Ensign Valek - Who Likes Food?

[Richard Bailey]

((Turbolift, USS Gorkon))

Valek turned toward Reynolds as she gave more details about the available tea the ship had to offer. Even though Valek considered himself more of an outsider than most Vulcans, his parents did try to keep some traditions in place at their different command postings. One was ritual tea time with the family, not unlike the V'Shal, or Dinner ceremony. Valek greatly enjoyed Vulcan tea as well as many from other cultures.

Reynolds: We grow the grasses used in zhar-kur tei ¹ aboard ship. Commander Alieth was our science chief for a while, and her father is a tea master from the Chi-ree region, so we have a few authentic blends available.

Valek: This is a very agreeable Admiral. I am also acquainted with many Earth based teas as well.

Kovar: ::He raised his eyebrows slightly.:: Ah, yes.  I am indeed currently experiencing some minor fatigue, and zhar-kur tei would be quite beneficial to alleviating it.

Tahna: Response

Reynolds: Did you discover any new food or drinks you found agreeable at the Academy?

Again, Valek thought back through the years of all the different foods he experienced abroad, including the Academy. Normal cuisine included lean meats and vegetables, as well as Vulcan foods like Gespar, Jumbo mollusk and Pok tar. Most Vulcan food was more on the nutritious side of things and not how the humans would say, "savory". There was one particular ancient human food he found agreeable from time to time.

Valek: Intriguing question Admiral ::pausing slightly:: Other than normal Vulcan or nutritious rich foods, I do have a fascination with what humans call 'Pizza'. I do not indulge often, but the cuisine was unique and very tasteful. I do prefer it with what is called pepperoni.

Kovar: Yes, Admiral, quite.  At the Academy, I conducted what some of my colleagues described as a culinary adventure.  Several were unnecessarily sweet, while others were structurally unsound. However, the Szechuan preparation known as mapo tofu was most interesting.  I found the capsaicin concentration and the unique numbing properties of the peppercorns to be fascinating.  I have ::he paused again and glanced at the admiral:: elected to reexamine it on multiple occasions.

Quinn / Tahna: Response

Reynolds: It's just one more balancing act, isn't it? Trying new things while not abandoning what you grew up with. ::She smiled faintly.:: I've found plenty of new favorites over the years, but nothing ever compares to my Dad's sticky toffee pudding.

Sticky toffee Pudding? Valek wasn't quite sure what that was. He had never heard of such a food product. Guessing, Valek thought it was probably some sort of sweet treat. Vulcans rarely, if ever, indulge in sweets. The thought of it sounded illogical. High sugary foods were not a good way to maintain physical readiness in Valek's mind.

Valek: Interesting Admiral. I cannot speak for Kovar, but most Vulcans do not indulge in sweets. As we are usually more concerned with optimum and efficient physical readiness. So we prefer to consume nutritional foods primarily.

Kovar: Admiral, a question.  What is sticky toffee pudding?  I have always found the adjective, sticky, to be a descriptor of something unpleasant.  But, judging from your expression, it is something with which you are fond.  At first glance, it would appear to be an inconsistency.  Commander, is this also a dish to be found on Bajor?  I have never experienced its like on Vulcan.

The many places Valek visited, Bajor was not one of them. He didn't have much to offer Ensign Kovar, so remained quiet to allow the Commander to reply. Valek was getting used to the "small talk" portion of the onboarding process. However, he did feel insufficient with this social environment.

Tahna / Quinn : Response

An interesting conversation. Valek made a mental note. He would need to try more cuisines, maybe not the sweet ones, but he could definitely sustain an interest in trying the more savory choices. Shortly the turbolift halted and the doors swished open. Valek stood back and let the senior officers lead the way as this was their ship and were leading this expedition to the Brew Continuum, as their "small talk" conversation continued.

Kovar: I see.  Thank you all for enlightening me.  ::He raised an eyebrow.:: Perhaps it is time to embark on yet another culinary adventure.  Ah, it seems that we are nearing our destination.

Valek: ::slightly nodding toward Kovar:: Indeed Ensign.

Tahna / Reynolds: Response


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Ensign Valek
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Gorkon | NCC-82293
G240302V12