Ensign Tess Evinrude - Percussive Realignment

[Tess Evinrude]

((Musashi Lounge, Level B, Battle Module, USS Ronin))

The operations officer quickly scanned over the menu, but he was distracted. Moments ago T'Fearne had caught his gaze, and Tess picked up on the woman's resolve, felt the sentiment transfer to him.

Evinrude: Hey, how do you feel about sharing food? ::He asked neutrally. Some people, he had found, were very protective of their order.::

After a moment, T'Fearne nodded. He hadn't expected such a lengthy consideration of his question, but that was something he was starting to like. Being near her, the universe seemed to slow to a quiet rhythm, and her deliberate words and mannerisms were a welcome change of pace from Tess' chaotic new environment.

T'Fearne: I’m partial to the marinated salmon set—eggs and vegetables side dishes. But if you’d like something else, add it to the order. Can you make it for two? :: She looked at the crewman with an inquisitive glance:: And whatever else Ensign Evinrude decides to add.

Itamae: ::He nodded without missing a beat.:: Easily done. Anything else for you, Ensign?

Evinrude: ::He slid his menu towards the chef.:: Her order sounds phenomenal. Let's add two pieces of the chutoro tuna sashimi...and can we have a few shiso leaves?

The itamae nodded affirmatively, but then a sudden thought struck his breakfast/dinner companion.

T'Fearne: What kind of eggs do you have in stock today? ::wincing slightly:: It’s not 1Regulan eel bird today is it?

Tess' eyes narrowed in suspicious curiosity. He'd not tried eel bird eggs himself, but the security officer seemed to have an unpleasant history with them.

Itamae: No, no eel bird eggs today. We have Earth chicken eggs and Cardassian taspar eggs. Fresh out of the eel bird eggs.

T'Fearne: :: faint relief :: Earth chicken eggs, then. Thank you.

The crewman turned back to the hotplate with a nod and an “Aye Sir”. Soon eggs began to fly behind the bar and the sizzle of searing meat intensified in sound and aroma, permeating through the quiet lounge. The two officers took in the experience for a long minute.

Evinrude: You're right. ::He stopped observing the chef's talent and turned back towards T'Fearne.:: You're right about proving Rear Admiral Bernardino wrong. ::There was more than a touch of disdain in his voice.:: He knows my family and, well, I let the jerk get to me...

T'Fearne: What kind of admiral would give you the impression that they have it out for you? It seems like that would be beneath their notice :: quizzical look:: If they do have something against you then what better way of making them look foolish than living well, proving them wrong—and don’t let them make you doubt yourself.

His eyes widened a little as she lifted a hand towards his face, but when T'Fearne turned her hand to tap a knuckle on the side of his head, in time with a beat played on the countertop by her other hand, a mix of emotions played across Tess' appearance: first surprise, then confusion, followed by curiosity. It was all mixed with amusement.

Determining whether or not he was being flirted with had mystified teenage Tess, but long ago the man had decided that it was always worth it to take a chance and flirt back. After all, if someone turned him down, he would apologize and move on - simple as.

Evinrude: Are you...saying my head is hollow?

T'Fearne: It’s percussive realignment. If you have any more self doubts, feel free to come see me and I will repeat the procedure for you. Or you could just find the nearest bulkhead and—what is the human phrase “knock yourself out”? :: dry tone, but with a playful eye glint::

Tess reached out and placed a hand briefly on top of hers - the one that had knocked against the counter - as if to stay its assault. When he spoke, his tone was earnest, but his green eyes returned her playful sentiment.

Evinrude: You can holster that weapon, ::he said, eyes flicking downward to indicate her hand.:: No more realignment needed...for now.

He pulled his hand away as a little smile tugged at a corner of his mouth. His pulse had quickened, and, though he managed to suppress any visual signs, his forward gesture to initiate that contact had sparked a fluttering, breathless feeling in his chest.

oO Remember, this is just a quick bite to eat... Oo

Regardless, Tess had enjoyed her company. It took a certain integrity to offer such resolute encouragement to a stranger...

...not to mention, that stranger found her incredibly attractive.

oO Cool it, Tess! Oo

He chided himself, and succeeded in pushing away those thoughts.

T'Fearne: Response

Evinrude: No no, I would prefer not to visit Doctor Bulkhead. ::He smiled.:: I already have a specialist in percussive realignment, should future sessions be needed. Thank you, T'Fearne.

T'Fearne: Response

Evinrude: Well, I think it shows a lot about your character that you would use your limited free time before a duty shift this way. Even after a minor medical emergency.

T'Fearne: Response

Still turned towards T'Fearne, he propped his elbow against the countertop and rested the side of his face on two fingers and a thumb.

Evinrude: You know, I was going to remind you that you agreed to swap stories...what was your life like before joining Starfleet?

Just as he finished asking, the chef brought over two plates of food, one large and rectangular, and one small and round. Their salmon and vegetables looked delightful next to the accompanying Japanese-style rolled omelette, and smelled even better. The smaller plate held a bed of bright green spade-shaped leaves with serrated edges, under two pieces of raw fish that was a gradient of delicate coral pink. Tess moved the sashimi plate closer to T'Fearne, in easy reach of both of the officers' chopsticks.

Evinrude: One of my favorites, ::he added, indicating that the tuna was to share.::

T'Fearne: Response

[Tags/TBC]

((OOC: Regulan Eel Rird Eggs, Cardassian Taspar Eggs))

--

Ensign Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

R240111TE1