Chapter Twenty-One - The Calm


    Chapter Twenty-One - The Calm


    Samurai tend to work alone. Its true that there are some larger organisations run by samurai who exist to assist samurai on and off the field, but even the members of these tend to be extremely self-reliant and have a tendency to want to work on their own.


    It will happen though, in rare moments, that two or more samurai will work together long enough to form a sort of bond. Lag and Dial-up; DoubleDog and Electric Heart. There have been many iconic samurai teams that have lasted years.


    Even the extremely powerful samurai accomplish more when working together.


    In this teamwork seminar, we hope to use some of the tips and tricks learned by observing these to make your teamwork even greater!


    --Obligatory Team Building Seminar, 2056


    ***


    Somehow, Lucy convinced Franny that she absolutely needed a tour of the house. She had the taller redhead by the wrist and dragged her off to see some of the neater rooms. She was pretty proud that shed designed a lot of the house herself.


    That left Delilah and I at the table, both of us more than a little stuffed and suffering from that pleasant haze that came from eating far too much of the worst kinds of food.


    Its a nice place, Delilah said. She made a vague, weak gesture at the room around us.


    Yeah, its pretty nice, I said. Not as safe as I want it to be yet, but well get there.


    I trust you, Delilah said. She picked at some fries, finding the most burnt, crispiest one before tossing it into her mouth. Thanks for the supper, by the way.


    I hardly did much here, I said. Mostly Lucys work. I just tossed money at the problem.


    Its still a nice gesture. I needed to get out of the house.


    That bad? I asked.


    Ive complained about it at length already, she said. Besides, it really isnt that bad. Just a lot of old worried nuns who dont know what they can do to help. It weighs on you, you know? Not knowing, not being able to act. I think... maybe thats one of the requirements to become a vanguard.


    I tilted my head. You mean you need to be pissed that you cant do anything?


    Didnt you feel that, when you were offered the position? Delilah asked.


    I snorted. If I recall, I was mostly thinking oh shit oh fuck Im going to die. There might have been some internal screaming too.


    Delilahs shoulders shook with a single exhale of laughter. I guess thats fair. We dont exactly have the most peaceful job there is.


    Yeah, I agreed. I kinda like it though.


    She nodded along. Its not bad work. Satisfying, in its own way. But it is dangerous. Hey, Cat?


    Yeah?


    Gomorrah didnt say anything for a bit, it was clear she was thinking about something. If I die, can you take care of Franny for me?


    At around five, Delilah added.


    In the morning? I asked. Thats not healthy.


    Its before the sun comes up. Im certain the aliens wont sleep overnight. The earlier we hit them, the fewer well have to deal with.


    I guess, but for me to be up at that kind of hour Id need to go to bed like, before midnight. I shook my head. Thats just wrong. Itll take an hour or so to relax after were done with dessert, then half an hour to say goodbye, then we need to check on the kittens. Then after that Lucy and I need to take a shower together. By the time thats all done itll be tomorrow.


    Delilah shook her head. Degenerate, she said.


    Prude, I fired back.


    We ate our ice cream, then argued over politics, all four of us clearly having no idea about what we were talking about, but plenty of opinions to make up for our lack of knowledge.


    Once everything was done, we lounged around for a bit, none of us had the energy to pick up the trash heaped before us.


    We should head out, Delilah said. She was a bit mournful-sounding about it, but she kept glancing up out of one thin window and at the cold, dark sky outside. It was getting to be pretty late.


    Alright, I said. I stood up with a grunt of effort, then gave my hand to Delilah to get her to her feet. She helped Franny in turn, who seemed to almost be in pain from overeating.


    We made our way downstairs, past the living room where a few kittens were sleeping huddled up in piles of blankets here and there, and finally out to the lobby where we all stared at the blustery rain washing across the landing pad outside.


    Drive safe, I said. And give me a call tomorrow... maybe a few hours after five?


    Gomorrah chuckled. I will, no worries. Taking on the aliens is always more fun when theres more of us on the scene. And more explosive too.


    I grinned. Damned right.


    Lucy went around, giving everyone goodbye hugs, and I got swept up in all of that too.


    And then the two were off, running over to the Fury while covering their heads from the downpour.


    That was nice, I said.


    It was, Lucy agreed. Shes a good friend. Hot too.


    Uh-huh, I said. Jealous?


    She laughed. You wish. Unless getting cucked is a kink you havent told me about?


    Im afraid not, I said. I leaned over and gave her forehead a careful peck. Should we head back in? I think I saw some trash bags somewhere, and we can stuff the leftovers away for tomorrow.


    Mmhm, that sounds nice, Lucy said. And then a nice long shower, which I deserve after doing all the work tonight.


    Ah yes, my hard-working Lucy, carrying all the boxes around and only stealing a bit of the food for herself.


    That earned me a smack, followed by a chase through our new home.


    ***