Welcome home.

[imthepilot]

With Galen finally being released from the Infantry today, Bodhi has pulled out all the stops to make sure their rooms are ready. The bar has been very helpful, providing him with everything he needs to make it work for them.

The rooms are large and airy, open planned living and dinning. Thick carpets and warm colours make it homely and comfortable.

The bar has made sure Bodhi's kitchen has all the appliances he's use to and a big pantry. All the lovely hardwood benches and lots of storage.

The bedroom faces out onto the balcony, just as the living room does, giving them a view of the lake and the gardens. There's an office and workshop for Galen too, ready to be set up the way he wants it.

And a bathroom with a water fresher big enough for two, and of all things - a spa bath.

The balcony has been lined with pots, one wall lined with climbing frames, ready for creeps, flowers and climbing legumes. The kitchen window is also lined with little pots of fresh herbs.

Bodhi opens the door for Galen, biting his lip and hoping Galen likes it.

Comments

[galen_erso]

"We will find out how things work best for us," Galen says. "We had some time to grow a routine, but that was a bit stifled by the Imperial science station around us."

[imthepilot]

"You had your work and I was with the medic or cooking. Or working out. I guess I could get back into that."

He eats slowly, a little mechanically. He does notice the soup needs more white chilli for his tastes but not enough to add some.

[galen_erso]

Galen likes the soup just fine as it is.

"I will be making things," he says,"and so might you, if different things. And then, when we are done for the day, we can come home to each other."

[imthepilot]

"I don't think there's much call for my cooking here but... maybe I can grow things. Maybe sell my herb and produce to the bar?"

[galen_erso]

"People still seem to treasure hand-made, real food," Galen says. "Like that baker. And there's even a competition I have heard people talk about."

[imthepilot]

"Maybe I should talk to her." He answers thoughtfully. "It would give me something to do."

[galen_erso]

"It might give you something to be enthusiastic about," Galen says. "You never had a chance to do purely what you want and what you are good at. Only what would feed you and your sisters."

[imthepilot]

"Or to cook with such a range of ingredients. Andrew introduced me to cooking programs from his world. Some of the ingredients were familiar but others were utterly different." There's an almost childish not of happiness in his voice.

[galen_erso]

"Like what?" Galen asks.

[imthepilot]

"Potatoes. They're a root vegetable that seems to grow plentifully all over Earth. And they seem to be very, very versatile."

[galen_erso]

"What can you make from them?" Galen asks.

[imthepilot]

"Fried and salted as a snack food. Baked as a side with meat. Or steamed or boiled then mashed with milk or butter it makes a smooth paste that can be eaten as is or baked as the topping of a pie."

[galen_erso]

"I think," Galen says, "tomorrow, I would like to try potatoes."

[imthepilot]

"Then tomorrow I'll find a potato recipe to cook for you." Bodhi promises, finishing off the last of his soup.

[galen_erso]

Galen finishes his soup as well, wiping the bowl with a piece of bread to get the very last of the taste.

"But now," he says, "sleep."

[imthepilot]

"Bed, yes." He cleans up the kitchen first, putting the bowls away. "Did you want to use the fresher before we-?"

[galen_erso]

Galen starts taking off his shirt. "I think I had better," he says. "There is still medical goo on me."

[imthepilot]

"Do you-" He cuts himself off. He wants to ask if Galen wants company but... he doesn't want to rush anything. "Do you need help, with that?"

[galen_erso]

"Perhaps, yes," Galen says. "I still have some bruises."

And he really does.

[imthepilot]

"I can help with that." Bodhi nods, gesturing towards the bathroom.

It's bigger than a standard issue fresher room, with a nice big water bath and a duel sonic and water fresher. And thick towels.

[galen_erso]

"That thing is for filling with water?" Galen marvels, getting rid of his shoes.

[imthepilot]

"I think so. I think it's for soaking in." He marvels at the taps. "I still can't get over how readily water is available here." He shakes his head. "Every time I look at the lake."

[galen_erso]

"Lots of water, and still good warm weather," Galen says. "I don't think I have seen that often."

[imthepilot]

"I think it gets cold here. But... it seems like it's always warm inside. That the rooms are kept warm." He's looking forward to that.

He holds out his hands, offering to help Galen out of his clothes.

[galen_erso]

Galen is glad to let him have his shirt and turn, instead of worming out of it despite his bruises and still-healing ribs. Soon, he is naked.