Dinner with the Captain
Posted on 22 Apr 2024 @ 8:28am by Captain Ricardo (Rico) Montoya & Lieutenant Urushi Yaotome & Lieutenant Heather Fischer-Montoya
1,057 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
M-18 The Past is Future
Location: Captain's Quarters
Timeline: Back Post - Prior to Granger incident
The dinner invitation had come out of no where and although she was told not to bring anything, Urushi couldn't help but bring at least something. She approached the Captain's quarters carrying a plastic tub in which sat an Earth strawberry cream cake. The vanilla sponge was topped with cream and strawberries and had a light texture to it. She stopped out of the quarters, she had ditched her uniform and was wearing a simple buttoned up light blue shirt and long navy jeans. "Nice and casual..." she said as she reaches out and pressed the chime.
Rico was pulling the cork on a bottle of wine as the chime sounded. "Ah there she is." Looking to Heather with a smile, "Remember I told you seemed really nervous about this so no teasing."
"As if I would," Heather said archly. "I've got a much easier target right in front of me."
"Enter."
The doors opened at Urushi stood there holding the cake. "I know you told me not to bring anything... but that seemed rude... so, I made us a cake..." she said with a nervous smile.
Rico and Heather greeted her and he took the cake and set in aside. "That was very considerate, though unnecessary, but we will just have and extra desert to enjoy. I wasn't sure what you may have liked so we whipped up several dishes that I grew up with. Would you like a glass of wine?"
Urushi nodded. "Yes please," she said with a smile.
Rico left the ladies to themselves as he returned to the table to finish uncorking the bottle and began pouring several glasses of wine.
The Trill stood there, not quite sure what to do. She was looking around the room, making observations on the layout. "Erm..." she said to Heather. "So... Is this like a normal thing? Inviting new Senior Officers for dinner? I've never done this before..."
"Don't let him scare you," Heather gestured towards the table. "He's a big teddy bear when the pips come off. As for normal. For us? Yes. We've always done it. I can't speak for other captains. I'm not a senior officer, never have been."
Returning with three glasses of wine he handed one to each. "See, like I told you. Completely informal...nothing to worry about."
He continued as he took a seat next to Heather. "I know most Captains want, even insist on, a degree of separation between them and their crews. Some even have an air of untouchability; like they are above everything and everyone and their word is law. Ridiculous. Now is there a chain of command? Absolutely. Is there still official processes for getting things done. Yes. If needed, will I rip someone up one side and down the other...count on it. None of that has changed. I simply want to my officers and crew to know that my door is always open. That there are times, like this, where they can relax when I'm around...to be able to set rank aside, enjoy themselves, and have some fun.
"If there is anyone you really need to worry about, it's this one." Pointing playfully towards Heather.
"that is a vicious lie," Heather said with mock outrage. "I'm as pure and righteous as the driven slush."
Urushi raised an eyebrow and gave them both a small smile. "I see..." she said a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Not missing their quest's tone he glanced to Heather. "What?"
"Oh its nothing!" Urushi said nervously. "Sorry, I've just never been in a situation like this..." she smiled.
Rico smiled, looking to heather for a second. "Understandable. I know this approach isn't how one typically gets to know their Captain. I just want to ensure that you realize you don't have to walk on eggshell whenever I'm around. That you can relax and drop ranks from time to time."
Picking up his glass he stood, "Come let's eat and you can ask me anything you want."
Urushi smiled. "Sure," she said as she took a glass and moved over to the table to sit down.
"I hope you like spanish food. These are some of my Abuela's (grandmother's) recipes."
"I've never tried it..." Urushi admitted giving them both a little smile. "But I am willing to give it a go. Just as long as its not too spicy."
He grinned knowingly, giving Heather a glance. "Well normally some can be a bit spicy, for those not accustomed to it, but I had a feeling you'd say that so I had the heat turned down. As you can see we have quite a variety. We have Paella, which is a dish with combination of meat and seafood. We kept it simple with shrimp and chicken with some pan basico, bread for dipping. Here you have Patatas bravas, seasoned fried potatoes. Those fried little popper there are Croquetas de jamon, which is bits of cured ham with homemade cheese. Avocado and Tuna Tapas and and for dessert, we have either churros with chocolate or flan with a mixed berry topping."
"Sounds like its going to be a fun evening." The small science officer replied after hearing the extensive list of food that was being served. "I'm looking forward to the seafood. When I was at the Academy I was rather fond of the Japanese Food... What was it called again..." she pondered for a few seconds. "Suzy? Sush? No that's not it..."
"Sushi." Heather offered. "Rice with various things. There's a decent selection in the replicator menu."
"Yeah that stuff!" Urushi said with a smile. "But I'm up for trying anything," she added.
"Good..." Rico replied enthusiastically. "...well, dig in."
After a little while Rico popped one last bite of the flan in his mouth before picking up his glass leaning back in his chair. "Don't think I could eat another bite."
"Same here!" Urushi said sitting back rather satisfied. "You know how to make good food." She told them with a smile.
Setting his glass on the edge of the table. "I wish I could take credit but all we did was replicate it, but I will pass your appreciations on to my Abuela. Oh damn...we forgot about your cake."
Captain Ricardo Montoya
CO
Lt. Urushi Yaotome
Chief Science Officer
Lt. Heather Fischer-Montoya
Operations
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