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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 13, 2011 8:25:17 GMT -5
Place for private dining for the Captain's special guests
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 13, 2011 15:17:23 GMT -5
Addison was waiting before he had his chef bring in the first course. He had a bottle of brandy for before the meal at the perfect temperature. He had filled his snifter and was moving the glass allowing the beverage movement. He watched his Chef Tyr preparing the meal. Tyr was a large man who's size did not betray his delicate skill. His job when not preparing personal meals for Addison was running Blackledge Cove.
Though Defiant was a military ship it was not unusual for the Cove to pick up many a civilian to enjoy its great foods and wine. Tyr demanded only the best ingredients, and Addison liked his commitment. His brown skin and blue eyes were a contrast also. The room was simple with a large table covered with a white linen cloth. He sniffed the brandy and then took a healthy sip as he waited for his new Executive officer to appear.
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 13, 2011 19:35:57 GMT -5
As Dominique approached the door to the dining room, she caught the scent of something delicious cooking. The door being secured, she imagined that it must have been opened recently to either admit someone or simply to tantalize. The Capitaine was a deliberate man. Everything he did had a purpose. The internal alert would have been triggered by her presence, so tapping it was only a formality. She waited.
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 14, 2011 17:13:15 GMT -5
He had made sure Tyr left the door open long enough to let his artistry be made apparent. "Come'" is all he said. With that simple command the door slid open. He kept his chef as out of view as he could. She looked stunning. The grilled salmon was ready to go along with the lobster bisque. He gave her a warm smile that belied his real interest in her. He sat in his chair both relaxed, but like a tiger ready to pounce. He studied each stride as she approached him noting both her decision of dress and where she would sit. "I see you are punctual." he nodded. "That already shows you have more discipline than your predecessor."
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 14, 2011 18:27:13 GMT -5
Addison sat as if he were presiding over his court. He arranged the furnishings, the food and himself to appear casual and yet she could see that he'd attended to every detail with the same precision as he ran the ship.
The table was a small one, intended for intimate gatherings. As host, he had taken the seat at the head. As the only guest, protocol dictated she seat herself on his right; but this was not a formal dinner. She chose the seat opposite. This way she could watch him more easily.
She responded with her own practiced smile.
"Thank you, Capitaine. Control of oneself is important, as well as knowing when it is the right time to lose it."
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 14, 2011 18:37:12 GMT -5
He noted her choice of position and offered her a snifter of brandy. This isn't the most rare of my vintage, but it is robust. I felt it matched your personality, sweet with fire. After refreshing his glass and pouring hers, he took the customary first sip to show he was not deceptive. "I am going to be honest and admit I have more than a few questions. I will also not take offense if you choose not to indulge me. We all have our secrets after all."
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 15, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
"As you have created such a pleasant atmosphere of interrogation, it would be discourteous of me not to answer any 'reasonable' questions you might have."
She took a sip of the brandy. "You have a very refined taste. I am sure that even the former emperor, whom I have heard you favor, would not find fault with it."
She set the glass down, admiring the color of the liquid in the cut crystal. Dominique was not afraid of him but she was cautious. There was an ancient Terran expression that she thought suited this situation; bearding the lion in his own den, and it was wise to remind herself that no matter how tame the lion appears, it is nonetheless a wild thing.
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 15, 2011 18:58:59 GMT -5
"I can see that you have an appreciation for the finer things." He took a sip. "Another point in your favor. I also notice that you have done a bit of research on me. I must admit to the same. What I've seen so far has impressed me." He put the glass down, and stood up straight. He wanted to her know that she now had his full attention. He made a gesture to Tyr who came by and put the lobster bisque in front of them. He took Addison glass then looked at Dominique as if to ask if she were finished with hers.
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 16, 2011 9:15:40 GMT -5
She might have kept the drink. It was excellent but it was likely that the Capitaine would have each course suitably accompanied by another, so she nodded an acknowledgment to the chef.
Turning back to the Capitaine, she gave a small shrug. "A ship of the line is a beautiful thing but it is nothing more than that without the knowledge to bring that power under heel and the ambition of it's Capitaine to use what has been harnessed. Restrained power is even more beautiful." She lifted one eyebrow. "Do you not agree?"
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 22, 2011 19:06:27 GMT -5
"I think that you know your history well." He smiles as the first course is put down in front of them. "Power is not a gift to be given to someone. There are those who have not achieved command who believe that if they wait long enough, and ingratiate themselves to the right people that power will be handed to them as a child is handed candy for doing a chore. " He again tastes the soup first before Fleury showing again his intentions. "The power to command such a ship as this is honed through each battle won both on the field and off. You and I understand that. We are not 'toadies suckling on a 'teat'. We are predators poised to strike at the perfect opportunity. "
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 23, 2011 16:27:37 GMT -5
"Ah! But were not Romulus and Remus made strong having been suckled by a wolf? Do not blame the teat, Capitaine."
She laughed and sampled the bisque. It was excellent.
"Now, please tell me, as we are both too experienced for these games of courtesy, what it is you want to know about?"
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 23, 2011 17:09:07 GMT -5
He judged the soup suitable and gave Tyr a nod of approval then turn his gaze back to Dominique. "I'm a man not prone to believe in coincidence. You came into my life on a big one. How did you come to be on that station at the time I needed and Executive Officer?"
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 23, 2011 17:44:01 GMT -5
"I think perhaps you were not the only one who was dissatisfied with the commander's performance. I was told to report to Von Doring for assignment but was as surprised as you to learn what it was."
She took another sp00nful of soup, posing a question in return. " Was it merely a coincidence that Sloan was killed just before I arrived?"
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Post by Captain Jeff Addison on Jun 23, 2011 18:10:45 GMT -5
He laughed. I would say so. It was his decision to make his move for a command. Now its my turn: How much do you know about this project of Von Doring's?
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Post by Cmdr Dominique Fleury on Jun 23, 2011 19:18:41 GMT -5
"Then apparently, it was a happy coincidence. I had the impression it would not be long before he was 'removed' from service."
She set the sp00n down to indicate she was finished, sipping a little water to clear her palette.
"I only know a little of what Von Doring has in mind. This project, as you call it, has many aspects and I think some of them he has acted upon first and sought permission for afterward. He chooses to whom he will tell and then only what he wishes them to know but you know that already or you wouldn't have asked me." She grinned slyly. "Even if we compared our information, the commodore will have made certain that we could not put all the pieces in place."
She tapped a nail on the water glass, making the crystal ring out a clear note in response.
"My experience is that he will have told you enough to pique your interest and draw you in. He will know you well enough to whet your appetite with some delicious tidbit that will leave you asking for more and thanking him for doing exactly what he wants you to."
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