"Smuggling?? I thought that was illegal?" you questioned Tela, while making an extra effort to remain civil, simply because you knew in a fight you wouldn't stand a chance against her. "Not that I'd say anything" you added with a shrug.
Tela paused, studying your 5' 7" self for a moment, then she glanced around her before talking to you again. "There are certain 'things' available on the Black Market that make even places like this rock seem like Paradise for those marooned or stationed on it," she explained with keen interest. "Take for example the Ionic Metamorphic Unit (IMU), a recently developed machine that can be used to exchange the physical forms of any two beings" she smirked.
You frowned, then relaxed your face muscles. "Erm... a body swap?" you murmured.
Tela laughed a little. "In simple terms... yes!
"I've never heard of that machine" you told Tela, scratching your head again.
"Of little wonder. It was only recently perfected by the authorities on Helion VI, and it is quite the sought after machine for those wishing to experience life through the eyes of someone or even... 'something' else" Tela responded.
"Okay, that's amazing. Anything else been smuggled onto this sorry heap of a rock?" you inquired.
Tela again hesitated, but then carried on talking. "The 'Holy Grail'... to quote your Earth terminology. Ever hear of a Change Machine?" she asked you, as you both started walking in the direction of the outpost.
"Now and then, its a transformation machine right?" you answered, as you slung your bag over your left shoulder.
"Yes... but so much more as well. We've... managed to smuggle the original prototype machine onto this asteroid, and its under lock and key. We know the authorities from a dozen worlds are searching for it. But it seems they don't think its gone as far as here, the very edge of the Cluster" Tela explained in length. "If you like, once you're settled in to your little outpost, I can show you a few more interesting trinkets we have amassed?" she then asked you.
"Absolutely!" you nodded, smiling. Suddenly, being posted to X176 didn't seem so bad after all.
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