On the contrary. I wanted to say it in person rather than simply thinking at you, because it seemed like a delicate topic. But you've been insistent so I decided to do away with the delicacy.
Really, Doctor. When have you ever heard an adult Cardassian call another by their given name? I would hazard a guess as to the number being once, on a certain Cardassian's deathbed. Must I spell everything out?
[There's a moment of nothing from Julian's end as he ponders this.]
I've really only interacted with Cardassian military in more formal environments--it's hardly abnormal for military to address each other by family name.
Humans use their given names all the time with friends.
My deepest apologies. I forgot that humans were the standard by which all species were measured. Of course we use given names at the same rate as humans do! And Ferengi! We're absolutely like both species!
I'm sorry, did you become my family sometime in those seven years? Did my father adopt you while you bonded in detention? Or did you become my lover without me noticing? I really think I would have noticed.
He's feeling a bit foolish by now because...what if it really is that big of a deal to Cardassians? Maybe he had committed a cultural taboo without realizing and Garak was pointing it out in his own way?
He's feeling a bit hurt. He wonders if Garak realizes that with humans, a friendship can morph into even closer friendships until one is like family.
And then he's feeling...
Unsure.
What an odd last example to give.]
Fine then, but as a human, used to human norms, it is perfectly acceptable to call me by my first name as your friend. Do with that information what you will.
[Another pause.]
How many monsters have you killed while we've been talking?
And... several. There are a few of us out here so I can't go by counting corpses, and I haven't kept track. I'm no Klingon. If I'm standing and my enemies are dead, that's success, no need for songs, thank you. How many have you tended?
I fear you entirely misunderstand me. I'd love to be idle as well. Especially because this is getting ridiculous. I just got ran over by some large, tusked thing and it continued running down the road as if I'm incidental! Insignificant! I'm going to hunt it down and we're going to eat it.
Garak, it's bad enough they're attacking indiscriminately and now you're going to hunt one down because of pride? Are you sure Cardassians and Klingons are so different?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@julian.bashir
Yes, murder in your blood as well as a craving for Delavian chocolate.
[He certainly is not discounting Garak's capacity to be a cold-blood killer, just...that's most definitely not all there is to his friend.]
And I certainly know about your "coldness" by now if our sleeping arrangements are any indication.
@torvan.garak
Did you hear that chocolate is rare here? That's heartbreaking. I don't know what I'll do without it.
@julian.bashir
[Though he can't deny, he likes being called "my dear".]
I did hear. I'm sorry for your lost. We can mourn coffee and chocolate together.
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
Alright then, I'll bite. Why is it so taboo?
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
I've really only interacted with Cardassian military in more formal environments--it's hardly abnormal for military to address each other by family name.
Humans use their given names all the time with friends.
@torvan.garak
We're absolutely like both species!
@julian.bashir
"Same rate"?! We've been friends for 7 years!
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
He's feeling a bit foolish by now because...what if it really is that big of a deal to Cardassians? Maybe he had committed a cultural taboo without realizing and Garak was pointing it out in his own way?
He's feeling a bit hurt. He wonders if Garak realizes that with humans, a friendship can morph into even closer friendships until one is like family.
And then he's feeling...
Unsure.
What an odd last example to give.]
Fine then, but as a human, used to human norms, it is perfectly acceptable to call me by my first name as your friend. Do with that information what you will.
[Another pause.]
How many monsters have you killed while we've been talking?
@torvan.garak
And... several. There are a few of us out here so I can't go by counting corpses, and I haven't kept track. I'm no Klingon. If I'm standing and my enemies are dead, that's success, no need for songs, thank you. How many have you tended?
@julian.bashir
A few scrapes needing topical antibiotics and a few lacerations requiring sutures, thankfully.
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
Garak, it's bad enough they're attacking indiscriminately and now you're going to hunt one down because of pride? Are you sure Cardassians and Klingons are so different?
@torvan.garak
@julian.bashir
Garak?