Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Serral Echei (Science Officer) in Risa - Trust Me, I’m a Chef (Tag Kastarak, Serral)

Posted by Ensign Kastarak (Doctor / Counsellor) in Risa - Trust Me, I’m a Chef (Tag Kastarak, Serral)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander T’Aria (XO / Navigation Officer) in Risa - Trust Me, I’m a Chef (Tag Kastarak, Serral)

(Snip!)

Sega’a did not recall seeing the name ‘Echei’ on the ship’s roster when he last checked (which happened to be for some notification that he’d since forgotten). Was he new? Sega’a gathered by Echei’s question that this must be the case. His excitement bubbled in his belly to the point it was almost nauseating. He wanted to reach out and welcome Echei to the ship in the most Sega’a way imaginable (though what that entailed was largely unknown and prone to change), but Kastarak spared him the potential embarrassment…

“You are correct in your assessment,” said Kastarak dryly, adding, “on both points.”

Kastarak held out his right arm in the direction of Sega’a, and turned his face to Serral.

“Mr Echei, this is Crewman Ngokav Sega’a, he and I are friends from the Chernov”, Kastarak continued.

– Ensign Kastarak (doctor / counsellor)

“Nice to meet you, Mr Echei.” He refrained from offering a hand. “I work mostly in the galley, so feel free to stop by if you’re ever craving real food. I’d be happy to whip something up for you.”

Then, an idea crept into his thoughts. It was half-baked and probably a little ill-advised, but that’s what made it fun. At least… for him.

“Now that we’ve properly met…” Sega’a cleared his throat to distract from the playfulness in his eyes, “are you two ready to party?”

– Sega’a

Kastarak noticed a feeling of a tiny punch in his gut – why did Sega’a have to do that? Kastarak had expected that only those who were close to Sega’a and his child would be the ones invited. What would otherwise be the significant of it? Sega’a had written that he would enjoy [Kastarak’s] company. But how did he know that he would enjoy Mr Echei’s company? This half-Vulcan?

Kastarak was conflicted. He noticed the emotional reaction within him. He felt relief that his face gave no indication of it, but within him he tried to name what he sensed: Jealousy? Rejection? But why would that be important? Perhaps, if he let the events follow, and attend the party, with a serene state of mind, he could understand their significance. It would be logical. Moreover, Sega’a was the host, and it was the host’s prerogative – in most cultures any way – to decide who would be invited or not to a functioning, within the bounds of culture.

There was another flash of emotion from Kastarak. Serral could sense Sega’a as well, excited and playful for this ‘party’ that was apparently coming up. But Serral found Kastarak’s more interesting, though Serral tried not to ‘look’, so to speak. He didn’t much have a choice in that matter. Was Serral unwelcome? He couldn’t tell. He refocused himself, his own way of purging himself as emotions.

Sega’a, too infatuated with his plan to notice the discomfort brewing in his companions, fidgetted with the fingers clasped firmly before his belly. How would they react to his suggestion? Would they be as excited as him? He hoped so.

As such, Kastarak purged any remnant of emotion, took a deep breath, and sensed clarity and serenity. The sun was still shining, he felt the solar radiation warming up his cheek. The dry warmth and heat on the beach, along with the slight breeze from the sea, reminded Kastarak of his childhood close to the sea…

“Ready to party?” asked Kastarak. “I assume that is a rhetorical question. Vulcans do not party, as you know. I will honour you and the person of honour of this functioning, by attending – as is expected by my acceptance to your invitation. I do not renege on my commitments.”

– Kastarak

“Nonsense!” He scoffed and waved a dismissive hand, a flabbergasted look on his face. “I dare say anyone can party, provided they’re in the right company,” he smiled for what seemed like the millionth time, “and we have that covered.”

“Ready to party?” Serral echoed Kastarak’s question. “What is the reason for this event? Am I expected to attend?” As a Vulcan, Kastarak’s statement applied to him, he did not party. If he had to go, he would attend the event out of politeness. But he was so new, he wouldn’t know anyone there.

~ Serral

“My sweet companion, Hago, turned seven today. We used to go on adventures and play her favourite games, but I’m afraid she is growing too tired and arthritic for that kind of excitement…” his mood dampened, “…so, I decided to throw her a brithday party! Of course, you cannot have a party without foods, drinks and guests. And that’s where you come in.”

He knew it sounded strange to hear an Orion talk about trivial celebrations like brithday parties, but Hago wasn’t from Orion. Frankly, he didn’t know where he was from. He assumed based on her snarky behaviour, unkempt tabby-esque fur and cloudy green eyes that she was what humans called a ‘cat’. So, he celebrated accordingly… with an Orion twist.

“I won’t force you to come,” he assured, “but I think it’ll be more fun with you both there. We can share a fabulous meal, a few drinks, and get to know each other. If you hate it, you can leave – no questions asked. Sound reasonable?”

— Sega’a