Communal Dining

Hot coffee trickled into the battered, yellowing mug precariously perched on the edge of the metal counter. O'Malley gripped the cup and pulled it to her lips, breathed in the bitter aroma. The clang of a tray on metal interrupted her sip and drew her exasperated gaze.
"Long night?" Rook picked up his spice pouch and poured it into his mash.
"Still goin'. When did you get up?" O'Malley leaned against the counter next to Rook, her mug hugged to her chest.
"Oh.. sixteen hours ago?" Mash shoveled under his mustache, Rook nudged the tray toward his captain. "You eat yet?"
O'Malley hesitated but picked up a cubed astrofruit. "I'll grab a bar later, got quite a bit of work left to do and I work best when I'm hangry." She popped the dried fruit in her mouth and pat Rook on the shoulder before she stepped aside to make her way toward the bridge.

Rook shook his head and took a seat on a bar stool to finish his meal alone, as usual.

The tradition of communal dining, once a cherished practice across cosmic civilizations in Eldrispace, has gradually faded into obscurity over the past century. This shift in dining culture can be traced back to an ominous event known as the "Eldritch Illness Outbreak," a dark chapter in Eldrispace history that left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of its inhabitants. As a result, communal dining has become a rare and archaic custom, replaced by more solitary and cautious eating habits.

The Eldritch Illness Outbreak

Approximately a hundred years ago, a devastating eldritch illness swept through Eldrispace, shrouded in mystery and terror. This outbreak spread rapidly, affecting communities across planets and star systems, leaving in its wake an alarming number of afflicted individuals. The illness was characterized by a range of unnerving symptoms, from hallucinations and vivid nightmares to unexplained physical ailments.

The Emergence of Solitary Dining

In response to the outbreak, people began adopting solitary dining habits. Individuals sought refuge in the safety of their own quarters or private spaces, finding solace in the isolation offered by eating alone. The practice of communal dining gradually waned as people grew accustomed to the comfort and perceived protection of dining in seclusion.

The Legacy of the Eldritch Illness Outbreak

The legacy of the Eldritch Illness Outbreak lives on as a cautionary tale in Eldrispace, leaving behind a profound impact on societal norms and dining habits. While the eldritch illness may have been contained, its effects continue to shape the present, casting a shadow over the once vibrant tradition of communal dining, now confined to the annals of Eldrispace history.

Fear and Social Isolation

In the face of this highly contagious illness, communities were gripped by fear and uncertainty. People became wary of congregating in close proximity during meals, fearing that communal dining could exacerbate the spread of the eldritch illness. As a precautionary measure, authorities recommended minimizing social gatherings and avoiding public dining spaces.

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Cultural Shifts and New Norms

As the eldritch illness was eventually brought under control through medical advancements and diligent containment efforts, the lingering fear of communal dining persisted. Cultural shifts took place, and a new norm of solitary eating emerged. Individuals preferred to dine privately, often in the seclusion of their homes or personal quarters, away from the prying eyes and potential dangers of communal dining settings.

Eldrispace Etiquette

In contemporary Eldrispace society, communal dining is considered old-fashioned and even frowned upon. The etiquettes of the past, such as sharing meals at communal tables or gathering in large groups for feasts, have been relegated to history books and cultural relics. Eating in the open or in public dining spaces is rare, as the preference for solitude during meals has become deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Eldrispace.