CHAPTER 5
The
Sisters of Mercy soup kitchen doled out free food and good will to the hard
pressed miners and anyone else who felt the need to walk through their
door. Even in space aboard a gigantic
mining ship misfortune had placed a heavy hand on many.
Men and women moved down the line
with their plates that were heaped full of food by the smiling, kind-hearted
volunteers. They were worn out and weary
of their plight, but most took the food and blessings from the sisters in good
grace.
Tibbs was not one of these, as one
of the sisters slapped a glob of mashed potato-looking gray matter on his tray.
Synthetic spuds again,” Tibbs said
testily. “That the best you can do,
lady?”
Sister Florence tried a stab at
humor, “They’re out of season in the Belt, brother Tibbs.”
“I ain’t your brother. But if you wanna give me some brotherly love
on the side—”
“Watch your mouth,” said a man
standing behind Tibbs.
Tibbs looked over his shoulder at
Sisters of Mercy benefactor, David Moore, a wealthy businessman and Good Samaritan.
“You keep that trash mouth of yours
under control,” Moore said. “You don’t
talk to the sisters like that.”
Tibbs was both a bully and a
coward. He glared at Moore, but remained
silent as he moved over to a table. He
dropped the metal tray onto the metal table with a clatter. There was a little sneer as Sister Florence
jumped and Moore glared at him. Tibbs watched as Moore talked with another sister,
Sister Diane. Tibbs ate angrily and
watched, overhearing bits of their conversation.
“It’s been difficult, but we have
to stay at it,” said Sister Diane. “A
hot meal can make all the difference to some of them.”
“I know, Sister Diane. You and the other sisters are doing God’s
work,” Moore said.
“Hey, buddy, slide the salt over
here, will ya,” said a miner near Tibbs.
Tibbs glared at the man as if he
was an insect. He slid the salt across
the table so hard that it hit the man’s tray and flipped off the table.
“Asshole,” the miner said angrily.
Tibbs did not seem to hear the
comment as he watched Moore and Sister Diane.
Moore took out his com-device and
took one from Sister Diane. He tapped a
couple of keys and handed it back to her.
She looked up at him and smiled
gratefully. “I don’t know what to say,” she said.
“You don’t need to say
anything. Just continue putting it to
good use.”
“A thousand credits! Your generosity will assure you a place in
heaven.”
Moore laughed. “Buying my way into
the hereafter isn’t quite what I had in mind, but if it will grease the skids a
bit, I’m all for it,” he said as he patted her shoulder. “You just keep doing
what you do, and I’ll see you again next trip.”
“God bless and keep you safe on
your journey, Mr. Moore.”
He gave a jaunty wave as he left
the hall.
Tibbs watched him intently. When Moore disappeared, Tibbs took his tray
and dumped the contents into a trash bin, then follows Moore.
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