Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Nine Forward - A Girl’s Got to Eat

Posted by Ensign Lia Adrie (Security Officer) in Nine Forward - A Girl’s Got to Eat

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Nine Forward - A Girl’s Got to Eat
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Given that her hands were full of the dish containing her own meal, Lia hooked her foot around one of the legs of the chair and nudged it enough for her to slide into it, finally resting the plate, glass, and utensils in front of her as she sat opposed the XO. She twirled her fork in her pasta and then neatly move the bite to her mouth, chewing methodically as she studied the XO and her hamburger. A slow sip of water later, she went for the obvious question, “are the gloves to keep your hands tidy while eating a potentially messy meal?”

Adrie, Sec

bump

“Yes. It has many reasons, usually to keep things clean and sterilized. Ever consider what you touch with your hands? How many others have touched the same thing and what have they touched before that? The cleanup is also much easier while not compromising the ability to manipulate the food.”

Before taking another bite of the burger, Avik gestured with it. “Take this for example. It can be eaten with a fork, but it isn’t designed for that. Could you see me trying to eat this without my gloves then trying to touch a datapad shortly after? The state of the screen would be greasy.”

Avik bit and chewed thoroughly, letting the officer absorb her logic. Then she swallowed and added. “It’s also cultural based. Some of our food requires a grip to crack open and enjoy.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Lia’s nose wrinkled slightly as she contemplated the argument presented by the XO. The corners of her eyes crinkled to match briefly before the expression left her face and she focused on the burger that was the topic of their discussion. Picking up her bowl of pasta, she collected the napkin that had been stored underneath and held it up. “I find these help,” she commented, her voice remarkably unironic given how many ways the comment could be taken. Without missing a beat, she placed the napkin on her lap and stabbed a bite of the pasta with her fork, twirling it skillfully around it before leaning forward to scoop the bite into her mouth. She chewed for a few moments and then swallowed, washing the bite down with a sip of her beverage before asking, “how long have you been on board the Europa?”

Adrie, Sec

Avik resisted pointing out that napkins, both cloth and disposable, still wasted resources. Upon hearing the next question, the XO paused in her meal.

“Several months now, nearly a year now.” She stated, realizing she still had a while to go before the crew completely adjusted to her.

“I came on during a mission and still learning about the crew outside of their profiles. It’s not been an easy task.” Avik took another bite, slowly finishing her main course and moving onto the next one.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

“Even though it’s a fairly small ship, I imagine it’s difficult to get to know people personally,” Lia observed as she twirled and shoveled another bite into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “What was the mission like that you joined during?” she asked curiously, her newness in Starfleet showing through slightly in her interest.

Adrie, Sec

“It wasn’t much. I arrived on the bridge toward the end. The Captain had a reputation for ramming his ship into things, but he didn’t demonstrate it. He communicating with one of the officers over the viewscreen.”

She ate some more, swallowed, and continue.

“Others were easier. Simple missions to ship supplies to colonies on our way through or shore leave. I get the impression you were hoping for more?”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Lia shrugged noncommittally. “I’m looking forward to whatever happens,” she answered truthfully as she spun another bite of her pasta and stuck it into her mouth. Chewing and swallowing, she continued her interrogation. “What did you do before you hit the command track?”

Adrie, Sec