“I didn’t think that the food units had made this kind of thing yet.”
“I admire your skills, but other desperate and hungry Terrans have been programming the units since the first day they were removed from your world.”
She leaned forward as the scents of roasted meat and the sauces hit her.“May I?”
“Please, but for every two bites you have, you must provide me with one.”
“Fine, but you will have to lean forward.This stuff is messy by design.You are white, and the sauce will stain you.”She loaded a plate with brisket, shredded pork, and soft bread with some shredded salad that mimicked coleslaw rather well.
He asked about the food, and she explained as she took her first bite then groaned happily, slumping against him.
He laughed and said, “I am applauding myself on my choices.”
Boss said,“My choices, Master Birun.”
Trin ignored them and ate some pulled pork with spicy sauce.She shivered and smiled.“I am going to find out who designed this and send them a thank-you note.”
“Next bite is mine.”
She took some brisket, some shredded pork, and some of the spicy sauce and wrapped them in some soft bread.She held it up to him, and he took a bite, another, and then the flavours kicked in, and his eyes widened.When he had swallowed, he said, “You ate this frequently?”
“Not as frequently as I liked, but there was a restaurant down the street from Gramp’s repair shop.When we had a good month and had more work to do, he would pay for it and have it delivered with plenty of plates and forks so we could eat while we worked.It is a fond memory.”She grinned.“When you ate it at the shop, they gave you plastic coverings so you didn’t mess up your clothing.”
He smiled.“I would like more, please.”
She laughed and ate her two bites, and while still chewing, she got him his.
He chuckled.“I think I am going to have to switch things up.You are too worried about my hide.”
He wrapped his arms around her and mimicked her motions, putting some brisket in her mouth before feeding himself.
She didn’t care.She had food waiting every time she was ready for it, and he was making happy sounds as he experimented with the side items on the table.
“So, do you consume a lot of meat?”
“In general?My grandfather said if we weren’t going to be hungry right away, something had to die.”
Birun chuckled.
Trin smiled.“If you are going to keep participating, the bots might want to bring in some more food.”
He pressed his cheek to her temple.“They are already working on it.”
She laughed and spent time showing him images of pigs and cows, both whole and alive and in various states of disassembly.It didn’t slow either of them down when the next round arrived.
Trin had tidied her face and was slumped against Birun.There was nothing left on the table, and he was broadcasting surprised fullness to her.His face was pristine.
He leaned in and licked her cheek.“You missed a spot.Oh, look, more spots.”He dragged a slightly rough tongue over her cheek, and she squeaked.
He continued until she was clean to his satisfaction.She blinked when he straightened and sat up.“That was delightful.”
“The food?”
“That, too.”He stroked her cheek.“You are out of breath.”
“That happens when I eat barbeque.”
He laughed and got to his feet, carrying her to the edge of the room.“The stars are singing for you tonight.”
