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Once the machine was done measuring, I faced the display and looked for the basic shirt and pants I always ordered. I found them, but the colors were limited, so I got a gray set. It seemed like the best color to keep clean. I was shocked to find they offered underwear, so I ordered two pairs. That made me smile as I turned to face the Talins.
“Can we get shoes now?”
They didn’t move.
“You only ordered one outfit,” Narmuna said. “And it’s a dull color.”
“You didn’t order any wrap garments," Tolly said. “Humans like wrap garments.”
“I’m a human and haven’t heard of that before,” I said.
“You might’ve been on your own for too long,” Tolly said. “You might not be aware of the latest human trends, or perhaps the words aren’t translating correctly. Let me show you.”
I moved aside when he reached for the display. He tapped it until it showed a dress that wrapped around the body and tied at one hip on the inside and the other hip on the outside. I could see why they called it a wrap. The styles varied from tight and feminine to loose, long, and masculine.
“That’s nice,” I said. “It looks comfortable.”
“All humans wear them,” Tolly said with way too much authority. Then he picked one in burnt orange with red trim. Then he ordered seven more in each color they offered.
“Get her more of what she ordered,” Narmuna instructed. “She should have choices. But get better colors.”
“Yes,” Tolly agreed and moved through the menu. “You make a good point.”
He had to call the shop clerk over to force the machine to offer the shirt and pants in more colors. Then he ordered a set in almost every option. By the time they were done, I was going to have more clothes with them than I had back on Bright Star Station.
I couldn’t believe the amount of wealth they were spending on me.
“Will all this be ready by the end of the work cycle?” Narmuna asked.
“I’ll transfer some of the orders to the other machines in the back and make sure they’re all finished in time,” the clerk said.
After that we found a shop that sold shoes and had absolutely nothing I could use and no cobbler machine. It frustrated the men, but then the assistant said they could fix my old ones. That was better than nothing.
“What do you need next?” Tulm asked as we left the store.
“Food packets,” Narmuna said.
Tulm made an agreeing movement with her hands and walked us down a level and across the wide thoroughfare. I spotted a drink kiosk and was suddenly desperately thirsty.
“I know we’re in a rush,” I said. “But could we buy some miesua?”
Tolly and Narmuna stopped and turned to where I was pointing.
“You drink that?” Tolly asked.
I snickered at his disgusted tone. “It’s good.”
“It’s sweet,” Narmuna said.
“That’s why it’s good,” I said.
“Humans do like sweet things,” Tolly said, changing direction.
“She shouldn't have too much,” Narmuna said.
“She can decide what she wants,” I said with an annoyed huff.
Tolly and Narmuna exchanged a look, then moved their gazes to me.
