“First up, we have the business of you two and just what to do with you, given your offer.” Call said as he looked directly at Twonger and Onelder.

“What do you mean, bossman? We said we’d teach you rubes some real skills if ya agreed not to kill us. Seems easy enough, doesn’t it?” Twonger said.

“Sure, if that was all I knew about you two, it almost seems fair, but I’m going to let you in on our secret and make you an even different offer.” Cal had finally decided just what he was going to do with these two. He wasn’t sure if it would turn out in his favor long term or not, but the taking in the bugs had been for the best, so it was time to roll the dice again.

“Look, if ya met our older brother, we’re sorry, but we can’t control him. No one can. He’s a galactic-wide menace.” Onelder sounded unusually serious with his statement.

“No, we haven’t. But Bug and I have met you two before, many, many times. So many I lost track. You see, we are all stuck in a time loop, and the first loop I started off with this world seed in me caused you both to try to murder me in my sleep. Which you did, multiple times as I slowly worked through how to beat you. I understand you probably don’t believe me, but I bet that explains the question of how I suddenly had all this power, or any of these people for that matter.” Cal said.

“Yeah, it kind of does. Alright, so where does that leave us?” Twonger asked.

“You’re drafted. The universe is under attack by forces that want to strip mine it. You will be joining our groups on our missions this loop and training us to the best of your abilities. Once we have the compound ready to go again, and if we all agree to keep you on board, we will give you a treatment that makes you loop-aware.”

“What if we just run at the start of every loop after that?” Onelder asked.

“Entirely an option, but I guess it’s just up to you to decide if you want us to remember you helped save the universe or you kept murdering me in my sleep once this is all over. Assuming, of course, we manage to stop the Gryalth.” Cal answered.

“Yeah, sure, we’re in for now. Yer ragtag group of misfits might be useful.” Twonger said.

“Glad you feel that way, Twonger because you’re going with Andy’s group, the Under Library. Onelder, you’re with my group. We’re going off planet to a dwarf planet we call Pluto. So I believe we mostly have the group split decided on, but I am willing to offer Melissa a place on either team if she would like it.” Cal said.

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“Pass, look, I don’t hate any of you, but the idea of joining your merry band of alien fighters isn’t something I’m up for just yet. That said, you make Gramps loop-aware, and I’ll do owe you some favors.” She answered back.

“Alright, I can work with that. I’ve got another spirit who was corrupted by the Gryalth, and I think your magic is exactly what I need to help purify them. If you are willing to take care of that and handle prisoner interrogation while we are gone, I think we can add Harold to the list of people in line for Andrew’s inoculations.” Cal said.

“They are not inoculations. Well, actually, maybe there are. I suppose it depends on how you look at the concept of time itself.” Andrew trailed off.

“Also, Cal, the dogs, and I are going with Andy to the library. I know I said I’d be coming with you to Pluto, but you’ve got Frank and Ethel to keep you safe. We were talking about it, and we have some research we need to do.” Bug had her tail between her legs as she spoke.

“Hey, Bug, nothing to feel worried about girl. You have every right to make your decisions about what you want to do. I fully support you. The Under Library group has Andrew, so it could use all the extra protection it can get after all.” Cal smiled at her, hoping she felt reassured. He didn’t want her ever to feel like she didn’t get to make her own choices.

“Gus, I want you to help Many Eyes and Many Legs guard the prisoners. See if you can add the void house to our communication center. It may be important in case you need to pull together a quick defense.” Ethel looked at the two giant bugs as she spoke.

“Got it, boss. After this meeting, I’ll talk to the boys and see what we can do to integrate our networks. See if we can’t siphon off a little extra energy for the root network as well.” Gus replied.

“Thank you, Gus, it’s appreciated.” Ethel smiled at the bird.

“So I don’t expect to be gone anywhere near as long as Andy’s group. At least, I assume you wish to spend the majority of the loop there?” Cal looked over at his friend as he asked.

“Yeah, I think so. There’s just so much to research and look into.” He answered.

“Alright, then in ten years, can you try to meet us back here for another meeting and we can see if anyone else wants to join you? I won’t be, as I’m planning some intense training after Pluto. Especially if Melissa can help Grannus.” Cal was planning to catch Grannus up to his combined spirit as quickly as he could.

“Yeah that should be fine, though no promises. The place doesn’t really obey conventional rules of physics, so we may get lost again, but I promise to try.” Andy said.

“I completely understand. Melissa any chance you want to join us for the defense of Dallas at the end of the loop. We have a quest to hold the entire city for two hours. With your mechs, we might just be able to.” Cal asked her.

“See, now you’re talking fun. I’m in.” Melissa answered.

“Alright, everyone, it’s been a busy start to our loop. Let’s all take a couple of weeks to rest up, and then we can prepare for our trips. Unless anyone else has anything to discuss.” Cal was met with silence. “Good, go relax as best you can then.” Cal was looking forward to another meal. These meetings always left him starving for some reason.