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Officers Mess - Dinner with the Captain

Posted May 18, 2020, 4:34 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) (D Grisham)

Zef entered the officers mess promptly at 1900 hours and looked around for the Captain. As her eyes surveyed the people there, she noted a mixture of uniforms and civilian clothing. The uniforms made her second guess her decision to wear a dress. It was very simple, long sleeved and maxi length in a rust color. Nothing about it said ‘come hither’, but still…

She’d taken time with her appearance knowing she would have Cochrane’s undivided attention, and truth be told, Zef wanted him to notice that she was a woman and not just the counselor—but in a very subtle way. The stark, white hair that she usually wore up, was now down and brushed into a soft, cloud that hung halfway down her back. She’d also applied a transparent blush and lipstick in an apricot shade that gave her a natural hint of color. She’d bypassed Bajeen traditional jewelry which consisted of thin, gold, winding ornamentation on wrists, ankles and throat, in order to keep it simple and not look like she was trying to impress him.

Zef pulled in a deep breath and focused once again on the patrons. Where was Alexander Cochrane?

—Rollo, CNS

A larger Bajoran man came out of the kitchen and approached. “Ms. Rollo? I’m Chef Harv. The Captain sends his apologies, but he’s running a few minutes behind, but he will be here shortly. Please, follow me. I have set a table aside at his request.” and he turned and led her through the main dining area and around a gentle bend in the interior bulkhead.

Surprised, she followed the man, not sure if she was glad she was the first one there or not.

A small table for two had been set up near a window. Harv walked behind one of the chairs and pulled it out for her. As she sat and he pushed it in slightly, he moved to the side and poured two glasses of water. “I have some ideas for your dinner, but if there is something you would particularly like, just let me know. And if you have any dietary restrictions, well… now’s the time.” and he smiled and chuckled softly.

Harv, Chef

Zef thanked Chef Harv as he seated her. The specially set table and the privacy it afforded were a bonus she hadn’t counted on. “I’m sure your selections will be delicious and I look forward to being pleasantly surprised. As far as dietary restrictions, I have none.” Which was an understatement.

—Rollo, CNS

Harv nodded and gave her a small incline of his head as he turned and left for the kitchen. As he did, Cochrane appeared from around the bend. He gave Harv a silent ‘Thank you’ and patted the man on the shoulder in a familiar and friendly way as they passed.

“I’m so sorry for being late. I had something to attend to and didn’t want to show up without freshening up a bit.”

He had changed from his uniform to khaki colored slacks, a pale blue shirt with a muted white check pattern, and a navy blazer. His hair was combed as normal, but his skin had the glow of freshly washed. As he leaned in to take his seat, the faint hints of the smell of leather and wood was barely noticable.

“Had you met Harv before? A most amazing chef, and a good man.”

Cochrane, CO

He looked great. Zef smiled with pleasure at the thought of spending the next hour or two with him. “Well, I’m glad you took the time because you look very handsome.” And he smelled wonderful. She caught a whiff of cologne or soap as he bent low over the table and sat. “I haven’t actually eaten in here before, so I hadn’t met Chef Harv until just a few minutes ago. He seems very personable though.”

“Well, thank you. I clean up okay from time to time, I guess. But I must say, you look amazing. I’d suggest modified uniform standards going forward, but I imagine you would distract more than a few of the crew.” and he smiled at her.

Her feelings of delight at hearing his compliment were stronger than she’d anticipated they might be, but she did a good job of hiding them. Her cheek did dimple with a smile though.

Zef reached for her water glass and took a sip. “I’m glad you agreed to dinner, Captain. I thought it would be good if we had an opportunity to address the awkwardness of our meeting in my office and to have a chance to get to know each other in a neutral setting.”

—Zef

“Agreed. And, if I may, I want to apologize if anything I said sounded… dismissive. I do value your insight and opinion.”

Cochrane, CO

“Why don’t we get a drink before addressing the heavy stuff?” As if he’d heard her comment, Chef Harv approached with a bottle of pale, yellow liquid. “A little something to prepare your pallets?” He held the bottle in a way as to display the sticker.

“Pelpenian wine.” Zef read. “I’ve never heard of it. Is it fermented?” She looked from Harv to the Captain and back again. Chef Harv was smiling. “I’ll take it that’s a yes. I’d love some actually.”

The Bajoran filled two crystal flutes half way and made his exit. The counselor lifted hers and waited to clink with the Captain. “To no more misunderstandings…”

It was splendid and had hints of lemon and mango except she knew the fruits were not those from Earth. “This is excellent!”

—Zef


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