First Date - Part 2

Posted on Thu Nov 14th, 2019 @ 12:38pm by Lieutenant Commander John Pearce

2,273 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: [Joint Mission]Happy ever after
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 002 - 1700

ON:

OLD:

he took another sip from her wine as she started to explain, "The Crescents or the Crescent of Sephira as they are known as, are a religious fanatical race that have started a crusade on this side of the quadrant. They look like humans, but their skin is paler than that of a human. What was explained by our resident Crescent is that they live on a planet that's shielded from the sun most of the year. The only thing they get in terms of light is moonlight. Which explains their pale skin and their reaction to bright light. The Crescent are also known to have telepathic and telekenetic abilities. And they are a matriarical society, as I experienced first hand. And they can have up to 4 mates. Kind of like the Denobulans, but different. And this basically all I know for now. I believe we're having a Crescent wedding in a few days, so that is a delight. " Her voice was a bit sarcastic, she didn't really know what to make of that. She then gave a nod to Dan. "His daughter is marrying a Crescent if you can believe it. But admittedly the kid has proven himself to be a valuable asset."

NEW
"Andorian family cores are also groups of four," John said. "But where each of a Denobulan's three partners can have multiple partners, Andorian quads are partners for life if I understand correctly. Are the Crescent like the Andorians or can each partner have multiple partners like Denobulans?"

"From what I understand each partner can have multiple partners, like the Denobulans," Charlie explained.

"The Crescent must be fairly powerful if they can take down a Federation starship like the Juno," John continued after a moment. "Do you see them becoming a major threat to the Federation?"

"To be fair," Charlie said, "The Juno was outnumbered at the time. They barely made it out alive. But I already think they are a major threat to the Federation. We don't know how long they have been on their crusade, but they seem to have conquered quite a bit already. I believe they are residing outside of even Dominion territory and just advanced up to the Dominion territory. And they don't seem to be afraid to invade other systems." She seemed sincerly concerned about the whole situation.

"It sounds like they are definitely a force to be reckoned with," he said slowly. "And you say that the guy Dan's daughter is marrying is one of them? How has he been an asset, if I may ask? Is he an undercover operative providing information to the Federation?" John asked with a laugh. He didn't really think that the person in question would be a spy - but then again you never knew...
"

"Believe it or not," Charlena said, "Orson defected to us." She waited a moment as the next meas was put on the table. She then turned to John again. "I had my doubts at first, but the kid really came true."

*So he WAS an operative after all...* John thought as the next course was set in front of him. Not that it would matter much to him as he was medical and not Intelligence. "I'm sure Starfleet Intel will be appreciative for whatever information he is able to provide them."

Charlena just nodded. She had to admit Orson did come through.

Then, turning his attention to the plate before him, he said "Your friend Dan must really know his way around a galley because this smells absolutely great." He hesitated a bit before continuing. "Although I have to confess that I'm curious as to how he became a restauranteur. I don't mean to sound as if I'm stereotyping but it just doesn't seem like the thing a Vulcan would choose as a profession. But..." he added after tasting his entree', "I'm glad he did."

She smiled and then explained, "He is not your typical Vulcan. There is a bit of human in him and he is not afraid to show his emotion and his passion I have noticed. And yet somehow he is outside of that very calm and very focused. I asked him once how that is, because it is well known that Vulcans, and they don't deny it themselves, that their emotions are much bigger and much more overwhelming and distructive as that of humans. And his answer was that in order to achive all this, he had to work even harder than an avarage Vulcan. Most Vulcans would call him a Vulcan with out logic, but I myself think I haven't met any Vulcan with more logic than Dan. He just chosen another path, and because of that he is now the chef we all know and love." She took a bite from her food and swallowed it and then said, "Did you know he actually studied on Earth and even had a restaurant on Earth. I believe his restaurant was in Paris. He has a big bond with the French and Italian kitchen, but he knows a lot more Earth dishes. He actually made a Vietnamese dish for me. Oh that was so awesome." She said. The mere thought made her dream away.

"Being from a ranch in South Texas, our main influences where food was concerned were hispanic and, for lack of a better term, 'cowboy cooking'," John said as he took a sip of his wine. "But as I got older I was introduced to other styles such as Cajun and Creole in New Orleans" He looked at her for a moment over the rim of his glass, then continued. "You said that Dan made a special Vietnamese dish that you liked. What other types of food do you like?" There was an idea forming in John's mind for possibly another date.

She looked at her plate when he asked her that. "I am not picky, I grew up with an ascent mom and a drunk ex marine for a father, so I was lucky to have food on my plate at all. But Dan introduced me to several different styles of foord. As a marine you don't really get all the good stuff. Which is weird, cause I think most of the time Dan cooks healthy and fresh males." She smiled and said, "You said New Orleans. Have you ever been there? Do you like Jazz?" Her curiosity was peeked and she wanted to know more."

"I've been to New Orleans on several occasions," John said. "The first time was during spring break of my senior year of high school. I had just turned eighteen and could legally drink so myself and some friends decided to 'port over to New Orleans. We did all the tourist-y things. Walked the French Quarter, rode the streetcar named Desire, saw the waterfront on the Mississippi River. We had dinner at Sisko's Cajun Restaurant then we went to a place called Pat O'Brien's on St. Peter Street. After that I don't remember much," he admitted with a grin. "I went back several times after that but managed to keep my level of intoxication under control. And to answer your question, I *do* like Jazz music - especially New Orleans-style jazz. New Orleans is a very vibrant, colorful and diverse city with it's blend of French, Cajun, and Creole influences. Have you ever been to New Orleans?"

"Only a holodeck version of it," She said. "But even that version seemed very vibrant. I went to this cafe with live music I believe it was." She thought a moment if she would mention Anderson, but decided not to. That now seemed decades ago. "The person I was with said that it was Jazz. I hadn't heard that type of music before, but I liked it immediately." 

There was a touch of bitterness as he thought about the last time he had been to New Orleans. It had been several years ago with Peri, just before their divorce, and it had turned out to be a failed attempt at reconciliation. It would probably be best to leave Peri's name out of the conversation at this point, but perhaps a trip back under more pleasant circumstances would help erase the bad memory. "To be honest the last time I was there wasn't a very pleasant experience and I hope the next time will be more pleasant." He hesitated a moment, debating on the best way to phrase what he wanted to ask her. Finally he decided the best way was to just take the direct approach. "The next time we get back to Earth, I'd like to take you there..." he said simply. "That is, if you'd like to go?"

The cold facade she usually upheld suddenly disappeared. "Oh yes....I want to see it, for real. And I want to taste the food there. Buy me food there. I want to talk the french quarters, and whatever else is there. And I want to listen to Jazz." She had dropped her fork on her plate and seemed miles away as she talked about that. When she finally returned to herself she looked to him. She smiled shy as she looked to her plate and took up her fork again. "Ehm.. I mean...I would be honored."

While John was surprised at her reaction to his question, he was also happy that the suggestion had been so well received. He would like nothing better than to take her to New Orleans for a few days. Tour the French Quarter and sample some of the Cajun or Creole food there. Then maybe follow that with a moonlight stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River, and finally a stop in one of the local jazz clubs for drinks and music. Just the thought of sharing that with her made him smile. Then, realizing that he had been silently daydreaming about that possibility, he turned his attention back to her. "And it would be my honor to take you there," he said with a smile. Having finished the last of his meal, he pushed his plate back, saying "Now, shall we sample some of this dessert Dan has provided?"

She nodded, "Yes, the chocolate pudding sounds really nice." She smiled as she looked to the kitchen and Dan's staff came out and placed the desserts in front of them. "Oh this is so nice, even though he is busy with his daughter's wedding, he has still outdone himself." 

After sampling the dessert John had to agree with her - the chef had definitely created a masterpiece. There was Terran chocolate in the taste, but unless his taste buds deceived him, there was more than that in the mix. Perhaps some Betazoid chocolate as well as Vulcan cocoa - or was it Mexican chocolate? Whatever it was, it was exquisite.

====== Later ======

Once they had finished their dessert, John had paid the check and they were preparing to leave. As they stood up from the table, he asked "May I walk you back to your quarters?"

Charlena hooked her arm in his arm. "Yes you may." 

The time it took for them to walk from Dan's place on the station to her quarters was brief as far as John was concerned. He had briefly thought of asking her if she would like to take a walk in the station's arboretum or along the promenade but ultimately decided to save those for another time. They had made small talk as they walked and once or twice he'd thought about reaching for her hand but had ultimately decided against it. Now all too soon they had arrived at the door to her quarters. He felt a bit awkward as they stood there, not knowing quite how to end this date. Finally he said "I've really had a wonderful time. Thank you for agreeing to go with me," as he extended his hand to her.

Charlena took his hand with both hands. "Thank you for a lovely meal. I have enjoyed myself very much. I think we should do this some time again soon. I believe we will be around the base for several more days. I am happy to go on another date with you." She suddenly realised that she called it a date. But she didn't let him know, she really enjoyed herself. It was nice to be out there again, since....she rather not think of him anymore. His name even escaped her. 

Hearing her say that she wanted to go out with him again made John smile to himself. It had been a long time since he had felt this way - too long in fact. She had not invited him in to her quarters, nor had he expected her to. It was a first date after all. So before things became too awkward, he took one of her hands, then lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it lightly and said "Good night pretty lady..."

Charlena smiled to him, "I think I can manage that." She opened the doors to her quarters. "Till next time, John." She winked a little playfully before she walked in to her quarters. The doors closed before her. She turned around as she leaned against the doors a momen. She sighed. She hadn't felt this happy in ages. 

He watched as she turned and disappeared inside her quarters, all the while thinking 'Somehow, some way, someday - I'm gonna marry that girl...'

OFF:

LtCommander John Pearce, MD
Chief Medical Officer
USS Shanghai

Major Charlena Dilucca
Chief of Security/Second Officer
USS Shanghai

 

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