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Story: Maklr

“Therainhasn’tstoppedsince yesterday. It’s thwarting my plans,” Nell complained the next morning.

“What other adventures did you have in mind for today? More zip lining? Jumping over another waterfall? Deep sea diving?”

Nell shook her head. “That’s not offered here.” She cleared her throat. “At least I didn’t see it on the list.”

“What about jumping out of a shuttle?”

“Stop being goofy. I don’t think that appeals to me.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“I wanted to go back to the beach and have a beach day with a picnic and an actual bathing suit,” Nell said. “Then I realized I don’t own a bathing suit.”

Maklr opened his mouth to speak, but Nell cut him off. “But did you know the resort has a clothing replicator? It’s not quite human fashion, but I know where Philtan’s two companions got their swimsuits,” Nell said.

“Where?”

“On the resorts tab on the tablet. I spent an hour or two browsing when I first woke up.”

“You didn't wake me?”

“No. I still don’t sleep much. Besides, you were snoring so peacefully I didn’t have to move to get my tablet. I fell asleep with it under my pillow. I enjoy waking up in your arms. Do you want to talk more about plans for the rehab center?” Nell asked, changing the subject.

Maklr ignored her question. “Did you order the bathing suit for yourself?”

“No.”

“Go ahead. Here.” He handed her his tablet. “Order it from my account.”

“I have an idea. Hold on a minute.” He kissed the top of Nell’s head.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Order whenever you want. Whatever you think would make you feel good or comfortable.”

“Some of the swimsuits were expensive.”

“I don’t care. Have a look, pick what you like. I have plenty of credits. I’ll be right back.” He disappeared down the hallway towards the bathroom.

Before picking up his tablet, Nell started a pot ofcorulon the stove.

“I’m back.”

“Breakfast should be ready in a few minutes.”

“Did you get something you’d like?”

“Yes. I had a few things saved in my favorites. And since I needed an entire wardrobe when I moved to Klaga, my measurements were in the system. The machine is printing them now.”

The clothing replicator dinged, signaling its completion.

“That was fast.”

“It’s a bathing suit. Think about what Philtan’s women were wearing. Not much material needed.”

“I suppose not,” Maklr said. “Would you feel comfortable enough wearing it around me?” he asked. “When we first arrived, I used the machine to print myself a pair of swim shorts.” He gestured to the white shorts on his legs.

Nell smiled. “Hold on a second.” She grabbed the bundle of fabric in one hand from the replicator and headed into the bathroom to change. She emerged half a dozen minutes later in a fluffy brown robe, the resort’s emblem emblazoned on the front panel.