Think of the Opportunities

Posted on Wed Dec 25th, 2024 @ 8:46am by Captain Andre Hunt & Chief Petty Officer Antwon Burton

831 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Drydock
Location: Burton Restaurant VI, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Earth

Petty Officer 1st Class Antwon Burton but more recognized as Chef Antwon Burton was barking orders to his staff in the kitchen. This particular restaurant had been the sixth one that he had opened. Before opening another restaurant, he made it a point to give it sometime to run smoothly before even considering opening another. The last two, he had spent preparing Burton Restaurant VIII which was his first located off world on Mars. The foods prepared in each restaurant had their main dishes that focused on the foods of that particular region. And even though Mars mostly was populated by Humans. Over the decades, the Human known as Martians had developed their own bit of culture and foods. Which naturally peeked his interest and eventually he was convinced to open a restaurant which was officially up and running two months ago.

As much as Antwon enjoyed his time in Starfleet, he strongly considered leaving to focus on opening other restaurants. The last few years, he been assigned to Starfleet Headquarters to focus on preparing food for the many delegates that passed through. Burton had become well versed at preparing foods for Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites and even Rigellians. His ultimate goal was to eventually have restaurants bearing his name all those worlds. Well perhaps, not Vulcan. Regardless of how good his cooking was, he never really felt passion from the Vulcans. Which only frustrated himself. He had been in mid conversation with the new management staff when he was suddenly interrupted.

"Chef Burton. There is a Captain Andre Hunt from Starfleet to see you."

The Petty Officer sighed. He had been receiving calls from the Captain for the last two weeks about accepting an assignment on the Meridian. Apparently, the Captain was not good at accepting no for answering. "Thank you, I'll speak with him."

Andre had arrived at the restaurant a few minutes prior. Over the years, he checked out many of Burton's restaurant's but never had the chance to visit this one. Before giving up, he had to have a face-to-face conversation with the man.

"Captain Hunt," Burton spoke as he pulled out a seat at the table. "With all due respect sir. You came for nothing; I actually have no interest in ship duty. I put in my resignation with Starfleet to spend more time on my restaurants."

"I heard about your resignation," Hunt spoke. "And this is indeed and amazing restaurant you have here. I've been to several of your restaurants over the years. The attention to detail is noticeable. Which is why I need you."

The Petty Officer raised an eyebrow as he sat down. "I appreciate the compliment. But again, I'm not interested."

"Honestly I believe you would be missing out on an amazing opportunity." The Captain handed a PADD over to Antwon.

"What is this?" Accepting the PADD, the Petty Officer started scrolling through the contents. "You brought me some recipes. Never heard of these foods. Where did this come from?"

"That would be a few items that was given to me from the Trill," Andre explained. "We'll be returning back to Trillius Prime where that world will have all kinds of foods that you might be interested in. But that's just one world that the Meridian will be encountering. We're seriously getting back to exploring and there will be so many possibilities of first contact."

Antwon leaned forward as he continued going through the information given to him. Clearly the Captain had his attention. "And what would you need for me regarding first contacts?"

"Cultural exchange is everything. I need someone who would not only be able to prepare the best of our food, but able to put together their foods with very little practice. You have built a reputation on making that happen. Just imagine all the different foods that you will return back from the two-year assignment with."

"That is indeed a very tempting offer."

"Not to mention a promotion to Chief Petty Officer," Hunt added. "And a chance to become the Master Chef. But I understand if you wish to remain on Earth and pass this opportunity to someone else."

"Hold on moment Captain." Antwon looked around the restaurant, then down at the PADD. "When do we ship off?"

A smirk appeared on the Commanding officers face. "The Meridian will depart to Trillius Prime in two weeks."

"Two weeks huh?" Burton replied. "Well Sir you have yourself a Master Chef. I'll make a call and resend my resignation as soon as possible."

"Definitely that you had a change of heart. So, what do you recommend?"

"I especially recommend the barbecue meat," the Petty Officer suggested. "I'll leave to order your meal." Stading up from the table, he started to walk away, then came to a stop. "You're going to make one hell of diplomat." With that said, he returned back into the kitchen.

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Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Chief Petty Officer Antwon Burton (NPC)
Master Chef
USS Meridian

 

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