Chapter 23

The rest of the crew had taken up the task of lunch preparation. Someone decided that a big pot of soup, and homemade at that, was what was needed. Well, largely homemade. A big container of beef stock from the replicator was the base for the soup. Potatoes and carrots, onion and celery, some peas here, some corn there, some herbs, some spices, salt and pepper and it started tasting pretty good. They left it simmering to marry the flavours.

Someone else decided that the crew deserved muffins to go with the soup. Amy and Janice volunteered to make the muffins. They had much fun, and not much mess.

Presently, John entered the kitchen, flanked by Gail and Tracy on each arm. They were surprised when applause erupted. All three blushed.

Children were collected and washed, the muffins were brought from the oven, the soup served, and all sat down to enjoy a good meal together. A question about Elizabeth's morning sparked her to stand and make an announcement.