Lt. Commander Tahna Meru - Tales and Teas
Tahna Meru
((Turbolift, USS Gorkon))
Brief introductions made, the group started for the turbolift once again. Hopefully this time they’d make it all the way to the Brew Continuum without picking up another unexpectedly early ensign (though being early was always better than being late). As they waited on the turbolift to carry them to deck nine, Meru offered up a question.
Tahna: So, a security officer and an engineer. What drew you to those fields?
Valek: Commander, my direct influence on security and tactics came from my mother's teachings. She taught me to use logic and reasoning for problem solving but to not rely on it, as certain aspects of tactics cannot always be logic driven. It intrigued me and that led my proclivity toward this path.
Kovar: I have a similar history as Ensign Valek, Commander. I was exposed to the principles and application of engineering at a young age due to my father’s work. However, he worked primarily in the field of starship systems, and, as for myself, I worked in energy distribution on Vulcan. Therefore, engineering is a logical place for me to apply my prior knowledge and experience, in addition to expanding my understanding.
Reynolds: Well, you'll both find plenty of people to learn from here.
Kovar: Understood, Admiral. I will endeavor to continue familiarizing myself with the ship and crew. However, concerning my current assignment. I will assume that the, ::there was a slight pause,:: Brew Continuum has selections agreeable to the Vulcan palate?
The two Vulcans exchanged a look.
Valek: I believe the Commander was just informing me of such prior to your arrival, Ensign. She has informed me they have a plentiful assortment of teas that should be suitable for a Vulcan palette.
Reynolds: We grow the grasses used in zhar-kur tei 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.
The mention of the former science chief brought mixed feelings, as it always did. Fondness, awkwardness, discomfort…Meru had had a strange working relationship with her chief, but she was grateful to have learned a bit about working with Vulcans from her. Not to mention all the science. How was Alieth now, she wondered? And Cheesecake, that wonderful rug of a therapy dog…
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: You know, I’ve actually never tried it. I think that might have to change today.
Reynolds: Did you discover any new food or drinks you found agreeable at the Academy?
That would be a revealing question. While there was nothing wrong with being a picky eater, if they hadn’t ever tried anything new, then it could speak to some difficulty integrating.
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.
Meru smiled slightly. A Vulcan who liked pepperoni pizza and one who liked spicy tofu… Well, she supposed the spicy tofu revelation was less surprising than the pepperoni pizza. Oh, these two would be very interesting additions to the crew, she could tell.
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.
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.
Tahna: Some foods can be both sweet and nutritious. Like fruits.
That was a very familiar nutritional excuse for the Bajoran. Lots of the sweet dishes from her province were made primarily using various fruits and kava, like her favorite milaberry biscuits. And if they were made with fruit as a main ingredient, then they must be healthy, regardless of how sugary they were. It was simply logical.
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.
Quinn: Response
Tahna: We don’t have it on Bajor, not unless you find a human who’s brought it over. ::She offered a small smile to Ensign Kovar.:: If you like spicy foods, you might enjoy Bajoran hasperat.
The turbolife halted, doors opening to another floor of verdant carpet and sleek walls. The group exited the turbolift as one, heading for the infamous Brew Continuum.
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.
The open brick arch of the cafe loomed ahead of them now: its famous sign declaring “Life happens, coffee helps” beckoning them inside. The space looked like they might have just dropped back in to San Francisco with exposed brick walls and artificial skylights, potted plants and art picked up on their travels around the galaxy, and the warming scent of fresh-brewed coffee and tea. It was like a little slice of Earth.
Tahna: Welcome to the Brew Continuum, Ensigns.
Reynolds / Valek / Kovar: Response
((Brew Continuum, USS Gorkon))
The Brew Continuum wasn’t very busy today, with the majority of the crew still enjoying shore leave. Meru led their small group to an open table near a floral painting she thought was Tyrellian. A holographic menu on the table gave everyone the option of placing their order there rather than heading up to the bar. Meru sat.
Tahna: I do think I’ll try the zhar-kur tei.
Reynolds / Valek / Kovar: Response
Meru selected her order and gave the others a chance to do the same. She was tempted, for a second, by the spiced deka tea, but stuck with the Vulcan option. Had Doz tried it? She’d have to ask next time she saw her.
Tahna: Have you found any teas from other cultures you enjoy?
Reynolds / Valek / Kovar: Response