The next morning had me checking in on the kits. I looked and had to laugh at a few of them drooling. "That's how I tell who is hungry" Kim laughed. I went to the medbay and sat with Lisa for a few minutes. I felt the tug for a hug and wondered if she was awake in there.
I got to my office and was looking at messages and Vicky popped in "you look bored, might I suggest another round of training, your flight skills need work".
"That's exactly what I need to distract me". Another 10 hours of real time and 10 in the brain. I was now trained in all ships including mine. Then off to bed.
The next morning I could see the kits were bigger and they were starting to twitch. Kim informed me that these are signs of them coming out of it. I sat with Lisa and read, I felt the tug and then she moved.
Becky commed me and asked where I was the last few days. "Nowhere just taking care of some training". I guess Vickey has been putting her off for days. "What do you need?" she looked at me and said, "people want proof". I thought for a second "meet me in my office, I'm on my way now". I touched the glass of the tank and she moved again.
In my office she was already waiting for me "ok what are they asking for?" She smiled "they want you to heal someone they choose".
"Sure go for it, there are medbeds in the RVs. They can cure almost anything so I'm sure they can't throw a curveball that way". She just looked at me like I was joking.
"I'm serious you work with the person to document their time with us. I'm guessing if they suggested it they have a person in mind already. I'm also guessing we can get this done today". She looked at me and went to her laptop and started typing. She went through a few facial expressions finally ending in a "there it's in play".
17 minutes later we got a response. It was a private message from the board moderator of the biggest naysayers. "I know this is bullshit but if you can help my sister caus she needs help. She was born a premie and has lots of health problems like bad joints and stuff like that". I smiled at Becky "get his address and I'm on my way" she nodded and I sent my avatar to the RV.
It was nice flying for myself even if I was doing it remotely. I was off to Chicago and the air traffic was light. I landed and pulled up in front of a nice little home. I got a hoodie and made my way to the door and started to knock as the door swung open. The woman who opened the door just mumbled something as a young man about 16 came around her.
"I'm sorry mom he is expected". Not enough robots show up for it to be a thing I guess. The boy led me inside to a living room where there was a young girl watching tv. "I'm Zac and this is my sister Debora and my mom is Penny. Can you really help her?". I nodded and did a scan "she will be in the medbed for 56 minutes. Debora, are you ok to walk or may I carry you". She looked like an old person trying to stand and I felt her pain. "I can walk,'' she shuffled with her walker. "Actually there are stairs on my ship. How about I levitate you with a tractor beam".
Her eyes got big and she nodded so I had a drone grab her as she giggled. We went with her hovering to the RV and got her in the bed. She closed her eyes as she was smiling. I sat at the table with mom and brother as they told me about taking care of her and mom mentioned bills.
"May I see the bills please". She hesitated and squinted her eyes slightly "I suppose". She went to get them. I looked at Zac. "Are you hungry or thirsty, the replicator is right behind you and can make anything you think of". He got the same skeptic look on his face as his mother and stood. He looked at the screen then back to me "this is for real". I nodded "just make your selection and hit make, it takes 30 seconds to make it for you. I watched him scrolling his eyes getting bigger as he did.
Mom came in with a file folder with her, there was an overview list on the front. "I have to ask why you want to see these?" I smiled "I have the ability to help in many ways" I giggled "I need to win over your son" she smiled and handed me the folder. I looked and was shocked at how much she owed. "How do you afford this".
She hung her head a little and her shoulders slouched slightly. "We manage but it's rough".
I was just about to talk when Zac sat with a tray full of a huge burger and fries and a smile. "Vicky, could you come here please" she popped in. I took the file "scan this and pay them all please" she nodded and took the file with a drone and went through it. "That wasn't my intention giving you them" mom was in shock "it wasn't your intention but it's the result". She just blinked and Zac was stuffing his face like a typical starving teen.
We talked till I heard a "mom" from the back. By the time we got there she was standing upright with no aid. Her mother shot to her hugged her and then started to jump in joy.
I looked at Zac and he was staring at his sister with the water works trying his best to hold it back. I put my hand on his shoulder and he cracked. He ran to them and hugged them both. "I thought it was bullshit, I was convinced it couldn't be true". I looked at him and smiled "I feel like that sometimes as well".
"It's your turn now" he looked at me shocked "I'm not hurt". I smiled "we call it a tune up and you will understand when it's done". He agreed and it showed 17 min.
I chatted with his sister who was talking a mile a minute. I let her get it out and run out of breath and that was when her brother was done. Moms turn, it showed 46 min and she settled in for her nap. Zac and Debora went to the replicator and ate and talked till mom woke up. "Oh my god I feel amazing" I smiled. "The nanobots will continue until they finish the job and then you pass them. Have I got you convinced yet?" Zac came to me "I'm sorry I doubted you. I have gone a 180 degrees on my views and my posts will reflect that".
"I have one request, May Becky contact you to document your story". I got nodds from all and Vicky came to me "they are all paid sir".
I smiled "now you have nowhere but up to go but up ok". They all hugged me and I wish I could feel through the bot. I bid my farewell to a happy family and left.
I looked around and saw Becky on her laptop "we may have to do that a few times for it to take. If you don't mind me handing a few of them?" I smiled "not at all, you're allowed to use it for friends of yours as well". She smiled and I could see the gears turning.
"How is the site doing?" "Excellent, your interview is sitting at 20 million views". "Well hopefully they believe it" I said and she nodded.
That taken care of I went to have coffee with Lisa. How this little kitty found her way into my heart so fast is beyond me but I'm not complaining, She just makes things better by being there. I could see my ribbon leading into the tank and could see it changing color. I pushed calming thoughts to her and it settled to its usual color.
My evening consisted of watching YouTube videos trying to gauge my presence. Most seemed positive but there were a few saying I'm an alien or a billionaire philanthropist like Tony Stark, I found that funny.
"C are you busy" he appeared smiling "communication devices for the masses, what do you have on file".
"I have plenty on file from a smartwatch to a gauntlet with full holographic displays. They have various capabilities depending on the model. What are you thinking sir?"
"I'm thinking of a couple of different types to give people a choice. If we go with the gauntlet I want it to accept the user's phone and integrate it". He perked up "I have one like that I just have to adapt it for humans". I looked at him and asked, "do I want to know who wore it before". He scrunched up his nose "it was one of the slimy ones" I laughed "let's leave that out of the sales pitch. What about manufacturing?"
"Not a problem sir, we could make them here or on the planet". I nodded at that as he brought up a hologram of the gauntlet and it looked painful. There were wires that went from the unit into their skin. "The species didn't have nanobots so they went the direct approach". I nodded again and the hologram changed into something people would wear. "I want them to be hackable and scalable so people can customize them". He nodded as he changed it again "what is the battery life like?"
"At least a week and that with heavy use. The smaller watch type can use the gauntlet to charge". I whistled "that will be a big selling point. Well I will leave you with this and feel free to improvise". He nodded and disappeared.
I grabbed a coffee and went to check on the kits. They were so cute in their sleep and acting out dreams was hilarious. Gar looked at me "Lisa would play an invisible instrument for hours" he giggled. "We just have to watch they don't have a running dream, they could hurt one another". As if on cue one of the girls stood and walked into the wall of the crib.
"How much longer for them" Gar answered "it varies, there are a few different schedules that they can follow. We will find out which one they follow when they wake". I smiled "well they are in good hands". They smiled and I made my exit and went to my office.
I sat and got a message from Sandy "we are done here and on our way back. I have video of them all waving goodbye for Becky". I brought up a hologram of my armor and looked at it wondering what it would be like in the wild. I was like a kid with a new toy and wanted to try it, hopefully soon hopefully never.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
I felt a tug to Lisa so I went to see her. She was moving in the tank and her ribbon was changing colors. I put my hand on the glass and she calmed and reached for my hand through the glass. I could see her hand was bigger and the color of her fur had changed. She must have sensed that because she pulled her hand into the gloom. I sat and finished my coffee and watched her in the tank.
I decided to check in with my brother and see how things are going. Their quarters were empty and the simulators were the same. I looked and noticed one of the RVs was missing and that made me smile.
I got back to my office and C was there "sir I designed 12 different models and put them online for people to vote. I said I'm writing a book and am looking for input. The gauntlet is the winner so far with the bracelet model a close second". My turn to smile
With that another day came to an end for me so I layed on an empty bed and passed out.
Awakening I got up right away and hit the shower. I went to the kits and found 2 of them sitting at the table. They weren't quite asleep but they weren't awake either. I got a drawn out "hello papa" and smiled. "They will be in and out of it for a day but they did well". One of the girls tried to take a drink and wore most of it. This I can do so I got a cloth and wiped her face and she smiled and looked at me. That's when I looked at her and saw her eyes. She no longer had the vertical slit as an iris, she had human eyes. I looked at the other at the table and saw the same.
"Vickey could you come here please". She appeared and saw the concern on our faces "Vickie talk to the nanobots and see if they did this?" She looked away for a second "they did sir, since they live here now this design makes more sense. They can still see the same but it's not as bright here so they modeled them after your eyes". "So it was an upgrade". I looked at Kim and she waved me off "I know they won't hurt them so I'm good". I nodded at that. We checked the others and sure enough they had my eyes, creepy. Since we woke them the kits wanted food and it was like watching hungover frat boys trying to walk. We got them fed and back to bed so I made my leave.
I sent a message to the twins to come to my office. They came in all smiles "how is your project going?" Emma jumped in "I think you will like it". She produced a holodisk and what I saw was spectacular. It was 5 stories with an open center design with a huge tree in the middle. Everywhere you looked there were green spaces for people to relax and talk. "This is amazing, you put a lot of work into this and it shows. How many people will it hold?" Ryan took this one "just a little over 1000 people". I smiled huge "when will it be done". They both looked at me in shock. I giggled "talk to Vicky and get it built and then we will start filling it". They both smiled "we could start in a few days, keep track of skills and trades. I'm hoping to get a few teachers and such".
They looked at one another then back to me "we know a teacher that's living in her minivan with her kids". My turn to smile "how fast can you locate her?" They shrugged "do you remember the make and model of vehicle". Ryan jumped in "it was a Ford Astro and it was gray" I nodded "well that's a start. Oh the hell with it let's go for a drive". They jumped up and followed me.
We took the drop ship with the SUV, there was enough room for the van. We went to every spot they knew of, Second to last we found her.
Her name was Penny and she recognized the twins right away. Mom eyed me like a predator "Tell me your story and let me help you". That's when it all came out. She was a sub teacher and couldn't get a position that could accommodate her kids. Then the money ran out, she still gets the odd day and that's how they have been surviving.
"Let me offer you a job with free housing and childcare plus a no lot more". She scowled at me "are you serious". The twins answered for me "trust us he is serious". I could see the gears turning in her head "what the hell my day couldn't get any worse". I smiled "does this thing drive". She nodded "yes but I'm almost out of gas".
"That's ok it's not far".
One of the twins got in with her and we found a dark spot to land the ship, I pulled onboard got out and looked back at her. I could see the face on Penny and she was spooked. I walked up to the window "that's a ship isn't it?"
"Yup" she looked at me
"are you a" she trailed off. I laughed "I'm human not an alien. Just get loaded and I will explain" she nodded and drove forward as I walked and laughed.
They exited and went forward to the seats and got comfortable. I let Vicky take over flying and went to them. "I promise your life will only get better. Are you hungry or thirsty". The little girl perked up "do you have chocolate milk?"
"I sure do" I looked at the boy "would you like one as well". He nodded so I got 2 glasses with curly straws. "What are your names?" I asked as I passed them their drink. "Faith" chirped the girl "Jade" said the boy. "Faith is 3 and Jade is 4 so it's tough finding daycare".
"Well we don't have much set up yet but you will probably just bring them with you for now. Do you have a specialty?" She nodded "early childhood development". That made me smile "well if you want to help you can work with the twins and we will find something for you. We will have a lot of people that will be coming here and having a school set up would help". She looked like she was getting excited "I would love that".
"I want to bring normality to the kids lives" she nodded. I got them quarters by the twins and bid them a good night. The twins will bring them up to speed in the morning. I called it a night.
I awoke the next morning alone again, this sucks. I got up and got ready for the day heading to the kits for an update. The kids were up and walking, I would guess about 50% functional. I giggled at them for a few minutes then went to see Lisa. I got excited when I looked at the screen and it showed less than 12 hours left.
That's when I heard my daughter.
"I see you are as patient as ever".
"Who me?" I said in mock disbelief. "You're not allowed to be here when she gets out, the girls and I will help her get ready for you". I looked at her with a questioning look "she decided all this before she got in". I sat back in my chair "fine I will wait" I pouted. "She knew you would be here every day, that's why she clouded the water. If your anything dad, your predictable". She started laughing and I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Where are the girls?"
"They are at the kits, I can tell they are bigger".
"Yea Kim can explain that better than me".
We made our way to the kits home and as soon as the doors opened I got a chorus of Hi Papa. That filled my tank for the day. I sat and got hugs when Autumn came to me and wanted up so I obliged. She crawled up on my chest and promptly went to sleep. I looked at Jaden "she has been like that all week, she just wants to sleep''
I looked at Jaden then Kim and Gar "Jaden go take Autumn over there for a min" she did as I asked. There it was, a little ribbon going from the kits to Autumn. "I'm sorry Jaden I'm to blame for her condition" as I took her back. I sat again and brought up her health stats and she has grown 2 kilograms since my last scan. I looked at Jaden "it's nothing bad but this will probably happen again. The kits are connected to Autumn". Vicky jumped in "there is no danger to Autumn but I can break the connection if you want" she shook her head "no I get it at least next time I will have a warning".
She looked at me "do you realize you will be the last to see your new mate. We are here to help her from the tank, she doesn't want you to see her like that". I smiled and nodded "I don't like the fact that she is doing this for me". Jaden looked at me with a mom look "she isn't doing this for you she is doing this for both of you and your future together. You have no idea how much she loves you. We have talked of her rescue and how you solved all of their problems with the swipe of your hand. You are her holy man whether you want to be or not''.
I smiled at Jaden "trust me I understand how she feels". She slugged my arm "you better. I'm proud of you dad most guys would be all over that. You not like that your concerned for her first, that's sweet don't loose that".
Great, I'm getting marriage advice from my daughter.
"Don't worry Jaden these days have been agony on me".
"She knows how you are feeling at all times, it's creepy and sweet at the same time".
"Ok I want this one thing, did she keep the button nose for nose licks?" Jaden shook her head "yes you baby". That got me another arm slap but I bore through it. "What, I would miss that, I've grown accustomed to it" I said smugly and got hit again. "She would too," Jaden laughed.
I looked at my arm that was tied to the timer on the tank and it showed another hour. "I just hope she likes it" I muttered. "See that don't lose that. Dad relax". I nodded "did she tell you about the 12 kids?" I chucked "yup and she is looking forward to it".
"How do you feel about brothers and sisters?" She smiled "still a little torn on that one". My turn to smile "you will be their eldest sibling and that may involve sister duty one day".
"Yea that is what scares me".
I looked at her "how much do you know about what goes on here". She smiled an evil smile "I know no what I need to know. Lisa and I speak all the time and Kim is on those calls as well. It's a chick thing" she laughed.
Vicky appeared and looked at Jaden "it's time". I looked at my arm and the countdown was gone. "She finished a little early". Jaden jumped up, gathered the women and they left.
I decided to get cleaned up so I went home. I took a long shower and when I got out Jaden and her girls were there.
"What's going on?"
"She is with her mom and dad, she will be here in a minute".
"How is she feeling?"
"Everything is perfect, now stop worrying".
"Ok I will stop" I went and picked up Autumn and she laughed at the quick movement. The door opened and the kits were up and walking then mom then dad.
Then my hearts dropped.
I looked into those stunning green human eyes and smiled. Her hair was now a deep red and she no longer had a cat nose. She now had a button nose with kissable lips. She was now taller so she came to my shoulder now. I grabbed her and just held her, eventually pulling back and I gave her a kiss. She froze, touched her lips then looked at Jaden "your right it is nice".
"You are absolutely stunning" I said with a tear in my eye. I held her tight and whispered "I have no words to describe how happy I am right now". She jumped into my arms and into her spot, I think she fits better now.
"I could feel you when I was in the tank" she whispered. I hiked her up realizing I had a lot more bum to hold onto, Dear god don't let me ever say that out loud. She started to purr and that was different. It was deeper now.
I sat with her in my lap and yes she fit better. The kits were talking to the grandchildren about flying. Kim and Gar were on the sofa smiling at their daughter. Lisa lifted her head "I felt you go to bed alone and I felt horrible I couldn't be there". I smiled at her "it's all over now baby we are together now".
"No, I swear you will never feel that way again". I held her to me "it was just a short time and it makes this time so much better". The kits came over wanting in on the cuddle action so they climbed onboard. I guess we all missed this because we all passed out.
I awoke to Jaden telling me she was leaving and Autumn wanted a hug. I got up and gave in to her request "I was only a few min but I feel great now". She smiled "it's the company you keep dad" she looked at Lisa "you look beautiful BTW" then saw herself out. Kim and Gar followed suit gathered up the kits and went home. "Let's go to bed baby". She took my hand and led me to bed.
