Ensign Zenno - In the Soup

[Cobalt Penumbra]

((Chief Medical Officer's Office, Deck 3 -- U.S.S Arrow))

R'Ariel:  Welcome to the USS Arrow, I think you will find this is a great assignment following the Academy.

Zenno: Yes, Commander. Everything has gone very well so far. You should have all my medical records too.

R'Ariel: It would seem so.  Settling in well?

Zenno: I have no concerns, thank you for asking. I have programmed the replicator for appropriate meals. I am aware that our favorites are considered ghastly by most of the other species on board. I plan on dining alone in my quarters whenever possible. I never wish to be one to cause offense or distress.

The Bolian saw a change in the doctor’s face, as near as he could determine. But it was gone before he could register the expression completely. 

R'Ariel: Sometimes, a dinner alone is healthy.  What curious timing though.

Zenno: I am very fond of my culture’s traditional dishes. Quite delightful. But that style of preparation is not… favored by many other species. I was often asked to dine separately in the Academy for this reason. I had planned on continuing this practice, but perhaps I should reconsider. 

The little hybrid jumped up on the desk, and faced him, the height disadvantage ever-so-slightly reduced. oO This one is quick on the jump! Would be handy in a scrap. Oo

R'Ariel: You see, I was just thinking about getting a dinner bite, but everyone I know is busy at the next dinner bells.  Would it be too much to ask if you would mind having dinner?

Zenno: ::Confused, unsure:: With… you? Like a social… thing? oO Do they like to tease the new Ensigns? Is that what is happening? Because talking with someone over some food sounds delightful! Oo

R'Ariel: Nothing so formal, just a time to eat, in the mess.

Zenno: I am off duty at 1830 hours. If that time is open for you, I would enjoy it. oO Plus it’s always helpful to get on the good side with the Medical staff. Oo

R'Ariel: I do have a counseling session I need to rush off to, just so long as we get all the required medical checks crossed off the list, but that can be done by anyone.

Zenno: Of course. Thank you for the warm welcome and the invitation. It was… unexpected. I shall see you there.

The Bolian made his goodbye and turned to exit to go to…

((Security Suite, Deck 3 -- U.S.S Arrow))

Zenno sat at the computer terminal, attempting to analyze the security logs. But it was a wasted effort. He kept replying that conversation with the Doctor in his head. He had expected a businesslike transaction and perhaps a scan with a medical Tricorder. The dinner invitation, and the hopping on the table, had taken him by surprise. 

As with most cadets back in the Academy, he and his friends had theorized about where they would end up… on some capital vessel doing “important Federation business” or assigned to some exotic Starbase at the cross-roads of the Galaxy. He had requested such on his dream sheet, but he was assigned to this smaller vessel on, well, the fringes of the Federation. Perhaps things were more informal here. Adjustments should be made. 

Of course, he was unfamiliar with Catians. He had had a Deltan classmate in school so he was used to their particular sensibilities. But a Caitian and Deltan hybrid was most unusual. He would have to read up. But just being able to talk to someone about… well, anything should be a wonderful time. And speaking of the time, he had to go to…

((Crew Mess, Deck 2 -- U.S.S Arrow))

Zenno entered and did not see the Doctor. What he did see was several open tables and no line at the replicators. Making his way there, he considered what would be the correct thing to do. He had never been invited to dine with a Senior Officer. Never at the Academy and the thought of Lt Nardello having a meal with any trainee would have been laughable. “Safe choices are best. Order a beverage and await the Doctor. Then vegetables, the simplest choice would be best,” he thought.

Zenno: Computer, an Altair water with lemon. oO This crew seems on the verge of obsessive behavior regarding lemons. Need to know what I’m in for. Oo

He picked up his drink and waited at an empty table. He had barely put down his drink when the Doctor arrived. Already standing, he bowed in his way. 

Zenno: Greetings, Doctor. I only just arrived myself. I’m so glad to have this opportunity. 

R'Ariel: Response?

Zenno: Yes, of course. After you.

They made their way to the food slots. Zenno was sure it was proper etiquette to let the Doctor order first. 

Zenno: Please, Commander. Go ahead.

R'Ariel: Response?

Zenno looked at the panel and ordered Arvadathi with some crackers. Of course, the humans called it “Bolian Tomato Soup” but Earth tomatoes were very flat in taste compared to the pungent and tangy Arvaditum fruits from home. “No comparison, really,” he thought. Picking up his plate, he moved back to the table with the Doctor. 

Zenno: It was most gracious of you to invite me. It’s an adjustment, coming to a new command, a new ship. I feel like I have much to learn. May I ask if you have any advice for getting off to a good start on the Arrow?

R'Ariel: Response?

TAG/TBC

Ensign Zenno

Security Officer

USS Arrow

A240006Z13