Recipe prt 1: Galoe’s challenge.

Posted on Wednesday May 25th, 2022 @ 6:06am by Commander Sam Perkins & Lieutenant Commander T'Pri & Lieutenant Commander Calvin Hirsch & Lieutenant Commander Kicil Priadden & Lieutenant Oscar Vladinchi

2,331 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: S1-A1-Ep. 2: Our Foremost Virtues
Location: USS Poseidon; Deck 6 - Crew Mess Hall/Lounge
Timeline: In Transit; Cardassian Refugees on board
Tags: Cardassian, Galoe, Refugees, Cookoff

::ON::

-Mess hall-

Cardassians. Why did they make it so hard to be nice to them? Captain Johnson along with Commander Shakura had made it expressingly clear. That while their guests were on the Poseidon. They were to be treated with the deepest respect.

oO Well someone should tell them that.Oo Perkins thought.

One particular ‘ guest ‘ a Cardassian called Galoe had been rather rude about Earth cooking.

“ You know. It really is a mystery to me. How for a race that has such an interesting and varied menu. Just how bad humans are at cooking it.” The Cardassian had loudly said.

In his mind's eye, Perkins saw the Chief Science Officer of the Poseidon. Walk up to the arrogant man and tip a hot bowl of Italian pasta. Covered with plenty of tomato and garlic sauce over his head. But it was just a vision. Sam also saw in his subconscious a one-way ticket into the Captain's ready room.

He moved to the back of the room. Keeping his eyes on this loud-mouthed peacock. Sam almost walked into someone.

“Sorry. Oh hello long time no see” He said

Caught off guard as he had been patrolling and not paying attention forward. Startled, he moved his hands forward and grabbed Sam protectively to ensure he didn't keep being an obstacle. Realizing his mistake, Oscar moved back and nodded as he went to attention.

"Lieutenant Commander! My apologies!" He said, deeply regretting his lack of attention. "I was looking at a crowd of Cardassians just yonder that seemed a bit rowdy and wasn't paying attention forward. My sincerest apologies."

Sam shook his head.

“ No it was me. Been keeping an eye on that strutting peacock Galoe. He’s being rude about our cooking.” Sam said

"Our newest Cardassian arrivals?" Oscar asked, almost in a mise. "Da, there have been a few reports concerning him and a few others."

Hirsch had finished his baking. His own best dish was his mother’s. Isn’t that always the case? Our best recipes get handed down from Mothers to their sons. Calvin grinned. The Cardassian Galoe was a bit hard to swallow in the small room he could sense as he entered.

The full fat cream, the full-on butter, and caramel. His simple family recipe was tried and true. Rumor had it back in 2120; the Hirsch family’s great Grandmother Deidra had crafted the caramel apple pie herself!

Calvin used maple syrup from his own parents’ stock from back on Earth. He was ready for it to be torn to pieces, though, as were criticalities in judging. He didn’t have a chance in a sea turtle’s dream of winning anything!

“Hello, Lt Commander, Commander.” Hirsch gingerly brought in his pie half-cooled. Notes of cinnamon and creamy caramel and green apples… “Everything in here.” Cal looked at the various offerings being plated. “Wow! Sam. What did you make?” The Lieutenant was happy to see Sam there, which meant it would be fun!

"Commander?" Oscar raised an eyebrow. He looked around and saw no other ranking officer. He had, for a moment, thought the XO had snuck up on them again. He only saw Michael, Sam, Hirsch, and himself. Thinking it was more of a mistake, Oscar made no further mention of it. The only "Commander" here was Sam, and he was a Lt. Cmdr.

"That smells very nice!" the Security Officer complimented Calvin.

Sam was still watching Galoe.

“ My pasta in tomato and garlic sauce. He said it tasted bland. Wow Calvin that smells delicious. Did Mr. Picky over there try any yet?” Sam asked

Suddenly he had another vision of Galoe covered not only in Sam's pasta dish. But also Calvin’s pie. Then it ended with the both of them standing before a very angry Captain Johnson. So once again Sam just imagined it.

Commander T'Pri entered the dining facility.

"Gentlemen, what is that heavenly aroma?" T'Pri asked.

“ That’s Calvin’s pie….oh oh…” Sam said as Galoe approached.

“ My my what is that smell it reminds me of a rather sick Cardassian vole. I once nursed back to health.” Galoe remarked

That was it for Sam. He could turn a blind eye to his pasta dish being ridiculed. But not his friend Calvin’s pie.

“ That Mr. Galoe is my friend's rather delicious pie. Which would be wasted on your barbaric taste buds SIR.” Sam fumed

“ My dear Ensign Gherkins. I am a certified professional chef. Who can make dishes that you humans would taste and weep for joy at the experience of eating.” Galoe said pompously

“ Firstly it’s Lieutenant Commander Perkins. Secondly ok if you are a top chef. Prove it. We challenge you to a bake-off. Our dishes against yours.” Perkins fumed

“ Very well……your dishes against mine and let the best person win. Which will be me.” Galoe said walking away.

Red-faced Sam looked at the others.

“ Sorry guys…..” Sam said looking at the others

Hirsch frowned. He couldn't police the arrogance or the distasteful attitude the Cardassian brought with him. If he didn't like Federation cuisine, why bother showing up at a ship event? Cardassians. Hirsch muttered under his breath, his face still calm and non-plussed. Hirsch chuckled.

"You understand that this means war." Hirsch then sighed. "Ok. Not that kind of war. But... We all should come up with one dish; we know we can get that Cardassian to be shocked even if he doesn't say it. His face will." Hirsch furrowed his brows, scanning the Cardassian walking around and poo-pooing all the pleasantries.

"Sick vole indeed, I believe he is teasing you. Cardassians have a particular sense of humor." T'Pri said.

Generally perplexed by the rising tensions, Oscar reflected on the growing sense of unity between his crewmates and the division their differences were making with the Cardassian refugees - and the one Cardassian, Galoe, who presently stood nearby. Oscar looked between Sam and his other fellow crewmates, then stared intently at the Cardassian Chef Galoe, who had remarked negatively towards Oscar's comrades just a moment ago. In terms of competitions, it was very clear one had already been arranged.

"I'll agree to participate," Oscar said calmly, remaining somewhat stoic despite the negative intent of the Cardassian present. "My mother used to prepare a unique dish for us when we were young; Kasha, with a side of Borscht and Khleb."

Noticing the stares of his crewmates seemingly confused by his words, he quickly clarified, "It is basically porridge, beet soup, and rye bread."

Perkins nodded. Then he looked over a PADD and shook his head.

“ Well. Thanks, Oscar we are going to need as much help as possible. It says here that Galoe is not just a strutting peacock. The guy has won the Earth gold chef award for excellence three years running.” Sam said

A sense of pride swelled in Oscar. "If my mother's dish could appease all of Mother Russia, then surely it could appease some panel!"

"I will also agree to participate, I will make a Vulcan dish called Potak. It is starchy but quite appetizing and tasty." T'Pri said.

“That sounds wonderful.” Hirsch had swallowed his urge to vomit hearing that. One thing he could not stomach was Vulcan cuisine. Not that the food was bad, it just notoriously gave him a bad stomach.

“I would like to participate. I don’t know what dish competition worthy would be. But… I have a few ideas. My Nanna’s double-baked cheese and stuffed cannoli casserole.” Cal offered. "Not everything could be a desert dang, it!?"

Potak wasn't a desert, but it was delicious, Similar in many ways to polish lasagna.

"What happens if we lose this little wager, besides losing boasting rights I mean?" T'Pri asked.

Sam had visions of being led naked through the corridors. With Kord ringing a bell and shouting ‘ shame ‘

“ That strutting peacock will tell any race with ears. How he alone beat a Federation starship crew at cooking. This is going to be all hands on deck guys. We need to make a start. I recommend we set up a kitchen here in the mess hall. Unless you guys have any suggestions?” Sam asked

“Oh, Dear. It looks like I have a holodeck trip to converse with Julia Childs.” Hirsch frowned. He offered a concerned look to Lt. Commander T’Pri. “Galoe just boarded…” The pure disdain in his voice felt. “This best not get out of hand.”

Oscar looked at the determination on his crewmate's faces and felt a sense of camaraderie he hadn't been expecting. Becoming enthralled in the mission of defending the crew and ship's honor, Oscar simply nodded in the affirmation that he was there to support his fellow crew.

"I believe we will make a good showing," T'Pri replied. "Shall we go meet him?" T'Pri suggested.

“ There is a very old Earth saying…. We are going to open a can of whoop bottom on his sweet candy trouser area? Is that how it goes?” Sam asked

Hirsch had grinned. Sam always had the best sayings. “Indeed.” Cal looked at his PADD. “Which means. I am dropping this off here. My Grandmothers caramel apple pie.” He lent a glance over towards Galoe.

“And I will dream up something while I’m reviewing Cadet reports.” Cal lent a knowing glance to Sam, regarding their subtle investigation of a certain Cadet on board.

Perkins nodded. Galoe however returned looking less arrogant than before. If that was possible.

" I am so sorry Poseidon, but our little tate a tate in the kitchen will have to wait." He said.

" Oh. Methinks you are turning chicken, sir." Sam replied

" I am well conversed in your barbaric Earth terms. I was going to take pity on you after all you are transporting us to safer pastures. But you know what Mr. Gerkins you on sir." The Cardassian said.

He turned around and walked away again.

Sam looked at the others. He gave his shoulders a shrug." Now, what was that about?"

Oscar looked at the departing Cardassian. There was something odd about the way he had approached and departed. It was arrogance. Rather, it appeared that something entirely different had been presented. Sadness? His years in security told him that something major was happening behind the scenes with that Cardassian. He took pity on Galoe.

"Maybe," Oscar ventured, lowering his voice so only those around him could hear, "maybe something has happened. Maybe instead of a competition, we could perhaps, make Mr. Galoe something in recognition?"

Sam considered Oscar's words.

“ Does anyone know of any Cardassian recipes?” Sam asked

“I have tried one dish. It was bland. Plomeek soup.” Hirsch scrunched the bridge of his nose. “Not sure I want to see or smell it… They both are horrendous!” He laughed and shook his head.

“Sam, when are we presenting our dishes to an old-fashioned cook-off?” Leland said as he looked around the various dishes. It all was exciting to try new palates and cuisines of old cultures.

Oscar waited patiently for Sam's decision on what to do, not really knowing any good Cardassian dishes himself.

All Sam knew about Cardassian food was the thick syrup thing they drank. He had no idea what type of dishes they enjoyed.

“ We need to read up on Cardassian recipes. Maybe start this tomorrow?” Sam suggested

"Alright, I got some more time before my shift this evening," Oscar said as he turned to leave, "I'll start my own research and make some adjustments to my dish of choice."

Sam nodded.

“ I think we should do a few dishes. One of them should be a dish connected with Galoe. Perhaps some childhood favorite of his. We need a 24-hour gap. So let’s meet up here tomorrow with our chef's hats on.” Perkins said

"Aye, Commander!" Oscar replied with a smile before departing.

Lieutenant Kicil made her way to Deck 6, the crew mess hall and lounge after she had reported to Commodore Paladin, she still had a lot of things to do, like meeting the rest of the senior staff, but she was hungry. Thankfully her orders at least had come with a complete layout of the Poseidon. As she entered the sliding door of the mess hall she collided with a very large and sturdy human male.

Oscar picked himself up from the collision, helping Kicil to her feet. "My apologies, ma'am!" he said in a hurry, concerned he had hurt her. "You must be the new transfer! We'll be meeting here tomorrow for a cookoff, would you like to come?"

"No problems, I am fine Lieutenant. It was my fault for not paying attention. A cook off? Sure, what should I bring and who are you cooking off against?" she asked as she stood up dusting herself off. "By the way my name is Kicil Priadden, the new assistant chief medical officer. So, part of my concern of what the cook off will involve is the last one I attended three beings came down with severe food poisoning and one required a three hour surgery to remove an alien tapeworm." she said with a slight smile.

"I'm Oscar Vladinchi, a Security Officer," Oscar greeted formally. "We're cooking off against one of the Cardassian Refugees on board, a good hearted gesture. His names Galoe. I think we're moreso cooking for him now, though. hard times and all for them. As far as your concerns, they're mine as well. I think you'd make a valuable addition. You should come back tommorrow!"

He smiled, turning, "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant. I'll see you then, I have to report to duty."

-----


Lieutenant Micheal Stevens
Chief Operations
USS Poseidon

&

Lieutenant Oscar Vladinchi
Security Officer
USS Poseidon

&

Lieutenant Commander Sam Perkins
Chief Science Officer
USS Poseidon

&

Lieutenant Kicil Priadden
Assistant Chief Medical
USS Poseidon

&

Lieutnant Commander T'Pri
Chief Intelligence Officer/4XO
USS Poseidon

&

Lieutenant Calvin Hirsch
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Poseidon

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