The Tekeri inside the stall that Senjen approached was designing a 3D cross section of a spaceship from a holo-pad. It was a bog standard Tindrel warship, but was bedecked with all sorts of additional features. Lichen growth on the rocks, ornamental gardens in the crew room and an aviary in the cargo bay. The Tekeri wore comfortable clothes and floated sedately in the air, occasionally bumping into the sides. When she noticed the Utaysi waiting, she flinched. When she realised what it was, she let go of the pad and drifted down to Senjen’s level.

“Hello, are you looking for nature design? I can make bespoke packs for any type of ship or building.”

-

Light gingerly opened the door to the gel shop and slipped inside. The door closed quickly and tightly behind him. Smart, to avoid gel getting away. The shop was a long rectangular warehouse with the short side facing the street. There were only two storeys and one floor, packed with compressed gel suits of all different varieties. Soft QV music flashed from light displays on the ceiling and floor. Light spotted fitting rooms in the back for privacy, thankfully.

An elderly QV female and one of her offspring manned the whole shop. The elder flashed a friendly greeting and came over.

“Greetings, to-be-friend, this one is Resplendent-In-Divine-Apostasy. Your gel requires replacing; you have come to the right place. Would you like some help?”

Light recoiled slightly at the QV’s name. It was the sort of thing a religious zealot would name themselves, and he’d had bad experiences with their type before. But this one didn’t seem dangerous, or deranged. Perhaps they’d lost their faith and turned to the service of others instead. He decided to give her to benefit of the doubt.

“Thank you. This one would appreciate some help. I am Into-The-Abyss-In-Search-Of-Light.”

RIDA flashed a demure blue. “Come with me. I shall introduce you to my daughter and give you a tour of our humble shop.”