A Warrior's Meal

Posted on Thu Dec 15th, 2022 @ 1:13pm by Lieutenant JG Deezell Vox & Lieutenant K’lar
Edited on on Thu Dec 15th, 2022 @ 2:29pm

4,022 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Episode 114 - A Time and Place for Everything
Location: Section A1 - Level 110
Timeline: MD0 'New Officer Ops Meeting'

=/\=1715 Hours=/\=

wa'SuvwI' translates to 'warrior's meal' in Klingonese. The words were emblazoned above the entrance to the large but modest dining facility on Section A1 - Deck 110. The silver and orange glow of the restaurant's sign matched the illumination inside.

Food and drink were being served from one long counter along the far wall. The sounds of a dozen arguments, belly laughs, shouts and lamentations all seemed to fill the air at once. The air smelled of an alien fragrance which was hard to pinpoint.

K'lar had changed before meeting Ensign Vox. He wore a dark brown tunic over matching pants. Boots similar to those worn by KDF warriors, but of a reddish-brown material clad his long feet.

As the duo approached the bar, three KDF warriors left arm in arm. They reeked of strong bloodwine and each sang loudly off key.

K'lar grunted and chuckled as he spoke, "Are you ready for authentic Klingonese food? How much do you know of Klingon culture?" K'lar immediately thought to himself that with five lifetimes she must know a good deal. He still wasn't sure if she was ready for what adventures could await inside a Klingon establishment.

"I've had a wide variety of different Klingon dishes and I know a little about Klingon culture. But, as with everything, I am always eager to learn. Do you think I am dressed ok? " She asked. Deezell was wearing a blue dress, with a low cut front displaying a modest amount of her cleavage with black leggings underneath.

The Klingon stepped forward closer to her. His large palm wrapped under one of her hands as their fingers entwined. K'lar could sense she was concerned about fitting in to such an unrefined Klingon restaurant. "You are dressed most fine", K'lar saidin a low throaty tone. His features softened into a look of warmth as he began to let go of her hand.

The shop may have seemed unruly, but this was still a very social place.

"Thank you. Shall we start the adventure?" She asked.

"Let's", K'lar said. His stomach rumbled as they began to walk. He hoped she didn't notice, but he was quite hungry. They had spent quite a few hours on the shuttle refit testing. "I hope to try something fresh."

They walked the last few steps to the shop and looked up at the stylized sign before entering. Mist machines even cast a light fog around the glow and down over the entrance. They walked through the puff of steam as they entered.

"Well if it isn't the scientist!" A booming voice shouted from behind a counter in Klingonese. A pale, heavyset Klingon with graying hair pounded on the countertop. The universal translator was working within these walls, so Vox could understand perfectly.

Other Klingons grunted and howled as K'lar was introduced as a scientist. It was almost seen as a disdainful insult to some who heard it. K'lar scoffed and maintained his confidence. He led Deezell towards the older man and spoke, "Mardon, this is Ensign Vox.. An Engineer on this station and someone I'm happy to know."

The older gruff man replied, "Ensign Vox.. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Mardon. The shop is mine to manage", he exclaimed. Pausing momentarily, he turned to shout at two arguing KDF uniform'd warriors in the corner. "I'll show you a menu, tell me what you'd like", Mardon said when finally turning back to Deezell.

K'lar grabbed a menu and slid it over to Deezell since he was closer to it. It included:

Food
-----
Baghool Soup with Durani skins
Bregit lung

Gagh
Bithool Gagh
Meshta Gagh

Gladst
Grapok sauce
Krada leg
Kradge Tail
Ka'Tarlk
Jlnjoq bread
Pipius claw
Racht
Rokeg blood pie

Targ
Heart of targ
Flank of targ
Roast targ

Shell Squid
Zilm'kach


Drinks
------
Bahgol
Bloodwine
Chech'tluth
Firewine
Mot'loch
Raktajino
Targ milk
Warnog

"It might take me a while to choose so can get some Bloodwine whilst I go through the menu ? " Deezell asked.

"Very well", Mardon replied. "Perhaps K'lar will help you decide", the older man said through a friendly grin.

"I will take a Firewine... And bring us some Ka'Tarlk."

As Mardon backed away to take the order, two KDF warriors stepped forward. Both stood around 6'2 in height. One was male, the other was female. The lady shoved K'lar in the back and grunted. "Sweet fruit and firewine. You really are a scientist", she said aggressively.

"And who is this accompanying you?" The male asked K'lar while staring at Deezell. "Is this a Trill bar?" The duo seemed aggressive but they were truthfully just asking questions. They were also testing the other, especially the female Klingon.

Pushing K'lar could be seen as flirtatious by Klingon standards. She could even be challenging Ensign Vox to a duel. K'lar ignored the Klingon woman and glared at the man. He turned and stood. "This is a Federation station. And we are all here for food. Yes?!" The science officer shouted and looked around the bar in a challenge to the others. He stood just taller than the female duo.

The Klingon woman quickly walked past K'lar with her nose up. "Are you a security officer, Starfleet?" She glared as she asked Deezell the question.

"No, I'm an engineer, propulsion specialist. " Deezell replied.

The woman scoffed. "Scientist! You bring an engineer to dine with us?"

K'lar called out to her, "She is a talented engineer... One who did good work for my shuttle. End this game... Let us dine in peace", he continued.

"You two are free to eat your fruit", the man said as the pair started to back away. Others were watching and seemed as if they could approach at any moment.

"I told you", K'lar said to Deezell with laughter. "Scientists and engineers are treated differently within the Empire." He turned to gauge her reaction.

"Perhaps we should be. Engineers especially. Without us engineers, those impressive Klingon warships would breakdown and wouldn't be able to do battle and so no honour could be satisfied and glorious songs could be sung. " she replied. "And its the scientists who develop and create new weapons and defences for battle." she added.

"I agree", K'lar replied in a quiet voice. "On some ships engineers are trained servants. They are forced to fight for their daily task listings.. They are trained, but they are forced to take such training."

He wasn't sure if Ensign Vox understood from a Klingon point of view. "Every Klingon is meant to be a warrior. Any deviation from that is..." He paused. "Embarrassing.. As far as science... Most Klingon science aboard ship is tailored towards exploiting weakness... Temperature variance throughout shield grids.. Structural integrity readings and studying system maximizations and flows.. All for battle. But other science is explored in depth.. In the shadows."

"Ka'Tarlk! Bloodwine! Firewine!" Mardon returned howling each item as he set them down. Two tall glasses were sat down alongside a plate of two cut citrus fruit.

"Thank you Mardon", K'lar replied. He turned to Deezell next. "What type of food are you in the mood for? Meat? Sides?" The scientist could help her with her choice.

"I'd like to try a meat with maybe a couple of sides. You know, start gentle. " She replied.

K'lar held a menu between him and Deezell while thinking of what she said. He studied the menu carefully. "Understood", he said. "Hmmm.. How about some jlnjoq bread.. Fresh gladst should make for a leafy side." K'lar looked up to Mardon who was entering the choices as he spoke. "And meat.. Mardon, please bring out llingta' with noodles and a nice cut of trigak."

"Will there be anything else?" Mardon looked up from his PADD while asking.

"Does anything else on the menu look interesting?" K'lar smiled and continued. "Whatever we don't finish, we can share with the crowd. So feel free to try new dishes."

"Do you want to share some Rokeg blood pie?" Deezell asked. "Ive heard its something worth trying when exploring Klingon foods. " she added

"Absolutely", K'lar exclaimed. "And one blood pie, Mr. Mardon."

"Our team will prepare this for you at once", Mardon replied. Turning to Deezell, Mardon added, "Do not be concerned with the others' questions. They are simply curious. Please make yourself welcome."

"Thank you Mardon, I will do my best. " Deezell replied. She took another sip of her Blood Wine which was starting to go to her head.

"Enjoy yourselves", said the older Klingon while looking from Deezell to K'lar.

K'lar too felt the influence of his drink. Wanting to know more about Deezell, he quickly asked her, "Where is your favorite planet you've visited so far? Any amazing sights?"

"Ooh that's a good one. I recently went to Vulcan to visit a friend and, although I struggled somewhat with the heat, the view from Mount Seleya is spectacular. "

K'lar replied with a snorting laugh, "The heat is a formidable enemy of mine as well." He tried to visualize the place she mentioned. "I once went to a frozen moon colony of the Andorians. Ice. Everything was ice." He made a face of pain an disgust as he remembered how cold he felt. "But it so unique to see."

"Where is one new place you'd like to go?" K'lar asked another as his curiosity could not be satisfied.

"I would like to visit Bajor. I hear it's beautiful. Also, I have thing for good spicy Hasperat. " Deezell replied. The thought of the Hasperat made her hungry, Her glance momentarily moved towards the doors to the kitchens of the restaurant.

"I have never thought so much about trying different food", K'lar admitted. "It is an intriguing prospect. I would love to be there at the precipice of the Wormhole... To jump into the Gamma Quadrant and explore."

The Klingon crowd was boisterous but relatively calm. Many sat, others walked between crowds gathered near a drink stand. Dishes were being bought out by several Klingon staff. A few Starfleet officers were mixed in with the crowd.

"It's fun to dream", K'lar said as his gaze looked deep into Deezell's. "How do Trill families work? Are you close with kin from other lives? Do you have a large family?"

"Friends yes but reassociation with family, wifes, and husband's of previous hosts is strictly forbidden. If we happen to meet that's fine but we can not continue the relationship where we left off. So, I just have my family and the odd friend. " Dee explained.

"Those are tough rules", K'lar said as he leaned closer to her. "But I think with a clear understanding... I mean. It would never be easy. You deserve to be appreciated for you. Symbiont and host together as one."

"I'd like to hope that people do appreciate me as one, host and symbiont, as we are one mind. With 5 life times of experiences. " She replied.

Two Klingon servers approached as they spoke.

"It is so", K'lar reassured happily while turning to watch the food's arrival.

A large cut of lean meat was served on a platter. This was the trigak. A large bowl of noodles with a lighter colored meat was the llingta' dish. There was a fragrant, spicy bread. The jlnloq. The gladst appeared to be fresh, leafy greens.

Mardon arrived with two glasses of an unnamed Klingon drink. "A fine choice for a first Klingon meal", the restaurant owner said. "Try this.. It's new", he said as he offered the drinks to K'lar and Deezell.

K'lar took a sip and noticed it was spicy, bitter yet somewhat sweet in the end. It appeared to be non-alcoholic and quite refreshing.

"Thank you Mardon", K'lar said. "What'd you think of the food?" K'lar looked curiously towards Ensign Vox.

"It all looks really good. Not sure where to start but I am sure K'lar will guide me on this. Thank you very much Mardon. " Deezell replied picking up the new drink and taking a sip. "Oh that's great, a bit spicy but somehow really refreshing. " she added.

K'lar spoke in a refined voice, bold but not too loud as he said, "A meal is like an adventure." He reached in with his hands and tore a piece off one of the meat steaks. Klingons often ate with their hands after all. Sharp fork like utensils were provided for the noodles. Deezell could have used it to eat the other dishes with as well. "One must dive in. Explore. You could even make a sandwich and have it with your noodles", he said.

Deezell watched K'lar rip a piece off one the meat steaks. She had never really eaten purely with her hands before. She even used a knife and fork when having Hasperat.

She saw the sharp fork like utensils and was tempted to use them for everything but she thought about what K'lar had said about a meal being an adventure and decided to throw caution to the wind.

She reached over and ripped a piece of one of the steaks and started to eat it with it in her hands. She smiled at him across the table. She put her meat on her plate and grabbed a piece of the jlnloq. Its smell was rather aromatic which she took in deeply through her nose. It could have been the Blood Wine but she was starting to relax.

"Most excellent", he exclaimed excitedly as she began to eat with her hands. "We Klingons feel more connected to the food when we eat like this." With a laugh he added, "The more alive.. The better. One day, maybe we will try gagh." There were many varieties of it based on how the gagh moved.

Although he ate with his hands, K'lar didn't make much of a mess. The meat turned out to be similar to a rare steak, though completely different in taste and texture. To K'lar this was comfort food.. A taste of home. "Tell me.. What was life like on the Trill homeworld?"

He too felt himself becoming more comfortable.

"Well, that can depend on where you live. Countryside, suburbs or inner city. In the cities it tends to be a faster pace of life compared to the slower pace of the suburbs and countryside. I have experienced both as my family owns a large farm in the countryside and before I went to the academy, I worked in the city. " Dee replied reaching and breaking off another piece of meat. She then used the sharp fork to twirl and eat some noodles.

"Farm life hmm?" K'lar spoke between bites. The noodles looked good so he grabbed a second fork and twirled it around a bunch of noodles. "Your family must have helped feed many people." He tried to imagine life on a planet where many lives could be contained within just one person. He tried to picture the farms and the cities.

"Qo'nos is also quite diverse", K'lar said in his booming yet scratchy voice. "I wish I could show you Krennla. "Very different from the traditions of First City or the Central Plains. It's quite modern", he said excitedly. "I could show you 'jawbe chen'.. The hotel among the clouds... Such grand architecture.. Such history."

"It certainly sounds like a great trip to take. Can you not show me Krennia? Its just that you said that you wish you could. I would love to show you my home town of Solwaya. Its quite a beautiful place, very old. The best time to go is the summer months when the Ynzia Flowers are in bloom. The scent is delightful. " She replied. " So what about Krennia?" she asked.

K'lar showed signs of excitement as he listened. He was surprised she wanted to go to Qo'nos. "We really should travel", he replied. "I must see Solwaya someday. Krennla isn't even far from here", he said about the city.

"The weather there on Qo'nos is so extreme", K'lar added. Through a grin he added, "one must expect adversity in Klingon weather.. Even within the marvels of Krennla." The city really was the pride of many. Tourists and even relocated ex-patriots were becoming fairly common. "Let's see how these trips can fit into our schedule", said the Klingon before taking the last bit of meat and carefully chewing it.

"Absolutely. I have a bit of sweet tooth, what do Klingons do for desserts? If it is such a thing for a proud warrior race." She asked.

K'lar chuckled a little. "Much of it is fruit, like the Ka'Tarlk we had for appetizers. I once saw a street vendor in the First City sell bread sweetened by hurkik fruit." After spooling up some noodles he added, "I don't see many desserts for sale here, but there is a station full of shops to find this.... dessert."

K'lar would enjoy sampling other cuisine as well. "What was food like growing up in your household? It must have been so fresh when you lived on the farm."

"Oh yes, absolutely. Fresh vegetables and fruit and meat. My mother likes the convenience of a replicator but really preferred to use real meat and vegetables in her cooking. Our farm makes a very popular cheese on Trill called Timur Special Reserve. " Deezell commented.

"Delicious", K'lar exclaimed. "That is the downside to massive centers like Krennla. Pheben III is a massive farming colony for our Empire. It feeds our people quite well. But it is not the same as hunting on the plains."

After taking a bite of the noodles, he leaned closer to Ensign Vox over the table. "So you enjoy exotic cuisines, working on starships, you have a connection to nature... What do you see in your future? Family plans? Career goals?"

Mardon arrived soon after he asked the question. "And one Rokeg blood pie", said the Klingon restauranteur. "You didn't think I forgot did you?" A rumbling belly laugh followed Mardon as he left to check on the next customer.

The savory dish was served in a flaky crust. It had a taste similar to sausage, with a solid consistency. "Q'apla, that looks good", K'lar added. A sharp tool was used to cut the pie into slices.

Letting K'lar take the first piece of the pie, Dee pondered his question. " As for career plans, I hope to progress up the ranks and expand my knowledge and experience. I would like to be a chief engineer some day. As for family, my mother is very hoping that I will contribute to the future ream running the family business, as in plenty of grandchildren." She answered taking a slice of the Rokeg Blood Pie.

The crust was surprisingly strong, almost more like a crispy pizza. K'lar held the pie in his hand, the ingredients caked together without spilling. For a meal with few utensils, it was surprisingly neat. K'lar couldn't help but think of what a rare variant of the pie this was while listening to Deezell.

K'lar made sounds of excitement as she mentioned being the chief engineer of a ship. Running any department would be an exciting responsibility. K'lar had a fascination with ships and technology and was glad to know somebody in her position.

"You will make a fine chief engineer and a fine mate", K'lar said in direct language. His eyes glanced upwards to her strawberry blonde hair as he sniffed the air. His glance locked back onto her eyes as his lips warmly curled upwards.

"I too am tasked with the responsibility of expanding my familial House", he continued. "The House of Moklor is growing in influence. We have ships and property." Looking deeper into Deezell's eyes he said, "a woman like you would be welcomed into the House with open arms." His family has recently become more open to the ideas of inter-xenomarriage as they look to expand their influence within the Klingon Empire.

Dee blushed. She then smiled "I am honoured." She paused. She was attracted to him a great deal and, up until his recent comment, she wondered whether to take things further but now she knew. "I would like to get to know you better K'lar so would you consider seeing me again? "She asked.

K'lar had felt equally attracted to Deezell. His eyes had not been able to hide a look of warmth since they had met. "It would be the highest honor", he replied. This could almost be seen as a controversial thing for a Klingon to say based on their views of honor. "Let me show you how us Klingons start the bonding process."

He moved closer alongside her and reached for her right arm with his. "Follow my lead", he said as their hands locked. His nose carefully sniffed from her hand up along her arm. She imitated him as she sniffed his forearm. The first step was for the couple to exchange pheromones in this way. "Now you must squeeze my hand as hard as you can", he told her.

His own grip was tight but he was gentle with her. He knew he couldn't treat her like a Klingon woman. The move caused the woman who argued earlier to shout loudly in words the universal translator chose not to translate. Other Klingons held her back. K'lar ignored the distractions and focused on Ensign Vox.

Deezell slightly taken aback K'lar's actions regained her focus and gripped his hand and squeezed as hard as her little hand could. K'lar felt extremely warmed by her effort. The grip soon released into a gentle hand hold.

He could tell she didn't fully understand the ritual, but it was an important sign that he was serious. Some of the onlookers were stunned. Several began to cheer until the applause echoed through the hall.

Mardon returned and said, "I want to wish you the best, wherever the adventure takes you." This did not mean that they were in a relationship, just that K'lar had signaled his interest.

"Thank you Mardon", K'lar replied. "We still have much to discuss." The host left them. K'lar turned to Deezell. Not wanting to change the topic but curious, he asked, "have you ever thought of examining a Klingon ship? If we visit Qo'nos, a House of Moklor vessel could take us."

"I have seen blueprints and schematics of a few Klingon ships but never been aboard one. I am quite interested in the Bird of Prey." Pausing she took a sip of her drink. "What was the woman shouting earlier? The Universal Translator didn't seem to work." She asked.

K'lar nervously looked back towards the woman who had shouted. She gave him an angry stare. "She just does not like outsiders", he said. "The others chastised her. She used foul language to curse me out." He huffed. "I am sorry for her drama... But yes. You will surely get the chance to explore a Bird of Prey. Perhaps even a larger K'vort class."

"Sounds great and as for her, ignore, do what you feel is right for you. It has nothing to do with her anyway. " She rubbed her stomach. "I'm full. That was amazing. " She said feeling rather satisfied.

K'lar had taken out his PADD to transfer credits to the restaurant. While doing so he said, "thanks for sharing the meal with me.. The first of many I hope. I can escort you to your quarters", he offered.

"That would be appreciated thank you." Deezell replied. She looked at K'lar's face and smiled. An adventure begins she thought.

His eyes locked onto hers as they exchanged smiles. K’lar was not used to such feelings of warmth. Standing, he reached out to hold the Ensign’s hand. They left together hand in hand.

The two arrived outside Deezell's quarters. "Would you like to come in for a Raktajino?" Deezell asked.

K'lar ran a hand alongside Deezell's far shoulder in a gentle massage. "Yes, thank you. You know.. I've been growing my own Raktajino beans since I left the KDF.. Next time I'll brew it fresh for you."

The pair entered the ensign's quarters as the door shut behind them.

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