Posted by Civilian Genesis (Gen) McCallister (Anomalous Individual) in Kouign Amann/pastry (open to anyone)

Posted by Captain Zachariah Cobb (Commanding Officer) in Kouign Amann/pastry (open to anyone)
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Zachariah Cobb was undoubtedly many things, but a fool he was not. Casela’s matchmaking was far more obvious to him than the Counselor had possibly intended, not that he objected in principle to her attempt at improving his social life. But of all women to thrust upon him, why, he wondered, had she chosen Kindle?

Silently, he observed the young Isisean before him. In all the years of his existence, it was likely he had never encountered a beauty such as Quinn Emery Kindle. Physically her diminutive stature was as adorable as her red hair was enchanting and Cobb, mere human that he was, had oft-indulged in the fantasy of those fiery curls grasped between his fingers. But it was her inner beauty that truly captivated. Kind, generous, patient yet also daring and courageous, she was as unique an individual as her dazzling silver and emerald eyes.

But in the realm of such brilliance, Zachariah Cobb would cast a pitiful shadow. Where her eyes sparkled with delight, his knew only misery and grief. Where her lips promised warmth and easy conversation, his could only speak of darkness and the perverted corners of the world he prayed she would never have cause to see. In truth, nobody came to the ARU untarnished by the evils of existence and deep down Cobb knew that Kindle was no exception in that regard. But still, her light continued to burn brightly against all the odds. Could he truly bear to be the weight that would irrevocably snuff it out?

“I doubt I have any surprises left for you at this point, Quinn,” Zachariah addressed his Yeoman directly, his surface expression playful. But were Kindle to look into his eyes, she would find them ablaze with a sincerity he very rarely dared to display. “So I am sure you already know that a liquid breakfast is my favourite of all. Doctors and Counselors be damned.”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

Casela shook her head. She felt the disappointment from Quinn, even though her face didn’t show it. Casela ‘playfully’ shoulder checked Zachariah and looked pointedly at him. This young officer cooks for us every day and the only thing he could ask for was ‘liquid breakfast’? He was a better captain than that. Her look seemed to convey to him. It had nothing to do with match making. The crew looked up to him and it wouldn’t hurt him to acknowledge the effort she put in for him. That was her job yes, but she did it amazingly well. And cooking for him was not part of her job, she’d offered. Zachariah wouldn’t be aware of Quinn’s disappointment, but he could see that Cas expected more manners from him.

And quietly to herself, she was having far too much fun putting him on the spot. She lo....no she wasn’t going that far, she adored this grumpy old man.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

Quinn had looked up at his eyes when he said there was no surprises for her to learn, he had said her name which gave her a brief flicker of delight, the light in his eyes was bright, catching her attention undividedly, but as he finished speaking and saying he preferred liquid breakfast over the various meals she had brought in since her being assigned, hurt a bit, she kept it buried under a cheeky grin, and shook her head softly, “Ah well I can keep trying to suit the solids for your pallet yet.” she said and offered up the last of the pastries to Casela, Gen, and her Captain. Quinn would find a meal he liked, then if he started showing interest in someone as more than a friend, she would give them the recipe. He deserved to be as happy as anyone else Captain of the Leviathan or not, he was still a good man, handsome and smart, even with his faults, which everyone had, he was still a Good man.

OOC: if you want me to edit anything just let me know :)

• Quinn Kindle, Yeoman/RTF

Gen looked between both Cobb and Kindle and tilted her head confused. She looked at Casela for some sort of reassurance.

Gen

Casela grinned, Gen was telepathic and she heard Casela’s voice softly. It was a strange experience for Casela trying to keep her mental voice delicate, but her concern for Gen actually took care of that. They like each other Gen, but neither of them is willing to admit it. And don’t you go trying to tell them. They need to figure it out. They’ll be okay. She passed Gen one of the extra pastries and took one for herself. She turned in her seat facing Gen, “What new tricks have you taught Fenrir this week?”
Lt Synthi-er, CNS

He’d said the wrong thing. Cobb had no clue how such knowledge had been gained, but he could feel it - that unconscious, unspoken wave of disappointment generated by the solidarity of women in the presence of a clumsy and oft-clueless man.
“Well now, I…” he attempted, one hand reaching for a pastry to wield as a literal shield as the other rubbed nervously at his neck, “I should perhaps give more credit to your gastronomic creations. I mean, it can not be denied that your ‘Full English’ is a thing of true beauty! Crisp, salty bacon; plump, juicy sausage; two eggs fried perfectly with a runny yolk; hash browns, mushrooms and beans…why, to think of it is almost to taste it!”

He sighed and closed his eyes, wishing immediately that he could transport away from this space to the safe isolation of his quarters. His inadequacy with verbal expression was excruciating, his lack of command and of grace in the situation truly shameful. It was with a tangible reluctance that Zachariah finally opened his eyes and dared a glance towards Casela and then Gen and then finally, to Quinn.

But when, with great relief, he found his expectation of withering judgement unmet by each woman’s eyes, Cobb pocked his pastry and quickly rounded the counter to stand at Kindle’s side. Once there, he inhaled deeply, then brought his lips close to her ear and whispered:
“In truth, Quinn, I would relish every plate lain before me, as long as it was crafted by your own, delicate hands.”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

Gen looked slightly wide-eyed again and helped herself to more confectionery items.

*People are complicated, * she thought with a mental sigh at Casela.

Gen

Casela bit back a laugh. Yes they can be. Come on. Let’s go sit somewhere else. She got up leading Gen to another table, leaving Cobb and Quinn to themselves. “So what do you think so far Gen? Are you going to stay here with us? Do you like it here?”
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS