Throughout the remainder of our first day, Rosalie, Eveline and I ran through our new roles, formalising our job functions and what would be expected of us. It was about as much as I’d expected.
Any time that it would be needed, Eveline, I, or both of us would go out into the world and work with other assets on the ground to infiltrate local communities whenever new information on Harvester operations appeared or a breeding facility was learned of. Getting the information to the foundation was of paramount importance. No heroics, no trying to take them on ourselves.
“By the way,” Rosalie said as she moved onto a tangent. “Where are you in terms of capabilities bestowed upon you by your nanocloud?”
“You mean in terms of upgrades and stuff?” I asked, clarifying.
“Yeah,” Rosalie replied. “This line of work will need some protection, and I suspect you’ve only covered the basics so far.”
She was right, I knew. So far, I’d only upgraded my nanocloud to the best available nanite units that I knew of, but other things were either basic level or weren’t related to direct mitigation of damage, like a reinforced epidermis would be.
“You’re right,” I told her aloud. “I’ll consult with my nanocloud, two secs.”
I then entered into an exchange with my nanocloud.
Give me current state of nanocloud capabilities nanite-derived host capabilities.
Nanite specifications are as follows.
Nanocloud Chassis
Level 3
Comprised of Carbon nano tubing and graphene for all chassis components.
Nanocloud Direct Manipulator Arm Tools
Level 1
Carbon nanotube reinforced manipulator arm tools in a quad-claw configuration with multiple opposable digits for direct manipulation of the environment.
Nanocloud Power Generator Core
Level 2
Capable of utilising elements from hydrogen through to carbon.
CRiSPR Module
Baseline
Genetic modification tools for generating cellular constructs at the molecular-genetic level.
Host capabilities are as follows.
Information Storage
Level 2
Solid state silicon storage 3D lattice
10GiB/mm2/layer
Trauma Assist Module
Level 3
Out-of-combat 50x increase.
Emergency combat-level trauma medicine 2000x increase.
Direct-seal capability for all wound sites (nanocloud-availability)
Blueprint information ensures complete repair.
What upgrades are currently available to me?
Upgrades currently available are as follows.
A table then presented itself in my mind with the details I needed.
Cybernetics Manager
Baseline - Available
Dermal Armour
Baseline - Available
Passive Sensor Array
Baseline - Part of Dermal Armour upgrade
Active Scanner Mesh
Baseline - Requires graphene or matter fabrication capability
Reinforced Biosynthetic Musculature
Baseline - Requires Carbon Fibre Skeletal Framework
Conductive Endoskeletal Channels
Baseline - Requires Carbon Fibre Skeletal Framework
Carbon Fibre Skeletal Framework
Baseline - Available
Based on all of the information I had just seen in my nanocloud, I knew that there was little else I could do other than to go with the armour, and maybe the skeletal upgrades. Many other useful functions relied on the armour, and other upgrades relied on more upgrades that I would need to select in the meantime. For instance, temperature manipulation of the external environment required efficient conductivity, radiation and convection of energy between my own body and the environment, and this could only be facilitated without injuring myself if I had the sub-dermal armour in place to provide both the conductive outer layer and an insulated layer protecting my muscles and organs. In other words, I needed to get the armour first.
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But I would discuss it with Eveline before going any further.
“So I’m looking at getting modifications to provide me with sub-dermal armour,” I began to explain to Rosalie. “Electrical channels for transfer of energy if I need it, and some skeletal reinforcement, though that last one might take me some time to implement.”
Eveline looked at me with a raised eyebrow, and I could feel the consternation within. I would have to discuss this with her later.
“Sounds like a good place to start in bolstering your own ability to protect yourself in the field,” Rosalie told me with a nod, clearly approving. “What about sensory upgrades?”
“The sub-dermal armour can be designed with a micro-weave that can be used for additional sensory processing from the local environment. I’d essentially be able to operate as a passive sensor network.”
Rosalie raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised. “Interesting ability,” she admitted. “Wonder why I didn’t think of it?”
This made me think of what Taylor had said to us when we were in New York State.
Why no vehicles? She had said, referring to the current lack of vehicular traffic on any road network on the planet, and he had not been wrong. Why haven’t there been any major changes to cities and towns? Why are most of the buildings in major cities completely abandoned and in a poor state of repair?
“There’s a lot more going on here,” I replied to Rosalie. “And based on the conversations Eveline and I had with a contact we met in New York, I’m now beginning to wonder if something has been actively preventing us from re-establishing our former civilisation or technology levels. No vehicles, very few functional aircraft, little infrastructure recovery or repair. Forty years should have been enough to recover some semblance of our old society based on what I saw here in Canada, shouldn’t it?”
Rosalie frowned at that. “I guess? I don’t know why it never occurred to me.”
“It didn’t occur to me, either,” I admitted.
“Don’t forget, Rick,” Eveline interjected, stepping closer to me, her expression soft. “You were awoken in a country where everything was basically anarchy. That coloured your perception of the world around you, don’t you think?”
Rosalie was in agreement. “If I was in cryo for forty-something years and woke up in the USA, I’d think that the rest of the world was in a similar shape, never knowing that just over the border, Canada was doing far better than America.” She then pulled up a report. “I’ll need to know more about what this person you spoke of told you when there’s time, but we’re in no immediate rush for that, so let’s get back to briefing you on your immediate tasks.”
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The sun was setting by the time we had finished our work at the airport and departed for Rosalie’s home near the western edge of Quebec’s coast. Rosalie and my sister had both procured a house in the rural lands just east of Quebec City, shortly before the Outbreak. It was still intact, and as we approached it, I noticed it had recently been re-painted, the walls a deep sky blue, offset with dark navy framing and varnished dark navy decking. The lights were on inside, and the porch-light activated as we climbed the steps. Amélie and Philippe, Caitlynne and Rosalie, Eveline and I all made for a rather large gathering for what was essentially a relatively small property.
Reuniting with Dani again after three months was as emotional as I expected it would be, as she sniffled and cried happily into my arms when she saw me. To my astonishment, she giggled and sniffled as she grabbed Eveline for an enthusiastic hug.
“Thanks for keeping my brother safe,” Dani told Eveline, giggling. “You are looking amazing! I’d never be able to tell you were starving and had your sides torn out!”
Amélie looked a bit green around her nostrils, as Dani said all of this, while Eveline blushed. I felt a surge of embarrassment through our bond, though it was laced with gratitude and affection. Eveline had warmed up to my sister.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” Dani asked me. “I’ve been told they were waiting for you to get back before we all met.”
I briefly wondered why Dani would be asked to wait to meet my friends until my return, but quickly shoved the question to one side, as I began introductions. “Right. Dani, this is Amélie, Eveline’s err… Spiritual sister, shall we say?”
Amélie winked in my direction and nodded.
“Next to her is her- excuse me, one of her bond mates, Philippe,” and I gestured to the hulking form of Philippe, who literally towered over Amélie’s wolven form in front of him. “And their other mate, Caitlynne. All of them are part of the Cuisset Foundation, which I’m sure Rosalie has told you something about, by now.”
Dani nodded, her eyes amused. “We talk to Laurent and Aline occasionally.”
I knew that made sense, from the fact that Rosalie was one of his remote operatives. It was funny how small the world seemed when my sister was connected to the Cuissets through Rosalie, while I was connected to the Cuissets through a bond with their adoptive daughter.
“Everyone, this is my sister, Daniella Reyes. We’ve only just gotten back in touch with each other after so many years.”
Caitlynne frowned. “Really? For how long?”
Dani glanced sharply at Caitlynne, as did Eveline, who unleashed a burst of protectiveness aimed at me, and one of irritation that I knew was directed at Caitlynne.
I decided to simply be honest with her. “Caitlynne, I was in cryogenic sleep for nearly half a century. That’s why we’ve been out of contact.”
After a tense moment, Caitlynne nodded slowly. “I assumed. I’m sorry,” she said, raising both palms in surrender.
“It’s fine,” I told her. “I just want to make sure there’re no misunderstandings.”
Her gaze was downcast for a moment, until Philippe gripped her shoulder gently with one of his big paws, as did Amélie. Dani seemed satisfied, and Eveline squeezed into my side, glancing up at me with slight apprehension which I felt mirrored through our bond. I squeezed her waist and tried to project reassurance through our bond, instantly clearing her expression to one of affection and contentment.
“You’re all welcome to stay for dinner,” Dani told everyone. “Rosalie and I had some room made up in the dining area. There should be more than enough places for us all to sit, even if you’re a mountain of muscle!” The last, she added with a grin at Philippe, who chuckled back.
So it was, that we had our first meal as a group, one of many we would have throughout our time here.
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Later, after Rosalie and Dani retired for the evening and the others had departed for their own accommodations, Eveline and I sat on the two-seater in the lounge, discussing our options and our plans. Now that I’d had time to think about it, I wanted to make some choices regarding my nanocloud, and I suspected Eveline was keen to perform her own changes if the excitement I felt through our bond was any clue.
“So what did you decide?” Eveline asked me, as she scooted closer to me so she could curl her hands around my biceps. “The armour will be needed, and it can double as a receiver.”
I frowned with amused confusion. “What makes you think that?” I asked. “I mean, you’re right, but how did you guess?”
Eveline smiled widely, her elongated canines dazzling me for a second. “My own nanocloud is giving me the same options for my own skin.”
“Yeah?” I asked. “Did you get the Cybernetics Manager as well?”
Eveline nodded. “Finished the upgrade this morning as we reached the airport.”
I could feel a sense of pleasure from that announcement. Eveline was embracing her nano cloud’s abilities more and more, I could see. “What other ideas are you going with?”
“Nuh uh, Rick,” Eveline laughed, looking me gently in the ribs with an ever-so-slightly-unsheathed claw. It itched slightly but did no damage. “I asked you first!”
I pulled her to me and kissed the top of her head. “Fair point,” I then admitted. “Sub-dermal Armour, plus the electrical conductivity upgrades. I want to be able to handle temperature extremes better than I did when we hit New Salem.”
Eveline’s eyes danced as she suppressed a smile. “Those might be useful when we go solo on missions, but for now, I don’t plan on letting you out of my sight!” She snickered as she gripped my arm some more. “For now, though, I’m going with the Carbon Fibre skeleton.”
“You’re already pretty tough,” I quipped. “I don’t remember you ever getting broken bones.”
“No,” Eveline told me. “And I’ve never broken anything,” she added. “But there’s a chance we’ll get into something more risky, and I think it’s worth the changes I need to make.”
She was right, and we both knew it. “Yeah,” I spoke softly. “For now, I’ll go with the armour and the conductivity upgrades. I can always get my nanocloud to deal with my bones later.”
Eveline nodded, smiling a little more, before she rested her head on my shoulder. I could tell that she had already instructed her nanocloud to prepare her upgrades, so I decided to take care of my own now, as well.
How long will it take to prep the dermal armour for upgrade?
Dermal armour upgrade is an in-place alteration. Total time to upgrade is thirty-six hours if all other operations are suspended and you are rendered unconscious during the upgrade. To remain functional during the upgrade, the time to complete will be one hundred and sixteen hours.
Let’s go with the longer duration. I don’t think I can afford the downtime otherwise.
Affirmative. Dermal Armour upgrade will commence immediately. Time to completion, 115 Hours, 59 Minutes, 55 Seconds.
I didn’t feel any different, even though I knew the nanocloud was now working on armour to sit under the skin and cover my muscles and other organs. I had no idea if I’d feel any different once everything was done, but then I didn’t know how much of what my nanocloud accomplished could be done without excruciating pain.
I began to feel an itching sensation in my extremities as the nanocloud got to work converting the cells in my body into armour plating. As the seconds ticked by, I wondered if I was going to end up in excruciating pain after all, but after a minute, the itching sensation settled down. It was still there, but I could ignore it.
Recommend increased calorific intake for the next seven days to support the additional matter and energy requirements the upgrade takes.
I was not surprised my nanocloud made this suggestion, and knew I’d be eating ridiculous amounts of food. I made a note to eat something nice and hearty tomorrow morning when Eveline and I woke, just as the two of us drifted off to sleep.