Lunch Time Chat

Posted on Mon Oct 26th, 2015 @ 12:16pm by Tom Vercetti & Lwazanda Ral Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed

1,051 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 89 - Futility's Return
Location: Starbase 400, Promenade
Timeline: MD3 1100hrs

ON:

Tom arrived late to his restaurant, which was unusual for him, but last night's game had lasted until the early morning hours and he needed a little sleep. His staff had everything ready for the lunch crowd, and as Tom entered the 'Good Fellas Bar and Grille' he could smell chicken cooking, hear Dean Martian singing, and saw that all of the tables and the bar were ready for customers.

"Coffee sir?" Tom turned to see one of his waitresses smiling at him and offered him a warm cup of coffee. Tom smiled and thanked her, it was just what he needed.

Lwazanda strode across the Promenade with Stannis in tow. "Lunch?" She asked her advisor,as she reached up to touch her hair.

Her companion nodded to a restaurant near them, and the pair entered the Grille.

Tom watched as a woman he didn’t recognize approach with what looked like an aid or butler in tow. She was elegantly dressed, and judging by her attire Tom figured her to be Betazoid. The closer she came, he could see her dark eyes and knew she was in fact Betazoid.

His Hostess stepped forward, but Tom stopped her, “I’ll take this one Julia.” He flashed a smile, picked up a couple of menus, and walked toward the door.

“Welcome to the Good Fellas Italian Bar and Grille. I’m the owner Tom Vercetti, if you’ll follow me I’ll show you to the best table in the house.”

Lwazanda smiled as politely as she could at the man, and followed him. Turning her face toward Stannis she spoke wordlessly to him, 'You bring me to a Bar and Grille!' She was angry, although it did not show on her face.

The eventually came to a table, and Lwazanda seated herself.

Stannis followed suit, finding his way to a chair opposite her.

Tom politely handed both of them a menu. “A few dishes I’d recommend include the Baked Ziti, Mushroom-Sausage Ragù, Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup with Steamed Mussels, Balsamic-and-Rosemary-Marinated Florentine Steak, Sardinian Stuffed Eggplant, and the house favorite Chicken Marsala. On the back you’ll find our wine list, or would you allow me to pick a bottle based on your food choice?”

Tom studied the woman for a moment. He’d been stationed on Betazed before the Dominion war, before his...wounds forced him out of Starfleet and into private work. In late 2374 Tom joined Pegsaus-A as its Ten Forward host and bar tender, and had helped the crew through several missions with his ‘Shadow Operations’ knowledge. Today, Shadow Ops was a thing of the past, Tom’s wounds still kept him out of Starfleet service, and he owned a very successful Italian Restaurant and Bar on Starbase 400.

He gazed over the woman before him, a woman that reminded him of someone from his past...

Stannis glanced at the man and then the menu. "I'll have the Chicken Marsala with a sparkling water." he said handing the menu to Tom, and looking to Lwazanda.

She held the menu, but did not look at it. "Bring me a bottle of Romulan Ale." She whipped the menu towards Tom. "I'm in the mood for a liquid lunch." she smiled.

Tom watched the woman's features for a moment, "Ma'am, we don't offer Romulan Ale. We specialize in Earth cuisine from the Italian region." He paused, then offered a suggestion, "I would suggest the Masi 2366 Mazzano Red Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. It's a fine Italian wine, and has been known to be a good liquid lunch for many." He smiled.

Lwazanda rolled her eyes quite visibly, she spoke telepathically to Stannis 'You see Stannis, that's the issue with humans. They do no accommodate their guests. '

She looked in Tom's direction, "That will be fine." she said, her voice betrayed no malice.

Tom nodded and stepped away.

A few minutes later he returned with the bottle of Masi 2366 and a glass, as well as Stannis's sparkling water. "Here you are. Your Chicken Marsala will be ready in a few minutes."

Tom walked back to the kitchen.

Stannis watched as Lwazanda poured a handsome glass to the wine. "Your son, Derin said he'd like to come and visit you. He's between postings and has some time."

Taking a long, purposeful sip Lwazanda meerly nodded.

"Is your drinking becoming an issue again?" Stannis asked, point blank.

Aghast, Lwazanda spoke in a hushed yell, "Really Stannis, you thinbk now is the time or place for such a conversation?"

Tom arrived back at the table, he could see the expression on his guests’ faces that something has been said and something was wrong.

“Your Chicken Marsala sir.” He set the plate gently in front of Stannis. Tom then looked back and forth at the two before speaking again.

“How do you like the wine?” Tom noticed that she had poured a rather liberal glass, and drank most of it.

Lwazanda refilled her glass, and sipped again. "I suppose it will do in the absence of a real drink." She set the glass down, "What did you say your name was?" She made direct eye contact with him.

Tom smirked, the woman had spunk, and he liked that. Italian women, Betazoid women, they had spunk. “It’s Tom ma’am, Tom Vercetti.” He gazed at the woman as he gave a respectful bow.

"I am Lwazanda Ral.Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed. Keeper of the Holy Sceptre of Betazed. Protector of the Blessed Scrolls of the First Deity." He face took on a look of concern."Have you ever served a Daughter of the Fifth House?"

“Served?” Tom asked, “No ma’am, but I’ve known my fair share of Betazoid Daughters in my time. I was stationed on Betazed before the Dominion War.” He replied. “So it’s an honor to have you dine with us today.”

He gave a respectful nod before walked away. He didn’t want to hover, but he did look back at Ral for a moment.

The Betazoid woman watched the man leave, and resumed her drink. 'Perhaps this restaurant wasn't such a bad idea afterall.' She thought to Stannis.

Stannis merely smiled and cut into his meal. Shaking his head at her sudden change.



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