nexus_crossings | you, and hibachi grill, and a bear

you, and hibachi grill, and a bear

[It's another nice day in the Nexus, people are walking around, some more happier than others. But today, in the Forum area of the Nexus, someone has set up a pop-up restaurant. Clearly the proprietor must be Japanese, since the appearance of the restaurant and it's cuisine choice could really only be prepared by someone from the land of the rising sun.

If a curious Nexus-goer decides to stop and take in the wonderful smell of meat cooking, they'll notice that a large polar bear, dressed in a chef outfit, is manning the grill. No other people seem to be working in this pop-up shop besides the bear, so he must be the sole owner of the establishment. The bear seems very aloof today, almost as if completely focused on his work, but not against the ideas of having customers.

What's his question? Well, that's a simple one.]

"How may Ice Bear help you?"

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"Finding a balance is hard." [That topic seems near and dear to the bear, as he places one hand over his heart. A glimmer of sadness is in his eyes, as if contemplating Han's words carefully. People go away all the time, but maybe, he's actually sad at the thought of losing a Nexus companion.]

"Come back. Ice Bear enjoys having a friend to cook with."

The topic of Han leaving and whether or not he intends to come back has been a topic more and more discussed lately; even as he seems to hit a new stumbling block every step of the way. For a man not very good with his feelings or having friends, it's a conversation he continues to find difficult to have.

"I'm gonna find a way." He says after taking enough time to compose himself to make sure he can be understood clearly. "I want to see you again."

And ... now he's back to half drunkenly trying to handle these noodles.

"...Ice Bear understands why Han must go." [For a brief second, the bear turns away, as if intentionally avoiding eye contact. He distracts himself by putting away any loose cooking utensils or clearing out empty dishes left behind by patrons of his little shop. His bear brain needs some time to process the fact that Han is going away, for who knows how long or if he'll even return at all.]

"Take your time. With the noodles. Ice Bear imagines it must be difficult to eat while intoxicated."

Chewbacca is the main reason that Han could never be a permanent resident of the Nexus. He might be able to live without the familiarity of his own stars and the planets that he knows from back home, as long as he still had the Falcon. But. He would hate the thought of never seeing Chewie again. And it's selfish of him, too, because Chewie could easily go back to life with his family on Kassshyk if he was to stay here.

The smuggler is thankful for the subject change, though. He's terrible at talking about his feelings.

"I'm not ... arlight, I maybe a lil drunk still. Jus' a little." He's gonna help himself to a little of that egg now. "Wher'd ya learn to cook from?"

[The bear can't help but roll his eyes at that first comment, knowing full well what a drunk person looks like. But with Han admitting that he's had one too many drinks, his look turns to something less skeptical.]

"...Watched a lot of tv. Read lots of books. Ice Bear picked up cooking after that." [The question does get him thinking though...]

"What is space like? How did Han become a pilot?"

"It's cold. Dark. Quiet."

Unless you have a good friend like Han does at your side, it's frankly kind of lonely. It's also nice in it's own way. He's seen stars that burn like speckled suns, brightly colored nebulas and planets with all different kinds of compositions.

"'s also pretty. Bein able ta get through it ... makes ya free." The story of how Han became a pilot is convoluted and personal. He's a little to buzzed to do it justice even if he was inclined to share. So he takes a moment to eat his food and figure out how best to put it simply.

"I needed ta 'scape from somewhere, so I stole a ship. Kind'a natural skill, but I studied before that. Even when I wuz young, I wannted to be a pilot."

"Space. One day, Ice Bear will see it."

[Even with the negatives Han has mentioned, he still seems determined to explore the great beyond. To see something that isn't California. After all, there has to be a place where a bear can explore and also not interfere with a world's workings.

At least, that's what Ice Bear believes in.]

"Freedom is a good thing. Han learned flying like Ice Bear learned cooking." [He won't push the topic any further, mainly due to just wanting to give Han his space.] "...Will you let Ice Bear know when you plan on leaving?"

"You will." Han insists. The Millenium Falcon's Captain hasn't forgotten the promise he made to help get a Polar Bear in space. "Where'd you wanna go? Just ... any old space or d'you wanna see sumthing seps- ... pes-"

He's trying to say specific, but it doesn't want to come out right now. "... somewhere ya had in mind."

Han will take a drink of water and another couple of bites of food. He nods his agreement in the way he learned how to fly being analogous to the way Ice learned how to cook. That seems pretty likely. "I'll make sure ya know. Before I leave."

"Take your time. Get things in order."

[The bear just shakes his head in response to the question.] "No. Ice Bear has no idea. Figured Han could find the right place."

[His eyes continue to rest calmly on the space pilot, but it's clear that he's taking this topic seriously.] "Good. Ice Bear will never forgive you if you don't do that."

Han takes a sip of water, nodding his head at the comment. Can't leave without telling Ice Bear.

He wasn't inclined to leave without saying goodbye to several people and his polar bear friend was certainly on that list. That said, he'll make doubly sure that he's seen Ice beforehand.

"I'll know be-fore I'm going." By at least a few days. He doesn't really say that part out loud so much as think it. Then, he adds, "doya wanna know a few days in ... before?"

"...Yes. Give Ice Bear time to prepare."

[And by prepare, he'll probably fix the older man some food to take with him on his journey into space. But also, Ice needs time to prepare mentally for the loss, even if Han has promised to return.]

"Can Ice Bear do anything to help Han before he leaves? Place to stay? Things to buy?"

Han certainly could use some packed up food. He can't make himself slow down enough to really master the art of cookery. Anyway, the bear shows his affection with food the same way Dewlanna did, Solo thinks. That's why he never hesitates to stop for whatever Ice is cooking. Different flavors, but the same care and attention to detail.

"Well, I think ..." Hrm. What does he think? "... 's prolly gonna be another two months I think. Maybe free if I have'ta wait fer my rist."

Han has gotten through about half the contents of the bowl so far. He's gonna focus on water now though. The ramen is delicious, but does have the high salt content that Ice Bear mentioned earlier.

"When th' parts get here. I could use some bear ... muscles."

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