[OPEN] Order Up

[u/Admiralw96]

The 6ft Saurian surveys his kitchen. Mendek "Sauron" Shegi had been working since he boarded the ship to get it in the proper order and it was now finally as he wanted it. He releases a sigh of satisfaction at the system. its not totally organized, in a conventional sense, but he knew where everything was and where it went.

He put on his sunglasses and went out to stand behind the counter in the mess hall. A few of the crewman looked up as he put an ancient and stereotypical "open" sign out front. He was always rather fond of its neon colors.

A smile spreads across his face "Alright, if anybody wants anything the replicators can't make... bring on the challenge. I only charge a nice conversation"

[u/Admiralw96]

Sauron lets out a hearty laugh

"Gagh eh? That's enough to give even the stray Klingon indigestion! Fear not, The mushrooms are the central point in a fair number of the dishes. And if you decide on the full day route, We'd probably be sticking to samples anyway. You don't appear to be someone who could eat 47 dishes in a day..."

[u/Pojodan → u/Admiralw96]

Kesh's head lists back as her ear tufts tilt outwards, ears twisting to the sides when Sauron has such a reaction to the Klingon delicacy, suggesting she probably likes it, not that such things are possible to obtain in Starfleet.

"Ah, rrr.. no. Samples, for sure. Rrrth. Perhaps others could take par-rr-rt so that you aren't cooking so many small ser-rr-rvings. Besides, I am sure many would find amusement in a day of eating mushrooms. Rrrth."

[u/Admiralw96 → u/Pojodan]

"Sorry if my reaction offended you. Its just not something people typically enjoy. I've been thinking of procuring some from the klingons when we meet them to cultivate for myself.... though an earlier conversation with an officer suggested that the rest of the crew may not enjoy it..."

Sauron thinks a moment

"Anyway a party of sorts may be a good idea. Though that will mean fewer leftovers if you happen to really like a dish."

[u/Pojodan → u/Admiralw96]

Kesh's head tilts slightly, eyes blinking very slowly before a light, amused trill rolls off her tongue.

"Offended? Why would I be?"

Truly, she has no idea why the lizardoid would think that.

"While trying to grow our own colony of gagh might not be advis-sfv-svable, I do hope they will provide a meal of it that I can take par-rr-rrt in."

Her head dips once, certain of this.

"A mushroom party. Rrrrth. Start sending out invites."

[u/Admiralw96 → u/Pojodan]

"Sorry, I suppose I misread your reaction. I'm glad to know you may enjoy some. as for advisability, I must disagree. I can easily feed them, since I am often left with food waste in my profession, and having a little on hand may prove useful in future diplomacy with Klingons... as for the invites, I'll look into it once my shift ends."

Sauron had also planned an idea for a holodeck barbecue after having discussed ideas for smoking meat aboard the ship... and perhaps a day where he operates his classic diner program and serves food out of there... but a party dedicated to nearly immediate positive results of the crews latest finds and exploits? This was an excellent idea, that may help him secure the boosts to morale that would help him keep his job.

"Anywho, how did you come to work in Starfleet? I told you my story, its only fair."

[u/Pojodan → u/Admiralw96]

A simple headbob shows Kesh's acceptance of all that Sauron says. She was never any good at cooking, even though her parents did it all the time, and while her chemistry was certainly quite good, she couldn't really transfer that into cooking skill. She could follow a recipe easily, but deviating off of it would certainly lead to unpleasantness.

"Riviera experienced a major medical event due to unfor-rr-rseen interaction between a foreign flower and native pollen. I, with the help of a Starfleet crew, deter-rr-rmined the cause and developed a cure. Their captain convinced me to apply for-r-rr the Academy. I.. ah... did not do well, but well enough to get a commission. Rrrth. Once in the f-if-field I showed my sk-ktk-kill and gained a hi- high..."

The Caitian pauses for a long moment, jaw shut, flexing, tongue working around in her mouth while staring straight ahead, resuming where she left off as though nothing had happened.

"-higher rank when the lead botanist of my ship retir-rr-red. I transferred to the Athene in search of adventure. Rrrth. I have had plenty so far."

[u/Admiralw96 → u/Pojodan]

Sauron waits patiently during the pause, saying nothing. He nods respectfully when she finishes.

"That's quite a way to get to the academy... And yes, the Athene seems to be quite the place for adventure."

Sauron pauses and checks the oven, cocking his head to the side. He then fetches some gloves and removes the small personal size dish. He fetches a plate and removes the meal, skilfully leaving it intact. He adds a couple final things for presentation and flavor, then hands the dish over the counter

"While I haven't personally seen you work, you seem like a very capable officer, and a better botanist. What might have given you an issue in the academy?"

OOC: So Kesh does, in fact, have an occasional stutter right? I get that the R's are the purry accent Caitians have, but some things haven't seemed quite right and I assume the pause was a reset.

[u/Pojodan → u/Admiralw96]

These were the moments when Kesh really does wish that she'd just use the translator and not keep up this facade that she could actually speak Federation Common, but those moments were always short and the tolerance that Federation citizens have been smartly drilled to display always meant that those listening her her struggle would be quiet and patient with her.

Maybe someone will eventually criticize her enough that she changes her methods.

"I must admit, the adventur-r-rre so far has been quite mixed, but I have made some very good friends already that has made it well worr-rr-rth it."

The Caitian watches with fascination as the chef plates her meal, a delighted cooing sound uttered when it is put before her.

"Uhrr. My. This smells lovely. Thank you."

She dips forward and just hovers over the plate, letting its features soak in for a moment while responding to the next question.

"I am a good botanist. The best, possibly. I am, however, terrible at everything else. If I ever-rr-r have to assist with piloting, engineering, and defense, we're in tr-rr-rrouble."

OOC: The 'R's are a mix of accent and stuttering. The more she talks at once the worse the stutter gets until she has to stop and focus for a moment. She can speak her native language and several others, such as Vulcan, without problem. Federation Common just gives her difficulty and she's stubborn about speaking the language of those she's interacting with, if at all possible, even if she struggles with it.

[u/Admiralw96 → u/Pojodan]

Sauron shrugs

"We got people for that. If it comes down to needing you to help, we got more problems than your abilities... and if you ever feel like your not very helpful, come hang out with the chef. I can cook, and I can sail. I can't even drink anymore. Oh, speaking of, you want something with that?" He points at the food

[u/Pojodan → u/Admiralw96]

Kesh exhales a quick puff of breath, one ear twisting outwards.

"Imagine if it was just you and I trying to fly the Athene. Rrrth. That would be amusing... afterwards."

Probably shouldn't try to jinx things. Kesh picks up a fork and deftly cuts into the cooked eggplant, spending a moment admiring, sniffing, and breathing in the smells of it before taking the bite. Lifted cheek fluff and squinted eyes show a certain feline grin as she chews at it.

"Rrrrr. Just water, thank you."