Homework (Open thread)

[Lorut Vila]

At precisely 1800, Vila stood outside of the entrance to the Officer's Mess. She was nervous. This would be the first meal she'd had in the Mess Hall since joining the Discovery. She entered, and took a look around. It was crowded. Oh, no. In her ear, Rena's gentle voice spoke.

"Ok. Order something. Even just a drink. You don't have to smile or anything. This is just to be comfortable sitting in public places." 

Vila moved forward, and chose a line. A minute later, she had a tray with a halibut burger, some fries, steamed broccoli, and a soda. She liked to eat-something that no one knew. She liked to cook, as well, but someday that might happen. She looked for a table. The only one free was near the door. Excellent. She made her way there, hoping no one would steal it before she got there. Luckily, it was still empty as she set down her tray, and sat down. She arranged her food carefully, after setting the PADD to the side so Rena could see. Vila could see that the counselor was doing paperwork, but was tuned in and such. 

"Good. Ok. Begin eating. I am here. I am just doing notes. Don't hurry on my account," she said. "Remember your breathing exercises, and if it gets to be too much, we can end it. Just showing up is already progress." 

Vila began to eat, taking small, careful bites of food. Honestly, it wasn't terrible. She was tense, though, and her eyes darted around the room every few seconds, aware to anything that may lurk in the shadows. She was glad she'd brought her phaser-it was more like a security blanket for her. She'd not need to USE it (she hoped) but having it helped. Rena had been a little clucky about it but Vila had explained that it was more for her comfort than a show of aggression or something, so they'd compromised. Vila had agreed to wear it UNDER her uniform. 

She stopped eating a moment, took a sip of the soda-awful stuff, why did humans drink this?- and then sat back a moment. She started a set of box breathing exercises- one, two, three, four. After two rounds of that, she took some more bites. It was going ok so far. She let out a breath. 

[James Ramort]

[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officer's Mess]

1800 exactly. 2 Hours before the next shift change. The Officer's mess was filled with many people trying to get something to eat before another 8-Hour Shift. Ramort was one of them. He just had ended a 6-Hour run in the Lab, running simulations with a new sensor matrix, for which the blueprints had just arrived from Star Fleet Experimental Corps 25.

Finally having his turn at the Replicator, he ordered a hearty bouillon, a French onion cake and a new soda he hadn't tried before to contrast the selection. The Replicator nested into the Wall, materialising the Food within only a second. A steaming hot bowl and a cake on a plate appeared in a cloud of blue light.

Taking the tablet he looked through the room to search for an open table. Nearly all spots were taken already. Only at the door there still was an opening on a Table.

Walking over to the free spot he recognised the other person sitting at the table. It was Lieutenant Lorut Vila. He had worked with her on multiple occasion so far while on duty but never found the time to much in his free time. Unsure if she would allow him to the spot still free he approached carefully:

"Sorry to bother you Lieutenant. Is that spot still free?"

It looked like she was doing something on her PADD at the moment so he hoped he hadn't just interupted her in some important work.

[Lorut Vila]

Vila startled. What to do?! She looked up. In her ear, the calm voice of the Counselor spoke.

Tell him it's ok.

She nodded. "YEs, it's free," she said, and returned her gaze to the table. She wasn't expecting to have to do this AlREADY. She'd planned poorly-this time of night was busy-just between Alpha and Beta shifts. Damn it.

Good. Say hello. Or something. Anything you think of.

Vila nodded. "Cardassians smell like leather when they die," she said. In her ear, she could hear Rena sigh and then laugh. Didn't the woman to say WHATEVER SHE THOUGHT OF? It wasn't Vila's fault that that's what she thought of! She tried again, though.

"Uh. Hello. Sorry," she said. "I was uh...doing some journaling and just had that, uh...reminder," she said. "Who are you?" Vila had never been one for beating around the bush-she was direct, and perhaps a bit rude.

[James Ramort]

Vila startled. What to do?! She looked up. In her ear, the calm voice of the Counselor spoke.

Tell him it's ok.

She nodded. "YEs, it's free," she said, and returned her gaze to the table. She wasn't expecting to have to do this AlREADY. She'd planned poorly-this time of night was busy-just between Alpha and Beta shifts. Damn it.

Good. Say hello. Or something. Anything you think of.

Vila nodded. "Cardassians smell like leather when they die," she said. In her ear, she could hear Rena sigh and then laugh. Didn't the woman to say WHATEVER SHE THOUGHT OF? It wasn't Vila's fault that that's what she thought of! She tried again, though.

"Uh. Hello. Sorry," she said. "I was uh...doing some journaling and just had that, uh...reminder," she said. "Who are you?" Vila had never been one for beating around the bush-she was direct, and perhaps a bit rude.

[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officers Mess]

Putting his tablet down in front of him after hearing the seats to not already being occupied, he pulled back one of the chairs and sat down. Taking the spoon for his soup the comment about dying Cardassians threw him off.

While he still searched his mind for a way to respond she luckily switched the course of the conversation.

If he hadn't known better he could have sworn she locked nervous. Maybe it had something to do with the work she was doing. Ops operated in conjuntion with Science of many matters but he didn't give in to the illusion that the could fully appreciate the work she might been caught up in.

Her next question threw him far off again. He was pretty sure she knew him. Even though they hadn't interacted much in their free time they had worked together on the bridge and the ship as a whole operation multiple times. Maybe the stress she was under right now was really greater than he could imagine and he had to be keeping that in mind.

"James Ramort, I think we have worked together on previous occasions. If I am disturbing you with important work I am really sorry?"

He appreaciated her direct response as at least it gave him some insight into how to approach this conversation.

Giving her a second to respond he took at his food again. Even if replicated it really tasted good and he didn't want to leave it to get cold.

[Lorut Vila]

Vila eyeballed the younger man with the same hint of suspicion that she regarded everyone with. They had worked together? She wracked her brain. OH YEAH. Frontier Day, and so on. Away missions. She'd been left out of the last few-something about spreading the skills evenly. She understood-she really SHOULDN'T do them all the time; it was terrible for her PTSD. But it was also oddly comforting. She had a suspicion that Rayek had figured it out. Damn it.

"Oh, right!! Science!" She nodded once. "I mean, it is important but difficult to explain. You're not interrupting," she said. This used to be easier. "How are you?" she asked. Let him talk about himself. Men liked that, and besides, it'd take the pressure off of her. Again, she took a single bite, set the sandwich back down, and counted each chew, as if she were a teenager trying to lose weight or something. She was beginning to realize how far her neurosis had gotten, but she wasn't fully aware yet. 

[James Ramort]

Vila eyeballed the younger man with the same hint of suspicion that she regarded everyone with. They had worked together? She wracked her brain. OH YEAH. Frontier Day, and so on. Away missions. She'd been left out of the last few-something about spreading the skills evenly. She understood-she really SHOULDN'T do them all the time; it was terrible for her PTSD. But it was also oddly comforting. She had a suspicion that Rayek had figured it out. Damn it.

"Oh, right!! Science!" She nodded once. "I mean, it is important but difficult to explain. You're not interrupting," she said. This used to be easier. "How are you?" she asked. Let him talk about himself. Men liked that, and besides, it'd take the pressure off of her. Again, she took a single bite, set the sandwich back down, and counted each chew, as if she were a teenager trying to lose weight or something. She was beginning to realize how far her neurosis had gotten, but she wasn't fully aware yet.

[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officer's Mess]

"Exactly, Science!", his face gleaming with obvious joy that she had been able to place him. He knew his new position in the Department had mandated him to take more shifts in the lab recently, taking care of managing the rest of the team, so it would have been quite awkward to have to explain to her who he was if she hadn't recognised him.

"If you need any help and I can be of service, I would be glad to assist. I spent the last two hours crunching through proposals for a new positron emitter to be installed in Lab 1 and three Crewmembers of my Department calling in sick after attending that party two days ago in the Mess. So any distraction would be nice to get."

Before his eyes, the long table with duty assignments still left an after-image in his retinas. Science still hadn't been given a new Department Head, so he as deputy had to take on many of the tasks usually charged to other Officers. Besides the normal duty he had to perform for the ship, working on his projects and papers, assisting the Bridge when they once again encountered another space phenomena, he now also handled requests for shore leave and the assignments of the rest of the team. All of this had to be brought into a presentable format to be submitted to the Captain as their current interim Head. Even his dreams began to be filled with spreadsheets.

"Actually getting to try out new foods is somewhat of an extra pause for me. Its not only the time away from duty, it's also getting to try something new each time I get in line for the Replicator. It has actually turned into some kind of game for me. Seeing how many days in sequence I can go with."

Seeing her focus drifting from him to the sandwich in her hands, he inquired:

"While on topic: What kind of sandwich have you got today, if I might ask. Maybe it's something I haven't had yet and can add to my list of "to tries"."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

As First Officer, Rayek tended to sit the Bridge for most the Beta shift, giving the Captain much needed time to rest and recuperate in the evening.  This meant that Rayek had his afternoons and early evening off - time to spend with his wife and son.  On a typical day, the family would make dinner together in their quarters.

Tonight, however, Tess was not feeling particularly well (Rayek had his hopeful suspicions of why - but as yet Tess hadn't been inclined to do the necessary test which might confirm his theory).  She had asked if Rayek might take Fvienn out for dinner while she took a nap.  So it was that Rayek, arrived at the Officer's mess with a bright eyed, almost 4 yr old tugging at his hand to hurry up.

The Romulan father glanced over the room assessingly for any immediate threats or dangers to his son. Seeing none, Rayek allowed the young boy to move him further into the room.

The officer's mess seemed rather quiet - or at least in comparison to the what passed as a Mess on a Romulan ship.  As Rayek was pulled further into the room, he realized this was literally the first time since his assignment on the Discovery that he had actually come down here to eat.

"Eneh, I so hungrwy... Where we make frwies?" The boy's excitable voice carried across the room as he looked around for familiar appliances.  Spotting the attached galley area, Fvienn released his father's hand and made a beeline for the presently unmanned food prep area. "I want to peel!

Rayek, however, was quicker and grabbed a hold of his son's wrist forcing the boy to come to a halt.  "Fvienn, we spoke about this. We're here to order a proper meal from the replicator. You have a choice of spaghetti and meatballs with salad, or roast chicken on rice with steamed vegetables."

Fvienn expression turned to a frown.  "But I want frwies!"

Rayek remained firm.  "Fries are not a proper meal."

That however didn't meet with Fvienn's approval and the boy sought out an adult to support his food choices. He looked to Vila and Ramort pleadingly  "Frwies are healthy, right?"

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

As First Officer, Rayek tended to sit the Bridge for most the Beta shift, giving the Captain much needed time to rest and recuperate in the evening.  This meant that Rayek had his afternoons and early evening off - time to spend with his wife and son.  On a typical day, the family would make dinner together in their quarters.

Tonight, however, Tess was not feeling particularly well (Rayek had his hopeful suspicions of why - but as yet Tess hadn't been inclined to do the necessary test which might confirm his theory).  She had asked if Rayek might take Fvienn out for dinner while she took a nap.  So it was that Rayek, arrived at the Officer's mess with a bright eyed, almost 4 yr old tugging at his hand to hurry up.

The Romulan father glanced over the room assessingly for any immediate threats or dangers to his son. Seeing none, Rayek allowed the young boy to move him further into the room.

The officer's mess seemed rather quiet - or at least in comparison to the what passed as a Mess on a Romulan ship.  As Rayek was pulled further into the room, he realized this was literally the first time since his assignment on the Discovery that he had actually come down here to eat.

"Eneh, I so hungrwy... Where we make frwies?" The boy's excitable voice carried across the room as he looked around for familiar appliances.  Spotting the attached galley area, Fvienn released his father's hand and made a beeline for the presently unmanned food prep area. "I want to peel!

Rayek, however, was quicker and grabbed a hold of his son's wrist forcing the boy to come to a halt.  "Fvienn, we spoke about this. We're here to order a proper meal from the replicator. You have a choice of spaghetti and meatballs with salad, or roast chicken on rice with steamed vegetables."

Fvienn expression turned to a frown.  "But I want frwies!"

Rayek remained firm.  "Fries are not a proper meal."

That however didn't meet with Fvienn's approval and the boy sought out an adult to support his food choices. He looked to Vila and Ramort pleadingly  "Frwies are healthy, right?"

[James Ramort]
[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officers Mess]

The sudden appearence of the Commander with his Son threw him off beat. In the months since he had been part of Discovery he had barely seen the Commander outside of Duty. Figuring it was on account of the Romulan wanting to spent his free time with his family he never further persued the situation.

Now he had entered the Room and brought his Son with him. There were not too many children on board when compared to larger ships or Deep space explorers. He had never seen the Commander with his Son though. Somehow seeing them reminded him of observing his own farther interacting with his little brother.

Soon enough he was ripped out of his train of memories, reminiscing time spent with his family, when Fvienn asked for their assistance in his ongoing fight to get some fries.

"I am sorry but I fear Fries really aren't all that healthy for you. But the options your farther listed are all very tasty too. Do you want to give it a try?"

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
and NPC Fvienn tr'Lhoell

[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

[James Ramort]
[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officers Mess]

"I am sorry but I fear Fries really aren't all that healthy for you. But the options your father listed are all very tasty too. Do you want to give it a try?"

Rayek was not pleased that Fvienn involved others in their disagreement, and it showed a slight bit in his expression; but that changed when Ramort sided with Rayek... and even when so far as to promote the healthier options that Rayek had suggested.  Oh thank the Elements!

The Romulan dipped his head towards the man slightly in acknowledging appreciation, as Fvienn wavered.  The young boy looked to the woman next hoping for a different answer from her.

While Fvienn tried to sway the Bajoran with his cherub-like appeal,  Rayek felt it appropriate to offer proper introductions to the pair that his son had interrupted.

"Forgive our intrusion on your meal, and allow me to introduce my son, Fvienn." Rayek turned his attention to his son and nodded towards the seated officers.

"Fvienn, these are Lieutenants Lorut and Ramort."  He gestured towards each individually as he spoke their names.  "They often work on the Bridge with me."

[Lorut Vila]

Vila sipped the drink, her face reflecting her true feelings about the concoction. She should've gotten tea, but it was too late now. If she stood up, she'd probably just leave, and that wouldn't be a good thing. Yet.

Exactly, Science!...If you need any help and I can be of service, I would be glad to assist. I spent the last two hours crunching through proposals for a new positron emitter to be installed in Lab 1 and three Crewmembers of my Department calling in sick after attending that party two days ago in the Mess. So any distraction would be nice to get.

She nodded.

"I appreciate the offer, but I am not certain this is something you can help with. It's more like a medical or counseling thing, really," she said, vaguely. "A positron what?" She asked. She had a basic understanding of what positronics was, but from the coding/operational side, and not the building parts or the actual application of it.

Actually getting to try out new foods is somewhat of an extra pause for me. It's not only the time away from duty, it's also getting to try something new each time I get in line for the Replicator. It has actually turned into some kind of game for me. Seeing how many days in sequence I can go with....While on topic: What kind of sandwich have you got today, if I might ask. Maybe it's something I haven't had yet and can add to my list of "to tries".

Her brain tried to follow along as she ate methodically AND glanced around for danger every so often. In her ear, Rena was making suggestions on things to say.

He seems nice. You're doing fine on your own. Now, you can simply explain your meal. Shortly, you can excuse yourself nicely. 

Vila nodded. "It is halibut," she said. "It's from Sol, but it's one of the few Human foods I like," she said, simply. Ben had introduced it to her years ago, and she had quickly taken to the fish. Definitely try it, but skip this Cola stuff," she said, raising the glass. 

She glanced up as a child's cries rang out across the room. Rats! It was the Romulan. She looked around for the cause of the noise, and realized that Rayek held tightly to a child's hand. Oh, must be his son. She smiled. 

Frwies are healthy, right?

 

She was inclined to say that they were but Ramort beat her to it. 

I am sorry but I fear Fries really aren't all that healthy for you. But the options your farther listed are all very tasty too. Do you want to give it a try?

 

Vila shrugged. "I don't know, fries are made from potatoes, which are high in Vitamin A, but they're not healthy to eat regularly nor alone," she said. "Your meals should be balanced, and protein rich," she said. She had no idea what the dietary requirements were for a Romulan, truthfully, but IT was sound nutritional advice anyway. "As Lt. Ramort said, spaghetti is delicious. You should try it," she said. "If you put some cheese on it, it's even better!" she said, helpfully. 

Her heart skipped a beat for a moment. She'd once been desperate for a child of her own-she still was- but she didn't miss this kind of interaction, really. 

"Commander, join us!" she said, in a moment of realness. In truth, she enjoyed the Romulan's penchant for directness-a trait that Vila shared, though for different reasons. "We can watch the child while you use the Replimat, if you'd like," she said. She assumed that tr'Lhoell would know she was armed and fully alert to danger. 

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
and NPC Fvienn tr'Lhoell

[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

She glanced up as a child's cries rang out across the room. Rats! It was the Romulan. She looked around for the cause of the noise, and realized that Rayek held tightly to a child's hand. Oh, must be his son. She smiled.

She was inclined to say that they were but Ramort beat her to it.

Vila shrugged. "I don't know, fries are made from potatoes, which are high in Vitamin A, but they're not healthy to eat regularly nor alone," she said. "Your meals should be balanced, and protein rich," she said. She had no idea what the dietary requirements were for a Romulan, truthfully, but IT was sound nutritional advice anyway. "As Lt. Ramort said, spaghetti is delicious. You should try it," she said. "If you put some cheese on it, it's even better!" she said, helpfully.

Her heart skipped a beat for a moment. She'd once been desperate for a child of her own-she still was- but she didn't miss this kind of interaction, really.

"Commander, join us!" she said, in a moment of realness. In truth, she enjoyed the Romulan's penchant for directness-a trait that Vila shared, though for different reasons. "We can watch the child while you use the Replimat, if you'd like," she said. She assumed that tr'Lhoell would know she was armed and fully alert to danger.

Fvienn smiled brightly when the woman with the rippled nose-bridge backed him up... at least for a little bit... until she too suggested spaghetti; the Romulan/Ba'ku hybrid pouted.  "I no want 'paghetti and meatballs." the boy stated, crossing his arms as his father released his wrist to introduce him.

Despite his defiant posture, Fvienn was happy to meet people who worked with his eneh.  He supposed he could forgive them for siding with his dad, since they probably felt they had to.

Rayek, in the meantime considered Lorut's offer.  The offer sounded genuine - which was odd for the Bajoran; but then she really had been making good strides to become a better officer.  After a moment, the Romulan nodded.  "Thank you, we would be pleased to join you both."

Rayek ushered Fvienn to take a seat on the bench beside Ramort. "Fvienn, stay here with Lieutenants Lorut and Ramort, while I fetch your Roast Chicken and Rice." Having heard Fvienn's earlier statement, Rayek had come to the conclusion that his son was choosing the Chicken and Rice dish.

But no sooner had Rayek begun to turn away, then Fvienn stated loudly.  "I no want Chicken and Rice!"

Rayek sighed.  Fvienn was being difficult.  Was it because Tess wasn't with them? Or because he was in an unfamiliar surrounding?  Everything Rayek had read about parenting (in the Federation) was that he shouldn't give in to these outbursts.  "Fvienn," Rayek spoke patiently yet firmly. "I gave you a choice. Denying both means you don't eat tonight. No dinner, no dessert, no bedtime snack or story - you'll go straight to bed.  Is that truly what you want?"

The boy shook his head silently holding back his tears; upset that his father didn't understand.

[James Ramort]

Vila sipped the drink, her face reflecting her true feelings about the concoction. She should've gotten tea, but it was too late now. If she stood up, she'd probably just leave, and that wouldn't be a good thing. Yet.

She nodded.

"I appreciate the offer, but I am not certain this is something you can help with. It's more like a medical or counseling thing, really," she said, vaguely. "A positron what?" She asked. She had a basic understanding of what positronics was, but from the coding/operational side, and not the building parts or the actual application of it.

Her brain tried to follow along as she ate methodically AND glanced around for danger every so often. In her ear, Rena was making suggestions on things to say.

He seems nice. You're doing fine on your own. Now, you can simply explain your meal. Shortly, you can excuse yourself nicely.

Vila nodded. "It is halibut," she said. "It's from Sol, but it's one of the few Human foods I like," she said, simply. Ben had introduced it to her years ago, and she had quickly taken to the fish. Definitely try it, but skip this Cola stuff," she said, raising the glass.

[...]

[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officers Mess]

Halibut, he had to make a node of that. He had heard of the fish but it was not part of the standart export specimens part of Federation climate control and ecosphere stabilisation programs typically deployed on Federation colonies.

In truth fish never had been his greatest joy in food but he would work through that. So many cultures relied mostly on fish for their nutritional needs that there had to be something too it.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
and NPC Fvienn tr'Lhoell

[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

Fvienn smiled brightly when the woman with the rippled nose-bridge backed him up... at least for a little bit... until she too suggested spaghetti; the Romulan/Ba'ku hybrid pouted.  "I no want 'paghetti and meatballs." the boy stated, crossing his arms as his father released his wrist to introduce him.

Despite his defiant posture, Fvienn was happy to meet people who worked with his eneh.  He supposed he could forgive them for siding with his dad, since they probably felt they had to.

Rayek, in the meantime considered Lorut's offer.  The offer sounded genuine - which was odd for the Bajoran; but then she really had been making good strides to become a better officer.  After a moment, the Romulan nodded.  "Thank you, we would be pleased to join you both."

Rayek ushered Fvienn to take a seat on the bench beside Ramort. "Fvienn, stay here with Lieutenants Lorut and Ramort, while I fetch your Roast Chicken and Rice." Having heard Fvienn's earlier statement, Rayek had come to the conclusion that his son was choosing the Chicken and Rice dish.

But no sooner had Rayek begun to turn away, then Fvienn stated loudly.  "I no want Chicken and Rice!"

Rayek sighed.  Fvienn was being difficult.  Was it because Tess wasn't with them? Or because he was in an unfamiliar surrounding?  Everything Rayek had read about parenting (in the Federation) was that he shouldn't give in to these outbursts.  "Fvienn," Rayek spoke patiently yet firmly. "I gave you a choice. Denying both means you don't eat tonight. No dinner, no dessert, no bedtime snack - you'll go straight to bed.  Is that truly what you want?"

The boy shook his head silently holding back his tears; upset that his father didn't understand.

Seeing the little kid struggling, Ramort felt sympathy for him. From his perspective, the world had to be cruel. He just wanted to have some fries, but everyone worked against him to deny him this simply pleasure. Of course, from his own adult perspective he understood the reasons for this necessity, but a child's mind could not yet understand.

Hearing the Commander threatening him with not hearing a story for the night, he had an Idea. Maybe Fvienn could be inspired to at least give the Meal picked by his father a try.

"Hey, I have an offer for you. The Lieutenant and I both work on the Bridge sometimes, so we have many interesting stories to tell. If you eat up your Dinner, maybe we can share some of our Stories with you too before you need to head home again."

Glancing at Lorut Vila sitting across the table from him, he hoped she would understand his meaning behind this. Surely there were some stories they could tone down a bit to account for Fvienns Age but that would still feel rewarding for having suffered through a meal that were no Fries.

[Lorut Vila]

Vila watched the interaction between the father and son. She was trying to make a reasonable suggestion; having zero experience with raising children, she knew that her opinions were just that. She also understood the logic and reason behind having a full meal first. She ventured a suggestion.

"Perhaps he could have the fries WITH the spaghetti, or after he eats a specific amount?" She asked. It was a tactic her own mother had used on her and her brothers. Vila hadn't been a particularly picky child, but she was strong-headed and wouldn't eat something if she felt it was being forced on her.

She watched as the Commander left, and Fvienne took a seat.

She smiled at Ramort.

"I think we can come up with something," she said. "Do you want to hear something scary or more fun?" She asked the boy. In her ear, Rena made a noise, as if warning her. Vila, by now, had calmed down a bit-not fully, but still-a bit. Plus, children were something she liked. She'd always wanted to be a mother, and she was drawn to kids naturally. Perhaps a way to atone. Or that she related to them. She didn't know. Dr. Campbell was talking about a part of her being stuck at age eight, when she was first captured, and hadn't had room to grow. Vila wasn't so sure, but maybe that explained it. 

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
and NPC Fvienn tr'Lhoell

[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

Rayek eyed his sniffling son, as Fvienn tried not to cry, and was impressed with the young boy's control this evening.  He was about to insist that Fvienn make his choice verbally, when Ramort and then Lorut spoke up with suggestions.

Fvienn, for his part, would like to hear stories but he doubted his eneh would allow it unless he gave up on his wanting fries.  But the idea of combining his fries with one of the meal choices seemed like it might satisfy his Dad.  The young Romulan hybrid looked to his frowning father and tentatively put forward his choice.  "Chicken, veggies and fwries?"

There was a pause while Rayek considered Fvienn's choice.  It wasn't exactly as he'd offered but it met the needs of a healthy.  He nodded. "That will do. I'll be right back."

As his father accepted his selection, Fvienn beamed happily.  He looked to the Bajoran woman and inclined his head in imitation of his father when acknowledging a good deed.  "Tank you for help."

He then turned to the man seated beside and asked. "Can I get story now? I eat.  I pomise"

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
and NPC Fvienn tr'Lhoell

[USS Discovery-B - Deck 6 - Officer's Mess]

Rayek eyed his sniffling son, as Fvienn tried not to cry, and was impressed with the young boy's control this evening.  He was about to insist that Fvienn make his choice verbally, when Ramort and then Lorut spoke up with suggestions.

Fvienn, for his part, would like to hear stories but he doubted his eneh would allow it unless he gave up on his wanting fries.  But the idea of combining his fries with one of the meal choices seemed like it might satisfy his Dad.  The young Romulan hybrid looked to his frowning father and tentatively put forward his choice.  "Chicken, veggies and fwries?"

There was a pause while Rayek considered Fvienn's choice.  It wasn't exactly as he'd offered but it met the needs of a healthy.  He nodded. "That will do. I'll be right back."

As his father accepted his selection, Fvienn beamed happily.  He looked to the Bajoran woman and inclined his head in imitation of his father when acknowledging a good deed.  "Tank you for help."

He then turned to the man seated beside and asked. "Can I get story now? I eat.  I pomise"

[USS Discovery | Deck 6 | Officers Mess]

Sure he would. He never simply would receive his story now, eat his fries then and decide to be finished then.

He didn't interact with children all that much but even to Ramort this ruse was easy to see through. It called back to some classes he had taken on negotiation with alien species. If intend was not established with an unknown party, assume the shortest way to reward will be taken.

The shortest way here was to get the story early. The reward was the fries. The long ardous path lead through other dishes and having to wait for the story.

Then again it was not his position to meddle with the Commanders efforts to raise his child and his own projections of alien diplomacy lessons onto a childs psychology probably leaded subpar insights. But he knew, if he refused the request outright, Fvienn might shut down this line of thought and entrench in the idea of getting a story early. Maybe not wanting to eat at all until he'd receive it.

There also was still an issue with picking a story, he didn't knew what the story he would like or which once his father would appreciate they telling him.

He needed to offer a compromise and that quickly.

"How about this: You choose the story you want to hear, then eat your food and once you are finished the story you picked yourself, we will tell you?"

Not seeing the flaws in his proposal Ramort was quite happy with his effort. At least it should buy them some time without distracting the kid too much from the food.