I will never figure out how a little body that doesn't come to my knee can occupy so much of a bed. There were feet and hands everywhere when I tried to get up and was pulled back down. "not yet" I heard in my ear and I gave in and layed back down. 10 min later Vicky appeared next to the bed "sir you need to make an appearance".
I nodded and got up. Refresher first then coffee in hand as I entered my office. I thought about it and the VR booted up. I guess my bot woke up and stood scaring some people. The first thing I noticed is that I was covered in post it notes. I looked and discovered they were thank yous from the residents. That's an interesting way to wake up covered in thank yous.
I looked at Vickey "what is the emergency". She got a frustrated look on her face "things were going fine till the state troopers showed up and demanded to talk to you. They caused a stink so I made them wait" she said with an evil grin. "How long have they been waiting?".
"A little over an hour" I shook my head and laughed. "Where are they?" she pointed at a group of men in uniforms" so I went to them.
"Good morning gentlemen, how can I be of service" they stood and the one with the more stripes spoke. "We are here to organize clean up and rebuilding efforts. We were told by that little girl you were indisposed so here we are". "Well from where I'm sitting your official services aren't needed for now".
"We can see that but the question is Who are you?" I put my hand on his shoulder "I'm a friend, I'm human but don't want my identity out yet. This is the first time I've run this system but I want this to be the norm". The one with less stripes spoke up "for the entire state?"
"Think bigger" his eyes got big. "But who are you" the stripes asked again "my identity will come out eventually for now just refer to me as a friend. If you need a name to tag me with you can call me Brad".
"Well Brad, why are you doing all of this?"
I looked at him "these people needed help and I can help them, that's it. All of this tech is private and safe for use and I'm footing the entire bill".
"But where did it all come from" asked the less stripey man "I have a private manufacturing facility of course. Now gentleman I have to check on construction of the apartment building across the street. You can join me if you wish". I walked to the door with them in tow. I could see the building done and that made me smile as we could see people in the windows. That's when Sandy came to me with a smile "we should have everyone through the beds by tomorrow". I nodded "excellent, is someone looking after the apartments'' she nodded "the mayor's wife took that job. They will be on the first floor, they lost their house". I looked at her "is anybody giving you grief".
"Just one of the administrators but she changed her tune when she saw a video of you putting me in charge, thank you for that by the way". I nodded "I saw your leadership skills under pressure and I was impressed. Think you want to turn this into a full time gig?" She looked at me and smiled "I've been thinking about that and YES".
That made me smile "excellent, we can work out the details later. Do you rent or own?" A quizzical look "I rent why?" "Well accommodation, food, clothing and travel are included". That got me wide eyes "there are other perks as well". I had to laugh at the look on her face "what about my brother, I'm all he has".
"Well if he is part of it I look at it as a package deal. Think he will take convincing". She laughed "not in the slightest''.
"Good, is there anything I need to be aware of". She shook her head "not really, those military guys were a pain but other than that its good. all you need is to let the person getting out of the bed to talk to the next patient and it sells itself" she giggled. "Word of mouth is a powerful thing" I giggled. Another military guy came to me "I need something to put in the report".
"I understand that sir, don't lie. Tell the truth because this is the first of many times I'm going to help. Just be honest about why we are here, which is just to help. Don't forget to try the beds, all of you. After you get out you will understand". He stammered "I'm not sure if I'm allowed".
"Well that's up to you". He nodded and then decided to do it so I took him to a bed. I hope he feels good enough to relay good things to his higher ups, he seems like he needs a win.
Just as I looked at Sandy my vision hazed and I felt a lick on my nose. Seeing Lisa's face come out of nowhere caused me to step back in both settings. Lisa jumped back and I heard the squeal of a tail being stepped on.
Vickey took notice but said nothing. It was weird experiencing both reality's at once so I shook my head and heard Vickey whisper in my ear "we need to talk".
I excused myself and went back to my seat. I shut down the VR and looked at Vickey. "Nanobots, it must have been them that caused that glitch" were her first words "a little more context is necessary''. She had an exacerbated look on her face "I have no files on someone breaching someone's connection to the VR. It's not bad but it's another new thing we are dealing with". I smiled "I can ask them the next time I talk to them, until then I will just go with it".
"I walked to the door of my office and Lisa flew at me and latched on "I'm sorry I just felt you needed one". I looked at her and licked her nose "never apologize for that little one", I hugged her tight. Vicky appeared "they said it wasn't them and they are just perplexed".
"Well it's a mystery that will solve itself. Tell them thank you, it was actually kind of neat". She threw up her hands "break ground on new science and you call it neat". I laughed and looked down at Lisa "I'm not quite done ok". She looked at me and smiled "I promise just to watch". I went back earthside to find military dude was getting out of the bed.
"OMG guys get in there when you can" he said to his companions. "Just be honest in your report and tell them how you feel. How do you feel?"
"I feel fantastic, like better than ever"
"that's excellent, the scans said you were a smoker. The physical cravings should be reduced or gone". His eyes shot open "I've been trying to quit for years and no I don't have the cravings". He reached into his cargo pockets and took out a pack of cigarettes and crushed them.
"Take the win, I'm seeing you in a lot of meetings for a while" we both laughed at that "don't forget to take video to prove your point faster".
"You don't mind?" I nodded "not a problem but remember patient privacy is in effect here. As long as you respect that we are good".
I saw a hand on my shoulder so I turned to see a man who was unconscious the last time I saw him. "People tell me I owe you my life". I shook my head "not at all sir I was just the one that got to you first. How are you feeling?" She smiled and ran his hands through his hair " I feel fine now, great actually. Those beds are quite the things" he said rubbing his head. "Yea they are new and they will be the norm soon it's just a matter of time. Did you lose your place in the storm?" He smiled "no I'm good. The apartment I was in I was using for storage, I have a place outside of town. It's a shame, it's going to take forever to rebuild Main Street". I looked at him and shook my head "not as long as you think. I'm thinking a day or two at most".
"What" he retorted with wide eyes. "Vickey, how many bots do we have available right now". She smiled "500 ready to go" and she rocked on her heels. "Have them ready to go at first light with recycling tech that B designed" I looked back to the man "that should take a dent out of the mess". He just nodded still wide eyed. I looked around and asked if there is anything else I need to address. I got no's all around so I went back to my cubby hole and powered down.
I looked around and everyone was there including the twins, all watching me. The kits were attacking random people in my hologram making a game of it. Lisa and Kim were having hot chocolate and Gar was having coffee.
The twins looked off so I went to them "are you ok" in unison they said "we want to help". I smiled "do you want to learn more or do you want a project?" They looked at one another then back to me. "Project" another smile from me
"Ok start working on ways to help the homeless and orphans like yourself. I want you to start in Vancouver". That got me looks of shock. "I'm serious, you know the system and where it's broken. We can fill the cracks or at least catch the ones falling through. I'm not talking tomorrow but put your heads together and work on a plan. We need to get them to the ship safely and our medical tech will take care of the rest. You both have a choice as well. You can be their voice or do it silently in the background". The shocked looks I was getting turned to smiles so I took this as my answer.
That dealt with I made my way to Lisa for my nose lick which of course I returned. I sat in my chair and Lisa sat on my lap and Vicky spoke up "nope all cuddles are to be done in the bed I want scans on both of you". I looked at Lisa and shrugged "I guess we have been told" I giggled. "I want 10 hours to do my work, I will get you up if you are needed". I nodded and stood with Lisa and said goodnight to mom and dad the twins disappeared. The minute I went to leave the kits figured it out and were right behind me. 8 bodies down for the count.
I awoke with a tail in my face and it turned out to be Lisa's. She was cuddled to me and her tail was just long enough to reach my face. I sneezed and woke everyone, I got a good morning from my right and papa from the kits.
After 10 hours of sleep the kits were hungry. Mom went straight to the replicator and got bottles and breakfast. The kits weren't polite about it at all, I just giggled. Gar looked at me "so holy man when are you going to give in and admit it" he laughed and I did to "ok ok I will admit there are parallels so far in the storys".
Kim jumped in "parallels hell it's almost word for word. I'm catching views of your aura". My turn to look surprised "you can see my aura" all of them nodded. Lisa spoke "it's like ribbons that flow from you. I don't see it all the time, just glimpses out of the corner of my eye". "Have you learned to control it yet". I lowered my head "no I've been busy".
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"You will" Vickey shot in. "Another thing with your scans, your nanobots are talking to their mates in the others almost steady. I can't tell what it is because they have developed their own protocol and it's super efficient. I will have to schedule a talk with them later".
"How are things planet side?" She smiled "first thing this morning we sent 500 bots on cleanup, they will be left with clean lots. We have a large scale replactor on the ground so Main Street will get a facelift. I'm using photos to rebuild, we need to do better than google earth, I'm thinking two days till completion. Sandy stepped up her game after she got some rest, she has a van bringing people who need the beds. She is making sure nobody gets forgotten" she giggled "she had bots walk to the nursing home and carry back the patients, the people gladly walked home".
I smiled "she will make a fine addition to our group, as long as she likes cats" I laughed and got a pinch. I asked my new family about a new addition and got yes all around. I went to my office and booted up my VR and my avatar came to life.
A woman was pinning a note to me and screamed "I'm sorry" I said to her and she started to cry. She explained that her husband is now cancer free because of his time in the bed. I gave her a hug with notes falling to the ground. "Vickey scan these so I can read them later".
I saw Sandy and she was in her element. She was like a traffic cop in a medical setting. I went to her "have many people been taking advantage of the food hampers?" She smiled "oh yes, I had bots out delivering them to everyone who had a kitchen". Then her eyes opened wide. "That was ok wasn't it?" I nodded "it's things like that that make me think you're even better for the position I'm offering you" she relaxed "are you up for a face to face meeting with me and others?" I could see her thinking then smiling "of course things are running smoothly here".
"I will make sure of it" Vickey added.
"Vickey could you escort Sandy to our headquarters and activate her translator protocol please" neglecting to say where it was, this should be good. Vickey nodded and I disconnected to see the kits jumping around and Lisa there with a coffee. WOW perfect timing "you get to meet some new" I said to the kits.
The shuttle door opened to a very excited nurse saying things like holy shit and holy fucks. She looked at me and smiled "we are on the fucking moon". I laughed "yes you are and welcome to my home". Her brother and girlfriend were surprisingly chill. I shook Sandy's hand "it's really you this time" I chuckled "yup it's me".
"I forgot to ask, do you like cats?" I got 3 questioning looks and nodds. "This way please" I waved my arms towards the lift.
On the lift I looked at them "we have plenty of quarters so no problem there. Oh let me introduce you to the kits before you reach for them, they have been uptight lately". I looked at shocked nodding heads. We got off the lift and the NEW was sensed and I was met at the door by the male. I reached down and grabbed him and he met our guests and he determined they were ok. He jumped down and returned with his sisters smiling.
They scaled me and climbed on our new guests. The looks I was getting were priceless "they are harmless mostly except for their claws". Lisa came over for a nose lick "can I get anyone anything to eat or drink".
"A drink please" came from Jim, her brother. We went to the replicator and he had a no way look on his face. He went through the list and ordered an outrageous coconut drink. His face dropped when the shield dropped, I let him sweat it out for a few seconds then showed him the recycling slot. His girlfriend shook her head and got an ice tea for both of them.
We went to the sofa and relaxed and Kim and Gar joined us and introduced themselves. I could see the looks on my new guests' faces "the voice you hear over their voice is the nanobots in your system" that got unsteady nods. "How many languages?" Asked Jim. "All of them" blank stares.
"Remember the perks I talked about" I laughed. Sandy shook her head "let me get this straight. I just took a job that has me living on the moon with aliens and has me helping people with Star Trek gizmos" my eyebrows went up "actually this is a ship so we might be in orbit" I said trying to be funny. Where do women learn that look from, I got it from a few faces.
"It gets better"
"like"
"you will live longer"
"I'm listening"
"About 200 years"
I was wearing ice tea for that one. "I'm going to live to be 200" yelled the girlfriend. "Yup" I quipped "we will get into that throughout the evening. Please sit and relax so we can talk. First of all" I looked at the girlfriend "I don't know your name". "Molly" she said shakley. "Well Molly and the rest of you, welcome to my home. This is my extended family and yes I will explain that comment" I laughed. I got blank stares "I want you to relax and be comfortable, your quarters will be the same, just a bit smaller".
Lisa leaned in "wait till you try the shower"she giggled. Still blank stares "Vicky could you bring them up to speed please." Vicky appeared and did just that, By the time she was done they were onboard. The kits spent this time investigating each of them even giving a smile. They still seemed in shock but were relaxing.
"Tell me about yourself Sandy". She huffed "there isn't much to tell, I grew up in town and my parents had a diner. The only time I left was to go to the military then back here to work. I haven't traveled much but I'm guessing that is about to change". I nodded and laughed as Lisa stood and looked at Molly "May I show you something". She took Molly and Sandy to the clothing replicator. I heard "no freaking way" from both of them, The giggling started shortly after.
That's when Molly appeared with the loved housecoats followed by the other two. The bathroom was next and I heard a few squeals, Jim just looked at me wondering what was going on.
"Vickey, how are things on the planet?"
"Good the bots are making short work of the debris. We have volunteers working with them to sort out possessions and leaving them behind on each lot. Over half of the apartments have been claimed by residents."
"How many of the citizens have been through the beds"
"Over 90%. There are a crew of 5 bots and 5 med beds on a shuttle with a guide to people on the outskirts or where travel would suck. That should be done by tomorrow, in fact we should be done completely by tomorrow." I smiled "that's excellent. As for a trial run I think I will call this a success, everyone seems to be happy in the end. I'm hoping to be out of there before the media or the military shows up and complicates things.
"Brad" Vickey piped up "there is a news crew at the site". I hung my head "oh well I was hoping to not do this.
I went to my office with everyone in tow. I booted up my bot and scared 2 little boys. I stood up to a chorus of "coooool". I found the news crew looking around not knowing where to start. I walked up and introduced myself "welcome can I help you". A man stepped up "we were documenting damage from the storm and came to find none, I knew this needed to be filmed."
"Well you can't film patients without their permission but you can document anything you want. That started the impromptu interview.
Yes, I'm just a friend.
No, I'm not charging anything.
Yes I'm human.
Yes, this will happen again.
Yes, beds can cure almost anything.
No, I don't represent a government.
Yes, the water and food are free.
Yes, my full story will be told soon.
I'm doing this because I can
No, I'm not sponsored by a company.
I cut the interview short there figuring they have enough clues to play with. I did ask that they post a full and unedited version online and they agreed. They told me the views alone on b roll video will get their documentary back on track. "Win win" I said then took their info and parted ways.
I looked at all the empty beds and figured most people have been through. Vicky chirped in my ear "only 75 left".
"Excellent" I replied as she appeared "the cleanup is ahead of schedule. All the rubble is cleaned up so those bots are on the rebuild of Main Street. That puts that project ahead as well. We are recording everything for future reference".
"Excellent. I do have one change I want to make. Dispatch drones as we land to search for survivors sooner, that needs to take president over anything. The guy I saved could have needed more serious medical care, I got lucky this time" she nodded. "Ok when you're all wrapped up here you know where the base is" I chuckled. Then I saw the news crew beside me who just heard everything.
Back to base. Such a simple term when you know there is a base. But when you are finding out there is a base for the first time, it produces some funny looks.
"Should we have heard that" a girl said with fear in her voice. I looked at her "Of course we have a base. Where do you think we park all of this stuff". I kidded. "And no I won't tell you where it is" They chuckled at that.
Vicky mentally kicked me "now they know about me" still in my head "I know I want to see how hard they will dig. It's obvious we have a base somewhere".
"Ok I will give you that" she answered. "Anyway, I have a town to finish" I went and put my bot away.
Back to reality gets me some "hi papas" and a certain nose lick I have grown to enjoy. Lisa handed me a cup of coffee "hello little one" I hugged her to me. Kim looked at me "I saw what you did there, you want to see who keeps their mouth shut". I smiled "I need a PR agent and I want to see who says what. Most people who can keep secrets are loyal at least in my finding with people". She smiled "I get what you're doing. Her ears perked up "a new family member" I cocked an eyebrow "possibly, we will see".
I looked at Kim "question, you said I had 12 kids. How many of each?" She smiled "it varies from story to story but it's usually even. My my are we planning ahead?" She caught me off guard with that one and I blushed and she caught it. "I was looking at the kits and they are nothing like human babies. It was just a stray thought".
"Fair question. All of the texts I've read say your children will be beautiful and brilliant, they all agree with that. Hey are you coming around to being a holy man?"
"Just looking at all angles so I'm still on the fence, one of my kids could be ugly". That got me a dirty look including claws.
"Have you seen yourself and not to mention look at my daughter. What did she say, oh yea your being a shithead. I had to ask Jaden what it meant but it's applicable right now" she started to laugh "I've been sitting on that for a few days waiting for you to give me an opportunity to use it" she said hands on her sides.
I lowered my head in shame looking at Lisa realizing I was being an idiot. "Trust me we will have glorious children" I heard from my chest. I kissed the top of her head, I've been slipping them in. Kim caught it and smiled "if you have 12 that will be the biggest brood ever. Our holy man had 10 but that was thousands of years ago before the plague that ravaged our children" I nodded at that.
"Where are the newcomers?" I asked Kim, she just pointed at the door so I checked. There on the sofa were 3 housecoats and I could barely see the people.
Sandy looked at Vicky "is there anything I need to address on the planet. That even sounded weird to say" she giggled. "No, all is running smoothly outside of some lookie loos. The town should be done for inspection tomorrow at noon" smiles all around. "Are you with me tonight?" I said to Lisa and she just hugged me tighter as my answer. I picked her up and went to bed, the kits joined us after we were out.