Are you eating with the captain today?
Posted on Tue Feb 15th, 2022 @ 9:32pm by Paul Cooper & Lieutenant Commander T'Sal
Edited on on Tue Feb 15th, 2022 @ 9:33pm
Mission:
S1, E1: Adjusting Expectations
Location: Mess Hall
Timeline: MD001 1200 hours
1017 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure
Cooper was overseeing the table that had fresh food placed on it. He had a big grin on his face, as he noticed T'Sal walk into the room. There was something about that Vulcan, that brought a smile to his face.
T’Sal walked over to the table and looked at the food and then to Cooper. “Greetings.” She said. “This is quite suitable.”
"High praise?" Asked with a big grin on his face. He assumed as much, from her calm demeanor. Paul was trying to plea to her ego, hoping to score some brownie points with her. He found her very attractive.
“Yes.” T’Sal replied, looking at him. “It is exceptional in comparison to other services I have had.” He was grinning at her and she wondered what she had said.
Paul appreciated her comment. It brought a small smile to his face, as looked at her favorably. "I do my best to provide exceptional food and services." Paul mentioned to T'Sal. He gave a little extra attention to her.
T’Sal raised an eyebrow. The chef appeared to want her attention. She found him attractive but he was human and she was Vulcan.
"Did I peak your interest, even if it was only for a brief moment?" Paul Cooper asked, with a big grin on his face. Was their a glimmer of hope, he wondered? Or was he reading to much into it. He hoped he was not off point, he felt they were having a moment.
“My interest in what exactly.” TSal replied. She knew what he meant but she wanted to hear him say it.
"I was hoping you could tell me. I am trying to discovery what your interests are." Paul said in a calm voice. He hoped it was not to forward, but she did say that he had peaked her interest. Which made him feel very special. Getting the interest of a Vulcan was not an easy thing to do.
T’Sal thought for a moment. “Chess.” She said after a moment. “I am interested in learning to play board games.” She looked at him. “What are your interests.”
Paul said in a teasing voice, he wanted her to know he was only teasing. He continued to smile as he said to her. "Chess, now that's not fair. It's one of weakness." Paul said, with a big grin on his face. Maybe they could play together. "I am not very good at it, but I could try, for you." He suggested to her.
“I would find it suitable.” T’Sal started to say. “I would like that. We should schedule a time.”
Paul was trying to control back his enthusiam, as he tried to say in a calm voice. "Agreed, do you have a preference?" Paul asked. He did want to come across as pushy.
“I am available in the evenings.” T’Sal informed him. “Would you like to have dinner together first?”
Paul grinned, he was saying deep inside, yes! He really wanted to share a meal with her, and get to know her better. "Sure, as long as it's not replicated food." Paul said in a teasing voice. He hoped that she picked up on his sense of humor.
T’Sal found it strange that she picked up on his humor. Humans liked to laugh and she found this was pleasing to her from Paul. “Your preference for a home cooked meal is…” she thought for a moment trying to think of an appropriate human word. “Shocking!”
Paul was a little confused, as he asked. "Are you suggesting that you prefer replicated meals?" Paul asked, hoping he misunderstood her response. He wanted to make sure, that he had heard her correctly.
“It was an attempt to be humorous.” T’Sal explained. She had done or said something wrong.
Paul took a big deep sigh, and then said to her. "I appreciate the attempt." Paul said, with his big smile returning to his face.
“It was not suitable.” T’Sal replied. “What did I say that was incorrect?” She wanted to learn. Humans were so complex.
Paul did not want her to think it was her, it was his own insecurities and misunderstandings. "The Humor, its me not you. I need to learn to get better at Vulcan humor." Paul said, hoping she believed him. Because this was all on him.
T’Sal looked at him. “I have tried human humor and the crew reacts with questions. I am glad it was you.” She waited for him to reply.
"Thanks, I will endeavor to learn your humor as well." Paul suggested to her in a warm and friendly smile.
T’Sal found his reply to be acceptable. “We can teach each other. I wish to be approachable to the crew.”
"You want to teach me Vulcan humor?" Paul asked, he thought to himself, this should be interesting.
“I will attempt to.” T’Sal replied quietly. She found it suitable to spend time with Paul. She thought to herself if she were human she would say happy.
Paul grinned, trying to be humorous as he said. "I'll try not to be horrible student." He said in a teasing manner.
T’Sal observed him and saw from his expression it was humor. “I will try not to be a unsuitable teacher.” She looked at him. “Or horrible.”
"It was a joke, you would not a commander, if you were a horrible teacher." Paul said to T'Sal hoping she could see that.
T’Sal raised an eyebrow. “We both understood it was a joke.” She stated. “So, you understood I was telling a joke as well.”
"it's a learning curve for both of us, will get there." Paul said with a big grin on his face.
T’Sal was puzzled by the learning curve comment but she decided not to ask. “I look forward to it.”
"As do I." Paul said, as the scene starts to fade away.
T’Sal stood for a long moment. She had made a date with a human and she found it quite suitable.
