Vice Admiral Quinn Reynolds - The Stars Call
Quinn Reynolds
((Transporter Room, USS Gorkon))
Quinn's small talk was rarely small at all, a combination of wanting more than shallow conversation and the many years she'd spent as an intelligence officer. Innocent statements might have deeper meanings, and the right questions, even simple ones, could be remarkably revealing. How someone answered could be far more interesting than what they answered.
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 favourites 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.
Quinn smiled slightly, amused by the contrast in Kovar's two answers. Tahna had a point, although Quinn wasn't sure if a Ktarian chocolate puff counted. Granted, many chocolates came from beans, and beans surely counted as vegetables, but...
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.
Reynolds: It's a light, spiced sponge cake covered in a toffee sauce. ::She lifted her shoulders in a small shrug.:: A lot of natural sugars are sticky, at least on Earth. Honey, maple syrup, some fruits...
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 hum of the turbolift's magnetic rails faded, and the carriage came to a stop. Doors parted, revealing a corridor much like any other on the ship... only this one brought with it the faint smell of hot drinks and baked goods. They stepped out, heading toward their destination.
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: ::He nodded, just a little, toward Kovar:: Indeed, Ensign.
Soon, they came upon the entrance to the cafe. An open arch, with the Gorkon's version of the Brew Continuum logo, and the now infamous catchphrase, "Life happens, coffee helps.”The brainchild of Geoffrey Teller, first founded aboard the Veritas. A small smile cracked her expression as she remembered she had the signage from the Veritas' ready room tucked in a drawer, a souvenir she hadn't asked for, but had been amused by nonetheless.
Inside, it was like stepping onto another world. It felt like any one of the coffeehouses in San Francisco. Brick walls and wooden floors, simulated sunlight streaming in through faux skylights. Art and plantlife decorated the place, all souvenirs from the starship's travels.
Tahna: Welcome to the Brew Continuum, Ensigns.
Kovar: Indeed, Commander. The aesthetic composition is orderly and proportional. The environment promotes cognitive clarity. It is quite satisfactory. I anticipate that the quality of the beverages will reflect a similar standard of excellence. Wouldn’t you agree, Ensign Valek?
Valek: Response
((Brew Continuum, USS Gorkon))
With so many of the crew enjoying shore leave, the Continuum was mostly occupied with the skeleton crew attending to the basics of ship functions. Tahna led the way, toward an open painting, near which hung an elegant floral painting. Art wasn't Quinn's thing, but botany was, and she recognised the blooms as Tyrellian. She eased herself into a chair, and with a tap of a button, brought up the holographic menu.
Tahna: I do think I’ll try the zhar-kur tei.
Reynolds: ::She grinned.:: Just be careful, it might turn your tongue numb.
Valek: Response
While Tahna ordered herself the Vulcan tea, Kovar seemed interested in the food menu, as well as the drinks, and looked over the Brew Continuum's offerings. Quinn idly paged through, not sure whether to default to one of her favourites — or, in the spirit of their conversation, try something new.
Tahna: Have you found any teas from other cultures you enjoy?
Kovar: As for myself, I have. Jumja tea, as an example, is quite commendable. However, I have become much more partial to the beverages that many cultures would categorize as coffee. In my experience, it has been quite beneficial, especially when studying or working long hours.
Reynolds: I'm rather partial to aesollh. It's a Romulan spiced tea, although it's hard to find any that's not replicated.
Tahna / Valek: Response
And now that she had mentioned the drink, that was what she ordered. Other orders filtered in, and the holographic menus closed, while Kovar picked up the conversation and carried it forward. Finding his footing already, it seemed, and that was a good sign.
Kovar: I was curious. How long have you all served upon the Gorkon? From what I understand, it is a recently commissioned starship. Well, as far as starships are concerned.
Reynolds: Since it was commissioned, so around eleven years. ::Saying it out loud made her feel old. Her children had been children then.:: Time flies.
Tahna / Valek: Response
Kovar: Understood. I am grateful to have been assigned such a storied vessel and crew. Additionally, your efforts to welcome Ensign Valek and I are much appreciated.
Reynolds: You're a part of our crew now. ::She smiled slightly.:: It comes with the territory.
Tahna / Valek: Response
The server arrived with their orders, passing cups of steaming tea to each in turn. Kovar held his in both hands, breathing in the scented steam, and then taking a sip. He seemed to savour the moment, closing in his eyes, existing in the sensations the tea invoked. Alieth's brew had found an appreciative consumer.
Kovar: I am anticipating familiarizing myself with the Gorkon’s systems with great interest. From what I understand, the Chief Engineer and engineering team have exacting standards. At what point will Ensign Valek and I be expected to report to our direct superiors?
Reynolds: On your first duty shift. ::She lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip.:: Operations has put an orientation schedule together for you both; security check-in and clearances, health assessment, first duty shifts, and the like. It should be in your induction package.
Tahna / Valek / Kovar : Response
Reynolds: I don't think we'll be much longer at Deluvia. Everyone's rested, and we'll get back to the stars soon.
Tahna / Valek / Kovar : Response
Commanding Officer
USS Gorkon
T238401QR0