Posted by Lieutenant Navale Huzzen (Engineer) in Florence’s Lounge- Expanding Tastebuds

Posted by Chief Petty Officer Sam Nazarian (Host of Florence’s) in Florence’s Lounge- Expanding Tastebuds

Posted by Lieutenant Navale Huzzen (Engineer) in Florence’s Lounge- Expanding Tastebuds
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

He watched Navale as she sampled, enjoying seeing her reactions. “Yeah, the olives have a briny taste as well as being rich with oil. They’re quite the sensory experienceIt’s too much to do in one bite, but as you eat them, you can experiment with bites of different things. What you eat before will affect the taste of each item.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Hmmmm, alright.” Navale slid everything off the skewers and started creating patterns with the food. Cutting up some of the pieces smaller so she could try as many possible combinations as she could manage. It was all very methodically thought out. Then she started sampling everything in her range of possibilities. She enjoyed them all, even if she wouldn’t eat someone them again. She commented on the different results as she tried them.

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

Sam grinned. “You know, the biggest joy for me these days is seeing someone really enjoy themselves. It’s the biggest compliment someone can give me. It’s what makes this not work at all, but a bit of fun I get to do each day. Though I will say that there are days I do miss crawling about a ship with you all, and being stuck in the systems.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

Navale’s eyes widened slightly, “You’re an engineer, Sam? I didn’t know that. I tell you, after this last one, we could have used an extra pair of hands.”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

He gave her a smaller smile. “I used to be. Left Starfleet eight years ago. I originally enlisted during the war. The job itself became too much to manage but I still liked being on ships so I asked for permission to work on them in a civilian capacity. I feel like this is a better way for me to contribute now.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

Navale grinned, “I bet you still tinker though, don’t you?” She glanced down the bar and around the lounge, “I think you fit in just fine here. And everyone certainly enjoys the atmosphere you’ve created in here. So why a lounge host?”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

He grinned. “Yes, I do tinker. At least I can fix my own replicators when I need to. Save you the trouble of coming down. But don’t worry, I log everything.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” Navale laughed, “checking the logs is above my paygrade, unless ordered.”

Sam folded his arms on the bartop. “As for why I chose this fine occupation… I like people. I like being on ships too. Space agrees with me. And every ship needs someone outside of the chain of command to talk to. I’m a firm believer in mental health care, but I also know that sometimes you just need a casual place to vent or seek advice. I found people in my department used to do that a lot with me, so I consider it a free service for all who visit Florence’s. I’ll help however I can, even if in the end I gently suggest they talk to someone in Psychiatry.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Sometimes, that’s all people need. Just someone to talk with, a chance to not feel isolated. I think that’s what stops most people from seeking out help. They feel alone and like no one cares.”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

Sam nodded. “Exactly. And there can be a lot of fear about one’s career, even if, especially on the Ogawa, there is so much more understanding about mental health needs. If I can bridge the gap until they get the help they really need, I’m glad to do so.” He lifted a finger. “Though I should be clear that I’ve done some very rudimentary training before I came here knowing that it would be useful. I couldn’t be sure who would walk through those doors.”

She took the time to glance around at the people in the lounge. “It’s beautiful isn’t it? All the different people in once place. Not just the different species, but the differences between individuals.”

“It’s an extraordinary thing. Living in the Federation is not something I take for granted, though I’ve seen microcosms of this even back in my grandparents villages, or on Betazed when I was young,” Sam said. “But I will say that a hospital ship like the Ogawa is truly unique. People are here because they can offer help, are the ones that need the help, or are here to make sure everything runs well enough for people to be able to dispense the help. It’s a truly noble purpose, even if you ar the one that needs help. I can’t think of a better place you could be, and I’ve been more than my share of places.”

He flashed her a grin. “Once you’re done with those, it’ll be time for dessert. You’ll have to tell me whether you’d like something light, or rich.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Oh that’s tough. Everything tonight has been light, so something rich would be nice. However, I’m interested to see what you can do with a light dessert. Can’t I have both?” She laughed and then finished the last bites of the current dish.

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

Sam leaned forward and met her gaze, his eyes sparkling. “Both? Hmmm. Well, it is your special meal and I fully believe we should indulge ourselves whenever we can. But do you think you can wait for one of them? It takes time to make it perfect.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s