A tip of the...

Posted on Mon Sep 3rd, 2018 @ 9:33pm by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: A Majestic Affair
Location: Captain's Quarters
Timeline: MD6, 2200 hours
1354 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Patrick stared at the message he had just received. Sure he'd been sent messages by this particular individual once or twice before in the past few days but this one was very perculiar. It contained a single line, a single suggestion, and it had to be delivered as soon as possible.

"Well that doesn't give me much time," he mumbled as he stumbled his way to the kitchen. He nearly ran someone over as he turned a corner, just grabbing the man in time to keep him on his feet. "I'm sorry Co-" The young man's eyes widened in recognition. "You're Lhaes Sommers," he exclaimed, "I've heard of you... a great many things in fact!"

The Romulan chuckled as he straightened, grey eyes sparkling with mirth. "Not all bad I hope? Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Galley," Patrick answered without pause, "I got an important message and I have this dessert to make and it'll just take me a few minutes but I have to do it because the message said straight away and-"

"Easy there Patrick, we've no train to catch and we're in no hurry. Who's the dessert for?"

"The captain," Patrick blurted out as he quickened his pace, "why? And how do you know my name, I'm sure we haven't met before."

"Well I'm on my way to see the captain, perhaps I can take it to her for you?" The Romulan grinned as they reached the mess. "And of course I know your name. It's my job to know names and well...." He leaned closer as if to let the younger man in on a secret. "I know you worked for my sister. She does tell me things you know."

Patrick just gawked for a second before hurrying to work. Not much later, the Romulan was on his way carrying a large bowl covered with a lid. Feeling a little silly, he traversed the decks that would lead him to the captain's quarters. Shifting the load to one hand, he pressed the chime.

"Come in," Jane called with her back to the door. "Thank you Patrick you are a life saver." She turned around to find herself only about a foot away from each other. "And you are not Patrick. Well of course you're not. Can I help you?" Jane had a slight frown to her face but she wiped the expression off and tried to look presentable.

Lhaes barely managed to save the bowl he was carrying, quickly thrusting it in her hands in the process. "No ma'am, I'm not Patrick," he replied, while taking a step or two to create some distance between them. "He did ask me to give you this though." Quickly, he removed the lid to reveal a large ice cream sundae with extra fudge sauce and a huge tower of whipped cream with a cherry on top.

"Thank you." Jane said taking the dish from him. "You must be Commander Sommers." Jane said as she set the dish down on the coffee table. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you at the moment."

"I am he, though I do prefer doctor if that's alright?" He followed the dessert with his eyes for a moment before looking back up at her. "How do you mean, not expecting me? I've been aboard a few days now, though I suppose I may have stuck to the shadows, if you will."

"In this room at this moment, carrying my dessert." Jane clarified. She had been expecting Patrick because wanted to talk to him about possibly using his kitchen to cook Murphy some cookies to hopefully make up for her faux pas at their meeting.

"Ahhh.." Lhaes smiled. "Well your chef nearly ran me over and as I was headed this way anyway he kind of asked me to give it to you." He handed over a PADD. "I've already met with your XO but I thought it prudent to meet with you as well since well...I'm to be the local spy."

Jane blinked as his use of the word spy. A hint of a smile formed on her lips though she resisted asking what popped in her head. Instead she said, "How do you feel about science fiction movies Doctor?"

"Exciting pastimes for when I have nothing to do ma'am," the Romulan chuckled, "I'm used to working from the shadows, get in and get out and get what I need. My peers used to call me Dreamer, because they always felt I was asleep at meetings. I make good use of that name...the things people speak of when they assume you've nodded off." He gestured at the sundae. "Aren't you going to eat that before it melts?"

"Hmm? Oh yes." Jane picked up the bowl and began to eat. "Dreamer huh? They're the best kind of people to have on your team." She savored the flavors of the ice cream, thinking as she did that she'd have to throw in some extra exercise for this somehow. "I was thinking of introducing a movie night. They wouldn't be mandatory of course but someone with your background might find them interesting. It would be a good place to observe the crew."

"I would agree. Is there anything specific you'd like me to pay attention to? Or anyone?" Lhaes asked, sitting down across from the desk, "I do prefer to be relatively unnoticed. It's what I'm used to." He chuckled. "Even if I do stand out, being Romulan and I have a family with me so I can hardly hide in the shadows."

"Not at present, our crew is new and I don't think anyone needs spied on yet. I'll let you know." Jane said in an amused tone. "A little getting to know one another during a social gathering such as a movie night never hurt anyone." The ice cream was beginning to melt faster than she could eat it.

"Oh very true." He smiled at her then gestured at the melting coupe. "Better eat faster ma'am," he suggested with a chuckle, "otherwise chef went through all this trouble for nothing. And I have no doubt that half of the things there are made in his own kitchen." He grinned. "My sister has worked with him for quite some time so I'm very familiar with him."

"Really? How nice to know someone on the ship already." Hak was the only one Jane knew well and he wasn't on this vessel though she'd met some people she considered acquaintances over the years. She'd even managed to keep in touch with a few of them. She sat down in her favorite chair and watched him as she ate. It made her nervous to have an audience during meals.

"I've only met him once, but my sister spoke very highly of him. He has worked for her in her restaurant for quite some time." The Romulan smiled pleasantly, sensing some of her discomfort. "Perhaps I should leave you to it before you are left with a milkshake rather than a sundae?"

"It will still taste the same but you're probably busy so I won't keep you any longer. Pleasure to meet you Doctor." Jane held out her hand to him.

"I wouldn't know," Lhaes chuckled, shaking his head on the offered handshake, "I've never had ice cream or a milkshake. And I don't shake hands ma'am, I have some terrible experiences with that being telepathic. It's nothing personal, I just don't shake hands."

"Right," Jane said pulling her hand back. "I apologize. Let me know if you need anything," she said as she escorted him to the door.

"Yes ma'am," the CIO replied, "and the same goes for you." He gave a brof salute before ducking out the door."

As soon as he was out the door she shook her head and tipped the bowl up to her lips to drink the ice cream in it's liquid form all the while making mental notes that she hoped she'd remember in the future.

Lieutenant Commander Jane Saulitis
Commanding Officer
USS Majestic

Commander Lhaes Sommers
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Majestic