Summary: Link begins his mission by visiting the Kara Kara Shopping Center in search of information.

A small package arrived in the evening addressed to Link and containing a new Tab and some pills in a bottle labeled vitamins. A short note explained that each tablet would modify the pitch of his voice for three hours to make him sound more like a Vai. The Tab was intended to replace his current one.

"Well, that's it in a nutshell, or a snail shell I should say," said Link after he explained his mission to his family at dinner. "I still struggle to remember the right Zora expression."

"Never mind your Zora grammar, Dad," said Mila. "My question is, why are you always the one that has to do this? Haven't you already done enough? And haven't you already put your family through enough worry?"

"I think it's because I have the most experience," said Link. "And Queen Zelda feels I can get to the bottom of things better than anyone else."

"I hope she finds someone else soon!" said Mila. "My stomach bubbles over every time you go off on one of these missions. Who knows what will happen? For the love of Hylia, look what happened the last time!"

"That was different, Mila," said Link. "I still know how to take care of myself. I promise all of you that I'll be careful."

"Does Linky know about this?" said Lapha, lapsing back to her old term for young Link.

"Not yet, but I will let him know," said Link. "And please remember this is confidential. My life may depend on no one knowing what I'm doing."

"I thought you told us the mission wasn't perilous," said Lapha. "Now, your life may be at risk? That seems to me to be the very definition of perilous."

"I meant if nobody draws attention to me, the mission should not be perilous," said Link. "I am traveling as a simple Sheikah tourist."

"All right, Dad," said Midon. "I'll set up the new Tab they sent over for you to use while on the mission. You'll have to leave your current Tab behind. What name are you going under?"

"Um, I haven't picked one yet, but I need one that will work if I'm a man or disguised as a woman," said Link.

"How about 'Dorian'?" said Lapha. "That sounds Sheikah like and could work for either gender."

"Does that work? All right, Dorian, it is then," said Link.

"So your message handle will be Dorian3_KV, the KV standing for Kakariko Village," said Midon. "And I am setting something else up too. You have a sister that you like to keep in touch with. Her name is Vanta. Just think of V for Veiled Falls. It's safe to message her and let her know how you are. Her address is Vanta_KV. Okay?"

"Yes, that's fine," said Link. "Do I get along with her?"

"Ask Mom," said Midon. "Messages to and from Vanta will be going to and from Mom. But no one will be able to crack that. Just don't say anything to give it away. I mean, remember Vanta is supposed to be your sister, not your wife."

"I get it," said Link. "I will also need to leave my sword behind as someone may recognize it. I'll carry a dagger instead."

"Ironically, you used to be sad no one recognized you anymore," said Mipha. "Now that works to your advantage."

"Yes, that's true," said Link shaking his head.

That night when Mipha and Link retired to their room, Link mounted the sword that seals the darkness in a sword holder he had installed on the wall.

"It will feel strange traveling without my sword," said Link as he stared at it. "You know, I used to have a weapon mount in my old Hateno Village house, and I used to dust off the weapons there, keep them clean. They had sentimental value and held memories for me back then. And so does this sword. We've been through a lot together."

"All right, snap out of it," said Mipha. "You're coming back to reclaim your sword, so let's not get all sentimental, or you're going to make me get that way too. You promised to return safely, remember?"

"You're right, of course," said Link.

"Come, join me in the water, Dorian," said Mipha.

"At least the name works," said Link as he undressed and joined Mipha in their slumber pool. "It's better than that Aryll name you came up with when you dragged me into the Gerudo 'How to Meet Voe' class."

"Yes, that was fun, wasn't it?" laughed Mipha. "But you shouldn't have touched the Gerudo student the way you did. When she slapped you, I thought for sure your veil would come off. Speaking of which, you should be careful what you do there this time too."

"You know that was completely unintentional, and don't worry," said Link. "I won't be attending any classes on how to meet a Voe this time."

But even as he said that he wondered if he might have to do just that if a critical conversation led him there.

The next morning after everyone said goodbye and wished him good luck, Mila insisted on accompanying him to the ferry terminal.

"Your Tab account is automatically charged based on where you get on and off, so you don't have to worry about the fare, Dad," said Mila.

"I get it," said Link.

"Now, remember, you take this ferry to Hyrule Castle, then switch to the ferry that stops at the Outskirt Inn, then board ground transport to the Kara Kara Shopping Center," said Mila. "The ground transport travels along the Gerudo Canyon, and the route should look familiar to you."

"I'm sure I'll manage, sweetheart, but thanks," said Link.

"Return unharmed, Dad," said Mila. "We all love you very much."

"I promise, sweetheart, and I love all of you more than anything," said Link. "And thanks for coming with me and seeing me off."

Mila bent down, and they embraced and then kissed each other on the cheek. Then Link boarded the ferry that would take him to Hyrule Castle. Mila waved to him once, and he waved back. Then he settled back in his seat. What a wonderful daughter Mila was! He just wished he could help her not to worry so much.

There were a few others on the ferry, and he planned to exit at Hyrule Castle, change into his Sheikah outfit, and then travel the rest of the way as a person named Dorian. Anyone seeing him now would assume that Link had simply stayed at the Castle. The Sheikah outfit masked a good deal of his features and increased his stealth, so it was a reasonable choice.

He settled in his seat and looked out at the water, thinking about what lay ahead. This task was a different kind of mission for him. In the past, his adventures often involved combat, but this one involved avoiding conflict. If he had to fight, it would mean someone figured out what he was doing. And then he would need to make sure whoever uncovered his identity did not reveal it. But hopefully, it never came to that, that he just snooped around and learned something useful.

Another two passengers boarded, a Hylian couple who nodded hello at him, then sat down. They must have visited Zora's Domain. The Domain did not get a lot of tourists, but anyone who had an interest in architecture enjoyed visiting. The Domain had the most distinctive architecture in all of Hyrule, and no one who visited it failed to be impressed.

The ferry was almost full when one of the crew released the moorings, and the first officer made the usual safety announcement that the ship traveled at high speed, and everyone should remain in their seats. The ferry slowly pulled away from the port, then picked up speed as it reached the deeper water of the Rutala River. The waterway to the Castle had been deepened and expanded as it passed Kincean and Mercay Islands, and the ferry's speed increased further.

Link had a seat along the starboard side of the ferry and watched the Trilby Plain slide past. He could remember riding Epona along the road that ran parallel to the waterway. Then the ship passed the Woodland Service Area and Inn. He and Mipha had stayed there once when it was still called a stable. It was a long time ago on their very first trip together to Hyrule Castle. That was the time Zelda became infected with malice and nearly destroyed everything by trying to tamper with time. He shook his head as he thought back. It just showed you that you always needed to be on your guard.

The ferry began to slow as it approached the pier on the northern part of Hyrule Castle. Then it docked and the passengers disembarked. Link hadn't expected to see anyone at the dock, but there was a familiar face in a Captain of the Royal Guards uniform.

"Hi, Dad," said young Link as Link exited the ferry, and they hugged each other. "Mila tabbed me to keep an eye out for you, and you had something to tell me. We can use my apartment. Tila is out teaching a math class."

"Thanks," said Link as they walked together. "I've never seen your apartment."

"It's quite nice," said Link. "Princess Zelda did her best to make it pleasant and appealing to Tila and me both. We've been delighted there."

Link was indeed impressed at the living quarters.

"It's certainly a lot nicer than where I used to stay," said Link. "But then you already know that because you stayed there too before you married. I'll explain my assignment while I change into this Sheikah outfit."

Link explained everything and then prepared to leave.

"I'm sorry you can't stay for lunch," said young Link. "Tila would love to say hello."

"I can't," said Link. "I want to get to the Kara Kara Bazaar, er, Shopping Center before it gets too late. I should go."

"Be safe, Dad," said young Link as they hugged. "You should go alone from here, I guess."

Link made his way back to the ferry terminal as Dorian and boarded the ferry that stopped at the Outskirt Inn. He glanced at the other passengers. Two Gerudo women might be headed back home, two Hylian couples who all knew each other and seemed to be vacationing together, and a Goron who appeared to be a merchant.

Seeing Link was by himself, the Goron took a seat next to him. Well, more precisely, he took the two seats next to him. The Goron then struck up a conversation.

"Hi, I'm Halon, and I'm sure glad the ferry's not full," said Halon.

"I'm Dorian," said Link. "What do you mean?"

"If the ferry is full, I have to pay a double fare for taking two seats," said Halon. "If not, I only have to pay one fare."

"Oh, I see," said Link. "Well, it looks like you're in luck. It's almost time to depart, and there are still some open seats."

It was a few minutes later that the crew cast off, and the ferry began making its way around the western side of the castle and toward the Regencia River.

"Now I can relax," said Halon leaning back. "These ferries sure beat rolling. My father told me stories of how he used to have to travel everywhere on foot or rolling where he could. But a lot of the roads were not good for rolling. I'm going to Gerudo Town. How about you?"

"I'm staying at the Kara Kara Inn," said Link. "As you know, they won't let me into Gerudo Town."

"Yeah, that's right," said Halon. "It's funny they let us Gorons in. But I think it has to do with all the trade we do with them. The Gerudo are our best customers. They're willing to take all those gems off our hands for a reasonable price. Not that they don't drive a hard bargain. They always remind us that we're not the only source of gems."

"Are you traveling on business or pleasure?" said Link.

"Business," said Halon. "My family has been in the mining business for a couple of generations. My two brothers handle the mining operation while I take care of sales. What about you?"

"I'm just a tourist," said Link. "I was told the desert air would be good for my health. And I heard the desert can be quite beautiful."

"The desert is indeed beautiful," said Halon. "It's just too darn cold! I shiver during the day, and wouldn't dream of traveling at night. I have to huddle near a fire."

Link looked out from the ferry and could see they were approaching Mount Daphnes.

"Yes, I plan to take elixirs for the hot and cold weather there," said Link. "The Compendium based ones don't taste too bad."

"Sadly, that stuff doesn't work for us Gorons," said Hanlon. "Say, have you ever visited Goron City?"

"Why do you ask?" said Link.

"Oh, just wondered," said Hanlon. "The Goron Hot Springs can do wonders for your aches and pains if you have any."

The ferry began to slow as it neared the terminal for the Outskirt Inn.

"Well, nice talking to ya, Dorian," said Hanlon. "Enjoy your trip. I'm meeting a friend here and staying overnight."

"Thanks, and good luck," said Link.

Link exited the ferry after it docked and then made his way to the inn, and ordered a light meal as he waited for the ground transport to arrive.

As he ate, he noticed the two Gerudo women from the ferry were here, as well as four other Gerudo women who must have already been at the inn. They were all talking among themselves and ignored him. There was also a young Hylian couple who acted like newlyweds, hugging, and kissing every few minutes. They were so wrapped up in each other that they also ignored him.

After a bit less than an hour, a multi-passenger transport vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle could hold twenty passengers, assuming none was a Goron, in five rows of seats, two seats on each side. Everyone called these vehicles a 'PAT' though its official name was Ancient Technology Passenger Transport. Who came up with these names, Link wondered? He would have to ask Queen Zelda sometime if he remembered.

Link boarded the vehicle and sat by himself at the window in the back row. The Gerudo women all sat together, still talking. And the Hylian couple sat apart near the middle of the PAT and leaned their heads against each other. After a few moments, they were underway.

The roads had been greatly improved, and the vehicle moved quietly south, then turned right and headed across the Dig Dogg Bridge. Link smiled as he remembered the Hinox that used to sleep right smack in the middle of the road there. After crossing the bridge, the PAT entered the Gerudo Canyon and followed the path as it wound between the red sandstone cliffs. Link remembered riding here with a Hylian Mipha on a motor-driven cycle after she rescued the trapped Gerudo guards. What a trip that was! It was funny, but almost anywhere he went, there were memories. As he watched the cliffs glide by, he thought how much Queen Zelda should be complimented for all she had done to improve travel.

The PAT slowed as the driver announced they were arriving at the Gerudo Canyon Inn. The Hylian couple exited there, and after waiting a few moments, the PAT drove off and followed the road across the desert toward the Kara Kara Shopping Center.

Now they were definitely in the desert proper, and Link could see the cactus that grew there with its ripe Voltfruit. Electric Lizalfos used to make their home here, and burrow under the sand, ready to spring on an unwary traveler. But they were long gone now, at least from anywhere people traveled. Perhaps there were still some surviving in a remote corner of the desert. He hadn't seen one in years and was not at all sorry. Like all Lizalfos, they were vicious, nasty creatures.

The driver announced they were arriving at the Kara Kara Shopping Center, and the next stop would be Gerudo Town. Link exited when the PAT came to a halt and was the only passenger to do so. The Gerudo women must all be headed to Gerudo Town.

It was early evening by now, and Link looked at what he still called the Bazaar. It had changed a good deal over the years. What used to be small open booths that resembled tents, were now actual shops. The large pool of water was still the same, as were the beautiful palm trees that circled the oasis.

As a tourist, he would be expected to do some shopping, or at least visit the shops and browse. On the other hand, the Sheikah were not known as big spenders, and most shopkeepers were not thrilled to see one walk through the door. If it seemed out of character for him to visit a shop, he could always pretend he was invited to a Hylian wedding or party of some sort and needed to bring back a gift for someone.

There was a fruit store at one end of the plaza, and next to it, a store that sold meat products. There was also a small restaurant now with a few tables and a store that sold Tabs and technology items. Then there was a branch of the Starlight Memories jewelry store. And finally, there was a small inn where he had reserved a bed for the night.

His objective was to learn why the Gerudo economy needed so many Rupees, and it seemed unlikely people were buying an overabundance of vegetables or meat or splurging on meals at the restaurant. So, if purchasing items was a factor in all this, he needed to concentrate on the more upscale stores, the technology store and the jewelry store. It was getting late, and he only had limited time before the stores closed. He chose the technology store first.

The store was called the Tech Oasis because of the fact it stocked a variety of technology items but especially Tabs designed with a Gerudo theme of some sort. Plain old Tabs were not exciting anymore, especially for the younger generation. But the shop sold other items as well.

Link entered the shop, and there was one other customer there, a Gerudo who was shopping for a new Tab. The salesperson was also a Gerudo, and while she was busy, Link walked around, looking at the merchandise.

As expected, there was a variety of Tabs in different colors and with Gerudo markings or symbols on them. But they also stocked things like headphones to listen privately to music or conversations, and Tab cases to more easily carry a Tab. They also had much larger versions of Tabs, larger even than the Sheikah Slate he remembered, which Link hadn't seen before.

The Gerudo customer completed her purchase, and the saleswoman approached Link.

"Vasaaq! My name is Nalana, and how can I help you? We don't get many Sheikah customers shopping for technology items way out here."

"No, I can understand that," said Link. "I am here for other reasons and was just curious about what items you stocked as a possible gift. What is most popular these days?"

"For someone who has an older model Tab or wants something more stylish, we sell Gerudo style Tabs," said Nalana. "They are often purchased as gifts for husbands or wives who like the Gerudo decorations. Functionally they are no different than any other Tab, but we have exclusive rights to the Gerudo design. Well, by 'we' I mean our shop and our main shop in Gerudo Town. Male tourists often shop here since they cannot enter the town. The most popular item we sell these days is the larger style Tabs, called Mabs or MaxiTabs. They feature a much bigger screen, which helps if you're using it for reading and such. They also make an excellent gift, and again we are the only ones with the lovely Gerudo artwork on the cover. It's not uncommon these days for someone to have a Tab for messaging and conversation, and a Mab for reading and viewing pictures."

"That's a good point," said Link. "I'll think about that. Is business good here?"