Dinner for Two
Posted on Tue Jun 10th, 2025 @ 11:17pm by Lieutenant Commander Rowena McGowen & Captain Edmund Merrick
Edited on on Thu Jun 19th, 2025 @ 11:59am
2,123 words; about a 11 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: The Quarters of Edmund Merrick - Habitat Ring Deck 9 - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD003 1400
During the first part of the day, Edmund had been making plans and prepping things for a possible dinner date with Rowena. He hadn't asked her yet, he was planning on just going to her quarters, and inviting her personally. Edmund hoped that she would accept, and he was determined to see if he could convince her to come with him to Empok Nor. Different types of dishes came to Edmunds mind, steak, fish , chicken, lamb, or even pork. Something that may help her out, perhaps give her comfort in knowing that what happened he wasn't going to shy away from her. Comfort... that was something that stood out in his mind. Then an image of his mother when he was back home, saying something about comfort food. And while she was talking about that his mum had made lasagne casserole.
Edmund's eyes lit up, that was it! Lasagne casserole made with extra wide egg noodles with a savory sauce and different cheeses, with a simple salad. Chocolate cake, or ice cream or both. He'll even have a triple berry pie. The table was set, with an unlit candle in a crystalline candle jar. Near that candle jar was a single purple and white rose. Its meaning meant admiration and awe.
He was dressed in a dark blue long sleeved dress shirt, black slacks and his slip on black shoes. Edmund was clean shaven and his hair brushed. Things in readiness, he picked up the simple bouquet of tulips which had purple tulips and yellow tulips. The meaning behind the flowers were Purple a rebirth and hope. One more look towards the setting, Edmund set off to the Pioneer to go see Rowena.
A chime at Rowena's door would be heard and Edmund would be outside waiting with flowers in his hands.
Rowena was tidying up her room. She was making progress in her healing process, but the time she was off duty, her room turned into a huge mess, she was living like a depressed slob. When she heard the chime she was holding some clothing items. She dropped them on her bed and went to open up the door to see who was there.
As the door swished open to reveal Edmund she was a little surprised. "Oh...hi..." She wasn't expecting him at the door after what happened. "Eh.. please come in..." She stepped aside to let him in.
"Thank you." as Edmund stepped in, out of habit he did a cursory glance noting how the place was in semi disarray. It hit a solid note as at one time his quarters in another place and time, looked just like this, showing signs of distress. That was only a brief moment. Edmund turned with a smile. "Hi, these are for you." holding out the bouquet of yellow and purple tulips towards Rowena "I was wondering.." he drew in a breath, feeling his heart start beating rapidly. "Would you come to dinner with me?"
Rowena slowly took the tulips. "Dinner?" She said as she looked at the flowers he just gave them. It was then her stomach decided to make a noise. "Well I guess my stomach is deciding for me now. Yeah...I guess dinner sounds nice." She gave him a smile and then walked away to get the tulips some water and a vase. She came back out and put them on her coffee table. She looked at it and then sighed. "That'll do for now. So where are we going for dinner?" She asked curious.
"We will be having dinner on Empok Nor, I have a room there, and I figured I'd see about having you get off the ship just for a breather and to have a change of scenery and a little bit of privacy. Just a dinner for the two of us, and I made the meal, with the exception of ice cream. That I didn't make, I bought it from a shop, non-replicated. " Edmund's smile was warm and open.
Rowena nodded. "That sounds all good. I think I really need to get out of this room. I have been in here too long. I need a change of scenery. So what did you make?" She asked curious as she made her way to her bedroom slowly. She kinda wanted to change into something different.
"I made lasagne casserole, something that my mother would make when I was growing up. She had taught me the recipe. Hopefully you will like it. " Edmund's voice filled with fondness. "I really loved it when she made it."
Rowena nodded as she continued to the bedroom, getting something more casual for the dinner to wear. "It really sounds delicious. I do like some homemade pastas. I am looking forward to it." She called out into the living room. She then walked out in in her new outfit. She put on a red blouse, and tight jeans. "This is good right?" She said with a smile on her face.
"Woah, you look fantastic. Yes it is good, very good indeed." Edmund having a look of appreciation of her beauty. "Shall we?" giving a warm smile in return. He was feeling nervous, sure this was their second date. As they proceeded to Empok Nor, and where he had his temporary quarters, When they walked through the transparent tube which led to Empok Nor he commented, "Beautiful view." glancing from the stars towards Rowena. He also was seeing how she was doing as they walked along.
Rowena smiled and blushed a little. "I remember you told me something similar when we were here last. Thank you, I appreciate it. I know I haven't been much of a great..." She tried to find the right words. "...date...companion..." She sighed. "To be honest I feel bad about that too."
Edmund reached out and gently took her hand into his. "That is true, what i said before and the sentiment stays true even now." he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb. "Rowena, you and I were able to talk honestly about our..." he paused for a moment to find the right words. "similarities of us not having been on a date for a long while. And all we need to do is take one step at a time. Honestly that was enjoyable. And comforting as well."
Rowena nodded. "Yes I must admit...it was enjoyable for me too. I actually could step away from all the troubles of reality and just live in the moment. So thank you for that. It is a memory that I don't remember tainted by Malificus. Which is why you didn't see much of me after that, you were an actual threat to her."
Edmund's eyebrows raised at that, "I-I was a threat to her? That is surprising to hear." still holding Rowena's hand as they traversed through the tube and into Empok Nor itself. "You are welcome, Rowena. You know, that dinner we had was a highlight to my day. And something I treasure immensely, especially since you didn't run away from me." giving Rowena a teasing smile. "All kidding aside, I do hope you enjoy the meal.", them arriving at the door to his room. The door opened after he keyed in the code, the scent of the lasagne permeated the air, and he drew in a deep breath.
"Welcome to my temporary humble abode." Edmund giving a smile and a bow towards Rowena.
Rowena smiled and walked into the room. The smell of lasagne coming towards her. She gave a nod to Edmund's politeness. "Thank you, it's...nice. Sorry I don't really have better words. But I mean well, I promise."
Edmund knew what she meant, in how Rowena spoke. "I took that as a compliment, Rowena. "smiling warmly. He moved to the table and pulled out a chair for her. "Come have a seat and enjoy the food. I will say I enjoyed cooking the meal, and I find it nice as well." when she sat down he pushed the chair in slightly. "A quiet meal if needed, not to worry about conversation."
Rowena nodded smiling. "Yeah...no...this is good...it's nice. I really need to get out now and then. It's good for my healing process." She looked around the room. It was a simple room, but it was perfect.
Edmund smiled once more, "I want to say this moment, being with you is giving me a sense of peace, a balance." he looked at the food that was on the table, "Help yourself, and hope you enjoy it." giving a wave towards the dishes there.
Rowena looked at the food, admiring the simplicity of it. "Don't mind if I do." She started to fill her plate. "Mmm...this smells delicious. It's been a while since I had lasagne. Home cooked or otherwise to be honest."
"I would be quite happy to do more cooking for you." Edmund giving a delighted smile. "Will have to make certain that I make the time between things I need to do with the Marines." Dishing up some food for himself. "I've been meaning to ask you, and this is the first time I've been able to do so. Do you have some hobbies or things you like to do or have liked to do in the past? I like finding time to do artwork, like painting and doing sketches."
Rowena thought a moment. "I love to read. And I used to make puzzles and did some writing in the academy for the Academy news service. It was quite fun. So right now I just do writing actually."
"
What sorts of books do you like to read, and you write as well. What sort of writing do you do?? Edmund taking a bite of his food.
"Oh..." She sighed as she put her hand on her head, realizing her mistake. "I meant reading, and I like to read mostly fantasy. I used to write news articles at the academy. I may pick up writing again, I don't know."
Edmund gave a nod, " I do like reading fantasy, sword and sorcery. I uh-" he paused for a moment, wondered what she would say about his other hobby. "I also play a fantasy game called, D&D; Dungeons and Dragons. I have a holo program which I get to be my character, and be a part of the story." he stopped there. "Sorry I felt like I was taking over the conversation." turning red with embarrassment. "I would like to read what you have written. And some of your news articles as well."
He looked down to concentrate on eating his food waiting for the heat of his faced to cool down. He was acting so awkward right now.
Rowena rolled her fork in her food. "It's fine. I never played D&D before. I have heard of it. When it comes to games, I like puzzle games. Mysteries and slightly horror. Solving puzzles to progress the game. And I love when it has a story to it too. As for my own work and articles. Most of my academy articles are still in the Academy public archives. I wouldn't mind you reading them. I am sure we can find them in the main database."
"I look forward to doing so." A few more bites of his meal, Edmund looked up from his plate, smiling at Rowena, a peaceful feeling washing over him. "I have got to say I am enjoying this moment, just you, and me. Away from worries with the ship. Anyway, I confess I was worried that you might not have wanted to have dinner with me. It was a small worry, even if I had come to your door to invite you I didn't know if it was guaranteed. I am so glad you said yes. Despite what happened, I wasn't going to abandon you and I care for you." he reached out his hand towards hers.
Rowena looked to their hands. "Vura thinks I should do some more mundane things to get back into things and I agree. And I think going out with you is a great way to do that. So I agreed to eat with you. and I am enjoying this a lot. So I think I would like to do this more often."
She then looked up at him and smiled.
A Joint Post By
Captain Edmund Merrick
Company Commanding Officer Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Rowena McGowen
Chief Intelligence Officer/Second Officer, USS Pioneer
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