Late lunch with an Aunt
Posted on Mon Feb 10th, 2025 @ 5:57pm by Michael Taggart & Ensign Connor Turner & 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Edited on on Mon Feb 10th, 2025 @ 6:34pm
3,767 words; about a 19 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: White Stag Pub - Promenade Lower Level - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD002 1300 hrs
They made it back to the Promenade, Marjani, Connor and Aunt Janeen. Aunt Janeen was a bit amused as to how her niece was acting.
"Tell me, what sort of place are we looking to eat at Or even what sort of food?" the older woman looked at both Connor and Marjani.
"Uh what sort of food are you interested in?" Marjani looking from Connor to her Aunt and back to Connor. This was making Marjani feel just a wee bit awkward. She hadn't planned on this happening. Not too soon that is.
Connor looked back at Marjani and then at her Aunt. He was not particularly adept at social cues and none seemed to be evident here. Why did Marjani ask me? Why could her aunt not choose? Why me? He bit his lower lip and finally answered, "Um, uh, well, hmmm...." He cleared his throat and finally answered, "I usually don't have much for lunch...usually just a sandwich or some fish and chips." Wasn't that my first real meal with Marjani? He looked at her for confirmation and gave her a secret, affectionate grin.
Marjani gave a smile towards Connor in answer, she recognized the lunch reference, it was indeed something that they discussed before.
Glancing around at the Promenade. Aunt Janeen thought over what Connor had spoken of. "I think I would like something a bit more substantial." She walked over to a viewscreen which had the layout of what shops that was available. "Hmmnn, I see something that looks rather interesting. Have either of you gone to a place called 'The White Stag Pub'? "
Marjani shook her head, her hair moving side to side as she did so. "How about you Connor, have you? A meal in a pub sounds lovely."
"No, um, no, I can't say that I have not, but seeing as we missed breakfast...." Connor looked at Marjani, turned several shades of red and then looked at his feet. "Um," he squeaked. "That will be fine."
A deep throated chuckle from Marjani's aunt, sort of enjoying seeing her niece squirm. "Then off to the White Stag, then. From what I am reading it has great reviews." She turned to look at Connor and Marjani.
Marjani mutely nodded, following after Aunt Janeen, casting a sidelong glance to Connor.
Connor, on the other hand, hung his head, feeling like a man walking to the gallows. Something was up. He did not fully understand what it was, but he knew that his neck was wrapped tightly in a noose.
The trio stepped inside, Marjani's mouth dropping open.
Aunt Janeen exclaimed "Oh my, this is wonderful!"
Connor looked around and became slightly more comfortable with the ambiance. "Well, it is quaint," he said to nobody in particular.
"What would be the protocol here." Marjani stated. "Though I am thinking that we need to wait for someone to give us a clue.
Mickey had not been himself as of late. There was the closing of Poseidon to worry about. Of course no one, at least no one that he knew of knew what he had done and why there was another one of him on Poseidon Station. Now he had to worry about how to cover his tracks. In the interim business was good and the White Stag was the home away from home for most of Empok Nor.
At the moment Mickey took a slug of scotch and nodded toward a customer who made an order. There was a couple who sat at the fur lined booth near the holographic fireplace. The male called for Mickey to make a toast. "Right then up wit yer glasses. May yer glass be ever full. May the roof over yer heads be always strong. And may ye be in heaven a half hour before the Devil knows yer dead." He raised his glass and took another slug of scotch. Most in the bar did the same with murmurs of here, here and laughter.
Making a decision, Marjani decided to head towards the bar where Mickey was at. In her buttery smooth Nawlins accent, "Hello, sir. You've got a rather nice pub here. Do we seat ourselves? Or wait for someone to take us to a table. This is the first time we've been here to the White Stag, so... Got any advice on this?"
Nervously, Connor kept close to Marjani. Something about her aunt made him unusually nervous and he suspected that this was probably the most proper place to be - by Marjani's side.
"Well den welcome to the Stag..." Mickey began in his Scottish brouge. "Ye can go sit anywhere. This is home and home has little to no rules. Ere at the Stag we treat everyone like family so be ready to do the dishes and make a toast." One of the customers at the bar leaned in and added. "He is only half joking about the dishes."
"Ye be quiet and drink er down. Now, who ye be and where ya from. I get a lot of the crew of the Pioneer round dese parts. Commodore Malbrooke is in here on da regular." Mickey beamed with his words. He took pride in being able to give officers a place where they did not have to be an officer.
Connor raised his eyes at that, both somewhat nervously and interestedly. He had personally never met the Commodore, but he knew who ran his ship.
"I am Marjani Smith and this is my boyfriend Connor and my Aunt Janeen."
Aunt Janeen inhaled scents of the place. "Well now, Mickey, something definitely smells good. If you need help in washing dishes, I'm game." flashing a huge smile. "I help with dishes when I am home myself." her voice a bit more husky a lower pitch. "Go find us a spot " looking towards Marjani and Connor, then looked towards Mickey. "what do you recommend to tantalize our taste buds." giving a warm friendly smile to him.
Connor looked helplessly at Marjani. He did not exactly know what her aunt was referring to but he was concerned as to what it implied.
Marjani gave a bit of a chuckle. "C'mon Connor, let's find a table. Aunt Janeen will join us shortly. Oh, and if there is a house special, I'll have some of that, if you please," she said before she took Connor by the hand and went to an available table.
"There nae any specials here. The Stag is a simple pub for those who miss a simpler time. We serve Scottish fare such as bangers and mash, nattie and taters and things of the like. So, if you name what ye want we can see what we can do." Mickey smiled as he poured and slid a drink down the bar to another patron.
Connor let himself be dragged over by Marjani, completely helpless against both her and her aunt. Listening to Mickey, Connor told him, "Whatever ale is your specialty, please give me that. Um, Marjani, did you want something to drink?"
"Bangers and mash sounds really good and ale as well," Aunt Janeen responded.
"Same for me." Marjani called out. "And yes, an ale would be good," she said looking at Connor. Once seated, Marjani took another look around at the White Stag, it felt homelike and she really liked it a lot. Reminded her of her cousin's pub in New Orleans.
Mickey poured three ales into pewter tankards. As he poured a plate of eggs was placed in front of him. When everything was ready he brought the ales and the eggs to the table where the group sat. "Right den ere you have three Belhavens. This is a fine Scottish Ale from the oldest brewery in Scotland. In continuous operation since 1710. As an appetizer I give you Scotch Eggs. But before you may enjoy this fare. A TOAST!!!"
After he placed the ale and food a tankard was given to him from seemingly nowhere, and the crowd responded to Mickey's call for a toast. "Right lads. Ere's to the breezes that blows their skirts above their kneeses and shows us the spot that teases and pleases. And yes lads it spreads diseases..." Mickey led the crowd in boisterous laughter as mugs were raised and clinked together. For his part Mickey took a gulp from his tankard and turned to the group. "Enjoy my friends." With that he disappeared into the crowd.
Connor's eyes widened at Mickey's toast. He was quite certain that he was not going to get out of this place alive between Mickey and Marjani's aunt. He took the ale and uncharacteristically drank half of it in one gulp. He only hoped that the alcohol would take effect quickly to settle his nerves. He turned towards Marjani and gave her a weak smile.
Aunt Janeen raised up her own tankard, in answer to Mickey's toast. Clinking it together with another patron. Giving out a delighted laugh at the toast Mickey gave.
Marjani looked at Connor, noticing the signs of him becoming just a bit overwhelmed. And the fact he had taken a drink without taking a breath, another indication. And also a question for her where he was concerned. How much can he drink before he becomes inebriated.
"Here how about trying the Scottish Eggs, they look rather good." Marjani hoping this would help. Also drinking on an empty stomach, could make Connor feel ill.
"Um, uh, sure. Scottish eggs. I'm sure they, um, will be, um, passable." Connor took another heavy draught of the ale before patting Marjani's thigh under the table.
Marjani reached out and held his hand which was on her thigh, giving it a squeeze of comfort. leaning over she whispered in his ear, "It's going to be okay, I suggest you eat the scotch eggs it will help you out. And do you want some more ale?"
Aunt Janeen came to join Marjani and Connor at the table. "I truly like this pub, I may have to come visit it once more when I come this way." she remarked looking at the other patrons, then took a look towards Marjani and Connor. "Now tell me, how did you two meet?" reaching over and taking one of the scotch eggs to munch on as she hoped to hear the story.
Connor looked over at Marjani, his eyes beseeching her for assistance. Though none came verbally, the squeeze of his hand gave him a small amount of courage. "Um, well, uh, I was called to assist with her ship." Well, that answered the question, didn't it? She's going to want me to talk more, isn't she? Oh, God.... To avoid having to speak more, he hastily sliced into his eggs, stuffed a forkful in his mouth, and started chewing. He turned to Marjani and his eyes gave a slight shimmer and a slightly satisfied smile.
Aunt Janeen's sharp eyes didn't miss Connor's action to make certain he didn't have to speak anymore. She gave a secretive smile, turning her gaze to Marjani as if to get any other information.
"What he said is true. We met when I brought in my ship the Talon to be worked on and that was just the beginning. And that is that." Marjani gave a firm look at her Aunt. "And right now, let's enjoy the meal here, then you and I can talk later on, before you leave. Sound good?" She gave a winning smile and a pleading expression in her eyes, towards her aunt.
"Very well." Aunt Janeen picked up her tankard. "You are not fun at all." She gave a wink towards her niece.
The relief on Connor's face was palpable as he exhaled after swallowing. He squeezed Marjani's hand gratefully and then drank another draught of his ale. "So, um, the food is not bad, is it?"
Aunt Janeen was quiet as she nibbled at her Scotch Egg, having a contemplative expression in her eyes. Marjani noticed, having a sinking feeling that she and her aunt would be having a bit of a conversation. Just from the way her aunt sat, there was definitely something on her mind. Now Marjani was regretting that she 'forced' Connor to come join her and her Aunt for lunch.
Connor's foot found Marjani's under the table, as he looked at Marjani, concerned. Why didn't Aunt Janeen respond? Had he offended her somehow? He had to fix it, but how? He tried to make conversation as best as he could, "Um, you are, um, Marjani's aunt. Which, uh, parent are you a sibling to?"
Janeen turned her attention towards Connor. "I am her mother's sister, older sister." giving a shrug. "what of you? Do you have any siblings? What do your parents do?"
Crikey! Now I've engaged her in conversation. Now what am I going to do? He took a deep breath. Well, at least this conversation is properly polite. I can handle this. "I'm an only child. As to my parents, well, dad is a system's programmer and mum is a seamstress."
"Both of them being able to stitch things together when needed." Janeen mused.
As for Marjani, currently she didn't have a whole lot to say, wanting to get over this late lunch so she and Connor could make their escape. However, Connor seemed to be able to handle the conversation with her Aunt. Perhaps a to go box for the three of them and it can be called a day.
Marjani looked at Connor, "I will be right back." She left the table and headed to where Mickey was at. "Hi there, so do you think we can get our orders to go?"
Connor looked over at Marjani worriedly. Where did she think she was going? Why did she leave him alone with this strange woman? Sure, she had been tamed for the moment, but who knew what she might do or say when she was gone. "Um, I, uh, had not thought of it that way - them both stitching things together." His eyes once again trailed towards Marjani.
"She's trying to make a break for it." Aunt Janeen muttered, turning her gaze back to a look of pleading in her eyes. "Connor, would you see about talking Marjani out of leaving? I have a strong feeling she's about to do a disappearing act. I- I am sorry I have made things uncomfortable."
Connor swallowed hard. He was torn. Marjani's aunt was terrifying as a tornado that just touched down a block from one's house. However, she practically said, "please," and Connor was fairly powerless against things being appropriate. He did want to run away with Marjani. He could sweep her back into his arms and enjoy whatever they had for shoreleave. That's what he really wanted to do...well, and work on Talon. If he did that, though, what would the report on him be back to the family? Did he want to be a black sheep immediately?
He steeled himself and nodded at Janeen. Getting up from the table, he walked over to Marjani and tapped her hand lightly. "Marji," he said in a weak voice. "Um, what's going on? Don't you think, um, you should come back to the table?" His eyes rounded as asked the last question.
Mickey looked up at Marjani. "Yeah o course ye can get it to go. Although most people don wanna leave their home away from home. What can we do ta make ye stay. Ere's to ye good health." He raised a pewter tankard with a celtic knotwork handle. The tankard was filled with a drink favorite of his, a bee sting, half cider and half mead.
Marjani glanced at the pleading of Connor's eyes, and llstened to what both Mickey and Connor were saying, feeling herself calm down. "You are right, it wouldn't be the proper experience if I didn't stay here and eat the meal in the proper setting." She lowered her eyes, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I hope you forgive me for making a scene. Okay, I am convinced, I will eat here instead of taking it away."
Connor smiled warmly at Marjani and took her hand. "You're forgiven. Besides, I understand the sentiment. Your aunt is a lot, but, well, she's your family, and I want to make a decent impression, even if I'm barely, well, holding it together."
"Right then. Here is your dinners. Enjoy them. I have taken the liberty of providing a fine stout to go with the meal. This is the custom in Scotland. If ye be needin anything else just holler." Mickey placed the dishes of food down as he spoke.
"Another stout," Connor told Mickey. He was not one to get drunk but he suspected the one he had, the one that was in front of him, and the third would be just enough to keep him calm throughout this ordeal.
Marjani had brightened up exceedingly and the aroma of the food that Mickey and given to them. She was very glad she'd not gone ahead and run away. "This smells fantastic!" carrying the food for herself and Aunt Janeen, along with the drinks. She did this as if she had experience with carrying food and drink before.
Setting the food down in front of Aunt Janeen, then placed her own in her spot, Marjani just smiled from ear to ear as she settled back down at the table.
Janeen leaned in and whispered to Marjani, "Sorry dear, and I am glad that you came back to the table." She pulled one of the tankards of stout over to take a drink.
Connor sighed lightly and pleasantly. Now that Janeen and Marjani were getting along, he could relax. He leaned back slightly and drank a bit of the stout, winking at Marjani as he did so.
Aunt Janeen was more subdued while she was eating, deciding to just enjoy the food and listening to the conversations at the nearby tables, the laughter and the feeling of camaraderie. She was relaxing. Marjani did the same, deciding to just enjoy the moment, and allowing the peacefulness of the meal, with her Aunt and Connor.
One didn't always need to talk during a meal, just let the ebb and flow of the conversations drift in the air. When it looked like the meal was coming to an end, Aunt Janeen leaned back against the seat, patting her stomach, giving out a satisfied sigh.
Marjani nodded in response then drained her tankard of its contents.
Connor was uncertain how he felt about this entire situation. First, it felt like he was being interrogated. Then Marjani ran off on him and he had to play peacemaker. Now, nothing was happening. While he was normally very comfortable with quiet, given how things started, it felt abnormal and he had no idea what to do. It was enough to make a man drink, which he continued doing.
"This is some mightly fine cooking there, sure glad we came here to eat." Janeen stood, and raised her tankard
"Drink Drink Drink Drink
Drunk Drunk Drunk Drunk
I drank last night, and drank the night before
Tonight I'm gonna drink like I never drank before
Glorious
Glorious
A whole keg a'beer
And all of us to give a cheer
To Mickey and the White Stag Pub! May you continue to thrive and keep this as a home away from home."
Connor looked at Janeen like she had two heads. She had been boisterous before and now was boisterous again. He looked over at Marjani, not knowing what to believe. The entire situation was beyond his understanding now and he shrank back into his chair and hoped for the best.
Mickey chimed in adding. "England forever, Scotland fer a wee bit longer." The crowd at the pub responded with rounds of "Huzzah!" "Here, here" and "Good on ya miss"
Aunt Janeen smiled at the response, then glanced towards Marjani, who was just beaming up at her.
"Thank you!" She called out to the Patrons.
The food all finished, and feeling a food coma start to come on, Janeen sat down. "Oh, I am starting to feel sleepy, tis a good feeling to have. And I will bid you both adieu as I feel I need a nap after all this good food." She reached over and gave Marjani an embrace. "I'll catch up with you tomorrow, okay?"
Marjani nodded, returning the embrace. "I will see you tomorrow."
Aunt Janeen rose from the table, giving a wave, she left the White Stag just beaming this was a good meal.
"Nice to meet you," Connor politely told Janeen as she left.
He then turned to Marjani once Janeen was gone and asked, "So, how did I do? Did I pass? She's not upset with me, is she?"
"You did rather well, Connor, and she likes you. Otherwise, she would have let you know that she didn't like you right off the bat." Marjani gave Connor an embrace. She looked at her own plate, the food gone, and it was tasty. "C'mon, lets pay for the food and head to my quarters. Sound good?"
Connor brightened immediately. "I am glad that I made a good impression. Heading towards your quarters, though, that sounds exactly like heaven to me. I will pay and then you can take me there. I am yours."
Marjani gave a smile and a nod. There was just enough left in her tankard and Marjani wished to give a parting toast to the place that she felt most welcome in. Standing up and raising her tankard high. She addressed the patrons and Mickey as well. "I give you this wish to all of you. Here’s to Dame Fortune; may she smile upon you. May you never meet her daughter, Miss Fortune." A beaming smile from ear to ear.
"That was rather clever, Marj," Connor told his girlfriend. "I liked that but I'll stick with you over either the Miss or the Dame. Voodoo works best for me."
A Joint Post By
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
Aunt Janeen
Civilian
Ensign Connor Turner
Computer Systems Specialist, USS Pioneer
Michael Taggart
Owner/Bartender "White Stag Pub", Empok Nor
RSS Feed