[Worm]

---- THAGHNEEL ----

Neel cocked her head, unsure as to why Earth citizens would still be using bound books. Technology had advanced so far that even her little farming planet was using screen books and data chips. Then again, all technology started on Earth. So why wouldn't they have keepsakes from where they started? She still was in disbelief that books could contain more information than the massive intergalactic web.

Neel gave a sharp head nod, grasping firmly onto Zeke. "Ready. Her eyes squinted and before she knew it, they were whipping forward. A toothy smile instantly appeared on her face. When George came fluttering by, she made eye contact with the bugger. She was a fast one! Neel giggled, holding onto Zeke tighter as they made twists and turns. Before she knew it, there was the shop.

It was called "Central Cup" and had a transposed image on the window of a coffee cup which changed colors. She licked her lips, the smell of warm drinks flooding the street. "Oh, no - no!" Neel's hands waved in front of her. "I couldn't ask that of you! If I would end up getting one, it'd be through my student loans. That would make me feel much better." She flashed a smile and gestured to move inside, leaving the question behind her.

"C'mon then. I want to see the menu." She chirped, excited to see what sorts of drinks they offered. The windows were one way, so until they entered the shop, there was no way to tell how full they were. It seemed pretty busy at this time. There was a short line and several android servers. Two baristas took care of the drinks, both with extra limbs. It must help in a fast paced position like that. Neel slid a menu from the door slot and thumbed through it. "What do you normally get?"

While Neel was happy with black coffee, she wanted to see the specials.


---- MEEQA ----

Meeqa didn't understand why her roommate was so adamant about helping her home world. If they were getting paid more than her becoming escorts, then why would they need her help? Was it social pressure, or just familial pressure to show that she was doing well without them? But she nodded, showing her support. She really just wanted the girl to be happy. Plus, it would be easier to focus on school if she tied up loose ends with her family.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that! I don't need much sleep, so we can always hang out at night if - you know - you aren't busy with school work and such." She gave her a closed eye smile. "And don't worry about it!" She blushed with the girl's compliments. "The dorm monitors usually do a good job of putting people together. So, I wouldn't say you're lucky. But I will admit, this will be great!" She bounced a couple of times.

"Let's take the shuttle and I'll give you the grand tour as it makes stops." She pulled a pamphlet from the kitchen and handed it to Magali. "Here, its a map of the Poppy Sector. It also shows the other sectors, but ours is the best." She stuck out a sliver of a tongue.

"But lets get going! Early morning is great for the studio, cus only the nutjobs are there." Of course crazy people made the best artists. She didn't feel the need to mention this. Meeqa rather liked the unusual types. She grabbed Magali's hand and started tugging her through the front door excitedly.