Better Than Cheesecake - Chapter Five - Part Two

___ Hello! Welcome to "Better Than Cheesecake"! While Chapters 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 form my Invictus entry (plus a commercial) and work as a standalone adventure, you'll miss the full flavor of Sosie's journey if you start here! Previous chapters reveal how our culinary-minded heroine encountered pirates, rescued Banu scientists, and maintained her recipes (and sense of humor) throughout. You'll discover why proper soufflé preparation rivals shield management in importance when navigating the 'verse. So while we're thrilled to have you join us for Invictus at ArcCorp, consider savoring the complete multi-course experience from the beginning. After all, the full dining experience truly satisfies!

On breaking atmosphere and entering the embrace of space, I spun up the quantum drive and pointed the ship's nose towards the first jump. Looking on the long-range sensors, it was surprisingly peaceful with little traffic beyond our two ships preparing to quantum. In the distance, a single Vulture was salvaging the remains of some manmade materials, likely a ship that had been destroyed as this was a fairly lawless area. The nav counted up to 100% completing the calculations, and I led the jump, pulling Sasha's Ghost along towards the bottom start of the planned course. A slight lurch and to me a feeling of euphoria signaled the quantum drive engaging and the hydrogen drive shutting down.

This transition was taken differently for many. For me, it was euphoria—like dancing through the stars with my body made of pure light. I'd seen all manner of reactions to quantum travel during my years traversing the verse: wide-eyed rookies gripping their harnesses with white knuckles, jaded cargo haulers catching a quick nap despite the dimensional shifts, thrill-seeking racers who treated it like a mild warm-up to "real" flying, and the occasional unfortunate soul who turned a distinctive shade of green despite anti-nausea meds. Quantum sickness, as veterans called it, spared neither the novice nor the experienced—it simply chose its victims with capricious randomness. I'd once witnessed a hardened Navy officer who could handle the wildest dogfight maneuvers reduced to a quivering mess during a simple straight-line quantum jump. Advocacy agents typically maintained their composure regardless of circumstances—their training regimens apparently included mastering the art of looking perpetually unimpressed. Quantum physics, it seemed, had a sense of humor all its own.

I watched as the blurry tunnel flashed by the forward window and felt my tense muscles starting to relax. The jump didn't last for a long time as it was just to get us out of the range of normal traffic and into the area of the void known as dead space. This was where starfarers will exit quantum and be mostly secure from other ships traveling space. Another slight lurch was felt as the ships came back out of quantum and came to rest floating peacefully. I added Sasha to my crew roster so she would have access to the ramp controls and signaled to her to join at her leisure.

I adjusted my ship's shields to full to be safe and altered the cooler to handle the soon-to-be increased output from the ship's food heating units as I prepared to be in my culinary element. Watching Sasha EVA toward the ship ramp with more grace out there than I could usually muster, I stood from the pilot's seat to join my guests and smoothed my Star Kitten outfit to be more presentable and removed the helmet and gauntlets. I may not have my usual entertaining haute couture dresses, but I knew I had the ingredients on board to wow my dinner guests.

I put a good playlist on the ship's sound system on a low volume to help set the ambiance. A set of light and exotic music suited for dining and conversation rather than mosh pit madness. I entered the ship's recreational room to see my Banu guests chatting, exploring things of interest I could swear I stowed (how did they find that risque holo-vid drama box?), and in some cases taking a quick ten-minute nap.

I waved to everyone in greeting saying, "Welcome everyone, we are now in a safe enough spot away from the pirates to stop for some sustenance and introductions.

"My name is Sosie De La Coeur, I was captured by the pirates after your ship was destroyed and you were en route to the pirate base. I came upon your ship as the pirates were returning with Lowiloom to open your ship's secured vaults and was captured. I'm very sorry for your losses as Lowiloom implied some of your Souli were lost when your ship struck the pirate minefield and was damaged. I've had the pleasure of meeting Lowiloom as we were imprisoned in the same holding pen and had a little time to talk although I realized I missed sharing my name with them." Looking to Lowiloom, "My apologies, there was a lot going on."

Just then Sasha joined us looking fresh as a baguette from the oven. I introduced her as well, "This is Sasha Filonenko, with the Advocacy who we can all thank for her timely rescue." Sasha smiled and waved to the assembled group. I smiled back and looked back to the Banu. "Would you care to introduce yourselves and we can become acquainted as I prepare food for us all?"

Lowiloom made a slight bow before speaking, "Nosi Souli yufu mo'zi," or in your language, "The Nosi Souli speaks through me. I am Lowiloom, head scientist and recently leader of these assembled Banu since our captain leader was killed in the pirate attack. I thank you both for my Souli and I for sustenance and rescue." I examined them more closely now there was opportunity. Their dark royal blue skin had intricate natural copper patterns that spiraled across their forehead and down their neck. They stood tall and distinguished with an ornate copper circlet on their head and eyes reflecting a keen intelligence.

Another of the Banu spoke next, "Yufu pacho mo'tan xeni - I navigate through star paths." "I'm Ssunda, the Senior Navigator and elder voice of wisdom." With weathered deep blue skin that shows copper undertones when caught in the light, and eyes that shift between amber and deep brown, they carry themselves with quiet dignity. The blue of their complexion has deepened with age, with copper-flecked patterns along their temples that mark their years of experience. Around their neck hangs an intricate copper medallion depicting celestial patterns.

Next came "¡Yuyúfu zuBanu! - I speak like the Banu!" A more slender than most Banu, with quick, precise movements, their vivid purple-blue skin shows subtle copper iridescence when they gesture animatedly. This copper shimmer is particularly noticeable along their throat and hands—the body parts most active during communication. Delicate copper wire circlets adorn their ears and wrists. Their voice can modulate across a surprising range of tones using zo yiilo. "I'm Yufar, the Communications Specialist."

"Taernin yupacho xo! - Taernin guides my path!" said a young-looking Banu with vibrant medium blue skin with copper flecks seeming to ripple with their movements, reflecting their restless energy. The copper undertones are most prominent across their shoulders and along their spine, creating natural patterns that almost resemble star charts. A copper pendant shaped like a stylized quantum drive hangs at their throat, glimmering with their enthusiastic movements. "I'm Taeron - Quantum Systems Specialist. My pleasure is to meet you!"

Next was Cassaji - Risk Assessment Specialist, "Cassa yumo'zi xeni - Cassa illuminates the paths of probability." Their rich purple skin has unusually pronounced copper highlights that form natural patterns, particularly visible along their strong features and the intricate markings on their forearms denoting their devotion to Cassa, the Patron of Luck. These copper elements in their skin seem to change in intensity depending on their mood or the success of recent predictions. Multiple copper rings adorn their fingers, each one representing a significant risk successfully navigated.

This was followed by Zubani - Cultural & Trade Protocol Expert, "Pacho souli xeni mo'zi - Trading builds bridges between soulis." Zubani specializes in cross-cultural trade negotiations and protocol. Their midnight blue skin features copper undertones that they enhance with cosmetic pigments for diplomatic occasions, creating subtle patterns that represent various cultural symbols from across the galaxy. An elaborate copper collar draped across their shoulders features small charms representing different cultures they've successfully negotiated with.

Next came Myatel - Security Specialist, "Mo'tan pacho xo - I guard the path." With a stocky build and steady gaze, Myatel handles both digital and physical security for the crew. Their deep purple skin has natural copper-toned striations across their shoulders and back, patterns that many Banu associate with physical strength and resilience. These copper elements become more pronounced during moments of heightened alertness. Their armor incorporates copper reinforcement plates of their own design, blending protection with intricate artistry.

Finally came Pachol - Environmental Systems Specialist, "Yupacho mo'zi yula - I balance the elements of life." Pachol manages life support and environmental adaptations for the crew. Their light periwinkle-blue skin shows unusual sensitivity to environmental changes, with the copper undertones becoming more or less visible depending on atmospheric conditions—a trait they've learned to use as an early warning system. Copper mesh woven into their clothing serves both as sensory apparatus and as decorative elements, displaying their status as an environmental specialist.

I smiled and did my best to keep up with the lively introductions. "It's a great honor and pleasure to meet you all! Please feel free to chat and ask any questions you may have, and I will get started preparing our food!"

Continued...