Tiptoeing Through the Orchids

Posted on Fri 22nd Feb, 2013 @ 11:27am by Lieutenant Thomas Jorrel & Ensign Sean Warren & Petty Officer 1st Class Dae Bhen
Edited on on Fri 22nd Feb, 2013 @ 7:10pm

1,673 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: SB Protector - Orchids and Jazz
Timeline: MD 04 1200

Jorrel smiled as the other two stepped off the turbolift and headed towards him. They seemed to be having a good day and little Tomas was even looking around with bright eyes and a smile on his face, staring out at the thronging crowds from the safety of his harness on Bhen's chest.

"This place is amazing!" Bhen said as he came up to his large Lieutenant friend. "The Promenade is multiple levels across several decks! They even have a Bajoran shrine! Granted it's small and doesn't look like it's a popular destination but..." He broke off for a moment, remembering his attainted status, "it's there. And we found a place you might like. Fresh cinnamon rolls with thick, gooey frosting."

"Really?" Jorrel asked. "Did you bring me any? Were they good?"

"Does it look like we've got cinnamon rolls?" Warren asked, holding up his hands which had several bags in them.

"I certainly hope so," Jorrel said, "you know how long it's been since I've had good cinnamon rolls. Wait...these aren't just some replicated thing are they?'

"No!" Bhen said, chuckling, "there's this place that looks like it's a great bakery. They got everything you might want! Cupcakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls. They make things on order too! I'm thinking if we can get Bre here, I could welcome her home with a cake."

Warren rolled his eyes, a habit he had at his friend's exuberance. "So, you found a place for lunch already?"

Jorrel nodded, trying to see if any of the bags in Warren's hand appeared to come from a bakery. Freshly made cinnamon rolls. His mouth watered just thinking about it. "Yeah, several people in Ops and the TIC recommended this place. Said it was the best in four sectors. Some kind of pub I guess."

Warren shrugged. "It's early enough, shouldn't be too rowdy for Waren, and since we're here."

Jorrel shrugged as well, "Why I thought we'd try it for lunch." He indicated the two should proceed him to the door.

Three men and a baby stepped through the entrance to Orchids & Jazz. The three-piece jazz orchestra finished tuning up and swung into "Some Other Spring." Reon Velasquez, the ever-present doorman and sometimes bouncer, welcomed them. "Good afternoon. Would you like seating for lunch?" He eyed the baby as curiously as the baby examined him. Children were one thing with which he had little experience.

"Uhm..." Jorrel looked around what he could see of the interior. The nice decor, the waitresses dressed in actual attire, soft music. He took in the overall ambiance. "Uhm...I'm sorry, we...uh...yeah, we got the wrong place." He said, turning.

"Hold on," Warren said grabbing his arm. He glanced at Bhen and saw he was ready to make a hasty 'tactical withdrawal' as well. Warren had to admit that if his friend wanted to, he'd be able to easily pull himself free and tear through the wall to get away. "What's the problem?"

Jorrel looked back into the establishment. "Nobody told me this was a fancy place," he whispered to Warren, hoping no one would hear. "C'mon, let's just go find a burger joint or...someplace more our style."

Rolling his eyes, Warren shook his head. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant but this place, now, is your style."

"Warren," Jorrel muttered, glad to find support from Bhen, even if little Tomas was eying the place with bright eyed wonder. "Look at the tables. That's real cloth! Not paper. And...three forks? What the hell does a person need with three forks and two spoons? This...is...c'mon, let's just-"

Warren was shaking his head. "Thom, think about this. You're not just an officer - you're a department head. There's going to be dinners with the Captain, diplomatic functions, official Station dinners and soirees-"

"I don't like fruit juice, frozen or not," Jorrel interrupted.

"Alright, fine," Warren said, "We'll ease you into the sorbets," he grinned as he rolled his eyes. "But you need to learn how to mingle in that type of company. Which isn't going to happen if you don't know a salad fork from a soup spoon."

Jorrel's shoulders slumped as he eyed the the interior again. "We can practice in my quarters. They're gonna laugh."

"I think he's right," Bhen said, more uncomfortable with the surroundings than Jorrel.

"Really? And that's how you want your child to grow up? Never knowing what to do attending a formal dinner?"

Bhen shook his head as he bent to kiss the top of the baby's head. "No, I'd want him to know all the good things in life. Y'know, stuff that kept me from Starfleet. I want him to be smart."

"Then you two need to get over this fear of your own clumsiness and see how simple this is." Warren sighed as he turned back to the greeter, wondering which gym he worked out at - it was obviously a good one. Though, he could use someone to shop for him, someone who didn't think he was two sizes smaller than he was. "We'd like a table, please."

"Excellent choice," Reon murmured, giving Jenna a sign. He'd overheard the entire conversation, and he felt some sympathy for the very tall muscular man who wasn't sure this was the place for him. There had been a time when Reon had felt the same way. He noticed, with approval that Jenna had let Jade know there were special guests for lunch. As the owner walked up to them, he mentally approved of the short emerald green sheath she wore with her trademark orchid appliques over the shoulder. It was a new style, and the square neck suited her.

"Allow me to introduce the owner, Jade Lantz. She'll find the perfect table for you in our family section," Reon promised.

"Hello," Jade's musical alto voice greeted them. "Welcome to Orchids & Jazz." She smiled at the father carrying his child in a front sling. She wanted to reach out and give a soft pinch to his fat little legs, but knew that many parents didn't like strangers touching their children. "Is anyone joining you for lunch?"

Jorrel gaped as quite possibly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen in his life glided toward them. Unabashedly, he stared at her, unable to help himself or take his eyes off her. Warren elbowed him in the ribs as he said, "No, ma'am, it'll just be the three of us and the baby. Will he be a problem? The little one is usually pretty well behaved but on occasion does get kind of cranky and fussy. But the baby is a sheer delight."

"Funny," Bhen muttered as he searched through the bag for the coldpack and bottles of formula in it.

Jorrel kept staring, knowing he should stop but...he was reminded of his Grannie's old stories of angels and how they were nothing but beauty.

"Children are never a problem at Orchids & Jazz," Jade answered, smiling at the cherubic looking child who was gumming his fist.

"I'll give you a table upstairs to set your mind at ease. The music will still be audible," she assured them. "Follow me. Would you like a high chair for the little one? It also has an overhanging mobile, and toys attached with thick cords. I know how these young ones love to toss things for parents to play retriever."

"That would be great," Bhen said, "I sure wouldn't want him to disturb other patrons."

Jorrel finally looked away from her, though the smile was magnetic. He merely swallowed and nodded. Somehow, having the baby and a high chair made this a little better. Less fancy.

"Thank you, Miss Lantz," Warren said, rolling his eyes. Taking on hundreds of enemy combatants without so much as a second thought - dealing with flatware brings down the mighty Jovian. Warren knew he was going to get quite a bit of entertainment out of this.

"It isn't a problem at all," Jade said, leading them up the wide staircase to the second floor loft. "While we've been known to have some fairly elegant parties here from time to time, my goal is to have everyone feel comfortable here. We often have families dining, both upstairs and downstairs."

She led them to a table toward the back overlooking the first floor. Tables were spaced widely apart, allowing plenty of room for long legs underneath, and for comfortable seating. Privacy for each table was assured by discreet plant placement and the angles at which the curvy booths were placed.

"Here you are. Would you like drinks brought to you right away?" Lantz asked as Jenna came up behind her with a high chair.

"I picked my favorite," Jenna said.

"Thank you," Bhen said, standing to take the chair from the petite lady. "Ice tea, please, straight. Non sweet and no sour juice, please?"

"Same," Jorrel said, assessing that the furniture should hold.

"I think I'll try the Amber Falls ale," Warren said. "But what is Original Coca Cola?"

"It's a drink from old Earth. Actually, it didn't become unavailable until about 100 years ago," Jade shrugged. "I suppose there was finally too much competition from all the drinks on all the planets in the Federation. I was able to buy the formula, however, and it's quite tasty, especially with a little lemon added to it." She turned to Jenna and raised an eyebrow.

"Right. Two iced teas, no sweets, and an Amber Falls Ale. I'll be right back with those. Anything for the little crumbsnatcher?" the server asked.

"Uh," Jorre said, "I'll try that cola. Denatured if alcoholic cause I'm still on duty." The idea that it was her formula gave it appeal.

"No alcohol," Jade assured him as Jenna moved off to get the drinks.

"Crumbsnatcher?" Bhen asked, whispering to Warren.

Warren recognized the tone. "Term of endearment on Earth. It means a cute little baby. Now have a seat and look over the menu."

 

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