Post 509: Hot Soup, Familiar Face

Stardate: 71020.1200
Title: Hot Soup, Familiar Face
Author: Vedek Jariel Camen
Scene: Seven, USS Independence
Time: After Be Careful What You Wish For
----------------------------------------------------------

Camen nodded ever so politely, the forced smile locked on his face as his fingers drummed silently against his leg, unseen beneath the table.

The Yensuli delegation had discovered synthahol and slowly the carefully practiced faces of the charismatic leaders were replaced with the typical raucous laughter of the drunk.

Camen actually found himself longing for the former.

At least those people understood that the decibel level of a belch was not something to be judged amongst your peers. How often Camen had seen this, that those who were insincere in their beliefs and motivations often presented their true colors in the company of those they considered to be their peers, away from the eyes of their flock. Colors that were quite different from what they showed to their followers in public.

"This, my dear boy, was fantastic!" Tegget gestured towards an empty plate that had once contained a 16 ounce portion of prime rib; a suggestion Camen had made after Tegget had turned his nose up at a serving of spicy Hasparat.

*What a sissy,* Camen had thought, and suggested a hunk of meat figuring no person could actually turn their nose up at a piece of fine beef. After five minutes of careful inspection, and yes, even a taste test, by Maffe to make sure the food was not poisoned, Tegget had devoured the meal. "I'll have another!"

Camen looked at Tegget quizzically, and gestured towards the empty plate, as if asking "Are you still hungry?"

"My dear Vedek Jariel I intend to indulge myself of this ship's cuisine 'til I make myself sick. Once we join your Federation I'll have to have you send me the recipe for this prime rib of yours. One of my wives is bound to be able to figure out how to cook it correctly. It's the least they can do for having me take care of all of them."

Camen's stomach lurched at the man's gluttony and chauvinistic nature. He was hungry himself but could simply not stand to eat at the moment in his present company. He signaled London to bring another plate for Tegget and his staff. London nodded from across the room.

Jeaq began clearing the already used plates, balancing them in one arm as he walked away. He looked back over his shoulder at Camen and stuck his finger up and towards his open mouth as if to induce his gag reflex. Camen nodded silently, trying not to laugh.

"Let me tell you a story, dear Camen, about the day I rose to be Proconsul. It was a glorious event. You are of high rank on your planet, Major, so you know the joy of finally having the power to shape the mind's of your people in your hand...."

Camen ignored the mispronunciation of his homeworld's name, as Tegget droned on... and on... and on.... Maffe and Sarl hung on his every word as if listening to the greatest story ever told, though Camen had no doubt Tegget had told it to them 100 times.

Camen just kept the smile on his face, wondering just how long Blane and Zanh were going to need to implement their plans before Tegget finally decided he was tired of waiting, or Camen went insane, whichever came first.

Insanity was likely to come first, as it appeared that Tegget was more in love with the sound of his own voice then anything else. Camen was the perfect person for Tegget, sitting quietly and listening while Tegget patted himself on the back for being the master of the Universe.

He felt his eyelids beginning to droop, as sleep beckoned to put him out of his misery. *Can't be having that.* Camen forced his eyes open and pinched himself on the leg to wake himself up.

As Tegget spoke Camen just kept staring at the point right between his eyebrows to give the illusion he was looking into Tegget's eyes as he spoke. It was "An old salesman's trick," a friend had once told Camen.

At last Jeaq returned to the table. He placed a fresh helping of prime rib before each of the Yensuli. If nothing else the act of chewing managed to shut Tegget up for at least a few moments.

To his surprise, a fresh bowl of hot chicken vegetable soup accompanied by a baguette suddenly appeared before Jariel Camen.

He turned to see where it had come from, and there was the familiar smiling face of Fleur Le Marc.

"Enjoy your soup Monsieur Le Vedek."

Camen could not even remember how long it had been since those days on the station when he had taken his lunch each day in Fleur's patisserie.

She had always insisted that Camen eat for free, and each day after lunch he deposited the two strips of latinum that would have paid for the soup into the donation box for Bajoran orphans. Seeing his old friend here and now was certainly quite a surprise. He bowed slightly in thanks, and she excused herself.

At last, he felt like he wanted to eat.

*********************************************
Vedek Jariel Camen
Ship's Chaplain/Dignitary Decoy
USS Independence NCC-90791