Luca chuckled and smiled at the stories, but as they went on, he started to feel on edge, but he couldn't put his finger on what was making him feel that way, aside from not being fed.
This was furthered by Naoko's observation of everyone staring at her. The truth was that some the patrons weren't just staring at her, they were staring at him and the CEO too.
The captain decided to reach for the pepper shaker, and unscrewed the lid, keeping his grasp firm and steady should he and his crew be surprised.
His body language, whilst appearing calm on a casual glance was tense and ready for a surprise.
His eyes glided around the room, eventually coming level with something, and Sebastian leaned over with a look of concern as he took notice.
"Son, something bothering you?" He asked.
Luca momentarily lapsed in concentration as he nodded in the direction of the offending object, "A familiar shape."
That's when his gaze levelled with someone who'd walked in a minute ago, looking out of place and somewhat overdressed, ordering a tall glass of wine. Discreetly, she seemed to slip something into it. Her appearance had changed from the last time she and the captain crossed, but her habits were still unmistakable.
It was Malice from Nepleslia Prime. Only Luca was able to remember her so well, since he had the most 'involvement' with her. Sebastian was unable to make the connection due to her newer appearance.
That gooey wench doesn't quit, just like that big lug from Mission 4... He made a subconscious groan of misery.
"I don't think this bar has a bottle of liquid nitrogen handy," Luca frowned a little as he watched Malice drink what she just concocted, and made small talk with the barkeeper. Occasionally, she'd glance in Luca's direction, and she knew she was being watched, grinning in his direction and winking.
"Nitrogen? Are you planning something to pull on John?" Sebastian asked, unaware of what he was referring to.
"Either way, let's not start something, not now," The captain sipped a cola drink quietly and the bad taste he had in his mouth was washed away for a moment.
"Son, what are you talking about?" He was genuinely stumped. He glanced towards the kitchen with a smile, "Maybe you should think about things like that back on the ship. Our lunch is inbound."
It looked like everyone's orders were ready and a Waitress with a large trolley containing everyone's orders walked towards the Crew's table with a swagger.
"Alright then, ladies and gentlemen," A different waitress chimed, as she started distributing the food from her trolley to the table, taking a minute to get everyone's orders distributed, "Enjoy your meals!" She then wheeled her trolley away.
As Luca was about to tuck into his steak, he noticed that Malice had moved away from her spot at the bar. He ate unusually quietly, and Sebastian was still very concerned for his son's wellbeing. He always thought that slow, considerate eating means that there's a something troubling going on.
"Is there something you aren't telling me?" He asked softly.