As Eirik and Lasse went down the corridors of Eirik's ship, a heavy, delicious smell permeated through the air.

"Sure smells like chili con carne. It's been ages since I had a good meal, the guys at the station are great at security but absolute shit at cooking." Lasse said as he sniffed the air expectantly.

"I never experience that problem as long as I got Old Pan employed. The only thing I need to watch out for is whenever we get a new crew. He tends to lose his mind if you do not follow his rules. Which reminds me, we gotta wash our hands before we come in." Eirik was in a genuinely good mood. He rarely got the opportunity to sit down and have a meal with family. After a quick washing of their hands, they entered the cantina and found a table to sit down at. Eirik noticed Las'Tai sitting at a table with some of the other crew, deeply engaged in the conversation the group was carrying.

Moments later Old Pan banged a spoon on the counter three times, the signal that everyone could come up and get some food. This was gonna be great, he had not had chili in a long while, and Old Pan was quite generous with his spices. Something was bugging him though, and he could not figure out what it was. As He got 2 bowls for Lasse and himself, he noticed that Las'Tai's table had gone quiet as their food had arrived. But everyone was looking at Las'Tai, who only had eyes for the food in front of her. That lizard could always find room for more food.

Then it clicked. Las'Tai had not been introduced to spices rich in capsaicin*. She had never had anything that was more than lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and common herbs.

"LAS'TAI, WAIT, STOP!!!" He yelled out, but it was too late. The fork had left its content in her mouth and she was happily chewing for a few seconds before she stopped with an expression of surprise. Eirik imagined her rolling her tongue around in her mouth, trying to figure out what this new sensation was. Then the full effect of the chili hit her and she went from calm and inquisitive to a maelstrom of movement.

_______________________

Pain. Burning pain. Her mouth was on fire. These thoughts ran in Las'Tai's mind as she mindlessly scampered about the cantina, over tables, under benches, along the walls. Anywhere than where she currently was. A primal instinct made her try to get away from the pain, but since the pain was within her, there was no place to run to for safety.

She heard yelling in the background, but nothing penetrated the burning pain she felt in her mouth. her eyes tearing up blurred her vision to the point where she could no longer see anything beyond rough shapes.

Suddenly she was gripped by 2 sets of hands, her mouth forced open and some liquid poured into her mouth. As the liquid hit her mouth, the burning sensation faded enough that she could start thinking once again. Wiping her eyes, she saw the Captain and his brother from the smuggler station, the Captain still having her mouth in an iron grip while his brother was holding a glass bottle of white liquid in his hand.

Eirik let go of her mouth and said, "That milk will help neutralize the capsaicin. Come over to our table, Las'Tai. The bottle will be on the table. Even with milk, it's going to take a little while before it's completely gone again."

Keeping the soothing milk in her mouth, she didn't say anything, just followed him over to the table and sat down with one claw on her glass and the other on the bottle of milk. Eirik didn't even need to ask to know that she was ready to claw someone to pieces if she heard as much as a snicker.

Eirik noticed, with some satisfaction, that most of the people in the cantina were not amused. Several of them were staring at the 4 crew members at Las'Tai's former table with what looked like ill intent. Old Pan had made his way out the kitchen to bring the milk that Eirik had yelled at him to bring, and came over to Las'Tai.

"I apologize profusely, Las'Tai, I didn't think about you not being used to spicy food. So, to make it up to you, I am going to make a specialty dinner for you, starting right now. I promise you will like this one." With these words, he wandered back into his kitchen where the scrambling of pots and pans could soon be heard.

After another minute, she could finally talk again, "I am going to get those guys back for that. They said that I was going to find this food *interesting*!! HOW THE FUCK DOES A SPECIES MANAGE TO MAKE FOOD TASTE LIKE FIRE, AND THEN AGREE THEY ALL LIKE IT?!!?" Slowly shaking her head, she continued speaking, although in a lower tone of voice, "I swear, you primates are the most insane, most illogical, most devious, species in the entire fucking universe! Why did I ever agree to join this crew??"

With a smirk Eirik was quick to reply, "Because of my charming personality and because freedom sounded better than imprisonment. Besides, we enjoy having you on the crew. Although it WAS a mean joke, it still means they care enough about you to try and make a fun memory you could all laugh at in the future."

This gave Las'Tai pause. "Is this the *pack bonding* that Terrans are notorious for?"

"It is indeed," Eirik said before continuing in a dry tone of voice, "Welcome to the family, Scaly"

She looked exasperated as she heard the nickname "Seriously, Can't I choose a different nickname??"

"Nicknames are given, not chosen" Eirik intoned as if reciting a mantra.

Further debate was interrupted by Old Pan sticking his head out of the kitchen "20 minutes, you are gonna eat good Las'Tai" Before popping back into the kitchen.

Things had calmed down at this point and people had resumed their regular meal. Lasse leaned over the table. "So, Eirik, why do you have to speak to granddad, and how do you know he will show up alone. As your older brother, I demand you tell me."

Eirik stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before answering, "I can tell you the primary reason, IF you promise not to show any reaction in here. And seeing as Las'Tai is present, and it would be rude to cast her from my table so soon after that prank, You are going to have to wait for her to get her meal so the 3 of us can retreat to my room where we can talk in private."

"That's another thing," Lasse said, raising one finger, "Why do you allow her so much access to your plans and choices??"

Eirik looked almost sardonic as he said "We are bound by the gods. If I am to discover the reason, I must spend time with her."

Lasse sighed heavily. "You always DID take to grandfathers tales of the gods like a fish to water. Alright, I promise."

Eirik hesitated for a moment. "Our brothers live. That's what I am going to speak to granddad about."