Experiments (Day 7, Morning, Open)

[Kakita Sugita]

Sugita grabs the glass and CHUGS. Volume should douse the flames. "Hooooo!!!" Now he fans his mouth. "Did you try this before you served it? A raccoon wouldn't eat this stuff!"

[Kaiu Seiko]

More stately, Seiko likewise drinks her water. Quietly, she understands Sugita's issue and almost agrees with him.

But a second samurai complaining would be a bit too much for poor Cook, so she elects to be quiet.

[Volsung]

Cook frowned. "Really? I didn't put in as many spices as they recommended."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Who is they? They're crazy!" Sugita isn't happy. At least he doesn't appear to be ready to strike out.

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko could only openly stare.

They put in MORE spices!?!?

[Volsung]

Cook looked out one of the tiny portholes in the galley. "Well, the locals, Kakita-sama. That was where Isawa-gunso got the recipe."

[Kakita Sugita]

... Sugita purses his lips. "Oh. That's sly of him." That man will pay. "Why don't you try some? I insist."

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko suppressed a smirk. After having served two samurai, it was only appropriate for the heimin to have some herself.

[Volsung]

Cook looked hurt. "Kakita-sama. I do not serve anything I have not tasted myself."

[Kakita Sugita]

Sugita looks incredulous regardless. "How could you possibly not feel like somebody lit a bonfire of acid in your mouth?"

[Volsung]

Cook smiled. "Been on Mantis boats for 8 years, Kakita-sama. They like their food a bit spicier than most do."

[Kakita Sugita]

"A bit? Kinda like the ocean is a bit big?" He pushes his bowl forward. "You can keep it."

[Kaiu Seiko]

"How many non-Mantis samurai have you served food of this nature, not counting us?"

No condemning, no accusation, just a simple question.

[Volsung]

Cook paused, thinking for a moment. "Well, does Kaiu-sama mean in this trip or over all the years I've served as a cook?"

[Kaiu Seiko]

"How about the last time you served food like this to non-Mantis samurai, and how many?" she pressed, her expression calm and her voice neutral.

[Volsung]

"Must have been about two years ago. Don't get a lot of non-Mantis on the boats, truth be told. Maybe 10 or so? None of them had... quite that reaction." Cook shrugged helplessly.

[Kakita Sugita]

"No more serving acid please." Nod.

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko also nodded.

"I think something with half that intensity would be fine with me. Especially if I had prior warning."

[Volsung]

Cook frowned slightly, but bowed low all the same. "Of course, Samurai-samas."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Could we get something else maybe...?" Sugita adventures. "We'll just wait right here."