Lt. Alieth - Porcelain
Alieth
[[The Brew Continuun, Section 23, Deck 13, USS Thor]
Teller: Seems the good Doctor has a difference of opinion on...what was it Chief? Oh right...'psychoactive substances.'
The Vulcan doctor frowned slightly but, before she could utter a reply, the other Vulcan interfered.
Sirok: The doctor may be the first to advise against my taking such substances.
This time, she promptly retorted
Alieth: Osu Sirok, I consider that my knowledge of such chemicals ensures that I understand how much and in what concentration I can ingest them without falling into harmful levels. And since the physical well-being of the crew is my speciality, I am best placed to dose such substances, including personally.
As the tiny doctor spoke, the doors of the new shop opened behind them, and someone else entered the café. Yet her attention was too focused at that moment on what was more paramount: coffee.
Alieth: Now, if you do not mind, Commander, serve my order. :: she hesitated for a moment, human and local convention contrary to her own custom. Finally, she decided to submit to that illogical custom, to make sure she received the drug quickly and efficiently::: ...Please.
Teller: Oh sorry, right you are Doc. That's one coffee 'Chi-ree' style, coming up. You sure you don't want anything Chief?
Sirok: juice, at your preference.
After that, the commander, a former engineer by trade then turned barista, proceeded to prepare the order with the efficiency and artistry that only familiarity and countless repetitions of the same motions could provide. Once the beans had been grinded, and placed in the machine, the air in the room filled once more with the mouthwatering smell of coffee being brewed.
Alieth had to make a real effort not to salivate. Instead, she turned to address the busy First Official.
Alieth: This fondness I have acquired for that vile concoction of yours, Geoffrey John, is your fault. Moreover, not content with this, you have taken up room in the ship to make a new altar to your addiction...
Despite the inherently accusatory tone of her statement, there was a relaxation around her dark eyes, a slight laxity in her pose that belied her anger. It had somehow dissolved like the wisps of coffee scent in the atmosphere of the room and, in its place, had been replaced by her usual self and a sense of leisure and calmness that, until that moment, only meditation had heretofore granted her.
It was new and strange but, in a way, welcome.
Teller: I'd imagine you've got me to blame for that, Doc. But that's nothing new. It's been in my head so much I built...well...this.
Alieth: ::with a subtle playful tone:: I am aware of the fact, I have strolled around in that chaos you call a brain, remember?
He did not answer and, instead, placed a cup in front of her. Alieth took it in both hands, letting the warmth of the porcelain percolate up into them in a delightful way. Once they were fully warmed, she sipped a little bit. Just delicious, the actual taste better than someone else's memory of it.
Teller: Back to your point Chief - I know this may seem superfluous to you, but there's something about these places that appeal to a lot of species. At least, that's been my experience.
Sirok: But it is redundant, for that there is the mesh hall, the officers mesh hall, the Valhalla lounge, the Spa, the bowling alley, and of course the holodeck. ::He cited all these places at high speed. ::It would not be simpler to install the infusion machine in the Mesh hall or the Valhalla lounge. Of course for many, anywhere around a replicator would suffice.
Just at that moment, the customer who had come in last place and had been quietly monitoring them decided to join in the conversation.
Salo: What you say is true, Lieutenant, but sometimes people like a different atmosphere, and what does it hurt to offer one more? Here, they can get something they won’t necessarily get in the other locations.
The doctor took the cup away from her lips and nodded gently.
Alieth: While I agree that the redundancy of leisure venues seems inefficient, the fact is that emotional beings value a variety of activities and places for their free time, and this contributes to the overall wellbeing of the crew, physically as well as mentally. ::She glanced sideways at the red-haired man behind the bar:: So, while this place may look foolish, in reality its construction is not so far-fetched.
Sirok/Teller: Response
The orion woman sat in a free chair near the group. Alieth was somewhat familiar with her, her office adjoining the sickbay. And, of course, by the undeniable resemblance to one of the nurses in her charge. They both shared the same kind of smile.
Salo: I hope I don’t offend you with this question, Commander, but do you have any tea?
Alieth: In fact, I have uploaded to the replicators the latest creations of Saros of Chi-ree, a renowned Vulcan tea master. I encourage you to sample some of them.
Salo/Sirok/Teller: Response
She took another sip before answering.
Alieth: That is something I have never understood: a replicator can emulate exactly the original flavour, provided that you detail the specifications of the food of beverage desired.
Salo/Sirok/Teller: Response
She tilted her head over her shoulder after a new sip. To her chagrin, her mug was empty, and she pushed it towards the barista in a silent plea for more.
Alieth: That is an interesting claim.
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Lt. Alieth
Chief Medical Officer
USS Thor NCC-82607
E239702A10
Image Collective Facilitator /Art Director
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