Posted by Colonel Jaxon “Hawk” Hammond (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in T’Leia’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant T’Leia (Chief Science Officer) in T’Leia’s Quarters

Posted by Colonel Jaxon “Hawk” Hammond (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in T’Leia’s Quarters
Posted by… suppressed (43) by the Post Ghost! 👻
T’Leia’s shift on the bridge had ended smoothly, her mind already drifting toward the evening ahead. As she walked the corridor, she found herself considering the dinner menu she had carefully planned for her supper with Hammond. He struck her as adventurous in most matters, but when it came to food she would err on the side of diplomacy—selecting dishes that honored Vulcan tradition while remaining approachable to human tastes.

Stepping into her quarters, she went first to the refresher. The day’s routine washed away beneath warm water, and she emerged with deliberate calm to dress for the evening. Her choice of attire was thoughtful yet unassuming: a layered robe and tunic in muted sage green and deep brown, soft boots to match. Rather than her usual chignon, she left her dark hair gathered in a queue that fell gracefully down her back—an understated departure from the structured precision of her duty shift.

Her wardrobe dissolved into the background as she moved into her main living space, where her personal aesthetic spoke with clarity. The room bore the unmistakable stamp of Vulcan design: low, functional seating and smooth-lined tables, softened with earth-toned throws for both comfort and visual balance. Tapestries hung along two of the walls, each a vivid portrayal of Vulcan’s vast desert expanses. The third bore her most treasured piece—a painting of Lake Yuron at dusk. Its shimmering surface marked the meeting point of lake and desert, with the Cliffs of Surak rising watchfully nearby. A small Vulcan dwelling sat nestled against the shore, the fading light of a red sun casting everything in a glow not unlike the muted amber ambiance of her quarters.

The environment settings reflected her preference as well—air a little drier, a little warmer, reminiscent of home.

With measured intent, T’Leia crossed to a recessed niche in the wall. From within, she drew out a meditation lamp, striking a small flame and placing it carefully at the center of the table. Its steady light lent the space a sense of grounded serenity.

She then approached the replicator and began to call forth the evening’s meal. First, a Vulcan brandy, accompanied by the customary offering of fresh water—no Vulcan host would set a table without it. The appetizer was Tevmel-with-Halak, delicate flower-shaped pastries filled with fruit and crushed nuts, garnished with a bright curl of halak. The main course featured jumbo Vulcan mollusks sautéed lightly in Rhombolian butter, served with roasted Vulcan tubers and a crisp Yorakor and Tabsheel vegetable salad. For dessert, a Perach Kisan pastry, its tender crust brimming with the sweet complexity of native Vulcan fruit.

As the table filled with the evening’s fare, the setting itself began to settle into harmony—food, flame, and atmosphere carefully aligned. It was not simply a meal, but an offering, a gesture of welcome, and a glimpse of Vulcan through her eyes.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond had researched through out his day when he had a moment or two for how to even approach a first date with a vulcan. After his shift he and kilo got ready. He had not asked if Kilo would come but she seemed to like her so hopefully it would be ok. Hammond put on a nice blue tunic with the collar open, and a pair of dark trousers with a nice belt. It took him to figure out the robes, which were a plain blue as well simple was what the information had said. He decided to follow an earth tradition. He replicated a bottle of white wine, synth of course, and hoped it would go well with what ever dinner she had planned. He also replicated a small bundle of field flowers wrapped with a lace ribbon.

Hammond and Kilo walked down the halls, there were some looks by folks him in his Vulcan robes, wine and flowers in hand. Kilo took a seat when he came to the door. He checked himself quickly and then rang the chime. He was 5 minutes early.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

It took a few moments but the the door whooshed open and T’Leia stood framed just within it, dressed in her own tunic, pants and robe set in sage green and brown. Her long, straight ebony hair was pulled back into a queue down her back, tied with a matching sage green ribbon at her nape.
“Good evening, Colonel. Come in, please and welcome.” She said as she stepped back to allow him to step in.

Lt. T’Leia CSO
Hammonds breath caught a little at the sight of her, he had not expected her to be so beautiful. She was pretty in her uniform for sure but something about her in the tunic took his breath away. He swallowed a little harder than he should.

“Thank you, I brought Kilo, and wine for dinner, I hope that is ok?” he said stepping in and removing his shoes by the door. “These are for you” he said holding the flowers to her, he was nervous something that was not normal for him.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia was a bit surprised at his gifts but assumed it might be a human custom. “Thank you, of course it is acceptable.” She accepted the wine and flowers, and looked at the flowers curiously. “Do I put these in water?” She asked seeing that the flowers were cut. She seemed at a bit of a loss, not knowing what she was to do with the flowers, or wine if it came down to that. She assumed one just opened and poured the wine but it had a strange top to it.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled relieved that the gifts seem to be ok, “Kilo,” he pointed to a spot on the ground and she went circled three times then laid down with a herumph escaping her snout. “Yes we normally put them in a vase and place them on the table or on a nearby surface. ” He said noticing her look at the wine. “Its a cork, would you like me to open it?”

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Ah. I can replicate a vase.” She said as she walked over to the replicator. “Computer, create a vase 12 inches in height, filled with water and nutrients for cut flowers. Make it in a Vulcan pottery style.” She ordered and waited for it to create it as she looked over her shoulder.

“What do you need to open the wine? Did you want to order it from the replicator?”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond had not realized she might not have a corkscrew. “Yes please, a corkscrew” he requested, and looked around the common space a little. “I love how you have decorated your room, It feels a little like Vulcan but little not all at the same time” he noted.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia ordered the corkscrew with two additional glasses for the wine. She already had glasses on the table for the Vulcan brandy and water. They would have a lot of glasses, good thing her low table was fairly large. She picked up the corkscrew and then carried over the wine, base and glasses to the table. She set the vase in the middle near the meditation candle and set the wine and glasses down with the corkscrew near Hammond’s place. There were two low, comfortable chairs, almost like the human pillow chairs on either side of the table. She took a seat on hers after indicating Hammond his across from her.

“Thank you. I like my quarters to remind me of home when I am so far away from it. I do not get back as often as I would like.” She looked at Kilo, “Does Kilo need anything? I could replicate him something.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond took his seat and smiled. “Oh Vulcan brandy, I love it” he said genuinely. “She is fine, she’ll come nudge us if she needs something” he said looking over at her. “Well I’m afraid my quarters is rather plain, I’m not very good at decorating I never seem to be able to translate what I see in my mind to something that actually looks good in reality. ” he noted.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Why do we not have the wine with the dinner and save the brandy until after dinner with dessert.” T’Leia suggested as she poured water into their glasses from a pitcher and then picked up one glass and held it in her hands as she said.

Hammond smiled. “Wine with dinner it is” he said smiling. His eyes watched her as she picked up the water and listened intently wishing he had actually study the traditions and not just the clothing.

“On Vulcan, the offering of water is considered one of the most sacred gestures of hospitality. It is more than refreshment—it symbolizes peace, welcome, and respect.
The phrase we use in the giving and accepting of the water is deeply tied to Vulcan philosophy: it reflects the paradoxical Vulcan view of logic and emotion, separateness and unity, distance and connection. By reciting it, we both affirm a temporary bond of trust and mutual respect.” She held the water between them as she recited.

“Parted from me and never parted, never and always, touching and touched.” She then held the water toward until he accepted it.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

He took hold of the water. “Parted from me and never parted, never and always, touching and touched” he repeated hoping that was what he was supposed to do, he was really enjoying himself the smile reflected clearly on his face.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia released the glass and nodded in approval before taking a sip of her own water. Setting down the glass she picked up the dish with the appetizer which was Tevmel-with-Halak, delicate flower-shaped pastries filled with fruit and crushed nuts, garnished with a bright curl of halak.
“This is Tevmel with Halak. It is a common appetizer that we serve at special dinners.” She set some of the bite sized pastries on each of their plates.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled, then took a sip of his own water. “They look very good” he noted as she distributed them, he had warranted a special dinner that was at least a good sign. “Thank you for going to all this, for our time together” he thanked it was special to him that she took the time to think through explaining the why behind what she chose.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia inclined her head then picked up her folk at speared one of the Tevmel, of which she took a delicate bite of.
“Do you have any special foods that you like to eat, Hammond?”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond followed her lead, he did not want to over indulge as he had heard the Vulcan’s eat slowly being mindful of what they are tasting. He took a similar controlled bite though a bit less practiced. “I’m afraid my pallet is earth simple, but I do rather enjoy this” he said happy with the flavor. His eyes smiled in thank your. “I’m excited to try what you have made it all looks amazing.” he noted.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia nodded, not quite sure what he might mean about simple. “Tevmel is made up of Vulcan fruit, nuts and halal. All in a pastry shell, halak is a type of herb.”
She finished the Tevmel piece she was eating and picked up another. “I like the contrasting flavor with the nut and fruit.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

“Indeed” he noted, ” you made something that i like very much, its like a little surprise in every bite ” he smiled “you are a very good baker.”

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia arched a brow, the subtle Vulcan gesture carrying the faintest ripple of amusement. Her tone was dry, measured, yet not without warmth.

“Unfortunately, I did not create these—other than to tell the replicator what to prepare. My only contribution was in describing accurately what I wished it to do. Still, I am gratified that you are enjoying them. I must admit, I experienced some trepidation in presenting a fully Vulcan menu to you.”

Hammond smiled turned a little crooked wondering if she would get the joke. “Oh no reason to be nervous, I’m really honored that you would put so much thought into our first meal together. ” he returend. “though I must admit I was nervous as well, I wanted things to go well to night. ” he finished looking at what she was setting before him.

As the last of the Tevmels was finished, she rose with her customary grace, gathering the empty plates and returning them to the replicator. With the same precise elegance, she retrieved the next course, setting before them plates of Jumbo Vulcan mollusks seared in Rhombolian butter, accompanied by roasted Vulcan tubers. A smaller dish followed—a colorful arrangement of Yorakor and Tabsheel vegetables—placed neatly between them, completing the next chapter of their meal.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

“This looks amazing” he said his eyes widened and nostrils flared at the aroma, “Is there a specific way to eat the Mollusks? ” he asked ”

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia sat down and picked up her fork, “They are not in a shell, of course because they were replicated. So just dip pieces in the butter and enjoy it.” She said picking up a bite size piece herself,—they were all bite size pieces— and she dipped it in the butter before eating it. She then sliced up her tubers into bite size pieces as well. The salad was glazed in a fragrant oil dressing which was very tasty as well.
T’Leia picked up her wine glass and took a sip, the deep red wine was a beautiful compliment to the mollusk, adding a richness of taste.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond wondered about and traditions that may go with the meal. He took a Mollusk and dipped it in the butter, the bite melted in his mouth. He too took a sip of wine the flavor adding a nice ending to the bite. Ass he cut the tubers, he spoke .”On earth we have oysters, it’s been a favorite dish for millennia, ” he paused wondering if she would want to know the lore. “Some of the properties were believed to be an aphrodisiac and they were used as such” he said with a slight laugh. “Are their similar beliefs around this dish?” he asked.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia blinked then arched an eyebrow again though it wasn’t apparent this time what this may have denoted.
“Not as far as I am aware.” Moving on she looked at Hammond curiously. “I am curious about you,Hammond. What was your childhood like? Where were you raised?”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond noticed the thought around his question but did not really know what that thought was. He took another bite and sip of wine as she asked her question. “Well, ” he paused finishing his sip. “I grew up on Cestus III, small coloney about 30 light years from betazed.” he noted stirring the wine glass while he recalled. “My sister and I grew up there playing around all the tera formers and miners. Mom and day had both retired from the Corp by then but I guess it all stuck. It was a pretty good childhood I think. I learned a lot that I was able to carry into the Academy.” he said took a sip and looked about you. “Tell me about your childhood, if it pleases you?” he asked.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia had finished her meal and now sat in quiet composure, head tilted slightly as she regarded Hammond. Her attention was wholly on him, weighing the fragments of his childhood he had chosen to share against the concise entries she had skimmed from his Starfleet bio.

He had offered little more than a mention of playing among the terra-formers and miners, yet even that sparse statement spoke volumes. It revealed a boy accustomed to stark landscapes, one who had learned to endure and adapt to unforgiving environments. That resilience, she reflected, had carried into his career. His adaptability, proven again and again, seemed the natural extension of those early lessons.

Perhaps, she considered, it also explained his willingness to seek out friendship with her. Hammond possessed a patience and thoroughness rare among humans she had encountered. Where others would have pressed too quickly, he allowed space for trust to take root. In that quality he reminded her, unexpectedly, of Vulcan men. Not emotionless—his depth was evident—but measured, steady, and grounded. It was a combination she found appealing, and it lessened her usual reservations.

“You already know most of my own beginnings,” she began, her voice even. “I was raised on Vulcan, just beyond Shi’Kahr, along the edge of Lake Yoran. My mother, T’Karatek, was a visual artist. My father, Haadok, served as a healer. I was their only child. Much of my youth was spent in the lakelands with them—studying, gathering plants, and learning to read the language of atmosphere, soil, and ecosystem.” She gestured toward the painting on her wall, the familiar landscape captured in living color. “It was in those verdant places that the spark for my career was born, the understanding that the workings of a world are more than the sum of their parts.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled as she spoke, there was something calming about being around her, there seemed to be little pressure to proceed fast or dot things to try and make the dinner work. It was relaxing and refreshing to just be himself, not have to chat about simple things that really did not mater. Rather they could just get to know one another without the undertone of there needing to be more, though he was starting to think he might like that if things were going to progress as comfortably as this. “May I?” he asked pointing at the picture but he did not want to be rude by just getting up.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Please do. I will clear the plates, pour the brandy and set out dessert.” T’Leia said as she too rose, picked up their dishes and returned to the replicator. After pouring the brandy she set a plate of Perach Kisan fruit pastry before both their places.
She then went to where Hammond studied the painting.
“Even after having the painting for so many years, I still find myself riveted by the contrast of the desert and lakeland.” https://i.imgur.com/rEUiSHG.jpeg.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled and stood. “Thank you” he noted when she took his plate. He stood there looking at if for sometime while she plated desert. He listened to what she said about the painting.

“It’s very good, I must admit I was not expecting to see so much green on Vulcan. She is quiet the artist. I feel like I’m looking out a window at the lake.” he tilted his head in ponder.

“I would actually like to see this lake some day. It looks beyond peaceful.” he noted. Peace was not something he had a lot of, Kilo helped ground him, and he certainly was happy but he had see to many and sent to many to die to have true peace the dominion war had taken it’s pound.

“Do you have any more of her work?” he asked

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“If we ever get the chance to have a layover there, I’ll take you to visit then you will get a chance to see more of my mother’s artwork. She painted several walls in our house with full size murals.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammonds eyes grew wide for a moment as he turned to look at T’Leia, “Entire walls, if they are half as good as this I should love to see them” he note smiling. His eyes lingered in hers for just a moment longer than seemed appropriate, or maybe he was being cautious. “Do you have any other pieces?” he asked genuinely wanting to see more of the work.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia shook her head. “I did not wish to risk more than this one. How about you? Did you bring anything from home?” T’Leia asked as she returned to the table to sit. She waited for him to sit as well before beginning to eat the dessert.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled warmly. “Im afraid Kilo and her toys and bed are the only thing I travel with. ” he said wishing be had something, it would have givin him and easy dinner invite. He sat down at the table with her once more and examined dessert. “This looks tasty” he noted.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“For a desert world, Vulcan actually has a large variety of fruits and it is a favorite for us to cook with. ” T’Liea said as she cut her pastry up in a few bite size pieces, she then took her first bite. Vulcans tended to be very precise eaters, it seemed to be a racial trait. “You really do not have any favorite foods?” She asked.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled taking a bite of his own. “Well I mean what you have made here tonight is most certainly among them” he said with a wink. “but I really don’t think to much about it, I eat mess food most the time, what ever they have that’s fast. I’m always on the go so it’s really hard to enjoy the food. ” he looked at Kilo. “I think she eats better than I do most days , isn’t that right girl. ” he noted. Kilo’s eyes glanced up at him to see if he was doing more than just mentioning her name. Once she realized it was not a request she gave a small disinterested snort and closed her eyes. “That being said, I love a good Pizza with all the toppings” he noted. “If I had to pick something that would be it.” He smiled warmly as she ate she indeed did savor the bites she was taking which he wondered if he should be doing the same. His next bite was slower more intentional. He noticed that he could taste more by slowing down. “I can see why Vulcans eat slow, you get a better sense for the flavors, thank you” he noted.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia nodded, “That is one reason we eat more slowly and deliberately. Also it is to show respect to the one that prepared the meal. One has the tendency to rush the rest of the things in one’s life, as you said. If one takes the time to savor food, or walks on the beach, it adds balance to one’s life. Look at Kilo, she realizes the need for balance. When it is time for work or play she does that whole heartedly but when it is time for rest she does that. She is balanced.” T’Leia had not met any animals like Kilo before this but she had been observing the animal, watching how she played, how she walked, how she watched Hammond for cues to see if it was work time or if she could relax. The animal was intelligent.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond smiled. “I think I will have to do this more often, the food is more enjoyable. ” he said noting. “I definatly enjoy the walks on the beach but I have never really taken time to enjoy each bit of food. more the meal as a whole. ” he said smiling. “Thank you”

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia nodded, “You are more than welcome. I found it is the small things in life that give one the strength and stability for times that are more challenging.” Finishing her dessert she picked up her brandy and sat back a bit as she sipped it. “What are your goals for the future, Hammond? Where do you plan to go after your time on the Chimera is done?”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

He looked at her “Indeed it’s the small things that make all the hard things worth the fight.” he noted. “I don’t know General I guess, maybe settled down some where, Kilo and I talk about it” Kilo stood and walked over to T’Leia and nudged her hand on the her snout, she was tired of no one paying attention to her. “hrrrrump” she snorted. “Kilo, maybe T’Leia does not want to pet you, I’m sorry she’s not normally like this” he noted

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Of course I will pet her. Do dogs have emotions? Do you think she has felt left out while we’ve talked?” T’Leia asked curiously as she pet Kilo on the head and behind her ears.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Kilo grunted and moaned as T’Leia’s hands worked her over. Her eyes closed and tail swished the floor happily. “They have very strong emotions, Kilo knows when I’m not well or if I’m unhappy and tries to consul me with toys and things we like to do together. When she lost her handler she would not eat slept all day. ” he said his voice a little comber. “She is very smart too and athletic she can scale a 12 foot wall no problem. ” his pride was evident. “He took a sip of his brandy, “The become very attached to their owners. To be honest I’m surprised that she is so nice to you, she normally does not like me being around woman in a one on one setting.” he noted. “She usually gets a little jealous.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Perhaps because I am so calm and accept her as she is.” She pondered his words more. “They are rather amazing creatures. What was their evolutionary place in the past do you think? I am trying to think where a dog may fit in Earth’s biodiversity.”

Lt. T’Leia CSO

“She does seem to be comfortable with you so perhaps” He smiled finishing off his last piece of desert. “That’s a great question, I know they were pack animals originally, scavengers” he said. “Humans domesticated the to use for all sorts of things. keeping their live stalk safe from predator and herding them. To Attack and Search dogs like Kilo here” he noted. Kilo was too into the attention she was getting from the Lieutenant to care much about Hammond was saying, but her eyes did briefly shift to his to make sure he was not giving her something to do.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

“Ah, scavengers then, not hunters?” She nodded as she considered Kilo’s breed on the evolutionary food chain and what her place would have been in Earth’s beginnings. Of course, she was not in the same place now.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammonds nose crinkled. “Maybe hunters or both?” he stated unsure looking to see if she was done yet, and a sofa so something more comfortable than the table to take the discussion.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

There was, indeed a low divan under the large viewport. T’Leia rose gracefully and began to clear the table. “Why do you not take your brandy to the divan while I clear?” She suggested as she carried the dishes to the recycler.

Lt. T’Leia CSO

Hammond stood and walked over to the dvian and sat down with his brandy. “Thank you!” he noted as he went over. Kilo followed her into the kitchen her eyes looked up at her with anticipation.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

T’Leia glanced down at the dog when she had completed the recycling. “Hammond, it looks like she may wish something. What does she want?”

Lt. T’Leia CSO