Interesting Times - Chapter #106

There is an Old Chinese Proverb and/or Curse which says the following: "May you have Interesting Times" As if being a Nietzschean is NOT interesting enough. . . . . . . .



Free Enterprise  -   Interesting Times  -  Chapter #106


”Remember Tyr, don't let on to Desi, Hoy Li, and Li Hoy that you know they are pregnant. Let them come to you and tell you. And if you know what's good for you, you'd better act surprised.” Khan had warned.


You'll also have to give Tamara a lot of special attention. She's putting on a brave face, but she's really hurting inside. She has never truly got over the fact that she cannot have her own children.” The Katay continued sagely. Personally Tyr thought they'd both crossed that bridge and burned it with the death of The Orion Syndicates Leader, at his hand eight months ago.

“Please convey to The Captain, if she would like someone to talk to, I have an open door policy. So does my wife, if she prefers to have a female presence.” Khan reminded. Interrupting Tyr's thoughts.

“I will be sure to tell her that.” Tyr replied.

“And you, Tyr, you know you always have access to my ear if you need it.” Khan stated.

“Thank you for being there, Khan.” Tyr said, as he gazed back into the Katay's intense amber eyes.

“After all, what are Pride Brothers for?” Khan asked.

“Indeed.” Tyr replied and frowned as he got a sudden chill.

“If you only knew what was on the horizon for you my brother. As the Human Bible says: I have many things to tell you, but you cannot bare them. . .” Khan thought.

Tyr recognized the inkling in Khan's eyes and knew better than to press. The Katay were honor bound not to forth-tell if the future was especially bad. They could only divulge bits and pieces as they guided their charge(s) through the lumps, bumps and bruises.

The Katay have learned in the distant past that to tell all at once would drive some mad, cause the needless death of some, or cause others to commit suicide. Khan had no idea what this would do to his Pride Brother. So he decided to keep as much of the information close to the vest as possible. From here on he would beseech The Divine for guidance in handling Tyr.

Though he was not a praying man, Tyr also, offered a silent prayer to the Divine. He was not really sure what he was praying for, but he wanted to touch base with The Higher Power just in case.

”You are definitely going to need it.” Khan thought sagely, after seeing the fleeting expression on Tyr's face.


* * * * * * *


Much later that evening Tyr replayed the conversation in his mind, while he cleaned his tiny kitchen. A tray of Lasagne was nearly finished cooking, and he had just prepared a nice salad and garlic bread to go with it. Now all he needed was Tamara.

He gazed at the wall chrono and smiled. She was fifteen minutes late even though she lived in the same quad and one door away. He'd put the question to Amanda earlier and her answer was:

“Boo. Even though Tamara is a Vulcan, she's a woman, and all women need time to get all prettied up for a dinner date or to go out, or a special event. It's a woman thing, Tyr. We've got to look just right. Thank goodness it's not a traditional Promethean wedding Ceremony! You'd wait like a half a day or more for your bride and and her entourage to show up!”

“A half a day?” Tyr queried.

“Yep. But remember, nearly everything in Promethean society is a test. If the Groom is willing to wait for The Bride, he is worth marrying. If he gives up and walks out, he'd better not cross her path again, because by law, she now has the right to kill him.” Amanda replied.

”Damn! I thought Nietzscheans were bad! Tyr thought.

He immediately remembered that crazy song Khan used to sing: “Hit The Road Jack.” Now, it seemed most apropos.

“What does the groom do in the meantime while he is waiting.” Tyr asked. He'd witnessed several Human ceremonies and watched as the grooms fidgeted nervously at the alter, while waiting for their bride to arrive.

“Oh there is a big get together with the groom's male family members and friends. It's all sedate and stuff, and no drinking. Coffee, tea, cookies, cold cuts and cheese, stuff like that.

Now when the bride shows up, her friends and relatives bring food, drink and music. While they set up everything, the parson takes the couple off a private room, marries them in a short ceremony, and presents them back to the crowd. Then there is a big reception like-feast.” Amanda replied. “The reason it takes so long to get ready is because women being women have to prepare enough food to feed a battalion plus get 'all gussied up' like my Mam used to say.” she continued.

In essence, they had been preparing for the event for months, and now they were down to the wire,"Mr. Murphy" would move in and take over. The brides train would be lost, the salad forks disappeared, the flower girl would get sick, food spoiled, someone's dress was ripped or had a stain, etc. Causing utter chaos. . . . . .

“I would like to witness one of those ceremonies.” Tyr replied.

“You just might, and soon. I have twin grand daughters Jasmine and Justine. The young men have pining after them lately. The only reason they have not challenged a potential mate, is they are both dead set on joining Starfleet Academy.” Amanda replied. “In fact, when we return to Deep Space Ten, I'll have to ship out to Prometh to pick them up. They will be starting with the next class and I want to get them here early, so they will be nice and acclimated.” Amanda replied.

Tyr recalled expressing concern for her and his yet unborn child.

“Don't worry, Boo. I should be back within four to six weeks. Besides, you have plenty of wives to look after, with three of them being pregnant and all.” she replied.

“Did they tell you?” Tyr asked, aghast.

“No Boo, they didn't have to tell me. Remember, I've been there, and done that. So, I can recognize the signs, that's all.” she replied.

“Don't forget to take care of Tamara. I know she;s dealt with the demons, but she still has issues. Spend some more time with her and treat her special, so she won't feel left out.” Amanda admonished, before she left.

The door's buzzer rudely cut through Tyr's wool gathering and snatched him back to the present. Tyr checked the oven, turned it off, slipped the apron over his head hung it on a peg, and went to answer the door.



Note: “Hit the Road Jack” was written by Percy Mayfield and sung by Ray Charles.

A Brief History:

Technically, this isn’t a song about driving, but rather, being driven out of somebody’s life: “Old woman, old woman, oh you treat me so mean, you’re the meanest old woman that I ever have seen.” But the song, released in 1961, has many usages for the modern motorist.

Say you’re in a car full of friends and you want to yell at somebody who just cut you off: “Hit the road, Jack! And don’t cha come back no more, no more, no more, no more.”

Or a menacing truck driver is being arrested by the state police: “Hit, the road, Jack! …” etc. This was actually written by Ray’s friend Percy Mayfield, a singer who cut back his touring after being involved in a bad car accident. So while you’re screaming, “Hit the road, Jack!” make sure to obey the speed limit and keep your eyes on the road.


Mr. Murphy and/or Murphy's Law: is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".

Note on weddings: I've been to several weddings and been a bridesmaid and or wedding photographer numerous times, and have personally witnessed the chaos first hand. Not pretty. . . . . . . .