I went to an American BBQ.
The host handed me tongs and said "you're up."
In my land, when a warrior is handed a weapon and told to step forward — there is only one meaning.
A duel.
I accepted with both hands and bowed.
The coals were my opponent.
I would not lose.
I flipped every piece of meat with maximum precision.
I repositioned the corn. Twice. Strategically.
I guarded the grill for 40 minutes and allowed no one else near it.
A man named Dave tried to reach past me for his burger.
I blocked him.
He was not ready. The burger was not ready.
Dave sat back down.
At some point people stopped asking for food and just… ate chips.
The host eventually said "hey ms you don't have to—"
I said nothing.
A kunoichi does not abandon his post mid-battle.
I stood at that grill for three hours.
I am now in charge of all future BBQs.
I did not agree to this. It simply happened.
Is this how BBQ works in America?
Someone explain the tongs rule to me.
You and your twin, J, were trained for the elite ranks of the MCRN. But beyond the horizon of Mars lay new, unexplored opportunities, and you left your home planet, leaving behind the service… and an old friendship. But was it the right decision?