Morning routine and breakfast

You shower again before changing into some khaki's and a short sleeved shirt. You stomach gives a low growl, reminding you that you're hungry, and you decide to see if the dining hall is open. You step out of the building and into the cool morning air, the sun only beginning to heat the air.

The dining hall is an impressive room with dark wood panelling and high arched windows. Long tables are set, and there are tables against a wall that are clearly designed for a buffet breakfast, although none is in evidence. You hear a clatter coming from a door at the back of the hall, and go to investigate, opening the door to find a kitchen.

A stocky, dark complexioned woman sees you and strides towards you a half smile on her face.

"Hola! I'm Luisa the cook. You must be one of the new teachers. We're not serving yet, but I can get you something if you're hungry. Take a minute, I'll make you anything you want."

"Kyle Hawkfeather," you identify yourself. "And just some cereal would be fine, and coffee if you have it."

"Cereal? For a big strong Marine? You not gonna stay strong on that. Let me make you some eggs. And of course we got coffee. Raul, bring the Dean some coffee! You can sit back here if you want," she points to a plain table.

"Cereal would be fine," you try to insist, but Luisa puts her hands on her hips and scowls at you.

"You gonna insult me, eating that dust? You sit down and have your coffee, while I fix you some eggs. You may be the Dean out there but in here you're in my world. Now sit down. Raul has your coffee." She gives an abrupt nod to the table and strides away with a snort.

A slim Latino puts a cup of coffee on the table together with some cream and sugar. He makes a gesture to it, then glances at Luisa's back before smiling at you.

"Enjoy your coffee, jefe," he says quietly. "It don't pay to mess with the boss lady. And she can cook. It's worth it."

Surrendering, you shrug and thank him, taking a seat at the table. It's only a couple of minutes before Luisa reappears with a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, sliced tomatoes and three strips of bacon. She puts it in front of you and pats your shoulder.

"There, you eat that and maybe you gotta chance to grow up big and strong," she chuckles before walking away.

You smile, picking up a fork and digging in. You're not surprised to find it delicious and quickly clean your plate, washing it down with the excellent coffee. As you eat you watch Luisa boss her busy kitchen, barking orders in Spanish at her staff, who respond with banter but work efficiently and quickly.

"You want more?" she asks, seeing your clean plate.

"No, I'm good. Thanks very much Luisa, it was delicious."

"Damn right it was. Next time try me on something hard. And don't come in here asking for no cereal again." She gives your shoulder a soft punch to emphasise her words before walking away with a grin.