Elizabeth Stirling stormed through the front door of Christy's pausing gratefully in the doorway to remove her rain-soaked police helmet, leaving her short auburn hair plastered to her skull. New London's weather was at its dismal best. Even the short walk from the landing pad to the Hub had been enough to result in an absolute soaking for the newest Police recruit. At least her helmet had maintained its shape, a vast improvement on the caps that had been standard at Universal.
The tea house exhibited a gentle glow, in spite of the weather, filtered electric lighting casting faint shadows in any available corner. Once her brown eyes adjusted, Elizabeth made a beeline for the counter, and the woman patiently waiting for orders. It'd been a while since any new blood'd wandered in. At least the lass seemed comfortable enough, if a touch uptight. The waitress, an elderly woman by the name of Abigail (though anyone that mattered had since resorted to 'Abbie'), was an ex-officer herself and adopted a welcoming smile as the Junior Constable strode to the counter.
" 'vening girl. Kitchens closed 'til the new cook comes on, so it'll just be drinks." she declared cheerfully.
Elizabeth frowned, mentally scrapping plans for tea and scones. Typical certainly, but it wasn't every day you came back home. Putting a dent in a certain BAF Officers ego had further served to lighten her mood and she took the news with an obliging nod. "Just a tea then. Earl Grey, white, if you please." Say what you would, but they just didn't make tea the same in Liberty. As for coffee.... Well, if Stirling ever saw another cup of the stuff it would be too soon.
She took a moment to cup the tea between her palms; a futile attempt at warmth but it made her feel better. Elizabeth set a course for the nearest booth, deliberately lowering her soaked headdress onto the seat opposite her, evidently intent on keeping her own company.
