Rocking The Boat

Posted on Mon May 27th, 2024 @ 4:50am by Teevs Dosivi

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Niea IV - Lake Arone
Timeline: Federation Year 2380
1786 words - 3.6 OF Standard Post Measure

"I have something to ask you."

Teevs kept his attention on the controls in front of him as he steered the small boat out on Lake Arone, the lake to the west of the planet's capital, Pomei. The two were fishing, using a special trap that let creatures into its confines, but not out. It was akin to a one-way forcefield that was specially designed to withstand exposure to water. It seemed like the perfect time to ask the question that had been sitting on his mind for the last week or so.

Saphse had finished emptying the other trap and was resetting it when her boyfriend spoke up. As was common in a relationship, especially one that was nearly a Niean year, it was about the time for talks about the future to happen. The consideration that this could be that time made her nervous. "What's on your mind, Teevs?" she asked.

With her back to him, Teevs had no problem looking up to admire Saphse. Her hair was twisted back, gently draping around her shoulders, contrasting nicely against the teal jacket. He dissuaded her from wearing orange, as it would be harder to spot her in the similarly hued lake if she went overboard. He had a similar teal jacket on and shorts. "What do you think about meeting each other's parents?" It was a simple question, yet it carried some weight. If their parents disapproved, then it could spell out the end of their relationship.

The relief that it wasn't a proposal yet was quickly replaced by anxiety, and Saphse froze. This conversation would come up eventually, but it felt too soon. "I... I would like that," she answered hesitantly, "... but my parents aren't around anymore. They were killed during the Bedia War." To try and distract herself from the sorrowful memory, she began tinkering with the trap again.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable at best. The question obviously bothered Saphse, and Teevs felt guilty for asking. A lot of lives were lost during the war, and that sat on his shoulders, even after 5 Neian years. To know that his partner was affected that badly... “I’m sorry,” he quietly said.

“Don’t be,” Saphse assured, turning to give him a sad smile. “They died fighting for what they believed in. It’s an honor to be their daughter.” She chose her words carefully, not knowing if she could tell Teevs the truth about what happened to them. They were killed, but not for the reasons he likely thought.

Teevs sat in silence for a moment before asking, “could I visit their graves? I know it’s not the same as meeting them in person, but the least I can do is pay my respects to the Kavai’s victims.” It hurt to see Saphse affected by this. He wanted to find a way to make it better, to show his support.

Saphse turned her attention back to the fishing trap, finishing its setup. She loved him, but she wasn’t sure how he’d feel if she told him the truth. “Let’s… start with your family?” she suggested. While her parents did have graves, it was very difficult to visit them.

The air between them was thick. Teevs knew he hit a nerve by asking about her parents, not helped by her tense response to his suggestion. "We can do that. I apologize for making you uncomfortable." Stopping their boat at a new section of the lake, he approached where she was sitting and sat down on an adjacent bench to help set up the traps.

Saphse briefly glanced up at him when he came over, and focused on the trap in her hands as he sat down. After a moment, she put down the trap and gently took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's alright, Teevs," she said softly. "I know you meant well. I just... it's difficult for me to talk about." The loss of her parents was difficult enough to deal with, but Teevs' assumption that they were on the same side as him made it so much more complicated. She had to find a way to avoid this topic somehow.

Teevs looked at her hand in his. "I understand. Would it help if I prepared you for what to expect when meeting my family?" He offered a faint smile in the hopes of helping to shift the topic to something less awkward for them.

It was a blessing to have such a thoughtful and understanding boyfriend. Saphse returned his smile with her own, "Yes, that would be very helpful." Turning a little toward him, she continued, "tell me about your family. What are they like? Do you get along with them? Is there anything I should know before meeting them?"

Seeing that the trap Saphse was working on was ready, Teevs gently freed his hand from hers to pick up the cage-like device with both hands. She seemed really intent on not talking about her family, and he didn't push it. "They're loud and lack boundaries, for starters," he said. With a grunt, he tossed the trap into the water, far enough from the edge of the boat so they wouldn't get splashed. "I'm the quiet one of my brothers and sisters. We generally get along. Watch out for my sister, Ailova, though, she likes to be nosey."

Saphse listened intently to the description of his family, smiling slightly when he talked about his sister. There was the faintest hint of unease over the possibility of someone snooping around her business. "I'll keep that in mind," she said. "It sounds like your family is quite lively." She then picked up the other trap and prepared it for the next cast. "What about your parents? What are they like?"

"Well, I get the looks from my mother, " Teevs began with some humor, tying off the rope that had been secured to the cage to the boat. It ensured that the trap wouldn't drift too far away from them. "They're also a little nosey, but more about your career choices and hobbies. I think as they age, they're just looking for things to do, which is why they ask."

A hand went to Saphse's mouth as she chuckled at Teevs' comment. "It seems like nosiness run in the family," she teased. "It's nice that they take an interest in our careers and hobbies though. Is there anything that I should avoid mentioning or bringing up when we meet them? What do you think they'll ask me about?"

Finishing the tie, Teevs looked toward Saphse as he took a seat on the edge of the boat. "Only in a select few. It's the loudness that runs in the family." Pausing, Teevs thought about the things that would stir up drama. "Avoid bringing up the government unless you're prepared to sit through a lengthy debate. My mother despises Lady Emeyr. She thinks she's too immature to be in a leadership position." He paused again, watching Saphse set the trap. "As for what they might ask you about... it honestly depends on the mood. They might ask you mundane questions about your career, or they could try to dive into your family history."

Saphse nodded thoughtfully, taking in what Teevs had said. "Thanks for the heads up," she said. "I'll make sure to avoid any discussions about politics unless I'm feeling particularly masochistic." She chuckled softly at the thought of getting lectured on the government for hours. With the second trap baited and set, she gingerly handed it to Teevs. "This one's ready." As she watched him toss the trap into the water, her mind kept wandering back to the topic of her own parents. She couldn't shake the feeling that meeting his family would lead to uncomfortable questions about her past.

After Teevs threw the second trap into the water, he turned back to Saphse, seeing a bit of concern in her expression. Maybe it was anxiety? "Don't worry," he assured. It was his turn to reach for her hand and give it a squeeze. "you don't have to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable."

Saphse offered a faint smile, appreciating his reassurance. "Thank you, Teevs," she said softly. "I'm just a bit nervous, that's all. Meeting your family is a big step, and I want to make a good impression. But you're right. I don't have to answer anything I don't want to." As she spoke, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze back, grateful for his understanding.

Teevs gave her a large smile, then a sudden realization hit him. "Shit, I forgot to tie off the second trap!" Dropping her hand, he rushed to the edge of the boat, seeing the rope floating in the water, and reached over the edge to try and grab it.

Sure enough, the rope was floating just beyond arm's reach from the edge of the boat. Saphse watched Teevs rush to grab it, tensed to help in case he needed it. "Teevs, be careful!" she called out, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched with bated breath as he leaned over the edge of the boat, hoping he wouldn't lose his balance.

Unfortunately, that was exactly what happened. As Teevs reached just a little further to try and grab the rope, he was able to just reach it with his fingers, but he lacked the balance to pull himself back up. In a flail of arms and legs, he tipped overboard and splashed into the water, only disappearing beneath the surface for a moment before his jacket deployed the life vest. He quickly breached the surface of the water, sending water everywhere.

Blinking the lake water out of his eyes, he shook his head, water flying from his hair. He then started laughing, the rope in his hand. "I was so distracted by your beauty that I forgot to tie off the trap," he teased the Lonian in the boat.

Saphse gasped and stood up quickly, her eyes widening in shock as she watched Teevs disappear under the water. The concern was soon replaced by relief when he resurfaced. Her momentary confusion at his laughter became understanding when she saw the salvaged rope in his hand. She scolded him out of concern, "Varash eplon, Teevs!" She couldn't stay mad at him, though, and soon enough began to giggle. "That's a terrible excuse to hide your clumsiness," she teased back.

Teevs had to admit, his heart fluttered as he looked up at her from the water. He knew that introducing her to his family was the right next step, and hoped that his family would approve of her.