[center][h2]Prepare for Docking, and Other Double Entendres[/h2][/center]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YGKOIA3.jpg[/img]
[/center]


“Lesson Number One.  If it can move, it will.”  During their time together in China Doll’s galley, Hook made double certain that if she learned nothing else, Edina had that one down pat.  On a boat in space, loose objects weren’t just a nuisance; they could be downright catastrophic.  And the galley, with its’ heavy pots and pans, not to mention all manner of things with pointy ends and stuff that would make even more pointy ends if it broke, was a whole passel of catastrophes just waiting to happen.

And so, Edina was careful.  During his tenure as cook, Joe Hooker had meticulously organized the galley, his vision taking not only the sense of utility, but also an abiding respect for safety.  Each pan and utensil had an outline drawn to indicate its’ place in the cabinets.  He had taken pains to secure these objects by means of bungee loops anchored into shelves and trays.  His pupil was only too glad to continue the practice.

“This is your friendly galley girl,” Edina piped up on the shipwide comm.  “The galley is officially closed until after we’ve docked at Little Moriah Skyplex.  There are sodas and bottled water in the cooler.  If you’re jonesing for just one more cup of coffee…I’m looking at you, Captain…you’ll find a fresh pot in the thermos, next to some paper cups.  And maybe, if you ask me real nice, you might just get a cookie or two.  Thank you for flying China Doll!” she quipped before cutting the mic.

“Hey, Galley Girl!”  Yuri stood across the serving counter, fixing Edina with a good humored smile. “I take it I missed lunch?”

She lifted an eyebrow.  “You take that right.  Where’ve you been?”

“With Elias,” he set the clipboard down.  “Giving him the lowdown on the truss cage.”

[i]Ah, the infamous truss cage,[/i] Edina recalled silently.  She was nigh on certain he’d managed to successfully talk everyone’s ear off about that little piece of engineering.  Especially hers.  Edina wouldn’t ever say that Yuri had become insufferable, but when she found herself kissing him just to shut him up, she had to admit that she was more than a little worn out with the topic.  After making a silent promise to thank Elias for his service, she replied, “Sorry, but we’re all scrubbed and buttoned up for docking.  If I’m honest, I think Boone ate your portion, anyway.”

“Makes sense,” the First Mate observed.  “Seein’s he’s still a growing boy and such.”  He then met her eyes once again.  “You said there were cookies?” he asked hopefully.

China Doll’s Galley Chief folded her arms.  “I said there [i]might[/i] be cookies.”  Her eyes sparkled mischievously.  “Boys who can’t remember to make it for lunch usually don’t qualify.”

Yuri chuckled, “I see,” he gave a nod and a lift of an index finger.  “The punishment for not eating is…not eating some more?  That about sum it up?”

“Perfectly,” she answered, flashing her [i]‘this is me picking on you’[/i] grin.

He appeared to think on that.  Presently, Yuri turned.  “Can we work out something?  Favor for favor?  A barter, maybe?”

Edina crooked her finger.  “Follow me,” she smiled, before stepping inside the pantry.  “Get the door.”

“Uhhhh,” Yuri hesitated.  “What are we doing?”

“You want my cookies,” Edina teased, “you gotta give me your cookies.”

“I am totally lost here,”

She heaved a sigh which lifted a stray wisp of hair.  “If Abby was here, she’d say something like, “That thar was one ‘o’ them double entendrees, yah dumbass!”

“Oh…OH!”  Yuri finally caught wise.  “Thank Buddha she’s not here!”

Edina’s hand shot out of the pantry, grabbing Yuri by the collar.  “Come here,” she ordered, before yanking the First Mate inside.