Chapter 21: Finally the Field Test, err I Mean Date.

Author’s note: I worked hard to finish this chapter, a whopping 5.7k words (about 2k words longer than my pervious chapters). Normally this would be broken into two chapters but for the sake of story I combined them. If you want to see me anywhere closer to the top 50 fanfics on this site, I need reviews (to get better), and ratings (to improve my rank). Comments are always welcome. Other than that please enjoy the story.

As we follow the trail Zash sets for us, we stop at various stalls so that we could test the capabilities of the ZMI glove I was developing, but more importantly, it was to allow Jessica to ask the venders questions about their wares and get the ‘full ZMI shopping experience.’

I also used the pretense of the field test/date to inspect their goods, customer service, marketing technique, as well as the state of their equipment. While none of the merchants who sell merchandise, food or otherwise, are actually employed by ZMI, they pay a flat percentage of their monthly sales as a fee to use all the services that ZMI offers. This includes transportation and delivery of goods, inventory storage, advertising, and payment collection, among other things.

So a majority of the merchant’s profits go into their own pockets as ZMI takes care of most of their expenses for a flat percentage, but I digress.

Every few stores I buy one or two “souvenirs” to commemorate Jessica’s first shopping experience at ZMI as well as our first date. The heavier ones are sent down below to the lower floor via an air duct that prevents the articles from being damaged on their way to the pallet robot(s) that will deliver our goods once our shopping trip is concluded.

We carry the lighter ones with us as we move stall to stall, while Jessica is excitedly taking in everything for the first time. I find watching her reactions more enjoyable that the sights and sounds of the Bazaar that have now become common place for me.

‘Maybe it is because her reactions are so “fresh” to me? Is that why I find her so interesting? But if that is the case, when will it stop being “fresh” and when it does will I lose interest in her? Or will something else about her grasp my attention? Or before that even becomes a factor will my “curse” break us apart?’

I shake my head to clear my mind of all the ‘idle’ thoughts.

‘I really am too smart for my own good. I over analysis everything and can’t just enjoy the moment without idle thoughts popping up.’

While I am looking around the Bazaar, Jessica comes to me with a stuffed animal in her arms.

Jessica: “Can we buy this? Pretty please?” She says looking up at me giving me her best puppy dog eyes. I take a sip of my coffee and sigh.

Robert: “Fine, but you are staying over tonight and I won’t take no for an answer.”

Jessica: “Yay! Thank you!” Jessica says as she suddenly hugs me. Sighing I stroke her soft hair.

‘She really is like a spoiled kid around me, but I suppose that is a good thing as it allows me to spoiler her a little. I really am too soft for my own good… Warden?’

Warden: Yes Master?

‘What is the status of the separation procedure?’

Warden: Only at 15%, Master. I am making sure the memories and most thoughts are retained while removing anything that is outside the scope of his knowledge.

‘Good, make sure this conversation is scrubbed as well, I can’t have “Robert” knowing I exist yet, as he is not stable yet.’

Okay my dear readers, as some of you might have already noticed, I am not “Robert”. I am #TheReal, as my Warden so lovingly describes me. Now as for “Darth”, “Marth”, “Logic”, and “Overseer” as “Robert” named them, they are all part of me just as he is. Now all of you probably have questions but I may or may not address them. First why have the others gone silent and why is the Warden still active?

It is all a matter of craftsmanship, but that doesn’t really answer the question now does it? The reason the others have gone silent is because of a simple principle: Conservation of identity. How does that work? Since they are part of me yet do not know I exist, when I “come out” they “return” into the fabric of my being along with everything they obtained while “outside”. They simply can’t retain their own identity when faced with my own.

Remember the time when “Robert” woke up refreshed and with “boundless” amounts of energy? That was because he was absorbed back into me and when he was separated he was left with more energy than he normally would have gained by resting.

With the help of my Warden, I separate the five from myself and let them with “Robert” as their leader, take over my body. I then retreat back into my mind to watch and think. What exactly are the other 4? Well, that would be telling. As for why I seek “insanity”? I’ll give you a hint, what is the actual definition of the term “insanity”? Hopefully that helps, if not? Oh well.

One last thing I should mention before returning to the story, I am not affected by “Robert’s bad habit” because my ‘particular’ constitution, and the one who designed and implemented it was none other than me. But I do gain the emotions/feelings/information those five obtained when I reabsorb their identities, so I can feel the “love” that he has for Jessica, even though I can’t understand why he feels it.

Maybe one day I’ll find a cure for my ‘particular’ constitution, but even for the ‘me’ right now, it is merely a pipe dream. But I digress, let us resume the story shall we?

As Jessica parts from me, I touch the stuff animal she is holding with a gloved finger and a transparent message appears before us.

A stuff bear made by the vender himself.

It was hand sewn and is well made.

Cost to make: 2 USD

Price: Negotiable

Robert: “You will treasure and take care of it right?” I ask her.

Jessica: “Yes!” She says excitedly.

Robert: “Alright, let’s go.”

I pay 10 USD when he only asked for five. I know I overpaid but at least Jessica will be happy, and it given the vendor the idea that his merchandise is worth more than he thinks. Jessica was smiling as she hugged the stuffed bear.

‘Maybe she likes to collect stuffed animals? I need to ask Jonathan the next time I see him. Oh that reminds me.’

Robert: “Jess, when is your birthday?”

Jessica: “June 10th, why?”

‘So her birthstones are alexandrite, pearls and moonstone.’

Robert: “I was wondering when it was so I could celebrate it with you this year, and it so happens to be next month.”

Jessica: “Yep, When is your birthday?”

Robert: “Mm, it is on December 24th.”

Jessica: “The day before Christmas, huh?”

Robert: “Yep, but we best hurry as I still need to purchase the groceries for my home.” I say and offer Jessica my free hand. Still hugging the stuff bear with one arm, she takes my hand and I lead her to the very center of ZMI.

In the center of ZMI as I mentioned previously in passing is a gigantic elevator made wholly of glass. Since the entire ceiling is sky blue it looks like the elevator pierces the heavens, just like that one anime’s drills.

Now where the ‘heavens’ meets the dr… I mean elevator, is where the mechanical “sun”, that the president personally had a hand in developing, hangs. In order to reach the upper levels of ZMI you have to be willing to literally go through the “sun”. A feat that not many customers can easily do or want to try, but the greater the trial, the greater the reward right? The floor above is even grander than anything you can ever find on the ground floor (Bazaar).

To date, only ZMI staff and a few others have “survived” the ‘trial by fire’ that is required to ascend, but as there is nothing I need from up there right now, I will skip the elaboration until another time. And for your information, I am among those who survived and so is “Robert” but I digress.

The elevator is made entirely out of a special type of glass that was originally invented in one of those cartoons that the president watched as a child. This glass was virtually indestructible except for one fatal flaw: A sound wave of a certain frequency would reduce it to dust.

The president being as excessive as always, called the makers of that cartoon show and asked them for permission to use the actual name of the glass if he ever recreated it in the real world. They willing agreed as they thought it was a joke because making such a thing should have been impossible.

So that they wouldn’t go back on their word, he made them sign a contract giving him all rights to the name, but he would allow them to continue using that name as it was originally used without having to pay royalties. So the president creates “Protecto Glass”, and uses it to build his elevator.

The elevator has a 30 feet radius from the center, so it is has a quite large platform. It is said that the elevator could lift at least 3 metric tons of weight and not show signs of slowing down. The president only stopped at 6000lbs because he couldn’t fit any more on the platform.

I should also mention that this elevator not only goes up, but down as well, and is the only way up or down from the bazaar level. Thankfully going down isn’t as a “grueling” task as going up as it simple descent into the darkness.

I will keep what lies below a secret until I actually tread down there to so I can keep you in the dark.

As I might have mentioned before, cold air from the 2nd floor flows down the elevator and creates a cool breeze that sweeps outwards to the outer edges of ZMI’s Bazaar. The strength of the breeze should increase with proximity but even standing right next to the elevator, it can only be considered a gentle refreshing breeze. If you assume the president had something to do with this, you would be correct.

Surrounding the elevator is a sort of Plaza where there are several food stalls and places to rest. All the food stalls have their back to the elevator in order to utilize the breeze it generates to spread the smell of their tasty treats across the Bazaar. This Plaza serves as a meeting place for those who are meeting up to shop as well as those who just wanted talk face to face while enjoying a cool breeze and tasty food.

Some useless trivia: ZMI’s Plaza has become somewhat of a hot “offline meeting spot” for people on the internet who live in this city because of the security and amenities it provides.

The elevator is also completely silent so it doesn’t detract from the atmosphere that ZMI’s Plaza creates.

I sip at my coffee as I let Jessica take in all the sights. I let my attention wander for just a bit while I wait for her senses to return and hear a few snatching of conversation about Royal Road.

‘When Royal Road officially launches, maybe ZMI should have a floor for VR capsules, so that visitors can play Royal Road at ZMI even if they can’t afford a capsule? I’ll have to ask SAL about the logistics of it on Sunday. Since the capsules have video streaming, maybe ZMI can set up some screens so people can watch others play Royal Road even if they can’t afford to themselves?’

While I was musing about this idea Jessica comes too and tugs at my sleeve.

Jessica: “Robert, Robert! Let’s go ride that elevator!” Jessica says full of excitement.

Robert: “Up or down Jess? Up or down?” I ask calmly though I already know her answer.

Jessica: “Down of course. I don’t fancy entering the sun.”

Robert: “I’ll tell you what, after we finish shopping for the stuff I need, I’ll take you on the elevator and show you the lower floors.”

Jessica: “You mean there is more than one?”

Robert: “Last time I was here, ZMI boasted of five underground floors. The second is a tunnel system that will eventually act as a subway system for the city, but right now it is a rail way for the pallet robots to make their deliveries. Since it is dark and easy to get lost down there, it is closed off to the public until it is complete.”

Jessica: “What about the other four floors?”

Robert: “The first floor is where people can check their merchandise before it is shipped to their home.”

Jessica: “I see so that is why you wanted to go after. So you can check if everything was accounted for.” Jessica says pounding her fist into an open palm.

Robert: “Yes but that is not all that is down there.” I say smiling.

Jessica: “Tell me, tell me!” Jessica pleads.

Robert: “And ruin the surprise? No thank you.”

Jessica: “If you tell me, I’ll still act surprised?” Jessica tries to wheedle me into telling.

Robert: *sigh* “It’s not the same unless you are actually surprised. You are not as good an actor as me.” I say caressing her check while looking straight into her eyes.

Jessica: “Fine.” She says puffing up her cheeks. “But I better be surprised otherwise no sex for a year!”

Robert: “Quite a low blow, in more ways than one, but I’m willing to bet on it. Also you might say no sex for a year, but after tasting the pleasure again after so long, will you be able to hold yourself back I wonder? After all, I can wait, but my “curse” can’t and if you decided to stray I can forgive the first couple hundred times, but even my patience has a limit. Once that limit is reached I will simply assume that you’re lost to me and no longer wait for your eventual return.” I lean in closer and whisper into her ear.

Jessica: “How come it feels like I’m just dancing on the palm of your hand?”

Robert: “If I was the puppet master, you wouldn’t even know you were a puppet moving in accordance to my whims.”

Jessica: “What do you mean by that?”

Robert: “Only that we wouldn’t be having this conversation in the first place.” I say smiling at Jessica.

Jessica: “Sometimes I really don’t understand you.” Jessica sighs.

Robert: “And you shouldn’t expect to understand someone complete in only two days of meeting them. Also I’m not looking for a doll to play house with, but a partner I can spend the rest of my life with. If you are the one the Lord has decided it to be, so be it. If not? So be it.” I say shrugging.

“He is said to be the author and finisher of our faith and he has our best interests at heart. So you can say he is our puppet master, except with free will, we can’t really say we are puppets can we?”

Jessica: “No we cannot, and I guess he does know best, right?”

Robert: “That is what faith is all about. Oh, before I forget, what do I get if I win our little bet?”

Jessica: “What do you mean?”

Robert: “Come now, I am risking not being able to touch or enjoy the body of the woman I am in love with for a year if I lose, so in return I need compensation that is equal or greater to that.”

Jessica. “But didn’t you just say I wouldn’t be able to hold out?”

Robert: “Yes, but that was after accepting the bet. Don’t you remember?”

Jessica: “But… I… I mean you…” Jessica was flabbergasted. She was neatly caught in a trap of her own design that I set up for her without her even knowing.

Robert: “And that is why I said you wouldn’t even know that you were a puppet in the first place.”

Jessica: *sighs* “State your demands. What do you want me to do?” Jessica says resigned to her fate.

Robert: “If I win…” Jessica shudders, “I want permission to call you “Love”, “Darling”, “My Sweet”, or any other “lovey-dovey” name that I can think of in public and you must respond to it as long as our relationship lasts.”

Jessica: “That’s it?” Jessica looks at me dumbfounded. I’m not sure exactly what she was expecting, but it was certainly not this. I stroke her cheek once more.

Robert: “I really am too soft, but I think the embarrassment you will feel when I call you one of those names will be enough compensation, and who knows, it might even bring us closer.”

Jessica: “That may be true, but why can’t I do the same then?”

Robert: “You have always had permission, I gave it to you the first time you visited my house. You just never called me anything except ‘Robert.’”

Jessica: “D-D-Darling…” Jessica stutters due to her embarrassment as she tries to get that word out.

Robert: “Yes Jess?” I say smiling. Jessica’s face flushes red and she pounds my chest with her free arm.

Jessica: “Why did you call me Jess, when I called you *that*?”

Robert: “I have not won the bet yet, so I have not yet received permission. So until then I will continue calling you Jessica in public and Jess when we are ‘alone.’”

Jessica: “Then…” Jessica tries to say something but I interrupt her.

Robert: “If you grant me this privilege now, I will be forced to think of a new reward if I win the bet.”

Jessica: *Uguu~* “I can’t win.”

I just smile and give her a peck on the check.

Robert: “Come Jess, let us finish shopping so I can win the right to call you all sorts of ‘lovey-dovey’ names.” I offer her my free hand.

Jessica: *Uguu~* She says again but takes my hand regardless. With our backs towards the glass elevator we walk towards the grocery section of the Bazaar.

Jessica, Zash, and I are sitting at the waystation just before the entrance of the grocery area of the Bazaar. The food stall just happens to be selling Taiyaki, so I order a few for each of us. Unfolding before our very eyes was an insane level of competition for ‘limited stock.’

Jessica: “Is it always like this?” Jessica asks me while watching how the ‘carnage’ was unfolding.

If you know what a ‘flash sale’ is and how competitive people are to get a good deal for an item, then you should get an idea on how much competition is going on. Now take that level multiply it by 3 and that is the base level you will see when there is a lull.

Robert: “It gets worse at certain times of the day, but in the 5 years ZMI has been in operation, there has been no fatalities or serious injuries.

Jessica: “How is that even possible? Wait let me guess, the president had something to do with it?”

Robert: “Correct.” I say smiling.

Jessica: “Why am I not surprised?” She says shaking her head.

Robert: “Because the president is involved with 99% of everything that goes into ZMI?”

Jessica. “Go figure.” Jessica sighs. “So how does he prevent serious injuries from occurring?”

Robert: “The whole area is surrounded by a pain and damage dampening field. It reduces the amount of damage you take and the pain you feel while within its borders.”

Jessica: “So how did he prove it worked?”

Robert: “By overdoing it as usual. He had an eighteen wheeler slam into him while going at its top speed while he was within the field. Originally he wanted to use a train, but he was persuaded otherwise because it would take too much effort to set up a train for demonstration purposes only so he had to settle for an eighteen wheeler.”

Jessica: “Is the president an idiot?” Jessica says incredulously.

Robert: “Perhaps. He even signed a wavier saying that if he should perish in this test that the driver should not be blamed for it, as it was merely an accident that lied upon faulty technology.”

Jessica: “I assume the idiot president survived, because ZMI still exists?”

Robert: “You assume correctly. He was hit by the eighteen wheeler and was sent flying 50 meters into the air and straight into the wall, and then once gravity got a hold of him it brought him face first into the ground.”

Jessica: “Owe…” Jessica cringes just listening to it.

Robert: “After hitting the ground, he gets up brushes the dust off his suit and walks back to the original starting position. The doctors on staff gave him a complete check up to make sure he wasn’t faking it.”

Jessica: “Let me guess, a clean bill of health?” Jessica says sarcastically.

Robert: “Right as rain. No broken bones, no damaged tissue, no hemorrhaging, nothing. His only problem was that his suit got a little dusty.”

Jessica: “That is not even a problem!” Jessica performing the tsukkomi.

Robert: “Exactly, since damage is nonexistent, people do not need to worry about harming their competition and can be more brutal for it.”

Jessica: “You said nothing about the pain being nonexistent.”

Robert: “That is correct. Pain as been dialed down but still remains as the only way to prevent people from attempting to beat each other to death. Last I checked the pain dampeners reduce the amount of pain you feel by at least half.”

Jessica: “You know this from personal experience?”

Robert: “Yes. One should not enter unless one is prepared to fight for their right to purchase goods.”

Jessica: “Is that why we are outside still? So that you can gather the courage to fight?” Jessica says trying to tease me. She was probably trying to get back at me for earlier.

Robert: “Nope. After much difficulty, I finally learned how to shop in there without much difficulty.”

Jessica: “I call shenanigans.”

Robert: “Do you want to bet on it?”

Jessica: “Because we still have an outstanding bet, I rather not.”

Robert: “Fair enough. Are you ready to enter, or do you wish to remain here until I come back?”

Jessica: “If I stayed here, it would be as if I abandoned you to your fate, so I’m coming with you. You will protect me right?” Jessica says looking at me.

Sighing, I knock back the remaining half cup of coffee, and stand up. I throw away my empty cup and help Jessica rise to her feat.

Robert: “As I normally shop alone, I’m not sure if my skill will be able to keep you safe. But we shall see. I’m going to need you to stay as close as you can and don’t fall behind. Using this skill takes all my attention so I won’t be able to help you if you get caught.”

Jessica: “I understand.”

I hold out my left hand which she takes and I entwine my fingers with hers.

Robert: “Don’t let go.” I say and move with purpose into the carnage before us.

We reach the first stall unmolested. Like Sena from Eyeshield 21 I can see a pathway to get to the destination without a problem, but unlike Sena I’m not superfast and it requires my complete concentration to keep track of the ever changing path.

The first stall we went to sells something I cannot live without, coffee. Right now there is a lull in the fight to get the merchant’s attention so I use that time to approach him.

Coffee Merchant: “Ah Robert, what can I do for my favorite customer?”

Robert: “I would like 10lbs of each type of coffee bean you stock, and 1000 filters.”

Coffee Merchant: “The usual type?”

Robert: “Yes please. Since I always order in bulk from you, can I have my usual 60% off?”

Coffee Merchant: “Do my ears deceive me, I thought I heard you say 20%?”

Robert: “40% and throw in an extra 100 filters.”

Coffee Merchant: “30% and you pay for the filters.”

Robert: “Done. Here is my card.” I hand the Coffee merchant my ZMI Card. Which he scans and hands back to me.

Coffee Merchant: “Here you are, you can check your order downstairs.”

Robert: “Thanks. Come Jessica, let’s go.”

Coffee Merchant: “Safe travels. Yes? How can I help you?” He bids us farewell before greeting the next customer.

I lead Jessica to the center of the pathway which can be considered the eye of the storm, to get my bearings.

Jessica: “What just happened?”

Robert: “I ordered a lot of coffee and negotiated a 30% discount on an already low price.”

Jessica: “I get that much, but I thought that you just pay the asking price and that’s it.”

Robert: “Jess, all prices on goods sold at ZMI are negotiable. The price tag you see is simply the suggested amount and it gives the customer a rough estimate on how much a product is worth. This price can go up or down based on the merchant’s skill, your ability to haggle and your familiarity with that merchant.”

Jessica: “So the more you shop at a particular merchant, they are more willing to give you a discount?”

Robert: “Yes, repeated shopping is just one way to raise familiarity with them, and by raising your familiarity you increase their willingness and size of the discount among other things."

Jessica: “Is that how it works?”

Robert: “Probably, as I’m not really a people person, with my “curse” and all, so I’m not really sure.”

Jessica: “So, where to next?”

I look around and spot the next location we need to go to.

Robert: “Follow me and try not to get left behind as I’m going to pick up the speed.”

Jessica: “Okay~” She says making a “guts-pose.”

She takes my hand and I lead her to the next stall in 2/3s of the time it took to get to the first one. Jessica was huffing and puffing but I could tell she was still fine.

The stall we arrived at was one of only three rice merchants in ZMI. Since Zash prefers his rice, I purchase all my rice from him even though he is a bit more expensive than the other two Rice Merchants.

An interesting trivia that is completely unrelated to the story: This particular rice merchant knows how to grow every single type of rice known to mankind, but I digress.

Rice Merchant: Ah Robert. Just the man I was looking for. The newest type of rice I’ve been breeding finally produced an edible strain, and I wanted you and Zash-dono to tell me what your thoughts are on it.”

Robert: “Hear that Zash? A new type of rice that might actually satisfy your palate.”

Zash: “Hai~” Zash says from atop of my shoulder.

Rice Merchant: “Ah Zash-dono. My apologies, I didn’t see you there.”

Zash: “It is fine. Thank you for creating a new type of rice for me.”

Rice Merchant: “You’re quite welcome. I enjoy new challenges and this one was particularly interesting. Ah the time I spent experimenting…”

Robert: I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’m afraid we are somewhat short on time, so can I get the whole crop save what you need to plant the next harvest for 50% off? In return I’ll tell you the best way to cook this version of rice once I find it.”

Rice Merchant: “Only 50% off? You are too generous Robert. If you had just asked, I would have given you the whole crop for free.”

Robert: “I couldn’t do that to you because I don’t want to ruin your profit margin.”

Rice Merchant: “It’s fine. It’s not like I can sell this strain to people yet anyways, as I still don’t know how it will affect the human body.”

Robert: “So I’m the guinea pig then.”

Rice Merchant: “Of course, I don’t run a charity here.”

Robert: “As shrewd as ever, I’ll take 95% discount as the other 45% will be payment for finding the correct cooking recipe.

Rice Merchant: “As soft-hearted as ever, even when you are being blatantly used. Since it is so refreshing, I’ll give you 60% off your next purchase.”

Robert: “Now you are just trying to get me to buy more.”

Rice Merchant: “The offer still stands.”

Robert: “Can I transfer that offer to someone else?”

Rice Merchant: “That depends on ‘who’ that person is.”

Robert: “A man named Jonathan.”

Rice Merchant: “Jonathan … Jon-athan… Jonythan … hmm. Sorry doesn’t ring any bells.” He says apologetically.

Robert: “It’s fine. This person here is his daughter and my girlfriend, Jessica.” I say as I introduce her to the Rice Merchant.

Rice Merchant: “I see, so by transferring my ‘offer’ to your girlfriend’s father, you are hoping to curry favor with him. I see. I see. And hello Miss Jessica, it is nice to know that Robert has a beautiful companion by his side now.

Jessica: “Thank you.”

Rice Merchant: “Now I can see why you are in a hurry, because you don’t want to keep your wonderful companion waiting any longer than she has too. I’ll tell you what, I’ll throw in 3lbs of congratulatory rice for you finally finding someone special. And I’ll give it to you at 70% off, what do you say?”

Robert: “Still trying to squeeze every last drop from your customers I see.”

Rice Merchant: “So it’s still not working?”

Robert: “If I remember correctly, we never finished discussing the details of me being your guinea pig.”

Rice Merchant: “I see what you are doing, so instead of being liable for any harm my new strain of rice does to your body, what do you want in return?”

Robert: “As usual, you see through my feeble attempts to manipulate as easily as breathing.”

Rice Merchant: “Of course, who do you think taught you the art of manipulation in the first place?”

Jessica: “You taught Robert how to manipulate people?”

Rice Merchant: “Yes, because he is too soft-hearted that if I didn’t, he would be the one being manipulated, and I can’t allow the one taking care of Zash-dono to be manipulated so easily.”

Jessica: “I’m so confused.” Jessica says clutching her head.

Rice Merchant: “But you are getting better Robert. So what do you want in return for me not being liable?”

Robert: “20lbs of each type of Rice you carry free of charge.”

Rice Merchant: “I see why you wanted to transfer the discount now, but you are still too ‘sweet’. You could have taken me for almost everything I had, but you only ask for some rice.”

Robert: “Perhaps, but I want you in business still, as I still have much to learn from you.”

Rice Merchant: “Very well, I’ll give you your free rice, the new version at 5% of what would be market price, and I’ll make sure this “Jonathan” if he ever shops at my stall will receive a 60% discount on his first purchase.”

Robert: “Thank you.” I hand the Rice Merchant my ZMI card. He swipes it through his machine and hands it back to me.

Rice Merchant: “Thank you for your business. Next!”

With Jessica in tow, I return to another ‘eye of the storm’ so Jessica could regain her senses.

Jessica: “So what just happened?” Jessica asks me after a few minutes.

Robert: “I bought some rice.” I say with a straight face.

Jessica: “That’s not what I meant!” Jessica says annoyed.

Robert: “Then please Jess, enlighten this lost soul of your true intent.” I say with a serious face.

Jessica: “Now you’re teasing me, aren’t you?” Jessica says while puffing out her cheeks again.

Robert: “I am being serious.” Jessica looks at my serious face and sighs.

Jessica: “Forget it, you probably wouldn’t tell me even if I said it.”

Robert: “My life is an open book, ask and I will answer.”

Jessica: “Very well, I’ll hold you to that promise later.”

Robert: “Of course Jess, I always keep my promises. Have you rested sufficiently to proceed?”

Jessica: “Yes I think I can manage.”

Robert: “Then let us go as there is many more stalls that I need to visit still.” I say as I start approaching the crowd again.

Jessica: “Alright, let’s go.” Jessica takes my hand and follows me into the crowd.

We stop at a total of 58 more stalls. 10 of them were because Jessica wanted to try her hand at haggling, while the other 48 were for me to purchase the necessary foodstuffs required to feed Zash and myself for a little over a month and a half.

One should not underestimate the glutton that is Zash. If I didn’t use him as I did to cut back the food expense, I would have been eaten out of house and home in under a month. But I digress.

Once our shopping is finished, we rest our aching legs at one of the ZMI waystations.

Robert: “So Jessica, what do you think of ZMI thus far?” I ask sipping a coffee I ordered from the waystation.

Jessica: “It has been a fun and interesting experience.” She says after a few seconds.

Robert: “Would you be willing to come back by yourself?”

Jessica: “Most likely.”

Robert: “I see.”

Jessica: “Thank you for bringing me Robert.” She makes a happy sigh.

Robert: “It was my pleasure. Now for the final stretch of our date, to the ZMI Undgerground.”

Jessica: “Oh yeah! I almost forgot.”

Robert: “Trust me, prepare to be amazed and surprised.” I say smiling.

Jessica: “I better be.” Jessica says with a smile.

Robert: “Shall we?” I stand up, finish my coffee and throw away the now empty cup. After stretching a bit, I help Jessica to her feet and hand in hand we proceed through the “carnage” to the central glass elevator.

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