After Zhelir abruptly ending their meeting, Eros pondered what to do next. He looked down at his clothes.
"Hospital scrubs." he said to no one in particular. "Could you take me somewhere that I can get some new clothes?" he asked the remaining guard.
"Sure. Although, you don't have any money."
"Well... that's a problem."
"Hey." interjected the doctor. "You could get some by telling any store clerk that you need them for official }{G business."
"Not a bad idea," confirmed the guard.
"Okay, can we go?" asked Eros.
"Fine. I'll take you to the civilian ring's commercial segment. There you can shop at any of the stores, but we have to be in the shuttle bay in twelve hours."
Eros unwrapped his second burger and began to eat.
"Lead the way." he said around a mouthful of beef, bread, and cheese.
The guard and Eros left the sickbay and headed to a lift. The lift stopped in a part of the colony that looked much less spartan than the military district. Eros saw children playing and people conducting business.
"Y'know? The colonies where I come from are much roomier." he said to the guard, who merely grunted.
The two strolled into a small shoppingmall. Eros looked around an found a store that had all black in the windows.
"Let's check that out."
He strolled into the store and began examining the merchandise. All of the pants were very baggy, had chains or straps, and had many pockets. Eros selected a pair that were solid black with red stitching, larfe pockets, and no chains. He then grabbed a plain black t-shirt and a black trench coat.
Shoes...
Eros chose a pair of size 11.5 boots. He decided that he would need a wallet and belt. Having acquired his clothing Eros headed to the register. The clerk began to total up the clothing's price.
"Ninety five." he said to Eros.
"I'm going to need these for official }{G business." said Eros, hoping that the transaction would go smoothly.
No such luck. the clerk pulled up a list of }{G personnel on his computer screen.
"Name please."
"Eros Sabersky."
The clerk typed in his name, then frowned when no results were found.
"I can't give these to you. You're not in the register."
Eros turned to the guard.
"Uh... little help please?"
The guard walked to the register.
"John Bayer." he told the clerk, then showed his ID.
"Oh, good. Here you are." the clerk said. "The transaction has been credited to your account."
"Great," muttered Bayer. He scooped up the clothes and dumped them into Eros' arms. "You owe me."
"Thanks."
Eros went to the dressing room and donned his new clothes.
Almost like the ones back home...he thought ruefully.
For the next few hours Eros and Bayer did practically nothing. Bayer took Eros on a quick tour of the colony, then back to the military hangars.
Eros walked into the hangar about twenty minutes earlier than the appointed time. As he walked over to a shuttle, where he saw Miyumi, the mechanic. Eros sat down and said nothingfor a few moments. He just stared off into space, trying to figure out how to start a converstaion with this individual. After all, she was probably the only way he was going to get the G-3 in working order.
"Uh..." he started, "I guess I'm sorry for that incident yesterday. I just freaked out a little bit."
Eros waited for a response, then noticed that Miyumi apparently hadn't heard him. He reached over and tapped her on the shoulder.
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