Being too large to enter the dining establishment, the Guardian and Fat Bob waited outside as evening fell and a dank fog rolled over New Babbage. They fretfully observed Lilja and Sonja through a screened window. The Guardian spoke to Fat Bob in the language of clanks and Fat Bob replied, "I ken yer not supposed ter leave 'er side but we'd never fit intah that place. Beside that, little Pannikin is watchin' 'em and'll give us teh 'igh sign should any misfortune befall!" The Guardian again spoke in the language of clanks and Fat Bob nodded his head. "Too right, me big 'earty! We'll smash through a wall if teh Guv'ner er Mistress Steelsinger 'as a peril!" As Fat Bob said, within the establishment Pannikin watched to two women eat and chat. " 'Ere now, bring 'em summa that bird, you!" she barked to a waiter in her high-pitched tinny voice. Lilja laughed. To the server she indicated, "Just as my diminutive clank companion says, we'll have some slices of that fine bird my good fellow." She watched Sonja gobbling the bread and salad. "Some sort of potato with it would do us nicely as well!" Through her nearly full mouth Sonja managed, "Fried puttaytas if you please!" Lilja again giggled. "As my colleague requires, pomme frites with the bird!" The meal was a success and during it Lilja learned of Sonja's role at Darkstar Engineering and Discovery: the spark who maintained the clank's mental equipment. Indeed, she learned more of what it meant to have a spark. ...Or more properly to be a spark. Molly's art notes: Set up and rendered in Poser 12.0.500 with the Superfly Cycles 2 rendering engine. 1971s Brings us Pannikin. The main setting is Dinner for 2 by Blue Tree Studio and the barely seen exterior set is the Victorian Arcade, also by Blue Tree Studio. Sonja Steelsinger, is based on La Femme modified with morphs and textures by Afrodite-Ohki who also made her hair. Lilja Darkstar is also based on La Femme with morphs and textures by Tempesta3d; her hair is by Afrodite-Ohki and outfit is Dark Aurora by Ravenhair. The Guardian is by Jonnte and Fat Bob by Simon3d. The waiter is based on David 3 wearing various stuff available at DAZ. It's easiest to follow the story (if you like) at DeviantArt. It begins here: https://www.deviantart.com/mollyfootman/art/Lilja-Darkstar-ponders-875997592 I love me some Steampunk!