Starfall

Chapter 36 - Manhunt

The trip back the next morning was a quick affair, as were the goodbyes said before leaving. Pacifica watched as Mabel hugged many necks and thanked the Mabels for all their help. Dipper had been looking far better this morning. Other than being a little groggier than usual he and Stanley were none the worse for wear. The needle of worry that had been in her chest finally lifted when she saw him stumble into the kitchen looking for breakfast the next morning. She had kissed him on the cheek and hugged him despite the smug grin his twin sister was casting her way. Ford reassured him the Anti-Mabel had been securely frozen in cryostasis in the bunker first thing when they had got home. She was now a miniature statue frozen in a tube next to the shapeshifter. She would not be escaping any time soon. Meanwhile, Mabel had cooked them up pancakes and bacon. Dipper and Stan wolfed down breakfast. Apparently, the toxin had made them very hungry the following morning as one of the side effects. Stan had demolished even more food than Dipper surprisingly.

Now that they had returned Ford's ship to his hanger and taken the portal back to Gravity Falls everyone was content to just have a lazy day. Ford ordered the pizza, which was good as Stanley was always stingy with the cash. Pacifica polished off four pieces of pizza despite herself. She would devote herself to a rigorous exercise and cleansing routine the next morning. Today was her day to relax.

Zaharah arrived a short while later and brought Cade with her. Mabel squealed with delight as she launched herself off the couch and into Cade's arms. Even Dipper couldn't suppress a smile. Zaharah now pulled her bag off her back. It was similar to a backpack. She pulled out a box and popped the lid. "I brought some Terrelian Altrax meat with me. Ford was telling me about barbequing and it got me thinking. It's a fine meat and I caught it and placed it in stasis a week ago. It's a very tender meat similar to what you would call red meat but with a sweeter taste. The marbled fat gives it a sweet taste when it cooks."

Ford smiled, "I'd be honored if you cooked it here. I haven't had Alterax in years." Stanley grunted from the couch. "You can use my grill out back if you want." Ford muttered, "You mean my grill," he said under his breath shaking his head and leading the way. Zaharah smiled toothily as she followed Ford. The twins and Pacifica grinned in amazement.

Stanley got some cold beverages from the fridge and set them out on the deck with a card table. Cade lent a hand and rounded up a few extra chairs. They both returned burdened with food to set around it. A red checkered tablecloth was spread over it rather haphazardly. The sun was still high in the sky and the evening was a long way off yet. Ford had taught Zaharah how to make Kebabs with the marinated Alterax meat. The rest of the food was set on the makeshift picnic table by the time the meat was done grilling and everyone was seated. Ford said grace and everyone tucked in.

Pacifica took a speculative bite of the medium-rare meat. Her refined pallet noted with satisfaction that the meat tasted similar to ribeye. The tender meat was rich and well-marbled with a buttery flavor that sang with the tangy and savory notes of the marinade. The pineapple and peppers on the kebabs were charred to a tender perfection. She had to give it to Zaharah. The Twin's cousin really knew how to grill.

Pacifica watched as every few bites Mabel kept looking up at Cade their eyes meeting. Pacifica smiled. Despite the distractions, Mabel had moved on to dessert and was applying copious amounts of whipped cream to her pie while Dipper gave her a disapproving look as her fourth scoop of whipped cream was pilled on the plate. The pecan pie was nowhere to be seen under the avalanche of whipped topping.

Pacifica seized the bowl away from Mabel, "Save some for your cousin and Cade." Mabel frowned and said, "Hey!" She reached for the dish but Pacifica parried deftly. "This is their first time on earth. You wouldn't deny them desert would you?" Mabel stopped reaching for the dish and conceded begrudgingly. Zaharah poked at the Jello on her plate dubiously. "And it's safe to eat?" she asked cautiously. Mabel laughed, "Yes, and don't forget the whipped cream!"