“Boss? That Samurai just killed the owner. How do you want to go after her lawlessness?”

  “We don’t.”

  “What do you mean? She did it on camera and everything!”

  “You want to anger the Samurai that just killed the owner? Do you have a death wish?”

  “… Oh.”

  – Two lawyers at Smith and Wesson the next day

  Liberace must be a genius. She made me look like an Old Testament prophet or something, with God on my side. Memes were showing up all over, and my rankings in the Samurai polls was rising. More on the celebrity ones than the raw power ones, but even there, there was significant movement.

  I did get a call from Sid, thanking me for resolving the problem. He did ask what I was going to do with the company. I told him I took effective ownership, and would need someone to manage it. I asked if he knew anyone? He immediately realized I wanted them to run it like my other business. My requirements was that everything they did should be above board and lawful. Any part that was questionable should be openly sold off so as to make its new reputation clean. If Grizzly wanted to clandestinely acquire the sold off parts, I had no problem. I pointed him to my other company’s lawyers, who I had handling Smith and Wesson for now.

  I thought I would be questioned by some authority or other, but the Family said nothing, nor did any powerful Samurai. Meanwhile, Liberace was doing a mini documentary on Sam, and how he fell under the company’s power, and later was rescued. She made him a victim of an evil company. She also did another on the company, detailing how assorted people had taken part in the operation, and how some were killed and others had their ownership in the company taken away and fired. She went and made it a multi-part mini-series, with each of the dead detailed in an episode.

  A week after the take down, I decided it would be good to lay low for a bit. Not in hiding, but rather in being away from town. So I decided to go to each of the missile sites my printers made, and add more sensors for detection of local antithesis. I also wanted to make them all tied into a regional command, of sorts. I sent a message of my plan lay low to the various city councils that had my missile systems, and the Samurai associated with them. I also told the Family. I figured that news would leak within a day, and I was right.

  Liberace was ready for the leak with commentary that indicated I didn’t want to make waves, and wanted to show I really was serious about building a safer place to live. She pointed out the benefits I provided with my hex expansions and the safety of the protective emplacements I was upgrading.

  I took my ride out to the nearest missile site. On the way, I asked, “Ysys, I want to upgrade the site to not only provide a sky watch, but a land watch as well. Can you help me determine what I need? Each site covers a certain territory, and I want class three sensors to cover every inch. I also want to enhance the control network with a master control node to keep it operational after I’m gone. I want sufficient redundancies as well, so I don’t have a single or double point of failure for the network control. Lastly, I want to beef up the defenses against not only antithesis, but people as well. Do you have any suggestions?”

  Yes. These sites were deployed when we were in a hurry. Perhaps more thought should be given as to what you want these missile sites to do?

  “That is a very good question. Hmm…”

  As I traveled, I gave it a lot of thought. Ysys was right about being in a hurry. They were placed optimally for the specific event, not as a general purpose defense.

  “How relocatable are these sites?”

  It will take some prep time to shut down and disconnect things, then later reassemble them elsewhere.

  “Okay. Please analyze what did happen, and game out a number of other scenarios that could happen, including pods in empty areas. Determine where the sites should be placed, and also where more should be added. I want a fifty mile zone around each of the eight cities. Each site should also handle knocking the antithesis down when they show close to the site, and call a Samurai otherwise. I want people to be able to safely travel between cities.”

  That will leave some places in the direct line between cities uncovered. Also, the nearest city to Sioux City is Rapid City, and it is over three hundred fifty miles distant. Do you also want to include alliance cities?

  “You are right. Include the alliance cities, and map the existing roads between them outside that zone.”

  Ysys gave me a heads up, and I could see the needed routes. “Highlight I90, I25, US26, and US83 between the cities. Let’s add a safe zone of five miles to each side to cover those routes as well. Please shade the ‘safe’ zones.”

  The map updated, and I saw all the routes were covered. But the new members didn’t have any buffer.

  “Let’s add a five mile safe zone about the new cities. It will be added to the gift of a hex I give to new members.”

  The map updated again.

  “Okay. That’s what we want to cover. Now, to the sites themselves. Let’s make them more suited to their purpose. Eventually, bad folks will try to take something, or otherwise compromise the site. Let’s make it harder to access. A wall surrounding everything, signs and warnings to stay out of the site if not authorized. Alerts to the nearest Samurai when they are breached, and so on. Next maintenance. Are their existing AIs capable of self-maintenance?”

  Not fully. The AIs were not designed with that in mind. Also, some parts are not maintainable by the existing drones. Lastly, they have no inventory of spare parts.

  “I see. Hmm… What if we replaced the drones with a class three version of the same, and upgraded the AIs?”

  That should handle most maintenance issues. However, larger problems may not be able to be fixed.

  “That’s fine. The AI can send out a maintenance request to the nearest Samurai. Oh! I had a thought. Do they have sufficient stockpiles of missiles?”

  No. Most have only a few missiles left. They were initially sent with sufficient to handle the planetfall, with a small buffer.

  “Then let’s decide how much each should stockpile, and resupply them. Let’s put the stockpile in dimensional storage, so they won’t be as easy to steal. Would that be safe? What about shelf life?”

  It will be safe, but they do need regular checkups to maintain a long shelf life. The upgraded drones can handle that, with the addition of a few scanners. They would also need a place for such maintenance.

  “Sounds like we have offensive and defensive parts covered. Next are the operators. Lets make a dorm with six bedrooms, and full living accommodations. Add an auto-chef to make meals. Full mesh and internet access. I want it to be able to support up to six people living there long term. Can you think of anything else?”

  That is sufficient for the stated purpose, and a comfortable, if austere, living experience. I would add a small parking garage for protected parking.

  “That sounds good. Get the blueprints, and start upgrading as indicated. But let’s do this slowly, unnoticed if possible. We can use the teleport to send out to existing sites, and use the Wyarno Arc printers to source new sites.”

  Opened Class III Drones catalog – 3500 points, 3 tokens

  Blueprints for Mark III Motherlode Construction Drones – 30000 points

  Autonomous Base AI – 100 points

  Blueprints for Chefmaster 3000 Auto-Chef – 500 points

  New Total – 804,122 points, 8 tokens

  “How long do you project it will take”

  Sending out a fleet of Bigfoot Haulers with several construction spider each, and teleporting new drones should be able to relocate existing sites within three weeks. New sites, however, will take closer to six months, as you are more than doubling the number of sites, and increasing their size.

  “That’s fine. Let’s schedule this site first, so I can evaluate the result before we get too far into it.”

  I shall schedule this site first. You should see the hauler within an hour.

  I accessed my power belt and brought out a construction spider. I then had Ysys use it for assisting the disassembly. By the time the hauler came, all needed disassembly had finished. When the hauler moved to the new site, I put the spider back into my power belt and followed. After discharging the site, and one construction spider, the hauler left for another location. Meanwhile, the drones reconnected everything. I noticed the Motherload drones were smaller, sleeker, and more powerful than the old ones.

  Once Ysys indicated the new site was operational, I went in and inspected everything. I even got a meal. While the fare wasn’t that fancy, it was good and fresh. I asked, and learned the food was actually fabricated. I decided to check out the latest updates to Safari Hunter, and played late into the night, taking breaks only to feed Sherry and myself.

  The next day, I monitored all the changes happening to the site, noting how each was being handled. I also spent a lot of time playing with Sherry. I focused on Azure, and had her take care of my business concerns. That evening, I realized that I could do more than just make the trucking route safer. I could also make the trucks safer by taking them off the ground.

  “Ysys, time for another little uplift for the region.”

  Oh! Do tell. What have you come up with this time?

  “Trade binds cities together. The more trade, the greater the strength of the bond. Currently, shipping between cities is difficult because the antithesis could show up anywhere. Then they attack anything in their way, like caravans. What if the caravan was in the air, not on the ground. That could cut a lot of the danger down.”

  That it would. Model ones can be easily handled by civilians, but model elevens, not so much.

  “True. But then, most caravans are armed. Also, when the missile sites are completed, they can provide the needed power to handle flying antithesis.”

  I see. Hence the protected highways you wanted.

  “Exactly. But one of the big complaints I have heard about shipping is ground speed limitations. What if we made hovertrucks to replace normal trucks? Then they could fly faster, and worry far less about antithesis. Think we could do that? Hopefully in class one, or minimally class two?”

  Interesting idea. Swifter, more reliable shipping will definitely enhance trade. What kind of trucks would you be interested in?

  “Can the economic advisor help define that? The industry has already standardized on certain capacities. If we started with the same, that would likely be best. Likewise, certain qualities are desirable, like refrigeration. I’d like to offer trucks in the most common capacities with options of the most common qualities. One of the difficulties I have heard about was the engine power. Is that something that can be solved in class one? Or must I use class two for it?”

  It has been solved in class one, but it eats too much of the shipping capacity. That makes it economically not viable. As long as the power plant is class one, you will have this issue. What you can do, is apply a class two power supply to a reinforced class one engine. The engine, driven harder than usually, would provide the needed thrust while remaining class one. The power supply, at class two, would be small enough, not to eat into the storage space used for goods.

  “Can the engine be made of class zero? Thus making the truck possible for non-protector tech production except for the power supply?”

  … Barely. But it would be close to the edge, and could easily break if stressed.

  “I see. I’d like to be able to make these trucks with as little protector tech as possible. Can some simple-to-add class one tech be used to make it at least as reliable as what currently runs on the ground?”

  You want to take a standard hover vehicle, and beef it up to what is needed to make a hovertruck with the least amount of class one and class two tech?

  “Yes. Kind of like an upgrade kit. What would that look like?”

  The power plant would be class two. And some key assemblies would need to be class one. But the rest would be class zero. Combined, they could take a class zero hovertruck that can only fly when empty into a hovertruck that can profitably ship cargo.

  “Yes. That’s what I want. I want blueprints for the most commonly used trucks at class zero that will be upgraded. The trucks should have hard-points for mounting weaponry, but no weaponry supplied. I want blueprints for the upgrade kit for each of those trucks. I want to be able to produce the latter piecemeal, so I can sell both the complete kit as well as repair components.”

  Blueprints for Class 0 Hovertrucks, assorted tonnage and features – 35000 points

  Blueprints for Class I Engine Upgrade Kit for Hovertrucks – 18000 points

  Blueprints for Class II Power Supply Upgrade Kit for Hovertrucks – 27000 points

  New Total – 724,122 points, 8 tokens

  “I’d like to start production soon. Are there any truck shows in the region where I could debut them sometime soon?”

  Not quite. However, Sioux City is hosting one in a few weeks. Technically, out of the region, but they are in the alliance.

  “Can you register Calamity Logistics to that show, and start making some of the largest trucks at that branch. We can load them up with palettes of parts and kits for weight. Also, see what the advisors think the market will be, so I can pre-make a bunch for immediate sale. Just park them in spare warehouse space for now.”

  Starting the print now. The sample should be ready midday tomorrow. Due to the late registration, there was a penalty, and a poor location for putting the trucks. But the novelty and them being sold by a Samurai will offset those concerns.

  “Thanks.”

  Then I called Charlie Horse.

  “Hey, Calamity. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “I’m getting into the trucking business. Literally. I plan to sell trucks, and I heard that your town has a show coming up.”

  “Yeah. The ads are everywhere. You going to attend?”

  “Big time. Just got some mixed class blueprints for minimal protector tech hovertrucks.”

  “Shit, no! You didn’t.”

  “I did. Think they’ll sell?”

  “They might get stolen as soon as you demo them.”

  “I think the presence of a Samurai will keep that in check.”

  “True. You didn’t call to brag, so what is my part in this?”

  “It’s not my town. I don’t know the players. You do. Could you use your influence to get notables to check my trucks out? Don’t spoil the surprise, but I’d like to have it be a shock and awe demo.”

  “I’ll not only do that, I’ll be there to watch as well.”

  “Thanks. I’ll send you some details. Keep the rest quiet until after the show, please.”

  “Of course.”

  I sent a basic sales brochure version of the trucks, as well as my show registration information. Next on the agenda was engaging a sales consultant. While it will sell itself, I’d prefer something more professional. So I called the Family.

  “Hello, Calamity. What can I do for you?”

  “Well, Richard, I’m looking for some sales help. I’ve just added a new line of products, and I need an industrial strength sales firm to come up with advertising, brochures, and the lot.”

  “Something big, huh. Can you tell me what?”

  “Something revolutionary in trucks. But for now, keep that quiet. I want a firm with reach throughout the region, and better if also beyond. Do you know of any good firms? Ones with experience helping Samurai?”

  “Actually, I do. One of our Family members is Fast Talker. Yeah, he earned the name, but he knows his stuff. He’s East Coast, but has offices all over, including here. I’ll send you the contact info.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll set something up shortly. Thanks.”

  “Glad to help.”

  That went better than expected. Fast Talker actually called less than an hour later. I learned he was based in the New New York megacity. Talking with him, he sounded qualified, but something seemed off. I asked if I could meet him, and we made an appointment for that afternoon.

  I arrived twenty minutes later, and checked in to a local hotel. I had several hours to wait, so I looked to see if there was some property for sale. I was looking to create an economic advisor here. I was rather surprised at finding some space in the same building I was in. I took a virtual tour and saw I could acquire the center area of three floors just below the city plate.

  I managed to buy it under one of my aliases, for credits. I went down and entered. Once I was certain I was alone, I pulled out a construction spider, and had it create construction drones. They then hollowed out the space. As space was freed up, I created a small power plant, then the Cyber installation. Lastly, I sealed the place to make sure no one would mess with it. That left over half the place free, so I had it set up as housing and office space. But I made it look worn out and old, so no one would find it desirable. I had to spend a few points to get mass for my spider, and it wouldn’t be ready until tomorrow. So I left the spider to its work while I went back up and freshened up for the meeting.

  I met Fast Talker at his agency, and he welcomed me into his office. As we talked, I was using my cuckoo senses while listening. After a while, I asked him what was wrong.

  “Nothing’s wrong, why do you ask?”

  “When we talked this morning, something seemed off. That’s why I wanted to talk in person. I am definitely picking up that you have a problem. I picked up an upgrade that gives a kind of ESP, and you are showing the signs.”

  “You’re reading my mind?”

  “No. No. But other tells, cues, and such add up to a sense of your mental state. Your poker face is not working, currently.”

  “Oh….”

  “So, what is the problem?”

  “My wife, she want’s a divorce.”

  “Ouch. Is there a problem in the marriage, or is it something outside of it?”

  “I don’t really know.”

  “Have you decided what you will do?”

  “Not really. I’m not much of a Samurai. I hate the fighting, and have so few points, I can’t buy anything.”

  “The daily allotment means you get some, and you can save over time to buy stuff.” He didn’t say anything, so I added, “Have you been involved in fighting antithesis at all?”

  “I’m too afraid to fight them.”

  “That’s okay. Not all Samurai are front liners. How about hive cleanup after the fighting? That earns less points, but it also earns tokens.”

  “I have problems even with that level of danger.”

  “Have you tried using drones to do your work? Then you can send drones out to do the cleanup and fighting for you.”

  “I can’t even save to get any drones.”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “In five days of maintenance allocation, you can open the drone catalog. The day after, you can get a cheap drone. Or wait for the second day and get a better one. In just one week you can have enough to do cleanup and start earning points.”

  “You think I could do that?”

  “Yes, I do. In fact, I could even spend two weeks with you while you save up. I can even give you some on my drones so you can learn. Do you think that would get you back on track? I’m sure there’s cleanup somewhere nearby.”

  “But if I did that, then everyone would find out, and I’ll be ruined.”

  “No they wouldn’t. Just tell everyone you are choosing to go into less dangerous work since you are married.”

  “You think people would buy that?”

  “Who’s the Fast Talker here? Besides, I’ll back you up by saying I’m showing you the ropes on drone combat.”

  “… I’ll try.”

  “That should help with the point issue. Perhaps you could introduce me to your family, and I might be able to find out what is the cause for the divorce. No guarantees, but I can likely figure out the reason. You still have to deal with whatever it is.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “Now that that is cleared up, I understand what was off earlier. Now back to the meat of this meeting.”

  He took a moment to center himself, breathed in deeply, and then out, before finally saying, “Yeah. Let’s get to it. What do you want me to do about these trucks?”

  I explained about my hovertrucks, and how they were designed as an equivalent of the most common trucks in use now, but capable of flight. They did this through the minimal use of class one and two protector tech, that I would also sell as parts and kits. This way, they would be easy to maintain for just about everything except those bits.

  As I explained things, his eyes got larger and larger, his excitement clear. We spent the rest of the afternoon going over the details, including the fact I had a show to be at in three weeks. Ysys supplied images and commercial specs of the trucks, and options.

  As I was about to leave, he stopped me, and said, “I’ll talk to my wife about having you visit. I’ll call tomorrow about setting up with the drones.”

  That night, I took a side trip to the underbelly of the city to have my construction spider visit an unclaimed dump. There, I had it fill up, create two more construction spiders. I then printed a few sets of spider crews and locusts. A final fill up was all that I needed, before leaving the dump. I left one of each swarm in the new Cyber installation. The rest of the drones went into my power belt.

  In the morning, I had Ysys copy the advisor to this Cyber installation, and link it to the rest. Mid-morning, Fast Talker called, and I went to meet him.

  “Nice ride.”

  “Yeah, while my Samurai name hearkens back to history, my thing is the character Sheena from Safari Hunter. This is what she rides in game, but in Samurai style. So. Do you have a place for your stuff?”

  “Not really. I had this swag location before I became a Samurai, and haven’t wanted to give it up.”

  “What about a work area, or a staging area?”

  “Not really.”

  “What have you done so far, as a Samurai?”

  “A few times, when I was with a client, I managed to kill a few model threes. Once I killed a four.”

  “How often has this been?”

  “Three times so far this year. Eight times last year.”

  I could pick up that he really didn’t like the reminders of his killing.

  “I see. It is clear you are not front line material. Good thing I know what to do. We can get you situated as cleanup crew outside the city. There will be far better sight lines, and you can have drones handle everything. First up, let’s find you a place.”

  Subvocalizing, I said, “Ysys, please track Fast Talker’s public trail, and see where he spends a lot of time. Then find someplace close, perhaps the same building, that I can put in another advisor, as well as make him a lair.”

  You are in luck. There is a place in this building, just below a parking level, where we can do what we need. It is expensive, however.

  “Consider it a business expense for my empire. How quickly can you get it?”

  Done. I have marked it on your augs. I even bought some of the parking spaces directly above it, so it has direct access to his vehicle.

  “Fast Talker, I have a deal for you. I’ll make you a lair, and you’ll keep my little project safe. Let’s go down now, and see your new lair.”

  “What? How?”

  “You have a great company here. I have my own, as well. Credits talk, and Ysys handled the purchase.”

  “Then you got taken. They always raise the prices for Samurai.”

  “Only if you let them know before the ink is dry. Come. Let’s head downstairs.”

  I led a bewildered Fast Talker from his home to the new location. It looked like a trashed office, and checking its history, it turned out to be the former offices of a company that was violently taken down. Apparently, the reason it was on the market was whenever someone came to look, thugs soon arrived to remind folks. Once inside, and the doors closed behind us, I pulled the construction drones out of my belt, and ordered them to take out all non-load bearing structures and floors within the site.

  “Where’d they come from? What are they doing?”

  “Have you never seen a Samurai pull a weapon out of thin air? Same thing. I have some dimensional storage I use for this. As to what’s happening, we’re redecorating. Give me a bit while Ysys and I make our plans.”

  Ysys put the shell up on my augs, and then added in the power plant, a Cyber installation, a class one printer, a med bay, kitchen, entertainment area, ten bedrooms, and a com center. Then I had her add in a parking lift so Fast Talker could park and have his car lowered into the lair. I also upgraded the shell to class one, and ensured the entrances were well defended.

  We waited a bit, and when there was enough room, I pulled out two construction spiders. With them clearing the debris, and replacing it with the equipment for the lair, things went quickly. Fast Talker was kind of in shock since I pulled the spiders out.

  Within an hour, there was a waiting room, and we moved there so the entryway could be redone. “Just so you know, I got a lot of points fighting antithesis, but I also got a fair amount with cleanup. I invested in logistics, and that has helped me a lot. You heard of the rescue of Rock Springs?”

  “Yeah… I’ve heard about it. Whoever engineered that sure knows his stuff.”

  “Does that inspire you at all?”

  “I wish someone like that would find the time to help me.”

  “Even if you were asked to put yourself in a bit of danger?”

  “… I don’t know… no. I would.”

  “Then why don’t you ask your AI who led that evacuation.”

  He turned his head a little, and I could tell he was asking. Suddenly, he whipped his head about and stared at me, eyes huge.

  “That’s right. I mentioned logistics. That’s what made it possible. Along with the fact I was already creating new living space at my home city.”

  “How many points did you spend to do all that?”

  “Far less than you might think. Part of logistics is having capacity. You may have heard about protector matter printers?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, I have ‘em, but more importantly, I have the blueprints.”

  “Blueprints?”

  “With such a printer, if you have blueprints for something, you can print it. I have blueprints for printers, so I can print more printers. See those big spiders? Both have class two printers. With them, I’ll be making some fancy equipment for myself.”

  “What are you making?”

  “A monitoring station, with its own power plant. That power will supply the rest of the place as well. Now, since this small area is essentially finished, why don’t we start you on drone handling.”

  He nodded, and I pulled out a dozen spider crew, and a locust swarm.

  “I use these to do routine clearing. The locusts cannot actually destroy antithesis tissue, but they can collect it into a pile. The spiders, however, can destroy it. They also can take out low models like ones, threes, and fours. Bigger models are too much for these to handle, and they will squawk for help. That’s where you come in, and take on whatever they are facing.”

  “They are enough for cleanup?”

  “Yes. And because they have advanced sensors, they are very effective at clearing. So why don’t you link to one of the spider crew.” I moved one close to him and sent the connection info to him.

  He did, and when I saw him have some control, I had one move next to it. “Now, have yours follow mine.” I then led it slowly around the room, with him following.

  When I led them back to him, I said, “Here’s the control for the second one. Make both follow the new one.” I then had a third join them, then led them about the room.

  After a bit, I gave him control of all the spider crew. Instead of having him follow another about, I directed him by voice into making them do formations, go here and there, and more. Next I introduced him to the locust swarms. I explained how to control the swarm, and how both the spiders and the locusts had simple AI to do simple jobs like clearing.

  A few minutes later, I told him this was enough for today. I said to leave this as it was, and the drones would take care of things. Walking him back to his place, I said we could check back in tomorrow, and then see about finding a place to clean up.

  The next day, when he called, I came. But I parked above the lair, so it would lower my car into the lair. Then I went up and met him. We went down, and I showed him the completed lair. I stopped at the class one printer.

  “This is the class one printer for this site. You can use it to print anything you have blueprints for. In addition, it has a menu of other items you can print for credits. I have a number of such printers that others use, and I make those items there as well for credits. Additionally, I have made available the Pelican SMG and it’s ammo to you alone for free. Go ahead and tell it to print the Pelican and five magazines of regular ammo.”

  He connected and asked, then the printer started up. Two minutes later, the weapon and ammo were ready.

  “Go ahead and take them. Follow me to the shooting range.”

  Once there, I walked him through unloading and loading the weapon, and then shooting it at targets. Seems he wasn’t that bad a shot.

  “Looks like you are a fair shot. Go put the empty mags in the recycle bin for the printer, and get five mags of high explosive rounds. You’ll be needing them this afternoon.”

  “What? This afternoon?”

  “Yes. Just outside Sparta to the northwest, they are clearing out a small hive. They estimate they will be done shortly after noon. First up, what armor and weapons do you have?”

  “I think I have a Hummingbird. I never got any armor.”

  “The Pelican is comparable, but as you saw, allows reloading. The Hummingbird does not. It’s meant to hand out to civilians as cheap one use weapons with ten shots. Let’s get you some armor.”

  I looked over to the printer, and had Ysys make up the least armor I gave my PMCs. I asked her to adjust it to his size, and have his name on the breast pocket. A few minutes later, is was ready.

  “Take that to one of the rooms, and change. I want you kitted out with some armor. I’ll wait here.”

  “Ysys, print out the rest of the initial equipment I give my PMCs.”

  When he returned, I said, “Equip all that as well. There’s a nano-regen four-pack for healing, a snack pack in case you get hungry while working, and so on. Basically, what you have is my PMC intro kit.”

  After getting all his equipment on, and his gun and ammo stowed, I waved him to follow. I went to the parking area where my ride was. Also, I had earlier printed an HT. The construction spiders were waiting here. I put the spiders back into my belt.

  “Get into the Hunter Tracker. It’s a vehicle my PMCs use. Lower the hard light stairway as a ramp, and call your drones into the HT.”

  I entered and waited for him to do all that. But when he was ready, I had him leave the building.

  “It’s a bit early, so lets head to someplace to have a breakfast meeting where you can fill me in on my truck campaign.”

  “How can you switch back and forth so easily?”

  “I do want the campaign to go well. I also know you are comfortable dealing with it. Therefore it should help relax you before we head out. Likewise, food usually relaxes people. Pick a place, and I’ll treat. You fill me in on everything, and ask me for anything you need decisions on.”

  We wound up at a nice place where we were able to get a private room. Once the food was delivered, we delved into my campaign. I wanted to hint at revolutionary new trucks without telling the actual secret. I was okay with using my name, and being a Samurai. I figured that would garner interest. We finished shortly before noon, and headed to Sparta.

  Once there, we checked in with the local PMC and requested a section to clear. I showed Fast Talker how to cover the area, and I had him offload the drones once we were there.

  At the site, I said, “Okay. Command the drones to do their job of clearing. Keep them in the correct place. Use the mapping tools of the HT to keep track of where you have been and where you need to go. While they do that, you keep a watch out for wandering antithesis. The spider crew can handle model threes and fours, but only one or two at a time. Any more, and they will need your help. Likewise, anything larger, you will need to handle. The HT gives you a good safe place to attack from. In the meantime, I’m going to take a nap. Wake me if something big comes along.”

  I didn’t actually go to sleep but rather focused on Azure. This let me play with Sherry, since I had left her at home. Afterwards, I dealt with some business things, and then went looking for other properties here that I could put in more advisors. The two advisors I already installed indicated I would need a minimum of fifty more. So I did some real estate shopping. I also decided I should hire some people to maintain the locations, and also staff an expansion of my company here. I had the managers come from my other sites, but had them hire new staff here.

  We took a break to eat, and later called it a day when we had managed to clear the assigned area. I had him retrieve the drones.

  “We need to check in with the PMC, and see what you need to clear tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes. This will take a few days to clear. Tell me, did you get some points?”

  “Yeah, one hundred and eighteen.”

  “Add in the daily allotment, and you’re well on your way to equipping yourself with your own stuff. So, I imagine it wasn’t as stressful as you feared it might be.”

  “You’re right. Having this vehicle to work from makes things less stressful.”

  By now, we were back at the PMC, and I had him check in. When he came out, he said, “They want me here at dawn. What do I do?”

  “Be here at dawn. Your AI can determine when you need to leave, easily enough. Now let’s head back to the lair, and clean up.”

  Once there, I said, “You can leave the drones in the HT. I’ll meet you here in the morning.”

  I got out, and into my own ride, and headed to the under city to refill the construction spiders, and make three more. An hour later, I went to the first proposed advisor site, and dropped off two construction spiders. Then I went to the second, and third, also dropping off two. Then I went back to my hotel, and had dinner. I went to bed early, so I could meet Fast Talker in the morning. I also had the hotel pack two breakfasts and two lunches for us.

  In the morning, I was waiting in the lair when he arrived.

  “Good morning, Fast Talker. Ready for the day?”

  “Yeah. I think so.”

  “Let’s get in. I have breakfast already packed.”

  Once we started, I brought out the prepared breakfasts, and we ate as we traveled.

  “This is quite good. Where’d you get it?”

  “At my hotel. Pay a few credits more, and they do take out. Part of their service.”

  We didn’t have much time, so we otherwise ate in silence. Once there, we checked in and got another area to clear.

  “Today will be just like yesterday. I’ll be here, but you’ll do everything yourself. Call me if you are overwhelmed, otherwise, enjoy knowing you are aiding others by this work as you watch.”

  “Okay.”

  Later, as lunchtime came, Fast Talker decided to work through it, and ate while watching. We finished about three, and checked in with the PMC. They estimated there was two more days worth of work.

  On the way back, I asked, “How many points did you make today?”

  “Only ninety two.”

  “So you have over a hundred and eighty?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “My first armor cost that much. You noticed my outfit does not appear to have armor?”

  “I figured you spent points making your body tougher.”

  “I did. But armor is less painful when damage happens. I went with hard light.”

  “Hard light?”

  “Yes. It is a form of light that acts solid. I went for hard light armor, and I got it in the form of this necklace. It could be anything I wear, like a belt, or bracelet. Whatever. With your sales focus, you could easily have a belt and wear hard light armor any time you might encounter antithesis. Your clients wouldn’t know, if you don’t tell them.”

  “Really? I could do that?”

  “Yes, ask your AI.”

  “Perycles, Can I have armor that’s not seen?”

  From the speaker, we heard, “Yes. There are a number of options available. Do you want to get what Calamity Jane got for her first armor?”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you like a belt, tie, hat, or some other item?”

  “Oh… I think a belt would be best.”

  Just then, a box dropped into the vehicle, and inside was a belt.

  I said, “Now, you can be a lot safer on your own. Let’s head to your lair, change, then to your office in my ride so we can go over the campaign.”

  “Sure.”

  We got back to the lair, he changed out of the armor, then went in my vehicle to his office. We spent two hours going over everything. As we headed back to my car, I asked, “Tell me, would now be a good time to meet your wife? Perhaps I could tease out the reason for the divorce.”

  “I don’t know. She doesn’t like visitors much.”

  “Would she like a night on the town?”

  “Yes she would.”

  “Anyplace in particular?”

  “Cabaret de Luna et Léopold, but they have a rather long waiting list.”

  “Let me see if I can do something….”

  Silently, I asked Ysys, “Contact them, let them know a pair of Samurai want to dine there tonight. If they are reluctant, offer a photo-op, and perhaps an endorsement. If that’s not enough, offer a few points.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Making a reservation for tonight.”

  “How?”

  “We are celebrities. Imagine being able to say ‘Samurai ate here’?”

  Done. They recognized you immediately, and ask you come in costume so they can take a few pics. You are expected at seven.

  “That was fast. Call her and let her know we have a seven o’clock reservation. She only has an hour or so to get ready.”

  “Shit. She’ll kill me. No way she can get ready that fast.”

  “Just tell her it’ll be fine. Somehow, I don’t think people will be checking her out, so much as me in this outfit. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Yeah, that’s for sure.”

  We parted at the lair, and I quickly went to the my hotel room, and showered. As I dried, I pulled out my kit and dolled up as though I was headed for a rave.

  “Ysys, please coordinate with Perycles. I want to have them arrive moments before I do, so they can meet me at the entrance.”

  I shall. However, timing may be off due to them using regular transportation.

  “Then send a taxi for them, and code it as Samurai transportation so they get there on time. Let Perycles know.”

  Perycles thanks you. He says Fast Talker is not used to using Vanguard perks.

  I left a little early so I could hang back and wait for their taxi. Ysys tracked their taxi as I asked. She also appraised the Cabaret of our arrival time, so they could be ready.

  Their taxi had just left when I swooped in behind it. Seeing there was a paparazzi there, I exited and immediately went to them.

  “Fast Talker, I’m so glad you could come. And this must be your lovely wife. I’m Calamity Jane. Pleased to meet you.”

  She opened and closed her mouth a few times before stammering, “Likewise…. Oh, call me Maggie.”

  “Looks like they’re ready for us. Shall we go in?” I then waved them on ahead. Just before I started walking, I activated my skypath and walked two inches above the ground.

  The ma?tre d' led us to a table with a great view of the stage. I ordered some wine, and soon it was delivered along with menus. A few minutes later, we ordered. After the meal, as we were waiting for desert, I had Ysys ask Perycles to have Fast Talker use the restroom so Maggie and I could talk.

  Just after he left, I said, “Maggie, I couldn’t help notice there’s some tension between you two. Is there a problem?”

  “Oh, not at all. You must be imagining things.”

  “I am not. As a Samurai, one of the things I’ve upgraded is my senses. I know there’s trouble in paradise. He’s working on a campaign for me, but I sensed it in him as well. He said something about you wanting a divorce.”

  She was shocked at that, so I added, “Don’t blame him to letting that spill. I think I intimidate him, what with all I’ve done.”

  “He would be. He’s kind of a coward, I don’t know how he ever became a Samurai.”

  “He may be meek, but when there was no other choice, he stood up for others. And I’m helping him overcome his fear. That’s what we’ve been doing the last few days. A few more, and he should be well on his way.”

  “What? You got him to go killing the plants?”

  “Not exactly. You see, after the big splash of taking out a hive or other incursion type stuff, someone has to go over the ground and ensure all trace of the antithesis are cleaned up. Not as flashy or dangerous. There is still some danger, but not as much, and usually there are PMCs in the area to help. That’s what he’s been doing. Just today, he got some decent armor that will protect him from what usually shows up on cleanup duty. By the time the current job is done, he can get a better weapon.”

  “What about points?”

  “Not as much as the ones taking down a hive, but he will get some points and even get a token.”

  “A token?”

  “Yes. That lets him access a higher tier of tech. Better weapons, armor, medicine, whatever. It may not be as fast as other Samurai, but it is just as respected by most Samurai. In fact, I am well known to do cleanup. I figured it would help with his confidence if he could contribute as a Samurai, and I think it is working.”

  “I could tell something was going on. But he wouldn’t say.”

  “Which brings us back to you and him. Why is there tension in you both?”

  “He spends so much time at the office, or with clients, I feel left out. It’s like I barely exist. When he’s home, he barely talks. When I ask about his day, he clams up. I only mentioned divorce to try to get him to talk. What can I do?”

  “For now, tell him a little about your day. What’s important to you. Invite him to a walk in a park, or a shopping trip for something specific. Like you might when you were courting each other. But don’t demand it in return. Instead tell him you would be interested in his day. Be patient. Don’t berate him for clamming up or being fearful. Show your love by being there for him, silently if need be.”

  “You think that will work?”

  “I think it has a good chance to rekindle things. Since I’ll be spending the next two days with him as he does cleanup, I’ll nudge him to open up and pay more attention to you.”

  “I hope it works.”

  Silently, I asked Ysys to get me a small holo projector so I could show Maggie images and scenes of Sherry. I held out my hand under the table, and she dropped it into my hand. I also asked her to tell Perycles they could return.

  Pulling the projector out, I said, “Want to see pics of my daughter?”

  “Huh? You’re married?”

  “Only to my work. Let me show you.” I then started showing pics and scenes. Soon, Fast Talker returned.

  “Who is that?”

  “That’s Sherry, my daughter. I left her with friends while I’m here.”

  The desert came and interrupted pictures, but we didn’t mind. I left a big tip, and said goodbye. They called a cab, and I waited with them until it came. I called my ride and it was there in moments.

  The next day started the same, and when we finished, I asked, “How many points today?”

  “Only fifty five.”

  “That’s okay. It normally falls off. Why don’t you spend time talking with Perycles about what to buy next. Remember, you have plenty of time now. When it hits, however, you don’t have much time, and it is better to plan ahead.”

  “Okay. We’ll do that.”

  “Good.”

  I refilled the spiders that evening, made some more, and started more sites.

  The fourth day we finished early. Even before we got back to the PMC, Perycles informed Fast Talker he got points and a token for cleaning up the former hive.

  “Calamity! I just got a token and five hundred points! I’ve never had that many points. What do I do?”

  “What did you talk with Perycles about, for future plans? It might be time to implement them. Also, you might want to create an emergency reserve, in case something bad happens. Spare points for medicine is always useful.”

  “Oh. We talked about…”

  I held up my hand and interrupted him. “Don’t tell me. This is your path, not mine. You don’t need my approval. Perycles knows you far better than I do. You can afford a better weapon, or even blueprints for one. Or you could get your own vehicle to hunt with. While I’m willing for you to use this equipment as long as you want, it isn’t you. But it can help you achieve what you want to become.”

  “That’s a lot on my shoulders. I don’t know if I can do it.”

  “You can. You manage a sales consultancy. You can handle something like this. I’ll be in town a few more days, so I can visit if need be, but it is now time for you to fly on your own. If you contact the Family, they can likely find you nice cleanup sites in the area that have good sight lines. Do one or two a month, and soon, you’ll be set with all your own stuff and not need any of mine.”

  “Wow.”

  “As far as my campaign is concerned, it looks like it is almost ready to launch. I’ll stop by your office tomorrow after lunch.”

  “Okay. See you then.”

  We decided the campaign was ready, and launched it. It had a slow start, but soon gained general awareness in Sioux City and well beyond. When I left town a few days later, I had a total of twenty five advisors all feeding information to one of my metropolitan advisors. I went directly to Sioux City, to carry out the next steps.

  What’s a cultivator doing here?