The chicken launched off the plate like a rocket and arced through the air, shedding a trail of whipped cream globs and fish as it flew. Heads were starting to go up around the canteen.Ĭhase swung wildly, phasing through Parker’s chest rather than grabbing his shirt like he meant to.Ĭhase focused inward, gathering his concentration before he threw himself at Parker, hooking his arm and knocking the dish askew. It was a problem he’d been having more and more since he’d first discovered the ability a few months back-any kind of increased emotion seemed to make him quite literally come apart. Chase leapt after him and grabbed at the metal plate, but in his panic his hand phased right through Parker’s wrist, his own molecules dis- and reassembling seamlessly, uselessly. Parker snatched up the dish and trotted away from the machine, raising it over his head like a trophy. “This masterpiece needs to be shared with the world. If anyone saw his mistake, he’d never-Ĭhase whipped around, the hiss escaping between his teeth before he even saw Parker’s gleeful face.

A group of soldiers had gathered in the back of the hall, but a few solitary diners sat at closer tables. A thick pearl of yellow fat trickled down one side of the chicken sundae, disappearing into a cloud of foam. He glanced around the canteen, trying to block the view of what he’d done from anyone who might glance his way. CHX + CRM + SD = chicken in cream sauce with a salad, right? Then why was he looking at an entire garlicky roast bird smothered in a decadent whipped topping with three oily little fish draped across the top like some revolting decoration? He’d seen others customize their meals, from a distance at least, and it seemed manageable, even for someone as technically challenged as he was. A creation he was now supposedly obliged to consume, if it made it past his gag reflex.He’d been eating meals generated by the Fleet-regulation synthesizers aboard the Kuyddestor for months now, but the pre-set options were limited, and if he had to face another greasy plate of synth biryani again he thought he might lose his mind.

So of course food sneaks its way into the pages of my books, like this deleted scene from THE STOLEN MOON, which I’m happy to share here!Ĭhase stood frozen at the food synthesizer, staring down at the shimmering monstrosity he’d concocted out of molecules and science. I love to try new foods and to cook for friends, and when I’m not dreaming up what stories I’m going to write, I’m often thinking about what kinds of meals I’d like to experiment with next. It’s no secret to people who know me that one of my great passions (besides books!) is food.

The stolen moon by rachel searles