As I glanced at the time, I realized it had already struck 12pm, the morning having slipped away while I was engrossed in my notes.
With everyone due back for lunch, I decided it was time to switch gears from strategist to chef.
Today's menu called for something light yet nourishing - a winter salmon bowl, perfect to keep everyone energized without feeling heavy before the afternoon's training.
I headed to the kitchen, where the ingredients were already laid out, fresh and inviting.
The centrepiece was the salmon, a rich, pink fillet that promised a burst of flavour.
I began by seasoning it lightly with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon zest, wanting to enhance its natural flavours rather than overpower them.
The grill was already warming up, its surface lightly oiled.
I placed the salmon skin-side down, listening to the satisfying sizzle as it hit the hot surface.
The key was to cook it just right, ensuring the inside remained tender and moist while the skin crisped to a perfect golden brown.
While the salmon grilled, I turned my attention to the accompaniments.
A mix of brown rice and quinoa formed the base of the bowl, offering a hearty, nutty foundation.
I fluffed it up with a fork, mixing in some chopped spring onions for a fresh bite and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle crunch.
The vegetables were next - a vibrant array of bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocado, all thinly sliced for ease of eating.
Their freshness would complement the richness of the salmon, adding a crisp, clean dimension to the bowl.
As the salmon finished cooking, I let it rest for a moment before flaking it gently with a fork, revealing the moist, pink flesh beneath the crispy skin.
I assembled the bowls with care, layering the rice and quinoa mix, vegetables, and finally topping each with a generous portion of salmon.
For the dressing, I whisked together some soy sauce, a touch of honey, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, adding a dash of wasabi for a gentle heat.
This I drizzled over the bowls just before serving, the tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours melding together to create a harmonious blend.
With the winter salmon bowls ready, I set them out on the dining table, accompanied by a selection of refreshments - chilled herbal tea and sparkling water infused with citrus slices.
As everyone gathered around the table, their expressions of anticipation and the lively chatter filled the room with warmth, a pleasant interlude before we dove into the afternoon's training.
The meal, I hoped, would not only satiate their hunger but also offer a moment of camaraderie and respite, a reminder of the simple joys amidst the challenges that lay ahead.
As everyone began to dig into the winter salmon bowls, their expressions of satisfaction and the continuous praises for my cooking filled the room with a warm, convivial atmosphere.
The light yet flavourful meal seemed to hit the spot, rejuvenating everyone for the training that lay ahead.
Seizing the opportunity, I decided to engage with each person individually, curious about their morning's progress and eager to foster a deeper connection within our group.
Turning to Alicia first, I noticed the traces of ink on her fingers, a testament to her diligent note-taking.
"How's your dive into the compendium going, Alicia?" I asked, genuinely interested in her exploration of alchemy.
Her eyes lit up as she shared insights from her study, mentioning a few intriguing plants she believed could be found in Jungoria's expanse.
The passion in her voice was infectious, and I made a mental note to accompany her on a foraging expedition soon.
Next, I turned to Gerry, who seemed more relaxed than he had been in days.
"Find anything fascinating in the library?" I inquired, knowing his penchant for history and artefacts.
Gerry regaled us with tales of ancient civilizations he'd read about, his enthusiasm painting vivid pictures of bygone eras.
I could see the gears turning in his head, already connecting historical strategies to our current predicament.
Angie, who had been quietly enjoying her meal, shared her excitement about the sewing and leatherworking techniques she'd discovered.
The prospect of creating durable clothing and gear for us all had sparked a creative flame in her, and her determination was palpable.
I assured her of my full support, excited about the practical and morale boost her projects would bring to our group.
Lastly, I checked in on Emelia and Sophie, who had been buzzing with energy throughout the meal. Their morning had been filled with interactive lessons courtesy of the AI, covering basics that ranged from arithmetic to survival skills.
The sparkle in their eyes as they recounted their learning adventures was a heartening sight, and I promised them a fun practical session in the afternoon.
After discussing with the others, I turned my full attention to Emelia, noticing the way her eyes sparkled with the excitement of new knowledge but also mindful of the challenges she might be facing.
"Hey, baby legs," I started, using the affectionate nickname that always brought a smile to her face, "how are you finding learning with the new devices? Is everything okay, or is there something you're struggling with?"
Emelia put down her fork, her small hands clasping together as she considered the question.
"It's really fun, big brother! The lessons are like games, and I can learn lots of cool stuff," she began, her enthusiasm evident.
"But sometimes, the math gets a bit tricky, and the survival lessons make me a bit scared," she admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper on the last word, as if confessing a secret.
I reached across the table, covering her tiny hands with my own, offering reassurance.
"It's okay to find things difficult, Em. That's part of learning. And it's perfectly normal to feel scared about the survival stuff. But remember, all of this is to make us stronger and safer. We're in this together, and I'm here to help you through anything tough, okay?"
Emelia nodded, her smile returning.
"Can you help me with the math later? And maybe... can we talk more about the survival stuff? So it's less scary?" she asked, her silver eyes meeting mine with a mix of hope and trust.
"Of course, we can," I promised, squeezing her hands gently.
"We'll tackle the math together, and I'll explain the survival lessons in a way that makes sense. We can even practice some of it together, make it a fun activity. How does that sound?"
Her face lit up at the suggestion.
"That sounds awesome! Thanks, big brother. You're the best," she beamed, her fears momentarily forgotten in the prospect of spending more time together.
As we continued our meal, I couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness and love for my little sister.
The conversation reaffirmed my commitment to not only ensure her survival in this harsh new world but also to preserve the innocence and joy that made her the light of my life amidst the encroaching darkness.
As the remnants of lunch were cleared away and the atmosphere settled into a comfortable lull, I took the moment to transition our focus toward the rest of the day's agenda.
I glanced around the table at the faces that had, in such a short time, become integral to the fabric of our makeshift family.
It was time to shift gears from the camaraderie of shared meals to the serious business of preparation and survival.
"Alright, team," I began, capturing everyone's attention, "I hope you're all feeling fuelled up after that meal because we've got a busy afternoon ahead. Gerry and I will be focusing on some intensive training outside. We've got to make sure we're in top shape for whatever comes our way."
I noticed a flicker of concern cross Alicia's face and a hint of disappointment in Emelia's eyes at the prospect of being left out of the action.
Anticipating their thoughts, I quickly added, "But that doesn't mean the rest of you get to take it easy. I'd like for you all to continue with your learning and studies. Alicia, maybe delve deeper into the compendium, see if you can uncover any practical applications we can use. Angie, your crafting skills are going to be crucial for us, so please keep exploring those sewing and leatherworking techniques."
Turning to Emelia and Sophie, who seemed a bit restless, I softened my tone,
"And you two, try to see if you can find something fun and educational in your lessons today. Maybe there's a survival skill game or a puzzle you can solve together."
I could see them processing the afternoon's plan, finding their place within it.
"We're all doing our part to make sure we're as prepared as we can be," I continued, hoping to instil a sense of purpose in their individual tasks.
"Tomorrow, we'll switch things up a bit, maybe get everyone involved in some physical training. But for today, let's focus on sharpening our minds and skills."
As Gerry and I stood up, ready to gear up for training, I looked back at the group, feeling a surge of pride.
"We're all in this together," I reminded them, "and every bit of knowledge we gain, every skill we improve, makes us stronger as a team."
With that, Gerry and I headed out, leaving the others to their afternoon of study.
The weight of responsibility pressed on my shoulders, not just to protect and train but to foster an environment where we could all grow, learn, and face the uncertain future with unwavering resolve.