[CO's Dining Room]
"Nobushi, you have out done yourself." Stafford said expansively.
It was true. The new steward on the Columbus was a compact, hard faced Japanese crewman straight out of Basic. Captain Stafford had been dubious when the young man had presented himself. He immediately yearned for his old steward, a Texan, whose meals were consistently spicy, heavy, and rich. But one look at this spread had changed Stafford's mind immediately.
"Try it first, captain," Nobushi replied, unsmiling. "Have you ever had kaiseki before?"
"I know the word, but I have not." The captain told the young man. "Describe these dishes for me."
"Sakizuke, the appetizer. Kuruma prawn, in your case. The first course is suimono, the soup. Pureed wax gourd with abalone. For the sashimi I chose mukuzki, red rockfish with Japanese squash." Nobushi's voice was proud, but he was such a dutiful and serious young man that even in displaying his creation he was stern. "The grilled course consists of yakimono, salt broiled ayo fish with vinegar sauce."
Stafford made a move to start to eat and without hesitation Nobushi sharply raised his tone to stop the captain.
"Kaiseki is an art form, captain!" He said. "You do not eat it with your forks or hands. It must be appreciated for its aesthetic value as well as its taste."
"Sorry," Stafford said lamely, feelings hurt.
"Finally, the shokuji is tempura of braised shark fin with boiled rice." Nobushi's voice was a little miffed when he spoke again. "And...coffee and pie for dessert. Per your orders."
"Ah," The captain grinned, some of his authority reasserted. "Not a fan of tea or fruit for dessert, crewman."
"That is your prerogative, sir." Nobushi replied, a bit of disgust in his voice. "Now you may eat. Chopsticks only, it is a crime otherwise."
"Soreka to Captain Stafford, Could you join me in Cargo bay 2 please alone, Clock is ticking."
[CO's Dining Room]
The prawn was halfway to Stafford's mouth when he got the call. He sighed and looked up at Nobushi in despair.
"
...Stafford to Soreka. Acknowledged, commander.
" The captain glanced at the narrow eyed Japanese enlisted man. "I don't suppose you could take all this back to the galley so I can eat it tomorrow?"
The other man's eyes bugged and he looked about ready to fall over in horror.
"Kidding, crewman. Thank you, but duty calls."
[Cargo Bay 2]
The captain's cane and boots were tapping on the deck just a bit more urgently than usual, signifying his impatience and annoyance.
"You'd better have a damned good reason for interrupting my dinner, you old bastard." Stafford said by way of greeting.