Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in Home Is Where We Find Peace (Tag Sèan)

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Home Is Where We Find Peace (Tag Sèan)

Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in Home Is Where We Find Peace (Tag Sèan)
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Jezem hummed the chorus of a catchy tune he didn’t know the words too as he stirred a pot of spicy curry. In the background, Argam bustled around the dinning table, setting out three plates for their dinner tonight. He had surprised his husband when he said wasn’t Shivan joining them tonight but the counselor that saw him and Shivan in his off hours. At first Argam had been suspicious, wondering why Jezem would invite the man to their house for dinner. The Ferengi believed that if Jezem would ever lethally poison a man then he’d do it in his own home, smile on his face as he fed the poor fool his last (delicious) meal.

“He’s willing to see me and deal with. . .” Jezem had trailed off while waving his hand in a vague way, “My everything. I suppose this is my ‘thanks for dealing with me’ treat.” Argam wasn’t exactly comforted by that explanation. His husband acted very strangely these past few weeks. With strange, out-of-character acts of generosity with no discussion about returned payment or kindness. Being less prone to random acts of violence and aggression. Worst of all, he caught Jezem laying face down on the couch, a bag of some human snack called ‘caramel kettle corn’ open on the cushions in front of him. Jezem laid there for a whole hour before standing up and acting as though it hadn’t happened.

Argam watched his husband carefully through the corner of his eye. Whoever this counselor was, Argam thought, I sure hope he likes spicy food.

Jezem (and Argam)

Séan arrived dressed to impress. Wasn’t as formal as a suit, but some nice slacks and a well starched shirt. He was a physically imposing man normally but the clothes hugged his body well and showed his definition accurately. He didn’t care for or even have any jewelry to wear, but he his body had been described as a work of art, so he was going for a fantastic first impression with Argam. He knocked lightly on the door and waited.

Counselor Iven

It was almost time for the counselor to arrive. Jezem platted three dishes of orion curry. A generous serving of soft and fluffy rice were heaped upon large round plates. With the bottom of a ladle Jezem created two rounded impressions in the rice. Into one impression he served a heaping spoonful of a meaty orange curry speckled with fragrant and savory green herbs. A thick, almost paste-like, curry of minced green and white vegetables and heavily seasoned with a bright purple herb that tasted like peppermint was set into the second. Each plate was garnished by tiny, edible purple and red flowers and thin and crispy shivers of a vegetable similar to an onion but with a more umami taste.

The plates were brought to the table and covered with a cloche to keep them warm until it was time to eat. Next to each covered plate was a bowl of local fruit and a tall glass of a chilled drink similar to a thick milk but with a flavor similar to taro root mixed with coconut. The drink and the green curry were cooling to the mouth and tounge from the intense and fiery spicy heat of the orange curry. Jezem frowned at the table, he turned to his husband and asked, “Where’s the centerpiece for the table?”

“The centerpiece?” Argam didn’t know there was supposed to be a centerpiece for the table. Jezem rolled his eyes. Just then, a knock from the door.

“Get the door, dearest while I fetch the centerpiece.” Jezem retreated somewhere deeper in the house to fetch whatever mysterious centerpiece he was referring too. Which left Argam to get the door as asked.

The Ferengi opened the door, smiling broadly at Séan. Argam was typical of his species, though perhaps on the smaller side, “Ah, welcome Mr. Ivan. Or do you prefer to go by your rank? But come in, I am Argam. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Jezem

Séan stepped forward, offering a warm smile in return to Argam’s friendly greeting. “Thank you, Argam. You can call me Séan, that’s perfectly fine,” he replied, appreciating the Ferengi’s hospitality. He stepped inside, taking a moment to look around the interior of the house, noticing the unique decor and the scent of delicious food filling the air.

The decor was typical of orion tastes and sensibilities, everything being both functional and elegant. Color and texture interwove across textiles, wall, table and floor art pieces of varying sizes. Nestled against one wall was one stand out piece, a shrine displaying a golden relief of three goddess-like woman. One carried a baby alongside a handful of cut grains, the other had a face covering and held an urn. The middle figure and the largest held an orion style sword.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Argam. I’ve heard a lot about you from Jezem. He speaks very highly of you and I know you mean the universe to him,” Séan said, feeling happy to be there.

Counselor Iven

Argam glanced away, caught-off guard by the compliment, “He means just as much to me too. Come have a seat at the table, everything is set.” The Ferengi looked towards the hall across the room, “Jezem should be back any minute now, he went to fetch the centerpiece that I guess I forgot about.” Once seated at the table Argam asked, “How long have you been with Starfleet?”

Jezem (and Argam)

As Séan took his seat at the table, he could sense the genuine affection and care between Argam and Jezem. It was heartwarming to witness their bond, and it made him feel even more welcome in their home.

“I’ve been with Starfleet for about ten years now,” Séan replied to Argam’s question. “I started my career as a counselor and worked my way up from there. It’s been an interesting journey, to say the least.”

Counselor Iven

The Ferengi nodded along, “Yes, life takes many strange twists and turns and now we find ourselves on Oed V. Jezem said you arrived a few months after we did. Oed V is a wonderful colony, we’ve been quite content here. The economy is quite strong, but we shouldn’t discuss business over dinner.”

Jezem entered the room from the far hall carrying a black vase filled with golden flowers. He set the vase at the center of the long table so that it would not disrupt the dinners line of sight on each other. Jezem smiled fondly at Argam before addressing Séan, “Welcome to our home, counselor,” He said. Jezem had a similar idea of dressing up, but not to his usual ornate standards and his hair was pinned up to keep it out of his face and off his shoulders. “Let’s eat, I hope you like spicy foods.” He pulled the covers off their plates, and set them on the other side of the table before taking his seat. The air was rich with the smell of fragrant food and warm spices.

Jezem

Séan smiled warmly at Jezem as he returned with the vase of golden flowers, adding a touch of elegance to the already beautifully set table. “Thank you for having me, Jezem. The pleasure is truly mine,” he replied graciously.

“We’re always happy to host honored guests,” Argam said, and meant it. He was terribly honest like that but Jezem loved that about him.

As the covers were removed from the plates, revealing the sumptuous and aromatic dishes, Séan’s appetite was immediately piqued. The colors and presentation were inviting, and he could already imagine the explosion of flavors he was about to experience. “Spicy foods are absolutely my favorite,” Séan said with enthusiasm, eager to try the Orion curry.

He took a moment to look around the room, appreciating the decor and the inviting ambiance of their home. “You’ve created a wonderful and welcoming space here,” he commented. “It’s evident how much care and thought you put into everything.”

Jezem soaked in the compliments, and with a smile and playful tone said, “It only looks so wonderful because I didn’t let Argam touch any of the decorating.” Argam shook his head, but the Ferengi was smiling as well. It seemed to be an old joke between the two of them. Jezem continued, “But I did let him decorate the guest wing.” To which Argam grumbled “the guest wing is very nice.”

Turning his attention back to the food, Séan picked up his fork and took a small bite of the orange curry. The intense flavors danced on his palate, and he couldn’t help but let out a delighted sigh. “This is incredible, Jezem. You have a true talent for cooking.”

Counselor Iven

Jezem began with the orange curry as well, able to go several bites in a row before pausing to take a sip of his drink, “That or stubborn persistence. Whichever sounds more flattering and impressive. The orange curry was made with orion spices. The legal ones.” The illegal (but so much better) spices were kept hidden in a drawer and were only for his personal use. Those spices hit like a klingon and burned like the desert sun.

Jezem

Séan chuckled at Jezem’s remark about stubborn persistence. “Well, whether it’s talent or persistence, the result is truly delicious,” he complimented, taking another bite of the orange curry. He savored the combination of flavors, appreciating the complexity of the dish. He had to take a sip of his drink as well. “That’s got some kick to it.”

Counselor Iven

Argam, who was starting to sweat from the heat of the spices said, “Orions love their spices, even their desserts can be spicy. They are also fond of savory breads.” The poor man didn’t seem to handle spicy well as he took big bites of the green curry and big sips his drink after every tiny bite of orange curry. “Though there is one dish that is particularly divine, marinated stomach meat from stuffed with these sweet bush leaves and fruit chutney. One would not think to eat leaves but after stewing in the stomach they become soft and are bursting with flavor”

“If food does not excite the senses then it is not worth eating,” Jezem said, “A proper Orion banquet is something to behold. Dishes are carefully planned weeks in advanced to ensure the freshest and finest ingredients can be sourced. The presentation of the food and the plates are just as important to how it tastes. Wine and liquor flow freely. It is considered a grave insult if the alochol or food run out during such events.”

Jezem

Séan listened with fascination as Argam and Jezem shared more about Orion cuisine and the cultural significance of their feasts. The descriptions of the marinated stomach meat and the attention to detail in planning the banquets painted a vivid picture of the rich culinary traditions of the Orions.

“Your passion for food and the art of dining is evident,” Séan remarked with a smile. “It’s clear that the Orions truly appreciate the pleasures of the table and make dining a memorable and sensory experience.”

As Jezem spoke about the importance of presentation and abundance in Orion banquets, Séan couldn’t help but imagine the grandeur of such events. It seemed like an incredible feast that would leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to partake in it.

“It sounds like a remarkable cultural experience,” Séan said. “I can see why such gatherings are held in high regard among the Orions. It’s not just about nourishment but also about creating a feast for the senses.”

Counselor Iven