Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) in Officers Mess - Dinner with the Captain
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/0685/4967/products/franny-long-sleeve-peasant-casual-flowy-fall-modest-maxi-dress-gown-orange-2x-large-3x-black-brown-latte-coral-nt103-gcgme-clothing_846_540x.jpg?v=1585670717

Zef entered the officers mess promptly at 1900 hours and looked around for the Captain. As her eyes surveyed the people there, she noted a mixture of uniforms and civilian clothing. The uniforms made her second guess her decision to wear a dress. It was very simple, long sleeved and maxi length in a rust color. Nothing about it said ‘come hither’, but still…

She’d taken time with her appearance knowing she would have Cochrane’s undivided attention, and truth be told, Zef wanted him to notice that she was a woman and not just the counselor—but in a very subtle way. The stark, white hair that she usually wore up, was now down and brushed into a soft, cloud that hung halfway down her back. She’d also applied a transparent blush and lipstick in an apricot shade that gave her a natural hint of color. She’d bypassed Bajeen traditional jewelry which consisted of thin, gold, winding ornamentation on wrists, ankles and throat, in order to keep it simple and not look like she was trying to impress him.

Zef pulled in a deep breath and focused once again on the patrons. Where was Alexander Cochrane?

—Rollo, CNS

A larger Bajoran man came out of the kitchen and approached. “Ms. Rollo? I’m Chef Harv. The Captain sends his apologies, but he’s running a few minutes behind, but he will be here shortly. Please, follow me. I have set a table aside at his request.” and he turned and led her through the main dining area and around a gentle bend in the interior bulkhead.

A small table for two had been set up near a window. Harv walked behind one of the chairs and pulled it out for her. As she sat and he pushed it in slightly, he moved to the side and poured two glasses of water. “I have some ideas for your dinner, but if there is something you would particularly like, just let me know. And if you have any dietary restrictions, well… now’s the time.” and he smiled and chuckled softly.

Harv, Chef