Ensign Karras: Love At First Sight

Posted on 30 Apr 2022 @ 10:16pm by Lieutenant JG Karras

648 words; about a 3 minute read

Stardate 67102.8

USS Bellerophon
Deck 02 - Mess Hall
1245 Hrs


"What do you think?"

Karras didn't answer immediately, his mouth still full and his palate undecided. It was certainly savory, and even though it was his first taste of Sem'hal stew he had the sense that it was a comfort food. Not unlike the Nylunn porridge he enjoyed back home.

"It's good," he finally offered, smiling and filling his spoon with more. "Very, um.... wholesome is the word that comes to mind." He took his second bite and found himself nodding. "Yes, quite satisfying. I like it."

Malor smiled, pleased that his new friend and roommate was enjoying his favorite dish. "Wonderful! When you said you were interested in trying Cardassian cuisine, I knew this was the dish to start with. Even replicated, it is very close to my mother's." He paused, his eyes flush with concern. "And I'd appreciate it if you never repeat what I just said if you ever have the privilege of meeting her."

Karras stirred his stew. "You have my word."

"And you have my gratitude," Malor replied, lifting his own spoon and preparing to eat. "Oh, before I forget," He lifted a small decanter of dark liquid and placed it in reach of his friend. "Yamok sauce. Many love to pour some into their stew, but I'm of the opinion if the stew is made correctly, it doesn't need anything else. I wanted you to have the option, though, since it is somewhat customary to serve them together."

"Maybe with the last of it, to get an idea," Karras said, reaching for his glass of water. "So, any luck with those, um, floating things in the cargo bay?"

"The Antigrav Platforms?" Malor clarified with a chuckle. "Yes, we managed to get them 'floating' again this morning. The problem was actually in the micro fusion generators, but we have no idea why all three were out of alignment at the same time. Lieutenant Ursa has reviewed our work and is going to inspect them herself later today. She's pleased they are working again but she's not considering the task closed until she knows why it happened." He seemed to sit a little taller, full of pride. "I admire her thoroughness. I've learned a great deal from her."

"Speaking of," Karras mentioned, gesturing towards the door. The Tellarite Chief Engineer was entering the mess hall, chatting with another Lieutenant in Operations gold he had never seen before. He was human, at least from first glance. The Counselor was all too aware that appearances could be deceiving, as even though he was Ba'ku, most assumed he himself was human. "Who is that with her?"

Malor turned to see. "Oh, that's Lieutenant Winters. Benjamin Winters, I think. He's the Chief Operations Officer." He looked back at Karras's confused expression. "You would not have met him, he's been on a mission helping some protectorate with a computer problem of some kind. I don't know all the details, but he left with a couple of other crewmen three days before you arrived."

"Benjamin Winters," Karras repeated, taking in every detail of the man he could observe. A high and tight haircut, the sides faded, not shaved. Very dark brown eyes that appeared almost black. A strong jawline. A solid, athletic build...

"Lieutenant Winters," Malor corrected. "He's senior staff, Ensign Karras. Best to remember protocol."

"Yes, protocol," Karras echoed, his Sem'hal stew forgotten. Lieutenant Benjamin Winters had just laughed at something Ursa said, revealing perfect teeth and a captivating smile. Those dark eyes twinkled mischievously, and he moved with such purpose and confidence...

The Cardassian frowned with concern. "Karras? Karras, are you..."

The counselor reluctantly turned back to his friend, his cheeks flushed and a slight smile forming at the corners of his lips. "Do you know if he's single?"



To Be Continued...

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