39

  “Pretty good,” Pete said around a mouthful of cookies four days later. He swallowed. “Did you really bake these yourself?”

  “Yes,” Aria answered. “Pam, Rich, and a couple of the other cooks even took pictures.”

  Hannah smiled. “Pam told me you made them a cheesecake.”

  “I wish I had thought of that,” Pete said. “Do they have any left?”

  “I doubt it,” Hannah replied. She glanced at her tiramisu and then ate a cookie. She put the tiramisu behind her counter. “I’ll save that for after lunch.”

  “They made me agree to bake them a cake in exchange for using the kitchen,” Aria explained. “They had been torn between chocolate cake, pound cake, and the cheesecake, which ultimately won their vote.”

  “But Pam also agreed to give you access to the kitchen any time you want as long as you clean up after yourself,” Hannah said. Aria nodded. “Going to make use of your new permission?”

  “Maybe. I thought it would be nice to cook something for my parents but haven’t made up my mind yet,” Aria replied. Hannah is very well informed. Guess there’s a rumor mill at work here.

  “They would like that,” Hannah said. She grinned. “So would Pete and me.”

  “Yep,” Pete agreed. “And since you kept your word Miss Baird, I’ve kept mine.

  He carried his plate of cookies and tiramisu into the back. A couple of minutes later he returned carrying a guitar that was just a touch over three feet long. She could only see the back, which was a rich dark brown.

  “That dark wood is beautiful,” Aria said. Pete nodded and turned it over so she could see the rest of the instrument. The sides were the same as the back. The front was lighter than the back and sides, but still slightly dark. The neck was the same color as the back and sides. The slotted headstock was the same color as the front. Aria spotted three little hummingbirds etched into the neck. Her eyes widened and grew misty as she noticed the soundhole. Around it was etched part of a tree with a blue jay sitting on a branch. The jay was painted. “This is a work of art.”

  “Just wait until you play her,” Pete said with a very satisfied smile. He held out the guitar to her. Aria hesitantly reached for it and then pulled back.

  “What are you waiting for?” Hannah asked.

  “Go on, take her,” Pete encouraged. Aria wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. She took the guitar.

  It weighs next to nothing, Aria thought. She sat and lifted the guitar into playing position. And it feels like this guitar was made just for me. Which, I guess is true.

  “It feels perfect,” Aria said. Pete made a playing gesture. “Has she been tuned?”

  “Yep,” Pete answered. He walked into the back while Aria began playing. Pete returned with a glass slide. “Catch this. I want to hear some blues.”

  Aria looked up and stopped playing. She caught the glass slide in her left hand. Ha. Even the slide fits. How in the world did he get my finger measurement?

  “After the blues how about some country?” Hannah asked as she took a seat. Pete nodded as he sat as well. “Aria, do you sing too?”

  “Nope,” Aria quickly answered with a shrug. My voice doesn’t belong out of the shower despite being better than it was before. She smiled and then played the blues, country, rock, and even some classical for the next hour. Hannah and Pete clapped when Aria was finished.

  “Not bad at all,” Pete said. “You do have some talent.”

  “Thank you,” Aria replied.

  “Pete’s just trying to keep you modest and motivated,” Hannah said. “That was great!”

  “Thanks,” Aria replied.

  “I didn’t have time to make a case, so be careful and don’t break her,” Pete said.

  “I’ll be very careful with her,” Aria promised. She placed the slide and guitar in her inventory. Hannah gawked.

  “Shit!” Pete cursed. “I bet that asshole Andrew a hundred bucks that the rumored inventory system was just that, a rumor.”

  “Sorry Pete,” Aria said. She hugged the old man. Then on a whim, kissed his cheek. “Thank you. I’ll treasure the guitar always.”

  “You’re welcome and thanks for the treats,” Pete replied. Aria stepped back and hugged Hannah.

  “Thank you too,” Aria said.

  “You’re welcome,” Hannah said. “And thanks for the treats.”

  “You’re welcome,” Aria replied. “Guess I should head back to my room.”

  “Oh yeah. Before you go, take this to Gunny for me,” Hannah said as Pete disappeared into the back. The depot supervisor pulled a large package out from behind her counter.

  “Sure,” Aria agreed. The big, closed box disappeared into her inventory. Hannah shook her head and laughed. “See you later.”

  *

  Gunny isn’t answering my messages or calls. Guess he’s in a meeting or something. I’ll hold onto his package until I get up with him later since I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave it outside his door, Aria thought. Then again does he even live here?

  Aria shrugged and continued to her room. Once inside, she pulled the guitar out of her inventory and breathed a sigh of relief despite knowing that it would be. The guitar was in the same condition as when she had placed it in storage.

  Now, I know I wanted to use the nanobots to help me fight, but keeping my new guitar in perfect shape is more important, Aria thought. How can I get some of my nanites into the guitar? I could drop some blood on it. No! That might ruin the finish. Spit? Too disgusting. Same for sneezing on her.

  In the end, she swabbed the inside of her mouth and rubbed the swab gently on the back of the guitar. Aria’s implant told her that the nanites were still active outside her body and that it still had a connection to them.

  Right. Now to reprogram the little guys to care for the guitar just like they do me. I’ll have to loan them some of my stored energy, Aria thought. I’ll also need to program them to build some storage nanites and store energy from my playing.

  Happy with her decision, Aria got to work.

  40

  Aria woke and stretched. She glanced at the guitar sitting in her guitar stand and smiled. Her implant told her that the nanites had finished their reproduction and manufactured the guitar’s energy storage system. The repair nanites were currently multiplying and coating the instrument.

  Yes! It worked, Aria happily thought. My stored energy reserves are empty since the guitar’s little buggers took it all and stored some in their new storage system. And that system is a quarter full since the nanobots are using the energy now. She shrugged. Oh well, I’ll build it back up today. In fact, I have a few minutes to kill.

  Aria went to the restroom to do her morning ablutions and changed into some workout clothes. After getting dressed, she picked up her new guitar and played some of Bach’s violin and lute pieces including Lute Suite in E minor, BWV 996.

  The energy capture is working perfectly, Aria happily thought after checking the monitoring app. She smiled as she heard someone stop outside her door. I bet that’s the sarge.

  “It’s open,” she called out. The door slid open, and Gunny stood there with his mouth open. Aria grinned as his mouth snapped shut. He leaned against the doorway and listened to her play.

  “You’re good,” Gunny stated after Aria finished playing and sat the guitar back on the stand.

  “Thanks,” Aria replied. “But I’m still learning.”

  “Still, you’re good. May I?” Gunny said, pointing at the guitar. She nodded. He walked over and examined the guitar. “Hummingbirds are considered a sign that challenging times are over and healing can begin by some people. Others think they are signs of hope and good luck.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep,” Gunny answered. He pointed at the blue jay. “Some think that jays are symbols of protection, understanding, and a good omen or blessing. It’s also believed blue jays are proof that spiritual beings are watching over you and safeguarding you.”

  Aria smiled. “I think I need all of that. And how do you know all that?”

  “Too true,” Gunny agreed. “I’m a birdwatcher and like myths and legends.”

  “Oh.”

  “We all need our hobbies.”

  Aria nodded. “I might need to bake Pete down in the supply depot some more chocolate chip cookies. Seems he did more than make me a guitar.”

  Pete made me a good luck totem or something.

  Gunny laughed. “He’d probably love that.”

  “So, cardio time?”

  “Yeah,” Hauora answered. He spotted the box on her dresser. “Is that the package from Hannah?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s for you. Consider it a reward for taking down the ferox,” Gunny said. She started towards the box. “You can open it after training today.”

  “Gunny!” Aria whined.

  “We’re already running late unless you want to skip breakfast,” Hauora replied. Aria grabbed a hair tie from her inventory, put her hair into a ponytail, and walked out the door. He laughed. “Thought so.”

  *

  So, what did Gunny reward me with? Aria thought as she opened the box that evening. She reached in and pulled out a note and read it.

  Aria, your sergeants had Andrew Wagner make these for you. I’m a little jealous. Anyway, hope they help in Southland. Hannah. PS, Pete suggested you might need some more help, so we crafted you a little something extra for you. PSS, you can repay us with more sweets!

  Aria laughed. She sat the note down and picked up a little jewelry box. Aria opened it. She gasped in surprise. Inside was a teardrop shaped silver pendant with a moonstone blue jay centered in the teardrop. The chain was silver as well.

  This is pure silver too. I really do owe Hannah now, Aria thought. She put the necklace on and kissed the bluejay. I’m going to have to protect this too.

  Aria repeated the saliva swab and rubbed it on the back of the pendant. She commanded the nanites to coat the chain and pendant just like the guitar. Huh. I did that with just a thought. Seems this mental stuff affects the implant as well as my brain.

  She shrugged and looked back in the box. Aria smiled and pulled out a pair of tan calf high boots. The boots had an inch and a half heel. The inside of the boots was lined with some type of fur.

  I bet that’s from the ferox. It’s soft, Aria mused. She tried the boots on and walked around her room. They feel like they were molded around my feet.

  She sat back down on her bed and took off the boots. Aria then swabbed the inside of her mouth again and then each boot. Another thought activated the nanites’ new command. Same protection for you two even though they should already be waterproof from what I read about ferret fur. The ferox is supposed to be an ancestor of the ferret after all.

  Aria checked the box once more and pulled out a dark hooded cloak. I bet this is made from the ferox hide too. Should come in handy in Southland. I’ll give it the nanite treatment tomorrow night.

  Aria put the cloak in her inventory and decided to take a bath. Once she was done, she changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She put on her new boots and headed to the mess hall for supper.

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  I’m going to have to bake or cook something for Gunny and Towns as a thank you, Aria thought. She smiled and then started whistling as she exited her room.

  41

  “Can I get a bow and some arrows?” Aria asked the armory attendant. Can’t believe I’m willing to waste my afternoon off pretending I’m going to practice archery so I can get my hands on a bow and some arrows to experiment with.

  “No Miss.”

  “What? What do you mean no?” Aria asked in disbelief. Do I need Gunny here or something? And why are you calling me Miss? “Does Gunny have to approve my practicing archery?”

  “No. It’s not that Miss,” the attendant replied. “Gunny Hauora has left instructions that you’re not allowed to check out a bow.”

  I hate the way he is deferring to me.

  “Look, my name is Aria, not Miss,” Aria said, smiling at the man. “Did he say why?”

  “Okay Mis… Aria. Gunny only said that something is in the works, and you’ll find out tomorrow afternoon,” the attendant answered.

  “Fine. Can I get some arrows at least?” Aria replied. I can experiment on them at any rate.

  “That’s an odd request. What are you going to do, throw them?” the attendant said. Aria just smiled again. “We have three sheaves of arrows in stock that I can give you since they’re for you to take into Southland.”

  “Sheaves?” Aria wondered aloud.

  “A sheaf is what people call a bundle of 24 arrows,” the attendant helpfully explained. “Don’t ask me who came up with the term. I just know it’s something that started back in the Middle Ages.”

  “Gotcha,” Aria laughed. He smiled. “So, the arrows?”

  “Oh! I’ll be right back,” the man said. Aria smiled and he walked into the back.

  I wonder if I smiled and flirted more if he would just give me a bow, Aria mused. Not worth it.

  The attendant returned carrying three quivers full of arrows. He sat the quivers on the counter. “All of the shafts are made from ash wood and are 26 inches long which is based off your 25-inch draw length and 45-pound draw weight. They all have steel arrowheads, and I believe the fletching are goose feathers.”

  I might need something more now. I’m sure I could draw a lot more weight now if I wanted to, Aria thought. “Alright.”

  “These,” the attendant said as he pulled an arrow from one of the quivers. “Are blunt hunting arrows which are used for birds and other small game.”

  He handed her the arrow. The arrow is heavier than I expected. The arrowhead looks like a smashed teardrop.

  “Are these considered light arrows?”

  “No, they would be considered moderate weight,” the attendant answered. Aria nodded as he put the arrow back in the quiver and pulled out one from another quiver. “These are your normal hunting arrows used for other large game.”

  “I see it has the classic delta arrowhead shape,” Aria remarked. He agreed and returned the arrow to the quiver.

  “And these are your… fighting arrows,” the attendant said as he pulled an arrow from the last quiver. “Hopefully, you won’t ever use these, but they’re for people and monsters. That’s what some of us are calling those prehistoric beasts the company has brought back. That said, the hunting arrows might work for monsters too.”

  The arrowhead is diamond shaped and reminds me of a fountain pen’s nib, Aria thought. She said as much, making the attendant laugh as he put the arrow back in its quiver. “Is there a way of telling which quiver is which?”

  “There is,” he answered. All three quivers looked the same except for symbols below the mouth. He pointed at the symbols. “Each symbol is an arrowhead. The leatherworker kept it simple.”

  “Smart,” Aria remarked.

  “Yep. So, want to take a couple of each?”

  “Can’t I just take them all?” Aria asked.

  “I don’t see why not,” the attendant answered, shrugging his shoulders.

  “Thanks,” Aria said. She picked up one quiver and made it vanish into her inventory. The attendant’s mouth opened in surprise. He looks like a fish. Aria kept herself from laughing and put the other two quivers into her inventory as well. She headed for the exit. “Thanks again!”

  *

  Aria sat on her bed and placed the leather quivers beside her. She glanced at the arrows and sighed. There are 72 of them. I don’t want to swab my mouth so many times to get nanobots on all of them. Could I just swab the inside of the quivers and let the little critters spread to the arrows that way?

  “I don’t see why not,” Aria murmured. Besides if it doesn’t work, I can always take the time to swab each arrow. Now, what sort of enhancements do I want to give the arrows?

  Aria stretched. The arrows need to be kept in perfect shape like me and my guitar and boots for one. Keeping an edge for the arrowheads is a must though an edge won’t help the blunt ones. Perhaps, I could up the kinetic energy an arrow produces.

  That’s actually a good idea, Aria thought. I know my 45-pound draw weight produces roughly 45-foot pounds of kinetic force. But how much do guns produce?

  Aria did some searching. A 9mm handgun produces roughly 350–400-foot pounds of force while a .270 rifle produces roughly 1500-foot pounds of force.

  She grinned. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  Aria swabbed her mouth and then wiped the inside of the three quivers. After making sure the connection to the nanites was good, she programmed them for energy storage, condition, strength, sharpness for the pointed arrowheads, and at the last minute to keep the quivers in excellent condition as well. Aria then added a force multiplier and for each arrow to store energy gathered while in flight.

  I think 200-foot pounds of kinetic energy should be enough. Aria mused. If not, I’ll up it later.

  42

  Download complete. You have learned Bow making.

  Download complete. You have learned Fletching.

  Download complete. You have learned Trapping.

  “Uh guys?” Aria questioned. “Why have you given me these skills. You can’t possibly want me to make my own bows and arrows.”

  “But we do,” Gunny replied. “Or more specifically we want you to be able to make your own in Southland if needed. And trapping will be useful since you won’t always be able to hunt game but can return to check traps.”

  “I could also set traps to keep predators and people away from me or lead them into ambushes if I have to fight,” Aria added.

  “Exactly,” Gunny agreed. “Thanks guys.”

  Collingsworth and Clarkson waved as Gunny led Aria out of the lab.

  “Gunny, are you going to make me make a bow?” Aria asked.

  “No. It had been strongly considered until I pointed out that the time involved would delay our excursions,” Sergeant Hauora answered. “I had a bow made for you.”

  “Is that why I couldn’t check out a bow yesterday?”

  “Yep. You got all the arrows and kept them though.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Keep in mind those are all you’re getting for Southland,” Gunny pointed out. “If you want more, you’ll have to make them yourself.”

  “Do I get tools for that?” Aria asked. Hauora grinned. “Oh, come on! That’s not fair.”

  “You have the necessary knowledge in your head and will have a few simple tools. You’ll be fine in the long run. Just remember that not all wood is equal. At least, that’s what I’ve read.”

  Ha! The joke is on you if my nanites work like I want them to I won’t run out of arrows, Aria thought. She grinned. Gunny glanced at her.

  “Got some trick on your mind?”

  “Maybe,” Aria innocently replied.

  “Uh huh,” the sergeant grunted.

  “So, what do I get to take into Southland?”

  “Your skills, good looks, and guitar.”

  “Not funny.”

  “It’s true though,” Gunny said. She scowled at him which made the sergeant laugh. “Alright, seriously you’ll take some weapons, rope, a few simple hand tools, enough food and water for a few days, a sleeping bag, small tent, some medical supplies, and a change of clothes or two.”

  “I notice you didn’t say first aid kit.”

  “Very good. Southland is restricted to medieval technology at best, so that applies to you as well,” Gunny explained as they walked. “You’ll get some bandages and perhaps some creams or other ointments. If you get too severely injured, we’ll evac you on our group excursions. When we put you in for your final testing, you’ll be on your own.”

  “What about my implant and nanobots?”

  “Certain exceptions have been made regarding nanites like allowing them to heal you,” Gunny answered. “As for your implant, its usage will be restricted as well.”

  “Guess that means I won’t be having long calls with mom and dad,” Aria said as they stopped outside her room. Gunny nodded. “But everything I’ve downloaded will be available for use, right?”

  “Yeah. We know you’d get access one way or the other if we tried to stop you,” Gunny replied. Aria smiled and nodded her agreement.

  “Giving me the rest of the day off?”

  “Nope. Go change into some camo and an orange vest. We’re going hunting.”

  “But it’s not hunting season yet.”

  “And?”

  “Gunny…” Aria began.

  “Don’t argue or complain. You need to get back in the saddle and used to hunting,” Hauora said with compassion in his voice. “This exercise will help improve your skills and if you don’t see anything, you don’t have to take the shot.”

  I hate this but Gunny has a point, Aria thought. “Alright. I’ll be right back.”

  *

  Aria: I see some turkeys. Want me to ignore them or shoot one of them instead of the deer I was tracking?

  Gunny: I’m not sure.

  Travis: Haven’t had turkey in a while.

  Holder: Thanksgiving is still over two months away. I wouldn’t mind having a turkey leg for supper.

  Bishop: As long as I don’t have to dress or pluck the damn thing, I don’t care. Turkey is just as good as venison in my mind.

  Aria: The turkeys are on the move.

  Gunny: What direction?

  Aria: Passing my position and heading toward you guys.

  Aria grinned as she heard one of the guards whisper a curse. Guess they really want turkey and don’t realize whispers carry.

  Gunny: Aria, pick out a bird and take your shot.

  Aria: You’re in luck. One of them is quite large. I guess that’s the tom. I’m going to shoot it in the head.

  Aria pulled her new recurve bow and one of the blunt tipped arrows from her inventory. She took a deep breath. I can do this. Aria lined up her shot and pulled the string and arrow back.

  Something startled the turkeys, and they scattered. The tom took to the air. Aria adjusted her aim, sucked in a breath and held it. She loosed just as the turkey reached where the others were.

  Gunny: Don’t take the shot. It’s too close to us and I don’t want 40 pounds or more of bird falling on anyone.

  Aria: Too late.

  Aria had sent the reply just as she shot the turkey. Her aim was slightly off, and the arrow hit and then penetrated the large bird in the rump.

  Over 200-foot pounds of kinetic energy slammed into the tom. Aria’s eyes widened in shock as she realized she had forgotten about the bow’s 45-foot pounds of force at the same time as the turkey popped like a balloon.

  Blood, shit, other body fluids, and parts rained down on the sergeants and guards. The arrow continued to fly until it slammed into an old oak tree.

  “Son of a bitch!” Bishop screamed.

  “The smell!” Hand yelled. “I’m going to be sick!”

  “Baird!” Gunny Hauora and Sergeant Towns shouted at the same time.

  I think I used way too much force, Aria mused. She watched as the guard force attempted to clean their faces and started laughing. She laughed so hard she fell out of the tree she was in.

  “Ow,” Aria muttered. Then louder, “I’m alright!”

  “Not for long you’re not,” Towns muttered. Aria stood and walked towards them. She stopped and dropped some towels on the ground before backing off and retrieving her bow. It disappeared into her inventory.

  “Get over here,” Gunny ordered.

  “You guys stink,” Aria replied, shaking her head.

  “Why do you have towels?” Gunny asked as Towns picked them up and handed one to each of the others.

  “Seemed useful and I’m curious how much I can store in my inventory space,” Aria answered, fighting and losing the battle to keep a grin off her face. The others glared, scowled, or stared daggers at her. “I’m really sorry and will make it up to you guys somehow.”

  Their expressions didn’t soften.

  “I’ll cook for you tonight and even make some kind of desert,” Aria quickly said as the idea came to her. I think that arrow is a lost cause too. I’ll have to tone down the energy in my arrows.

  “What kind of desert?” Bishop asked.

  “How can you think of food right now?” Hand asked the larger guard. Bishop shrugged.

  “Fine,” Travis said after exchanging a look and probably a message with Gunny.

  “Got any water or other cleaning supplies in there?” Gunny asked. Aria shook her head. “Figures. Let’s go to that stream we passed and clean off as best we can.”

  Aria lost the struggle and laughed again as the others set off.

  “What was that?” Towns shouted without turning around.

  “Nothing Sarge!” Aria replied. She smiled and took off to get downwind of them.

  43

  “Really Gunny?” Aria asked.

  “Yes. Peeling potatoes is a time-honored traditional punishment,” Hauora answered.

  “You had made me run extra laps this morning,” Aria pointed out.

  “And you’ll continue running extra laps in addition to peeling potatoes and helping the kitchen staff in whatever way they need for the rest of the week.”

  “This is not part of my contract,” Aria muttered as one of the kitchen helpers placed a whole 50lb sack of potatoes in front of her.

  “And getting showered by turkey guts wasn’t part of my contract,” Gunny stated flatly. Aria fought to keep the grin off her face. “You’re damn lucky I don’t have you scrubbing toilets with a toothbrush.”

  I’d like to see you try, Aria thought. Instead of saying anything, she cocked an eyebrow in question. Hauora stared in return.

  “Oh, cut that shit out,” one of the cooks said. “Either help or get out of my kitchen.”

  “Alright Bernie,” Gunny replied holding up his hands in surrender. He sent Aria a private message.

  Gunny: Never argue with the people that feed you.

  Aria smiled and nodded. “I apologize to you both.”

  “Good,” Gunny and Bernie said at the same time.

  “Do I have to peel the whole bag?” Aria asked.

  “Yep,” Bernie answered. “It takes the whole bag to make enough soup or stew for everyone here. Today, we’re making soup for lunch. Once you get done with peeling the potatoes, you can wash and then start dicing them up.”

  “Yes sir,” Aria said. The cook nodded and walked off. “This really sucks.”

  “That’s the point,” Gunny replied. “It wouldn’t be a punishment if it was fun.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Aria muttered as she picked up the vegetable peeler and a potato. Gunny grinned and walked away. I wonder if there is a way to make this more fun and faster.

  *

  Please work, Aria thought half the sack of potatoes later. She triggered the new command with a thought. A blast of compressed air shot from the new nanites and cut the potato in half.

  “Yes!” Aria murmured. If I could add a laser to this, I could really cut things. Thank you, people that came up with compressed air cutting. While fun, this isn’t going to help me peel the rest of these potatoes.

  Aria sighed and kept peeling. A few minutes later, another idea came to her. What if I use the compressed air command with the ignite command? Could I throw fireballs that way? I’ll have to experiment with that idea later.

  She giggled. One of the kitchen helpers glanced at her in concern. She’s about my age. “Sorry. Just something funny on my implant.”

  “Oh,” the woman said. “Maybe I’ll get one eventually.”

  “Very possible,” Aria said. “From what I understand the company does want to sell them to the public.” The woman nodded. “I’m Aria Baird.”

  “Margo Kent,” the woman replied. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “It’s nice to meet you too,” Aria said.

  “Cut the chatter,” Bernie said as he passed them. “We got work to do.”

  “Is he always like this?” Aria asked. “Pam and Rich seem nicer.”

  “Yeah, he is. And yes, they are,” Margo answered. “But Bernie’s not so bad once you get used to him though I prefer the shifts I get to work with Pan and Rich. Don’t tell Bernie that.”

  Aria smiled. “I won’t.”

  “Good. I won’t either,” Margo laughed. “I better get back to work though and those potatoes won’t peel themselves.”

  “Yeah,” Aria muttered as the other woman got back to doing whatever she had been doing. She sighed and picked up another potato. Maybe I could steam them and peel them that way. I read factories often use steam to peel potatoes.

  Aria glanced around. Too many witnesses and I’m not sure if I can get my nanobots to pull moisture from the air. That’s something else to test later.

  *

  Unless Dr Roth and company are watching me by satellite, which wouldn’t surprise me, I’m all alone and not being monitored, Aria thought the next morning. Now is as good as a time as ever to test this out.

  She triggered the new commands with a thought and pointed her hands at the pond. A blast of fire shot into the water, causing water to erupt up into the air.

  “Yes!” Aria exclaimed, thrusting her arms up in the air. She then laughed and started running again since it wouldn’t be good to have the sergeants wonder where she was. Hauora and Towns were both staying on her since the turkey incident the other day. She laughed again. Aria triggered another command and kept running.

  Sufficient moisture accumulated.

  That was quicker than I thought it would be. My little buggers are efficient.

  Aria dismissed the notice and triggered another command along with the compressed air command. A finger length icicle shot out and into the pond. She pumped her fist and started running again.

  Sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, Aria thought with a grin on her face.

  I’ll need to be careful with pulling moisture from the atmosphere though, Aria thought. There are machines that suck moisture from the air already and I don’t want to make things worse. Then again, how much damage can one person do?

  “A lot,” Aria muttered. Perhaps I can make enough nanites to help convert atmospheric moisture into rain. That would be nice. And if I can gather the moisture into containers, I’ll never go thirsty. The water should also be clean and pure.

  That thought brought another smile to her face. Aria kept running.