One Last Break Before Duty Calls.

Posted on Wed Feb 22nd, 2023 @ 8:06pm by Major Samantha Snyder & Lieutenant Bianca Donati

1,834 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Earth, France. Bordeaux region.

Mostly it was the wine that was the appeal of this particular region of Earth. There was something about France that defied the passage of time and endured in some of the more enjoyable bottles of the beverage.

The fact that the trail she was walking ended at a small vineyard with a cafe that served some of the best food that she'd ever had was secondary at the moment to the pristine beauty of the cliffs that rose before her. There was a small town that was nestled between the two Great cliffs, about halfway up, that had always felt like a home to her.

It wasn't visible now, from where she was but there was a viewing station a few hundred meters ahead that she always spent some time at whenever she had time to spare in this area.

It was not often that Sam got to stretch her legs far from the embrace of Starfleet, even if that was playing the role of civilian for a few days to enjoy it before her next assignment. There was something about France that was relaxing, the air, wine, the friendly people that didn't seem to care about what a person did, only that they enjoy their time. There was a small cafe that seemed appealing and Sam was in the mood for a bite knowing that real food would be a distant memory once she was back on board.

There were moments like this that made her miss planet-based assignments, with real air, and real food. Everything on board a ship was so mechanical and bland of the essence a planet could give. Even as the wind blew through her blond locks she smiled at the man waiting at a small table, menu in hand, a towel draped over one arm. Sam asked for a table with a view, not caring about gusts of wind or a breeze.

Taking a seat she took a moment to enjoy the view before opening the menu to see what was on offer.

A few wispy curls had escaped the elaborate french braid that she'd thrown her dark mane into that morning when she'd set to the cliff. The young doctor hadn't been expecting anyone else to be at the hideaway at this time of day, much less a breathtaking blonde who was clearly just enjoying the scenery. Her lips quirked upwards in a smile as she appreciated the woman from afar before entering the cafe proper to make a food order. Then, seating herself near the guard rail, she gazed at the sea far below.

Sam placed her order but being so engrossed in what was on offer she initially didn't notice she had company. "Thank you." She spoke with a smile handing back the menu. It was at this point she gave the recent arrival a look over. Peering over the rail to the sea below, there was a gentle roar as the waves crashed onto the rocks. It was soothing, and calming in a way.

Bianca was looking through her eyelashes at the other woman and calculating in her head the likelihood that she would 1. Want to talk to her. and 2. Be interested in more than talking to her. There was something about her that appealed to the primal part of her, and she would regret missing the opportunity to do so, if she didn't. Taking a breath, she sighed happily at the scent of rain, and salt water.

There was an addition to the tranquility offered by this place with the views combined with the sounds and aromas, finished off by food and drink. "Careful, easy to lose yourself in a place like this." In this instant Sam wondered what life would be like out of the uniform, a civilian, what would she do and where?

"part of the reason I return so often, though I've never had such lovely company before now."

Flattery, certainly got a smile from Sam for that one. "It's my first time here." She answered. "But thank you." There was no harm in thanking her for the compliment.

"I've come here since my Academy days. Fell in love with the place 2nd year. Almost makes me wish I was human, to have grown up with such pristine places in my backyard".

"In sure there are little such treasures like this on your world." Not that Sam could talk much on that since much of her time had been spent in uniform and trying to prove herself as capable as the men.

"Oh there are. I just did not know about them at the time that I was living there. I'd appreciate them now I suppose.". A chuckle sounded and she watched as The wisps of mist from the waves begin to coalesce into a cloud bank.

Food was not far off and when it arrived the aromas of which faded all others. Sam had ordered something small, light, something to at least tie her over for a bit before heading to the ship. "Did you get anything?"

"Always, this place makes amazing food." she smiled as the server Pierre brought out her wine and the small platter of cheeses that she'd ordered. There were soft ones with crackers and bread and harder ones you crumbled. There was another that was crumbled over bread and drizzled with honey.

"So when you are not here and enjoying the food, may I ask what you do?" Sam asked as she began to eat, enjoying the taste of the food before her as she awaited an answer.

"I'm a Doctor and an herbalist. Mostly I like plants better than people, but I make exceptions. " She grinned at the other woman, assessing her with her eyes. She imagined with her physique and musculature, that she did something physical. "And yourself?"

Sam swallowed before answering. "Starfleet, Marines." A sip of her water and then she continued. "Major Samantha Snyder."

"Doctor Bianca Donati, Officially a Lieutenant but, rank doesn't mean much among the medical corps, just what your skill set is you know?" Her eyes warmed as she gazed at Sam, wondering why she'd hesitated before naming herself a Marine. "Major's a respectable rank to achieve if memory serves."

"A journey to say the last in a male-dominated profession," Sam answered as moments flashed for a brief second of the time when she had been doubted and it only pushed her to try harder. "Still, each day is different and for me, that's part of the appeal."

"I can see how it would appeal." she gestured with her fork at the woman and tried not to admire her too openly. It wouldn't do to be caught staring. "I don't have that problem, the boys club I mean. But, good for you for sticking it out. I admire your tenacity in that regard."

Sam crossed her legs under the table, her dress shifting lightly over her thighs as she moved. She wanted something comfortable, less restrictive and breathable under the suns rays. "It is different, but honestly, despite the risks that come with it I enjoy what I do."

Licking her lips she sipped at her wine and murmured an instinctive "Merci Pierre." when the handsome young man had slid a plate with a chocolate croissant in front of her "Have you ever had one of these Samantha?" she asked softly, her eyes never leaving Sam's face. She'd bet the staff were taking bets on just how long it would take them to disappear together.

She was shaking her head with a smile. "No, I'm sweet enough. Plus l find chocolate too be very much a mood thing for me." A brief pause as she looked at Bianca. "But don't let that stop you from enjoying it."

"Of that I have no doubt" Bianca countered, a smile curving full lips upwards. "What mood do you need to be in to enjoy chocolate, so I know for later?" She crunched through the shell of the croissant, the flavors in her mouth erupting in butter and chocolate, as well as the soft sweetness of the dough, which was perfectly cooked. There was just a hint of flavor from the fire, which burned the bottom ever so slightly.

"That would also depend on how tired I am. Besides, if the other marines discovered I had chocolate I'd have a riot on my hands." Sam joked, remembering the last time she got the real deal from Earth during a layover, and kept it to herself. She had to hand over most of her stash to keep the playful peace.

Laughing Bianca shook her head "A riot hmm? " She wondered briefly if the phrase get your own was too complicated for the average marine. Deciding not to voice that thought, she continued. "I can imagine that you are equipped enough to stop a riot, but that would definitely decrease your stores of good chocolate. "

"Discretion also helps. Not knowing I have chocolate often makes others a target instead of myself. It may not be fair, but life seldom is and in the marines, it can easily be a dog-eat-dog world for the luxuries." Sam replied as she placed the knife and fork together on the plate and wiped her mouth with the napkin.

"I can see that. " She acknowledged that she thought about the problem for a minute. "Clearly we need to send the Marines more care packages."

"Then you would have marines grumpy because they are on dietary plans from medical." Sam grinned. It had not been the first time in her experience to happen and it was often a joking mark of shame to some who otherwise were strict in fitness and eating.

"Pish. A little indulgence never hurt anyone and if they overindulge then they deserve the medical instruction.". Her indignant words were from long-suffering annoyance from people irritated at her words. "Rest and indulgence are important for feeding the soul."

"True." Sam agreed as she stood up and walked to the rail that granted an amazing view. "Won't be long before I have to head out, the recall was issued but I wanted to get out one last time." Though looking forward to getting back to duty, it never hurt to take a moment for oneself from time to time.

"Going to go up to the summit then before you head in? That was my plan, you could join me."

"Sure." It wasn't originally on the cards but that was solo planning, but the offer to go with someone and it being a first never hurt. "A good way to round a meal off with a better view."

"The view is something that you won't ever forget." She promised as she paid with a credit chip. She finished her glass of wine with an appreciative sniff of the glass.

After paying for the meal and beverage, a pleasant smile to those of the staff Sam waited before heading towards the only exit, which doubled as the entry.

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