“A proper roast for people who’ve earned one.”

“All right,” Deirdre announced as she lifted her canvas tote from the Galley counter.

“It’s Saturday. Normally that means a quieter watch around here. Unfortunately, the renewed war has decided not to take the weekend off. Miles is following the finance people, the President says there may be another major strike sometime tonight, and everyone appears determined to stay busy.”

She smiled toward the tall former strike-fighter pilot standing beside the refrigerator.

“So I’m turning the Galley over to somebody who is usually hungry anyway.”

Rocket straightened up and gave an exaggerated bow.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“I am going to look at the election news and see what sort of excitement has appeared overnight. You have the kitchen. Don’t burn anything.”

“I’ve never burned a prime rib in my life.”

Rocket leaned against the counter.

“My introduction to prime rib wasn’t in some fancy restaurant. It was Squadron Mess Night at NAS Lemoore after we’d spent another deployment wandering around whichever Strait the politicians were worried about that month.”

“A prime rib wasn’t just dinner.”

“It meant everybody had made it home.”

“There is something reassuring about carving into a proper roast surrounded by people you’ve trusted with your life.”

“So this is my contribution.”

Garlic & Herb Crusted Prime Rib

This roast is everything a celebration ought to be.
A fragrant crust of garlic, rosemary, thyme and parsley locks in the juices while producing the sort of aroma that causes people to drift into the kitchen asking if they can “help.”

They cannot.

They may watch.

Galley Logistics

Rest: 30 minutes
One note for Deirdre:

Keep ordering at least two of Wyoming Pure’s beautiful prime ribs every quarterly shipment from Wheatland.

Life has a habit of inventing reasons to celebrate.

Pilots learn patience the hard way.

Let it rest.

Pour yourself another glass of whatever red wine survived the afternoon. Then carve thick slices and watch the room become very quiet.

Around here, that’s how you know dinner was successful like catching an OK-3 wire landing on the boat.

Tomorrow Deirdre gets the Galley back.

If we run short, the Organic Butcher up in McLean has rescued us more than once.

When the roast comes out of the oven, don’t rush it.

I merely borrowed it.

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra
www,vicsocotra.com