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#IntoTheBlackPbP_Story1, Post 7

The aroma of coffee and fresh baked goods enveloped us in a warm hug as soon as we opened the door to Uncommon Grounds, the closest shop to the port. We all paused to take a deep breath before heading to the counter where a barista met us with a cheerful smile. “Welcome to Uncommon Grounds! Our special today is a medium roast hybrid bean from Huxley, the Splicer colony on Titan, prepared to your preference and served with either a chocolate croissant or pistachio lemon biscotti. What can I get for you today?”
Jared ordered the special prepared heavy cream and honey and selected the biscotti for dipping for himself and large, zrifa smoothie for Baruk. Baruk explained that a zrifa is a fruit native to the Budhai homeworld that resembles an Earth dragonfruit but tastes similar to a mix of strawberry, banana, and mango. They recommended I try one, but there was no way I was passing up a chocolate croissant and smooth cup of black, dark roast Arabica. The barista seemed impressed by our decisiveness and set in preparing our order.
We made our way to a corner booth and settled in with our much needed repast. The buttery flavor of the flaky crust complemented the smooth, slightly bitter, dark chocolate filling of the croissant. I savored the first bite before reaching for my coffee, which was equally glorious and completed my much needed snack perfectly. As I reveled in my meal, I noticed Jared and Garuk watching me intently. “What?” I said curiously. Jared chuckled and replied, “I’d forgotten how much you enjoy good pastry and coffee. You may have even gotten a bit more intense.”
I could feel a light flush rising towards my face before laughing self-consciously. “Anyway…It is wonderful to see you again, Jared, and finally meet Baruk. This is a rather interesting place you two call home.” We talked for a few hours about what we’ve been doing since school, about the day I had since arriving, and how I plan to spend my time in Port Wells. I even broached the topic of finding a new job and not returning to Earth. Jared convinced me that I shouldn’t tell off my boss until I had made my decision and preferably found a new position. That was sound advice, but it didn’t help me figure out what was going to be next.

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#IntoTheBlack #IntoTheBlackPbP
#SciFi #ScienceFiction
#PlayByPoll #TTRPG