“That’s nice of him …” Nori studied the tall alien. “Before we leave, I’d like to understand the value of piTec a little more. Can you give us an example of common items’ cost?”

“Of course, Miss. I believe the galaxy’s average income is around four thousand piTec per month. A single piTec will buy you a light snack while ten will suffice for a decent meal. You can get lodging for fifty piTec per day, or 500 for a luxury one. A common land vehicle can go anywhere between ten to fifty thousand, and the smallest of spacecraft usually starts at a hundred thousand. Decent ships’ costs are in the millions and warships in the billions.” He stopped and looked at the Navigator expectantly.

“I see …” Nori nodded slowly. “In that case, I think we owe you thanks for the price of the Zappers.”

“Oh, that’s not all,” Lana beamed. “Tell her, Alzigo.”

The alien clicked his jaws rapidly. “The Zappers are an immediate but mediocre solution. They will not be sufficient for your planet's needs, but there might be a better way. You mentioned you have guns and Lana explained they shoot accelerated projectiles. Such a thing wouldn’t harm the Warped for long. Without Tec, the physical impact alone would be recovered quickly. But what if you could create a Tec Infused ammunition …” He looked at her meaningfully. “I believe even a level zero human would be able to use your guns to great effect, and I just happen to have the right equipment to help you with that. But there is a small problem.”

“What problem?” Nori asked.

“I have in my possession a Fabricator. It’s a highly advanced piece of technology, expensive too. It can quickly fabricate common, uncomplex components like your ammo cartridges. However, it requires two things: a blueprint and resources. You’ll have to supply both.”

“Where the hell are we supposed to come up with an alien blueprint?” Nori frowned.

“We got it covered already,” Lana said brightly. “Apparently, Engineers are good at this sort of stuff. Alzigo says any decent Engineer should be able to come up with a workable blueprint—they just need a little time experimenting on a workbench. And it just so happens …” she winked at the taller woman. “Get my drift?”

Lana looked at the box full of weapons, at the giant alien carrying it, and at the smiling, confident young woman in front of her. “Yeah,” she said slowly. “Not bad, Lana.”

“Hey, I’m the Expert, remember? Now pay the nice alien.”

Alzigo graciously accepted the crystallized piTec Nori gave him and showed her how they could be merged together or separated to an exact amount.

After paying for the Zappers, they had three thousand piTec remaining. “Do you have something a little more powerful?” Nori asked. “Up to a level five would be nice.”