Lt JG Tess Evinrude - I Screen My Phone Calls

[Tess Evinrude]

((Individual Lab 02, Deck 13, USS Ronin))

The personal time Evinrude had booked in Lab 02 was ticking to a close, but he was so close to finishing the experiment.

He'd been working on some materials science and, though it wasn't exactly his strong suit, he was playing his cards right. Plenty of durable materials existed in the industrial replication database that were pet safe, provided enrichment for clawed animals, and could be created to resemble natural materials - in this case, Trill flora. A few of them also seemed porous enough to suspend a solution of the sweet, sugary nectar found in many plants native to Trill, and an important part of Kareel's diet.

But Tess wanted to be sure that Alyndra's pet wouldn't be exposed to anything unusual or harmful while the liquid food sat inside the artificial plant material. There could be no chance of reaction between the nectar and the parent material that would hold it, so he'd left several promising combinations out to marinate and was now spending his off time testing chemical leeching. He was just about certain that he had isolated the perfect recipe.

Computer: Lieutenant. A comm call has arrived from someone on your list to screen before transmitting.

That list was short. Very short.

oO Oh no. Oo

Tess had been working with Mada Zeyva Thoné for a few days now, overseeing her remodeling of a lounge on deck six into her own personal restaurant. It was, as far as the ops officer was concerned, a fine sacrifice if it meant she left their mess halls alone.

Evinrude: Let it through, Computer.

Thoné: =/\= Mister Neverrudeeeeee…. =/\=

He was prepared, but he still winced.

Tess knew what this was about - she had demanded a real flame broiler for the Clean Hall, and it was taking longer than anticipated to adapt its power source for safe use on a starship.

In a calm, measured tone, he replied.

Evinrude: =/\= Madam Thoné. I will have the fuel canister adapted for the broiler on schedule. =/\=

Thoné: =/\= I’d like to invite you to my chef’s table as my guest, I have a small, rather large surprise for you! =/\=

Evinrude: ::Mouthing soundlessly to himself:: Small...rather...what?

oO Which is it? Oo

The comm call was not what he had been expecting. He composed himself and continued.

Evinrude: =/\= Oh, well I... =/\=

The lieutenant had been dining alone while most of his friends were in quarantine. And he had to admit, Thoné's food was...unfortunately delicious.

Evinrude: =/\= I am free, Representative. =/\=

The timing of her invitation didn't provide the opportunity to change, but he had been working in some casual, off-duty clothes, covered by a utility apron to avoid the spilling of any test syrup. So, he closed down his experiment, tossed the apron into the refresher, made a few notes on his PADD, and booked another half-hour of lab time in a few days.

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

Tess trod the now-familiar path to the in-progress lounge and…stopped when he saw Quentin Beck rounding the exact opposite corner at the exact same time.

The doctor had both medkit and wine in hand - the latter blue - and looked momentarily confused.

Beck: Mister Evinrude. Fancy meeting you here.

Tess replied with a faint smile and a friendly squeeze of his friend's shoulder. Quentin was adept at helping the lieutenant find a better frame of mind, and if he too was dining at this so-called chef's table, then the experience was off to a good start.

Evinrude: Fancy indeed, Commander Beck. How did you know I like Andorian wine?

The doors to the lounge parted, and the two men turned to face three bird-persons. Quentin's mouth was open from his interrupted reply, and Evinrude's dropped open at the sight.

In a rather maternal display, Zeyva was fussily - and forcefully - tucking a napkin into the blue uniform of someone Tess vaguely recognized from the science department. The officer was being remarkably stoic about the whole experience, but another individual that Tess hadn't yet met was mortified.

Thoné: Guests! Please, come and sit down!

Quentin and Tess made brief eye contact, the former's expression more confused than before. The latter gave a quick eyebrow waggle by way of cryptic response. Brandishing the Andorian blue like a club, Quentin approached first.

Om-Zora: ::in a monotone:: Evening to you both.

Tess wasn't far behind, and nodded to the science officer.

Beck: Lieutenant. ::to Thoné:: Correct me if I'm wrong, but this doesn't look like a medical emergency, Ms. Thoné. ::a beat:: Mrs. Thoné? I apologize, I am not familiar with Klowakhan formalities. Maybe 'Chef' is more appropriate, considering the setting?

Evinrude: ::To Om-Zora.:: Evening, Om-Zora. We haven't really been in the same room for long. ::He added affably, then turned to Zeyva.:: Representative. ::Then Robin.::

Tess nodded at Robin, smiling politely.

Evinrude: Tess Evinrude, I don't believe we've met.

Robin/Thoné: Response

Om-Zora: I didn’t realize there would be more people.

Beck: ::under his breath:: You and me both, sister. ::clearing his throat, louder:: I, uh… brought a bottle of Andorian wine as I was given no parameters for what I should bring. I hope that works.

oO I wonder what this big and/or small surprise is? Some new dish? Oo

Evinrude: Yes, apologies for arriving empty handed. I didn't realize this would be...a party. Zeyva Thoné, always full of...surprises.

Robin/Thoné: Response

Om-Zora: Well, you know what they say. Birds of a feather, and all that.

Quentin let out a little snort, and seemed to decide on staying. Evinrude followed suit, choosing a spot next to the doctor.

Beck: So… what's on the menu, Chef?

Robin/Thoné/Om-Zora: Response

Tess wasn't sure why he was defending the representative, but he had pride in his work; he had to admit, the so-called Clean Hall was evolving into quite the kitchen.

Evinrude: I'm afraid the broiler isn't ready yet, trouble adapting the fuel supply safely. But we've got some solid equipment installed, surely enough for such an...accomplished chef.

Quentin continued the line of questioning, and Tess too was starting to wonder why the Klowahkan didn't have an elaborate menu already in the works.

Beck: Okay, then… do you have any specialties? I am a bit of a foodie myself, so I'm willing to try something I've never had before.

Robin/Thoné/Om-Zora: Response

oO Naturally, she would have something up her sleeve--er, wing? Oo

Beck: So… what's the occasion? I've never been pranked into a dinner before…

Evinrude: Wait...pranked? ::Tess smiled, ignorant to the circumstances.:: Do tell...

Robin/Thoné/Om-Zora: Response

Evinrude: ::Looking more confused, but still smiling.:: Oh, no no, Quentin and I are...acquainted. We shared a rather...intense experience on Bajor, some time ago.

The ops officer's face darkened slightly, remembering the Cardassian's face well.

oO Glinn Ghilra... Oo

Robin/Thoné/Om-Zora/Beck: Response

[Tags/TBC]

--

Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

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