First Contact

Posted on Wed Dec 11th, 2024 @ 8:43pm by Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Lieutenant JG Zub Enel & Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon & Kalstri Tenistion

2,390 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Interlude 1 Gamma Quadrant
Location: Firebird Messhall

[ON]

A rather loud grumble and groan caught Abigail’s attention, shifting her focus from the medical book she was reading in her quarters. She tried to ignore the sound, but this time, her stomach was telling Abi she needed food badly.

"Okay Okay, I hear you loud and clear." Abi was rather happy that Gia and Daw were not there at the time. Bookmarking the page of the old volume of Gray's anatomy, it was something her Uncle Ezra Letsul had given to her. She carefully placed the book on her pillow, Abi decided to head to the messhall, but this time with no book in hand. She wanted to do some people-watching, The best way to become familiar with the crew she would run into from time to time.

Arriving there, Abi wondered just what she was in the mood to eat. A chef salad or a sandwich with some soup? Oh that sounded yummy. A french dip sandwich. The au ju could be classified as soup, and a vanilla milkshake. Oh I can't forget the water to prevent brainfreeze.

Abigail took a seat where she could observe those who came into the messhall. She also waved towards Kalstri, that wonderful chef.

Zub Enel had no trouble finding the messhall. His sensitive nose towed him toward it from several decks away. His 7-foot-tall frame was taller than the doorway so he ducked his way into a brightly lit and lightly populated cafeteria. There was the light patter of conversation, though some personnel sat alone hunched over PADDS or just looking out the large windows at DS18 while they ate. The aromas mixed so strongly that Zub was afraid he’d start drooling. His saurian physique naturally made people nervous. A drooling lizardman just lookin’ around and lookin’ around would surely be upsetting. He clamped his lips together.

He knew sitting down and eating something very ordinary would make everyone feel safer. He saw there were empty tables, but as he looked around, his golden eyes narrowed with confusion. There appeared to be nothing that dispensed food. He swept the cheerily decorated walls for replicators, but there were none. People were eating what looked like delectable fresh food but from where? He wondered if there might be a replicator alcove he just wasn’t seeing or maybe he had to tap one of the colorful wall panels to open one up to a replicator.

Abi's attention was immediately caught by the entrance of a species she'd never met before. Her eyes went round as saucers, as she watched him move about. When it became evident that this being seemed to be at a loss, Abi stood up from her table and walked over to the individual.

"Hello, I am Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon. What is your name? You seem to be looking for something," Abigail said, having to look way upwards to get a look at the being's face. "Perhaps I can help you." giving a friendly smile.

He returned her smile gratefully. A smaller-than-average Human, she had masses of black curly hair. He was sure others of her species found that highly attractive.

He made a quick pass over his lips with the back of a three-fingered hand to make sure he wouldn’t drool the moment he spoke. “Hello, Cadet Gordon. I am Lieutenant Zub Enel, your newest Security Investigations Officer.” His golden-eyed gaze swept up and around. “I’m new to this cafeteria and very hungry but there appears to be nowhere to get food!” He looked back down into her strikingly green eyes.

"Well now, why don't you come have a seat with me at my table? There is an amazing magical Chef named Kalstri who has a knack for knowing what a person wishes to eat. It is rather uncanny but also delightful," Abi said, talking as she led the way to her table. "The first time I came to eat here, he made a most artistically beautiful, delicious supreme pizza and for dessert he had a banana split accompany it. It was heavenly." She kissed her fingers in a chef's kiss gesture.

Zub raised his thick brow ridge in surprise. The Firebird had a chef? The Voth thought about a salad and maybe a bowl of Klingon Gagh. Replicators did a passable job at both, but a chef…

He followed the little human back to her table. He studied the seats for a moment. The furniture was made for beings her size. He settled into a seat and stretched his legs out together at a 90-degree angle to hers. She was looking over his shoulder.

"I think I see him now." Giving a wave towards the Chef. Maybe just maybe, she would get to have a conversation with both the chef as well as her table mate.

Kalstri caught Abigail's wave and flashed her a beaming grin, one of his four hands waving back while the others continued their tireless dance among the pots and pans. "I'll be right out with your food, Cadet!" he boomed, his voice carrying effortlessly across the mess hall. "Just have a seat!"

With a final flourish of his spatula, he returned his attention to the culinary masterpiece in progress. The Firebird's diverse crew presented a delightful challenge, a symphony of tastes and preferences to cater to. And now a Voth, he thought excitedly, his culinary imagination already swirling with possibilities. I'll need to speak with the quartermaster about acquiring some... exotic ingredients.

His eyes scanned the well-stocked pantry, searching for a particular delicacy. "Now, where did I put those serpent worms...?" he muttered to himself, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Zub turned his crested head toward the booming voice. A large male four-armed Terellian was gliding about in a room filled with bubbling, boiling pots and pans. Zub realized he had missed seeing the kitchen. Some detective he was! Despite his chagrin, he smiled at the busy chef.

All four hands occupied, the Terellian bobbed his head and grinned at Zub Enel. His deep voice rose easily over the hissing, frying and bubbling, “I will be along shortly. Talk around yourselves.”

Zub grinned in anticipation of a great meal, of some kind. He turned back with golden eyes alight toward the Human Abigale Gordon. "A chef! That has to make any duty pleasant, no matter how onerous. What is it you do, Cadet Gordon?”

Abigail was thrilled at the Terellian's response then turned to answer Zub's question.

"I am a nurse. Something I have been wanting to do as a little girl. And you can call me Abi since we are not on duty right now," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Tell me, does your race have a taboo in someone touching them? You are the first of your people that I've ever met. And since I am in medical, I will need to know about taboos and such."

Zub felt his scales warm and the down underneath prickle out just a little. This told him before he had fully processed her request that allowing a young attractive Human female to touch him would be okay. “Y-yes, uh, Abi, touching is allowed, especially since you’re a nurse.” He took a quick breath. “Voth have no taboos, except asking them where their species originated. Wars have started over that.” His three-fingered hands curled shut involuntarily.

"I won't ask that question but I do want to find out where you were born. I think that is acceptable to ask. And do you have family?" Rising from her chair and moving closer to take a look at his skin. She saw a fine down, along with his scales, And a pretty color as well.

Zub felt his eyes narrow and his hands clench further closed. He was used to being an object of curiosity since most Voth tended to stick to the Delta Quadrant. Still, even medical staff didn’t usually examine him so minutely. He realized he was afraid his appearance might somehow offend this little Human in such close proximity of his big lizardly self. He could feel her warmth radiating across his arms and face. He exhaled slowly letting his hands relax.

His gaze went up to her face, “Voth aren’t born. We hatch. I hatched out in the Gamma Quadrant. I have 16 nest mates who ostensively could be called my siblings though Voth tend to scatter and live independently.”

Zub glanced at the chef still busy in the kitchen. He glanced back up at Abi. “How about you? Why nursing instead of science or ops or general soldiery?”

Kalstri emerged from the kitchen, the door swinging wide to accommodate his four arms laden with plates and bowls. He crossed the cafeteria with surprising agility, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he approached Zub and Abi's table.

With a flourish, he laid out the dishes before them, a symphony of colors and aromas filling the air. "For you, Zub," he announced, gesturing towards a vibrant salad, "we have a Ganush salad. I find its leaves have just the right crunch and flavor to pair with this fresh Gagh." He then turned to Abi, a proud smile gracing his lips. "And for you, my dear, a freshly made French Dip sandwich with my own special au jus." He paused, savoring the moment. "And of course," he added, placing a tall, frosty milkshake on the table, "a vanilla milkshake for a special treat."

The Voth gaped at his dishes. He didn’t know fresh purple spiny Ganush could still be found anywhere in the traversable universe. And the black bowl of Klingon serpent worms were writhing and tumbling over each other like they’d just hatched. A truly perfect repast. He gazed up at the chef his eyes bright with mute gratitude.

Abigail softly spoke. "You are beautiful and the play of colors you have naturally. Thank you for letting me touch you. " pulling her hands away, "When I was younger I used to take care of injured animals at home on Earth. Then I realized that there were others who needed help as well. My family thought I would be a doctor for the animals on Earth but, I wanted to be a nurse and maybe eventually when I gain more knowledge and experience a doctor. Even if I don't become a doctor, I am quite happy being a nurse. "

She greeted Kalstri, "Hello Kalstri once again you have put together a masterpiece. Something that tantalizes the taste buds and brings the feeling of well-being. Do you have time to sit down and have a chat with us or maybe chat later on? "

"Ah, thank you, Abi! I'm glad you enjoy it!" Kalstri beamed, his four hands clasped together in delight. He tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I can spare six and a half minutes," he declared, "but any longer and it'll be a culinary disaster!" He let out a booming laugh that echoed through the mess hall. With a practiced ease, he swiveled a nearby chair around and settled his considerable bulk onto it.

"We're definitely living in exciting times," he observed, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "How have you two been enjoying your time on the Firebird so far?"

Zub Enel grinned at Kalstri. He waved a hand at his salad and Gagh. “Not as much as right now.”

As he looked for verification from Abi, he picked out a pair of chopsticks from a little utensil drawer all tables had.

Abi nodded. "As I said amazing culinary skills. Also, I shall make certain to keep the timing factor in mind. " Abi grinned, rather delighted to be able to chat if but for a few moments with Kalstri and Zub. "I am finding my way around. Meeting those who work on the ship. And this is my first encounter meeting Zub, and at the same time have the chance to talk to you. Anyway, in order to not waste time, do you allow someone to come into the kitchen to converse? Or is it best to stay out of the way?"

Abi was keenly interested in the time she was spending with Zub and Kelstri.

Kalstri bobbed his head in acknowledgment, a pleased rumble in his throat. "Thank you for the praise," he said, his voice warm and appreciative. "As for coming into the kitchen..." he paused, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "well, it would definitely be at your own risk!" He let out a hearty chuckle.

"But I'm always here to chat," he continued, his tone turning sincere. "I'm truly amazed by what the crew does and goes through." He looked at them both with admiration. "The Firebird crew is always there to help those in need. And as a nurse..." he turned to Abi, his voice filled with respect, "...you carry the lion's share of that burden!"

He then addressed Zub, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "And you, my friend," he said, "you'll have so many mysteries to unravel, so many unknowns to explore!" He nodded, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "These are exciting times to be joining the Firebird."

Zub was mute with joy, primarily because his mouth was stuffed with fresh Ganush salad and wriggling Gagh. Crunching softly as he chewed, he nodded to the miracle chef Kalstri and then at Abi. He had made two new friends and already felt richly rewarded.

Her mouth was full of food. Abigail gave a closed-mouth smile. She swallowed her bite and then said, "I don't know if I can say I have a major burden upon my shoulders but, we're all in this together and being a team. I am so glad I got to have this time to get to know you both." Raising her milkshake in a toast. "Here's to us continuing to get to know everyone on this ship!"

[OFF]

Lieutenant JG Zub Enel
Security Investigations Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298


Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon
Nurse
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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