The buildings here were in much better shape. Like everything else around here, they had the same cube shape, but here they were stacked on top of each other.

It reminded me of stacked storage containers, with windows that had metal shutters on the outside, similar to what some German houses had.

Mira's Bar was in better condition than most buildings here, with only a few patch jobs visible. It had an old neon sign that flickered intermittently, the bright letters spelling "MIRA'S." I wondered why they had never gotten a new one.

Farther inwards stood a massive tower that still looked in good condition, the SkyDock. It was used mainly for shipping water and salt from here.

Finishing the rest of my water, I pulled my skimboard to the side of the bar and approached the NutriSynth machine. It reminded me of a large, pastel-green fridge. The front had a display window showing a few different nutrient cubes available. It had a large dispenser bay that was blocked by a piece of glass.

I eyed the dense nutrient cubes option. They cost only two credits more and had a lot more value to me, especially since I was pretty sure I was malnourished. The only problem was that they were very chalky, which was why Rhett hated them. I'd have to buy more water just to eat them without choking.

Checking my datapad, I saw it was already two hours past noon. If I spent two more hours shopping, I'd be getting home kind of late. I’d also need to download some information from the local web, my datapad couldn't get a signal back in my habitat pod.

"Or I could just buy a better datapad," I muttered, feeling a little annoyed at the thought.

"A better what?" a curious voice chimed in.

Startled, I jumped and turned, finding Ava standing there with a triumphant smile. She looked way too pleased with herself for catching me off guard.

"Hey, Ava," I sighed, recognizing her as the youngest kid from the orphanage.

"Buy me something!" she demanded, pointing at me with a mischievous glint in her deep purple eyes.

Rolling my eyes, I replied jokingly, “I'm poor, I can barely afford food.” I said this while keying in my order.

“Liar! C’mon, just one mint cube?” she pouted, her deep tan skin striking against the light color of her cowl.

"Alright, alright, just one," I relented.

I decided to get three dense nutrient cubes for myself, enough for a day's worth, along with two mint-flavored one is for Ava.

As I keyed in the order, I watched the machine whirred to life, dispensing several blocks. With a soft mechanical clunk, it released three nutrient cubes. They were about 10 cm (4 inches) on each side, glossy, and smooth to the touch, a dull olive color with a few light ridges engraved on the surface.

After the first fifteen cubes, the machine prompted me to empty the bay. I pressed the button, and the glass cover lifted, letting me gather my cubes and load them into my mini-fridge. Once the second batch was out, I handed Ava a mint cube keeping the other for myself.

My gaze lingered perhaps a moment too long, intrigued by the workings of the dispenser.

Ava’s curious gaze reminded me she was still there, likely wondering if I'd forgotten about her altogether

Only 232 credits remain.

"You're different," she observed. I guess me giving her one or not getting more annoyed with her was a big enough difference.

"Yeah, I took a hard hit to the head," I couldn't resist a smirk.

She tilted her head and nodded. "I should've hit your head sooner."

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Maybe I should hit yours, see if it knocks some of the cheekiness out of you."

"No way, my head is a way more delicate than yours."

I playfully swatted her away. Securing the fridge, I grabbed the skimboard cord and left the dispenser area. She kept up.

"Where’re you headed?"

"Grabbing some water, then off to Jack's for a few things."

"Great, I'm coming too!" Clearly deciding on a whim.

She hopped onto my skimboard, happily nibbling on her minty cube.

The walk to the water node was short.

Rising above the common cube-like dwellings, the water node stood out with its towering stature. It was lacking two adjacent walls, thus creating an expansive canopy. This canopy stretched outward, providing shelter. On one side, two guards were stationed, along with their quarters, which featured glass windows offering views both inside and out.

The walls, crafted from high-quality materials, still glimmered with a polished sheen despite being subjected to sand and time. The structure only shows slight signs of wear.

Hanging from the canopy was a sign adorned with the image of a blue droplet.

Various pipes ran outward from the interior, burrowing into the earth to connect with vast tanks likely used for storing either gathered or processed water. A gentle hum emanated from within, filling the surroundings with its continuous sound.

The two guards stood watch, far more vigilant than the previous ones I had encountered. Armed with the futuristic equivalents of rifles, they represented a clear deterrent to anyone thinking of tampering with the water station.

One of them, viewing his tablet, glanced up and gestured me towards a pump.

Grabbing the hose, I connect it to my water tank and make my way over to the smaller station designated for water bottles. Before I could proceed, I had to use my datapad to connect and activate both before use.

"Hey Rhett, teach me how to be a scrapper," she calls out, casually leaning against my water tank.

"Why? You're still living at the orphanage."

"Yeah, but you left early, so why can't I? Plus, I want to earn some creds."

"You could take on smaller chores for the creds."

"But that's so boring! Cal and Vex aren't ever home and are always so serious, and Miss Vaelis is getting meaner."

Cal and Vex are about fifteen years old now, so it makes sense for them to be a bit more serious. Miss Vaelis, the current caretaker, was recently assigned here, and she has never hidden her disdain for the role. She even managed to persuade the higher-ups to plan for the orphanage's closure after the last child ages out of it.

Ava is the youngest, and if she stayed the full term, it would be another five years. Along with Ava's personality, Miss Vaelis is probably losing what little patience she has. She wasn't particularly kind even before Rhett's departure.

"Do you really want to leave?" I'm not sure whether leaving would be the best thing for her, but if she's determined, I can at least help her out.

"Yup, you're still alive, so it can't be that hard."

I have to resist the urge to smack on the back of the head. Rhett did actually die. "Then, wait until Cal and Vex graduate or move out."

"What? No way! I can't stand another day. I'm going to die!" she declares dramatically, flopping down theatrically.

"If you wait until they leave, you could request more creds from Miss Vaelis. She'd happily cough up the maximum she could manage, and probably throw in some of her personal creds, just to get you out."

"Wait how much creds are we talking about?"

"I don't know just ask for something ridiculous like three thousand and haggle with her."

"Hmmm, fine!"

The tank was full, so I disconnected the hose and checked my credit. It was a depressing 191.

At least I have gotten the most expensive part out of the way.

Next stop, Jack's Warehouse.

It was easy enough to find. The building loomed large with a large sliding door, much like any typical warehouse I would encounter back on Earth. The only distinction lay in the materials composing the structure and the peculiar forklifts whirring about.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by an array of shelves laden with expansive bins brimming with spare parts, tools, and myriad supplies.

Behind the counter stood Jack himself, a broad-shouldered man with a perpetual scowl etched on his face. He barely acknowledged my presence as I approached.

I navigated over to a kiosk and entered my inquiries, revealing an extensive list of weapons and materials.

After liberally applying filters, I successfully acquired everything I wanted.

A blaster from ForgeWorks complete with holster, and a camo tarp for both my home and skimmer, since they were so cheap. The camo cape was irresistible given its affordability. I snagged a FluxTorch, adept as both a torch and welder. To go with it, I picked up goggles that doubled as safety gear for the welder. A newer model of a datapad made its way into my sled, information was simply too valuable.

Sorting through the bins delivered by the automated lifters took some time, but I was ultimately happy with my picks.

Left with 92 credits, I found myself with enough for another food and water stock-up.

A quick check on my new datapad revealed another four hours until sundown. With my gear secured, I donned the new cape and adjusted the holster.

"Hey Ava, I'm heading out," I called. She had spent her time browsing through the store and bins during my shopping spree.

"When will you be back?" she inquired.

"Probably in a week," I replied while towing my skimmer.

"Alright, don't forget to teach me about scrapping when you return. You promised," she called back before darting off.

I in fact did not promise her anything.

"Well, back on the road once more."