Vulcan Cuisine Day (Part 2 of 4) [18+]

Posted on 20 Oct 2024 @ 2:56pm by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lamar Darius & Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor

4,255 words; about a 21 minute read

Mission: Episode 20 - Reconstruction
Location: USS Galileo-A - Deck 2, Mess Hall; Deck 4, Darius' Quarters
Timeline: MD 03, 1755 hrs

Previously, on Vulcan Cuisine Day (Part 1)...

"Ah...I had never eaten anything frozen before that. I did not know what to expect. It...burned, but in a most discomfiting manner. Is that what snow feels like? Does it burn with cold where it touches your skin?" She took a spoonful of the creamed soup and her eyes widened. This...this was actually quite good. She took another quick bite and closed her eyes finding satisfaction in the taste and the warm feelings the flavor engendered.

And Now, the Continuation...

[ON]

Snow. Cold. Lamar realized what was probably the obvious, that she hailed from a desert class-M world devoid of such concepts. Even her Starfleet Academy training tenure in San Fransisco presented an environment devoid of Earth's standard mid-Atlantic winter weather systems. He watched her delicately maneuver her utensils to eat the food which he'd savagely used his fingers for. This was probably a terrible first impression he was making which fit the underlying Vulcan stereotype of Humans.

"The cold doesn't hurt. Not initially," he answered. "It's a little shocking at first. I guess it depends on how cold it is. On Andoria? Yeah, that'll hurt. That's a different level of freeze."

"So the perception is relative, then." Another bite of soup and a moment of silence. Sera, at least, found that socializing aspect of shared meals with non-Vulcans to be agreeable. "I have never been to Andoria...although, I also do not have any particular interest in going there either. Based on your response, I am surmising that you have traveled there?"

"Once. For a few weeks of survival training." He picked up a spoon and began to slowly eat his Barkaya marak soup alongside her while memories of that icy hellscape resurfaced from the past. "My unit had to get our quals for cold-environment operations so they sent us to the Northern Wastes. It was as bad as it sounds," he smirked to himself with a shake of his head. "Ten of us went down with frostbite during the first week and a few more voluntarily washed out of the Corps later that weekend."

"That sounds most disagreeable...and you were able to endure what appeared to be a most hostile environment. That speaks of significant inner fortitude." A willingness to push through extreme difficulty, to push past pain...Correlations could potentially be made to other areas, such as the protection of home...his ma--

Absolutely not. She took another spoonful of soup and used the act of consuming the bite to get her mind back on track. "I have never had an opportunity to visit any other worlds outside of Earth."

His teeth grated across his metal spoon when he paused mid-sip following her revelation. Several drops of broth landed on the table in front of him. "Earth..and Vulcan...and starships? That's it?" he attempted to clarify.

"That is correct." Sera replied, taking another bite. "I was stationed on a ship with a prototype engine upgrade in the final stages of beta testing, in essence. We did runs in the core - home base was Utopia Planetia...and then here. Months from any meaningful civilization."

Lamar slowly realized he perhaps was, in a strange turn of fate, the more cultured of the two them. More creole. And if so, that was an unexpected prospect. Her world sounded small upon first hearing but he was certain there was more nuance to it. In the short time during which they'd conversed, she'd never come across as an ignorant woman. In fact, much the opposite. "Well you found me. And I'm civilized. I think," he grinned to her. "Do you like being away from it all? The Core and being stationed out here?" was his following query while he sucked his spoon then retrieved another filling of the unique Vulcan dish.

"We perhaps have different definitions of civilized, Lamar." Sera quipped with a flick of her eyebrow. "It is...disconcerting to be so far from Vulcan. However, being aboard one ship is similar to being aboard another. Only the configuration that the people change. I am uncertain whether this posting will be a satisfying one, or that there will even be any others. I do not know the future."

Know the future. "I think we know our future. Right? Or a version of it." He looked up from his soup bowl while placing another spoonful in his mouth then chewing. The flavor was surprisingly both foreign and tasty with a well-rounded palate profile. Beneath the table, one of his sneakers extended and its toe slid up her calf to her knee. "I hope if I'm here with you and we stay together, this will be a more 'agreeable' posting."

Sera tilted her head and decided to overlook his physical touch along her leg because of the words he had just spoken...what exactly did he mean? "You spoke of the potential of wanting more than a sexual relationship. I asked you to clarify. You said you would do so over end-meal. You now are acting in what I can only construe as a...demonstrative manner? May I ask for clarification on your intentions? This is most...irregular to me."

Her sudden change in topical conversation resulted in Lamar attempting to swallow a too-large portion of soup which he raised a closed fist to his mouth to suppress. The liquid hadn't gone down the wrong hole which was good, but he still let out a gentle cough consisting of Vulcan spices and flavoring. "I like you," he looked up into her unorthodox blue eyes and held them, "more than I ever thought. Even after last night... And after what happened in the shuttlebay then engineering." He wanted to avert his gaze again but couldn't pry his eyes away from hers.

"You're beautiful. Smart. Curious. Did I say pretty?" A bashful smile displayed across his lips. "I...want you to be my girlfriend. My partner." His heartbeat quickened a bit in fear of rejection but also anticipation. "My whole career in Starfleet...I've never been able to find someone, if you know what I mean. Find that sense of purpose because I was bouncing from station to station then fighting the enemy. It was like starting over every time, each new place I was stationed. Even here on Galileo. But now...I found you."

The word 'girlfriend' did not adequately compute but partner did. He spoke complimentary words about her appearances and a brief number of personality traits he apparently found adequate. She was uncertain how she was supposed to react. Complimentary words were unnecessary to a Vulcan; regardless...it was agreeable to be described in such flattering manner.

His words spoke of what, exactly, loneliness? Inability to connect due to frequent moves, but here and now he found...her? Loneliness...longing...she understood - even if only in a cerebral manner. He thought he found connection to her? But what did that mean for a human? She had been warned about their transience, promiscuous natures...and yet, Lamar appeared quite serious in what he had just said to her.

What he also offered meant something different to her. It was serious...but she wasn't presumptuous enough to assume he spoke to her in a manner that denoted understanding of Vulcan customs. She was unsure of how to respond.

The silence ticked on as she considered things. To a Vulcan, such a lapse meant nothing other than an internal consideration was ongoing. "I..." She began hesitantly. "What does that mean? I do not have a frame of reference. Are you asking to engage in a temporary sexual relationship? Is that not what humans do? My physiology does not lend itself to...temporary things."

"Temporary? Well...no. Wait. What do you mean?" Lamar was now also confused, for his own perception of temporary would have involved a much more curt encounter between the two of them devoid of this current meal and sit-down talk. "I thought I was asking for something closer to the opposite. More permanent." He wondered what she specifically meant in reference to her physiology.

"Humans have the freedom to move between partners if the relationship is no longer beneficial. I have observed this a number of times. How permanent? Would you fight for me?"

Oh. Break-ups? he silently interpreted. It certainly wasn't an option on his mind at the moment and hoped it never would be. Especially the ultimate form of it, the dreaded d-word between spouses. He was about to casually wave a hand to dismiss that notion but then her question caught him unprepared. "Fight for you...uh, like in a competition? Or if someone - something - tries to hurt you?" He'd never been asked such a blunt query before but the answer seemed simple enough in his SFMC head. "I think that's the least a man can do for a woman he likes. Not sure about the competition thing though. Is that a Vulcan tradition?"

"It is not important. I am speaking of customs that are irrelevant to this discussion. If I am understanding you correctly, you are asking to engage in a human relationship? I do not know the rules...or requirements."

This was a loaded explanation if he were to think deeply about it. A small pause ensued while he sipped his soup again then chewed in contemplation. "I don't know if there's certain 'requirements'. Nothing set in stone, usually. And Humans aren't a monolith so there's variation within each sub-culture. But...for most of us - the ones from Earth - the only real rule is to treat your partner with love and respect, and all the things that come with that. Be faithful and supportive; help care for one another; tend to each others' needs. Things like that." Another bite from his spoon produced more internal examination of the social contract. "Is any of that similar to how it works between Vulcans?"

"I do not know, Lamar. I did not experience a relationship like that with Viruk." It was said without any emotion. Having no desire to explain any further, Sera too another bite of her meal.

The soft muffled sound of chewing with an occasional slurp continued while he ate in further silence. He recognized that name - the forbidden name which she'd used against him once. "Is every relationship on Vulcan like that? Marriages of convenience? Surely there's got to be some love and passion involved from time to time?"

"I surmise there are all sorts of unions between Vulcan mates. However, in my limited experience, yes. What are marriages other than to form alliances for some sort of gain?"

He looked up from the brim of his spoon in a subtle double-take then swallowed a larger-than-normal portion of food before bringing his fist to cover his mouth and gently coughing to alleviate some of the spice. "That's, uh," he shook his head and presented a small smile to her, "no, there should be more to it. Yeah, every relationship benefits both parties but that's not the foundation. There has to be more to it...a more emotional reason. A person should want to be with their partner because they enjoy them. Not just because of personal or family gains."

"That is a human perspective. I do not find it to be a disagreeable one, however, what you describe...that has not been my experience."

Sera looked down at her half-eaten tray of food in thought. "I am amenable to this...exploration. However, I am uncertain how agreeable of a partner I would be to you. I am not human."

No, she certainly wasn't. Not in her mannerisms, beliefs, speech or physique. Close in some respects, but not Human. "I guess I could say the same about me - I'm not Vulcan." A small grin tugged the corners of his eyes. "But isn't that what makes it exciting? The process of learning about each other? Our different worlds?" He glanced down to their collective trays of Vulcan cuisine and gestured to them with his spoon, "Different foods?"

"No. You most certainly are not...and I had not considered. This has been all rather somewhat impetuous." Her eyes followed his gesture down to the food in front of them. "What do you think?" Of the food...of this...of anything? Sera wasn't sure. This was all rather uncharted territory.

An accepting shrug was accompanied by a raise of his eyebrows and a casual cock of his head to the side. "The little fritter things were good. Not sure about this soup yet...Barklava marak?" he tried to remember the name. "It could use some beef strips."

Sera raised a brow at the rather spectacular butchering of soup's name. "Barkaya marak." It was a gentle correction. She switched back to the accented standard. "I have no expectations regarding whether you would find any of these recipes preferable. It is not tailored to your taste buds, after all...yet that you have not become physically ill or demonstrate outright disgust is gratifying." Moving on to the pre tarmeeli, an experimental bite was taken before she sought further clarification. "Beef strips? I do not know this ingredient."

"It's meat. From livestock, usually bovine," Lamar tried to explain in the most basic sense. "Small strips are harvested after butchering then usually seasoned, cooked and spiced then put on a skewer for dipping. Ever see a cow when you were on Earth?"

"Ah." Meat. Well, that explained that. Lamar was an omnivore. "The slaughter of animals for the purpose of consumption seems somewhat...uncivilized, given less predatory alternatives."

He glanced back down to his soup then broke up another flat bread wedge to dump into the bowl before stirring again. "You're not wrong; on Earth the large-scale farming of sentient animals came to a pretty drastic halt after the Third World War. Wasn't much infrastructure left to sustain it. Then with the advent of protein replicators which your people helped us with...I guess real meat fell out of favor across the years. Nowadays we can replicate whatever we want and it's gonna taste almost authentic. There's still a small market for the real thing, though, especially on other Human colonies more subsistence-based."

Sera tilted her head in understanding. "I see, and you believe this dish would be better with this...beef? It would be a literal representation of IDIC. It would also, no doubt, scandalize some of my people to even hear such a suggestion. I approve."

Lamar started to nod at her initial question, for indeed a kabob dipped in the creamy legume bisque would probably have a great flavor profile. Then he almost choked on his food again, this time widening his eyes with surprise. "You what? Approve? You...eat meat?"

"No. I have never had meat. However, I would not presume to gate keep my cuisine if you--or anyone else for that matter--wanted to incorporate ingredients to make the dish more palatable to your unique tastes. I approve of your willingness to incorporate."

"Oh. That's very Human of you. See? This is agreeable," he winked to her while deciding not to push his luck too far and ask her to share a post-meal burger with him. Maybe another time in the distant future. Tomorrow. "What kind of Human foods do you like? Got a favorite dish?" he then asked, curious about her own palate and culinary preferences.

"Hmm...I had a slice of something made of a thin type of bread topped with a crushed sauce of a red fruit, a number of vegetables, and a mild cheese that melted well. I found it to be acceptable. To be honest, once I was assigned to starships I have just made random vegetarian selections from the replicator and consumed them regardless of taste, and the Vulcan options in the replicator libraries are often subpar. Starfleet meals have often been disappointing."

Thin bread. Red sauce...vegetables and cheese, he pondered. "You like pizza?" was his guess. His ears perked up, for he, too, was a connoisseur of the greatest food delivery system known to the galaxy.

"Yes. peet-zeh, that is the word. Have you eaten it before? It is somewhat ungainly to consume, but the flavor profile is most agreeable."

He nodded affirmative with a growing smile across his lips. "Many times. It's a staple food for many Humans. Easy to tailor to your liking, can be eaten hot or cold, and it comes in different shapes and sizes. Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" The tip of his foot touched her shin beneath the table and teasingly rubbed the hard bone.

This was the second time he had touched her leg in such a manner. She tilted her head in consideration...He had also touched her in line, now that she considered things. Why? A subconscious gesture to denote possession, perhaps?

She glanced about; there were others in the mess hell given the time but no one appeared to be paying any attention to them...regardless. Sera subtly reached out with her free hand--which had cover with their glasses--and gently caressed the top of his hand with the tips of her index and middle finger. Was it a correct response?

Her connection to his skin was galvanic and produced an almost-instant desire to leave the mess hall with her in tow and go somewhere much more private. Lamar discreetly maneuvered his large palm over her hand then reciprocated her affection while his thoughts drifted away from their small remaining food portions and to something more palpable. "You, um, want to get out of here with me? Come to my quarters?"

His reciprocation was not quite what she had been expecting and she was unable to completely control the involuntary shiver that coursed through her. Her touch had apparently had quite an effect on him...fascinating.

Opening her mouth, Sera had every intention of refusing his offer. This was all going well beyond all the boundaries of propriety. However, her traitorous mouth answered irrespective of what was logical. "Yes."

Lamar pulled his hand away then procured his Beer-keen infused water glass from which he took several healthy gulps before setting it on his tray and pushing himself back in his seat from the table. Excitement and anticipation started to build within and now he could only focus his attention on Sera's gorgeous heart-shaped face and her bright blue eyes. "Co'mon, I'm not far. Just back down on deck 4, section 32." He rose to his feet then walked to the nearest replicator disposal where he deposited the remainder of his uneaten food. A shame. He'd have to come back next week with her to sample more of the menu.

Sera stood and followed him, recycling the contents on her tray before walking with him--but not too close--out of the mess hall. Obviously logic was taking a back seat to all of this...but hadn't she just said she was amenable to an exploration of a human relationship? If that particular slant was used for this argument then it was only logical to agree with his request. Besides, she was suddenly quite curious as to what the conn officer's quarters looked like. It could offer valuable insight into what type of male she had chosen to engage with in such a manner.

The short journey departing the mess hall retraced their collective steps back to the turbolift then to the deck below, only this time the walk was to the opposite side of the Nova-class' forward hull on the other side of the torpedo launching mechanisms' internal bays. Lamar slowed when he approached and turned his head over his shoulder to give Sera advance warning of the state of his quarters. "I haven't cleaned up in a couple days...didn't expect to have company." The single silver door swished open when he stepped in front of it then he moved to the side and held out his arm to indicate for her go first.

Sera dipped her head in a silent thanks and stepped through the doorway into a space that was identical to her own, and yet utterly...different.

The configuration of all Galileo's senior officer quarters was identical in layout. Partitioned bedroom, living room and bathroom sections were separated by open doorway entrances and standard furniture included a queen-sized bed, sofa, desk with integrated LCARS console, bookshelves, and a dining room table. A small kitchenette area with a countertop provided cooking arrangements when needed but Lamar wasn't much of a culinary savant. A few discarded piles of random pieces of clothing littered the floor between the bedroom and the living space, and several empty glasses of water lay out and about in strange, random places. The lack of decorative ornaments presented a rather barren accommodation which was only highlighted by several small holovids and pictures containing a mixture of family members and SFMC moments immortalized within the computer's core. "Well...this is all I got, I guess. I'm still getting settled following the quarters' reassignments a couple weeks ago."

"Hmm, yes...fascinating." She said in a throaty purr as she moved forward purposefully inhaling along the corded line of his throat to nip at his jawline. There were fewer reasons to 'behave' in her mind as there were the first time they had engaged in such a manner.

She certainly was fascinating - and alluring in her mannerisms. He grinned at her friskiness then leaned his lips next to her ear before whispering a playful confession. "I didn't make my bed this morning..."

"It would seem that both of us are remiss in our duties then...we could always correct the deficiency...after?" She replied in a distracted manner. This was all rather irregular, really. Did it stop her from stepping close enough so that their bodies were flush with one another? Absolutely not. Reaching up, Sera lightly grasped his chin, guiding his mouth down to hers.

He closed his eyes then contently kissed her, frolicking her warm and wet tongue with his while tilting his head to the side for better access. Both of his large hands traversed up the back of her thighs' thermal leggings, up across her butt, then under her oversized sweatshirt where they came into contact with her bare skin.

His touch along her skin was exhilarating and she moaned into his mouth, deepening the kiss. It was like being jolted by a live wire. All of this had awoken something...how would she ever put it back within it's appointed 'box?' Reluctantly pulling away, Sera licked at her lip, finding his taste tempered with Vulcan spices...Gods...this was making her feel things. "You again are wearing far more clothing than is optimal, Chief Darius. This is quite inefficient."

"Then do something about it, ensign," he grinned, his dark brown irises locked onto hers in a provocative and daring manner. "I thought you engineers were good at solving problems?" His hands slid back down and firmly squeezed her rear end to emphasize the challenge.

"You have heard correctly. However, given the current level of distraction, I am afraid that my solution might be rather crude." Her hands snaked down to the hem of his shirt and with a quick jerk, the rending sound of fabric echoed about them. His abdomen and chest were now exposed and she made a small, triumphant sound, and leaned down tasting the skin starting at his shoulder until she landed on the bruise she had made earlier with her mouth. The urge to do something far more permanent to him than a bruise coursed through her, but for now she satisfied herself with another 'gentle' bite before releasing his skin and laving the now livid mark with a rough rasp of her tongue.

An enticing shiver rippled through Lamar's skin and created a flow of goosebumps across his dark flesh. The cooler air contrasted against her heated saliva and sent a momentary shiver from his head to his toes which was accompanied by a content sigh. He wanted to return the favor. Needed to. But tearing her sweatshirt in half was a little beyond his Human physical strength without genetic augmentation. Instead, he roughly grabbed the hem of her Galileo top and roughly pulled it up to her armpits, exposing her chest before he proceeded to tug her pants' waistline down and press the palm of his hand in between her legs. The feeling of short and soft hairs bristled before becoming slippery from her surrounding folds when he started to rub her.

With a subtle shifting of her hips, Sera ground against his hand, increasing the stimulation his touch provided. So good...more. She wanted more. Shoving away from him, Sera quickly pulled the sweatshirt over her head, tossing it to the side, and her boots and leggings quickly followed. Lamar took the hint, stripping out of what was left of his clothes and earning him a contented sound. Yes. This.

"Do you want to show me your sleeping chamber, now, ashal-veh?"

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Chief Engineer
USS Galileo-A

&

CWO3 Lamar Darius
Conn Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Tarin]

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