A Quiet Dinner
Posted on Sat Mar 14, 2020 @ 5:50pm by Lieutenant Nicole Anderson & Commander Cullen Walker & Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Lieutenant Arashi Tanaka Mr. & Lieutenant AJ Taggart & Lieutenant JG Aergad Halvor & Lieutenant JG Camille Lévesque PhD & Lieutenant JG Ardal King & Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Summers
4,105 words; about a 21 minute read
Mission:
Nibiru
Location: Mess Hall
Zack and Bry were seated at a table in the ship's mess, enjoying the evening, some time together and a nice dinner. They each had a glass of wine, there were rolls on the table, and their dinner consisted of a salad, a main meal...steak for Zack...and pasta for Bry. Desert to follow.
“Vient-en, chère! exclaimed Camille as she pulled Nicole into the mess hall. “I’m staaarving!"
"Perhaps someone, who shall not be named, shouldn't have stayed in her lab so long I had to drag her out," Nicole teased, looking around "Shall we find a table?"
"Oh!” Camille looked and saw Zack and Bryanna, their rolls and wine out but food not yet served. They were at a table for four, though two seats were open. “Bonsoir! Would you two be up for some company?”
Zack looked at them, then looked at Bry, who just nodded.
"Please, join us." He stood up and pulled out the chairs for them, then sat down by Bry. He signaled a waiter who came over for their orders.
Nicole gave Camille a blank look, as she pushed in her girlfriend's chair for her, then took her own seat. "Thank you," she said politely, crossing her legs casually.
"I'll have an Altairian brandy, the rarest steak you can manage, a small rokeg pie and some roasted Rigellian vegetables would be lovely, thank you. Cami?"
Camille grinned at Nicole for pushing her chair in. “Same food, steak a little more medium, and a glass of Pinot Grigio, please.” She looked to Bry and Zack. "So how are you two doing this lovely evening?" She picked up a roll and bit into it.
Zack spoke up. "We we're looking forward to a quiet dinner before retiring. How are you two doing this evening?"
Bry picked up her drink and sipped it, while starring at Camille. Bry and Zack were sitting close to each other...their thighs were touching. Bry's right hand was caressing Zack's inner thigh.
Nicole's nostril's flared and she frowned a bit. "We're doing well, thank you, but if we're disturbing you, we apologize, we can go."
"No...stay. We never seem to socialize as much as we should." Bry responded. She smiled at Nicole.
"Well, truth be told you could say the same about us," Nicole said. "I confess that's probably my fault more. I'm not always the social type."
The bespectacled scientist lifted her roll in a toast towards Bry. “You, ma belle, have been doing great work since we launched. You have the stellar cartography lab in perfect order. Merci!” She turned to Zack. “Remember when we first met? And I couldn’t get the astrometric sensors working right? Your Mademoiselle made sure that problem can’t happen on this ship.”
Bry smiled. "I've done my best with the department. And it's no wonder that he fixed your problems....Zack has always been very good with his hands."
The chief scientist smiled and nodded. “An important trait for any operations officer.” She wasn’t going to pry into Bry’s implication, but was ready to give as good as she got if this escalated.
Zack looked at the others. "Bry's always been my biggest supporter."
"That's fortunate to have someone who supports you," Nicole said, her voice even. "Without Camille and my friends, I'm sure I'd still be back home staring up at the stars.”
Camille reached over and gently squeezed Nicole’s hand. “And we’re glad you’re out here with us.
The waiter brought their food. "Another round for everyone?"
Nicole tossed the last blue finger's-worth of her brandy back quickly and handed him the glass. "Please, and this time I'm going to need one with some alcohol in it."
The Francophone grinned. “Me, too, please.” She finished the last sip of her white wine and passed the empty glass to the waiter. “Ça sent bon! Bon appétit!”
Zack looked at the waiter. "Leave the bottle, and bring another one, please." Zack and Bry knocked back their drinks...then kissed.
Nicole quickly inserted a forkful of blood pie into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully, finally looking at Bryanna. "You must be eager to explore the mainland, yes? New constellations, a new system to explore, and all that?"
Camille grinned. "We'll be setting up telescopes in time for nightfall. There should be much for stellar cartography to examine."
Bry smiled at the both of them. "It will be exciting to finally do something constructive aboard ship. New galaxies, new worlds...the ideas just boggle the mind."
"En effet!" replied Camille. "You're on the right ship for it. I asked for the Delta Quadrant but still didn't know what to expect. I'm glad I got on the ship that I did!" She gave Nicole a wink and then cut into her own steak, done to a perfect medium-rare.
Zack sipped his drink. "Maybe after desert we can adjourn to our quarters for some more drinks."
Nicole's half smile stayed put and her face didn't move, but her nostrils flared and her eyes briefly turned red before resuming their icy blue. She looked at Camille, drink in hand and in a sultry voice leaned over and whispered, "Si vous me laissez le frapper, je vous laisserai utiliser les menottes ce soir." She smiled at her and sipped her drink.
Zack smiled and looked at Nicole. "Je ne savais pas que tu aimais frapper et bondage, ma chère."
Nicole's head whipped around and her cheeks lost their usual alabaster hue as she blushed a more human shade. Her eyes flashed again and she growled softly.
Camille blushed and leaned in close to Nicole. “Apparently he knows French, dear,” she said. Then she turned to Zack. “Thank you. We probably can’t stay long, but a drink sounds lovely.”
Nicole half-glared at Camille, then sat back in her chair and tossed the last of her drink back. "Nash-veh dang ma potau t'nash-veh ugaya," she grumbled half to herself.
"Excellent. Then let's finish up here, then head to our quarters." Zack mentioned. "And you can stay for as long as you wish."
Bry nodded, looking at Nicole and Camille. "I'm sure we'll find something to do to pass the time."
"We're just asking you over as a show of friendship. You think we plan to kidnap you and turn you into slaves?" Zack smiled at them.
"Well the night is young," Nicole said, dryly.
Zack raised his drink and nodded towards Nicole.
Camille grinned and raised her drink too. She didn’t know what kind of fun they had in mind, but she enjoyed card games and board games so it could be interesting.
Arashi had arrived after everyone had gotten to the mess. He had gotten some grilled salmon, rice, miso soup, and Tsukemono to eat and he sat down and grabbed himself a glass of water and sipped it. He had been pretty busy reading tactical manuals and making sure that his security teams knew the ship somewhat so if they had an emergency that they would be able to respond quickly and efficently. He had also taken some time off to use the Holodeck and practice his hand to hand combat skills, which were, admittedly, embarrassingly deficient. He was a bit tired but ready to eat. He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of his salmon, which had a delicious miso glaze on it.
He was sure that he needed to lessen his work load but he had no idea how. He could delegate some of the smaller duties to his subordinates but he wasn't sure that they would like it. He decided that he had to delegate or otherwise he was going to get overworked. "What should I do?" Arashi asked himself as he ate.
Walker was off to the side eating a steak, potatoes, corn on the cop, and cornbread. The steak was served between blue and rare. The potatoes were fully dressed with butter, sour cream, bacon, chives, and cheese.
Xander was glad that the mess hall was filling up. He looked around pleased that so many were enjoying their meal and enjoying his cooking. He made his way around first stopping at Walker's table which was off to the side. "Commander! How are you enjoying your food?"
Walker looked at him, "You cook an above average meal as always. This didn't come from the replicators. Is this something akin to beef? What is it marinated in?" If Xander knew Walker at all, he would know the unlike others, whatever the answer, it wouldn't stop him from finishing his plate.
"It is a beef like creature from Denera three. A delicacy and it is marinated in herbs and Terelian honey. I find that it gives it just the right amount of moisture."
Walker looked at him, "The human part of my family settled in Texas. Take it as a compliment, when I say this is good."
Chief Summers entered the area with a plate loaded with steak and 'fries'...the last few hours with ' Lt. Have-a-lot ' had been interesting, but now she was hungry and sat at an deserted table and began to eat, while slowly scanning the crowd.
King's lab was secured. He came in walking on all fours. His species was classified as Semi-bipedal. He walked in a manner that his claws on feet or hands didn't tear up the carpet. He looked like a bear evolved into a humanoid form, but still primal in nature. His padd was in a pocket on his thigh. He came in and ordered the fish and chips, triple portion.
Arashi had looked up from his dinner to see Summers come into the mess hall. He took his tray and went over to see Summers. "Do you mind if I sit with you? You seem a bit lonely." He said to Summers. He just hoped that he wasn't being too forward but he really enjoyed her company at the party.
Summers gulped the fires she had in her mouth quickly down.." Please do; nice to see you again.." She replied with a slight smile.
"So how are things holding up for you? Getting used to the ship?"Arashi asked as he sat down. He smiled back at Summers as he got comfortable in the chair.
Summers' slight smile became more of an open one. " Yes, " She replied. Summers then looked at her plate before continuing. " Arashi, I was wondering, if you'd be agreeable to it, on the Holo Deck there is an ' place ' that I visit when I wish solitude and peace. It's a cabin in the woods that I remember from my childhood. There are woods, a flowing brook, and just the sounds of nature....if you are agreeable, I would love..like to show it to you.."
"Of course. I would like that. In return I would like to show one of my favorite places to go on the holodeck." Arashi said "It is a Zen garden. A nice relaxing place as anywhere else." He smiled again and ate his meal, glad to know that she was opening up a bit to him.
Summers smiled back at Arashi. " That sounds like an **wonderful** idea, I'd love to see it!" She froze and gulped, then looked back at her plate.
"is there something wrong?" Arashi asked, noticing how she froze up. "If you are not feeling well I can escort you to sick bay." He was concerned but unaware that maybe it was something else that might have bee
Summers gulped. " Nooo., nothing is wrong..I just didn't want you to think that I was being to umm...' forward? ' This place does sound interesting... "
"I would think that I was being too forward with the way that I had kissed your hand at the party." Arashi said with a slight chuckle. "No, you are not being forward at all. I mean all you did was accept an invitation so you have nothing to worry about there." Arashi smiled at Summers before finishing his miso soup.
Summers dug back into her steak, smiling to herself.. "Nothing to worry about, ehh? " She thought.
Arashi sipped his soup as he contemplated some things. Maybe things would a lot smoother and less stressful if he took a trip to the Zen gardens. He needed it after all.
Summers finished her steak and fries, and slowly rose from the table. " Well, " She began, " Duty calls. Please let me know when you'd like to show me your ' Zen Garden, ' I am looking forward to it. " She smiled once more at Arashi and began to depart.
Arashi stood up and as Summers left. He had duties to attend to so he took his leave as well. He took his dishes and placed them where they could be picked up, then he left the mess hall.
T'Mira walked into the room. She looked around at how full it was. Spying a table in the corner where she could people watch she headed that way settling in and ordering a light Bajoran meal. Today she felt like eating light. She particularly wanted to save room for chocolate after.
King ate his fish and chips, dipping fish in different sauces. He found a spicy one. He shook his head and blew air out of his nose which was a mistake. He dipped the fish in that sauce again. "Wow."
"It's not like I don't appreciate the fresh air but the last thing I want is to go down planet side and get bitten by a giant water-lizard or whatever that was," Maggie said, leaning on Danny as they walked down the corridor.
"Relax," he said, kissing her head. "Anything that bites you, I promise I'll shoot it before it dies of pain and suffering."
"Thanks," Maggie said dryly.
Penny snickered and nudged Maggie. "We'll let him walk in front and shove if anything jumps out at us."
"Good idea," Maggie said, giving Danny a look.
As they rounded a corner, Penny veered to avoid bumping into another crewman. "Hey, AJ," she said, brightly. "We were heading to get some dinner. Join us?"
AJ smiled slightly at Penny. It wasn't often he received an invitation and he wasn't inclined to pass this one up. "I wouldn't mind at all, ma'am." he said, removing his ballcap to reveal his slightly messy hair.
The quartet turned again and entered the mess hall. Penny swept the room, paused at a few interesting combinations, then pulled them over to a side table by the windows. "Here we go, cozy and comfy."
Danny pulled out a chair for Maggie and she sat down gracefully while he dropped into another chair, Penny doing the same on her side.
AJ took a seat at the table and felt the burden of fatigue lift from as he relaxed his legs. Removing his jacket to reveal the black turtleneck underneath, he placed it on the back of his chair. Now, his most stressful decision would be to find what he wanted to eat. Thinking of home, he was craving everything he could get his hands on- a crab roll with french fries and some Apple Cider.
King got up and walked towards the replicators to get a big glass of milk. He was on all fours, his species was semibipedal. He could walk on two legs, but his species saw that as aggressive. "Milk. Milk." He bumped into Maggie and Penny. "I'm sorry ladies. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"That's okay," Penny said, smiling at him, then looking at his table. "Are you eating alone? You're welcome to join us, we're kinda gathering as we go."
King looked at her, "I normally eat alone. A few people on board have arkoudaphobia. I resemble the nature of that fear being genetically similar to the Earth creature." His voice was growly, deep and somewhat muttered as he used human English.
The others eyed each other, and Penny tilted her head. "So you wish to eat alone?"
King looked at her, "I didn't say that, just most are afraid of my appearance and species physical characteristics."
Penny nudged a chair out with her foot. "So?"
King held up a clawed finger. He got him milk and grabbed his meal. He ordered some more fish. He brought it over to the chair Penny pushed out. He looked at the assembled group. "Ardal King. I was named after a human my father knew. I work in Physical Sciences." He didn't bring up rank or his PHDs.
"Penelope Naroot. I was named after an Earth person as well," Penny said.
"I'm Daniel Faraday," Danny said, raising a hand from around his girlfriend's shoulder.
"And I'm Maggie Cromwell," Maggie said, nodding at him.
AJ raised his hand slightly. "AJ Taggart, I run the Strategic Response Unit." he said, looking over to Ardal and giving him a simple, respectful nod.
King looked at Taggart, "I was attached to SRU during the Dominion War. You probably already knew that though."
"I did." AJ responded. "Although the SRU was much different than it is now. We like to think we have a bit more finesse nowadays." he said, a hint of humor in his voice.
Eric sipped at his drink as he looked around the mess with a small smile. The last few nights had seen an increase in the amount of sleep he was getting and if was to be honest with himself; Eric felt that this ship was starting to feel like a home. He saw a few familiar faces chatting with their friends and colleagues. He had always enjoyed people watching and was content with just watching and enjoying his coffee.
Penny noticed Eric sitting on the sidelines and smiled at him as his gaze swept over her. She gave a subtle wave and indicated the last of the empty space around their table, nodding an invitation to join.
"One sec." Eric thought as he gathered up his tray and moved over to where Penny was sitting with other people. "Hey there.' Eric said to her as sat down at the table.
"Hi," Penny said, brightly, scooting over to make room. "We're getting near party levels here."
She looked around the room, noticing two of her friends leaving...with two others.
"Someone's in trouble," Maggie said, following her gaze.
Penny nodded and sighed. "You should warn Sickbay."
Walker finished his meal and stood up. He walked over to a staged area and prepared to do something he did every year on this holiday. He was a sucker for tradition. "Computer, play Walker Karaoke Smile 1." The music began to play. He sang a song he sang every Valentine's Day, Bad English's "When I see you Smile." He was about an octave lower than the music, and his voice had a little bit of a country twang to it, but he carried the tune. Behind him, holo-pictures appeared on the wall of him and his ex-wife and of his kids growing up. He spent most of his Starfleet career in the field and missed a lot. The song ended, tradition fulfilled. He had eaten his steak and he sang the song. He left the mess hall.
Penny's eyebrows were up as high as they could go. "Well....that was...something."
King leaned over, "Miss Naroot, the Commander is half human. Is it a human Tradition to sing about your mate and children on this day?" He looked at everyone at the table, because they were human and this was their holiday.
"Not in Hawaii," Penny said. "My parents have a nice dinner out usually."
"Not something my family's ever done," Maggie said.
"My dad usually just brings my mom flowers," Daniel said, then grinned at Maggie. "But if you'd prefer I sing for you..."
"The way you butcher a note? No thank you," Maggie said, leaning up and kissing his jaw before leaning back against him.
King looked at them, "There are lots of Earth cultures correct? Do any of your families wear the Hammer necklace like the Commander?"
"Hmm?" Eric said aloud looking up from his mug; "Oh, no, a few of my family wear crosses; I have a small silver one I keep in my room." Eric answered, remembering when his mom had given it to him before he left for his first assignment a few years ago.
"Earth's pretty diverse in terms of religion," Penny said. "My parents practice Hinduism, but they aren't terribly strict about it."
"I'm not terribly religious," Daniel said. "Neither were my parents. Maggie's more the devout one between us."
King looked at Maggie, "The groups that wear the cross are Catholica, Protesta, Coptic, and Culdee." He was thinking. He took a course on Terran Religion. "The God El, lined up the creation of a man called Ibrahim. From Ibrahim's line, a man named Jeshua was born to Josef and Mary. He was made to help save people made br El from their sins. The Council of Nicea declared him Divine Progeny, which is what Catholica and Protesta believe, but not Coptic and Culdee. A King named King James changed Jeshua's name to the Greek variant Jesus. The Hammer represents a different faith. One where they worship different Gods? Am I understanding correctly?"
Maggie blinked and her jaw fell open a bit. "I um...yes? A lot of that isn't really taught in the mainstream, but I think I remember some of it from Sunday School. Christianity is somewhat....'streamlined' I guess you could say, when it comes to everyday faith. What about your species? What's their religion?"
King looked at her, "The Great Boar and The Great Sow. Different Tribes all them different things. Some Tribes view them as an example of how relationships are supposed to be. Other than that, we are small families. The entire tribe only gets together twice a year. Once to Feast and Show off Cubs. Then after the great sleep to show off the new Cubs. At that time, since we are matriarchal, the sows make arrangements for their cubs."
"'Showing off the cubs' sounds like what we do," Maggie said. "In my family we call it 'the pass the baby game'. Everyone gets to hold the baby and it goes from person to person to person. My cousin's daughter was in transit for about two hours before my cousin got her back." She chuckled gently.
Penny smiled. "Must have been an adorable baby."
Maggie smiled and nodded. "A common thing among my family."
"Thankfully they tend to stay that way," Daniel said, giving Maggie a kiss on her cheek, making her blush.
King got out his padd and passed it around, "My nieces and nephews, I think that is the human equivalent. Cubs of younger siblings. Yes, that is the word. These Cubs are from my younger sister." It looked like they were beating the shit out of each other, but they were laughing. "They are preparing for the ritual hunt."
"Awwwww!" Maggie cooed, looking at the picture. "They look like--" she paused and blushed, realizing she was about to say something that was probably an extreme faux pas. "--the cutest little sweeties ever!"
AJ took the PADD in hand. "You know, these cubs are actually kind of cute. The fact they can turn into little death machines aside." he said morbidly, a sardonic smile on his face as he handed the PADD back to Ardal.
He took the padd and offered it to others. "Death Machines? Technically, as a species, we were conquered by the Klingons. We are one of the only Conquered Races they respect. They say if we had any interest in creating an Empire, we would be dangerous. Is that what you mean?"
"That's exactly what he meant," Daniel said, raising his glass.
Xander stood off to the side wiping down the bar area. The mess had been full since the day he'd opened and he'd seen the joy that his food had brought. He was truly happy. He'd loved being diplomat and though he was forced to take the post again in order to keep this one he was glad of it. For the first time in a long time he was happy. A little confused about certain things, but happy. "Alright folks!" he called. "Almost closing time. I do have seconds of cake if anyone wants."
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