Kimchi's a Callin' [Food Heist, Part 1]
Posted on Wed Feb 1st, 2023 @ 1:09pm by Lieutenant Commander Asahi Kita
Mission:
R&R: The Reprieve
Location: Esquimalt Temporary Quarters
757 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure
Between (poorly) hiding his existence as an 'alternate' and shuffling dinosaurs out of the Vesta from under literally everyone's radars, Asahi had little time to worry about growling stomachs. That was, until his growled. But, it wasn't until he caught Bellie and Ellie eyeing the poor sheep dog that kept trailing after the trio that he decided to do something about it.
Luckily, whatever happened between this version of Asahi and this version of Luka had him digging into a small shipment from Haumea, wherever the hell that was, which contained all sorts of actual food from actual places. He caught sight of spices and mixes from this version of his mother, which relieved him. On the various worlds and outcomes he could have had, having one where he didn't have a mother would have hurt him most of all.
"Betcha Soraya would like half of this stuff," Asahi mused as he rummaged through the crate. Hojo was nearby, peering in and sniffing about curiously, while the two dinosaurs were off to one side, arguing over who was going to get the last piece of replicated jerky their human had made to stave their desire to chomp down on the poor dog. "Don't worry, bud." Asahi ruffled the fur on Hojo's head. "I'll make sure you get fed too."
The dog's gaze did not meet Asahi's; there was something off about him, and Hojo was not pleased by it. But, the sight of a bright chew toy in the shape of a wide-eyed creature caught the dog's eye, and in the next moment, Hojo had it in his mouth and was off to the corner of the room to happily snuggle with it.
"... Weirdo dog," Asahi mused with a tut, before reaching into the crate and pulling out a jar full of kimchi. "Man, I wonder what he had to do to get a hold of this and make it transportable." He chuckled, setting it atop the table and admiring the red-pepper laden pickles before going right back to the crate to pull out more goodies.
"What do you guys think, a good ol' stew for us to do the trick?" He asked the dinosaurs, who paid little heed to his words as they continued to bicker. "I bet you guys would like a good... what'd Luka call it... Budae Jigae?"
He looked over at the tiny kitchenette that was provided in the room. One burner, one replicator, and probably a pot or pan if he looked hard enough. Or maybe the replicator could make them one. A pot of water? Seemed easy enough.
So, he got to work. After hurdling over the pot and the water, he had to pull out the knife he had fashioned through his time on the Cretaceous to cut his veggies. Half were replicated, but some he had found deep in the create. Tofu was easy enough through the replicator; it seemed to be the only food this replicator managed to create perfectly, and while replicating rice cakes and sausages was less than ideal, the glob of hot pepper paste and the pile of kimchi he dumped into it would mask whatever the replicator could not get spot on.
Soon, the smell stopped the bickering reptiles, who were both hovering over the pot as Asahi continued to add ingredients. "Alright you two, there's plenty here for everyone." He paused, peering into the pot. "... Maybe too much plenty." He muttered to himself. The two dinosaurs were trash compactors; they'd eat anything, and while Asahi was in a similar boat, he wasn't sure how the extra-spicy would hit his stomach. All of this intensity was very different than what he had survived off of previously.
Oh well, what was the worst that could happen?
As the human and his two dinosaurs hovered over the dish, Hojo let out a small huff of a sigh. He missed his human, not whoever this imposter was. But, what could be done? Standing up, the dog grabbed a hold of the plush before going to the door. He took one last look behind him, noting that the trio seemed nonplussed by his general existence, before letting the door swish open and trotting out. The smell of food did not offend him, but the seeming replacement of his human was upsetting.
Something would have to be done before too long, even if Hojo had to stare at everyone who looked like they were in charge to make sure it did get done.
