Origins of an Icer

Chapter 5

Iron Maiden's Chow Hall

(Whoa... what is this place?) Akifa chuckled softly, watching the Icer lean up on his talons, looking around the wide, circular room with different restaurants, vending machines, and various machines to pick meals.

"This is our chow hall, ah... cafeteria? It's kind of more like a food court, but whatever. Point is: it's a place to get food and fill up. Breakfast is 5am to 9am, lunchtime is 11am to 1pm, and dinner is 5pm to 7pm. During those meal times, our food comes free, so we don't have to worry about paying it. Outside of those times, these restaurants shut down to prep for the next food round, while the shops and vending machines stay open to get snacks for different times. Our missions can go anywhere between an easy hour to maybe days at a time. You have a specific diet we need to pick up, so we have to go this way," Akifa added, taking the Icer's hand as he headed over to the biggest serving restaurant, staffed with half a dozen chefs taking orders as they continuously pushed out dishes and carts filled with trays.

"Hey Meg! Hey girls, I need you. I got a special diet case," he mentioned, showing the medical ID card the head doctor gave him for the Icer, swiping it on the machine. The chef dressed in white was dark purple skin toned with dark fur around her cheeks and wild thick hair tied and balled up under her hat. She held wide, yellow eyes with catlike pupils while she pulled on plastic gloves, looking over the screen.

"Mmm... that's a lot of high priced seafood. She's got it coming out of the infirmary's budget, thankfully it's only a week. I'll see what I can whip up quick, anything specific you want me to alter, change overtime?" she asked, glancing to Akifa who leaned over, whispering softly.

"He's got telepathic communication abilities, but I don't know about his hearing. If there is a way to put in substitute foods, so it's less of a strain on your kitchen, that's fine. He's already got a list of meds and vitamins he's got to take. Any chance you can give him like filler shakes? Something to tide him over during his orientation? I don't want him starving between meals, I may not always make it in time," Akifa whispered, glancing up at Wren who watched the breakfast crowd filtering around various restaurants and food chains. He sniffed the air, turning as he waved, Akifa cringing as he heard a high shriek from across the way.

"Oh gods, it's too early." He groaned, glancing down as Meg shoved a black mug of fresh coffee into his hands, patting his shoulder as she barked orders in her native tongue. Akifa went over to Wren, pulling him to an empty table as he sat down. Wren yawned softly, sitting awkwardly on a stool as he grumbled, flexing his tail to help rebalance him when Oracle ran up, holding a tray of food as she set it down.

"Good morning, everyone! Ohayou gozaimasu!" she repeated, smiling wide as she sipped a cup full of fresh, green tea with honey, Akifa sipping his coffee mug slowly.

"Mmm... you're not human, how're you so full of gods-damned energy?" he grumbled, finishing his mug as he snapped his fingers in the air, summoning a droid filled with fresh coffee to refill the mug. Wren cooed softly, leaning forward as he poked the droid, tilting his head.

(So strange... do you have lots of these little things?)

"What, coffee droids? Yeah, there's all kinds. Oh, did you ever get a name? I don't think Akifa told us what your name is," Oracle added, smiling softly as Wren chirped softly.

(It's Eiwren'Teiran... but Akifa prefers Wren, it's easier to say.) The Icer watched Oracle reacting with wide eyes and her mouth forming an O as she smiled brightly.

"No way! Oh my gosh, telepathic communication?! That is a forgotten ability from most of the universe!" Oracle chirped excitedly as she went over, sitting closer to Wren with a wide grin, looking over his face.