Lt Alex Storm - It's not Hygienic
Karen Morris
(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
Alex watched as Meris prodded a chicken wing and sent it flitting across the bartop. The J’naii and their unpretentious ways made Alex grin. But she had to correct their nomenclature.
Storm: Chicken wings, Meris. They’re called chicken wings, and all you’ve eaten is the sauce. Here, usually they are eaten with both hands.
Meris watched as Alex Storm demonstrated the proper way to eat a chicken wing. Their eyes grew slightly wide, leaning forward and following the motion as Storm bit into the meat. When Storm’s eyes met theirs, the J’naii straightened, worried they had been caught watching a little too closely.
Meris: I see. You consume the meat...
Alex chewed and swallowed, then smacked her lips.
Storm: Oooo. That one was spicy.
Meris: ::repeating:: Spy-cee...
Alex gave her a nod to say, ‘exactly.’
Storm: The only problem with chicken wings, Meris, is that they are incredibly messy. ::Alex lowered her head and leaned in, speaking in a low tone as if giving away state secrets.:: Remember to never eat them on a first date.
Meris: ::nodding knowingly:: Indeed. I shall not.
The helmsperson finished their first chicken wing, chewing and swallowing as they weighed their feelings about it. Then, imitating Storm, they took a napkin to clean off their fingers rather than lick them clean this time.
Meris: This chicken’s wing is good, but not as flavorful as sauce fingers. I believe I will stick with those.
Alex watched as Meris picked up one of the plastic cups containing a golden yellow sauce. She expected the J’naii to pick up another chicken wing and dip it in. Instead, the Helmsperson stuck their finger into the sauce and then put it into their mouth.
Storm: Meris. You aren’t supposed to just dip your fingers into the sauce.
The J’naii officer looked puzzled, their finger covered in sauce.
Meris: Why not?
Alex tried to contain the chuckle. Despite four years at the Academy, they obviously had a lot to learn about humanoid customs.
Storm: Well. ::Alex paused thinking of the best way to explain herself.:: Well, you see if you put your finger into the container with the sauce, other people don’t want to dip their chicken wings in them because it’s not hygienic after you’ve put your finger into it.
Meris: Response.
Storm: Let me ask you this, Meris. Are you in Starfleet - not just to fly starships - but to integrate into the life of the ship?
Meris: Response.
Storm: While you should always be yourself, the more you understand how most humanoids think and see things, the easier it will be for you to become a part of the rest of the crew. But, if you decide that you still want to dip your fingers into the sauces … It would be most polite to ask for your own sauces.
Meris: Response.
~*~
Tags / TBC
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2