Poet says, "Ok then."

Shulamit says, "Hoo HOO! Today we are researching the very latest find, a colonial cookpot from Ishbi!"

Shulamit holds up the cookpot, inside it's display case still, to show it off. "This simple cookpot is a humble-looking device that has been rigged together from preexisting components by a proficient amateur engineer to suit a pleasantly domestic purpose. A messy-looking snarl of copper heating elements presses to one side of the base of a cylindrical aluminum tank that seems to have been some sort of lightweight storage vessel in a former life. Cut-to-order iron mesh has been installed as a grate in the deep cap of the tank's lid, where items meant for steaming could be stored securely. For the purposes of this recreation, the word 'Callisto' has been painted on the front of the cookpot, above and opposite the heating element."

Shulamit says, "As it is the only one we have, I've decided to keep it inside the case."

Shulamit nods sagely before placing the display case back on the table.

Shulamit says, "It also makes it easier to put back on display in the new wing."

Svatlina looks about herself, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

Svatlina says, "Now, who or what is Callisto."

Shulamit says, "Oh, food and food preparation is such a delight."

Svatlina nods.

Shulamit says, "Hoo. I think it is part of an old story passed down by humans!"

Shulamit says, "The penal colony was there, theoretically, yes?"

Svatlina says, "Mhm."

Poet says, "I really gotta brush up on my human history."

Poet says, "But that sounds right."

Acknowledging Poet's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Shulamit says, "Perhaps we will all learn more about humans as we study their shinies."

Shulamit nods its head slowly, looking very wise.

Svatlina says, "Probably a well-known chef or a brand."

Svatlina nods.

Shulamit says, "Perhaps! What do you think they cooked in there? I think...it is a hot pot. Liquids go in tank with flavourings, and then steam veggies on top to put in, or eat, or something."

Poet says, "So the coily tubing makes me think of a still, but is it really a steamer of some kind?"

Svatlina says, "Or someone who loves to cook, gave it a proper name. Humans tend to name objects they call 'partner'"

Acknowledging Svatlina's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Comprehension flashes across Poet's face.

Shulamit says, "Well, humans are creative. Perhaps it was a steamer *and* a still."

Shulamit nods its head slowly, looking very wise.

Shulamit says, "Nothing to say you can't make alcohol in the same pot you make stock in, after all."

Shulamit says, "Just not at the same time. Unless you want the colony drunk."

"Heh heh heh," Shulamit chuckles.

"Heh heh heh," Svatlina chuckles.

Svatlina examines the pot closely.

Shulamit says, "I wonder what kind of foods the early humans would have eaten on Ishbi, hoo."

Shulamit ponders this, lost in thoughts for a bit.

Poet says, "Any bits stuck to the grate that might give us a clue?"

Svatlina shakes her head.

Shulamit says to Svatlina, "You are studying it very closely, have you seen anything that might have been? Ooh hoo, alas."

Shulamit says, "Doubt organicy food bits survive well on Ishbi."

Svatlina says, "None. Pershables I guess doesn't leave evidence."

Acknowledging Svatlina's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Svatlina clears her throat.

Shulamit tilts its head and listens intently to Svatlina.

Shulamit says, "Might also be used for simply grilling as well. Coals inside bowl, instead of liquids."

Svatlina says, "Looks like it's built by an engineer, not that amateur I can say, to come up with this multifunctional pot."

Svatlina says, "Proves, necessity is the mother of all inventions."

Acknowledging Svatlina's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Poet says, "Hrm."

Shulamit says, "Hrm?"

Poet says, "Suppose you could put coals in the bottom."

Shulamit nods its head slowly, looking very wise.

Svatlina nods.

Svatlina says, "Coal power, before plasma existed."

Svatlina says, "Coal heating rather."

Shulamit says to Svatlina, "Can you cook with plasma? Would that not obliterate the taste?"

Poet tips her head, looking over the configuration of the cylinder. Or. Given the heating elements, something damp and just create smoke.

Svatlina nods.

Shulamit ponders the situation.

Poet tips her head, looking over the configuration of the cylinder. "Or. Given the heating elements, something damp and just create smoke."

Svatlina says, "Of course, we do not direct the plasma on the object though."

Shulamit says, "A smoker, hoo? Truly a device for the industrious colonist!"

Shulamit stares at Svatlina, tilts its head quizzically, rubs its chin thoughtfully, raises its eyebrow and says, "I see..."

Shulamit says, "Feels you'd taste the plasma heating in some way though."

Svatlina nods.

Svatlina says, "Too bad, coals does't exist now."

Shulamit says, "The...they don't? Or do you mean they didn't survive this?"

Svatlina says, "Coal heating."

Shulamit waves a hand at the cookpot, indicating it is indeed empty.

Shulamit says, "I'm sure we could source some coal from somewhere. You can make coal from...trees..."

Shulamit shudders violently.

Svatlina nods.

Shulamit says, "Perhaps we should put it away for now, until we find more cookers. Then we can have an entire cookout! Trying out the different cooking methods!"

Svatlina says, "With too much power to power everything, coal isn't used anymore. Hard to control."

Shulamit tilts its head and listens intently.

Acknowledging Svatlina's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Poet says, "A Scatterhome cooker party? What a lovely idea."

Shulamit says, "Yes yes!"

Svatlina says, "Might ask Lupi, she loves to bake cakes."

Svatlina's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Poet says, "Steamed cake! Delightful."

Shulamit says, "Ooh hoo. A cake baked on one of these would be intriguing!"

Acknowledging Poet's point to be true, Shulamit nods its head gravely at her.

Svatlina nods.

Poet says, "So, next steps?"

Shulamit ponders the situation.

Shulamit says, "Next steps we find more cookers. Then we have a party. Then we eat. Then we discuss the party."

Shulamit nods solemnly.

Poet breaks into hearty laughter.

Svatlina says, "I agree."

Poet says, "Done."

Shulamit nods solemnly as it packages away the colonial cookpot, making sure it's safe and sound.