Chapter 58 "The onion argument" aka Council Meetings
System countdown: 2:00
I was listening in on three workers in the hydroponics floor. Normally, I don’t listen in, but they started talking about a heated subject. Something more heated than pineapple on pizza. It was the evil, dark, greatest villain of all time: Onions.
Eliza Thistlebrook first grabs my attention. Eliza is a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and a kind face, framed by auburn hair peppered with strands of silver. She has a sturdy build and is often seen wearing simple, practical clothing like a worn apron and a dress that has seen many seasons. “I have seen people eat RAW onions and enjoy it. What monsters. And if those people are hearing me, what kind person, are you okay? Onions. Seriously? Who in their right minds can eat an Onion like an apple?”
Eliza is known throughout the domain for her nurturing nature. She used to work as an herbalist, which I should talk to Jack about, get her and a group out there collecting me more samples to add to my list. Anyways, her deep knowledge of plants and remedies has made her a trusted figure among the survivors. I find her to be patient and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, making her a beloved member of the community.
But never had I heard her express such anger and rage, “They even close their eyes in enjoyment. Don’t close your eyes and munch it! Stop it!” At this point Cedric Thornfield joined in as he checks the water levels of the potatoes, “And you know what I hate more?” Fingers crossed this must be something good.
Cedric is a tall and lean young man in his early twenties with tousled dark hair and piercing green eyes. He sports a few faded scars on his face, a testament to his adventurous spirit. He typically wears well-worn leather armor, and a dagger is strapped to his belt, but today, I noticed that he was in his overalls. If I was still had my teen body, he would have been a boy to grab my attention that is for sure.
Cedric took in a deep breath and let it out, “The gross vegetables are everywhere. Salads, sandwiches, soups, stews.” He paused for a second as if a light bulb went off about his head, “Actually, they love to show up in things that start with S.”
Eliza and a few others around her laughed at that statement.
Agnes Whitewood chimed in, “So much stress over these Onions. I beg the gods for mercy every day, asking them what I did to deserve this. In a past life did I murder kittens?” Agnes is an elderly woman with silvery white hair pulled back into a tight bun. She wears round spectacles perched on the bridge of her nose and favors long, flowing skirts and delicate shawls. Her hands are gnarled from years of hard work. “I don't get it, but then again people have different tastes.”
A young girl, I am guessing she is roughly around my age, or my old age before I died, Lila Hawthornno. She spoke up in defense of the wicked vegetable. “Did you know,” her voice was soft and sweet, “Onions can be used in a wide variety of dishes, like you said before, which makes them versatile. They can be sautéed, caramelized, fried, grilled, or eaten raw, adding depth and flavor to almost any culinary creation. You can’t do that with everything.”
Cedric returned the statement, “No offense if you’re an onion lover. Y’all are cool, but your taste buds must be broken. Nope, not for me. I have met enough of you, you people who love to poison your sense of taste. When will the number in your ranks lower?”
That caused a bit of a laugh from those around. I will say, it was nice to see them working away, and holding a conversation. As much as they were arguing, they were still a community working and growing together.
Lila continued, “I don't care for onions either, but I don’t hate them. I respect them. For example, when they're chopped and added to a recipe for some food, such as a stew, that gets cooked, I don't mind.”
Eliza chimed in, “You bring up a good point Lila. I have eaten enough of that watered down stew we had to eat under the wolves, we should have just called it onion water. Now a days, I just don't want big clumps of them, and I'll remove them if they're added. If possible, I'll even ask for no onions, but I do respect Violet, our stomachs are full.”
Another defender walked by carrying a large back of fertilizer, “I like onions because they have layers, much like those mythic monsters in the old stories. Absolutely nutty, I loved those as a kid. It makes me think that onions are a gift to mankind.” I watched as his muscles pumped as he carried the bag that must have weighed like a hundred pounds.
Cedric laughed, “You are exactly the definition of people I call monsters. That’s it! you are no citizen,” he laughed, “You're a monster.” That brought a laugh or a giggle from everyone present.
Lila walked up behind Cedric and gave him a pinch on the butt before saying loudly for all to hear, “Onions are low in calories and a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain diseases.”
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Eliza winked at Lila, “So, what you are saying is you want your man to eat lots of onions, so he is healthy enough for you.” The whole room either smirked, smiled, or laughed at that point.
I giggled to myself. Lila and Cedric must be a young couple. I felt happy for those two, then a pang of sadness hit me. I would never get what those two had. I freaking died because I tried to find my own version of a Cedric.
That was when an old man yelled out, his face has hidden behind some lettuce we were growing, “I only enjoy cooked onions. Raw onions suck in all forms!” That snapped me out of my sadness doom spiral.
Agnes followed up the old mans yell, “Watch out old man.” She continued with a lighthearted tone, “Cutting those onions are going to irritate those beautiful blue eyes of yours, filling them with tears. Like when I broke your heart.”
“That was twenty years ago, let it go, and if I remember correctly, it was I who broke it off with you.”
“See, now we know you are old, saying things like you remember.”
The old man humped and jokingly winked at his fellow survivor.
Lila added, “You ever put some thin slices on a sandwich? Divine! Also, y’all who hate onions are psychopaths. Onions are the foundations of any dish these days.”
Eliza shrugged and walked over to the young lady, “I will say onions are the foundation because they have a long shelf life. Onions have a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored in a cool, dry place. This means they can be kept on hand for extended periods without spoiling, making them a convenient ingredient for cooking.”
Cedric whispered in Lila ear, “She is one to talk about a long shelf life.” Then gave Lila a little kiss on the neck before carrying his bucked of seeds to the next workstation.
“I heard that,” Eliza growled.
“Damn, Eliza, you have the best hearing.”
“Don’t you forget it.”
This caused more laughed and smiles. I even saw Jack in the back corner smile as she checks in with her people.
This was the break I needed. I hope that all the members of my council could get along like these citizens. They worked hard, but shared the load, and they could joke together. Besides my jealousness poke its head up, it was nice to see people creating relationships. I must be doing something right.
Time to call that council meeting.
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Alpha - two days after the battle.
The Alpha was in his private sitting room, the same room that Justkin and he used to discuss the attack squad before, that was when he heard a faint ping from his wards outside the door. The Alpha's private room was a place of both power and solitude. It was adorned with artifacts and trophies from past battles, each one a testament to his leadership and strength. The room was dimly lit by a few strategically placed candles, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls.
As he settled into his chair, the Alpha's mind was heavy with the responsibilities of leadership. His keen eyes scanned the reports, absorbing every detail of the ongoing conflicts at the front lines. The clinking of ice in his ale glass provided a soothing background melody as he contemplated the challenges that lay ahead.
In this moment of quiet reflection, he couldn't help but think about the attack squad he had dispatched earlier in the day. He had high expectations for them, and the outcome of their mission weighed heavily on his mind. The Alpha took a long sip from his ale, steeling himself.
His personal butler was waiting outside in the designated zone. The beastman had a message for him. The butler was an odd mix of wolf and fox, leaning more towards the fox part of his linage. The butler stood upright, a vision of elegance and refinement in its miniature butler's attire. Its sleek, russet fur was immaculately groomed, and a dapper, tailored black suit adorned its slender frame. The jacket, complete with coattails, fit snugly, accentuating the fox's lithe physique. A crisp white shirt with a high collar and a perfectly tied bowtie added a touch of formality to the ensemble.
The bushy tail, a clear sign that he was more fox than wolf, normally wild and untamed on other foxes in the city, had been carefully combed and fluffed, draping gracefully over one arm. The paws he was standing on, usually nimble and swift, were now encased in tiny, polished black shoes with meticulous attention to detail. The fox looked poised and deliberate movement, as if it had been trained in the art of impeccable service, which Alpha made sure he was.
Perched atop the fox's head was a small, neat bowler hat, tilted slightly to one side, giving it an air of whimsical charm. Its bright, intelligent eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, and a small monocle was affixed to one eye, enhancing the illusion of a miniature butler.
In this unexpected transformation, the fox embodied an intriguing fusion of wild nature and human refinement, a whimsical but professional character ready to cater to the needs of the Alpha with the utmost grace and charm.
Alpha reached under his desk and pressed the door button, unlocking it, and without a word the fox entered the private study and stopped before the desk. He did a quick nod and gave the Alpha his news. His butler knew better than to make the boss wait, especially when the fox knew the news wasn’t good.
The fox spoke clear but without making eye contact, “The attack squad has returned to the city earlier than expected Sir.”
“What,” the Alpha snarled as his fist slammed down on the table. “That, what. They shouldn’t be because for a few weeks after the relief forces arrive there.” Spit and foam formed around the Alpha’s maw.
The fox remained calm, he had seen the Alpha’s true temper before, and this wasn’t it. “They had ventured deep into the surrounding forest, only to encounter mechanical spiders. The wolves are now back at the city, Sir, and are waiting to give you, their report. They state you will want to know what they ran into.”
“Bring them here, and have the cleaning crew on standby, just in case. Oh, and bring Justkin up as well.”
A System notification flashed over the fox's eyes before leaving the room. He had gain experience in his class.
A few moments later…
Storm, Shadowfang, Nyx, and Bloodthrone, their fur matted with oil and grime from the battle with the spiders, paused before the Alpha's private office. No one, in their squad had ever been this high in the fortress before. Their leader, Bloodthrone, took a deep breath, preparing to deliver the news of their mission's outcome to the alpha. They all just hoped they would be walking out alive.