Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kord (XO) in Dinner with the XO (Kord)

Posted by Lieutenant Tiastri Ezial (Chief Engineer) in Dinner with the XO (Kord)

SNIP

Kord inhaled the scents of the food. He found it pleasing and was actually looking forward to tasting what she had to offer.

“I think the wine would be best enjoyed after food with a clean pallet, but you can try it with food if you like though you might find the metallic finish may not go well with the food.” he said.

There was a slight hesitation before he pulled the chair our for Tia. It was a Human custom he never had call to practice and it was easy to see that he was unsure of his performance of it.

• Kord

Tia was just as awkward and it took her a moment to realize what he was doing. A deep blush rose on her cheeks as she settled down towards the seat as he pushed it in under her. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Once he had sat down, she picked up the serving spoon and handed it to him. “Please, help yourself. That pitcher is a simple syrup berry juice, lightly sugared. And the other is simply ice water. Wasn’t sure which you would prefer. Or I can get you something else if you desire.” She was pouring herself a glass of juice. It probably wasn’t the best choice, but it was what she remembered with the pie as a child. Do it was just habit to make it when she made the pie.

Tia

Kord declined the spoon.

“You first.” he said picking up the pitcher of juice, after she set it down, to pour himself some.

“Excuse my awkwardness. Social calls are rare for me and I’m never sure which customs are used by whom.”

• Kord

Tia smiled and took the spoon. She served herself a decent portion and set the spoon back in the dish so he could reach for it easily. “There is no reason to worry about customs or protocols with me, Kord.” She smiled and looked at him. “There are many other times in your job where I am sure you have to be prim and proper. But here you can relax. Short of flinging the food to the walls or ceiling in ‘celebration’, or complaint, of the food,” she laughed softly, “you can relax here. I promise. Maybe you can teach me what you usually do at meal time.” She wanted to make him feel less stressed and the idea of learning other species’ customs made her hope she could learn more about him.

Tia

“As I usually eat alone I don’t do much other than eat in silence. I know that’s a boring answer but it’s the one I have.” Kord said taking a bite.

• Kord

“Well… seee…” Tia smiled and winked with a nod. “I usually eat alone and in silence as well. It’s not a boring answer. It’s the truth, right? So see, we aren’t so different after all.” She took another bite to allow him a moment to taste the food without pressure. After another bite and a sip of her juice, she nodded to the plate before him. “Do you like it? I know it’s not for everyone, so you certainly won’t hurt my feelings if you prefer something else.” There wasn’t a hint of hurt or pity in her voice. She was sincere in her offer to make him something else. She didn’t often had visitors, much less rank officers, so she wanted to make him feel as comfortable as possible in her quarters.

Tia