Chow time (D5 EE Cafeteria)

[Lakshmi Kaala]

"Steffen's a good guy. We used to spar a lot in the sims when the Angels were first founded." Lakshmi shares.

[John Slaktare]

"Yeah. He's put up with more of my shit than most," Butcher agrees with a nod. "Where were y'all before the angels?"

[Lakshmi Kaala]

"I remember~" Lakshmi says with a smile before Butcher switches topics to their past. This causes her to refocus on eating. "Nowhere much."

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Only a university student. I started my working life here. Sorry, I'm a bit boring in comparison to a Solaris native." Tessa comments humbly. She notices Laks focused on eating with slight concern.

"So! How are you finding this planet so far?" She changes topic.

[John Slaktare]

"Ah, not native to Solaris. Went there from New Bergen," he clarifies.

"And this planet ain't too bad so far. Not that we've gotten a real good look at it quite yet. But I haven't visited the town either. It'd probably feel a bit like being back on the home planet."

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Pryvidok's pretty. I went there yesterday on Yoko Lee's urgings. Know her?"

She forked some of her veggies.

"We're due some storms and then a warm spot according to the AFFC's weather predictions. We'll see if that makes it nicer. I know some of us don't like the snow."

[John Slaktare]

"Yeah. Planning on doing some combat training with her," he says with a nod, taking a bite of curry.

"I'll make it there if duty takes me there, but I'm not really the vacationing type. Did you enjoy the visit?"

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Combat training...?" Tessa is a bit surprised by this.

"Yes. A spot of shopping and a nice evening meal out. It was a welcome change of pace."

[John Slaktare]

"Yeah. Some self defense stuff. Wrestling and grappling. And she's actually a better shot so she's gonna be helping me out with that," Butcher confirms.

"Is it mostly tourist shopping? Souvenir and knickknack shops?"

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Mostly, but there are the usual shops too. Lots of cafes as well."

[Lakshmi Kaala]

Laks perks up. "I'll have to go after tomorrow's operation."

[John Slaktare]

"Looking to pick up something in particular?" he asks Lakshmi.

And then towards Tessa, "Did you get anything?"

[Lakshmi Kaala]

Laks shakes her head. "I'm interested in what shops there are."

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Clothes." Tessa answers with a smile. "A few dress and some other bits. I also had a good excuse to wear my nicer coat. If you do go, watch out for the slush in the streets from all the snow."

[John Slaktare]

John nods at that. "I prefer boots anyway. I... Don't even know the first thing about clothes shopping. All my stuff is black or white clothing from our supply."

He thinks for a moment.

"Suppose that kind of stuff makes for good gifts..."

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Usually, yes. Do you have someone in mind...?" Tessa inquiries. Gossip was gossip!

[John Slaktare]

"Mei-Ling," he replies, not even trying to avoid it.

"I'd like to get something nice, but that'd mean figuring out what something nice is."

[Richard Winter]

"Cooking utensils" it came from another table in the dining hall.

So far, Richard had held back and enjoyed his Frankenstein mix of Curyy and fish, but his friend's name came up and he couldn't help but jump in.

[Lakshmi Kaala]

"Mei-Ling?" Laks asks, sitting up. Tessa looked over to her for an explanation.

"She's a Sergeant leading one of the Scout lances." Laks nods to Richard. "Under this gentleman. Lieutenant Richard Winter." Tapping the table with the bottom of her spoon, she motions Richard to come over.

"You're going to get a reputation as a loner if you eat on your own too often Kid."

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Kid?" Tessa was confused. That wasn't like Laks.