[Paradise-IV] SD 970321.01 -Tribble Stew and Tigger Too - Ens Max Cunningham, ENG; Gaia, Chef

[Paradise-IV Logs]

Max stepped into Gaia's lounge and took a long look around. It seemed to
be one of the more civilized places on the planet and with his replicator
privileges heavily  rationed a nice place to get a meal was welcomed. He
had spent most of the day working at the construction site and hot meal
had sounded good.

"Welcome to Bazinga's... mon" Bazinga's came out a bit nasally sounding
like BaaZeeenga's. A dark haired, dark skinned man said as he slid
forward to stand straight almost at attention as a welcoming, friendly
smile lit his face up like a bulb in the dark. "Mon, you here for da
Bazeeenga or for da food?"

Max gave the man a puzzled look, "I'm sorry?"

"Da Chef Gaia... she does a real good job at cookin' da food up right,
mon. Quartezz, he does a real good job at helping people loose da money.
So, which it be, Mon?"

Max smiled as he realized what the man meant. "I think I'll just stick
with a hot meal. What is the Chef's specialty?"

The man's eyes twinkled with mischief "Mon, I tink that I sit you and let
da Chef tell ya Mon. Follo' dis way." The dark man said as he led Max
past a grand elegant staircase that curved for what seemed ever upward to
a table next to a water fall feature that seemed to go up as high as the
stairs did but perhaps further. "Yes, I tink, dis a good place for you,
Mon." He then pulled the chair out for Max, gestured at it and moved to
fill a glass with ice and water with a twist of some sort of fruit. He
spoke is soft hushed tones with a dark blonde haired woman, walked back
placed the water in front of the pulled out chair. "Sit, Mon." Then he
headed back towards the door to great a couple who walked in. A big
flash of a grin on his face.

The dark blonde approached Max "Good day to you, Sir. My specialties
change from day to day." Gaia smiled at Max.

Max sat at the table and nodded his thanks to his 'waiter.' When Gaia
approached the blonde immediately caught his eye and as she approached
he took the opportunity to study her, from the ground up. He returned
her smile. "Well what is today's?"

"Today's specialty starts off with a nice leak soup, or a kale like
salad if you prefer. Followed by the main dish of Targ Ribs, covered
with a tasty sauce with a good kick to it with a side of a orange
tuber. Or perhaps a good heaping portion of Tribble stew, with a side
of sourdough bread would suit you better and then ending your meal
with a dessert of your choice."

Max instantly went from hungry to revolted at the sound of his meal
choices. Targ ribs? That would be too much like eating a dog! Tribble
stew? Well no complaining about hair in your soup he supposed. "Uh...
I don't suppose you have anything less... exotic? I'm afraid my pallet
is not that adventurous."

"Hmmm..." Gaia paused in thought a slender finger tap her lower lip.
"Less exotic..." She then glanced at Max from head to toe. "I would
guess that you would like a steak, baked potato, salad & bread. Desert
 optional." Gaia chuckled softly as she thought squeamish humanoids
"...or perhaps a sandwich? I can of course make just about anything you
 truly would like to order. But you specifically asked for what the
specials were and they are Targ ribs and Tribble stew, fur free of
course." A twinkle of humor hit her eyes. "So, what can I create for
you today?"

Max grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, I suppose I did ask for it, didn't I? A
steak would be fine, thanks. Medium rare please. But no thanks to
desert. A Starfleet Officer has to watch his figure, you know."

Gaia grinned "Coming right up. I hope you enjoy it!"

Max nodded and leaned back in his chair, "Thanks, what with the
replicator rationing going on back at the base, your place is a
lifesaver for anyone looking for a decent meal."

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Respectfully Submitted

Ensign Max Cunningham
Engineering Officer

Gaia
Chef

Paradise IV