Another Duty for You

Writers: Cali, Eimi
Date Posted: 2nd March 2006

Characters: Mosler, Supaka
Description: Mosler and Supaka talk about her teaching classes and her daughter.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 10 of Turn 3

Supaka toweled off her squirming daughter. Selka's hair was even more unruly when it was wet. She had inherited her father's curls. Her mother dreaded having to comb them out later, though she really did envy her daughter's beautiful hair. "Mama's got a meeting with the Hallmaster. Now what did I say about playing with the dolphin's when Mama's not around?"

"You say only on the docks. No swimming without you or Papa," the child repeated dutifully.

"That's right," her mother said, giving her a kiss on her cheek for such a beautiful answer. "There's a platform down there. No swimming, but you can still play with them from there. All right? Go on."

Supaka watched her daughters dark curly head as she bounded down the dock towards the platform. "Not so fast, little fish!" she called after her. The dolphineer sighed as she ran the towel though her own hair. She watched her daughter crawl to the edge on her hands and knees, gently splashing the water and calling to the dolphins to come and play. It had been a relief that Selka had taken to this pod so easily, and it seemed as though both she and her daughter had been accepted by them. That was an important step. Now if only she could get Selka to fit in with other children so easily...

"I hope I'm not intruding." Mosler called in greeting as he walked up the ramp. "I know our meeting isn't for another half hour, but since I was on the dock already, I thought I'd just drop by." "Oh, well," Supaka smiled up at the Hallmaster, squinting a little in the sun, "that should be just fine. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"And it's a pleasure to finally meet you too." He leaned against the side railing and took a quick glance around the deck. "It's nice to be able to match a face to all the reports you've been sending in." "Well, it was my duty to the Hall," she smiled. "I hope they were helpful."

"They were, very." Mosler said with genuine approval in his voice. "And I know you're just getting settled in, but if you're able, I've got another _duty_ for you." "Of course, Hallmaster. Any job you have for me, as long as I can be with my daughter," she said with a nodd in the child's direction.

He gave the girl a quick look, appreciating the fact that she seemed completely comfortable with the dolphins, before continuing. "We've recently had a full time teaching position come open. It's mostly working with the senior apprentices on rescue techniques and equipment use."

"Really?" Supaka asked, very interested in the idea. Not only would that mean a stationary position for her and her daughter, but it was also in her field. "That sounds perfect."

"Good." He always preferred people being where they liked to be. "I've also got another journeywoman named Trellyn, I believe you know her, who is currently teaching the junior apprentices basic sailing. She's got little patience for them and has threatened to quit several times; I was hoping with your long sailing experience you'd help her out with the class." "I can see what I can do," the journeyman nodded. She smiled at the thought that maybe Selka knew as much about sailing and boats as she did. But she wouldn't suggest having _her_ help tutor the class.

This was going better than he had hoped. It was nice to be able to talk with some _reasonable_ people once in awhile. "Now don't go and make her feel like she can follow through with her threats to quit though." he said with a wink, "She needs the practice with the younger ones or she'll end up like me!" Supaka chuckled. "I will do my best, sir."

He turned again at the sound of squeeling laughter and saw that the child had just been heavily splashed and was loving every minute of it.
"Have you interviewed any foster mothers for her yet?" "No, not yet. I will soon." She did loath the fact that she would be giving her daughter over to another woman during the days. But it would be a good chance for Selka to spend time with children her own age. Of course when Harper Classes started, she wouldn't be in need of a part-time foster mother anymore, and that would be coming up in just a turn. "I'm hoping to find one that has other children around Selka's age for her to play with."

"I'd try Merrianna." he suggested, "She has three and decided she liked being a mother more than a dolphineer. I'd swear her kids are more dolphin than human the amount of time they all spend in the water. Your girl looks like she would fit right in." "That does sound perfect," Supaka smiled. "I will certainly look her up. Thank you for the advice, sir." And perhaps having the dolphins in common could help Selka to form a connection with the other children.

"You're welcome." Mosler said with a nod, "Now, I am _unfortunately_ a very busy man, so I had better go or I'll get behind schedule for the day and I'll miss dinner... again. It was good talking with you." "Thank you sir. When shall I report to you to talk about my schedule and the classes I will be teaching?"

He let a rueful grin pass his lips, "You know, that's a very good question. I have a masters meeting tomorrow about our upcoming schedule. The last one I attended took days to iron out who got whom, what, and when. How about for now, you just get with Trellyn about helping with her class, and I'll let you know about a more permanent schedule when everything gets sorted out."

Supaka smiled. "Yes sir. Thank you." Things seemed to be working out even better than she had hoped.

Last updated on the March 2nd 2006

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Another Duty for You