[FIC] First Impressions (part 13)

[dd]

The sound of clinking glasses came from the far corner of the darkly lit room.

By all accounts, a group of young professionals had something to celebrate. Their happy laughter filtered over to where Kaname sat, making her frown.

‘Why can’t our table be like that?’ she thought.

“Excuse me waiter, may I have some more rolls please?” Ayame, dressed in a pretty dress, held an empty wicker basket up to a major domo dressed in white tails. “They’re so good.” The young girl had single-handedly demolished the bread.

“Yes,” Kaname put in, “Someone other than my sister might like some.” She made a face at Ayame.

“You don’t need any more rolls, Ayame.” Shunya wiped his mouth on an embroidered napkin. “Save some room for your dinner. The food here is exquisite.” He placed the napkin down in his lap. “Besides, you need to watch what you eat.”

That had Kaname raising one eyebrow, and then giving her sister a smirk.

“Are you concerned that your daughter is overweight?” Sousuke looked Ayame up and down. He was oblivious to the different looks he drew from both girls. “She does not appear so to me.”

That had Ayame blushing. She was still having a hard time knowing what to feel about the young soldier. He was mysterious and dashing. At times, she found herself flirting in the way that young teens do. But, he was the main reason that Kaname didn’t want to come back to America with her and her father. That made him a rival of sorts.

“Ah-hem-m-m-m…” Shunya cleared his throat louder than good manners usually allowed. He did not like the idea of the young operative eyeing his youngest daughter. It was bad enough that he was entangled in a relationship with Kaname.

“But, if she has become somewhat corpulent, I could suggest a practical exercise regimen.” Sousuke’s comment had Kaname hiding a smile behind her napkin. “These might help as well.” He placed a food bar on the table in front of Shunya.

Ayame gave Sousuke the evil eye. ‘Corpulent’? Just using that word put him in her doghouse. She knew what tack she would take.

Kaname sighed. She recognized the protein bar.

“What is this?” Shunya picked up the small wrapped food item.

“It is a protein bar called HooAH. This performance nutrition bar first developed for the military, based on the "SteadyEnergy" blend,was created in by the Department of Defense Combat Feeding Directorate at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center, to increase energy and improve performance of war-fighters during intense military operations.” Sousuke relaxed some, having been feeling rather tense since they all met at the fancy restaurant. This was something he knew quite a bit about. “A reduced size HooAH! will be part of the First Strike Ration scheduled for fielding in 2007 pending approval from the military services.”

Kaname pinched Sousuke under the table. Ayame’s mouth fell open, but she couldn’t help herself. She started giggling. Shunya found himself at a loss for words.

“It would not serve as a healthy meal by itself, but makes an excellent supplement for those in exercise regimens. Also, it is well formulated. Certain proteins have various advantages…” Sousuke frowned when Kaname kicked him. Why? She had told him to be outgoing.

“…Which we don’t need to hear about at the moment.” Kaname smiled as she spoke. “Daddy, why don’t you tell us something about gourmet dining?”

“Here we go…” Ayame said, frowning. She put on a huge grin when her father looked her way.

“That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll have them hold the menus for now. It will give us time to talk a little before I help you all select your meals.” Shunya’s love for fine dining couldn’t have been more evident. “Let’s see. Where should I start? How about with some historical background?”

“That would be excellent, Sir. The study of history often provides important insight into human behavior.” Sousuke was a big history buff. His interests centered on military history, but extended far beyond that.

Kaname queezed Sousuke’s leg. That was a good answer. It would do him well to keep a low profile, and to show interest in the things that her father thought were important.

Ayame pouted until Sousuke handed her one of his roles.

“Glad to see that a young person’s interests involve more than video games and the latest music craze,“ Shunya said. “Fine dining is an art, but it is by no means a recent art. The rituals of the table have followed us and sometimes even directed our steps throughout history. The beginning of a meal used to be announced by a call for the diners to assemble. In some places, a prayer bell or the town curfew bell was used to indicate meal time.” Shunya moved his silverware just a tiny bit, stared at it, and moved it back again. He smiled. The placement had been perfect. It was a fine establishment that paid attention to all of the little details.

“”That is correct,“ Sousuke said. “One can add the fact that the person responsible for keeping time and warning of danger by mean of ringing the church steeple bell used to be called "the watch”. Not without coincidence, the English word is now used for the time piece worn around our wrists.” Sousuke picked up one knife, tested the edge, and then placed it down askew. He didn’t see Shunya’s initial look of approval evaporate.

“That’s very interesting Sousuke?” Ayame gave the young soldier a big smile.

“Are the knives safe?” Kaname asked sarcastically. She caught herself too late. She had been the one to repeatedly insist that Sousuke refrain from his usual otaku habits.

“Affirmative. They are dull, but should suffice. If not, I unfortunately only brought one combat knife. We could share, I suppose.” Sousuke made to open his dinner jacket.

“DON’T YOU DARE!”

Kaname bit her lip and blushed. A number of diners turned and looked in her direction. One busboy shook his head. She didn’t dare look at her father.

“I was joking, Kaname.” Sousuke said.

Ayame giggled, hand over her mouth.

“Ahem!” Shunya placed his glass down after examining it for cleanliness. “When dinner was announced… say by butler in the Victorian age or trumpet in medieval France… the washing ceremony had to begin. Everybody had to approach the table and extensively wash their hands. I hope you all did something similar before coming to dine tonight.”

“Yes, Daddy.” Ayame frowned. Her father had made her do it twice, the second time with him watching.

“Failure to adequately wash hands is a major cause of infectious diseases. Individuals who practice poor personal hygiene may spread diseases such as hepatitis A, salmonellosis, and shigellosis. Studies indicate that one-third of people do not wash their hands after using the restroom.” Sousuke looked over at Kaname.

“Don’t even think of asking…” She showed her teeth.

“Ahhh. I see. I strongly suggest you begin….” Sousuke was interrupted.

“I wash my hands before leaving the restroom, Sousuke,” Kaname said too loudly. “I just don’t think it’s… an… appropriate… topic… at…” She felt like sliding under the table. People were whispering about her now. That was ironic, people whispering about the Whispered.

“It is very important, Kaname. Especially for those who prepare the food.” Sousuke wonder why Ayame was looking at him an grinning. “There are effective techniques that one should employ. Hands should be washed vigorously by scrubbing with warm, soapy water for at least twenty seconds. Viruses and bacteria… including those used as Bio-Weapons… can hide underneath fingernails. Thus, one should rub tips of fingers along the soapy palm of the alternate hand or use a fingernail brush or gun cleaning tools. Afterwards, it is advisable to rinse one’s hands well and completely dry with a paper towel or air-dryer. Those that prepare food should try not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces after their hands. There are more details, but it would be boring conversation.”

Kaname came close to making a sarcastic remark about Sousuke and Bio-Agents. Luckliy she did not. Thinking about the Full Monty Virus had her gripping the tablecloth tightly in her fist.

“If you like, Sir…” Sousuke looked over at Shunya. “I can check on the cooks to see if they are following proper protocol. Alternatively, I can place a seurveillance camera in the rest room and…. Owwww.”

“Sousuke!” Kanmame spoke in a stage whisper after grinding her high heel into the young agent’s foot.

Shunya closed his eyes for a second, and then deftly continued with his discourse on the history of dining. “In medieval Europe, dinner was preceded by the "tasting" ceremony, where the food for the lord had to be tasted by servants to make sure it was not poisoned. You will be interested to know that a relic of this ceremony transpires in the contemporary etiquette when the host tastes the wine before approving it for its guests, a pure expression of the ceremonial concern for their well-being.”

“That’s very interesting, Daddy.” Kaname smiled, trying to gain some points back.

“That’s very interesting, Daddy” Ayame mouthed silently, rolling her eyes. She put her chin on her hands and watched Sousuke.

“Ayame, elbows off the table.” Shunya scolwed.

“It is instructive to note that the fear of intentional poisoning remained wide spread for centuries in Europe,” Sousuke added. “While the meal was prepared in the royal kitchen, normally located far away from the dining room, the dishes had to travel very long distances to reach the table. The procession from the kitchen to the table offered an impressive view to by-standers. Several dishes on large tray plates ‘covered’ by a metal lid and wrapped in covers whose function was to keep the heat and to make sure that the food was not tampered with.” Sousuke managed that without any other slip-ups.

“Very good,” Shunya said, raising an eyebrow. There might be more to this Sousuke than meets the eye. “Those covers are the origin of the term "cover" for the place setting. Also, since you seem well-versed in history, I will add a little something from this country. It was only in 1989 that the emperor of Japan abolished the food-tasting requirement of the royal meals. To stress the point that meals can indeed be a very serious matter, the emperor's cook, Tadao Tanaka, committed the ritually prescribed suicide when his master died… even though it turned out to be natural causes. “

“Yes, his relative, Yuki Tanaka, wrote a chapter "Japanese biological warfare plans and experiments on POWs," in the book ‘Hidden Horrors: Japanese War Crimes in World War II’. It will not have been read widely, as men in this nation tend not to want to… ouch-h-h-h.”

”Woman don’t want to hear about it either, moron!” Kaname hung her head. Her reflexes and habits kept tripping her up.

“Maybe it’s not good to read so much…” Shunya muttered.

“Thank you, Sousuke.” Ayame had heard what her father said. She could make use of this line some day.

Shunya wondered if he should continue. He couldn’t resist talking about fine dining. After his time in America, his fact-sharing focused more often on Western customs. That would be quite evident in his continued discourse. “The table as a dining and gathering place are recent innovation of society, as is the "dining room" .” In ancient times, dinners were a meal consumed by the fireplace, or a banquet in the noble residence hallway where all the guests were seated around one side of a u-shaped long table.”

Sousuke was about to add some military or historical fact, but stopped when he saw Kaname’s face.

”Sometimes, eating took place seated on the floor on suitable mats with individual trays tables being used to accommodate the serving dishes, or directly as a surface from which the food was eaten from. The concept of a "stationary" table in a separate room gained ground only in seventeenth century, when a middle class started to emerge, and that middle class could afford wider houses and a dedicated space for dining, a bourgeois extension of the noble habit of having a separate "withdrawal room" in which to dine with the closest advisors, away from indiscreet ears.” Shunya stopped. “Ayame, pay attention. Stop playing with your napkin.”

This time, Kaname gave Ayame a smirk.

“The nobility used to dine either in the banquet rooms in the hall of the palace, or in parlours with a smaller and more confidential group of people. Excuse me. I should be more polite. Is this boring anyone?” Shunya looked around. He didn’t need anyone to answer. Sousuke was paying attention, while his two daughters were looking around the opulently decorated main dining area.

“Negative. I wish that Kaname was this well-informed. That would make… ahhhhhh.” Sousuke grimaced. Kaname had pinched him, and her nails were rather sharp. Unbeknownst to him, there was a reason for that fact. She had filed her nails to make her pinching more effective.

Shunya glared at Kaname, suspecting that she might have done something out of view. Looking at Sousuke, he began to wonder if any boy who had not survived the rigors of military training could possibly survive being around his daughter. Then again, it was likely that the young man was precipitating her actions. He tapped his fingers against the table top. Looking down and seeing the well-ironed table cloth, he moved on to his next topic.

“Table cloths were first seen in Rome at the time of the emperors, but they were an exclusive treat of very wealthy and noble individuals, as the tables in common people houses were normally uncovered.”

“Kaname didn’t have a tablecloth at her apartment,” Ayame put in slyly. “We have one at home though. How about you, Sousuke?”

“Affirmative.” Sousuke answered. “I have one.” He did not have one before Cmdr. Mardukas had ridden herd on him, just prior to Tessa’s visit to Jindai High School. He wondered why Ayame was saluting him.

”Ahem! It was only in the seventeenth century that the table cloth… always pristine white… became part of the dining etiquette to the point that tables would be set with several of them, one to be removed after every course so that the original cleanliness could be restored. Some restaurants keep this alive today, placing two table cloths on the table, the top one of which is removed before dessert.” Shunya reached over and smacked Ayame’s hand as she lifted up the tablecloth to peak underneath.

“Daddy!” Kaname said. “You shouldn’t be so violent.”

Hearing that, Sousuke dropped his water glass. He deftly caught it with his other hand.

Shunya took note of Sousuke’s reaction. He shook his head. A number of officials at school had let slip comments about a halisen.

Reaching for a bowl of imported crackers, Ayame knocked over a salt shaker. That simple accident gave rise to the next topic. “The first accessory appearing on the table was certainly the container for salt. Salt was very precious and often used to enhance the flavor of various dishes.” Shunya offered his tahnks when a table atendant cleaned up the salt with a small whisk broom and dustpan.

“Salt was also used for its preservation properties when refrigeration methods were not available.” Sousuke said. That had Shunya nodding. “It also had military significance.” That had Kaname clenching her teeth. “For instance, it is recorded that thousands of Napoleon's troops died during his retreat from Moscow because their wounds would not heal as a result of a lack of salt. In 1777, the British Lord Howe was jubilant when he succeeded in capturing General Washington's salt supply. And, in the aftermath of the second World War, restoring a war-ravaged nation's salt production was a priority in reconstruction of Japan.” Sousuke was beginning to build up steam. “Similarly, throughout history the essentiality of salt has subjected it to governmental monopoly and special taxes. The Chinese, like many other governments over time… owwww. Kaname, I wish you would not do that!”

“Thank you, Kaname” Shunya said in a deadpan voice. “Salt was indeed used as a preservative. In fact salt was kept in the "salt cellar" which explains the ethimology of the word "cellar”. From the French word "sel", the "sellier" was the place were the salt was stored, which then became "cellar" in English. Indeed tables used to be very accessories-free surfaces. With no plates, glasses or cutlery, hands were used for eating and the table top space reserved for food leftovers.” After pushing his glasses further up his nose, Kaname’s father prepared to discuss other accessories.

“Daddy, when are they going to take our order?” Ayame asked with a bored look on her face. She began wrapping her napkin around her fingers.

“As I said before, I asked the Captain to wait a bit, so that I might have a chance to go over some points of etiquette first. I will get to that in a moment. Put your napkin in you lap, please.” Shunya didn’t catch the glance that Kaname and Sousuke exchanged.

Sousuke was thinking that Cmdr. Mardukas and Shunya would get along famously. Kaname dreaded the idea of going back to America even more than before, if it meant listening to dinner time lectures. She began to feel sorry for Ayame.

“Napkins were originally very large, intended to be wrapped around the neck to protect the full length of the chest from spills and grease.” Shunya looked around the eating area, happy to see that no one there was using linen in just that fashion. “Nowadays, napkins are much smaller and it is considered a sign of lower class upbringing to wrap them round one's neck. As often happens, the "practica" napkin became a form of art to brighten the setting of the dining table. The "napkin folding art" reached its maximum expression at Versailles in the seventieth century, when they were customarily folded into frogs, fish, boats, pyramids and many other amazing shapes.”

Kaname earned a smile from her father when folded her napkin in the classic Water Lily shape. Ayame pouted and said “The napkin belongs in your lap, Kaname. Geeez. Sousuke, can’t you teach her anything?”

“You… had… better… not… answer…” Kaname said under her breath.

“The real revolution on the table and sign of the triumph of western "good manners" came to completion with the appearance of the fork. For hundreds of years the only utensil was the knife, the same one would be used for various purposes including personal defense and would be carried about by most men during the Middle Ages.” Shunya added.

“You had better not saying anything about that, either.” Kaname said.

“What can I talk about?” Sousuke asked.

“How about dating?” Ayame asked mischievously. “Or kissing.” She waited a moment until Kaname looked in her direction. “Or that adult kind of stuff. You know…s… e…”

“AYAME!” This time it was Shunya who was embarrassed after raising his voice.

“Oooops.” Ayame put her hand over her mouth, a twinkle in her eyes.

“Perhaps it would be wise to get the menus now, Daddy.” Kaname’s suggestion had obvious merit. But, she should have realized that her father wasn’t done yet. She received the kind of look that she usually gave Sousuke. The saying about walking in someone else shoes had new meaning for her.

“People sat at the table and used their own knife to carve and cut meat and vegetables or a slice from the bread loaf. The food was brought to the mouth simply by hand or picked by the knife sharp and pointy end and carefully rendered to the lips.” Shunya was interrupted.

“There is no reason to demonstrate!” Kaname quickly said to Sousuke, after a serving boy brought around more fresh hot rolls and a nice length of crusty baguette.

“Kaname?” Sousuke wondered why Kaname was acting so edgy. She didn’t think that the establishment was at risk for attack, did she?

“I suggest you find some way to relax, Kaname,” Shunya offered. “Your meal will be better savored that way. Where was I? Ah yes. As a general rule, the hands were the most effective and clean way of dealing with food. The Knife was the first to evolve. Along with society developing more convivial forms of civility, it became rude to carry a sharp knife to the table and the first purposefully made silver table knives appeared. They were much nearer the type we use today and less like a weapon…“

“Hmmmpppfff!“ Kaname said with a satisfied shake of her head.

“…Then some improved knives were designed that had two prongs, making the picking of the food easier after cutting, leading more directly the shape of the fork.”

“That is interesting to know,” Sousuke said amiably, getting a nod from Shunya. “Of note, the Military Fork … a weapon consisting of a pronged pair of blades or spikes affixed to the end of a long staff… advanced in the opposite direction, having been influence by ancient Tridents with their three prongs. Weapons with a single blade or point, such as halberd or spears, likely preceded the military fork, rather than being a derivative of it.”.

“Fascinating…” Shunya said in a flat voice. Did that boy ever speak about things that were not military?

“Oh wow!” Ayame said, staring at Sousuke again. “You know so much, Sousuke.”

“Why me?” Kaname muttered. She looked over at her father. “Menus?”

Shunya shook his head, after considering for a few moments. “The fork, the way we know it today, was introduced for the first time in Italy about five hundred years ago, and soon became the accepted standard in Europe and later in the new world. First the fork was used to hold the food to facilitate cutting, so that the use of the hands was spared. Later, in the seventieth century, it became a food picking device and a tool to scoop from the plate. Two far apart and pointy prongs became three and then four, with gentler edges and increasingly elaborate designs.”

“What are you doing?” Kaname asked Sousuke. The young agent was writing things down on a piece of paper he had removed from his pocket.

“I may not be able to remember all of these facts, Kaname.” Sousuke answered. That had Shunya appreciating the boy’s interest in the subject matter. Maybe he wasn’t so single-minded after all.

“What’s that on the back of the paper? Ayame askedwhen Kaname pulled the paper away from Sousuke. She read the larger words. “Things Not To Do At Dinner…”

“Sousuke, you wrote on the list I gave you? That was… for… ummm…” Kaname swallowed hard, unable to meet her fathers eyes.

“Spoons, Sir?” Sousuke moved to cover the discovery.

Shunya drummed his fingers against the table, and then nodded his head. “You may have a keener sense of the appropriate than my daughter.” That had Kaname promising to pay Sousuke back later. That was definitely not a flattering comparison.

“I only wanted to make the night at the restaurant memorable, Daddy.” Kaname tried to look contrite.

“I don’t think that will be hard,” Ayame said, pretending to look at her nails. She looked at Kaname out of the corner of her eye instead. She managed not to smile.

“The spoon is basically a cup with an arm attached, and the first and most natural spoon of all was certainly a cupped human hand,“ Shunya said. “As soon as the use of hands went out of fashion, the spoon imposed itself as the only possible choice for scooping out soups and other liquids from the bowl. The first spoons may have been made out of sea shells, coconut shells and stones, the first totally human made spoons were naturally made of wood,” He paused to speak with a passing conscierge, and then began again. “The family of table utensils keeps growing right up to today; not only there is an almost countless number of forks, knives and spoons each dedicated to a special function and type of food. We won’t go into detail tonight.”

“Good!” Kaname said without thinking. She froze immediately.

“Kaname, you told me that we should listen politely, no matter how long-winded things became.” Sousuke made a similar slip.

Shunya’s face took on the appearance of a thundercloud. “I think now might be a good time to go over dining etiquette.”

There was a sudden loud noise. It came as a bottle of champagne was being opened a few tablesdown.

“K-A-N-A-M-E!”

Sousuke immediately knocked Kaname to the floor, chair and all. In one smooth motion, he also brought his pistol out. All conversation in the room ceased. It took a monumental effect of will on Kaname’s behalf, not to grab the gun and shoot Sousuke. After sheepish apologies were made to the other diners, the restaurant staff was reassured that there was nothing wrong with the chair, and Sousuke had picked up the taser and stun grenades that had fallen out of his jacket, the young soldier coughed, turned to Shunya, and said “I believe you were going to instruct us in etiquette…”

Shunya stared as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Coughing, he squared his shoulders and tried to maintain an air of calm and cool. “Yes. In most cultures, it is considered inappropriate to knock a woman from her seat and lay across her, gun in hand.” He didn’t say ‘I don’t want to see you lay across my daughter in any place, for any reason, at any time’, but he was thinking it.

“Sir… the cork… it sounded like a gunshot… I reacted quickly because…” Sousuke stopped when the older man held up a hand.

“I should say that it is also considered impolite to interrupt someone who’s speaking.” He cleared his throat, after sparing a sideways glance at a giggling Ayame. “Let me see. How should I begin? Before getting down to specifics, I should say that cross cultural differences should always be taken into account. A lack of cross cultural awareness can result in misinterpretations.” He spared Sousuke a long look. “Misinterpretations can lead to offense. Offense can lead to unfortunate incidents, especially for politicians and international business men.”

“And women, Daddy!” Ayame piped up.

“Good girl.” Kaname said.

Sousuke wisely stayed quiet.

Shunya remained silent after that, counting backwards from fifty. One daughter was difficult enough to deal with. Did he really want to bring Kaname back with him? “Hopefully, you’ve gotten that out of your system, now” He said. “Sousuke, if by some chance I relent and let Kaname remain, I may be leaving Ayame in your charge.”

“Uhhh…” Sousuke stiffened before realizing it was a joke.

“Yeah!” Ayame said, clapping.

“Daddy!” Kaname blushed, realizing it was just a jest.

“One area of importance in cross cultural awareness is the different dining etiquettes of the world. Cross cultural dining etiquette involves considering the following points. First off, Seating - is there a protocol as to who sits where? Should one wait to be seated? Is it acceptable etiquette for men/women to sit next to one another?”

“He should have said one should consider whether or not women should sit next to idiots.” Kaname spoke so that only Sousuke could hear her.

“Eating - what utensils, if any, are used? Is it a knife and fork, hands or chopsticks? Is there any etiquette around using them?” Shunya continued uninterrupted.

“He didn’t mention anything about pistols, tasers, or grenades, Sousuke.” Kaname noted.

“Body language - how should one sit? Is it bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table? If seated on the floor what is the correct position?” Shunya looked over at Ayame who quickly put her hands in her lap.

“We already covered the point about pushing fellow diners to the ground.” Kaname tossed her hair, hitting Sousuke in the face with it.

“Conversation - is the meal the proper place to engage in conversation? If so, is discussing business appropriate?” Shunya was not so unobservant that he didn’t know what Kaname was doing.

“Talking about military things is talking business for you, mister. And it’s not appropriate. Got it?” Kaname didn’t expect an answer.

“The food - what foods are common to eat? Is it good etiquette to compliment the cook and how? Does one finish everything on the plate? Is it polite to ask for more?” Shunya watched Kaname this time.

“It’s not good etiquette to shot, blow up, or otherwise maim the cook, Sousuke. I want you to remember that.” Kaname held her nose up.

“Is there some kind of problem, Kaname?” Shunya asked.

“Usually….” Kaname froze. “I mean… no… of course not, Daddy!”

“I hope not.” Shunya took a sip of water. He was tempted to splash the whole glass full on his face. “I will mention a number of examples of dining etiquette in different cultural settings. In this country, an honored guest sits at the center of the table furthest from the door and begins eating first. One should learn to use chopsticks, never pointing them, or piercing food with them. Rest them on the chopstick rest when breaking for drink or chat. It is good etiquette to try a bit of everything. Conversation is subdued. In America….”

“The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating.” Ayame began quoting things she had been made to learn in the past. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand. If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner it will not offend anyone. If you act like Kaname, it will offend everybody.” She grinned. “Food and drink can be refused with offense. Many foods are eaten by hand.”

“Very good, Ayame.” Shunya smiled.

“In the Middle East, guests are honored with prime choice of meats - head, eyes, and the like.” Sousuke took up the subject.

“Ooooh yuk…” Ayame made a face.

“Do we need to hear about that at the dinner table.” Kaname obviously missed the point of the topic. No. That’s not true. She simply enjoyed correcting Sousuke.

“Eat with the right hand only,” Sousuke continued smoothly. “Meat is torn by holding down the piece against the dish and ripping off a desired amount with forefinger and thumb pressed together. Rice is scooped up. Do not be afraid of making a mess. If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately. It is proper to compliment the host on the food and his hospitality.”

”Excellent,” Shunya said. He turned to Kaname. “Kaname?”

“Huh?” Kaname sat up straighter. She blinked rapidly. “What?”

“Your turn,” Shunya said.

“She probably doesn’t know any,” Ayame said to Sousuke. “Do guys like girls for their minds?” She had heard things on that subject in school and on television.

“Uhhh.” Sousuke kept his eyes on the table in front of him.

“They do if they know what’s good for them.” Shunya pushed his glasses further up.

Ayame tried to toss her hair. It wasn’t long enough.

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“So,” Kaname put in quickly, hoping to keep her boyfriend from following up on his last statement. “They have an amazing menu here, Daddy, what would you recommend?”

It had finally gotten around to being time to order food. Things had smoothed out some, and Shunya actually found himself enjoying some of the tamer tales from school. It certainly helped put in perspective some things that he had heard from teachers and the Vice Principal.

If Shunya were a woman, a man might say that he simply glowed. He was in his element there at Chez Pierre. Located in a quirky little house with a glass verandah, the restaurant looked like it "landed" in Tokyo straight from a little village in the French countryside. Pierre Prigent and his friendly staff had already greeted them all, promising Tokyo's most authentic brasserie experience.

“This bottle of Champagne Demoiselle of Vranken , a mix of chardonnay and pinot noir, is magnificent. But, none of you are of drinking age, unfortunately.” Shunya took a sip. “I have already requested Honma-san, the Japanese chef, to make you a special seafood salad as a starter, to be followed by beef cheeks stewed in a red wine sauce. For your main course, I suggest fish, as Pierre always has an excellent and fresh selection.”

“Thank you, Daddy.“ Kaname smiled, determined that she and Sousuke would both be on their best behavior when the food arrived. The last thing they needed to do was ruin her father‘s enjoyment of the gourmet dishes. Looking around the restaurant, a long-time fixture in the Tokyo restaurant scene and a great favorite of serious Japanese Francophiles, she took note of some of the restaurant's Japanese regulars attacking their hearty French fare with gusto.

“You’re welcome, Kaname. If you join your sister and I in the States, I will be able to further your gustatory education at a number of Five Star restaurants.“ Shunya smiled every so slightly after saying that, immediately looking at Sousuke to see what his reaction might be. So far, the boy had kept from making any pleas or request in that regard. “Tonight, I also suggest that we all start with a heaping bowl of moules and end with Chez Pierre's signature creme caramel, which is wonderfully thick in flavor and consistency.”

Sousuke remained calm. He might be clueless in teenage matters, but he was well versed in psychological ploys, having dealt with numerous villains from an early age. Shunya’s comments were not worth taking umbrage at. He already knew the man’s ultimate goal. “What are moules, Sir?”

“Mussels,” Shunya said, taking another sip.

“Ahhh,” Sousuke nodded. “I am familiar with those. “Mollusks can be an excellent survival food.”

Shunya raised an eyebrow. Kaname pinched Sousuke again. He pinched her back, causing her to look rather peeved. Ayame peeked under the table to see what was going on, earning herself a disapproving noise from her father.

The young Mithril soldier raised one hand and motioned for the chef, who was checking on his regular diners.

“Sousuke, what are you doing?” Kaname spoke in a loud whisper.

“Yes, young man? How may I help you?” The chef, wearing a beret and cradling a wine basket in one arm, politely walked over to Sousuke. “I am chef Ichiro Sasaki, assiatant to Chef Honma.” The man had trained in France and was a die-hard Francophile in all things.

“I am certain that this is an eating establishment of the highest rank. However, it never pays to take chances. Not when one cares about one’s companions.” The look he gave Kaname had the chef smiling, Shunya coughing, and Ayame feeling jealous.

“I agree,” the chef said amiably.

“Mussels may be poisonous in tropical zones during the summer. I wish to be certain that the… moules… are not at such risk. In addition, one should never eat shellfish that are not covered by the tide.” Sousuke scrutinized the man’s face, to search for any sign of dissembling or subterfuge.

“Our moule are flown in fresh from Prince Edward Island, and are of the highest quality,” the chef said. “But, if the gentleman would like, we would gladly obtain some from the local fish market and cook those.”

“Negative. You are an officer of this establishment. A professional. I will take you at your word.” Sousuke’s eyes lit up as he remembered something form his extensive reading. “Were you aware that the Prince Edward Island Regiment, a direct descendant of the Prince Edward Island Light Horse, fought during the Great War, as part of the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Expeditionary Force.” He ran a hand through his hair, feeling even more relaxed. “First War battle honors earned by Islanders were Arras , Amiens, and Pursuit to Mons.”

The mention of French regions had the chef grinning. “This is a rather unique young man, Monsieur Chidori.”

“Yes,” Shunya forced a smile.

“Try not to be so unique,” Kaname said, chiding Sousuke.

“Are you a budding young gourmet cook, Monsieur…” The Chef asked.

“Sagara,” Sousuke said.

“Are you a young gourmand, Monsieur Sagara? You know a great deal about moules.” Chef Sasaki smiled a warm smile.

“No Sir, I have never had the opportunity to enjoy gourmet before. My expertise came from the need to live off the land at numerous times in my life.” Sousuke ignored the hissing noise that Kaname made.

”Really? That sounds both dreadful and emancipating at the same time. What else have you eaten besides moules?” The Chef wondered why the blue-haired girl was waving her arms and shaking her head.

“Other mollusks included includes octopuses and freshwater and saltwater shellfish such as snails, clams, bivalves, barnacles, periwinkles, chitons, and sea urchins.” Sousuke saw Shunya nodding his head.

“Most of those are considered delicacies by some.” Shunya looked at Ayame. “Well, they are. I’ve served you sea urchin before.” He frowned when his daughter made gagging noises.

“Aside from other sea creatures such as crustaceans, sea snakes, fish, sea cucumbers, and Arrowworms, I have eaten numerous kinds of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. I have found the U.S. Army FM 21-76 Army Survival Manual to be an excellent guide.” Sousuke looked eager to speak on the subject, just as eager as Shunya had been to discuss etiquette and dining history.

“Well, perhaps I should buy a copy and add it to my cooking library,” Chef Sasaki laughed.

“That might be wise Sir, if you ever fly across the world looking to further your training. In addition to those other foods, I should mention that the most abundant life-form on earth, insects, are easily caught in almost all localities. As a chef no doubt knows, insects provide sixty-five to eighty percent protein compared to twenty percent for beef.” Sousuke was interrupted.

“Why would a chef know that, Sousuke. Why would anybody know that?”

“We can discuss that at our leisure later, Kaname.” Sousuke made the dangerous move of ignoring Kaname’s point. “The fact I metioned makes insects an important, if not overly appetizing, food source.”

“Bleh!” Ayame looked disgusted.

“Oh, it’s just a matter of taste, young lady,” the Chef said to Ayame. “Many native peoples find insects pleasant to eat. In more civilized nations, there are plenty of people who eat insects as a fad. It’s amazing what you can get folks to eat if you cover it with chocolate.”

“That is worthy of remembering,” Sousuke said. The fact that he said it when looking at Kaname was coincidence. That didn’t matter.

“Are you saying that my cooking needs to be covered in chocolate Sousuke?”

“Uhhh.” Sousuke continued quickly. “Insects to avoid include all adults that sting or bite, hairy or brightly colored insects, and caterpillars and insects that have a pungent odor. Also avoid spiders and common disease carriers such as ticks, flies, and mosquitoes.You can eat most insects raw. The taste varies from one species to another. Wood grubs are bland, while some species of ants store honey in their bodies, giving them a sweet taste. You can grind a collection of insects into a paste. You can mix them with edible vegetation. You can cook them to improve their taste.”

“Sousuke!” Kaname did not like being ignored. She didn’t like the subject matter. And, she did not like the approval that Sousuke was getting for otaku things. Three strikes and you’re out. Her strident voice had a number of diners at the nearby tables listening into the conversation with the chef.

“Worms are also an excellent protein source. Dig for them in damp humus soil or watch for them on the ground after a rain. After capturing them, drop them into clean, potable water for a few minutes. The worms will naturally purge or wash themselves out, after which you can eat them raw.” Sousuke spoke nonchalantly.

“Oh-h-h-h-h…” One woman at a nearby table looked ready to swoon.

“Argh.. cough cough… argh…” A man at a different table sounded like he was choking.

“He appears to need the Heimlich maneuver.” Sousuke stood up.

“SOUSUKE!”

Kaname’s shout had one man dropping his wine glass onto his wife, and another man knocking a soup tureen onto the lap of his mistress. “He does not need the Heimlich. He needs some big stupid head to stop talking about eating worms after they purge themselves!” Her shout had even more people listening, which lead to more people looking ill.

Shunya had to fight to keep from putting his face in his hands.

“As one might expect, mammals are excellent protein sources and, for many individuals, the most flavorful food source in the wild.” Sousuke didn’t understand why the chef looked disconsolate. Perhaps it was the fact that a number of guests had gotten up and left. His cooking staff might need retraining. “There are some drawbacks to obtaining mammals. In a hostile environment, the enemy creature may detect any traps or snares placed on land. The amount of injury an animal can inflict is in direct proportion to its size. All mammals have teeth and nearly all will bite in self-defense. Even a squirrel can inflict a serious wound and any bite presents a serious risk of infection. Also, a mother can be extremely aggressive in defense of her young. Any animal with no route of escape will fight when cornered.”

“There will be no escape,” Kaname muttered under her breath.

“Every mammals is edible; however, polar bear and bearded seal have toxic levels of vitamin A in their livers. The platypus, native to Australia and Tasmania has poisonous glands. Scavenging mammals, such as the opossum, may carry diseases.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Chef Sasaki. “But, people still eat them in the American South. There are numerous recipes available for that ornery creature.” He had spent some time training in New Orleans.

“Hmmm. They do have a reasonable taste,“ Sousuke said. He had eaten various types of marsupial. “People will also eat rats, another scavenger animal.” Sousuke said. “I have…” Sousuke was interrupted.

“Rats?” Ayame put her hand to her mouth. “You eat rats?” There was the sound of a knife or fork being dropped on a plate clear across the restaurant.

“Affirmative, but not by choice.” Sousuke winced when Kaname gave him the mother of all pinches. “As a child in Afghanistan… after I ran away from the orphanage… I was forced to eat whatever I could to survive. That meant consuming things that I could steal without being caught, and eating things laying free in the refuge dumps. The dogs in Kabul were to fierce to kill without incurring severe injury. The rats, however, were no match for a boy with a rock.”

“I feel faint…” A woman said.

“That’s an interesting story. Perhaps we should change the subject…” The Chef looked very uneasy.

“Thank you!” One diner shouted.

“Yes. Thank you.” Shunya did not look pleased. Kaname just hung her head.

“No. It is alright. The memories do not trouble me. I did what I had to do to survive.” Sousuke launched into his discourse on rodents. “Other people have been faced with similar necessities. This includes the Dalits, the so-called Indian untouchable castes, in particular the Musahar community, which apparently means ‘those who catch and eat rats‘. The other castes look down upon them, just as certain Mayan ethnic groups look down upon the Tojolobal, a different ethnic group that they believe to be rat-eaters.”

“Sousuke….” Kaname tugged on his sleeve.

“In Africa, due to the difficulty in raising domestic hoof stock, individuals have had to turn to other sources of protein. Rodents are readily available and easy to capture. A number of types are sold through the regular bushmeat trade, bringing a higher price than beef. The giant rat, springhare, and porcupine are common meats. One good-sized rat would feed four, and the meat is really quite tender ... somewhat like rabbit…”

“Sousuke!” Kaname tugged harder.

“There is an interesting side story,” Sousuke said, looking up at Chef Sasaki, who was now wringing his hands. “It has to do with landmines, a very serious subject. Just about every method of detecting land mines has a drawback. Metal detectors cannot tell a mine from a ten penny nail. Armored bulldozers work well only on level ground. Mine-sniffing dogs get bored, and if they make mistakes, they get blown up. The Gambian giant pouched rat may be as good a mine detector as man or nature has yet devised.”

“I see. Maybe you should…” Shunya would have no more success in stopping Sousuke than his daughters had in stopping him.

“Rats are abundant, cheap and easily transported. At one point three kilograms, they are too light to detonate mines accidentally. They can sift the bouquet of land-mine aromas far better than any machine. Unlike even the best mine-detecting dog or human, they are relentlessly single-minded. Dogs are no simpler to train, and are hard to keep healthy, especially in tropical Africa. They tend to bond with trainers, making it hard to switch them between handlers. Canines so badly want to please, that a simple misreading of their trainers' body language can lead them to indicate a mine's presence where none exists or, far worse, ignore a real one. All a rat wants to do is find the target and get his reward.”

“SOUSUKE!”

Kaname tried to pinch Sousuke again, for combining unsavory stories with otaku information, but he caught her hand.

Shunya frowned. He had actually found that last bit interesting. That in itself was troubling. It was time to put a stop to this. “That is all well and good, but rats are not a suitable dinner conversation in any setting, much less a fine dining …"

“God be praised.” One woman said in gratitude.

“Sir? This is a French restaurant, is it not? The French eat rats.” Sousuke reached for his gun when a number of Francophiles stood up abruptly, their knives in hand. “"Brown rats and roof rats were eaten openly on a large scale in Paris when the city was under siege during the Franco-Prussian War. Observers likened their taste to both partridge and pork. From what I read, there were recipes in famous texts.”

“He is correct. Souris a la Crème, mice in cream.” The Chef looked up and waved his hands. “Wait. Madame. We do not serve that here.” He sighed. “I do not think that rats are eaten routinely in prosperous times, young man.”

“But, I have heard that….”

“S-O-U-S-U-K-E!”

That concerted shout came from numerous diners at multiple tables. They gave the Chef a round of applause when he returned to the kitchen, realizing that he had not been responsible for the young man’s actions.

“Oh, Sousuke.” Kaname looked ready to cry. She stood up from the table. “I wanted you to make a good impression tonight. I want to stay in Tokyo.” She left to go to the Ladies Room. Ayame hurried to join her.

“But. Kaname…”

“That seems highly unlikely, now. You have certainly made my decision simpler for me to justify, young man.” Shunya made a steeple out of his hands and stared at Sousuke. “It was my daughter’s doing as well. Whether her behavior is solely related to you or not, it is not acceptable in polite company. I’m worried just what type of woman she may grow up to be.”

“I…” Sousuke closed his mouth. What was there for him to say?

“Young man, I do not like speaking harshly without reason, and find no joy in judging others too severely.” Shunya spoke sternly, upset at the way the dinner had gone so far. “While you may be excellent at piloting huge metal killing machines and gunning down like-minded men from some other military tribe, you do not appear to be suited for anything vaguely resembling civilized society. No doubt your school officials would say the same thing, the Principal included, were she not on some secret payroll.”

“That may be so,” Sousuke said quietly. “However, I do not believe that those who get to know me the best think as you do.” He sighed. He was altogether too aware of his well-documented faults. “I do not suppose to teach a politician anything, but there is something I think is worth remembering. If I may, I would like to relate to you a story I read.”

“Please do so,” Shunya replied. He was feeling a touch on the defensive side, but realized that Sousuke had a point. The lessons that he knew as a politician and worker in the political arena sometimes were obscured or wiped away by his fears and concerns as a father.

“ I read the following in the Drop Zone, an area on www.navyseals.com where members can get together, communicate, and read SEAL related articles and stories. It is apparently a true story, based on the founding of a well-respected American University.” He looked at Shunya again, to make certain the older man wanted him to continue.

“OK,” Shunya said. “Learning is a golden urn that can never be stolen.”

“Yes, Sir. Learning is like rowing upstream. Not to advance is to drop back.” Having answered proverb with proverb, Sousuke began his story.

“I will try to remember the words correctly, Sir. My English is good, but I do not understand some of the words.

“A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly into the Harvard University President's outer office and asked for an appointment.

“The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.

‘We want to see the president,’ the man said softly.

‘He'll be busy all day,’ the secretary snapped.

‘We'll wait,’ the lady replied.

“For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.

"‘Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave,’ she said to him. He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, but he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.

“The lady told him, ‘We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus.’

“The president wasn't touched. He was shocked. ‘Madam,’ he said, gruffly, ‘We can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery.’

"‘Oh, no,’ the lady explained quickly. ‘We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard.’

“The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, ‘A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard.’

“For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now.

“The lady turned to her husband and said quietly. ‘If that is all it costs to start a University, why don't we just start our own?’ Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment.

“Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the University that bears their name, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.”

Sousuke looked Shunya in the eyes. He had tried to make his point: you can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them. What’s more, you can never judge a book by its cover.

Shunya sat quietly, wriggling his fingers, When Sousuke looked up, he saw Kaname. She had caught the last half of his story.

“I’m sorry, Kaname” Sousuke said.

“It’s OK. We did our best. It doesn’t make sense pretending to be something we’re not, right?” Kaname managed a wilting smile. “I think we’re pretty special, don’t you?”

“Affirmative.” Sousuke nodded. At that moment, he found it hard to believe that he had done his best. While Kaname could be right, it probably did not matter.

Their best might not be good enough.