It that time of year where I don’t want to get out of my bed and chug hot chocolate down my esophagus, with any combination of sweets from marshmallows to the leftover candy-canes to The weird but tasty treats my aunt gave me. I’m sure I will be able to find a combination that is not toxic to my crew mates -- Anon Guest
Humans, it seems, have a seasonal awareness that stretches out to places where seasons are non-existence. Even when divorced from their homeland calendar, some of them are peripherally aware of what time it is in the place of their birth.
For Human Goe, it was apparently winter. They had unpacked their fluffiest blankets, put up some festive decorations, and included simulated fires in their personal space to 'feel warm'. They prepared some of their favourite "winter warmers" and, like most Humans, wanted to share their traditions with their crewmates.
Unfortunately, these were Havenworlders who could not safely digest theobromine so most of Human Goe's little treats were off the menu. This greatly upset Human Goe. They wanted to share everything they loved with everyone they loved. Human Goe didn't like roadblocks like that and, with typical Human determination, delved into research to find out what would work for their far more delicate little friends. And so did the experiments.
Of course, as the only being aboard the Planetary Peeker who could safely test the tastes and know the difference, Human Goe experimented on themself. Mixing, blending, baking, making, ordering and otherwise investing themself wholeheartedly into things they called "tasty fakes".
The final concoctions could very well be called works of art. In look, smell, texture, and taste, they were almost identical to the Deathworlder original. The key point was that they were Havenworlder Safe.
"I did my best," said Human Goe, as if they were ashamed of themselves. "I can taste the difference, but... this is as close as I could get to the whole experience. It took me so long. Winter's almost over..."
They were very carefully crafted, and the Prokavie crew chittered in excitement. Their Human had gone to supreme effort to share the things they loved with their crew. This was a sure and certain sign of pack bonding. Therefore, they made the efforts, too, to learn about the wintertime culture that Human Goe found most endearing.
It was never just the food, though that was a significant part of it. It was the songs and the decorations and the traditions and activities and, most important to a pack species - the people surrounding them.
The Prokavie of the Planetary Peeker were proud of being included.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / lucidwaters]
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