than traditional champagne.
He's prepared well for this visit... her mind considered.
Then again, he had a reputation for thoroughness - and for impulsiveness as well. The hint of amusement tugged again at her features precipitating a sigh...
A Vulcan with a sense of humor. What an anachronism.
"Greetings, Elder. I hope the day finds you well and productive." her guest offered with a comfortable expression. Clearly she did not intimidate him as she had a reputation for with the younger ones. He'd never succumbed to that unease even as a small child.
"Such formality is unnecessary between us. We are, neither of us, so much what we were in youth."
"No, we are -"
She interrupted him as she made her way without haste into her living area with the tray of refreshments.
"And you were incorrigible even as a child, Spohkh."
"A truth I acknowledged as a child. I have heard the same spoken of you."
"Be obedient this time and sit. Help yourself to the tea. Do you still enjoy peanut butter and jelly?"
Had he not known better, Spohkh would have sworn the old matron chuckled.
"More than in my youth. The opportunity to indulge diminishes each year."
"Then take pleasure in my memory of your preferences. As you have no doubt surmised, the selection reflects my perpetual indulgences for you."
"For which I am truly pleased and always grateful."
