Lt JG Tess Evinrude - Secrets Make the Perfect Dish

[Tess Evinrude]

((Clean Hall Lounge, Deck 6, USS Ronin))

Evinrude: ::Firm, yet pleasant.:: I don't want this place to fail. I want my crewmates to feel comfortable here. With...everything going on, the ship needs more warm places. To gather.

Robin: Well, I know that mother is happy with you. So you’ve done something right.

Evinrude: I appreciate that, thank you. ::Softer.:: Maybe next time she strongarms our staff into working for her, she'll workshop that idea through the proper channels first?

He gave Robin a winning smile, dropping the firmness from his tone. He wasn't sure if this would have any effect, but if anyone had the ear of Zeyva Thoné it would be her daughter.

Om-Zora: Response

Thoné's timing was impeccable, preventing any more ganging up of bird-persons on Evinrude.

oO Ganging up...flocking? Hm. Oo

She arrived with a tray of dishes, bringing with it a delightful aroma.

Thoné: I hope you’re hungry!

Beck: Famished.

Om-Zora: Response

Tess adjusted his napkin and brought his hands down to his lap, politely waiting for whatever serving methods Klowahkan tradition dictated. One by one, their chef presented plates of seasoned eggs of Cardassian origin, with fruit sauce artfully spread across each plate.

A memory pinged in Evinrude's mind. T'Fearne's voice asking, with faint trepidation, "It’s not Regulan eel bird today is it?"

He smiled down at his plate, remembering that day in the Musashi Lounge.

oO It's been a while since we've had a meal together. Maybe on Endicronimas V? Oo

Robin: Thank you, Mother. It looks delicious.

Thoné: Of course it does. I made it dear.

Robin seemed to thoroughly enjoy the meal, practically squirming in delight. As Tess forked the perfect bite, another thought crossed his mind.

Om-Zora: Response

Evinrude: Bajoran moba fruit's on these Cardassian eggs, right? Have you invented this, or was it a common occupation-era combination?

Beck: Hachi machi, this is art. I almost hate to eat it.

Thone/Robin/Om-Zora: Response

Evinrude: ::Genuinely.:: No no, it's not like that...I understand that, when two cultures meet - no matter the circumstances - there are unique culinary outcomes.

He decided it was time to shut up and actually eat the bite he had artfully assembled. The taste was truly delightful, with the egg providing a creaminess that complimented the fruit sauce impeccably.

Beck: I shouldn't say this so quickly, but… you've got me wrangled, Chef. This alone has convinced me I'll be stopping by here a lot more often.

Without thinking, Tess added to the misconception that the two men were an item.

Evinrude: ::Grinning:: That's high praise! He's not an easy man to wrangle.

He rolled his eyes at himself, realizing his mistake, and added on to the statement with a good-natured smile.

Evinrude: Metaphorically, of course.

Thone/Robin/Om-Zora: Response

Thankfully Beck laughed, having a good sense of humor about the whole thing. Tess didn't mind one bit that the bird-people had confused their friendship for something romantic, but he did want to dispel the rumors thoroughly. It simply wouldn't do to have something like that floating around, especially when the lieutenant's thoughts were often occupied by someone else.

Beck: I think the last time I had a freshly cooked meal like this was… actually back on Bajor, come to think of it. I tried my hand at making hasparat for… someone special.

Thone/Robin/Om-Zora: Response

Evinrude: ::To Beck:: How do you find time to date in Starfleet? ::He turned to Robin and Om-Zora with a nod.:: And same question to you two!

Thone/Robin/Om-Zora/Beck: Response

Evinrude: Hm, I've been there. Distance is...hard. Differences in paths...

This was starting to touch on something personal but, again, Tess was saved by the bird.

Evinrude: ::To Zeyva, upon seeing the next dish.:: Oh! You have outdone yourself!

Thone/Robin/Om-Zora/Beck: Response

[Tags/TBC]

--

Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

R240111TE1