Posted by Chief Petty Officer Sam Nazarian (Host of Florence’s) in Gamma Tiltium IV- Tropical Chemistry

Posted by Lieutenant Navale Huzzen (Engineer) in Gamma Tiltium IV- Tropical Chemistry

Posted by Chief Petty Officer Sam Nazarian (Host of Florence’s) in Gamma Tiltium IV- Tropical Chemistry
Posted by… suppressed (10) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“A blazing sunburst, please,” Navale requested. She had first been introduced to it at the Academy by a classmate. It was a fun drink without any alcohol, which Navale appreciated then and now. She certainly didn’t need it to enjoy her time with Sam. She perused the menu, “mmmm some of this I’ve never heard of,” she laughed. New things to try.

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

He grinned and gazed up at the server. “Sparkling water and a black coffee for me.” The server nodded and went off to get their drinks.

“It’s a pretty eclectic menu for sure. They have some fun with local ingredients and ones they acquire from elsewhere. Having the Outpost here facilitates some interesting trade. I like to stock up when we come by. Anything there you’re curious about but not sure of?”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“There is a lot I’m curious about,” Navale looked up and across the table from him, “But I’m sure I want to try it all. I wonder if they do sampler plates?”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

“We can ask. I don’t see any specifically. But the other option if to order a bunch of smaller plates, and just… share,” he said with a gleam in his eye. See what we like and don’t like. Try for some comforting sounding things and maybe a couple adventurous dishes?”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Oh, I do like sharing.” Navale’s eyes slid over the menu. “How about Cave Cucumber & Lime Pavlov, Ojidarin Buns, and Gentle-Fried Shade Coral for my choices?”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

Eyes gleaming, Sam glanced at the menu, eyeing things that might go well with Navale’s selections. “Hmmm, let’s see. I think the palm heart and local scallop salad would be really refreshing. And maybe the Koagh Leaf Wrapped Grilled Usha, and Steamed Pork and Imo Dumplings.” He nodded, more to himself than anything.

The server returned with their drinks and took their order. Sam lifted his coffee to his lips and savoured that first blissful sip. “Hmm. Good Coffee. And I’m quite excited about this meal.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

Navale smiled, “I am too.” She shook her head, “I don’t understand how you can drink coffee. How anyone can drink so much coffee, especially when tired. We use it as a sedative.”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

A throaty chuckled rumbled in his throat and the ensuing smile lit up his eyes. “Oh, I don’t drink nearly as much as some I’ve seen. The caffeine is quite addictive for a lot of people. I just like the taste of it, the warmth of the cup in my hands. It feels much more like a ritual than a necessity.” Sam took another sip, savouring that one as much as the first.

“I’m like that with apple cider. One of my hallmates at the Academy introduced me to it my first autumn on Earth. It’s like a little ritual isn’t it. The hot cider, warm cup, and the crisp air despite the bright sun. I haven’t done that since… years probably.”

“You should,” he said with a smile and an intense look. “We’re on a starship so there are no seasons, and you can hit the holodeck. Give yourself that lovely moment.”

“Holodecks aren’t quite the same. I get too lost in how the technology works and how I could make it better,” Navale laughed.

“When are you slated to return to the ship?”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Three days. I had some time coming, so I took a little longer than the others. I haven’t taken shore leave in a few years. You?”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

“Tonight,” Sam said. “Want to make sure the next rotation back to the ship has someone up there.” The ship didn’t need a host, but given the kinds of missions the crew participated in, he understood they all needed a different kind of care than perhaps some other crews did. For Same, it was a joy and not an obligation and thus he was okay keeping his time off to shorter stints.

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

That was too bad. “Well then what would you like to do the rest of the day? It doesn’t have to be with me.”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

His smile was genuine as Sam gazed at her. “I’m happy to spend more time together, if you’re up for it.” Last night had been unexpected and while he hadn’t had set plans for today, he had had a few ideas of what he might want to do. “I had been pondering going snorkelling. There is a spot on the opposite side of the main resort bay that people go to frequently. It would likely be less private than our dinner spot, but there’s lots to see in the local waters. Though if you’re looking ot relax more, I’m happy hanging out at the pool. So long as I have time to pack before I head back up, I’m free and flexible,” he said with a grin.

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

“Snorkelling sounds fun. I went once on Earth and saw the Great Barrier Reef. It was beautiful.” Navale went on for several animated minutes about all the different creatures she saw.

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

She was lit up with genuine enthusiasm and Sam as he all but stared at her, a soft smile on his face. There were thoughts that moved through his mind but it was like he had forgotten he wasn’t saying them aloud.

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

Navale paused after minutes of rambling on, being interupted by the arrival of the rest of their food. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, even as she grinned. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to dominate the conversation.”

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer

He shook his head. “Don’t be. I was just admiring how passionate you were. It’s a good thing in my mind. I think everyone should have topics they are genuinely enthusiastic about and happily share them with others. I like that I’ve found one of yours.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s

Navale laughed, “I like seeing new things. The stranger the better. The stranger the more beautiful, I think. It’s very different from where I grew up.” She paused to try several different bites of the food they had ordered. Her face was expressive. It was easy to tell what she liked and what she did not.

Lt. Huzzen, Engineer