That Coffee You Wanted - Part II

Posted on Friday June 17th, 2022 @ 2:50am by Lieutenant JG Talerian Maxx
Edited on on Wednesday June 29th, 2022 @ 4:40pm

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: USS Oberon - Lounge
Timeline: MD05 1900

Maxx chuckled and smirked at Sakaan's subtle hints of courtesy as he sat where she suggested. By paying attention to her suggestion, he was letting her know he was focused on her. Then he envisioned Sakaan with the caffeine jitters and smirked. He then replied, "Well there is a reason why we have over 5000 flavors of ice cream.....we all like different things in life. As it is when I need to sleep I sometimes indulge in a calming or sleep aid tea, but as you can see I am a bit of a workaholic so I drink a lot of coffee to keep my focus. Right now I am trying to learn about the past science logs from this ship. Its both my current hobby as well as my job so it works out for me. How about yourself ... what do you do with your time?" Maxx smiled as he was eager to hear her response.

Assuming he meant her activities when not on duty, Sakaan answered, 'when I wish to conduct physical activity outside of prescribed exercise time, I practice my V'Shan martial arts. It assists in centering my mind, and calming any ... turbulent emotions that I may be experiencing.' She paused, before ploughing on, 'as I am a poor touch-telepath, V'Shan is the most logical of the martial arts for me to adopt and hone.' She waved a waiter down. 'Please make your drink order,' she said to Maxx as she considered her near-outburst.

Maxx managed to signal the waitress over to take their order in hopes of calming Sakaan down. After taking their order the waitress left to pick up their order. As they waited for their order Maxx then spoke up, "One of my past hosts by the name Cole Maxx was a gifted and competitive natural athlete with a passion for martial arts and competitive gymnastics. He studied human Aikido, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Kickboxing and Tai chi Chuan on top of Trill martial arts. He was also very into nature and became a spiritualist. After he retired from competition he became a trainer and had a family. So if you need a partner let me know."

A quick look of amusement crossed Sakaan's face, as quick as a fleeting shadow. 'Do I look in need of a partner, Doctor?' her tone was even, deadpan, but she intended it in a teasing manner.

Maxx looked Sakaan up and down with a sly smirk as he pondered his next answer. There were a variety of things he could say to her, however he was going for a more favorable response with the aloof Vulcan beauty. Then he replied, "You are a beautiful and very capable woman so its not about the word "Need". At this point it comes down to what you want and desire. You could continue your journey alone or ... you could desire a companion." Maxx let his words stew in her complicated mind as he sipped his coffee. Then he looked at the cup and smiled and nodded as he approved of the flavor. Then he said, "I need caffeine to get through my long day, but I desire the rich flavor of a good cup of coffee to soothe my mind and soul. I find its the little things in life that bring us bliss."

Looking at him for a few moments, Sakaan considered his words. Then she gave a quick nod of approval. 'Your words are suffused with emotion, but they are logical, Doctor,' she said flatly, then took a sip of her herbal tea, savoring the heat and taste as it warmed her to her belly. 'I think perhaps Vulcans occasionally underestimate the lifetimes of experience a joined Trill has. Perhaps because we rarely encounter a joined member of your species. I have been fortunate to be acquainted with one or two.'

Maxx smirked as he sipped his coffee. Then he asked replied, "Wow! You must be very adventurous to have met that many so far. The only ones I met were back home. Outside Trill I only met two with all my past combined lives. You know the competition for being joined is insanely tough since so few can even be qualified. Just between you and me a harsh day is not having coffee." Maxx smiled as Sakkan and sipped his coffee and inhaled the aroma before he sighed in relief. Then he asked, "So if I may be so bold, what inspired you to join Starfleet and go on these crazy missions?"

Blinking slowly, Sakaan assessed her answer, then decided the truth was the best option. 'I wanted to get off Vulcan. My parents are ... traditional, and adhere to practices that are now dying out amongst my people. For myself, I wanted no part of them. It seems the height of illogic to pair-bond children and prevent them from making their own decisions. As my father works onboard the Science Institute's vessels, Starfleet was the next logical choice in order to leave.' She paused as she took a sip of her tea, 'I am 62 Earth years old. I have spent the majority of my adult life away from Vulcan. I see nothing for me there at present.'

Maxx was a bit surprised by Sakaan's response with her matter of fact tone in her voice. It was clear she was firm in her actions and beliefs. However he was a bit charmed by her devil may care attitude. He sipped his coffee and tried not to spill as he raised an eyebrow at her and replied, "I didn't realize I was in the company of such a rebel. I must say it is impressive to drop one's past and begin anew. So since you have no interest in your parents choice for a spouse, may I ask what are you looking for in a life partner?"

'Not a Vulcan,' she stated simply. 'I have had several partners during my adult life, each of them has had their unique characteristics.' Sakaan thought for a moment, then carried on, 'it has been sufficient for them to be themselves. I particularly enjoy a person who has a skill I do not. Such as scientific aptitude,' she added matter-of-factly.

Maxx almost snarfed his coffee when Sakaan made her comment. He quietly swallowed his coffee and with a drop of coffee from his chin as he turned a bit red and tried not to laugh while regaining his composure. He smiled as he looked at Sakaan who was very confident in her last few words. Maxx looked at her to see if it was a joke or was she very seriously eyeing him up like a dessert. Then he replied, "I see ... so you are just after me for my mind and not my body. Does this mean we can look forward to more coffee and tea moments or can we upgrade it to dinner and a show?" Maxx teased Sakaan to see she was serious since her emotions were hard to read.

Cocking her head she regarded him coolly for a moment before replying, somewhat cryptically, 'it's just as important to be attracted to the body as to the mind.' Demurely taking a sip of her tea she paused, then eyed him, 'wouldn't you agree, Talerian?'

Maxx had a crooked smile as Sakaan was very adamant about what she wanted. In the past he had a lot of females make passes at him and some even seduced him, but Sakaan was the first to use cold logic in her seduction. He was both nervous and excited by her expression and words. She was both beautiful and smart which made him curious why she was still single, however after learning what she wanted in a relationship he understood she had high standards and he just happened to meet them. Then he replied, "Well I can't argue with that. Most are lured together by appearance then learn if they are compatible over time. If any relationship lacks a good balance then it will be hard to continue. However I am interested to see how compatible you and I are over time. So do you prefer planned dates, unplanned dates or a combination of both?" Maxx gave her a sly smile to see her answer.

Feeling a thrill course through her, Sakaan was almost tempted to smile. She hadn't had this much fun in ... too long, she concluded. Too long. 'Vulcans may be creatures of habit, Talerian, but we respond to spontaneity too.' The Vulcan quirked an eyebrow. 'Do you think you're up to the challenge?'

Maxx gave Sakaan a crooked smile as she used his first name then he chuckled as he noticed her facial movements. He replied, "I hope so. At this point I wonder how many dates it will take to see you smile at my bad jokes." Maxx then sipped his coffee then spoke again, "And how many dates it will take to hear your laugh?" Maxx winked at Sakaan as he was enjoying their little play on words.

Cocking her head to one side, Sakaan almost smiled, 'Talerian, come now, you must remember Vulcans do not smile, or laugh. Expressions of emotion are highly illogical.'

Maxx gave her a sly smile as he asked, "Oh really now? So imagine you walk into my quarters and you see romantic candles, rose petals scattered about the room, romantic music playing softly in the background and then you see me standing majestically in my pink lederhosen covered in glitter?" Maxx smirked at Sakkan to see her expression.

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After their coffee date Sakkan got a call on her coms for an emergency meeting. Sadly it was the last time Maxx heard from her. Since then he wondered if he did something wrong or if her career took a different direction. He later found out she was transferred without telling him good bye. He sighed as he went back to his work. Once again he was denied a long meaningful relationship.


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Lieutenant JG Talerian Maxx
Chief Science Officer
USS Oberon