"Alright, daughter of mine. Why were you late?" Professor Utonium smiled as they sat down at the table. The hostess that had seated them had left menus, but they would remain untouched by the frequent diners.

"Well, it doesn't seem so important now." Bubbles sighed, looking down at the table. "Just a crook on the south side of town."

The Professor gave a worried look. "Is something wrong, Bubbles." An escaped crook never got his little girl down this much.

"Why would something be wrong?"

"Aside from the fact that you look scared, a two-bit criminal never held you up."

"Well..." She started, but hesitated. The Professor gave her a concerned look. "It's just that he got away. I spent a couple of hours looking for him. I...I just hope he's not out there, hurting someone.

"Bubbles..."

"I swear that's all, dad." She stated, putting on a big smile.

Hello, and thank you for coming the the Mandarin Dragon." A lady said as she walked up their table. "My name is Shannon, and I'll be your server today. How may I help you?"

They each gave their orders and waited til she had left before they started talking again. "Are you sure nothing is wrong?"

"Positive." The blonde gave a wild smile again. "So...how's work been for you?"

"Wonderful. I've been working on this machine..." The Professor started talking in terms way over Bubble's head, but she sighed in relief as the discussion moved away from her. Something was indeed eating at her mind, but her dad was the last person she wanted to share it with.