Empty Toward The Moon

Chapter Eleven

I was given a single bed cabin in an area of the cruiser that hosted visitors. It wasn't anything special. Supply sent me a duffel bag with four changes of clothes, toiletries and a pair of combat boots. Pulling everything out of the navy blue plexi-canvas bag and laying them on the bed, I knew this wasn't going to be comfortable living in these clothes.

Any audio or video monitoring on this room, Nova? I asked my friend.

[The room is clear. There is a camera outside the room in the corridor. Speak quietly if you want to speak out loud, but be aware that everything could be recorded.]

OK, got it. Its, just... I really want to see what fabrics are available via the fabricator. I nibbled a thumb, thinking about how to actually acquire better, more comfortable clothing.

[I can direct the fabricator to print off anything you need...]

Nope, not happening, Nova. I'm not a thief! I was adamant about not taking where I could borrow, and not borrow where I can buy.

[A noble sentiment, but without a cred to your name, how are you gonna pay for your Dolca or Stanz knock-offs?] His sarcasm was starting to move into the territory of derision.

I gathered a change of clothes and went to head, what they called a refresher on board navy vessels. I didn't know the answer to Nova's question about buying what I needed, and spent my whole shower thinking about it. I was still thinking about it as I dressed myself.

Gambling? Could we gamble and you help me with the odds?

[We could, but how is that any different to stealing?] The snide comment had my back up. I threw myself on the bed and pulled my new navy issued combat boots on. I really love these boots. I stood up and bounced up and down on my toes a little.

[Ship safe ASF issued commando boots, manufactured in New Madrid sector. They weren't printed aboard ship. You OK wearing something not brand new?]

Nova, come on. I as much in this mess as you are. I'm not used to wearing anything that my maid hadn't collected from our manufacturing plant, OK? This is my first time away from any of the Briller Corp planets, my first time away from my family. I've never been so alone before, OK. Please extend me some grace. I felt like crying, but refused to let the tears fall. I lay back on the bunk bed for a moment, then decided crying was a stupid thing to do.

I got up again and looked around the guest room. Since my implant couldn't access the ships computer network, I pulled down the desk computer panel in the room and turned it on.

Nova stayed quiet while I browsed the available clothing, toiletries and make up available from supply. Surprisingly, there was a vast range of options to choose from, aside from the typical little black dress for dock-side dating.

I left a record of my browsing and then pulled up the latest interstellar news feeds that the ship had downloaded at its last port of call. I spent two hours getting up to date with the wider sectors in the America and Asian space. I quickly searched for anything interesting on my home planet, but also looked up a few other major planets as well, so it looked like I was skimming for information from everywhere. I figured that Nova would have a more complete picture of what was happening at home, so an in-depth search wasn't needed.

I paused a long time, wondering why Nova was so quiet. You still there, Buddy?

[Yes, I have no where else to go.] I chuckled at his reply, then huffed a breath.