Meg walked over to the fridge, as asked, and took only one box, as instructed.<br/><em>"You are better with a knife, so..."</em>Meg then gladly allowed Zal to take over. At first Zal didn't want, lazily not accepting. But after a brief pause, Meg's iris turned to a small slit.<br/><em>"Alright, alright. At least finally we'll eat something at least distantly decent than rations."</em><br/>Meg wanted to answer something, but Zal instantly interrupted:<br/><em>"And I know they are good for health, figure and combat efficiency. No doubt in that. But at least SOMETIME we could eat something... Tasty for a change?"</em><br/><em>"It's originally my body, ya know. So..."</em><br/><em>"Sure, it is. But we now have to share it... So why not eat something that tastes good? Wait, don't tell me you want to walk away from this dinner..."</em><br/><em>"No, but we won't eat anything."</em><br/><em>"Now THAT is rude, Meg. That will be VERY rude, you know that?"</em><br/>Meg and Zal had similar conversation thousands of times over the years. Both of them understood that military space rations(of different races) are good for health and combat efficiency... However Meg didn't really want to accept the truth that she herself wants something else that tastes better too... Zal turned out to be weaker in that matter. She "lost it" after twelve years of rations, constantly nagging Meg about<br/>something tasty. Even though sometimes it was fresh and uncooked meat, some strange alien worms or larvas... And a lot of other things that any human would consider disgusting. However Zal is an alien, so such foods for her seem tempting.<br/>Also, while having this conversation, Zal was handling those "veggies" like a pro - incredible speed, precision. Like if she's in combat, slicing n dicing enemies, not food. In about a minute or two everything was ready, in pieces, just as Ratchet asked.<br/><br/><strong>(A)</strong><em>"It was our initiative to help. Nobody forced us to do that."</em>Zal said to Nero with her weird distorted Meg's voice.<br/>They both noted that little conversation between Nero and Crash, but didn't comment, nor discuss it. At this moment anyway.<br/>Instead, Zal assisted Ratched with cooking further than just sliding the veggies. That included serving the stew, of course. For all except one crewmember. Well, two... In one.<br/><em>"Maybe just a little bit..?"</em>Zal whispered, already knowing the answer.<br/><em>"No. We have plenty of food on our shuttle. The rations."</em>Meg replied instantly, predicting Zal's words. Deep inside she also wanted some real, normal, nice, tasty, delicious... food. But she was too stubborn and still held her ground - rations! For healthy body and combat readiness!<br/><em>"Well, maybe some day you will break... I really hope so."</em>Zel let go of the body, giving control back to Meg.<br/>Meg didn't answer and after putting down the last dish in front of Crash, she walked over to a free spot(without any food) and sat down there. The only thing she had was a glass of water, brought from the kitchen too.