Food for Thought - Part I

Posted on Tuesday, 21 March 2023 - 7:27pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Mess Hall | USS Standing Bear
Timeline: Current

ON:

Eating in the mess hall had not exactly been Lieutenant Kingsley's first choice. Yet she realized she had recently started this odd dual existence where she was by and large either on duty or in her quarters. And so, when T'Lanna had encouraged her to join her for dinner tonight, she had said yes. In no small part because by encourage, what she meant was that T'Lanna was never taking 'no' for an answer. Now she sat with a drink and absorbed in a research paper while she waited for Vali to join her.

T’Lanna walked into the mess hall glad it was the end of the day, she had a headache from dealing with Soral. He knew exactly how to be infuriating. Young baby Jayce was wriggling around in his pram after already having been fed. “Hi Alex, sorry I’m a little late, a certain young man here decided he wanted his dinner first!” She offered a smile.

Setting aside her journal, Alex waved away the apology. “That’s okay,” she assured her as she helped Jayce in his squirming bid for freedom, “who can refuse this little heartbreaker? I had some things to catch up anyway. I’m thinking of a research study to help keep me busy. But I need to narrow down options.”

“Sounds interesting” T’Lanna smiled. “What ideas do you have so far?”

“Not too many,” she admitted. “Being on a starship limits options for various reasons, especially safety. So perhaps another joint project. It would limit my contribution to the theory and simulations but it would still keep me busy.”

“I guess the question is, why are you trying to keep yourself so busy?” She gave Alex a knowing look. “I went to see Soral, he missed his third appointment in a row.”

“His stubbornness in any reality is extraordinary,” Alex noted as she made faces at Jayce, eliciting giggles. “As for busy, it stops me from drowning in thoughts about what was, what is and what could be. Or could not. Soral has a more black and white view. That we should look at the future but it isn’t that simple. Shall we skip straight to ice cream?”

“Sure!” T’Lanna nodded. “I could go for a knickerbocker Glory right now, complete with cream and sprinkles! My head hurts just thinking about my next appointment with Soral.”

“In that case, you have some Jayce cuddles and I will fetch deserts,” Alex grinned, rising from her seat.

T’Lanna nodded as she took her son back, giving him big hugs and kisses. Jayce was her world, as was Jarin, she’d be lost without both of them. She was pretending to eat Jayce’s Tiny fingers when Alex came back, his little laugh was contagious.

Alex set down the deserts as a familiar face approached the table. “I hope I’m not overstepping,” Petty Officer Ilian began, “but if you’d like, I’d be happy to keep Jayce entertained for a bit to let you eat? I haven’t seen him for a few days with my new duty shift.”

T’Lanna smiled and nodded. “That would be wonderful, thank you Ilian.” T’Lanna gently passed over her son, who was already grinning at Ilian.

With a little wave, Sianna retreated to the viewport so she could show Jayce the sights while she told him old stories her people often told, wild flights of fancy to enchant and entertain any mind. Sliding into her seat, Alex watched the pair, “kind of easy to forget she had so many lifetimes in that body of hers.”

“That’s true” T’Lanna nodded as she took her dessert from Alex. “Thank you, this looks absolutely Devine!”

It had been an interesting day for Belladonna. She had been through orientation in all departments but had yet to meet the XO. They had agreed to meet for dinner with him and was looking forward to getting to know, not only a prominent figure in Vulcan society but someone who lived in three worlds. She had selected her outfit carefully.

Bella slowly turned in the mirror, her hair was freshly washed and hung down. She hadn’t bothered to straighten it, her Romulan side ensured the curliness to it. It was raven black and had tight curls much like the famed hair of Diana Troy. Perhaps it was her Betazoid grandmother on her father’s said. She opted for a one-piece full body suite that looked like it was made for her. She put on her IDIC necklace and a subtle red gloss on her lips. Vulcans didn’t wear makeup but her Romulan side demanded she always present her best face.

Satisfied she grabbed the leather jacket, ever cold on human ships, and headed for the mess hall. She knew she’d be early but then again she knew so would Soral so she wanted to be the first one there. It didn’t take her long to locate the mess hall and she entered it. She was grateful that it was full and her eyes spotted a familiar face. She had been slightly unprepared for the meeting this morning so when her ice blue eyes found Kingsley seated with another woman she headed there to bury the hatchet…of sorts. She’d studied Kingsley and knew much about her.

“Excuse me,” she said walking up to the table. “Apologies for the interruption may I have a moment of your time.” It was more so a statement then question. Belladonna was if anything sure and confident with no room for indecisiveness that wasn't strategic.

With a loaded spoon poised had way to her lips, Alex glanced up at the newcomer. After a brief moment she nodded, “you already have it. Have you meet Lieutenant Vali?” Alex enquired, gesturing towards her friend.

Bella inclined her head. "Lieutenant. I believe we are scheduled to meet tomorrow." She turned her attention back. "I have done further research into Human customs and I believe my attitude earlier would have been considered rude. I meant no offense."

“No offence was taken,” Alex assured her. “Would you like to join us?”

"I do appreciate the offer. I do however have plans for dinner. I think on it is called a dinner date? I could be mistaken." She looked around. "I um...could use advise though."

“Oh?”

She pointed to the vats of hot drink. "The tea in those vats is it fresh brewed or replicated and just placed out?"

“It depends on how much of the day’s tea has been used up” T’Lanna smiled. “You might just be lucky enough to have arrived in time to get the fresh batch.”

She gave a nod. "Thank you. I apologize for Intruding. Lieutenant Vali it was agreeable to meet you. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow."

“It was nice meeting you too” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Have a good evening,” Alex offered, but the woman was already walking away. “Have you met any of the interns yet? They are an … eclectic group.”


TO BE CONTINUED....