Around the dinner table the conversation is lively
Posted on Tue Aug 27th, 2024 @ 1:47pm by Lieutenant Commander Alex Flynn & Doctor Intharia T'Zor & Lieutenant Atna
Edited on on Wed Aug 28th, 2024 @ 3:49am
1,116 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
DownTime [1]
Location: Intharia's quarters
Timeline: 1815 Hours - MD01
Intharia had lost track of how long she'd been reading about her new reality's history. She found it remarkable that humans were the only species in common with where she came from. And no citadel, no eezo. They all had to learn FTL themselves, no wonder it was so slow. But there were positives, too. No reapers. No geth. No cataclysmic galactic wars of extermination.
Alex and Atna arrived outside Dr T'Zor's quarters shortly after the conclusion of alpha shift. Both were done for the day, and they intended to give her an opportunity to socialise with them, if she so chose. Alex hit the chime, and prepared herself for being chatty. It wasn't her natural state, but as one of the tasks she was required to perform as XO, she had at least figured out how to do it convincingly.
Thari went to the door herself, not yet knowing she could command it to open. She smiled widely when she saw the two women. "Commander, Lieutenant. It's a joy to see you both. Please come in." She stepped out of the way and gestured towards them.
Atna let Alex go first, and followed her in. She knew she was here in her capacity as second officer rather than as any sort of socialite.
Alex stepped inside, stopping in the middle of the living area with an expression that was positive and friendly without being smarmy. "How are you settling in?" She asked Thari, taking in the sights of the place subtly. Nothing seemed out of order, but their blue guest had only been here less than a day.
"Everything is so comfortable and easy to use. I feel spoiled. I've been going through your history, it's remarkable. It's so odd to me that humans are the only thing that your universe has in common with my own." Thari said, trying not to gush.
"We're a tenacious lot, if nothing else." Alex said with a half-hearted laugh. "We were wondering Doctor, do you play cards?"
"From time to time, it's been a while though. Why do you ask?" Thari asked, trying to remember just when the last time would have been.
"We're putting together a poker match tonight, at Freddie's. 2000 hours. A little meet and greet to give you a chance to get to know some of the staff, and for them to get to know each other. Can we count you in?" Alex asked.
"Of course. I'll have to brush up." Thari said with a demure smile. She couldn't let them know how good she was at it, that was part of the game. She did wonder what they would play for in this moneyless society.
"Fantastic." Alex said, looking then to Atna to let her know it was her turn.
"I also have a second proposition for you, Doctor. Given your advanced scientific experience, I would like to extend you the offer to join DS13's science department as a civilian consultant. I can only imagine we have an vast amount to teach each other." Atna offered.
"Join you?" Thari asked, genuinely surprised by the offer. "Of course, assuming that would be acceptable. Again, I may need some time to brush up, given there seem to be elementary differences between our realities. But I would be honored to accept. Is anything required of me?"
"I will arrange for the necessary paperwork to be provided to you. The necessary approvals have already been given by the Commander." Atna explained.
"We'll be lucky to have you, Doctor. You're the most experienced scientist aboard, even if your science isn't exactly the same as ours." Alex said encouragingly.
"What is the time anyway?" Thari asked, looking to the digital clock on her wall above the door. "Goodness, the afternoon has gotten away from me. Would you care to join me for dinner? I've been hoping to get the opinion of someone experienced about what is best to select from your food replicator." She was hopeful, but prepared for rejection.
Atna did not respond, leaving it to Flynn to decide.
"Sure." Alex said, shrugging her shoulders. "Can't let the new girl eat dinner by herself. We'll get a reputation. What sort of thing do you like?" Alex asked, not stopping to consider that culinary traditions may vary widely between the universes.
"Of earth cuisine I am quite partial to the foods of your asian continent. Japanese and Vietnamese in particular." Thari told Alex.
"Nothing comes to mind that I'd recommend for those two, but if you like Thai there's a fantastic green curry." Alex suggested, catching herself before she revealed it was her hangover meal of choice.
"Thank you, Commander. Please, both of you, have a seat. It would be my pleasure to serve you, for what little work it is." Thari said. "What can I get for you both?"
"Plomeek soup. Hot." Atna said without affect, moving to a seat at the modest round dining table.
"I'll take a green curry too, with chicken. Laotian style, hot spice. And a pint of G-1 stout." Alex said, following Atna to the table, sitting opposite her.
Thari brought their meals over one by one, setting Alex's drink next to hers, and finally bringing them cutlery. She also replicated herself a stout, being unfamiliar with the beverage.
"Are there any traditions we should observe before we eat?" Thari asked, knowing some humans to observe a prayer before a meal.
"None for me, except to cheers." Alex said, raising her glass. "To new friends." She said with a smile.
For lack of anything else to participate with, Atna raised her bowl with both hands.
Thari brought her drink and did as the others did, knocking them together lightly. She struggled to hide her distaste for the liquid, and set it down.
"It's not for everyone." Alex said with a laugh, taking a spoonful of her curry, having already enjoyed a large mouthful of the drink.
"Will the replicator.. take it back?" Thari asked.
"Oh yeah. After a few seconds it'll revert anything left in the tray back to mass." Alex explained.
She stood up and moved to the alcove, exchanging the thick dark alcoholic beverage for a glass of white wine.
"Lieutenant Atna, would it be indecorous of me to ask some questions about your people? The information on file is surprisingly limited given you were a founding Federation member." Thari asked the Vulcan.
"My people have historically been rather private when it comes to sharing information with outsiders, but I shall answer any general or specific questions you may have about us." Atna said, considering the answer for a moment. For anyone from this universe, she would likely decline.
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