Ma Garcia's Cafe, Malta

[stardust47]

You open the door to Ma Garcia's. The smell of Cardamine isn't as strong as you'd expect, but it is there. The large woman at the bar says "Hola amigo!" in a friendly voice. You go up and look at the menu. You ask what's in the coffee. She says you have to pay extra if you don't want Cardamine in it. You just have some cardi-free coffee and sit down.

Jamie sat down at a table and looked out of the window. It was busy outside and yet Ma Garcia's was empty, save for him and some Outcasts. A Sabre landed on the pad outside and a muscular woman got out. Jamie recognised her as the girl he met when he and John had snuck aboard Dave's ship. When they got out, they were on Malta. Neither of them ever saw her since. Maria ran over to the cafe and burst through the door.
"Jamie? Is that you?" she said.
"Maria! Long time no see." was Jamie's reply. "Glad to see you're OK."
"You too."
"It's that boy you met! What was his name again?" interrupted Maria's mother.
"Jamie, Ma."
"That's me."
"Ah. Jamie." Jamie's phone rang suddenly.
"Yes, yes. Wait, what? Damn Zoners. I think I might have to think twice about that Conference and push for A.D.M.I.N to allow a Civilian Gunship instead." He put the phone down. "I have to go now. Sorry. Be back soon." And with that, Jamie left.
"Forget it!" shouted Maria. "I made out with a Golden Chrysanthemum!"
"You what?" both Ma and Jamie said in unison.

---