Closed for Maintenance

The Starbucks materialized where a disused airport gate had been. It was dark, padlocked, and there was a sign on it: "Closed for maintenance."

"We are going to be here for a while," said Belboz.

Krissy said, "Hey, that wasn't there before."

Belboz shushed her, and then said, "Don't bring it to everyone's attention. They will think that you are mad. As far as they are know, that Starbucks has been there all along. It would take too long to explain."

"So what happened?" asked Astra.

Belboz explained, "Probably somebody in finance turned down the project to replace the hamster wheels that are required to keep the multidimensional negative feedback fleer complex in operation. They keep trying to get an extra year out of obsolescent equipment that is out of warranty and then they are shocked when things like this happen."

Astra replied, "How long before they get it fixed?"

Belboz said, "Probably about three months, if they still have that model of wheels in stock. Otherwise they will have to put in a new complex, and we are looking at about three years."

"Three years? Unbelievable. These things are just supposed to work."

Belboz shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well, fleer complex maintenance is not my responsibility. I am just passing along what I have heard."

Krissy interrupted. "So do you all need a place to stay? I am a stranger here myself, but

1. I have an online friend who lives in Sante Fe, and we might be able to crash at his house."
2. I have a credit card and some money in the bank, and we should be able to get a room at a motel."
3. if I can find a way back home, I have plenty of room. Of course, you all don't have any identification, do you? The airlines check that. We might have to drive back if that is the case."

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