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[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

// mafioso

TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO • ACTION

XIMILIA

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text. un: 10-54

[construing]

Hey. Wouldn’t happen to have put in another order for those energy drinks, have you?

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Yeah, I'd say they're going to be a staple after the last two missions ended up in shitstorms towards the end. So you can count on me making sure to remind Viv-chan to include them every supply drop.

I take it this means you need a few.

[construing]

Got it in one.
BTW, how are you doing? That fight was fucking rough.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Makes sense. You're right about that ending.
A bit bruised but fine. Not my first rodeo. Well, first rodeo, not my first fight.
Although those alien assholes were tough bastards. Hard to take down.
What about you? Besides the energy drinks, need anything else?

[construing]

Don't remind me. I got chased by one that looked and ran like a freaking gazelle. [ and when carrying another orber? annoying as fuck. ]
Just the Staminan, thanks. Unless you got any snacks you recommend.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Shit, how'd you outrun a gazelle?
[Sorry, he's laughing on the other end of the line at that one. But in a good way. He'd glad you made it.]
Now there's an idea. I should get Viv-chan to order a few snacks from home. We have a ton of different snacks from Japan you might like to try out. Maybe we could do an exchange if everyone requested stuff from their own homes and shared them around the station.

[construing]

[ sure, sure, yuk it up 😑 ]

By doing my best. [ and climbing whole buildings while carrying blue like a backpack. pity there were no cameras. ]
I'd love a snack exchange. I can ask for cronuts for everyone.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Well, good on you then.
I had to face down a bird and a reptile that just did not want to stay on the ground no matter how many times I put him there.
See? I have no idea what a cronut is. Sounds like a good plan.

[construing]

[ ugh. lizards. ]

If I never see a giant lizard again it will be too soon.
More importantly, though, when the next drop comes, we can split cronuts. They'll change your life.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Haha, yeah. They're tough bastards. Hey, you know those simulated missions? I got turned into a dragon once by one of them. Not all reptiles are so bad.
I'll take your word on it. Oh, yeah. Andy-san asked me to make some nian gao last time we were on the station. There might be some leftover ingredients for some if you want to try it. It's a sticky rice cake usually eaten for New Year's. If you're still looking for a snack this round.

[construing]

Fuck, it really was New Year's not…two months ago? This February feels like end of March.
My shit calendar keeping aside, I'd love some. Or the recipe. I should probably start learning to cook more things for myself.

[ this next reply comes after a little pause. ]

I miss New York. I miss delivery.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Yeah, it was, although I don't think Andy-san asked for it because of New Year's Day. It was on a mission and cooking just happened to come up. I said I'd give it a try for her.
I can give you a recipe. I can show you how to make it, too, if you want a hand's on approach.

I hear ya. I miss my restaurant. Never thought I'd say that.

[construing]

You own a whole restaurant?? Way to bury the lede.
Yeah, I'll take cooking lessons from an actual chef.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

I'm not certified or anything. It's more like I grew up in a restuarant.

[And use all the facilities. And all the local restuarants let him use their kitchens anytime he wants, too, because he's such a good boy the Boss.]

[construing]

Don’t sell yourself short; that translates to experience.
I work part-time at the Dollar Dog back home. Mr. Albie, he was the owner, no formal training. But my friends and me would haul ass to the Upper West Side to eat there after school. Aside from the corn dogs, his burgers are to die for and you have not had a bacon-egg-and-cheese until you’ve had Mr. Albie’s.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

[Zhao laughs at this story though it doesn't go into the message. It's cute. He actually gets this kind of praise often and doesn't really get it (or doesn't care one way or another) so he'll continue to downplay his cooking skills even though everyone always tells him he's the best. All that aside...]

Sounds like you really admire the guy. If I ever make it to New York I'll give it a look.

[construing]

If you see him, tell him Gwen sent you.

[ odds of them sharing a universe? minuscule to nonexistent. but she fully endorses supporting small businesses and especially mr. albie’s no matter what universe it is. ]

He’s just a good guy, really. Put up with us kids. Hires ex-cons. [ gwen herself being the ex-convict in question. ] World could use more Mr. Albies honestly.

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Will do.

[Yeah, he probably won't ever make it to New York much less that guy's place (in another universe or his own) but it can't hurt to remember it. Or say he will.]

Sounds like my kinda guy. Tough to do that sometimes, risky. Good to hear someone out there taking the chance for others.

[construing]

Yeah.
So. Yep. Next time you're in the kitchen, text me. I'll be there with bells on.