Vroom Vroom

[dee_lorean81]

[There is a DeLorean, heavily modified, doing laps in an empty, paved part of the Nexus. One might wonder what the driver is doing -- practicing for a race? Working on their turning? Just burning rubber because they're bored?

And then one might get a little closer -- and see that there IS no driver.

. . .perhaps it might be fairer to say that the car is bored.]

Comments

[palmerthing]

Yeah, that sounds generally pretty good. Shall we?

[dee_lorean81]

Sure thing -- it's listed here as "B6," so I guess that means its on the second floor. . . [scurries over to the escalators]

[palmerthing]

*Palmer follows eagerly. Being around all these people without some kind of guard makes him nervous.*

[dee_lorean81]

[one quick ride up the escalators later, and a few feet down the hall, and they're at the store, which has the requisite large glass windows showing off the shop and its wares -- the mannequins there are dressed in styles ranging from "fancy literally glowing ballgown" to "armored hazmat suit," so it certainly seems like they've got something for everyone!]

[palmerthing]

*Palmer is just gonna start looking for force fields and similar. It likes its current outfit, something that doesn't cover everything would be generally nice if only so its face can be read.*

[dee_lorean81]

[There's actually a gadget display near the main register -- manned by some sort of octopus-creature -- which has a few different items on it. One of which is labeled the "Personal Everything Shield." Dee picks one up and shows it to Palmer] This might be good?

[palmerthing]

Yeah, probably. Wonder how much it costs?

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee looks for a price tag, and only finds a barcode] Doesn't say. . . [she goes up to the Octopus Cashier] Excuse me -- what's the price on this?

[The Octopus Cashier replies in a slightly "blubbing" voice] Depends on what currency you're using! We have to cater to all forms of legal tender.

[palmerthing]

Um, dollars I guess? *Palmer is running up against the fact that Antarctica didn't really have money.*

[dee_lorean81]

[Octopus Cashier] American, New Zealand --

[Dee, realizing this could take a while] American.

[Octopus Cashier sets the price scanner appropriately and scans the barcode] $188 American!

[palmerthing]

*Palmer takes out a rather beaten-up wallet and goes through it.* Huh, looks like I actually have enough.

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee, who was about to offer to get her Dad or Marty to see if they could help cover the cost] Really? Ah, sorry, that probably sounded a bit -- dickish, but. . .

[palmerthing]

I mean, I didn't exactly have a lot to spend it on in Antarctica and I haven't had to buy food here or anything. Bit surprised that my wallet had that much in it to start with though.

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee shrugs] I dunno what to tell you. Just be grateful you came pre-loaded?

[Octopus Cashier, minding their own business] Now, do you require any special accommodations for the transaction? Anything we should know about?

[palmerthing]

*Octopus cashier is smart.* Probably a good idea to sterilize the money, but other than that it should be fine.

[dee_lorean81]

[Octopus cashier simply wants the minimum amount of customer drama in their lives] Ah -- if that's the case. . . [pulls out a special plastic box with a wide slot in the top] If you'd like to put the payment in there, we'll remove any diseases, curses, or other transferable effects from it later.

[Dee, impressed] You guys ARE prepared for anything.

[Octopus cashier] You have to be in a place like this!

[palmerthing]

*Palmer grins and puts the money in the box, then picks up the new shield.* This should help a lot.

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee nods] Once you figure out how to use it.

[Octopus cashier, putting the box away] Oh, it's pretty simple -- it clips to your clothes, and when activated, creates a small but impermeable shield over the whole body. Conforms to the lines of the limbs and everything. Very popular for those who need extra protection but can't use a proper suit.

[palmerthing]

*Palmer adds it to his belt and it hums for a moment, then lights up.* Definitely easier than a suit. *He won't have to worry about the suit breaking either, or contaminating the outside.*

[dee_lorean81]

[Octopus cashier] Hence why it's popular.

[Dee grins] Yeah, it's pretty awesome, it looks like. How's it feel? Like anything, or. . . ?

[palmerthing]

Not much or anything, no. Maybe a bit of static occasionally?

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee, glancing at the cashier] That's good, right?

[Octopus Cashier nods] According to the packaging, that's how it's supposed to work.

[palmerthing]

*With that Palmer relaxes in a way he hasn't been before, even when he seemed to be relaxing. You don't notice the kind of care he's been moving with until its gone.*

[dee_lorean81]

[Dee raises an eyebrow] . . .you really have been tense for a long time, haven't you?

[palmerthing]

Oh fuck yes. Having to focus on what I'm touching all the time is a hassle.