Tea in Kachiri
15 Feb 2023Arthur Idaho
I spent most of the day today running deliveries of various sorts throughout Trianguli Sector. My bones are tired from the rattle of my ship, but my travels have been well-rewarded.During one of my stops through Kachiri, I decided to catch lunch on the concourse of the Van Scyoc Vision space station. Van Scyoc is a bustling hub of activity where Marlinists and travelers from all over the galaxy converge. As I made my way through the crowds, I noticed an old man sitting at a nearby table, sipping on a steaming mug of tea.
Curiosity getting the best of me, I approached and asked if I could join him. He welcomed me with a smile, and we soon struck up a conversation. He told me that he had grown up on Baltah'Sine, a small but vibrant system on the edges of the Empire. Like so many of his people, he had been forced into exile and had eventually settled in Kachiri, a system of the Marlinist Republic that had opened its doors to those in need.
As we chatted, the old man began to share some of the special customs of his home world with me. He told me about the intricate dances that the people of Baltah'Sine performed, and the unique way they brewed their tea. He even taught me a few phrases in his native language, which I struggled to pronounce but found immensely satisfying.
As we shared several cups of tea, I found myself marveling at the indomitable spirit and gentle kindness of the Marlinist people. Despite all the hardship and persecution they have endured, they remain fiercely proud of their heritage and deeply committed to building a better future for themselves and their families.
Eventually, it was time for me to say goodbye to my new friend and continue on my journey. But as I left the space station and gazed out at the stars, I felt a newfound appreciation for the incredible diversity and resilience of the galaxy's many different peoples and cultures. I know that my encounter with the elder from Baltah'Sine will stay with me for a long time to come.