A Second Home

Posted on Tue Apr 23rd, 2013 @ 7:50am by Crumm Widdy
Edited on on Tue Apr 23rd, 2013 @ 7:52am

1,417 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 82 - The Aggressor
Location: Skyline Lounge, Starbase 400
Timeline: Just before 'Checking Out the Lounge'

Hunter finally finished getting settled into her quarters. Chuck was fast asleep in a food coma, resting on top of his owner's yet-unpacked bag. Because she was a social butterfly and didn't want to wallow in her pain from memories popping in her head, Hunter jumped up and decided to go where she felt the most comfortable. When she first walked through the Promenade she noticed a Lounge that was just opening up. That was her kind of place: a bar that served everyone on the station. It was the perfect time to get to know the people she was going to be seeing every day.

Setting foot into the Lounge was pretty exciting even though no one was in there. Hunter paused, looked around, and noticed a man standing behind the bar, washing an unused glass in his hand. She made her way over and took a seat right in front of the man.

Crumm was attempting to look busy as an attractive, young Junior Officer pulled up a chair directly in front of him at the bar. His already wide smile grew exponentially. "My dear, welcome to the Skyline Lounge." He quickly presented the Lietenant with a PADD. "Please feel free to peruse the menu. I think you'll find my selection rather substantial", he said while puffing out his chest. "It is my pleasure to be at your service. And I guarantee that if something you desire is not on my menu, it will be upon your return." He gestured to the replicators behind him with an extended blue hand. "My replicated choices know no competition. The best you will have ever had, I assure you. But," he paused for effect and leaned in closely, "if it is a real treat you desire, may I suggest you select a Bolian dish. They are prepared fresh before your eyes to your exact specifications." He looked upon the Lieutenant with eager eyes. "So Madame, what shall it be for my first customer?"

Hunter paused, then started laughing. "I am actually slightly overwhelmed at this moment." She appreciated his generosity, and found it to be very welcome at the moment. "I just arrived at the station, and am scared to death of what is going to be presented to me with this job. I'm sure you can whip up some Bolian comfort food." She smiled and winked at the bartender. "Surprise me."

Crumm seemed to have a smile for every variation of every mood, just like the Eskimos of Earth are said to have a thousand words for 'snow'. The corners of his smile shifted, indicating concern for his new patron. "Let's see...occupational apprehensions? I have just the thing." Crumm turned to his replicator. "Computer, one thimblette of Ontarian Royal Jelly." A curiously small glass with a bright blue liquid appeared. He handled it carefully, placing it in front of his customer. "I picked up this little recipe on Ontarius Prime. The Ontarians grow a particular tubor that, when dried and powered makes for a potent sedative. They filter the nectar of the northern mountain ant through the tubor power and produce this tasty beverage. As I mentioned, it's very potent, so I only serve it small doses. I think you'll find that your job worries fade away, if only temporarily." Before she had the chance to take the sip, he interjected. "I nearly forgot to introduce myself. I am Crumm Widdy, owner, proprietor and your gracious host."

Hunter nodded her head. "Lieutenant Hunter Thomas, Assistant Chief Medical Officer." She picked up her drink and pulled the glass towards her lips. She was a solid drinker and wasn't afraid of anything new. Knocking her head back, the drink seemed to drip down her throat, sending an odd sensation through her chest. Holding back coughs was not going to be an option. "Holy crap!" Hunter couldn't help but laugh as she coughed through the burn. "And I can handle my liquor... You trying to kill me?"

Crumm let out a generous laugh. "Of course not, my dear Doctor Thomas." He then gave Hunter a sarcastically serious look. "But I'd be willing to wager you are not giving your job any mind at the moment?" Just then, Sheela emerged from a back room with a number of exotic looking ingredients. She placed them in front of Crumm and gave Hunter a wink before returning to her hostess podium. "And now, to further distance your thoughts from work, I shall prepare for you a Bolian tomato stew. While the flavor will not be affected, would you prefer I use blue or green tomatoes?

"Hmmm...blue!" Hunter said excitedly. As Crumm began his work the doctor looked all around her surroundings. While the room was still rather empty there was a weird sense of comfort in it. It may have been the vibe coming from the jolly Bolian but it was then she realized she was going to be spending most of her free time here. "So, how did you acquire such a grand place such as this?"

Crumm looked left, then right, as if preparing to share with Hunter a significant secret. "Let's just say I had a rather successful time playing the Ferengi Futures Exchange." He returned to his stew which was nearing completion on an insta-burner. "It was a small fortune. After I gifted the majority to my family so that they may explore their own interests, I had enough left to invest in this place."

The stew was completed. The bright blue tomatoes, once cooked down and reduced, left behind a pale blue concoction. He seasoned to taste before garnishing with a sprig of herb and a dollop of a light green cream. He slid the bowl before Hunter. "And what of your exploits, Doctor? Assistant Chief Medical Officer for one so young aboard a starbase so large is no small feat."

Hunter shrugged, licking her lips and trying not to salivate too much over her food. She began stirring it, mixing the green dollop with the blue stew. "I guess I did good at the Academy, huh?" She laughed as she brought a spoon full of her food to her lips. This definitely tasted better than whatever drink he had served her earlier. "Wow, this is really good!" She began slurping it, getting as much as she can in as little time as she can. Suddenly, she looked up at Crumm, realizing how savage she must look at the moment. Placing her spoon down slowly, she started laughing. "Sorry, I'm just really hungry."

Crumm joined in Hunter's laughter. "Think nothing of it. Consider it a compliment to the chef. Besides, I've catered Klingon functions." He reached under the bar and retrieved a pitcher full of clear liquid and a tall glass. He filled the glass almost to the brim. "Enjoy some Bolian tonic water with your meal. Some of the springs on my planet naturally effervesce the water. I think you'll find it rather delightful."

"You're just spoiling me now, aren't you?" Hunter couldn't help but laugh at his generosity. "Actually, you're the first person who's ever been this nice to me...except for my brother." She grabbed his arm to make sure he was able to understand how grateful she truly was. "Thank you."

"A pity my dear Doctor." Crumm seemed genuinely upset, which was odd for a Bolian of his character. "I cannot see a single thing about you so far which would cause others to treat you with any amount of indecency." He brought his smile back into frame. "Just remember, you will always have a friend in Crumm Widdy."

"As long as you keep feeding me, I'll be there for you too." Hunter laughed, taking in another spoonful. She hoped he knew she was kidding.

"Doctor, my menu is endless and my willingness to feed you knows no bounds. I believe is is the beginning of a lasting friendship." Crumm topped off her Bolian tonic water. He was hoping the good Doctor would be the first of countless satisfied customers.

Just then a trio of Bajoran freighters entered the lounge followed by a Starfleet Officer and a Jem'Hadar First. Business was sure to pick up and Crumm was prepared. "Computer, initiate low capacity waitstaff." Two holographic Bolian waiters appeared and approached the incoming patrons with gleaming smiles. When it came to his waitstaff, Crumm left no aspect of customer service to chance. Those aboard Starbase 400 would receive nothing but the best.

OFF

RSS Feed