Obviously, it is not enough that I must plan, ration, and make the food palatable, but now I am being asked for special requests. Not specific recipes, for that I could handle. But one of the crew members has asked me to prepare her a separate meal for each meal. Why? Because she doesn't eat meat. Why? Because she is a Healer.

I am sorry, but that will not fly with me. I am already vastly limited in the recipes I -can- use due to the cargo space and the food-access I have. I do not have fresh meat, nor do I have fresh vegetables. All of the meat is smoked or salted and the vegetables are mostly tubers. What fresh food I have is used up within the first few meals and then I must go back to the stores. Once those are gone, we will be having fish.

But to make a separate meal? It isn't going to happen. It is a waste of food...I don't care if she eats every last drop, it is far more economical to make it in bulk. I tried to compromise by saying I would do my best to alternate meals; one day with meat, one day without, but I have a feeling that did not placate her.

She then asked if she could buy her own supplies and use my galley to prepare her food. I can barely fit in the place...two most certainly would not. That and I doubt that the Captain would allow the personal cargo.

The woman is on a ship. Maybe she has never sailed before, but I just cannot handle individual meal requests. It isn't like I butcher the meat on the ship that she could feel the pain.