Ensign Ollie Bergmen - Homefront, part 2

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CPT Arianus

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Jan 19, 2025, 3:08:19 PM1/19/25

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(( Bergmen’s residence, Gideon ))

Ollie looked a bit ridiculous in his sweatshirt, white T-shirt, and service trousers. Yet, he was smiling, flour smudged on his face and vegetable juice splattered on his shirt, swaying near the stove, enjoying the sounds of oil and sauces simmering.

That sight clearly lifted the spirits of the groggy older brother Boun, and younger Prim, who strolled into the kitchen and settled at the counter opposite Ollie.

Boun: What you, uhh… cooking for your own celebration dinner, bro?

Ollie beamed joyfully as he stirred the bubbling stew, the rich aromas filling the air. With a sparkle in his eyes, he eagerly anticipated the delightful dinner.

Bergmen: Yes, it’s a special occasion, so I’m making Shkedei marak soup. Mom’s favorite…

Ollie ladled the soup from the pot, relished the taste with a contented smile, and set his spoon down with a satisfied nod before grabbing the pancake flipper and exchanging enthusiastic nods with his brothers.

Bergmen: Tell me you didn’t miss my pancakes?

Prim: Pancakes!

Boun leaned in closer to the stove, taking in the inviting aroma that wafted through the air.

Boun: Smells good.

Prim set the PADD down on the counter and began playing a game just as Ollie started piling his creations onto Boun’s plate.

Bergmen: So there is one big bacon pancake for Boun… ::to Prim:: Hey, can you turn that off, Prim?

Prim: No!

Bergmen grasped the PADD from Prim's hands and placed it beside the stove, clearing space so he could take more pancakes from the pan and pile them onto a plate. Smiling, he then pushed the plate to Prim.

Bergmen: Alright. Got two chocolate chips sliley face pancakes for you.

Prim: C’mon. I hate chocolate!

As he spoke, Prim reached over the counter and reclaimed his PADD.

Bergmen: You do?

Prim: Yes, you silly bum-bum.

Bergmen: Hey!

Boun sighed.

Boun: He doesn’t like chocolate anymore, Ollie.

Ollie's face was a picture of confusion as he tried to understand what had happened. After a moment, however, he shook off the bewilderment, nodded, and his face settled back into the carefree smile that was typical of the young ensign.

Bergmen: Okay. I guess I missed that part.

Bergmen smoothly slid the plate of chocolate pancakes back, acting as if nothing had happened.

Bergmen: What else? Anything else that I missed?

Boun, having nearly inhaled his pancake in one bite, pushed his plate aside and looked into Ollie's eyes.

Boun: Bro, I would love to stay for dinner, but I have a holostream tonight, and Mom asked me to watch Prim.

The older brother glanced over when he heard the sliding door to the living room open.

Boun: Speak of the devil. ::to Prim:: Let’s go, little one, we have a game tonight.

Despite all of Boun's efforts to sneak quietly out of the kitchen, just as he and Prim approached the way out, their mother suddenly entered the doorway with her usual resolute expression, blocking their path. Boun took a careful step back, his heart racing as he searched the room for escape routes.

Mierri: Boun! You're still here. What a surprise!

Boun: Hi there! We're getting ready to head out. I've got work today, but don’t worry—I’ll be taking Prim with me, and I promise I won’t leave him anywhere. I’ll care for him as if he were my own child!

From his expression, it was clear the older brother expected a scolding or perhaps some heartfelt advice about life. Yet, his mother had other thoughts. She approached him, playfully ruffled his hair, and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Mierri: How lovely. ::chuckes:: I won't keep you. Go.

And with that, she shot a quick glance at Olli before moving to the stove. Prim and Boun exchanged astonished glances but wasted no time and slipped away faster than steam escaping from a bubbling pot, leaving their brother behind without a hint of remorse.