Date Posted:20:04:43 09/27/02 Fri Author: Ray D'Shyrt Subject: Lunch
Ray joined a late morning queue in the Rugby McDonalds, just behind a harassed mother and two children old enough to whine, but young enough to almost get away with such behavior.
"I'd like a McTofu and two Hero Happy Meals please," said the mother.
"Which meal would you like: a McX, McMotocron, McRynox or McWeasel?"
"Wanna 'Cron!" cried one of the boys, whilst the other simultenously demanded a McWeasel. Ray watched bemused as three meals and two fluffy mascots were placed on a tray, the mother bustling her children off to a table whilst he picked up a cheeseburger.
"Let us go and fight evil!"
Ray looked up from his cheeseburger at the tinny growl that the fluffy little Motocron toy had made at the next table. One of the kids was waving around the green little plush whilst chewing on a happyburger whilst the other child was beating him over head with a multicolored fluffy weasel that occasionally interjected helpful phrases like, "No worries!" and, "She'll be right!"
"How quickly they forget," murmered the whiskery guard from earlier on at the Pearl's appartment, placing a tray opposite Ray. "I don't think we introduced ourselves." He extended his hand across the table. "Inspector Ackland, but you can call me Jim."
"Ray. What's this about... Jim?"
"I think you know more than you let on this morning about our mysterious Transformer."
"Maximal."
"I'm sorry?"
"The Pearls said that it didn't look like a G1, and that it might have worn a sword. A Predacon woulda probably have used the sword instead of messin' around with non lethal weaponry unless it wanted prisoners, yet there were no signs of an abduction." Ray inspected the patina of the table. "Besides that webbing is hardly ideal kidnappin' gear.
The inspector sipped his coffee and smiled. "You've had some problems with petty theft in Engineering?" Ray paused, confused by the change of topic.
"Yeah, but Security told us it wasn't big enough to set up a sting." Ray polished off his cheeseburger and stood up. "Is there anythin' else I can help you with? I've got some sleep to catch-up on."
"No, not really. Here's my card - you'll be able to use it reach me if you think of anything useful." Jim put a smartcard on the table. As Ray turned to leave Jim finished his coffee and put the paper cup in a recycler.
"Hey, Ray - you ever thought of a career change?" The technician grinned over his shoulder.
"Every time I hit the sack by 6 am, Standard Station Time."
The inspector wore a thoughtful expression as he watched Ray depart for a lift back to the Residential Sector". Then he looked at his watch and headed back to the Brig.
