By Commander Salvek
Stardate: 80117.23
Start of the Captain's Dinner
--=Arboretum=--
Stardate: 80117.23
Start of the Captain's Dinner
--=Arboretum=--
Salvek was one of the first officers to arrive. He wanted to inspect the set up personally to make sure everything was prepared for the dinner. Jariel Camen would be steering the Captain in this direction soon enough.
Ten long tables were arranged in the grassy area of the arboretum, enough seating for the whole crew now present aboard ship. An additional table was lined up beside the door to the arboretum for the cuisine.
Long strands of white lights criss-crossed above the tables, lighting the area and providing a festive atmosphere. Above the lights, the holopanel ceiling provided a view of a dark sky and twinkling stars.
"Good evening Commander. How would I have guessed the Vulcan First Officer would be the first to arrive?" Trick London set down a large serving spoon in a tray of what appeared to be some sort of stuffed pasta.
"Mr. London. It is agreeable to see you." Salvek extended his hand and shook Trick's. He peered down the table of trays at the array of food Fleur had set up. There were various dishes of meats and vegetables, pots of soup, and a staggering amount of deserts.
"Good to see you too, Salvek." Trick began pointing at the trays, "We've got five cheese stuffed shells, shish kabob with lemon marinade, roasted chicken... Uh.... let's call this French Surprise." Trick pointed to a tray of some sort of red and green vegetable concoction.
"I question the nutritional value of these. . . puffs." Salvek indicated the desert tray with cream puffs and several varieties of tarts.
"Well I'm not a doctor, or a scientist but I don't think there is anything to question. I think each one of those has half a pound of butter in it."
The doors opened and a few crew members wandered in. Trick hurried to welcome them.
"Monsieur Salvek! Assistance!" Fleur staggered into the room behind the crew members carrying an over-sized pot of chicken vegetable soup. The weight of it threatened to overwhelm her. Salvek came to her rescue, relieving her of the pot and setting it down on the serving table.
"Yes, reliable Mr. London is in host mode I see. So much for my assistant." Fleur grumbled.
"You could have used an anti-grav cart to get the food down here." Salvek offered.
"Pffffffffft. Anti-grav cart! Perhaps I should have replicated the food as well. Entire ship is anti-grav! So you make gravity. Why? So I can use an anti-gravity cart to work against your faux gravity. Where is the logic in that?"
Salvek could have debated the issue but considered the question rhetorical.
He was about to introduce himself to some of the new crew members as Fleur busied herself arranging the food.
"Monsieur Salvek! Wait! Stir the Au Gratin potatoes so they do not congeal."
"I have duties to perform."
"Yes, you do, stirring the potatoes. Unless you would care to explain why the Captain's potatoes are inedible? Hm?"
Salvek returned to her side and reached for the spoon.
"Ah!" Fleur snatched up the spoon. "Pardon, did you wash your hands Monsieur Salvek?"
"I assure you my personal hygiene is impeccable, Ms. Le Marc."
Fleur pointed to Camen's work room, which contained a small hand sink. "Yes I am sure Commander but I do not want to explain to the Admiral why I repaid his kindness by giving his crew food poisoning. Please humor me."
Fleur scampered out of the arboretum to retrieve a final tray of food. Salvek accepted his role of chef's assistant, and watched the room as the crew filed in. Long time friends and new acquaintances filled up the tables, as hungry eyes wandered in Salvek's direction, waiting for the all clear to begin their assault on the food line.
Fleur returned and completed her setup. "I think I can handle things from here Commander Salvek. Thank you for your help."
Salvek handed her the spoon, and made his way around the room.
Dabin Reece and his wife had arrived, Salvek's wife Kellyn and his daughter Arie as well. Also present were new acquaintances Admiral Vox, Zander Blakeslee, Keiran O'Sullivan and Avery Breaux.
The young Communications Officer Dane Cristiane had also arrived, and managed to find the end of the only table that did not yet have anyone sitting at it. Salvek could tell by his expression that he was not here by choice.
As Salvek introduced himself to others, he also saw old friends Micah Samson and TC Blane. Blane smiled politely but looked... troubled somehow. Then, there was an unexpected face in the crowd.
"Mr. Dengar. I was not aware you were on board."
"Commander Salvek! Yes sir, I just arrived earlier today."
Salvek raised an eyebrow, standing silent. Rada shifted a bit anxiously.
"Clean bill of health, sir." Rada offered. "I've already spoken with the Captain and I'm serving under the condition that if any of my previous.... issues... should resurface that I'm to report to her, the Chaplain or Medical immediately."
"Feel free to come to me if Medical, the Chaplain or the Captain are not available."
"Understood sir."
"Salvek will do for this evening, Mr. Dengar. Welcome back." Salvek clasped his hand and shook it firmly. As he released Rada's hand, the doors slid open, and a wide eyed Zanh Liis took in the room.
"What is all this?" She asked.
[[A celebration of your recovery, and this new ship and crew.]] Camen signed to her.
Salvek walked to her side. Liis stood with her hands on her hips as he approached her.
"Well?" She asked.
"Surprise." Salvek said blandly.
"This was your doing? What happened to an informal gathering in the dining hall?"
"Not entirely my doing, but I supported the effort. It was only logical to hold the event here, for the extra space."
Several members of the crew began crowding around Liis to shake her hand. She politely acknowledged them while at the same time slowly worked her way to a seat.
"Everyone come get a plate and start eating!" Trick called out. The crowd around Liis dispersed and she signaled a thank you to him over their heads. He winked back at her.
Salvek stood at the end of table, allowing everyone to get their food first. Dabin Reece, February Grace, Kellyn and Arie sat down at the table near the Captain with their food.
Fleur arrived with a special service for the Captain and Vedek so they could avoid waiting in the line.
"Good evening. For the Vedek, we start with a bowl of the chicken vegetable soup and baguette."
She set the bowl down before him.
[[Oh, thank you Fleur.]] He signed.
"And for the great Zanh Liis who we honor today, a plate of spaghetti with extra Parmesan, just how the Captain likes it."
She set the second plate down before the Captain.
"Bon appetit!" She added with a smile, and then she disappeared.
[[Oh my. I don't know where she got the idea you like Parmesan. Let me get you some of that shish kabob.]] Camen signed.
"It's a mystery." Liis grumbled.
As the last of the crew settled into their seats, Reece was amused by the fact Salvek was still standing at the end of the table.
"Speech! Speech!" He called out. Lair Kellyn's hand flew over his mouth.
"Don't ever..." She started, but it was too late.
"If you insist." Salvek called the room to his attention.
"As we dine here this evening, I would like to first thank Fleur Le Marc for her hard work preparing this event on such short notice."
The room went up in applause, and only Salvek's sensitive hearing detected the "Pfffft." from the area of the food service line.
"We are a fortunate crew. Starfleet has graced us with the finest talent in the fleet, and a Starship to match. As we set forth on this new journey, I know this crew will serve the goals of Starfleet and the principles of the Federation well. The father of logic, Surak, has taught us that..."
As Salvek droned on, Kellyn elbowed Reece in the ribs.
"Good one." She whispered.
*Yeah, way to go.* February thought to him telepathically.
"It's a figure of speech!" Dabin whispered back.
"Nothing is a figure of speech to a Vulcan!" Kellyn said.
".... I'm reminded of a Breen poem, regarding the importance of honor and service to one's society. Of course I cannot speak it in the original Breen as I lack the necessary vocal processors, but I believe the first seven stanzas accurately reflect what it means to me to be here with you now aboard the Serendipity...."
The crew fidgeted anxiously, trying to be polite by listening to Salvek but not wanting to see their food go cold in front of him.
*You've got to stop him.* February thought to Dabin.
Reece stood up, and wrapped his arm around Salvek's shoulder. "Everyone, how about a round for Commander Salvek! The best XO in the fleet."
The crew applauded politely and turned to their food.
Salvek raised his voice. "Wait, before you begin, there is one more thing. A gift, for the Captain."
Jariel Camen slipped into his gardening supply shed, and returned with a wood crate. He set it on the table before Liis.
"Salvek, what have you done, my friend?" Liis asked.
"I requested the Vedek procure this while you were on Bajor."
Liis flipped the latch on the side of the crate and opened it slowly. Inside was a single bottle. Liis lifted it, and read the label.
"Bajoran Spring Wine? But Salvek, you know I don't drink." Liis pointed out.
"You have always said Spring is your favorite season, and this ship is certainly a new beginning for all of us. I do not intend for you to drink the wine Captain. I intend for you to formally christen this ship for Starfleet and the crew before we depart."
Liis stood up from her seat and hugged Salvek in an uncharacteristic display of emotion. She choked back a tear and addressed the room.
"Well, this is a celebration isn't it? So let's celebrate!"
*********************************
Commander Salvek
Executive Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
Commander Salvek
Executive Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012