Jacob walked us over to a display screen, one that was just hanging in the air. Jane checked behind it, ran her hand above and below, it wasn’t a trick. “Neat”

“Indeed,” Jacob swiped his hand across the front of the display and the image changed. The new image appeared to be a blueprint for the shelter, at least as far as I could tell. It could have been a circuit diagram for all I knew.

“This was the original design for the shelter,” Jacob said. “It was originally planned to be two floors, a ground floor and a basement. It was over engineered to shit, probably because they never planned on finishing it in the first place.”

He shook his head then pulled up a new diagram.

“This was the design I whipped up based upon the other shelters I’ve helped build. Subterranean shelters are more secure, so I was going to build everything underground, I guess I could build you something on top. Having a Samurai on hand would definitely make things safer for the people. What exactly are you looking for?”

“Ummm…” I really should have thought about that before this point, fortunately Nyx was around.

“An area for fabricating bots and weapons, and a large area for storage. Leaving it wide open would allow for future expansions. A giant garage basically.” Jacob nodded, taking down notes.

“And a small area separated from that with living space for ten or so people.” I added.

Jane turned and looked at me, eyes questioning.

“I’m not going to leave everyone living in the Burrow, even if it’s a comfortable place to live. If anyone finds out that you’re all associated with me your lives could be at risk, especially now that I’ve pissed off the gangs.”

“You did what?” Jane’s voice went up two octaves.

“They started it! I was trying to clear up the Antithesis and the Wreckers attacked me. I just defended myself.”

“That is the most reckless thing you’ve ever done.” Jane grabbed the front of my hoodie and started shaking me. “What would we have done if they killed you?”

I heard Jacob chuckle behind me, “I’ll give you two some space, it’s time for me to get started anyways. This shouldn’t take too long with all my bots working on it, you should be able to move in after a couple days.”

Just before he walked away I remembered something. “Before you begin, would you mind helping me recover something from one of the basements?” I asked.

Jane stopped shaking me for a moment, Jacob raised an eyebrow. “What is it you want to recover?”

“A fabricator. A friend of mine almost died when we tried to salvage it, I feel like I owe it to him.”

“Was this that big job you were talking about earlier this week?” I could see Jane’s eyes narrow. “The one you wouldn’t tell me about?”

“Yessss….” warning, danger!

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“With who?”

“Dante.”

“You promised no more gang jobs!” Oh, Jane was really mad now. I couldn’t blame her, “I did promise, but we were also hard up for cash. You know that.”

“We will discuss this later,” she dropped me and huffed.

Jacob just laughed. “I can retrieve your device, what do you want me to do with it?”

I paused, Dante was in bad shape. How was he going to move that thing… I’d have to ask him later.

“Can you keep it here until the shelter’s done? I’ll get him to come collect it before tonight.”

Jacob nodded, “I can do that.”

************

I was still trying to calm Jane down when we walked into Leah’s clinic a few minutes later.

“It doesn’t matter that we only had three days of rations left, you promised no gang work!”

“The Scorpions are barely a gang, they’re more like a neighbourhood watch, and they offered to pay me whether or not we found anything. You know Dante is a trustworthy contact.”

Jane grabbed my head like a claw, digging her fingers into my scalp. “Not the point Teddy.”

“Glad someone has a good opinion of me.” I hadn’t expected Dante to still be in the clinic after the all clear, but I was glad he was here. I needed a distraction to escape. His arm was still in a sling, and he looked like he hadn’t slept, or showered since I last saw him.

Jane’s eyes jumped to the cast, her fingers eased up slightly. “I have nothing against you Dante, it’s more about this one breaking a promise to everyone.” She poked me in the ribs, hard. Rude.

“No offence taken, I did tempt her with a decent haul. Guess that’s all gone now.”

I squirmed out of Jane’s grasp and moved closer to Dante. I definitely wasn’t thinking of using him as a shield in the case of an emergency. “Not true at all. The Fabricator is still intact, and the Samurai that’s rebuilding the shelter said he’d hold on to it for you until tonight. You need to find the truck though.”

“Really?” Dante perked right up, “If that’s the case I need to get some boys together. Thanks Teddy, I owe you one.”

I saw Jane’s eye twitch at that. Distraction successfully turned into further aggravation. “Don’t worry about it. Please.”

Before Jane could grab me again I scampered towards the back in desperation. “Leah, check-up time!”

As Leah stepped out of her office I briefly thought I’d made a mistake. Leah looked like shit. Her curly red hair was even more unruly than the last time I saw her, the scarf discarded at some point. Her entire being screamed exhaustion, from the heavy slump to the bags under her eyes. At least she deterred Jane.

“I could come back later,” I said.

Her eyes slowly swept across my entourage, then locked on to me, “That’s a lie and we both know it. You probably would have avoided the checkup if Jane wasn’t chasing you.” I couldn’t deny that. “Get in the chair.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Leah pulled a machine over and waved the attached scanner across my entire body. “No broken bones or lacerations. Just some surface contusions. You were lucky,” she tucked the scanner away then gave me a gentle look. “I’m glad you’re safe, you kids take too many risks.” Behind her I saw Jane give me a ‘I told you so look.’

“And you,” Leah said, turning on Jane, “Give Teddy a break. I’m not sure what she did, but I’m sure she wouldn’t have done it if she had a choice.” Jane's smug face fell, just a little.

“Now, both of you get out of here. I haven’t slept properly in two days.” Leah practically pushed us both out of the clinic and slammed the door behind us.

Jane and I exchanged glances. “You know, Leah always does a lot for us, now that I’m a Samurai it’s time to do something nice for her.”

“Like what?” Jane asked.

“I’m not sure, but when we get home Nyx can give us some suggestions. Come on.” With great effort I pulled Jane to her feet. It was time to head home.