Human Edge

Again Colette spoke to the head chef and again she had to beg. "Pretty please with cherries and sprinkles on top!"
The scruffy chef wouldn't budge this time. "NO! Enough of your nonsense... you are passanger not chef."

"But... but... but! Cooking!" She feign a pout.
The chef sighed "You can help but no funny business."
"Yay!" She jumped and clapped.

James and Mata were at a table, looking of a noteputer.

"welcome wlecome to ze mess hall! How can I help?" Colette welcomed the two with her energetic spirit."

James blinked at first. He had never been welcomed to a mess hall in such an excited way. "Hello. I'm Technician James Hall and this is my daughter, Mata." He emphasized the technician part to indicate he was no one of importance.

Mata looks up from the noteputer which seems to be have basic multiplication and division problems on it. "Hi." She looked like she had a few bumps and bruises, but otherwise seemed almost as cheerful as Colette.

James continued, "We were just looking for some supper."

"I am Colette Rupelle... with ze Echo Explorer. And today's menu is White rize, mutton curry, onion zupe, grain salad and cake au chocolat." She smiled and clapped. "What will it be? Do Mata want something special?"

"I have to say, the food here is not what I was expecting."

Mata replied. "Chocolate cake!"

"After you eat your dinner and if you get the long division right."

Mata frowns. "I hate long division. If I'm... If I am going to be a warrior, I will not need to divide things."

James looked unimpressed by her logic. She turns to Collette for help.

Colette giggled. "A good warrior aspires to be good at their job and even though you think you may not need it... it helps you follow instructions and..." She smiled at the girl. "I'll give you my best chocolat cake with sprinkles and whipped cream."

James nods.

Mata smiles despite herself. "Fine. I will do the stupid long division." She looks up to Collette. "Is chocolate cake really that good? I have heard it is the best food ever?"

Jan was up to something. He wandered into the mess, sat down, pulled out a cig, but overall looked more like he was waiting for an opportunity than for a can of cool beans.

Mata waved to the new arrival.