First Day On The Job, Pt. 2 by MioraaNyte ()

Writers • Story/Sequential • posted on Jul 11, 2019

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Description

Not knowing exactly where to go, the pair spotted an imposing alien soldier walking toward them in the corridor.  Upon her back, she was carrying the largest weapon either had ever seen any individual be able to equip.

As they drew closer to the alien, the Commander addressed her, "pardon me soldier, we seem to have lost our bearings, perhaps you can help."

Snapping to attention and rendering the man a salute, the female alien spoke in a voice that was soft and melodic, seeming unusual for a person of her large stature and menacing appearance, "sir, it would be my pleasure.  I am Corporal Xalo, how may I assist you, sir?"

"Well, Corporal," the Commander replied, "we're looking for the mess hall, can you tell us where to go from here?"

"Yes sir," Xalo responded, "continue down this corridor until you get to the tee, turn right, first entrance on the left."

Retuning the corporal's salute, the Commander said, "thank you corporal.  By the way, that's an impressive piece of artillery you're carrying, I don't recognize the model."

Removing the weapon from her back, Xalo smiled as she described it, "it was especially made for me by Chief Engineer Gruud.  He said a big, powerful and special girl needed a big, powerful and special weapon... he's such a sweetie"  Then with a girlish laugh, continued, "but that's not important, sir, it can fire 1800 blaster bolts per minute and each bolt can penetrate 5cm of durasteel.  I call her Pipsi, sir."

Chuckling at the woman's words, the man replied, "I'll have to meet our chief engineer, sounds like a very handy guy to have around.  Thank you Corporal, please carry on."

Turning to continue down the corridor, the Commander and Omega followed the corporal's directions and entered a large room resembling a restaurant more than a mess hall.  The duo were a bit surprised when a man dressed in a chef's outfit came toward them .  As they approached, the man stretched out his arms and in a booming, but jovial tone, spoke,  "ah, Commander and Lieutenant Commander, welcome!  I'm afraid you missed the breakfast buffet, but we can prepare whatever you'd care for, please have a seat.  May I join you for a few moments, there's quite a bit we should talk about.  Oh yes, everybody calls me Chef."

Taking a seat at the closest booth, the Commander then replied, " please do Chef."  As the trio settled in, he continued, "I'm a little puzzled, Chef.  This looks more like a restaurant than a mess hall, not what I expected at all."

Smiling at the man, Chef explained, "you see Commander, we're basically a military outfit, but in actuality, most of the personnel are civilian."  Pausing for a moment, Chef went on, "we have regularly scheduled meals on a self serve buffet for everyone, but because of the various work rotations, we also serve made to order meals.  I ran the idea by Lord Zefaara telling her it would boost morale and help her thoughts of our group being more of a family than a collection of people... she wholeheartedly approved.   Though many do have the ability to prepare meals in their quarters if they wish, they can also come here any time for a more social feel.  It's great for 'date nights'."

Uh, date nights... could you explain that please, Chef?", the Commander queried the man, "I thought fraternizing was prohibited on military posts."

"Normally it is, sir," Chef responded with a smile, "but Lord Zefaara believes that attempting to banish something that happens all the time when people are together is rather wasteful.  And remember, over two thirds of this group are civilians.  As long as it doesn't interfere with operations, it's alright. Though you will notice that military personnel rarely get romantically involved with each other, it's not taboo, it's more tradition."

While the three continued their conversation, an older woman dress in server's attire came up to the table, turning her attention to the Commander and Omega, she said, "well, it's the new kids on the block, I'm Nana, what can I get for you, darlin'?"

Standing abruptly, Chef began to speak to the woman in a angry tone, "show some respect, woman. This is the new CO and XO... and where have you been? You should have been here a lot quicker!"

Staring coldly at the large man, Nana replied in a similar fashion, "in case you forgot, you old fool, I'm by myself this morning.  Besides, you know standing policy... first come, first served.  There were others here already.  You probably would have noticed if you weren't so busy brown-nosing here.  Now, get your butt back in the kitchen, the dining area is my domain."  As the man let out a huff of exasperation and turned to leave, the woman added, 'Now get out of here before we have to run a three-legged race to the medics to get my foot removed from your ass."

Whispering to the Commander, Omega chuckled, "I already like her," noticing a smile of agreement on her partners face.

Addressing the pair, Nana continued now in her original tone, "I don't know why I married that man, he drives me insane some days.  Any way, why don't I go get you some coffee to start with and we can get you something to eat after that.

Returning in a few moments with three cups and a carafe, Nana poured each of them a cup and sat down.  "Damn, it's good to get off my feet for a few... hope you don't mind.  Figured out what you want yet?"  Nodding in approval, the couple motioned the woman to join them and told her what they wanted.  As the woman entered the last bit of information into her datapad, she spoke again, "I hope you folks don't take my casualness as a lack of respect, It's just the way I am.  Besides, we're all family here in a sense."

As the three of them talked, one of the kitchen staff brought out the couple's food a few minutes later.  After the meal was over and the pair began to depart, Nana informed them, "you may want to speak to your military unit's CO, more than likely, you'll find him in the gym.  You can't miss him, he's a big, burly Cathar, name's Captain Jolan Amstel."

After giving them directions to the gym and before leaving the mess hall, the Commander took Nana's hand in his and bowed to kiss the back, "Nana... you're one of a kind, don't change.  It was a pleasure to meet you."

Taking her free hand, the older woman gently touched the man's face and whispered, "ah, you are a charmer, sir.  If I were only 35 years younger..."

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Thanks for dropping by and hope you enjoyed your visit.
Comments are always welcome and appreciated.
Mioraa

Image Comments (2)

CoyoteSeven ()  6:43PM | Thu, 11 July 2019

Well written story line and images to compliment.

Well done.

eekdog ()  8:29PM | Thu, 11 July 2019

Grear job on picture series for the story.