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While the girls finished their final round of examinations, you decided to go and track down Ada for a nice, long chat. And thanks to that weird, time dilation thingy, she and the other scientists hadn’t gone far.
After exiting the hospital, they all split off in opposite directions for a lunch break. Ada had chosen a nearby diner that someone had recommended to her.
As you pushed through the door, one of the establishment’s servers started to greet you upon reflex, but she paused halfway through her greeting when she noticed the costume that you were wearing. Every patron in the diner turned to stare at you, some of them murmuring to each other nervously.
You took this opportunity to scan the room, searching for any sign of the good doctor. And when you spotted someone who fit her profile, you saluted the lady who tried to greet you and strode on over Ada.
<span class="mu-r">“Afternoon, ma’am.”</span>
The old waitress raised a hand and gave you a weak wave in return, confusion and apprehension clear on her face. Every eye in the diner followed you as you walked over and sat down across from Ada. She had been one of the only ones that didn’t turn to gawk at you as you entered, and even now, she barely batted an eye when you sat down in front of her. She did, however, pause mid-bite, her mouth only mere inches away from the greasy burger she’d ordered.
She placed her food back onto her plate and gave you a friendly smile.
<span class="mu-r">“Huntsman. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company tonight?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I just figured I’d join you in grabbing a bite to eat. Hope you don’t mind me sitting here.”</span>
She shook her head slightly.
<span class="mu-r">“No, not at all. The food here is delightful.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“What would you recommend?”</span>
You asked, grabbing a menu off of the table.
<span class="mu-r">“I hear the bacon mushroom burger is to die for.”</span>
You found the item on the menu, nodded to yourself, and waved for a waitress to come and take your order. The young woman was clearly nervous, but your jovial attitude helped to break the tension somewhat.
Once she was gone, you returned your attention back to Ada.
<span class="mu-r">“That pocket dimension of yours is something else. I wish mine did stuff like that.”</span>
You said, watching as Ada popped a french fry into her mouth.
<span class="mu-r">“It wasn’t easy to make it. Took years of research and experimentation.”</span>
You frowned at her.
<span class="mu-r">“Really? You don’t look that old.”</span>
Ada’s smile widened, and she pushed her glasses up with her pinky.
<span class="mu-r">“Hm. I never said that I was the one who conducted the research necessary to create it. Well…not <span class="mu-i">all</span> of it, at least. The only thing that matters is that it’s in my possession now. Is your friend having any trouble adjusting to her new…’situation’?”</span>
You gave her a slight shrug.
(Cont.)
