Spoon

Iri sat alone at the table. It was the first time in years that she would be eating alone. Challos and Semo were on patrol of the east quadrant until midnight and Preacher would be in the MedCenter for at leas three more hours.

She pulled out her CTak to distract herself from the easy flow of conversation that surrounded her. She set the little computer on her left so she could navigate while eating. Tomato soup and myco; it was nothing special, but she was starving.

"Scuse me."

Iri looked up. And then up again. Towering over her was Augustus Cole.

"Sorry to interrupt your meal, but can I see dat spoon?"

She looked down at the piece of silver in her hand.

"My spoon?"

Cole smiled. "Yeah, ya see I'ma starting a collection, whole matchin' set."

She looked at him flippantly, which made him smile even wider.

"But don't tell the kitchen, they get touchy bout Gears swipin' stuff."

"Turned to a life of crime then, huh? How fast doth the hero fall." She quipped.

"Well, you know, gotta keep my skills sharp an' I figure grand theft cutlery is a good start."

Amused with the conversation and happy not to be alone, Iri decided to try her luck. She started to hand him the utensil then suddenly pulled back when he reached for it.

"Well seeing as I am now your accomplice in this dastardly caper, I think I should get a cut."

"Hush money huh? Well I ain't got much…"

"A favor." Her eyes twinkled with mischievous intent.

Cole liked this chick. She was smart and playful, but owing anyone was dangerous. He was wary of what she may ask.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Nothing big, just a RD pack for this." She held up the CTak. "Your mech buddy should have a spare."

Cole knew Baird didn't like letting go of parts, they were more precious to him than people.

"I'll have to inquire."

He started to turn away when her hand brushed his arm. When he looked back she was holding out the spoon.

"Or you could just bring me a different one so I can finish my meal."

She had been enjoying herself and wasn't attached to the piece of metal enough to warrant exiling herself to isolation again. She watched as he jogged over to the serving line and snatched another spoon from the bin. Starting back toward the table he was stopped by another Gear.

"Hey Cole Train, I know your tough man, but I would stay away from that chick if I were you."

Cole brushed the guys hand off his shoulder.

"Oh yeah, Why is that?"

"Man don't you know who that is?" The guy turned to his friends with a look of disbelief. "Horror story man, Little Sister in the flesh. The frickin' Angel of Death!"

Cole's breath caught in his throat and he glanced up to see if she had overheard the conversation. Iri quickly averted her gaze when their eyes met. She knew why he had stopped him. Cole stared down at the Gear and anger furrowed his brow.

"That shit is in the past. We all just people now."

He turned back to the table, but she was gone. The spoon lay next to her uneaten meal. Cole picked it up and headed for the Pit. Baird had to have an extra RD pack lying around.