public void updateGear(int numUpdates) {
    if (Float.isNaN(credits)) credits = 0 ;
    if (Float.isNaN(taxed)) taxed = 0 ;
    
    if (verbose) I.sayAbout(actor, "Updating gear...") ;
    if (outfit != null) regenerateShields() ;
    else currentShields = 0 ;
    for (Item item : allItems()) {
      if (item.refers instanceof Action) {
        if (verbose) I.sayAbout(actor, "  Applying item effect: "+item.refers) ;
        ((Action) item.refers).applyEffect() ;
      }
    }
  }