Standard disclaimers.
Surprising taste warning; Not bad, just surprising.
Thanks to JP for Betaing. (He is not a Gatch fan but does like SF and appreciate my warped sense of humour.)
Mala had decided to put a stop to her brothers naked (sic) exhibitionism. She did not like the idea of her sibling exposing himself in front of young children, old ladies, slaves and offworlders; All of who would love the chance to stare.
The Captain of the Devil Stars picked up the phone and called the police. She told them that a man had been seen running around in the City centre. Completely naked.
Zoltar was sat on the precinct bench. He was hot and tired.
The police officer was a lot more observant than the average citizen was. He could see that his subjects neat black pants were painted on, what an interesting case!
"Could I see your ID, please?" He asked Zoltar politely.
Zoltar held out his hand. He had a Government ID chip implanted in his palm. The officer ran his scanner over it and went pale.
"Do not you know me? I am the Chosen One."
"My apologies, Sire." Stammered the policeman.
"Now just what was it you interrupted my rest for?" Asked Zoltar disdainfully.
The policeman used his head rapidly and acted sensibly. He quickly escorted the naked Chosen to a clothes shop and stood over him while he purchased a pair of shorts.
Mala had been watching the action though a remote spy device. She sighed. This was not her day. If the police had done nothing she would have been able to call out the temple guard and have Zoltar arrested on a charge of heresy. But he had defused the situation with a degree of neatness Mala wished her own girls would display. No, there was only one thing for it.
Instead she told the Luminous One.
"I WILL HAVE A WORD WITH HIM AS SOON AS HE RETURNS" The Spirit replied after patiently listening to Malas tirade about dress standards. What was the matter? Why, for that matter, did it concern Him?
When Zoltar got back from his run he was met by one of the temple functionaries. "The Great One wishes to see you." He bowed deeply, his blue silk robe brushing the tiled floor.
"What does He want now?"
"He says its urgent" added the lackey.
Zoltar headed off to the Spirits antechamber. "No changing into uniform...never mind about that!" Growled Zoltar.
Soon he stood before his alien Master.
The Most Radiant Ones eyesight was not very good, at least in the visible light spectrum. His senses were geared more towards the further end of the spectrum, but he did have cameras.
"I SEE YOU ARE NOT IN UNIFORM."
"It is my day off" snarled Zoltar indignantly. "I do not wear my mask off duty."
"MALA INFORMED ME THAT YOU ARE GOING AROUND IN YOUR, I QUOTE; BIRTH SUIT; I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS."
The Great Light of Wisdom had not fully understood what Mala was getting at Zoltar had committed some misdemeanour, in public too, but as far as his esoteric master could see, nothing was wrong. But He did trust the Devil star Captains judgement.
"I AM NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR BEHAVIOUR, ZOLTAR." The Mighty Spirit told him firmly. "I SUGGEST YOU GO DOWN TO THE PENITENTS CELLS AND MEDITATE FOR A WHILE."
"But I have done nothing wrong!" Protested Zoltar. Perhaps his Master was cranky with the heat too?
"NO BUTS. I WILL SEE YOU IN THE MORNING." The Mighty Spirit flickered and vanished.
Zoltar knew a dismissal when he heard one. He stomped out, muttering under his breath.
Later on Zoltar was sat on the bunk in the penitents cell. Not a brilliant place to spend the rest of the day. The irony was that he was at last cool here.
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"My sister must be at the bottom of this." Growled Zoltar.
The Luminous One thought for a bit. He really would have to ask Mala one thing. What exactly was a birth suit?