Wednesday, February 28, 2018

mongDech goes to Quark's in San Francisco [short story]


Zaoden of Andoran, Ta'an of Vulcan, and Gaardox of Qo'Nos got a table together at Quark's in San Francisco. Zaoden got a house porter, special to the region. Ta'an ordered a gin mint julep. Gaardox decided to sample the porter also. Discussion ensued regarding their tenure at Starfleet Academy and how it would not be possible for them to enjoy each other's company outside of the 25th century diplomatic systemic fleet protocol initiatives. Realizing the gin mint julep was a stronger drink, Gaardox complimented Ta'an on his virtue regarding mixology. Zaoden, an Andoran with a decent sense of humor chuckled at Gaardox's politeness. These Admirals and the general often fleet together and professorship is a nice break from normative duties. One thing that was noted was how diverse the applicants were this year, and how inspired they seemed, and ambitious! One cadet had just finished from the KDF Academy on the homeworld on Qo'Nos, and essentially desired trans-stellar xenological compliance in all areas, not simply as a career move, but as a method to quench curiosity. There was a Denebulan who had just finished at Vulcan Science Academy, and decided that fleet would be the wisest application for her new found knowledge. Another KDF Academy graduate decided to do one year at Vulcan Science, and another at Starfleet, then go back to Vulcan, and again Starfleet, in order to be the most well rounded. The officers were as inspired by their students as they them, and it seemed a libation was due at that time at the end of the week. The Ferengi bar tender at Quark's in S.F. was a little nervous to have them there, but offered freeze dried plantain and cashews just the same. Zaoden offered wisdom regarding how bravery is good for business. Ta'an simply offered a nod to that thought. Gaardox inquired of Ambassador Quark. The bartender couldn't understand, however the general was able to surmise that the Ambassador's location may have been secreted due to security purposes, and that seemed to create a polite impasse and offer some sense of confidence to the Ferengi, for which both the Vulcan and Andoran could appreciate. Gaardox understood other species discomfort with Klingons, and decided to simplify the situation. Not really interested in another week of multidimensional metaphysics, and how that applies to fleet phrenology, the three were easily interested in a second drink. As the Ferengi took the order, he noticed the Starfleet Academy notarized 'smart,' books essential to Academic duty, and asked no further questions. Using intuition and the general amicability of the triad, the Ferengi reversed the order. This time Ta'an could try the porter and the other two could enjoy the gin mint julep. It's an old bartender trick when the bartender realizes he or she is in the company of old friends. The Ferengi was also a Academy grad, and he moonlights for his family at Quark's when not committed to essential fleet duty. "Besides, otherwise I would miss Earth!" That is a typical come on line that only really applies to Quark's employees, but the triad laughed anyway, and since their laughter was genuine the Ferengi got them started on a game of domino's right away. Listening to the jukebox, playing dominos, eating freeze dried plantain and cashews, having a drink with friends. None of the officer's students were likely having as much fun, for morale purposes they would have to invite the inquiry regarding 'what they did over the weekend,' to ensure students have normative Academy experiences.

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