Dinner For Two

Posted on Wed Oct 5th, 2022 @ 2:31pm by Lieutenant Etrara Khalten & Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Lieutenant JG Zac Smithsons Quarters.
3496 words - 7 OF Standard Post Measure

Etrara and Zac walked off the transporter pad. She had not realized that the party had been so loud as the quietness of the ship cocooned her. The thrum of the ship’s engines could be felt beneath her feet and it was comforting. She turned to Zac. “I would like to go and change and freshen up if that is okay with you?” She asked him in the corridor.

"Of course it is alright Etrara. You go and change and fresh up and I'll start preparing dinner for us. Just don't take too long." He joked. "When you finish come to my quarters and we'll have a nice quiet dinner for two."

Etrara’s quarters seemed very empty and quiet after the noise and bustle on Earth. She showered and dressed in a loose peacock silk dress and dried her hair leaving it cascading down her back. Without shoes she walked to Zac’s quarters the long way round enjoying the silence and occasionally nodding to crew that passed her by. Eventually she arrived and pressed his chime.

Zac had likewise showered and changed into casual clothes he wore a garnet colored pullover shirt with black slacks and black socks in addition since he was in his quarters no shoes. Once that was done he thought on what to fix Etrata when the chime rang. Going to the door, he opened it and smiled at Etrara. "Etrara! Come on in.' Make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink? A milkshake perhaps?"

She walked in appreciating how easy on the eye Zac looked. The door slid shut behind her as she laughed. “I think this outfit would not survive a milkshake. No I would love another tequila sunrise please, can I help?”

Zac laughed, "Okay, your decision. Sure, you can fix your tequila sunrise if you don't mind. Trying to decide what to fix for a meal. Are you in the mood for anything special?"

She leant forward and smiled under a curtain of her hair. “Do you know of a very old 20th century meal called spaghetti and meatballs? We had it once in the Academy and it was glorious.”

Zav smiled broadly back at her, "I sure do know it! It's a good one! A classic. Is that what you would like for dinner? Spaghetti and meatballs?"

“Yes, yes please I would, and, what shall we have….for desert?…” she asked, embarrassed at what her mind and body was thinking about. She grasped her tall drink and sat down on his couch her dress falling open as she crossed her legs exposing a long brown well muscled thigh.

"You shall have spaghetti and meatballs Etrara as for desert what cherry cheesecake?" Zac suggested.

“I love cheese “ she said, “but I have never had it in a cake! Can I help at all? She asked.

Zac smiled, "Sure you can Etrara! I'd love to have some help, what would you like to do?"

“Right, how about I ball some meat?”

Zac smiled but didn't laugh at Etrara, that would have been rude. "Sure, you are going to roll the meat into small balls."

She jumped up and joined him at the counter and looked into the bowl of meat. “Thank goodness nothing is moving, she thought. Taking a small amount of meat she rolled it into a ball and continued until she had made twenty balls exactly the same size and weight. Washing her hands she took her drink and downed it. After all balling was thirsty work. She made another sunrise with just a little more tequila than needed. “What’s next?” She asked.

"Good work Etrara." Zac answered approvingly as he looked at the meatballs. "Now we have to cook them but first I have to make the sauce." Zac told her, "Then, cook the pasta."

“Can I get you a drink Zac?” she asked as she watched him work. The whole scene one of domestic bliss.

He shook his head, "No, not yet Etrara. Let me finish the meal and then you can fix me something." He promised.

She sat silently watching him as he prepared the meal. There was, or seemed no need to talk and she felt more relaxed than she had done in an age. It seemed as though she should be there, at this time and there was a feeling of something more permanent developing. She shook the thoughts away and stood behind him slowly and gently putting her arms around his waist.

Zac smiled as Etrara's hands went around his waist. They felt warm and he wanted them, her wanted her in his life. He turned his head to smile at her, "Are you trying to tell the cook to hurry up with the meal?" He teased her.

“No” she said contentedly, “just enjoying myself, you can take as long as you want. It smells delicious by the way.” If truth be told she did not want this evening to end.

"Let's hope it tastes as good as it smells." Zac commented as the toaster oven dinged. "Ah, that will be the garlic bread. Can't have spaghetti and meatballs without garlic bread."

She left his warmth and went to investigate the machine he had called a toaster oven. Opening it she breathed in the wonderful smell of garlic. Without a word she removed it not feeling it’s heat and placed a corner of it into her mouth. Gently she bit down into it and pulled it apart. As she chewed a look of bliss entered her eyes. As she shut them a little garlic escaped the side of her mouth and slipped down her chin. She took her finger and wiped it up placing it in her mouth and sucking. “By Khaless…….’is…mmm!”

Zac turned to see Etrara taking a bite of a slice of garlic bread. He heard her moan. "I hope that moan means you like it and not that it tastes like dry leather."' He said with a grin as he turned back to the spaghetti and meatballs. "Perfect timing, spaghetti and meatballs are done. Let's go over to the table."

She laughed. “It is perfect Zac, I am sorry that was rather rude but Klingon sense of smell is very strong and I couldn’t help myself. I am afraid I shall smell of this for a while.” She took it over to the table relinquishing it. There were two bowls warming so she took those over along with forks, spoons and two glasses. She uncorked the wine and left it to breathe. Sitting down she looked at him and waited.

"I'm glad you like it Etrara, that pleases me a great deal." Zac said as he moved to the table. he let the wine breathe a little longer before he poured a glass for Etrara and one for himself. That done, he dished out a heaping serving of spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce before he took some for himself. "Dig in Etrara."

She took the goblet and raised it. “I believe there is a human custom called a roast that is used at the start of a good meal when new people get together so, I thank you for this meal and hope it will be the start of many and, hopefully a good friendship.” She held up her glass to him and waited.

Zac raised his glass and gently clinked it against Etrara's. "Just one thing it is called a toast and not a roast Etrara. A roast is meat you cook. Other than that, I couldn't agree more."

She flushed slightly and sipped the wine. She speared a meatball covered in sauce and wrapped it in the spaghetti placing it as delicately as she could into her mouth trying not to get any sauce on her dress. She chewed and sighed. “Oh my Zac this is wonderful. If I was a full Klingon woman I would think you were feeding me deliciousness as a prelude to mating!” She stopped as she realized just what she had said. She put her head down and studiously began to eat.

Zac didn't laugh at her or make fun. He was silent for several seconds before he replied. "Well, you know, maybe I am at that. I like you Etrara and you're my department chief. How do we handle that?" He asked.

She ate silently for a minute thinking. “Well I suppose other crew members make it happen. But it would worry me putting you in harms way if I had to. How would you feel about it?” She asked.

"Good question." Zac admitted. "I think it's something we have to face and deal with. You definitely can't give me special treatment. That undermines the whole department, and no one would take you seriously." He took a bite of spaghetti. "Hmmm, this is good. I outdid myself." He joked. "I think we just work on it and take it as it goes."

Etrara nodded, she certainly had had a good time since she had met him. She felt at ease with him, he seemed to want to be with her, didn’t laugh at her Klingon ways and seemed to find her attractive although she was not yet sure. She felt sure they could become involved and yet remain professional when in the workplace. “I think ‘working on it’ seems a very good idea Zac.” She finished her spaghetti.” What next?” She asked with a smile.

Zac didn't answer right away as he had a mouthful of spaghetti and meatballs. Once he had swallowed, he answered. "What's next? Why dessert Etrara." He teased, knowing full well what she meant but played dense.

She knew he was teasing her but her Klingon stomach was growling and must be filled. She helped herself more meatballs concentrating on her meal. “My mother used to tell me the best compliment one could give was to finish the food that was placed before one, but, that food had to be well prepared and good. My effort rolling these balls into perfect little spheres has definitely helped.” She laughed as she speared another ball following it with a bite of the garlic bread.” She looked at Zac and smiled. “I am looking forward to this cheese….cake and dessert.” She thanked Kahless for the Klingons increased metabolism.

Zac smiled at Etrara as she spoke and ate some more meatballs. "The meatballs were perfect, thanks to you Etrara." He speared one for himself and continued. "Another compliment you can do to show you enjoyed the food and the cook's efforts is to kiss the cook." He pointed out and then waited to see what eould happen next.

She stopped eating and looked at him. Putting her fork down she used her napkin to clean her mouth. “Before I came to dinner I checked a few programs on the etiquette of eating and nowhere did I see anything about kissing the cook.” She raised an eyebrow.

Zac was nonplused, "Well see, that's the problem. You only checked a few programs and obviously not the most important ones. The custom of kissing the cook, shows that the guests enjoyed the cook efforts in preparing the meal and that their efforts weren't wasted, and that the food was itself good." He rattled off not missing a beat.

“So” she responded, even if I were a male you would demand a kiss as is custom following a good meal?”

" Wha,What?" Zac stammered. "Um no, if you were a man, you could just shake my hand." He explained.

“Hmm” she laughed inside, this was the first time she had seen him a little uncomfortable. It made him even more attractive to her that little show of vulnerability. “Are we talking just a peck, or a deeper kiss or a full on seduction?” She asked, her voice one of enquiry and interest in the rituals of humans even though she was half human and knew full well.

"Well..." He began regaining some of his composure. "Not full seduction. It's only dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. Full seduction comes with steak and all the trimmings." He joked. "So,, saying that, more than a peck."

“Very well then, I will do my duty.” She stood and pushed back her chair moving round to where he sat. “You are aware I have garlic breath?” She said smiling.

"I'll just have to endure." He teased. "Besides I have garlic breath as well. So they will cancel each other out." He explained laughing as he did.

She walked around the table, bent down and kissed him quickly on the cheek. “So, I think that is a ‘peck’ yes?” She bent down and kissed him lingeringly on the lips.

"Yes, that was a peck." Zac got out before Etrara kissed him deeper. His arms came up and his hands came to rest lightly on her hips.

Etrara moved in closer until there was no space between them. “Let’s us just say,” she said huskily, “that for the sake of experimentation I would like to try the third option, now would that be a problem?”

Zac looked into Etrara's eyes, "Well, the cheesecake will have to wait but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make." He replied as he waited for Etrara's next move.

She put her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. His scent was intoxicating and she placed her lips on his. Moaning softly she parted them with her tongue exploring slowly.

Zac continued to hold Etrara lightly about her waist. His lips meeting hers as they slowly parted, and he kissed her back. He heard a moan, was it him or Etrara? Didn't matter. All he knew was he was enjoying himself immensely.

She felt her legs begin to buckle as the heat of his kiss seemed to move down her body. This was so different from the rough forced kisses of her attacker and she wondered why she had not realised that one day it might be different. “”Zac” she moaned.


Zac heard her moan, was she in pain, had he hurt her? "Etrara." He said softly is everything alright?"

“Oh Yes..” she moaned softly, “everything is just fine. I am not sure I can stop myself!”

"Control Etrara control. Remember we have cheesecake!" He teased even as he kissed her again.

She came up breathless. “You’re talking about cheesecake when you have me in your arms?” She questioned laughing. “Well, okay then let’s have this fabulous cheesecake that is worth letting me go for.” She giggled and broke away from him. Shall I clear these dishes?” She asked rather primly.

He chuckled, " was just teasing." He explained. "Plus, you've never had my cheesecake, so you don't know how good it is. "No, I'll clear the dishes. You are a guest remember?"

She shrugged her shoulders and took off her jacket. Patting her stomach she grimaced. “I’m glad I wore something loose, I think this meal will always be our meal.” She stopped before she embarrassed herself further, *our meal , what a stupid thing to say, just goes to show I still can’t talk to men* she laughed a bit. “May I sit on your couch?” She asked.

"Our meal. I like that." Zac answered as he cleared the plates, got two clean ones out and put a slice of cheesecake and a fork on each. "Sit wherever you feel comfortable Etrara." He answered as he handed her a plate, "Try that and see what you think."

She looked at it thoughtfully, lifted it with her fork and put it down, “Zac….where is the cheese and the cake? I can see neither.” She looked at him hopefully waiting for the joke.

He moved to sit next to her on the couch, "Bite it and you'll see. Its called cheesecake don't ask me why when it looks like a pie. But it is very good."

Etrara looked at it warily as though it might attack her. She took a Klingon size forkful and slipped it inside her mouth. For a moment it lay there, she closed her eyes and gently chewed. First the ‘cheese’ was sweet and had a melting quality. Then came the crisp bite of the ‘cake’ and she got it. “Ohh, mmm, ooh” she chewed this time and without wishing to let go of the taste, swallowed. She opened her eyes her pupils enlarged and took another forkful. “Oh by Khaless, Zac, this is ecstasy, tell me how do you make a concoction of glorious tastes. This is all I will eat from now on she exclaimed.

Zac grinned at her like the Cheshire Cat. "Can I cook or can't I." He asked as he watched Etrara enjoy her cheesecake. "I am glad you like it Etrara and you won't eat it all the time because you would get tired of it."

“Oh no!” She said. “Once a Klingon finds something they REALLY like then that is all they eat.” She sighed again as she took another fork full. “I am afraid I will now have to tie you up and keep you here making cheese cake for me and If you make enough of it I may, and I only say May, reward you.” She finished and put her plate down with regret.

Zac grinned at her, "Would you like another slice Etrara? He asked, "There is still some more left. Also, you don't need to tie me up to keep me. I'm not going anywhere."

“No, no thank you.” She replied politely. “I am sorry Zac, you must think I eat like a drahpit.” She looked embarrassed and stood. “I should go Zac.”

"Go?" Zac questioned, "No, you don't need to go Etrara. Stay here with me."

She turned her head away and began to sob softly. “I have to leave before I mess everything up.”

"Mess up? What are you talking about? You aren't going to mess anything up Etrara. Talk to me." Zac requested.

She sighed, “but I always do Zac and, this time….with you….I feel different. I always put my foot in it, say stupid things and, also…” she began to sob more. “Bring with me, …people will say things to you, racist things. Most of them have a certain view of Klingons, even a hybrid such as myself. Even though I am to most a superior officer I hear them off duty whispering, moving tables when I am near. That is why I keep to myself. I don’t want you to get hurt Zac, I feel so much for you even though we have only just met but…” she stood and walked to the door. “Goodbye, and thank you.”

Zac got up and blocked her way. "Now you just stop right there Etrara. So, you say something silly? Big deal. I always say something silly. If someone says something racist to me, I handle it. There is no need to keep to yourself. These people that would these things to you, have no honor and are only worthy of contempt." He paused, "Etrara, don't go, don't walk away. We are stronger together. I would never desert you or hurt you. If you do this, you let them win and I'll be damned if I let them win."

She turned to look at him, “you care that much for me, after the short time we have been together, only a few dates. When I see you walking towards me I want to walk wherever you do, I look at you and I shake inside and I do not ever want to let you go when you hold me. I want to spend every minute in your company, doing nothing at all or doing everything. I can’t help myself I want to hold you, help you and love you for as long as you want me. Zac” she paused “I am in love with you.” She stopped and the silence seemed deafening.

Zac said nothing he just stared at Etrara for what seemed an eternity but was only a few short seconds. Then his reply was exquisite in its simplicity. He leaned forward, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. he held the kiss for a beat maybe two and when it broke, He leaned back and looked at her, "I love you too Etrara. You make me happy. Make me feel complete. There is no one else I want to be with. Only you. So, we face the bastards together. What do you say?"

Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would flip out of her chest. She touched her Klingon ridges, “so long as you can love these then yes, I say yes, we face everything together Zac.”

"Oh Etrara, of course I can. We're in this together." He said softly as he kissed her again.