The group had just arrived outside of the diner once again, taking a look at the stark change in atmosphere. There were plenty of customers of all backgrounds entering and exiting the diner. Maxim’s stomach began to rumble as they approached the door, the aromas of various foods drifting out of the cracked door to the diner. Entering the diner, the robot immediately recognized the group. “Greetings again! I regret to inform you that my caretaker is currently out at the moment, and thus is unavailable.”
Eric shook his head. “Actually, we’re here as customers this time.”
“Excellent! Becca, please come here!”
A woman who looked like she was in her mid-forties walked up to the robot and looked at the group. “Party of five?”
Eric nodded. “Yes, we are.”
“Please follow me then.”
Becca escorted them to a large, circular table in the middle of the room. On the table were several tablets that were connected to the table, showing a rotating loop of pictures showing the various foods that the diner sold. As the group sat down on chairs at the table, Becca took out a tablet of her own and tapped on it a couple times. “What can I interest you all for drinks?”
“Water for me.” Maxim said as he looked at the tablet on the table. The rest of the group also asked for water. “I’ll go get that for you right now.” Becca quickly walked away from the table and towards the kitchen. Within seconds, she had a glass of ice water in front of each of them. “Are you all prepared to order?”
Maxim shook his head. “I’d like some time to look at the menu.” Becca nodded and was about to walk off when Eric slightly raised his hand, getting her attention. “Excuse me, do you have some time to answer a few questions?”
Becca looked nervous as her eyes darted back and forth, looking to make sure no one was listening. “I-I’m more than willing to help answer your questions regarding our menu.”
“Well, I was hoping that maybe we could ask you about your employer.”
Becca quickly shook her head. “I have no idea about my employer’s private life. I’m just here to earn some money.”
Eric frowned. “Looks, it’s alright. We’re not here to–”
Becca repeated her previous phrase, which caused Maxim to raise his eyebrows. Is it possible that Lirk spoon-fed his employees a response should someone come asking questions?
After a few more attempts by Eric, and being met with the same phrase, Eric sighed and shook his head. “Well, what would you recommend from the menu?”
“...I’d recommend the Red Back Burger. It’s a burger that has a large amount of our secret hot sauce. Many of our regulars always order it.”
“Well I’ll have that then.”
Becca nodded and tapped a few buttons on a pad that she was holding. “Fries or salad?”
“Fries.”
After everyone had ordered, Becca tapped on the tablet a few more times before lowering it. “I’ll bring the food to you when it’s ready.” Becca bowed slightly to them and walked away to a different table. Melek leaned over to Maxim and whispered, “Is it just me, or did her response seem like it was scripted?”
Maxim nodded. “It’s not just you. I’m sure Eric also noticed, which was why he still tried to continue to try to get some information.”
After Becca went to the kitchen, it was minutes before she appeared again, with other waitresses intentionally keeping their distance from the group, one even completely ignoring Eric as he attempted to waive another waitress down. When their orders were ready, Becca quickly placed the plates down in front of everyone and speed-walked away. Eric sighed. “Guess word got out already…so much for trying to get some information. I’d be surprised if any waitress would even look at us now, much less talk.”
Amanda nodded as she set down a couple fries she had in her hand. “I’m not surprised. I’m sure their lives are at risk, or even worse, if they talk.”
Kolten sighed. “Doesn’t this just prove that Lirk is doing some shady crap? His employees are absolutely terrified of him…”
Maxim nodded. “It’s definitely not something that’s normal, that’s for sure. However, we can’t use this as evidence, otherwise every harsh manager would be under suspicion of–”
Maxim stopped speaking and looked at the door, noticing Lirk walking into the diner. After greeting the robot, Lirk looked around the diner before spotting the group. His eyebrows visibly raised up in surprise as he walked over. “Well what a surprise, I didn’t expect to see you all again so soon. I see you’re enjoying some delicious food.”
Eric nodded. “Well considering how cooperative you were with us earlier today, we decided that we’d help support your restaurant. Your waitress gave me a great recommendation with the Red Back Burger.”
Lirk smiled and nodded. “That’s one of my favorites. I made the secret hot sauce after a few years of testing out various recipes. Though only Becca seems to like it out of all my waitresses. She’s the one who’s served you, correct?”
Eric was a bit hesitant but nodded. “Y-yeah, she was. She’s done a great job too.”
“Well she’s my longest tenured employee, having worked here since I opened this restaurant. I owe a lot to her. Anyways, I’ll let you all enjoy your meal. If you need anything else, just say the word.” Lirk walked away from the table and towards the kitchen.
Maxim sighed. “We had better get ready to be kicked out.”
“Why do you say that?” Melek asked, who had by now finished his plate of food rather quickly.
“I have a feeling Becca is gonna be telling him what we’ve asked. It won’t be long until–”
The door to the kitchen swung open violently as he slammed against the wall. Lirk stormed right up to the table.
“...Becca says something.” Maxim finished as Lirk glared at them.
“So, I’m as cooperative as can be, and this is the thanks I get? Get unfounded suspicions about my character?” Lirk pointed towards the exit. “Get out…NOW!”
The group quickly stood up and made their way out of the restaurant, with Lirk stomping directly behind them. As they exited, Lirk screamed out behind them, “If you ever come back, I’ll have you all arrested for trespassing!”
Amanda sighed. “Well, that was…something.”
Kolten chuckled. “Well at least we can add getting kicked out of a diner to our report…that’ll be sure to get our instructor to laugh, maybe give us a pity passing grade as a result.”
“So what do we do now?” Eric asked, looking at Maxim. “That was our best lead, but there’s now no chance of capitalizing on that. Even if we reported that we believed that Lirk is acting suspicious and his employees are either terrified of him, or complicit with what he’s doing, there’s nothing that can be done at this point.”
“I…really don’t know. I guess all we can do is go back and–”
The communicators of all five of them suddenly beeped. As they took each out, they all saw a message from an unknown number. “Greetings students! I know you’re having some difficulties acquiring evidence. Send Maxim to Heritage Park to meet me at 6:50 near the fountain. You all are welcome to come to the park as well, but keep your distance. We don’t want to make a scene.”
Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to make of this message. “Isn’t Heritage Park just a few minutes north of here?” Kolten asked, giving a worrying look towards Maxim.
Maxim nodded. “Yeah…it is…but why me specifically?”
Amanda shrugged. “Who knows…but considering the circumstances…I don’t think we have much of a choice but to comply. Is that okay with you Maxim?”
Maxim sighed and shrugged. “Even if it wasn’t okay with me, we’d still have to take whatever lead we can get. We should get going. We now only have nine minutes to meet up with this mystery person. …I’m counting on you for backup should something go south.”
“Of course.” Melek said, patting Maxim on the shoulder. “Just don’t get kidnapped on us before we can intervene.”
Maxim laughed and shook his head as he began walking over to the meeting point. Within minutes, they were in Heritage Park, still filled with a multitude of people who were enjoying the evening. With the rest of the group watching from a tree about fifty yards from the fountain, Maxim separated from the group and walked to the fountain. Looking at his holowatch, he watched the minutes tick by until, at 6:50 exactly, he noticed a familiar woman walking up to him, carrying a wrapped package. “Nice to see you again, Maxim.”
Maxim was initially shocked to see the woman, but soon nodded at her. “It’s a pleasure to see you again too. It’s been…eight months since we last talked?”
“Around that, yes. When Rina told me to go meet you, that you’d be having a hard time, let’s just say it wasn’t a task I was expecting.”
“So what you’re carrying is…”
“Everything she could dig up about Lirk, Ziven, and a few other leads she thinks the Intelligence Agency should at least take a look at.”
“But how did she know what we were looking for? I haven’t been able to–”
“She talked with one of her contacts in the agency who told her what was going on in Hathea, which then caused her to go into a frenzy researching and investigating what’s been going on. She personally worked with Ziven during the invasions, so it’s become personal to her. Anyways, here you go.”
The woman handed Maxim the package, which was heavier than it looked. “You might want to take a quick look at it first though before reporting in. That way you’ll be able to answer some basic questions if asked. Also, tonight when you can, be sure to get in contact with Rina. Apparently there’s something she needs to tell you.”
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“It’s about some facts that she decided to keep from what she’s given here that she wants only you to know about while you’re here. Beyond that, I have no idea. She did sound rather…serious about it though, so don’t forget.”
“I won’t. Anyways, you should probably get going. Staying here too long chatting will be sure to get the others suspicious.”
The woman surreptitiously glanced over at the group, smiling. “So that’s what some of them look like huh?” The woman looked back at Maxim. “Good luck Maxim. If you ever need support, be sure to let us know.”
“Will do. Goodbye.”
The woman quickly turned and walked away, leaving Maxim alone with the package. Walking back to the group, Maxim immediately tore the wrapping off the package, revealing a cardboard box. Everyone rushed up to him, spotting the box. “What’s in there?”
“Supposedly a bunch of information concerning Lirk and Ziven. The woman was a former associate of theirs and had a bunch of information to give after she learned that we’ve been investigating them.”
After opening the box, they all saw it was filled to the brim with papers and photographs. On some of the photographs, which featured people that were unfamiliar to the group, were their names and affiliations, such as a business owner or mercenary. As they quickly read over the papers, Amanda chuckled. “Whoever that woman was must have been documenting them for a long time. I mean, this was dated five years back. They’ve been planning for at least that long?”
Melek nodded. “Most likely even longer, but this is a treasure trove. This will definitely help give us a passing grade, that’s for sure.”
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVDq6zUiFc
