Coffee

"Captain, incoming transmission," called Ensign Laurette. She tossed back her cropped dark hair as she handed over the earbug. Capt noted with wonder how fine French lineage could still be present after so many centuries away from the One Mother Earth. The Ensign was turning slowly into a first class bridge assistant, even though her primary role was at the gunnery site controls. A lack of recent battles had given her more flex time, and her commanding officer was making sure she didn't get bored. Boredom can be a killer for smart, energetic ones, Capt rationalized. He had been giving her more time at the helm, and she seemed to enjoy the thrill of swinging the hulking battleship through the asteroid fields. There's nothing like having life and death in your hands to keep you alert. Capt recalled how well she had done the previous night. He allowed her to position the ship onto the warp gate accelerator just before going into battle. Officer LaForte quickly took his place back before warp engagement, but for a few minutes, the perspiration was glistening on her forehead as she worked to swing the giant Stryker arms into correct alignment. She said, "Yes sir! No problem!" but Capt knew it would be some time before she could take the heat of battle at the helm. Stretching crew members and giving them a chance to show individual talent, the captain surmised, was a fine reflection of Gallente social principles.
"This is your third call in so many minutes," said Platinum, trying not to show his irritation. Shocku was on the com again. He had grown so excited with his interviews, he was practically panting over the neocom. "I've found a great all-around industrial pilot. She has great skills, and can even fly a Cap ship." "Did we not want a focused scientist Shocku?" Capt asked. "Well, I got her off her contract cheap, and it was a good deal," said Shocku. "And by the way, you now owe me two and a half billion credits..." Platinum noticed Laurette staring at his hands. He looked down and realized he was white-knuckled, almost breaking the armrest off the command chair. He took a deep breath and punched up some financial screens on the display. This new capsuleer was so hot-headed at times. "Okay, Shocku, no problem," he lied. "I've got the money right here. She better be good!" "Well, she certainly has a nice face" was Shocku's reply. Captain wondered what that had to do with science, but was glad the ol' Shockmaster was happy with her. "Just make sure I get an appointment with her ASAP for an interview, the ISK has been transferred." Captain settled back in the seat, a reflective expression coming to his face. "I sure hope we will learn how to share command of such a bright young contractor."
"Come" said Captain. The privacy doors hissed their retreat into the walls as Ensign Laurette appeared in the doorway. "You called for me, my captain?" "Yes, please have a seat." Platinum was just taking two large beakers of steaming coffee from the autosynth. "I have a particular treat for you today, young Ensign. What you are about to try, likely for the first time, is a cup of 'coffee'. This isn't the synthetic coffee the traders haul across the cosmos. This is the incredibly rare, steaming liquid extract from the grounds of a bean that traces its roots back to Mother Earth. It is now grown only in careful viticulture under the rays of certain yellow stars of the Gallente system. The descendants of the French are particularly fond of the flavor, and the real beans are incredibly rare. But enough of this, here is your cup." "Thank you, sir, but may I ask why you are wasting this fluid on an uncultured palate?" "Well, it is simple, Ensign. You have begun to distinguish yourself among my crew. You handle yourself well under pressure. I know you have a mathematics and science background, but I've also seen the pleasure with which you grasp the till of this great ship. What would you think about working toward the Helm?" "That would be fabulous sir!" "Okay, I'll change the duty roster and you will have some extra time for navigation training. I see you haven't touched the coffee." "I'm sorry sir," she said, "but it just smells terrible." "We'll work on training your palate as well, then." said Captain Platinum, as he lifted his dark beaker of hot steaming liquid to his lips.