The past few hours had been torture.I’d paced my room, I’d showered, and I’d rewatched so many of Layla’s videos.And I was starving!
I may not be allowed in the engine room and wasn’t sure I’d be welcome on the bridge.So I went to the next best place: the mess.
The kitchen was fully stocked now, thanks to the orders I placed on Rigel Naught.I’d purchased enough fresh groceries to feed the four of us for several days, as well as enough dry goods and shelf-stable foods to last several weeks.
Dax had hammered out watch crew schedule for the three of them, but no one had thought about a cooking schedule.Did they even realize that would be something they needed?Based on the number of pre-packed rations we’d eaten on the way to Rigel Naught, I didn’t think so.
Technically, it wasn’t my problem.Practically, though, my stomach was grumbling and I needed something to do.
Thirty minutes later, the kitchen smelled garlicky and delicious.I dipped my fork into the bowl and dangled a single noodle over my open mouth.Bursts of garlic and chili hit my tastebuds as I chewed.Maybe not quite up to my favorite restaurant, but they were damn good.
Before I could second-guess myself, I put out four place settings, as well as extra chili oil.Then I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and pressed the intercom.“Dinner’s ready.”
Would anyone even show up?
The thump of boots down the corridor sounded like Burn, so I wasn’t surprised when she was the first into the dining room.
“That smells amazing.Did you cook?”She stood by the table and stared down at the bowl of noodles with a hungry look.
“Yeah,” I admitted.“We didn’t really talk about cooking schedules, but I was hungry.There’s enough for everyone.”
“Not if they don’t get here soon.”Burn dropped into one of the chairs and with a quick look at me for permission, served herself.“Icancook,” she said, “but it’s not my favorite thing.”
Something that looked like regret flickered over her face.“It’s one of the things I miss about the corps.They fed us three squares a day.”
My nose wrinkled.“I’ve tried some of your meal pouches.You ate those three times a day?”
“The meal packs?”Burn grimaced and shook her head vehemently.“Oh no.Not those.Those were for missions only.Or this last week, since Dax didn’t buy proper food.”
I laughed and took a seat across from her.
“When we were on the ship, we had actual food.Proper meals with a meat, a vegetable, and a dessert.Not those horrible heat-and-eats.”
Burn took a bite, smiled, then liberally added chili oil to her bowl.
Maybe I should have bought more.Good thing I’d purchased a variety of hot sauces.
Dax and Finn entered the mess hall at almost the same time, though they came from opposite directions.Dax looked good, excited.Finn looked like the miserable asshole he was.
I sat at the table with my bowl of noodles studying the others as they took their seats and served themselves.
Finn just glared at the bowl.I ignored him and watched Dax from the corner of my eye.
He took a few bites, then added the chili oil, too.
Looks like I should probably up the spice a bit next time.
“Thanks for making dinner, Lacy.”He smiled at me.
My answering smile practically cracked my face.“You’re welcome.”
Twirling the noodles on his fork, he said, “These are really good.Almost as good as the ones you had the night you stole the ship.”
My smile faded and I stared at him in shock.Had he just...
A look of absolute horror crossed his face.That answeredthatquestion.
The room was silent for a moment, then filled with a chorus of “what the fucks” from Burn and Finn.
