Posted by Lieutenant Commander T’Aria (XO / Navigation Officer) in Mess Hall - Midnight Stew

Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Captain) in Mess Hall - Midnight Stew

Posted by Ensign Kastarak (Doctor) in Mess Hall - Midnight Stew
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

He knew enough about Vulcan history to appreciate the conflict many endured. They were innately passionate, vibrant people with feelings that would overwhelm any Orion or human. But the violence of those emotions condemned them to a cycle of catastrophe. He could not speak to the importance of Surak and his teachings, nor the ongoing endeavour to purge what once pained them, but he could admire their persistence and grieve (in his mind) their loss. As Kastarak explained, he offered only his undivided attention - no comments nor gestures that might taint his words. When he offered to teach Sega’a meditative techniques, he couldn’t help but crack a tiny smile. Was this his shot to befriend Kastarak?

“I would like that very much,” Sega’a said. He held admittedly little knowledge about meditation and mindfulness. Though he appreciated its significance to other cultures, Sega’a always found he lacked the time or patience to try. Maybe Kastarak would be able to break through the restlessness in him. “I can always make time, so just let me know what works for you.”

— Sega’a

Despite his new-found clarity of mind, Kastarak recognized another emotion coming over him now, happiness. He was happy that Sega’a had decided to take him up on the offer. Quickly, Kastarak cast the emotion aside, but it gave him indication that he really wanted to develop a friendship with Sega’a. The question was why. Why was this important to Kastarak? He decided to meditate on it at a later stage.

“It is most agreeable to hear you say that, I will prepare some simple lessons for later this week. If you do not find it patronizing, I would recommend we begin with the kind of exercises Vulcan parents teach their children? I find that taking a child’s view on things helps us navigate difficult terrain. There is an innocence that can be used, and I trust I will not offend you by making the comparison that in Vulcan ways, you are still but a child.” Kastarak spoke softly, with consideration for Sega’a, and he meant in no way to offend him. Kastarak noticed how he almost sounded envious of Sega’a’s wisdom and innocence of mind. But Sega’a was not a child, in no other way, he was a man with much adult wisdom too – wisdom on matters where Vulcans could be seen as mere children. This was an intriguing situation. There was a high degree of asymmetry between Kastarak and Sega’a, yet they were very equal in another way. Curious, thought Kastarak

“I am not offended,” Sega’a spoke plainly, trusting ‘none taken’ would fall poorly on Kastarak’s ears. “I am ignorant to Vulcan culture beyond functional, need-to-know facts I acquired in my travels. So, I fully expect you to approach me as I am: inexperienced and curious. A child.”

He knew the road to inner peace was paved by dedication and discipline. How could he expect to accomplish, in a session, what took Vulcans their entire lives? It was too ridiculous a thought to entertain. He knew it would end in disappointment and him blowing any shot at whatever their colleague-friend-culture-sharing relationship was.

“Basic lessons…” he echoed, “later this week. Sounds fantastic. Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll come over.” He pursed his lips to distract from the telltale green flooding his cheeks. “I didn’t mean to assume,” he quickly added, “I know how important privacy is to your people. Would you prefer a more neutral location?”

While Sega’a was off chatting with Kastarak and the Captain was making tea, Umbri quietly returned to the piano. Seeing all of these people around them brought together by music gave them hope. They decided to play a piece that expressed that hope.

(Music!)

Lt. (j.g.) Umbri Zayne, Tactical Chief

(OOC: Bumping for myself / tidying up. Replies coming soon!! - Trin)

– Ensign/Dr Kastarak

Ngokav halted to appreciate the music gracing his ears and shot Kastarak a winsome smile. “I’d ask you to dance, but…,” he glanced at his two ‘left’ feet, “why don’t we head back? It’d be a shame to let Umbri enjoy the music alone, eh?”

— Sega’a

Kastarak was initially taken aback by the suggestion. Vulcans do not dance. That was restricted to a by-gone era of decadence and emotional depravity, in the dark ages of pre-Surak times. However, a half a second later, Kastarak realized. Dance was in many other cultures an expression of community, of ritual, of commonality. In many other cultures, dance was a ritual for bonding. In others, a ritual for fertility and sexuality. It was confused Kastarak. What had Sega’a meant?

There was a sudden sense of relief of not having to approach that subject, as Sega’a had moved on.

“You are quite correct, we have been inconsiderate. I wonder if you will play something from Orion together? I am curious what Orion music might sound like”, said Kastarak as he rose from his chair and began walking back to the music.

– Ensign/Dr Kastarak

“Yeah…” Sega’a mumbled, entranced by the thought and its capricious melody. “I used to sing this lullaby–ballad, really–for Ithara when our parents were away on business. Now, it’s mostly to soothe Hago when the ship makes some offensive noise or lurches her from her beloved sleep. But… it is Orion, and I’m sure the computer could pull up the sheet music for Umbri.”

OOC: Pasting in the replies from the other thread to make fluid. :)
IC:

[O] I have all the ingredients. Honey, spices, different teas like black and green. [O]

[O]Copy. Vulcan tea may be unpalatable for some, so I suggest you replace the traditional spice blend with redspice, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. And use black tea. I will send the measurements momentarily.[O]

A recipe for spice-infused honey tea appeared in his inbox within heartbeats.

[O]For an extra…’oomph’… add 20 grams of sugar. I find the ‘brown’ variety yields the best results.[O] Her voice tapered into a contemplative silence. [O]May I ask why you’re preparing tea at 0200?[C]

[O] I’ll be honest with you T’Aria. I’m here in the mess hall and the crew are actually laughing, playing music, mingling and talking in deep discussions. I haven’t seen this since we left all those years ago. With the wars we’ve fought, the crew we’ve lost and the bond that we have all shared and broken.....I..I....I just wanted to get this one thing right. I’m sorry to call on you so early, but I really had no other option. Please forgive me? [O] He really did want to keep this moment going on for a bit longer before real life came crashing down on them once more.

[O]There is nothing to forgive. I find your passion commendable, and I trust the crew will, too. We are on the fringes of a long road to recovery. I anticipate it will take as much time and effort as it did to get us here.[O] T’Aria wavered, her voice waning into pensive silence. [O]Tonight is an appropriate place to start. Take solace in knowing you’re contributing to their healing as much as your own. And know I am always here.[O]

Chris came out of the kitchen with tea, coffee and snacks that he baked. He smiled while holding the tray with both hands as the music was playing and the youngish Vulcan was in deep conversation with the ships most trusted attribute., Sega’a.

Approaching the table table Chris did not want to disturb any of them so he placed the tray down on a nearby table and poured the Vulcan tea into a cup and placed it on a saucer with fresh baked traditional Vulcan snacks and treats. He walked over with a white towel draped over his arm like a colonial butler and placed the saucer in front of Kastarak and walked back to the table.

Grabbing a cup of Sega’a’s favorite drink and treat, he walked back over and placed that down in front of Sega’a and left.

A piping hot, earth-smelling cup of chai and coconut milk captivated Sega’a from his mere distance. He snaked his fingers around the handle, pausing the admire the flaky Tellarite dessert beside it, and lifted it to his lips to savour a moment of pure bliss. But, when he turned to appreciate Chris’ gift, he found the man had vanished. His grin faltered.

Looking over at Umbri smiling, Chris didn’t know what she wanted so he made a cup of coffee, tea and Vulcan tea and put two of every treat on another saucer and walked over to her and placed them all on top of the piano. He went back to the kitchen to clean and stopped at the door to look at the assembled crew and could not help but get misty eye. “This is what it’s all about.” He whispered to himself before slowly ducking back into the kitchen.

Captain Chris Taggart CO

— T’Aria (Sega’a’s commentary TBA)

— Sega’a