Something's cooking

Posted on Tue Feb 12th, 2019 @ 10:51pm by Lieutenant Anthony Edwards Ph. D & Lieutenant Helena Wells
Edited on on Mon Feb 25th, 2019 @ 5:17pm

4,368 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Negotiations and Apothecaries
Location: HG's quarters
Timeline: 22 Feb 2395

ON:

=^=Heya boss=^= HG cheerfully called on her comm to Anthony.

=^=I was wondering if you would like to see the summary of the work on the engine modification. I think I know what sort of went wrong. And to make the physics a bit more palatable I whipped up some Beef Bourguignon, Pistachio Financiers and some Crepes with Creamy Caramel. I know I don't cook often but my brother thought I best learn a few things. Sorry no bubbly or at least not the real stuff, captain put a hold on the real stuff until R&R. =^=

“Yes probably a good idea Junior Officer’s driving the ship, while drunk. Wouldn’ look good swerving from side to side, or do much for the fuel. Though the French food is quiet a fancy on mind so the Bourguignon and Crepes sound really nice.” Anthony said with a smile.

=^=Around say....seven and add the twelve...nineteen hundred?" she replied.

Anthony chuckled many even some that had been to the Academy apparently had difficulties with Military time and said =^=Okay HG I’ll be there at seven tonight. I’ll see you then.=^=

=^=See you=^=

--1900 hours--

HG had her usual somewhat baggy trousers, shirt that had not seen an iron in ages but the tweed jacket was missing. The shirt itself was rolled up and her hair tied back and she hummed a little ditty as she finished the preparations on the meal.

Anthony walked the corridor to HG’s quarters in his off duty preference of a comfortable slacks and cool 100% linen stone shirt and pants. For some reason he needed to be thought of as a scientist and wore a Science green coloured under shirt and belt. He thought that this is the first time he had been invited to HG’s quarters so decided a present was in order. Decided a small posy would be a laugh for her, so decided what better gift than a good laugh. Right on 19:01 he pressed her door chime.

HG heard the chime and called, "It's open, come on in, just finishing the final touches." She looked up as the door slide open to reveal her boss. "Help yourself to something to drink. Did you want to do work first or eat first?"

As the door hissed open Anthony came into what he expected was an HG normality everything at a bit of a rush. He handed her the play saying “In my family it is a long standing tradition to bring a gift the first time you are invited to call upon a ladies house.” He presented the small posy of flowers as his gift then went to the food and beverage replicator and asked for an iced tea.

The computer listed a dozen different hot tea varieties before Anthony interrupted and said “Hibiscus and orange served cold over ice in a tall glass drinking resepticle...” frustration took over as he said “Stupid computer it has been playing up all day. Just as well you decided to cook, god knows how long and many steps we would have had to wait for the computer to make decisions.”

"About that, it should settle down in a bit. That is why I wanted to talk to you. The device to induce probability favouring anti-matter seems to have had unforeseen consequences. I explain more but first, thank you for the flowers and I think dinner is ready." She indicated the small table and then said, "Other than the fanciers not really made much appetizer hope you don't mind." She put the fanciers on the table to one side and the plates and utensils followed by the beef. She took a seat and said, "No formality here, just dig in."

Anthony smiled, the Beef Bourguignon smelled wonderfully and lovingly done. He had never spent much time learning to cook for himself but eating at pubs and restaurants had taught him if the food smell good it usually was exemplary. He got his plate standing as it was easier and less messy that way. He went to the replicator again and asked for six slices of buttered bread. Amazingly the computer didn’t complain instead Just presented them. Going back to the table he said, “It helps with cleaning up the gravy. You don’t want to waste it, when it smells this good.”

"Best taste it first before you compliment too far. My brother did insist that I should learn something besides mathematics and all. I somewhat keep a hand at it more as a hobby. So if you do not mind, besides fascinating languages, do have hobbies as well?"

“The other things I have interest in are fairly eclectic In origins athome I like to make models practice my flute and piano, not that I can bring a full one on ship unless I want to change the bar into a piano bar. I also have a number Martial arts interests too. Then there is a the outdoor one which are camping and rock and mountain climbing. How about you aside from your interest in mathematical sciences?” Anthony smiled interested.

"I used to play violin, certainly was given lessons but I will admit to not practicing too much. I think more or less gave it up when my brother told me I was becoming a Sherlock Holmes, playing while trying to figure out a problem. Somehow I did not see myself taking cocaine and wearing a Hunter's cap." She chuckled. "Now martial arts and climbing never tried but I would love to learn. They sound fascinating."

“Well I’m partial to a hunter but I don’t think cocaine would go well for anything but becoming addicted so probably a good thing you stopped. Having said that though the violin goes very well with both the piano and flute, or tin whistle of Irish folk music, it has been a while since I practice properly too as music sounds better accompanied by the music of other instruments than by itself I tend to notice the mistakes too. Ugh when by myself where as when it is a joy shared even practice is more fun because I enjoy the music of the other instruments around me.” Anthony said with a smile. “The best part of a climb if you climb cliff faces that are tall enough for a parachute to open is the BASE jump after it is finished. A lot quicker that having to climb back down. Though some of the straight sided monoliths like El Capitan don’t really allow for BASE jumping because to get up the face part of the climb goes up a couple of chimney’s which makes for multi day climb both up and down. Which increases the amount of equipment needed for the climb. Best place to learn is an indoor rock climbing gym. Actually that isn’t completely true the best place to learn is on a holodeck, maybe some time we’re both off duty again I could show you.”

"I once did something off a tall mountain that we ferried up to...what was it called now...squirrel or wingsuit or something like that. It was definitely an experience. Anyway I would love to learn more. Doc tells me I need more exercise of the body and a little less of the mind."

“I think doctors tell all non Vulcan Science Officers the same thing so we won’t think ourselves to death.” Anthony said with a laugh. “I guess that means we could take some time to exercise together cause I find most thing exercise wise boring to do by myself.”

"Sort of like sex, not as much fun alone," HG chuckled. "Yes my brother William thinks I am totally incorrigible."

“Not that I have much experience with the by yourself bit of that but I have heard that same thing said. Incorrigible isn’t so bad.” Anthony said with a smile.

"Thank you, hope that I have not been too bad a hostess. There is dessert yet." HG replied. The rest of the meal was mostly small talk and the upcoming mission. HG got the crepes ready and the nodded toward the couch. "A little less formal but I can show you what happened while we have desert.

HG placed the plates with the crepes and took a seat next to Anthony and put a PaDD on the table. She waited until he had a chance to sample the crepes. It felt a little funny waiting to see if he approved. A nice funny, but funny.

“Looks good!” Anthony said. With a smile the “Smell isn’t to bad either, what sweetener did you use for the crepes.”

"Just regular sugar. Synthesized of course are you diabetic? If so I think I could whip up some new ones with an artificial sweetener instead. I am sorry I did not ask before." HG looked a bit worried as she gave her reply. It was one of those lapses, a thinking too far ahead without filling in the middle that sometimes got her in trouble.

“No, I’m not diabetic, I just caught a whif of cinnamon is all and I thought you might have made it of cinnamon sugar is all.” Anthony said with a smile and decided to try it while HG explained the other smells and tastes.

"It should not have any, but then again a few things are still a bit odd," HG commented. "You see, the machine that affected the probability of making anti-matter, well that probability wave seems to propagated throughout the ship affecting the outcomes of systems. In most cases it seemed to have made things better but in other cases it seems to have made certain systems act...well oddly. Now that the machine has been turned off the various systems should return to normal fairly quickly. So it might be that the replicator added a touch of cinnamon into the sugar and I did not notice. Well hopefully it did not throw the taste too far off."

“So your saying your wave machine is currently a fifty fifty pass and need to be tinkered with to get it right. Nothing unusual about with scientific experimentation. Though as for the crepes the best ones I have tasted, have always had a hint of cinnamon in them.” Anthony said with a smile. “Unless you happen to allergic to cinnamon.”

"No I am fine with cinnamon," HG smiled just a bit shyly. "The machine was successful just unforeseen side effects. I could not help but wonder what would have happened if it had gone on longer. Ah well, something to look at for another day. Well enough of science for now. I will say I really enjoyed having dinner with you if you do not mind me saying so."

“It was fun, having dinner like a normal person again. I was glad I did a large amount of my training as a civilian. It gave me a better understanding of good food. Before I had to start eating the boring bland reclamated food. Though thankfully that is only when where on away teams and eating rations.” Anthony said. “Though dinning with a companion makes it even nicer.”

"I agree, well, perhaps if you do not mind, I can learn a bit of your other hobbies. I mean I do not want to be a bother." HG looked at him and then back to her crepes. She really liked Anthony's easy going demeanor. There were just too many that once they got a whiff of the science mind and all just waived her off.

“Well I was planning on a trip to the holodeck after work tomorrow if you would be interested in some relatively safe rock climbing?” Anthony asked with a smile. He could sense HG was developing an interest in him and in fact he was okay with it because he felt good around her. He didn’t think he would when she arrived but that was changing since her first failed attempt.

"Of course I would. What do I need to bring?"

“Comfortable clothes and flat closed toed shoes, is about the only thing that the holodeck doesn’t provide.” Anthony said with a smile.

"Sounds like a plan then. Now can I get you something post dessert? Tea, coffee, anything else?" HG asked. The idea of climbing sounded fun. The night was still a bit young to her way of thinking but then again she did not want to look like she was trying to keep him here. She would not mind, of course, but she did not want to come off as needy.

*You.* Anthony thought to himself and then adudably shocked at his thought he squeaked “Yes coffee I think.” Then sighed deeply glad whathe had meant had come out of his mouth.

HG looked puzzled for just a second but figured that perhaps Anthony had just gotten a bit of mental gear change. She went to fetch a coffee for him and tea for herself. "How do you like your coffee?" she asked. "Sugar, cream, black or some flavouring or? My self prefer tea and nothing else in it."

*Sweet like you.* “Dammit! Stop that.” Anthony said to himself. Before he continued “Black with a hint of cherry. If it makes a light blend one sugar and if it gives you a darker blend up to three depending on how dark it is.”

HG smiled at that and prepared the beverages. He was definitely cute and she would not mind showing him some other things other that what one found on the PaDD. While normally she might act on impulse, this was a starship with protocols and he was technically her boss. Besides he might just be trying to be nice.

"Here we go," she set the cup of coffee down and then took a seat blowing on her tea. "So..." she said after a moment, "can I interest you in a game?"

“Let me guess truth or Dare?” Anthony half joked with a smile.

"Whatever you like. Alright, you go first then." HG replied sitting back and taking a sip of tea. "As long as any dare is not too physically harmful."

Anthony realised he had dug himself a hole by mentioning truth for dare. “Okay he said I concur about physical harm. Truth or dare?” He asked.

HG decided that she would do truth but nothing too far off the mark at least not yet. She liked this man but she did not want to send him running by getting too off putting. "Truth. Did you ever cheat on an exam?"

“Third year high school French. I got caught. Well actually it wasn’t me but I was part of the ring to help one of my friends to get her to pass. We all got zero’s and had to sit a make up exam and after all that she finished up getting the highest grade in both exams.” Anthony said with a smile as he remembered it. Then said “Your turn have you ever cheated?”

"No, well not really, well not sure this counts but in first year Academy I switched the physics test out with one of my own. The concepts were...shall we say a bit more advanced than the class was at. So maybe that is a yes since I already knew the answers. Mostly beyound that I have something of a eidetic memory." HG shrugged a little. She made a little smile and then said, "Dare, and as per agreement, should not be physical harm. Alright I dare you to kiss me."

Sputtering about it for a second Anthony finally got said “I was wondering when we would get to that particular dare. By your rules it won’t kill us so by the age old proverb what doesn’t kill us can only make us stronger.” He leaned in and gently and lingeringly laid a soft kiss on HG’s lips.

It was nice and a bit too brief but it had been a dare after all. "Well looks like you survived without too much grief." She laughed a lightly and then said, "Well looks like your turn."

“Truth, what is the one thing you would be if you couldn’t be a scientist?” Anthony asked. It was a question that many people found difficult to answer.

"Oh that is easy, if I had the talent, a musician. However, considering I am not well versed in either playing an instrument nor have that much of voice let me see...." she mused a few moments. "Historian, though that might border a bit close on scientist, so if too close than a literacy professor. Almost all my favourite holodeck programmes are usually based off either my many times great grandfather's works or set in Earth's ancient historical past."

“I think I would like to see some of these holodeck stories because I loved reading your great grandfathers work. He was a very good writer. Though there is some scientific researching of history but I believe there is much more to it that research and categorisation like a pure science. Which is probably why it is wrapped in Philsophy doctorate rather than having one of its own.” Anthony said and smile almost expecting a dare to come from HG again, but said “Your turn truth or dare?”

"Hmm...." HG thought trying to decide on what she would ask. "What era of Earth's history would you love to live in other than the current one?"

Anthony thought about it almost as long as HG had before answering then answered with “That answer always comes up with a long drawn out tie. I love the technology that human civilisation had come up with in the late twentieth century but I think the Bronze Age is even more interesting because all the civilisations and the way they interacted similar to what we were trying to emulate with the project your working on now to work out how languages change through time.”

"Ah Bronze Age, indeed, well I think I would have liked to been there as well to see Stonehenge be built. Not to sure about the lack of amenities though. Oh I am not vain and can probably rough it but it is nice to have some nice soft beds to roll around in...as well as running water." She laughed. "Well it is your turn if you want. I do not want to keep you from other things, though I have to admit that it is fun to get to know you a bit better."

“I should probably start thinking about heading to bed I have an early morning tomorrow. It has been fun getting to now you a little better though.” Anthony said.

"And you," HG nodded as she replied. "I look forward to learning a little rock climbing as well. Well have a good night." She hesitated a moment but then gave him a little peck on the cheek.

Anthony returned her peck on the cheek before he said “Awe heck.” Then kissed her lips with passion as he did he snuck a cheeky feel of her butt. He then said “Mmmmmm very nice to get to know you better.”

HG was surprised for only a moment before she returned the deep kiss and put her arms around his neck and wrapped one leg. When the kiss broke for a moment she said, "Well no time like right now to get to know each other even better. I think we both know what we would like."

“I say let’s just enjoy where this is going rather than make a scientific experiment out of if.” Anthony said with a wink and another kiss on the lips. “Though I do agree that I know where I would like to see it going.”

--

HG stretched like a lazy cat. "Well think you are going to be a bit tired for your early morning work, but hopefully the lost time was worth it." She turned to face Anthony. "I certainly found it worth my while."

Gently tracing HG’s tattoo Anthony whispered in her ear. “Yes. I found it so worthy of my time I could be interested in wasting some more time the same way after a few hours rest.” Leaning over her he kissed her cheek. “Then maybe I will feel good enough to tackle a good days work.”

HG just giggled a little. "Well then, sounds like a plan to me. So if you do not mind, what drew you to linguistics? I do not think I ever asked properly."

“An early love and skill in languages and linguistics were discovered one The Glasgow Academy when I started Primary School.” Anthony winked then said “I see answers for favours.”

"No not really, just has caught my curiosity. After I started working on the programme, I started to find the field very interesting. There is a sort of mathematical symmetry to it."

“Very true, which is why I found Stellar cartography highly interesting in the Academy That and I wasn’t Engineeringly aligned.” Anthony said with another kiss to the cheek. As he stopped tracing her tattooand draped his arm around her waist.

"Here's one for you." HG said. "If you take how languages are learned for example, The way it looks is that for every language you grew up speaking there are a number of situations you've experienced in which you used that language. You now draw from those situations and everything in them to speak the way you do today. Each of those situations or topics are like branches that grow from a single point -- that single point being whatever language you're speaking. Each of those situations has its own branches, those being verbs that support the situation. For example when hungry, the verb is 'I want', or 'I need'; when happy, the verb is 'I feel', or 'I love'.
Finally, growing from each verb are vocabulary, such as 'food', 'milk', 'great', and 'you'--that which completes the sentence that the verb started.At each level, the total number of points increases, the result is that each branch grows in a Fibinocci sequence and the total amount of known language then follows the so called golden ration of 1.618. Hence even there, there is a mathematical symmetry to it. What I have not quite figured out is why nature is so fixated on such a sequence and ratio. Thus my goal is to peek behind the curtain of reality. Anyway," she teased with her fingers, "What to try some more symmetry?"

“I like to simplify things so the Fibinocci sequence, golden ration and the symmetry and life’s fixation on it as you put it, can be wrapped up I feel as love, accept maybe in the Klingon dialect. They have symmetry in their language too but it is completely different to almost every other spoken language as the syntax is almost completely back to front, hence the Object of their saying Today is a good day to die, isn’t the death but the day that they’re describing.” Anthony said before he added “Yes I think I am ready for some more symmetrical entertainment.”

--0600 next day--

HG was already dressed and had some breakfast made up for the two of them. She also had on the table a couple of PaDDs with linguistics operations and analysis as well. She waved as Anthony appeared also freshened up and dressed.

"Figure a quick bite and the PaDDs..." she waved a hand at them. "Well we just got involved in our work and lost track of time. It keeps the tongues from wagging too much. Not that I mind, but figure not quite put up a big neon sign."

As Anthony came out properly dressed he gave HG a kiss on the cheek, then said "Good idea about the neon sign but I guess that is going to happen as soon as I walk out your front door seeing as I walked into the quarters at 19:00 last night, so the only way I could light up a bigger neon sign unless I pop out of a Jeffries tube anywhere else on the ship. Though getting some work done should help close the mouths."

"We walk out together with PaDDs in hand with identical information discussing the most erudite information. You know the scientist types, just get wrapped up in their work and forget all time has passed. Anyway," she nodded with her chin. "A bite of breakfast and off to more mundane work we go."

“Ah the atypical busy scientists play, that would work. Your sneaky! I would never have thought of that, though asa man I am supposed to be proud of the notches on my belt. Not that I am embarrassed by what happen last night, but I’m not sure that Commander Tigran would be okay with having a crew full of people without tongues.” Anthony said with a smile.

HG just snickered a little as she let the picture play in her mind of a bunch of newly tongueless people and the captain trying to figure out what happened. "Indeed, well neither am I. I have never been one to be a prude. Now eat up and put on our 'play serious face'."

“Yes mother.” Anthony said with a laugh before he added “Only after a good morning kiss though I think.”

HG nodded and complied with the request. Not that it mattered that he had made it she would have taken one on her own.

Smiling Anthony moved closer to HG. He liked he a lot and now knew she liked him too. They could work out how they would work together as lovers. Many relationships are made with in a crew of long term exploration or science vessels. He kissed her before they sat down to breakfast.

HG snuggled up closer and thought, "Now this is something I could get real used to."

OFF:

HG Wells
Civilian Scientist

&

Lieutenant (jg) Anthony Edwards
Chief Science Officer

 

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