Posted by Lieutenant Simon Starr (Executive Officer) in 17/18 Forward: Right Side of Sim. Lunch With Lt. Simon Starr. XO.

Posted by Ensign Catt Beñnet (Science Officer) in 17/18 Forward: Right Side of Sim. Lunch With Lt. Simon Starr. XO.

Posted by Lieutenant Simon Starr (Executive Officer) in 17/18 Forward: Right Side of Sim. Lunch With Lt. Simon Starr. XO.
Posted by… suppressed (10) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Catt used the hobby galley to prepare lunch. A year of cooming classes had given her some passable cooking skills. She knew Simon was from English farming stock by heritage so he would be used to that cuisine. So she went with bangers and mash as being the moore typical of that cuisine. But she was also aware that some people left the usual fare at home once the ventured forth. SHe ended up with three possible dishes by the time she stopped. Bangers and holiday mash. Which was a2 fancier version of mashed potatos. She also made both sliced chicken and meatloaf sandwiches. Her third option was of course a mixed vegitable medley. Salt pepper and hot sauce was on the side and optional. After all she had to live up to her reputation as the Caitan who set fire to peoples taste buds. She boxed the lunches in Japanesse style lunch boxes all neat and tidy and tapped her combadge.

Simon was in his office, going through stacks of paperwork when there was a monotone voice, the computer reminding him of the lunch meeting scheduled with Catt. It would be good to catch up, and getting a night’s rest definitely helped. It was about two moments later when his commbadge chirpped.

=^= Ennsign Catt Bennet to Executive officer Lieutenant Simon Starr. Where would you care to have your Lunch sir.=^=, It was a bit formal but he might be in a meeting or something.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Science. (Of cooking)

=/\=We can meet in 17/18 Forward, Ensign=/\= Simon replied before straightening his uniform and making his way to the turbolift to go to deck 18 and grabbing lunch. He needed to probably get some time with each of the crew in a less formal setting, and who better to begin that than the new officers. A few minutes later, Simon arrived and looked around briefly to see if Catt had already arrived, but as he did so multiple officers came up to him and asked if there was any news on the Browns Town crew. “We’re still investigating at the moment,” Simon seemed to say three times before he made it to a quiet table and people stopped bothering him.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt arrived a moment after Simon but held back as he was mobbed with questions, no wonder he was tired and frazzled last night when he finally sat and looked to be about to try to relax she cut off a crewman who was headed towards Simon. “He said they are still investigating and they will let everyone know once they know more.”, she told the man. Who she turned about and gave a small push off towards the far side of the room. She seated herself across from Simon while he was looking around for her and set out the three box lunches between them. “You know Sir I had thought you would want a more private setting for our date.”, she said softly just before he turned to look back at her. She was ready to burst out laughing as they both knew this wasn’t a date and their friendship wasn’t likely to develop that way. He had made a point of telling her she wasn’t his type after all.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Science.

Simon chuckled at the comment and replied “Well, I had to get out of the office for a bit, and I haven’t been here for a few days now, so I thought it would be about time I got out,” he said with a slight smile. “So, how were things after the academy, I heard you worked with other caitians for a while?” he asked. He knew that she wasn’t exactly welcome there, so when he read that she was working with them he was surprised. Catt always mentioned about being an outcast in her society, so it was interesting to read that she was allowed to return.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt giggled, “First things first. I have a assortment of items for you enjoyment. Bangers and Mash. To celebrate your heritage. Though The Mash is what is called Holiday Mash as it uses sourcream rather than milk and some choice herbs. ” and she uncovered that dish still steaming and set it before Simon. “Then I have meat loaf and roast sliced chicken sandwitches. Crusts cut off.. Because down home fare provided by a Catt may not be what you want.”, and she set the container of sandwiches in the center of the table. Then is you dare. If you are brave enough. Sickbay is on standby. I made my vegtible medley. Which I can’t personally eat as I am a carnivore with a damaged digestion.”, and she pulled out a bottle of Hot sauce and placed it besides the third dish which held the medley.. “I leave the hot sauce as optional if you dare.”, the sandwiches were on fresh baked bread and the vegitables were fresh picked. Catt used only the best ingrediants.

Having presented the food Catt seared herself side wise on a chair. “Let me just say that after spending time in the Cait system with Caitans if I never meet another of my species I will be purrfectly happy. I never set foot on Cait itself and I never will if I have a choice in the matter.”, and she pulled out two green bottles from her food basket. “Is Guiness acceptable? The real brew not the replicated synthaholic version. I thoughtvwe ought to toast your successful career.”, and she smiled happily at her friend.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Science.

Simon put his hand up politely and said “No guiness, not right now. Regulation,” before he said holding out his hand “And I’m going to have to confiscate it,” he added, not smiling. “I won’t reprimand you this time for having alcohol on board a serving starship, but something to keep in mind,” he told her.

“However, I do appreciate the food,” he said, the smile returning. “Now, there is so much to choose from, but the smells remind me of that time on the Challenger. However, freshly made straight away rather than delivered. I am impressed with what you’ve managed to get together, all things considered,” he told her as he took a spoonful of some of the mash. “I haven’t had something from home for a while, the cream definitely does change the flavour of the mash, though,” he said before taking a bite into one of the sausages. “So, it didn’t go very well then?” he asked in regards to the time spent with other caitains and the comment she made.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt sniffed. “Now Simon they are yours to do with as you wish. The Guiness of course. However there is no regulation about owning it. Only about imbibing it on duty or in excess. It’s hardly the first time I gift guiness to people I like. My Father or adopted Fater is of the opinion it’s the only gift worth giving. Your not going to argue with Admiral Bennets opinion are you?”, she said softly even for her in a serious tone that was completely given lie by the twinkle in her eyes.
“Also while we are friends you will not treat me different from any other malifactor on this ship. Part of my problem serving in the Cait system was that my aunt is a powerful family matriarch. My Cousin showed up at my station the day before I arrived and gave them the minion of power and presege speach then left. So I walked into a posting where everyone assumed I was a going to be difficult, pampered and spoiled. So now I have on my record that I am antisocial and difficult to work with becauseevery last one of the Cait made a point of not talking. Losing my reports and making my life difficult in anyway possible. I am not some kind of princess. I am not entitled and more than ever I am not Caitan by anything other than a accident of birth. As for my family. I wouldn’t pee on them if they were on fire.”, her tone had turned serious as she spoke andheld a deep bitterness that she never showed. She grabbed her tail to still it and almost fell off her chair when she leaned back after she had finished speaking. Her gaze dropped to the table top as shexwent quiet. She hadn’t intended to talk about any of that but it had burst forth anyways and Catt was deeply ashamed of her lack of self control. So like a Caitani, she thought to herself and sighed heavily.
Catt looked unhappy and sighed again. “I am sorry sir I have been a bit emotional about my Caitan family since my parents died. They informed my aunt I was alive when I was returned to Federation space. She denied I ever existed. Thigs got heated after that. But I think I might go lie down a bit before my shift resumes. If You will excuse me. She didn’t move right away though.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Science.

“Of course, Ensign,” Simon responded but whe she didn’t get up to go straight away, he gave a soft smile. “Family can be tough sometimes, I’m lucky that none of my parents have died yet, but that doesn’t mean to say I have a simple… family. They were nervous for me joining Starfleet, you know,” he said, nonchalantly. “Anyway, have a good rest, and get settled. If you need any help with anything then I’m available,” Simon told Catt seriously. “And you’ll need to tell me how the project your working on in the academy went at some point, after all - I do have a… personal interest in agriculture,” he said with a smile.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt smiled with a kind of quesy air. “Simon the project was both a failure and a success. I improved the growrg rate marginally but not enough to matter to anyone who would need to depend on it. Thus the failure. The Challenger crew ghad fresh vegtibles f5or the next 3 months as I put everything directly in stasis as soon as it was harvested. The amount of space and power it took was negligable for a starship but could be problematic for a colony that suffered a disaster. I came up with a self sufficent unit during my last post. But while I would of happily let them take credit for it. My imediate supervisor locked me away from my project a week before my transfer. It’s now being put into production by my aunts interests. So yeah family just causes my stomach disorder to flair up. Well I get upset every time I s3ee a Caitan now.”, she sighed again the giggled, “Silly screw up Catt. Can’t even look in a mirror without wanting to get sick. ” and she shrugged as she stood. “Find someone who is your type and share the lunch ok?”, and she stood and she turned to go.

Ensign Catt Bennet.

“You know,” Simon said as she turned, “getting into starfleet wasn’t luck, Ensign. The tests are difficult for officers, both for entry into the Academy, and to stay throughout the process. The fact that you graduated means that you are not a screw up, and that you know your field, Ensign,” he told her. “Now that doesn’t mean to say there are things to learn. Even in my position, there are things I am still learning about being in the red uniform. I’ve made my mistakes, like everybody on board this ship,” he said, letting out a small sigh as he took a breath.

“I know you had quite the experience at the academy and it shook you, but the academy do that to help you deal with stressful situations. I had to deal with a suicide bomber on our last mission,” he said, giving a morbid smile showing that he was trying to make light of the situation. “So, I don’t want to hear you say your a screw up again, Ensign. Understood?” he asked, definitely in the more authortive tone of the executive officer rather than of the friend.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt stffened into the formal stance drilled into Cadets. “I cheated Sir. I went into the Academy and chose to study something I was well versed in. MY adpted Father is a Admiral after all. From the moment he adopted me I might as well of been in the academy. So the study, the drill, all of the quirks and idocincricies of Star Fleet were normal operating proceedure. Yes I worked hard. Yes I earned every grade. But Still I can’t ever take pride ini anything. Because theres the 2 lingering doubts. One is. Did the Admiral open doors for me? The other is to wonder if my Caitan Family is setting me up for a embarrasment.”, she relaxed as she spoke and finally sat down again. “Womans perogative I changed my mind. I want to see you eat what I made for you.”, and she giggled. “So whats her name this girl who is your type? Is she tall. Is she big breasted? Is she so pretty shuttle pilots fly into walls? If they spot her while landing or taking off?”, and she was back to the silly, flirty Catt with seemingly not a care in the world.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Sciences

“Firstly, you went through the academy. Whether your father got you into the Academy or not doesn’t matter. You got through it, you graduated. That can only be done on your own merit, Ensign,” he told Catt. “And your not the only one with family issues, trust me,” he said reassuringly. “So, don’t let your doubts hold you back, Ensign,” he said. “I couldn’t be doubtful to get here in a year, now, could I?” he said, the more cheeky tone Catt was used to from the Academy starting to come through as he took a bite into one of the sausages.

“These are good,” he said, genuinely impressed and tried the mash which was different, but not in a bad way. “And as to that issue, I’ve never really seen girls in that way,” he told her. “My type is more similar to me in that way, atanomically speaking,” he said with a smile.

Lieutenant Simon Starr, XO

Catt rolled her eyes, “Call me Catt when we are off duty. I understand the need to wear the XO hat at a moments notice. But I can hear your advice and instructions just fine without the formality. When we are just hanging out. My ears are big enough after all..” and she dished more of the saucage onto his plate. “The secret to making the saucages and meats taste better that your typical replicator fare is that I replicate the meats, then spice them and stuff them by hand. So they are cooked the old fashioned way. Time consuming and made with love. “, and she did as close to a eyebrow waggle as she could at Simon. “I wasn’t completely honest. I don’t actually hate being Caitan. After all who can hate a cute kitty Catt? But you Mr. XO the much esteemed Lt. Starr have foiled my evil plot with 3 words.”, she said placing her tail tip on her upper lip like a moustashe.

Ensign Catt Bennet. Science.