I gathered everyone around while Jane put Jennifer to bed. Alan wasn’t thrilled when Bob put the lure inside the door, but I wasn’t leaving it outside, it was expensive.

“So, I’m just going to come out and say it, we’re moving.” Everyone just stared at me, not quite comprehending what I just said.

Jane came out of the back and gave me a death stare. “Explain it properly. Quietly.”

“Fine, over the last forty-eight hours I’ve had to fight aliens, made friends with other Samurai, and made enemies of some of the gangs around here. The truth is, you guys are no longer safe here, because you’re associated with me.” I took a deep breath, “Fortunately one of the Samurai I met today is rebuilding the shelter as we speak, and he agreed to build some additional housing for you guys.”

I glanced at Alan, he was glowering again. “You don’t HAVE to come, but it’s much safer. I’m also probably going to arrange some protection for you.”

“What sort of protection?” Eddie cut in.

“Robots,” Jane cut in, “Teddy is NOT giving you weapons.”

I just nodded, which caused Eddie to sit back, half moping.

“The new place will be much better for everyone, but don’t expect me to spoil you. Same rules apply, everyone will still need to pull their own weight, get it?” Issi, Jane and Eddie nodded, Alan just continued to frown. Fucking grump.

“Any other questions?”

“How did you make an enemy of the gangs? You always had a policy to avoid the violent ones, and to only interact with the others when absolutely necessary.” Alan asked.

“One of my bots cut Ripjack’s arm off when he came to fight me, then I sent a video of the confrontation to every other gang in the area.”

“You’re insane…”

“Maybe,” I shrugged, “Any other questions?”

Issi raised her hand, I’m not sure where she learned such manners. It wasn’t from me. “Can I bring my frog?”

I just laughed, Jane scooped her up into a hug, “Of course you can sweetie.”

There was a beat of silence, so I stood up. “Now, for being a good audience, a treat. Nyx, how much for one of those meals Humboldt shared with me?”

Three each. Do you want a specific flavor?

“Give me five, and just choose something tasty.”

Purchased - Balanced Nutritional Meal 3 x 5 = 15 points

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Points remaining - 7098

Five boxes appeared in my hands, which I quickly distributed. Isabelle audibly gasped when she opened up her box. I could see even Alan was salivating. For the first time in recent history, it was a mostly quiet meal.

Isabelle and Eddie devoured their meals, and were obviously disappointed that it was over. I reached into my own box, broke the cookie in half and gave each of them a piece. It was okay to spoil them occasionally, the look of joy was worth it.

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

I spent the next morning looking after the kids with Jane, which I found calming after spending all that time killing aliens. It also gave me some time to think, and put together some upgrades for everyone.

“Nyx, is there a basic Aug upgrade I could buy? Maybe one that I could use to track the kids in the future? I don’t want what happened today from ever happening again.”

There are civilian Aug upgrades available in the Class 0 catalog, with trackers they’ll cost you fifteen points each.

“What the heeeeck is class 0.” When Issi glanced up I realized how close I was to swearing; Somehow I managed to filter myself at the last moment. Issi just smiled at me.

All the generic equipment that doesn’t require advanced tech, or is essential for Samurai to operate. The food you provided last night is an example.

“And why is the civilian Aug upgrade under class 0?”

Most Samurai find it difficult to do their jobs when they know friends or family may be in danger, a little peace of mind allows them to function more efficiently.

“True… it’s not going to be as traumatic as my upgrade is it? I don’t want to submit the kids to that.”

The civilian model acts over several minutes, it’s uncomfortable but not painful. Most Samurai must apply their upgrades during combat, so they suffer discomfort in exchange for speed.

I hmmm’d. “Gimme one to start.”

Purchased - Civilian grade Aug upgrade with tracking - 15 points

Points Remaining - 7083

I took the box that appeared and placed it down on the table in front of Jane. She eyed me suspiciously.

“What’s this?” She asked.

“A way to upgrade your Augs to the current standard, with a built-in tracker so I can find you all. I don’t want anyone to go missing again.”

She nodded, “So why are you giving it to me first?”

“I want to give one to everyone, but need to make sure it’s fine before giving one to the kids. I already have an advanced upgrade.”

She paused, then gave me a stern look. “You want me to be a test subject?”

“It’s safe… I think. You just need to place the disks on your head and neck.” I gave her my brightest, least threatening smile. She was not amused.

“Fine. For the kids.” She opened the box, took out the two disks, examined them briefly, then put them on.

There was a moment of silence.

“Sooo… how do you feel?” I asked, examining Jane’s face.

“Fine, a little dizzy. How long is this supposed to take?”

I shrugged, “A couple minutes.”

“Well I don’t see any… oh, something’s happening. What is this?”

“Apparently it’s the city network, now you can pull up information if you want.” I waved my hand in front of her face and had it almost immediately slapped away.

“Stop that. I think everything worked fine, no pain or anything. You can track my location now?”

I sent a mental command to my Augs and almost immediately had a map showing the area. A tag labeled ‘Jane’ appeared in the area where the burrow was located.

I nodded, “It works. Now help me give one to everyone else.”