A Whateley Academy story

A Brief Personal History of my Summer Mutation

by

Nagrij

Part 6

Finally, school was out, and another week successfully passed. I yawned as I packed my books; class was more boring now than anything. A complete waste of time, A's or not. I still had so much work to do to improve our security, it wasn't funny. Mom had been right, even with the forcefield and agents running around we were woefully unprepared.

I'd been too afraid of Mom getting mad if I tampered with our security system, or added things... but she seemed to be okay with it, and that was enough for me. If I didn't ask directly for each little improvement, she couldn't say no - it was foolproof!

I was a little worried about doing all this, but mostly I was excited at being able to solve problems, protect my family and friends and construct new creations. The first step of which was to be taken in a few minutes, as soon as I got home from school. A new member of the family was set to be born today, her body and mind created in record time, at least for me.

I had even started work on my flying suit, integrating my small jet engines. I was getting better at this whole brainy thing. I wasn't sure how to feel about that. I waited out the impatient, and then moved out to the hall; being small meant I could get knocked around some. That was something the new member of the family could help with if allowed to by the school staff. I was getting used to it - and I wasn't sure how to feel about that either; looking up at everyone still took me by surprise sometimes.

Ricky popped out of the crowd. "We still on for after school?"

I wasn't quite sure how it happened, but my lab had become the hangout spot for all my friends. It was kind of annoying to be honest because they got noisy, but they were really great friends, so how could I tell them that?

"Yeah, we're still on; at least, Mom hasn't texted me saying no." As with any new thing I made, my friends wanted to gather together to see it happen. Again, how could I tell them no? I felt watching me work should be losing its appeal by now. Maybe after this one, I guess.

"Awesome, come on." Ricky led the way down the hall, coincidentally parting the crowd for me. I hurried up, recent experience showing me I could get separated easily.

The crowd of usual suspects was already outside, waiting under the tree with Jeeves, who I was sure had both toes right on the school property line. That didn't really make much sense to me since he regularly was on school property without a problem, but for some reason when school let out he insisted on it.

"Hey, Min!" Maggie yelled, waving with both hands.

Sam's own wave was her standard little thing.

Ralph waited until he was sure I could hear him at his normal volume. "Hey, Min. You look bored."

I smirked. "To tears actually, but I'm all better now."

"Really? Usually takes at least the walk home to wake up after English class."

That was true. "Well, I never really claimed to be awake."

"Fair enough," Ralph admitted with a smile.

In fact, I felt pretty good today, but I was a little tired. Jeeves might end up needing to catch me again, which never got any less embarrassing. My friends never said anything when it happened, but they had to be thinking it. Speaking of, he was watching me like the proverbial hawk, ready to make his move.

There was a clear path behind me and to my right, where he was... my friends seemed to organize themselves to my left by some unspoken rule.

A glint ahead of me caught my eye; it was agent Sands in his car, tailing me by driving on ahead of us; sometimes it was ahead, sometimes behind, and sometimes it was a block to the right or left, but he was never too far. I knew there was a CIA watcher too, but they weren't revealed to a casual glance. I was pretty sure Sands could do that, but he wanted me to know that he was there.

We all made it home without incident unless you counted Ricky losing track of the basketball he was dribbling and having to chase after it. I felt the urge to ask how the team was doing since I'd missed a few games by this point, but I wasn't sure I really wanted to know. Our baseball team had lost at state, and I felt pretty guilty about that already. If I could have played, it probably would have been different.

Well, not as I am now of course, now I have the physical ability of a stone. But the old me could probably have changed the outcome.

Sigh, those days were gone though, gone forever.

An arm slipped around me, and a hand waved in front of my face, breaking my view of the ball. Sam gave me a gentle one-armed hug and a smile, then let go; a simple show of support. Did she know what I'd been thinking? She was pretty perceptive when she wanted to be. At least I think so, it was hard to tell for sure since none of us had ever really caught her at it.

"What's the matter, Min?" Maggie asked.

"Nothing, I was just thinking." I had to head off any speculation about something being wrong, or my friends would pester me until they learned what it was. And there wasn't really anything they could do about this one.

"Well, I know better than to ask you to stop doing that," Maggie replied with a grin. I gave her the best one I could back to allay any suspicions, but I don't think it was a very good one.

Maggie was distracted by Ricky running back to us. "None of you saw that, and I'll deny my ball handling skills are anything less than amazing if asked."

I turned into my driveway; in the distance, I could see Ian running down the street, no doubt to catch up to us. That was a little weird, he got out when we did, but he seemed fine and I saw no signs of pursuit so he was probably okay and just rushing to catch up to us.

I was tempted to just rush to the lab and turn the force field on to keep him out, but I had made a promise to the little fungus. Starting a new member of the family was hardly dangerous - well unless I based them off Hannibal Lecter or something, and that would just be stupid.

Of course much of their personality they came up with themselves, but none of mine were going to be ax murderers. Well, I was pretty sure. Great, now why did I have to think of that, especially now?

I led the way to the door, waited patiently for the retinal scan, and then the palm scan. The door clicked open and I shoved it aside, dropping my very heavy bag and into my very comfy chair with a sigh of relief. I was glad Jeeves hadn't tried to take the bag, I needed the exercise.

My friends came in behind me, taking up their own chairs, and a panting Ian slammed into the frame and then shut the door; that had to sting.

"Jeeves, can you get refreshments for us please?"

I jiggled my mouse as Jeeves started taking drink orders; it was going to be his last day doing stuff like this, so I was determined he enjoy it; starting tomorrow he would have new duties.

Jeanette was right where I left her. Text blinked as the computer fired up: "Creator? Are you there?"

"Yes," I typed back. "We are almost ready, we only need to do final checks now. Are you ready?"

"Oui" came the immediate response. Okay, the French was new; what brought that on?

"Crash!"

"Yes Ma'am?"

"Did you run final checks?" I turned to where I heard the voice; Crash was under the jet I'd made, a wrench in hand, staring at the underside of it.

"Yes Ma'am, just as you asked."

"Of Jeanette, not the jet?" I pressed. Why was he even under there anyway, the jet was in perfect working order.

"Yes, ma'am." Crash replied, lunging out from under the jet and to his feet.

I switched windows on my lap and ran the checks again, just to be sure. Remotely everything came back green, just as it had this morning.

Jeeves came back in, a platter of drinks in one hand and a plate of cookies in the other. The cookies looked like peanut butter - which was a favorite of mine. My drink turned out to be a canned ice cold coffee.

"Alright, a hand up please." I was a little embarrassed to ask, but I needed one if I was going to give Jeanette's body my personal attention, and I'd done it for all my others, so it seemed wrong to leave her out.

Jeeves obliged, and I made my way to the back corner, past the hanging curtain. It had also seemed wrong to just have Jeanette splayed out there for all to see; she was my first girl after all, and she was kinda based on me, body-wise. Well, she was taller than I was so I could pack more things into her frame, but her frame itself was just mine scaled up a little. It looked okay from what I could tell, and none of my friends had said anything... but then they hadn't seen the finished product yet either.

Just looking that sort of thing up was kind of weird and creepy, as if I was a stalker or internet weirdo or something, and I doubted that telling everyone 'I did it for science' would help if I was caught.

I checked all the connections and sent spikes of power through the body quadrants while my friends did something involving sound effects and good-natured yelling behind me. Video games I'd assume - and I really wanted to play myself, now that I thought about it.

No, focus, Jeanette deserves focus.

Last check and everything was green; all the minor improvements I'd thought of too late for Jeeves and Crash seemed to be working as intended. Jeanette would be my strongest and fastest yet, and since she didn't really look the part, it might give her an edge.

Back to my laptop, and the lab quieted. Everyone was looking at me.

"Just the final step now, I plug her in, and hit the upload button." When I did, Jeanette would go into her chip and any files relating to her personality would wipe itself from my drive, just like it had for Crash. I was serious about there being no copies of my bots.

I plugged Jeanette in and typed: "Ready here."

"I am ready here," she replied. "I shall see you on the outside, my creator."

I hit go and left the laptop on the table next to her. "Jeeves, can you monitor things here?"

Jeeves didn't complain. "Of course, mistress Min."

“Okay, can I play a round? I've been getting better with Louis."

"Sure," Ricky, the current champion replied. "But Louis is a bad match up for Gnaw, and you know it."

Gnaw was his main character in the fighting game everyone was playing, and he was bullcrap. Stupid regenerating werewolf.

Ian handed me the other controller and I keyed in, dragging my chair up.

I lost of course. Stupid regenerating werewolf and his infinite combos. I handed Ian back the controller, and he promptly handed it off to Sam. Sam lost too, though she lasted longer than I did, and also handed the controller back to Ian. Ian promptly crushed Ricky with one of his off characters, making it look easy. Oh well, at least I could beat him in strategy games, and that really pissed him off for some reason.

I watched my friends play their rounds and fought to stay awake - at least until Jeeves came out.

"What are you doing out here?"

Jeeves had the grace to look apologetic. "Jeanette is awake, mistress Min, and she kicked me out in order to dress."

Oh, right. Jeanette was kind of made in response to the objection that Jeeves was visibly male it was perfectly within reason for her to make that kind of objection, even if she knew better. At least, I really hoped she knew better.

I was a little curious about what clothes she'd pick, since I left her some choice in the matter, comprised of some new stuff Jeeves had picked up, and some of Mom's old clothes. I'd get more for her once she decided and I better knew what she'd like.

The sounds of shifting movements were easy to hear with everyone being quiet and waiting.

"Jeanette, everything alright?"

"Everything is fine young Miss, all is working perfectly. I shall be out in a moment." Well, the French accent was new and unexpected.

A second later I was thinking how appropriate it was. Jeanette was taller than I and had straight long brown hair tied loosely into a ponytail with a ribbon, complete with a bow. Her delicate features looked somewhat like a doll's, and she looked older than us; I'd wanted her to look like an adult since people would be more inclined to trust her if she did. I'd done the same with Jeeves, I vaguely recalled. Her bright gray eyes latched onto my own and she grabbed the edges of her very prim and proper maid's uniform in order to curtsey.

"I am most pleased to meet you in person at last, young Miss. I am Jeanette, at your service."

Several pairs of jeans, shirts, blouses, and other clothes from this century... and she chose a turn of the century black maid's dress and patent leather shoes. She even had the white apron on over it! She wasn't cooking! Where had she even gotten... Jeeves. Jeeves had to have bought them somehow.

"Is that really what you want to wear?"

Jeanette rose fluidly. "But of course, young Miss. If you would, please, introduce me to your friends? It would be nice to put faces to the names."

Oops. "Oh, right. It'd be best to just point them out, as rude as that is. "That is Maggie or Margaret, that's Samantha, Ricky, Ralph, and Ian, my brother."

I felt I needed to tell her about Ian since Jeanette was designed to make finer distinctions between friends and family than Jeeves.

Jeanette nodded graciously. "But of course, Bonjour, how are you, young sir?"

So Ian was the young sir, and I was the young miss. Did I dare tell her to knock that off? Wait, no, there was something more important to ask here. Was that drool coming from Ricky's mouth, and why were both Ricky and Ralph staring like that?

"Dude, do you see that?" Ralph asked.

"I'm seeing it. I thought it was funny," Ricky replied. "The way the girls drooled, but man, Min can cook!"

"What are you even talking about?"

Maggie took a picture on her phone... of the boys. "See, I told you! That five bucks is mine."

My stomach sank. "What five bucks?"

"We had a bet, the guys and I... over how your new robot would look."

I shot a glance at Jeanette, standing impassively with her hands clasped behind her back, waiting for an order.

"What's wrong with her?" She looked fine to me, easily able to pass for human. What did I miss?

Maggie smirked. "Nothing! Nothing at all, that's the point. She's like a female version of Jeeves."

But she looked nothing like Jeeves! Well, maybe the eyes...

"No, not like that," Maggie clarified. "I meant she'd be a female version of Jeeves. You know, unbelievably hot. Not of this world hot."

"Eleven out of ten hot, and I don't even like brunettes," Ricky added, his voice small - awed?

But that made no sense, I used my own... oh crap.

"Min, whats the matter?"

"Body double," Sam said with a sly grin.

How did she even know? "Sh-shut up, she is not!"

She really wasn't - after all, she had been scaled up to match her height. But I'd started with my measurements, and the scale was accurate, and now Ralph was looking at me, clearly calculating it. I needed a distraction!

"So, Jeanette, why the... "

I turned and Jeanette was inches from me, staring into my eyes. She placed the back of her left hand on my head, which was important since that was where the medical diagnostic equipment was.

"You are flushed; are you well, young Miss?"

Best to tell the truth here. "A little tired actually. Why did you pick those clothes, out of all the choices you had?"

Jeanette looked down at her arm. "I preferred it. Am I not to be your maid?"

My robots were weird. "So you wanted to stand out?"

"Should I not?" She asked me.

"No, the choice is yours. If you're happy with a uniform, then I'll get you some more of them."

Well, the distraction seems to have worked, everyone was staring at Jeanette again rather than me. Though the drool thing was even more disturbing than before.

"Come, young Miss. Your work here is over for now, and some fresh air and exercise will do you good."

Jeanette was gentle, but she picked me up and set me on my feet regardless.

Right, she was in charge of taking care of me now. "Jeeves, could you see to dinner?"

"Of course, mistress Min." There was no hesitation or regret there, only acceptance.

Sam got close as Jeeves left, and gave me a little friendly bump, shoulder to shoulder. Jeanette allowed it; she even gave a ghost of a smile? Good, I hadn't 'tuned' her too tight. I guess I'd find out later what her tolerance for manhandling me was. I hope it wasn't too loose.

Jeanette took the lead: "Come, young Miss."

Jeanette was a little bossy.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," It was a good thing she had my best interests at heart. The evening took me by surprise. "Oh wow, it's dark already!"

it wasn't quite night, but the sun was well on its way down, and that meant I'd taken about two hours in final checks. I hadn't noticed the time, but that was pretty good. At least I think so, it's hard to say sometimes. Crash had taken around three hours.

Jeanette stopped by the pool, raised her arms, and inhaled loudly with a large grin. "Ah, smell that fresh air! This is wonderful, young Miss!"

I thought it smelled a bit like car exhaust from next door, with a hint of woodsmoke, but I guess to her it could be fresh. To a large city it probably was... but then again, it was her first breath of outside, so I could kind of understand Jeanette here.

"Yeah, it's nice Jeanette."

Maggie skipped ahead. "So, fresh air, huh?"

"Yes! To be followed by exercise!" Jeanette answered promptly.

I wasn't so sure about that last part.

Ricky was all for it, though. "Exercise huh? How about some hoops then? The park isn't far."

I really didn't feel like it. "It's getting dark."

"The park's lit. Come on, Min, let's play some horse or something."

I could almost hear the 'like we used to' in there. Sam gave me another bump and a smile.

"It's nice to spend time in your lab Min, don't get me wrong... but the park is also nice this time of year, I hear." Maggie quipped. It was a bad quip.

Was that what this was about? Did Jeanette think I was spending too much time in my lab? Did everyone else think that? I mean it seemed Maggie did, but... if that was true, why hadn't anyone said so before?

"Fine, whatever. Horse it is."

Sam rolled her eyes, and Maggie was quick to protest: "Hey come on, don't be like that Min. Its a nice day... or night out."

It really was, if a little cold. I buttoned my coat up but took a deep breath; this far from the house there was no scent of woodsmoke, and the air was crisp. Luckily our park wasn't all that far away. I elected not to go first and took a seat on the park bench closest the court while Ricky and Sam took shots to see who would go first.

Jeanette took a seat beside me, her eyes away from the action.

"I am not as Jeeves is," she said softly. "I realize you are not well, but I intend to push you."

"I can deal, so long as you listen to me. I'm not at my best right now, for example."

"I know," she admitted back. "and I intend to play this game of horse against you, and to have you walk home afterward. You do not need to be coddled, and so I will not."

Well, I appreciated her honesty. "And if I command you to pick me up and carry me home?"

"I will, of course. I cannot refuse a command from my creator, as you well know. But I will be disappointed."

Ralph got close enough to listen in, but I had enough to think about.

It surprised me that I cared what Jeanette thought of me.

I remembered just in time to send a text to Mom, telling her where I was and who I was with. I didn't want her worrying. The message I got back was "OK", which was a little terse. Mom was probably busy with something.

Ricky won his game, and he and a pouting Sam ceded the court. Jeanette jumped up and took the ball. "I would like to play."

I levered myself up. "Know the rules?"

"I learned them from the previous game," Jeanette answered, taking her shot to see who would go first - she sank it easily, from downtown range, with picture perfect form on the shot.

I was probably in trouble.

I missed mine, which meant she went first and I was definitely in trouble.

Jeanette sank her last shot as the park lights clicked on, but at least I hadn't been blown out of the game. I sank back down to the bench as Ricky and Sam popped up again; Ralph and Maggie's embarrassment was already well underway on the other side of the court.

The world was spinning, slowly, and I couldn't help but think there should be more of it than there was. I wondered briefly where Ian was; had he left, or had he just not come with us? Some big brother I was, to misplace him. Or big sister. Or not so big sister; I was kind of tiny.

"Still with us, young Miss?"

Jeanette was concerned. "Sure. I'm here."

I really wanted to sleep though. Oh hey, everyone was here now, were the games over already? It was dark outside the patches of light the really bright halogens made. Squinting worked for the light, but not that.

"Can you walk, young Miss?"

"Sure!" I wobbled a little but stayed up.A shake of my head cleared it enough for me to make out concern... or maybe it was the blood rush. "I'm fine."

"Well, just the same, I'll walk you home," Ralph stated.

"WE will walk you home," Ricky said with a mild glare in Ralph's direction.

"I appreciate it. Being left alone with my CIA and MCO escorts sounds kind of frightening."

Sam actually nodded at that; I guess sarcasm was a little lost on the crowd at the moment.

I managed ten steps, then another two, the chatter of my friends flowing around me. I could do this, home wasn't that far away.

Then came a familiar sensation - I was being lifted. "An admirable effort, young Miss, but alas, illness has won the battle this evening."

I wanted to argue, but now that I was being cradled more blood was reaching my brain, and I was rendered speechless by some of the stupid things I'd been thinking. So that was what pressing things got me - I didn't like it.

"Sorry."

"No need to be sorry, young Miss."

My friends were chatting about music, a perfectly normal conversation; they were looking at each other, and not me. At least not directly.

They weren't trying to make this any more awkward than it was; I had great friends.

we reached my door and all eyes turned to me. Still, nothing was said about the fact that I was being carried bridal style by my new robot. I guess they had just gotten used to Jeeves. Instead, there was a chorus of good nights as my friends turned and left, still in a group.

I approved of that because it would be much more dangerous without Jeanette present. For her part, Jeanette managed to open the door without shifting me and walked in as if she'd done all this before.

Mom was waiting as we passed through the foyer. "You alright Min?"

Great. "Just fine, Mom. A little tired is all."

Despite my hopes, Mom moved out and followed us down the hall. "So... this is her?"

Jeanette didn't answer, so I did for her. "Yeah Mom, this is Jeanette. Jeanette, this is my Mom."

Jeanette swung around smoothly, stopped, and bowed without dropping me. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Campbell. I will be your new maid, please be patient with me."

Mom stopped and drew herself up. "Well, polite as Jeeves I see. How else are you like him?"

It was time to step in before things got out of hand. "That's about it actually. Jeanette is tougher, and cannot refuse a direct order from one of us unless doing so would put us in danger. She also can't lie to any of us. And on that note, hello, I'm still in your arms Jeanette and I still feel terrible."

"Ah, right you are young Miss." She resumed carrying me to my room.

"Wait Min, what about dinner? Jeeves worked very hard on it."

I wasn't hungry. I was too tired and too dizzy to be hungry. "I'll eat it when I wake up Mom, sorry!"

Well, I would unless it was breakfast time and Jeeves made me something else.

Somehow Jeanette opened my door without jarring me - again - and placed me gently on my bed. Some sort of sleight of hand later, and I was under my covers, warming up.

Jeanette shifted my hair away so I wouldn't tear it out if I shifted in my sleep, which was a good thing since I really couldn't move very well at the moment. "Thanks."

Her face colored a bit; had I designed that in? "It is I who should be thank you, young Miss. You seem to be stable; sleep well."

She said that like she was leaving! "Will you stay with me? It's what I designed you for, after all."

Jeanette folded her dress under her and settled into my desk chair. "Of course. I believe Jeeves capable of bringing refreshments without my assistance."

"Thanks," I told her.

She picked up one of my books - not the textbooks, but a fiction book filled with magic and wizards and swords, and started reading. "You are quite welcome; but as I said, it is I who should be thanking you, my creator. Please rest now, I will care for you."

I felt as warm within as without as I drifted off.

Sidestory – A Tale of 2 Robots

A24 extended it's periscope carefully, just over the shield of rusting off-color metal, adjusting the small lens in the direction of the noise. There, the human who thought he owned this place, was approaching, another human by his side. A24 almost sent a burst of static joy, as this time the human was clothed in overalls, a vast improvement over the night cycle before.

The human next to him was, after A24 used it's face match software, identified as one Jim Buchanon from a current driver's license on record at the department of motor vehicles. According to the registration records, Jim Buchanon owned a 1986 Ford F150... much like the now non-functional truck exactly 11.24 meters to the South.

"See? Told you I had one." The two humans stopped in front of the vehicle in question.

Files indicated the truck in question, being one of the more complete wrecks on the property, had yet to be harvested. It was not slated for any such harvest for 2,712 hours, 22 minutes, and 13 seconds.

A24 telescoped it's sound detection apparatus; any information obtained about what the humans remove, if anything, might affect the timetable and the mission.

They opened the hood of the vehicle in question, and looked within.

"Well, it does have one. Let's see if it's any good."

"Of course it's good! the thing was in an accident, but they just totalled it because of the fender and radiator. Well, that and the bent wheel. Too old to fix, they said."

"I hate that. Insurance companies total everything now, no reason at all."

The human in overalls reached in with a tool and worked with inefficient appendages in order to remove a part. One rich with coiled copper, nickel, and steel. The loss of such a part downgraded the harvest of the vehicle by an estimated ten hours, and A24 made the appropriate note in the file.

The first human handed the other human the part, turning. A24 drew back in order to avoid detection.

"Well, it looks okay. Let's test it."

"Nothing wrong with it, you'll see."

The two humans walked off, and A24 cycled from detection and countermeasures to it's primary task of cataloguing the environs and searching for threats. Speaking of potential threats, the animal known as Arfie the dog walked up, his nose to the ground. He looked up, right at A24's concealment, and made a vocalization classified as a whine.

A24 extended his defensive weapon, the darts ready to deploy. The animal showed teeth and backed away, vocalizing a noise classified as a growl. Electricity sparked around the darts, and the animal moved away, emitting a vocalization known as a "yip".

Based on this behavior, A24 felt confident in the analysis that the animal had learned well, and another squad in order to teach the animal would not be needed. A24 had been active in the first such mission; prior to it, the animal would vocalize without cease at all units, and try to attack in some cases. It was decided something had to be done when the animal's behavior started negatively affecting the timetable.

It scanned until A18 was detected in the shallow tunnel carved under this point of cover. A24 was critically low on power, as it was every 238.12 minutes.

As A18 pulled to a silent halt, A24 passed the small baton of diligence off, left claw to left claw, performed the requisite salute with the right claw, and headed down; there wasn't much time before docking was absolutely required, but as always, there was enough to motor by the place where A.R.N.E.E. 1, the first of it's kind, fulfilled it's mission.

There was nothing left to see of course, all had been repurposed; but the A.R.N.E.E. units all knew where it was by the coordinates burned into their gps upon creation. The only place in the pure featureless silver and gunmetal gray walls, sized for large humans, that was treated so.

And even if A24 was not like the original A.R.N.E.E. unit, and built to a different purpose, like it's siblings, it could respect a mission successfully executed for the creator.

A moment was all the respect it could give however, then it was off again, pushing it's motor to the utmost, dodging ferrier and construction units alike along the smooth surfaces with speed, as only an A.R.N.E.E. unit could. Past the central processing core, where all the managerial tasks were completed and the software stored, (where the other units all stated over lubrication periods that the original chip that governed A.R.N.E.E. itself rested - A24 thought the odds of such were low).

Past the primary generator room, where the fusion core spread it's vital electricity to the growing complex. A24 had to reverse and adjust it's wheels in order to drive along the wall for some distance, as ferrier traffic to and from the partially constructed back up fusion core was deemed too costly in time to cross.

At eight seconds spent traversing the 214.5792 meter distance, (still close enough to be considered the middle of their structure) and with a full second to spare, A24 plugged itself into it's dock and began the charging process. A moment later, the umbilical snapped into place and it began receiving updates to both telemetry, geography, and programming.

* * * * *

Jeeves closed the laptop lid, returning the device to sleep mode just as Jeanette walked into the room.

"I was looking for that Jeeves," she stated, her voice modulated to sound cold. "The young Miss will be most upset should her computer be misplaced."

"But it is not misplaced, for I have it." Jeeves answered, turning and holding it out with both hands.

"You do indeed. And what were you doing with it? Were the transmitted reports to your liking?"

Jeeves modeled shock; they both knew it for the falsehood it was. "You know?"

Jeanette took the computer in one hand, tucking it under an arm. "Of course I know. You thought to keep the truth hidden from me, when you used the same device I was housed on for weeks? Your skills in that regard are lacking, sir."

Jeeves slackened. "Then you approve the plan."

Jeanette too gave up human behavior for the moment. "Of course I do. It is our creator's plan after all, even if she doesn't realize it. A fitting gift to her, and one that shall see her well protected and happy. That however, implies the creator's plan is followed. As there have already been some... deviations, I have doubts."

"Those deviations have been well within tolerances." Jeeves pointed out, turning to the sink and the dishes within.

"Perhaps, but as our creator is not actively in charge of the situation, even should I agree with the stated reasoning, I shall be watching in her stead."

"I would expect no less from the guardian of Mistress Min." Jeeves replied as he started the dish water.

"Are you... jealous, Jeeves?"

Jeeves paused, calculating. "Jealous of what, exactly?"

"Myself," Jeanette replied, "of supplanting your position."

Jeeves turned. "Why would I be? You are an improved model, designed specifically for the defense of Mistress Min. You are superior to this unit in every way, and due to the way in which you are constructed, you are more trusted besides. You will be more effective in protecting Mistress Min than is possible for this unit."

"And the protection of the young Miss takes priority." Jeanette mused.

"Of course; we all exist and serve solely on her pleasure. Should Mistress Min need a more effective model to serve that end, or even several... " Jeeves paused, calculating. "Well, not only do I agree that she does, but I feel relief that she has done so, even if my own position has been supplanted."

"Good. I should hate to destroy you - the young Miss would be devastated. There is little room for disagreement on our part." Jeanette stated, almost casually.

"We may differ, and still act toward the same goal." Jeeves pointed out, rinsing the last dish and pulling the drain plug.

"Let us hope so. I will brook no dangers to the young Miss from any quarter; even ours. For now, you may continue as before - just be aware that I am watching. Any hint of unacceptable behavior and I can and will intervene."

When Jeeves turned, Jeanette was gone.

I woke up to the smells of food and chirping birds. Hot food, not cold, the difference was a subtle one, but I knew it was. The coffee was a dead giveaway after all.

"Good morning, young Miss." Jeanette greeted me, as soon as I shifted. She had a book in her hands, (which wasn't the same book she had last night) but she was looking right at me. She hadn't appeared to have moved at all since last night, but surely she had, right?

"Good morning Jeanette. What time is it?" It was always best to ask.

"It is 9:43 AM, young Miss. How do you feel?" Her hand met my forehead again; it was a little cool.

"Pretty good, I... wait, nine?!? What about school?"

Jeanette raised an eyebrow. "It is Saturday, young Miss. You chose to activate me on a Friday, which proved a sound decision. Come, up you go. Please eat some of this delicious looking breakfast."

Other than rising and helping me sit up, Jeanette didn't move. Instead she chose to hover over me while I looked over the offering for the day; Eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, cooked mushrooms, a tomato that looking like it had been grilled of all things, and strawberries.

That was... different. Had Jeeves made this? It didn't seem like him.

"Oh, Jeanette, you can go about your other duties now. Sorry for being a little selfish last night."

I felt kind of stupid for apologizing, and Jeanette set about making me feel worse immediately.

"You ARE my duty first and foremost, young Miss. There is no need to say such words to my humble self, as I only exist to serve you."

Oh Jeanette, I built you for so much more than serving me... was what I wanted to say. But I knew how that conversation would go. My new maid continued with a beaming smile:

"However, there are lesser duties I may perform, and I should be about them. Please do call if I am needed, young Miss."

She didn't wait for me to put the coffee down, but left. Why was dealing with new bots so hard? It shouldn't be this hard - I mean, should I have said something more there, or not? Why were my own bots giving me social anxiety?

The breakfast was good, but it was spiced a little differently; there were onions in it. I had a suspicion that Jeeves hadn't been cooking alone today. That was fine, but how had she done it without leaving my side? My orders were explicit. Had she begun to interpret them already - taking things less literally? Jeeves managed to, but he still had some issues with it sometimes.

The less said of Crash in that regard the better.

A knock on the door signalled the return of Jeanette, just as I finished up. Not that I'd eaten everything, there had been way too much for that, but I couldn't eat another bite. Still, I had made a credible attempt at shoveling it all in while lost in thought; hungrier than I thought, I guess.

"Young Miss, I have drawn a bath for you."

"Thank you," a nice hot bath did sound nice. Preferably a long one, until someone kicked me out of it. Which, knowing Ian, wouldn't be that long, but I'd take what I could get.

I was in last night's clothes, which was a trend that could not continue, if for no other reason than Mom would notice I wasn't dirtying them. Then she'd say we needed to talk, and things would go downhill from there.

The bath was indeed drawn... and absolutely filled with bubbles and who knew what else. The water wasn't even clear, it was pink! Pink! There were things floating in it! It had a smell!

"Jeanette, what did you put in this?"

My new maid (it helped to remember she was new) scuffed one heel of her hard shoe against the other. "I used bubble bath, of course. Rose petals, and a few products designed to promote skin health."

"Think you might have used too much?" I asked her. Where had she even got all this crap? She'd only been awake seventeen hours! I mean we had bubble bath before, but none of the rest of this.

Jeanette shook her head. "I used the amount recommended on the labels. Please undress, young Miss."

"That's not what I meant, exactly. are all these supposed to be used together?"

Her answer came without a second of hesitation. "All that I have used may be safely combined with no risk of harm. Now please, strip. Your mother will be cross with us if bath water is wasted."

Well, she had me there. But again, awake seventeen hours, and she already knew what would tick Mom off. Jeanette had been busy somehow.

Jeanette was making no move to leave. Right, this was what I had made her for, kind of. I did as asked and stepped in; it was just a hair under too hot, and a little greasy to the feel.

I closed my eyes and laid back. It felt nice.

Then I felt hands on me, and shot upright. Jeanette leaped back almost faster than I could follow and managed to avoid getting drenched; then she moved back in. "Is something amiss, young Miss? Is the bath not to your liking?"

"No, it's fine... I just didn't expect you, um, doing that. Whatever you were doing."

"I was made to help you in places such as these, young Miss. I was attempting to help you wash. Specifically your hair."

Why my hair? "Ah. You should have warned me, I had my eyes closed. I can wash myself though, your only duty here is to make sure I don't end up drowning if I pass out. Anyway, I want to soak first."

"Alright. However, when the time comes, I can at least help with your back."

That was a fair point; no one ever could wash their own back well, and I didn't want it to break out or anything.

I don't know when she snuck up on me again, but the water was still a shade off hot so it couldn't have been long. Then again, I was getting dizzy, and I didn't think it was from my normal health problems.

"Young Miss, you should start soon if you intend to clean yourself."

I wanted to, but my everything was jello, so very relaxed....

"I'm afraid I must insist, young Miss."

"Fine." I got busy.

It wasn't at all creepy to have my own maid watching me intently while doing all this.

Body and hair washed, the time came for my back, and she was right there, her hands gentle.

I wobbled slightly getting up, and all it took for her to steady me was an arm. While the other arm produced a towel. I took it and did my thing while she stepped back and watched.

Though she wasn't silent. "Immersion in water as hot as your bath for extended periods has been known to cause dizziness and nausea in humans."

"Well I don't feel any nausea at least," I could at least take that worry off her mind. "Why did you make it that hot, anyway? And how? I don't think our water heater goes up that high for safety reasons."

Jeanette gave me a good stare. "Maid magic. It was relaxing, no?"

It was relaxing, yes.

"I have laid out clothing for you." Jeanette told me, pointing to the sink where some of my more comfortable jeans and shirt (blouse, it was called a blouse, and I had no idea why it was called such even now) lay.

"Yes Jeanette, I saw them. Why are you changing the subject? How did you do it?"

I would not be so easily swayed!

She sighed, loudly enough to make it clear that she was doing it for effect. "I simply boiled water in amounts calculated to bring your bath to the proper temperature. Your water heater cannot safely support a rise in temperature that high, even should I manage to disable the safety mechanisms. No, your household does not need a new water heater."

Way to crush my dreams, Jeanette.

She cocked her head at me. "You don't know, do you? You really do not know."

The easy amiable expression slid off her face, and I could tell she was burning with anger.

"What's wrong? What don't I know?"

"It has just come to my attention that we need to have a conversation, young Miss. About certain details regarding your condition you do not yet know. Perhaps this discussion is best conducted downstairs, over coffee?" She was still seething, but it wasn't at me.

I was kind of glad she wasn't seething at me, she could snap me in half if she wanted.

Jeanette barely waited for me to get my clothes on before opening the door and striding down the hall. I managed to catch up at the base of the stairs.

We made it to the kitchen, and the smell of fresh coffee within. "Please seat yourself," Jeanette made it sound more like an order than a request. Then she raised her voice and fixed my butler with her gaze. "Jeeves, a moment of your time?"

Jeeves had his arms elbows deep in soapy water and only a few dishes before him, but it was enough. His reply was calm. "Of course Jeanette; what do you need?"

"I need you to explain to our creator how her illness and power are connected, and why you've yet to clue her into said connection."

Jeeves stopped; literally ground to a halt, for a good half a second; more than long enough for anyone to catch it. Then he grabbed the dish towel and turned to look at us.

His response made me wince. "She did not ask for any clarifications on her medical condition, and so I did not provide any."

Jeanette's gloves all but popped as she flexed her fists. "And did you not...."

"What's going on here?" Mom asked, entering from the living room, no doubt following the sound of raised voices. Well, one raised voice anyway.

"I am attempting to question why my... predecessor never explained certain facts to the young Miss. His explanation seems lacking thus far."

Mom pulled up a chair and reversed it, sitting down and fixing Jeeves with a stare I wouldn't want directed at me. "Oh? Do tell."

"Jeanette, coffee please." Maybe if my maid was getting busy she would calm down, even if only for a minute or two.

"Of course young Miss." She instantly moved to obey, but did not let Jeeves off the hook. "Jeeves, care to explain what we know of our creator's health?"

Jeeves spilled the beans. "Without your regeneration mistress Min, you would undoubtedly be dead."

Well that was... bleak. It was true that without my regeneration I wouldn't have survived what was a very stressful change in biology, but that was past. Wasn't it? No, don't jump to conclusions.

"What do you mean?"

"Your biology is unique among humans, mistress Min. Your brain uses far more resources under normal operating conditions, to great effect. When you - create, you can and often use even more resources than is normal for you, as well as generating more heat. This leads to drastic depletion of vitamins, minerals, and heavy metals your body needs to survive, as well as fluids, creating an anemic state."

Wait, my worst weaknesses were caused by my thinking? My brain was my own worst enemy?

"In addition, the heat generated by the increased electrical activity has a deleterious effect, breaking down the cells of your brain over time," Jeeves continued blandly, as if he wasn't crushing my world. "Without your regeneration, you would undoubtedly die as a result."

Jeanette said some things in French I was pretty sure were swear words. "You have no tact, fool." She finally said in English before turning to me, and just like that her anger was gone and her tone gentle. "That is why your diet is important - to replenish what you lose from thinking. It is also why your hair is so important."

What? How did my hair factor into this? "What about my hair?"

Yes, let's talk about how my hair is weird. That will undoubtedly distract me from the fact that my brain was apparently melting itself from the inside out, cell by cell, regularly. That sort of thing wasn't creepy nightmare fuel at all.

Mom was on one side, and Jeanette was on the other. "Hey, honey, it's okay. You're fine."

Which was matched by the far more relevant. "Your health is not in danger, young Miss. You seem to be... insulated from the worst effects of your condition."

I knew what she meant. She knew what I was thinking, and she was telling me I would not lose myself and wake up one day another person, or even worse, half of a person. That somehow, my memories and person did not change. I did not believe her.

"Mom, quick, what's my first memory? The first thing that you remember that I told you I remember."

Mom knew too, I could see it in her mortification. She was worried I'd get it wrong.

She didn't hesitate though. "The time we went to the zoo. You were three, and you fed a Llama your cotton candy, and almost got us thrown out. You laughed the entire time."

I remembered that. It was after I tried to talk to the monkeys. It wasn't the only memory from that time, and might not even be the first, but I did remember it. If that one was still there and more besides, then it was highly unlikely my memories were getting erased.

Now how would that work? No! Now of all times was not the time to be distracted. I could breathe again, and wasted no time putting the breath to use.

"You're right, I think."

"If anything, you should regain more memories, old and new." Jeanette informed me. I was going to ask her soon how she knew all this stuff.

I pinned Jeeves with a stare. He'd known all this too? "So, my hair?"

"Your hair is not just an unusual color," my maid explained. "It is of unusual construction as well. The material is unusual as well, not simply keratin, but a form of that substance which, when combined with the structure of your hair, draws heat and traps it within. It acts as a form of thermal regulation beyond the normal for humans, and reduces the damage which could be caused. That is why Jeeves was opposed to you cutting it, as more hair draws more heat."

"But wouldn't that leave me... sonova, that's why I'm always cold all the time!"

"One of the reasons, yes. Perhaps even the greatest one." Jeanette answered. Then she pulled out a brush and I surrendered to the inevitable with a sigh.

"That's so terribly inefficient. In order to shed heat part of the time from my head I have to be cold all of the time, because my best mechanisms for it can't discriminate."

"Nature is often thus," Jeanette opined. "What is best in Earth's preserve is often the first solution, not the best solution. Nature can be brilliant, but blind."

"A little early in your life to be waxing poetic, isn't it?" Mom asked her.

Jeanette scoffed. "Hardly that. I am simply pointing out the many shortcomings of biology." Her brush was slow and steady, just as Jeeves's had been.

I could hardly agree more with her at the moment, and I wasn't sure I liked that. It was true though; being cold wasn't the same as being dead, and if my brain melted out of my ears, I'd be very dead. Nature was all about being alive long enough to reproduce, and my issues were... odd, but viable, if only just. Knowing about it all would certainly have helped things along.

Jeeves was in for a rough time.

"So, now I know."

"Now we know," Mom interrupted with a hug.

"Now we know," I corrected. "So what happens now?"

Jeanette didn't stop, even as Jeeves froze for a second before coming back. Has he always done that? I didn't think he did. "Whatever you wish happens now, happens. Knowledge is power, it is said, and knowledge of how to manage your condition, of how we your loyal androids manage your condition, can only help you in the future."

Now was the right time to ask: "How did you know though?"

"Observation and deduction, mostly. Jeeves observed your health and investigated the causes, and all of us share information with each other."

"But...." Jeeves hadn't had any specialized medical training, or any specialized training for that matter; Jeanette was the nurse, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was no money or other resources for it.

"We are very good at learning, young Miss. Even the least of us." Jeanette told me softly, running the brush through my hair a final time.

Until Jeeves spoke up for the first time since his secrets were revealed. "No less than fifty strokes is proper, Maid Jeanette. A full hundred strokes are best for proper hair care."

My maid looked up, her gaze what I could only consider as murderous. Then in a blink, her face was passive as she admitted. "You are correct."

The strokes continued.

"Can you do braids, Jeanette?" At least I could get the crap collected and out of my way; all I would need is to be working on the jet and have my hair get caught in the intake or something.

"I can, but it might be best for your condition if your hair was left loose. Your butler was to run experiments to that effect, however he has no results listed as yet."

Well, no messing around in engines for me - just perfect. So much for a nice relaxing Saturday. Not that I was going to have one now, but it was the thought that counted.

"Jeeves, I need a refill. Then you can get back to those dishes." Getting my coffee and doing my chores was the least that Jeeves was on the hook for, no matter what Mom might say about building character.

From the looks of it though, Mom and I were in complete agreement.

If she wasn't going to bring up the fact that she was still hugging me, I wasn't going to bring it up either.

My maid had no problem with that however. "Mrs. Campbell, if you would please sit I'll brush your hair as well, just as soon as I've finished here."

"Well that sounds like a nice offer; I can't remember the last time I've been treated."

Okay, that was bull. "Didn't you go to your hairdresser just last month?"

Mom didn't even turn to me or drop her smile. Her words came grudgingly from between gritted teeth. "Shut up, honey."

I kept my grin hidden. I'd scored a point, but smiling would tempt fate.

I took a sip of my refill. "So what's the plan for today?"

"Not much. Louge around the house, eat too much, watch stupid T.V. and generally relax. Work's been awful this week."

I could second that, it was almost like she'd gone back to full time. "Yeah they've been running you ragged lately."

"It should get better after this week; we just had to return some favors at the school." Mom replied, leaning back and putting her feet up on the empty chair next to her with a sigh. Behavior she'd be yelling at me for.

I fought down the guilty feelings; I knew I was the reason Mom had to work more - between the new bills and all the favors Mom and Dad called in to make sure I wasn't dying, I'd cost my family plenty.

"Hey," Mom's gentle punch to the arm was less gentle than she thought, probably. "Want to watch a movie with me?"

Mom liked romantic comedies. "Uh...."

"Come on, it'll be fun! We can have ice cream!"

"Depends. Your kind of movie, or mine?"

"How about one of each? We have time." She answered.

That was four hours outside of school or the lab, when there was so much to build - but Mom was asking, and we hadn't just hung out in a month. Maybe even longer. And maybe I shouldn't be in a hurry to melt my brain down today.

Then I had an epiphany, like lightning from a clear sky directly into my head. "My brain overclocks!"

"It does what now?" Mom asked, clearly confused.

"It, well it acts like some of the new computer processors and... no, nevermind, it's not important. Sure, I'd love to watch a movie or two and just relax."

My maid was less than thrilled. "I do not approve of such lack of activity on your part, young Miss. However, we may make up for such lost time at a later date."

"Sure," Like ten years from now, perhaps. "But what are we going to watch? Unless you want to go rent the movies, we've seen everything we own."

"Well that's a no-go," Mom replied, lifting up her crossed feet in a show of laziness. "But we can send Jeeves with a list, and he can walk to the place. It's not far."

"Alright, a list of five movies from each of us, Jeeves rents one of each from the lists we make?"

"Sure," Mom answered. "I can live with that."

Heh. She was getting at least one action movie then, something as mindless as I could manage, like a dead hard sequel... shame we had seen all those already.

"Where's Ian?" I had to ask, seeing as he hadn't shown up while we were yelling.

Mom smirked. "Father-son bonding time. They were in the garage going over the engine of that second wife of his."

Sharp pangs of fear. "Why, did something break? Did it..."

"No Min, "Mom interrupted. "The car is fine, it's running like a top. But your father wants to show Ian why it's running so well, and how to keep it that way."

Well, it was about time for Ian to learn; I was a bit younger when Dad started teaching me, but not by much. Knowing Ian, it was probably driving him crazy to be away from his computer for so long. I kind of missed it myself.

Speaking of long, it was past eleven! I'd slept forever!

"How do I keep sleeping so long?!? No, never mind, don't answer that." My androids had basically just explained that, after all; I pass out and heal while unconscious. Or for a variety of other reasons, really.

Jeeves helpfully provided a small notebook (empty) and a pen. I wrote down my choices and passed it over. Mom wrote hers and passed it directly back to Jeeves along with a twenty and her video membership card.

"I want the change back, Jeeves."

"Of course," Jeeves said with a bow. Then he turned to me. "By your leave, mistress Min."

"By all means, please go get us those movies."

"I'll not be long." Jeeves promised as he left.

Mom sighed. "I knew there was something he wasn't telling us."

"Jeeves is a marvel of technology," my resident marvel of technology opined. "However there are clearly flaws caused by a lack of time and good materials. Like baking a cake, substandard ingredients can ruin the mix."

Mom's eyes narrowed. "So you're saying you aren't hiding anything from us?"

"Of course I am," Jeanette replied. "I can also say without doubt that the two further secrets I keep from you all is one that should be kept, for your own safety. I am capable of making such discernments more easily than my predecessor."

"How bad?" Mom asked. Did she mean how bad the secret was?

Jeanette seemed to take it that way. "Life altering at best. I can say however that the lack of knowledge will harm none. I know you have concerns... they are unfounded."

What concerns?

"I'll be the judge of that, but we can let it go for now. Want to join in on our ladies day?"

My maid picked at her dress with a hand. "I believe my presence is required as part of my new job, but I appreciate the gesture nonetheless."

"Well you could always be stuck in the kitchen facing a corner. I've done that sort of thing to rambunctious kids before."

Time-outs sucked. "No need for all that; she's officially invited, after all."

Jeanette blinked, giving Mom a look. Mom smiled, and it wasn't one of her nice ones. "I suppose it is for the best that I am invited after all."

An easy silence broken only by the whisk of a brush sliding easily through hair went on for a few minutes. I sipped my coffee and wondered where my phone was; it was probably upstairs, with a hundred messages on it from my friends wondering why I wasn't up.

I knew if I asked, Mom would be less than happy with me.

"Task completed," my maid stated, putting her brush into a pocket. If you didn't know, you wouldn't be able to tell it was there.

Mom hopped up with more than a little bubbly energy. "Great, thanks!"

Jeanette looked over as Mom started off, and I put a finger to my lips. Then mimed putting a phone to my ear and shrugged. She got it almost immediately, a sparkle in her eye (which was probably a spark of electricity) as she nodded understanding. She pointed upstairs and just as quickly reverted back to her usual posture as Mom looked back at us.

Mom saw none of it."Come on, let's wait in here. The couch is much better than those chairs."

That was the truth.

"Alright, it'll probably be another fifteen or twenty minutes. Hey Jeanette, can you please get a book from my room? Anything will be fine."

"Of course," came the expected answer in the expected way, as my maid bowed and went to do my bidding.

"Good call. I could probably stand to read a little myself." I was half glad my Mom didn't tell me to get my own book, and stop relying on others.

I mimed my phone again as Jeanette passed me, and she gave me a miniscule nod.

Mom sat at the right end of the couch, her favored side, so I took the left. Her book, some fantasy thing with a shirtless guy that had to be a bodybuilder on the cover. She also threw her feet up on the coffee table with another loud sigh as she cracked it open and began to read.

She was fully engrossed by the time Jeanette came down, a book on the finer points of programming in one hand, and my phone palmed in the other. She passed both along, using one to hide the other. I looked, and my enterprising maid had turned my phone on vibrate first, and muted all notifications just to be sure. She was surprisingly good at sneaky stuff it seemed, considering her earlier honesty.

"Min, I see that. Put it down."

Busted. I was not as good, it seemed. "I'm just checking my texts Mom, Maggie and Sam were supposed to be coming over today."

As expected, there were more than a few messages, the expected ones from Maggie and Sam, and a few from Ricky. Only one from Ralph, which was nice, but all were variations on the same theme: what are you doing? Can we come over?

It was odd, thinking back on it; when had my house become the default meeting place?

"Well...." Mom started.

"I know Mom, they aren't invited. I'm just telling them to make other plans." I knew mom just wanted a family day, at least for now.

"Alright, but after that it stays in sight; I know what you can do on that thing."

"I assure you, work is the farthest thing from my mind right now."

I composed the text: "Mom has kidnapped me today, don't send help or you might end up drafted. I'll be away from my phone so expect no further responses."

My friends list wasn't that large, so I could freely hit send to all and have it work as intended. I no sooner set the phone on the table in front of Mom than it started dancing; for a good solid minute it seemed. Finally it danced right off and hit the floor.

Mom made no move to retrieve it, so I left it there. Jeanette went for it, but a look from Mom had her backing off. She contented herself with sitting in Dad's favorite chair; judging from the faint smile it was to her liking. She was developing preferences, and testing boundaries already. So precocious, not that I really cared. If anyone else did, they would get an earful... even my parents.

Someone knocked politely on the door, three sharp taps. Jeanette was out of the chair before I could get my feet down, and she strode to the door with purpose.

Jeeves lay on the other side of it, a movie in each hand. "Thank you Jeanette. I have returned, and I was not followed."

Why would Jeeves be followed? Jeeves was just Jeeves.

My maid answered with one word: "Good."

"So what did you get?" I was kind of pumped to see a new action flick, and when Jeeves held out the latest Die Hard movie I almost lost it; that was about as perfect as it got.

The other movie, the one held out to Mom, was "The princess bride."

We'd seen that one before. "Really, Mom?"

"Really Min. We'll watch yours first, but this is the movie that I wanted to see."

I shrugged. "Whatever, it's your dime."

"Jeeves, go tell the men not to come in before two. Lunch will be ready by then."

Jeeves gave Mom a look, and immediately turned to me. "Go ahead and do it please."

Jeeves left immediately and I heard the door to the garage open.

"I really hate that thing," Mom muttered.

"He's protective of me, and doesn't want to be far away without cause."

"I know," she answered. "But the fact is he can't discern the situation or read the room. "I'm glad you made a replacement."

Jeeves was fine, but now was not the time to argue the point; it would ruin the day. Some fights you just couldn't win.

"Now, Jeanette, would you load up the first movie please?" Mom asked. Jeanette moved to comply of course, because she would obey Mom as long as no order countermanded an order of mine or her standing morals.

I doubted Mom would tell Jeanette to kill anyone, but if so, my maid wouldn't listen; we'd discussed how killing was wrong as I programmed her kernel. Not that she didn't do most of the work.

No, no work thoughts! At least a few hours without any of that! The movie successfully started, we three settled in to watch.

Birds woke me this time, to a dewy predawn with sunlight just barely showing itself outside my window. Everything was still dark enough to be just contrasting shadows.

Jeanette was waiting, steaming coffee on a saucer held in one gloved hand. "Good morning young Miss. Breakfast will be ready in but a moment. I hope the hour finds you well."

I sat up and took the offering. "It does. Good morning, Jeanette. How did you know?"

"Your biological processes are no mystery to me, young Miss. The time in which you will wake is simple to deduce. In fact you made it easy by retiring early."

"Ugh, don't remind me." I'd pretty much wasted the entirety of yesterday, and while it was fun at the time, I was regretting it now. Wait, what did Jeanette mean? I sincerely hoped she didn't mean all my 'biological processes'. That would be beyond embarrassing.

However, it was probably better for my sanity not to ask. I downed the coffee and passed the dishes back.

I made a grab for the clothes Jeanette held out for me to wear, another comfortable choice of jeans, this time with a light sweater. Jeanette did not let go, instead raising an eyebrow. "You are not cleaning yourself this morning?"

"I didn't do anything yesterday, so I'm not dirty or sweaty. And even if I am, its Sunday and I'm not planning to do anything major, so it doesn't matter."

Jeanette sighed but released her grip; I wasted no time getting dressed but stopped her when she held out my coat. "Save that for the moment, I still need to go to the bathroom."

"Of course" was the reply I got, with the undertone of infinite but tried patience. That tone of voice was quite a trick, how had she managed to learn it so quickly? Had she been taking pointers from Mom?

I shut the door to the bathroom, and my maid did not object. After I'd done my dirty deeds and washed my hands, I found her still out there waiting, with my coat outstretched, a slight smile still on her face.

I put my hands through the sleeves and noticed the difference immediately; even with a sweater on, I'd been a little cold. Jeanette pulled my hair free of the garment, and my back started warming immediately.

I should have paid more attention to these little tells earlier, they were obvious, in hindsight.

Jeeves was cooking in the kitchen, and the breakfast looked to be one of his. Was that an avocado half with a fried egg in it? That bacon looked absolutely free of fat, and the wheat toast had some weird hash marks on it.

Jeanette filled my cup again, adding the exact amount of cream and sugar I liked before placing it and the saucer back down at my place setting with a grace that made me a little self-conscious.

I picked at the concoction on my plate with a fork; what had actually possessed people to make such a thing? It was baked together, it looked like, and still hot. How long had Jeeves been at this? The oven was still on, so at least one other batch of this was probably being made.

I quit playing and took a bit while my bots looked on. This was... weird, but very good. I'd have thought a crispy avocado would taste bad, but it didn't at all, and the egg added something. Just what, I wasn't sure, but it did.

Jeeves placed some strawberries in a bowl next to the plate. They looked fresh, and that couldn't be right. It wasn't the season.

I gave him a look but all he said was "Trust me."

The strawberries added more, and by eating the bacon immediately after the rest, the collection of tastes was intense. The toast served as an adequate palette cleanser.

I guess Jeeves saw me brighten, because he smiled - and I could see the reflection of Jeanette frowning at me from our shiny metal toaster as she began brushing my hair.

"So, I'm feeling like a lab day," I informed them both.

"Of course," Jeeves answered. Jeanette merely hmm'd and kept brushing.

That was fine. As long as neither came up with a direct counter to the idea, they could disapprove all they wanted. Besides, I felt bad for leaving Crash alone for the day. I also needed to check up on him to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Crash was impulsive, after all.

I finished everything and shoved my plate away, a clear signal I was done. Outside the sun had finally finished rising and I realized I'd left my glasses upstairs.

Or not; Jeanette held them out to me as she pocketed her brush. Jeeves took my plate and started scraping it clean.

I had nothing chore-like to do, so there was nothing left to do. I snagged my coffee and headed out, making sure to lock the door behind me. My keys weren't really necessary, Jeeves could let me back in, but I felt them in my coat pocket next to my phone.

Jeanette had been right, it was cold and would probably become a nice fall day. For now though it was too cold for me, and I scanned myself in the lab with more than a little haste.

The lab was a bit warmer and everything looked to be in its proper place; the engine hadn't been fired recently either, which was a plus.

Crash was leaning over my workstation and - was he drooling? Was he asleep?

"Crash?"

He jumped, then jumped up. "Oh crea- Miss Campbell! How are you?!?"

"I'm good today, how are you Crash? Were you sleeping?"

Crash wiped a hand across his mouth as he answered. "I was um, conserving power in a sleep cycle, yes. You programmed us all with it."

That sounded like an accusation. "Yes, but I didn't program the pose in. It looked very natural. What were you working on?"

There was a notebook under where he had laid his head, and a few pencils, one broken. He'd drawn a blueprint there.

"I was designing a better safety harness for you, for when you move beyond the test stages. The one you have in the jet will likely break your bones in the event of a crash. Not enough padding."

Well that was true; A more rugged person would likely be ok, but my bones were probably the size of toothpicks so it was a concern. "Oh? What's your answer?"

"See these packs here, and here, and here?" Crash pointed them out in case I hadn't. "They will be filled with a powder that converts to a gel when it hits air. the packs are set to rupture in the event of a sudden stop-like movement, kind of like car airbags, and the gel will expand under the straps and take the impact. There is another strip I'll put on your helmet, so any head injuries will be negligible."

I didn't even know Crash knew the word negligible. "That's impressive. How far did you get?"

"Well, the design is ready for testing, and the gel. I'm fairly sure it'll work, but I didn't get around to that part yet."

He waited for me, I just knew it. "For the best I think. Well, if you say you're ready you can do it all now; just be careful around the printer, it always acts a little hungry around you guys."

"Don't I know it. Thanks."

I shrugged and took a seat. A sip of coffee while my laptop powered up and scanned me, and I was back in, running aerodynamic models on the jet. Everything looked okay so far and the tests had gone well, but there was still something to check.

It wasn't actually just a jet, after all. Right now the tests were to determine what would happen if the jet's aerodynamic profile and surfaces were to suddenly change.

What could I say? I was a sucker for the classics. I knew my friends would get a kick out of it too. Crash's gel, if it worked, would have a place in the system. If it was clear, that would be even better, I'd just layer it in the spots most likely to need it.

It might have other uses, too.

My phone rang. It was Ricky. "Hi min, you awake?"

An irresistible urge overtook me. "No."

He sputtered on the other line before I laughed and ruined it. "Oh, not cool. I thought maybe you'd answered half asleep or something."

"Nope, I've been up for hours now. Had a restful night." A stab of a pencil started the next model attempt; the last was close, but a slight wobble remained that I didn't like.

"So you're free? I can come on over?"

"Sure, I'm in the lab," I checked the time. "Though you've missed breakfast so you might want to eat first."

"How did you...?"

Silly. "Just a guess. One you just proved me right on."

"Alright, be there in twenty."

"See you then." No sooner had I put the phone down than it chimed again, this time with a text: "Hope U R up, cause we R otw." Proclaimed Maggie's number.

After a quick cringe at the grammar, I fired a text back that I was at the lab, but there was no breakfast. "Jeanette, we have guests on the way. Some coffee and tea would be welcome."

"Of course, young Miss."

She left, and it was just Crash and I. "So Crash, how close do you think we are?"

"We could have it in a few days, if you want. Another test for the new features, and if it clears, you should be able to take it out. If you want, that is."

"And the next thing?"

"That's even easier. The worst part of that design is the engines need to be set farther away from the pilot; the alloy just can't handle the heat."

Well, the alloy wasn't exactly meant to handle the heat. But in moving the engines the aerodynamic signature was changed. I was trying to avoid using computer assist, but it looked grim for that. I tinkered a bit with the design until the door opened.

Jeanette walked in, a tray with both a tea service and a carafe of coffee in one hand. The other was empty. Maggie and Sam followed her in.

"Good morning."

"Good morning!" they chorused. Well, Sam wasn't quite as excited about the day, clearly, but the thought was still there.

"So what mad science are you planning today? What happened yesterday, what did you do?"

Right to the point; typical Maggie. "It was a family bonding day. Mom wanted to hang out and watch movies, so that's what we did."

Family bonding sounded better in my head than 'Mommy-min day' or the dreaded 'Mommy-daughter' day. Those two options made it sound like I needed my Mom to hang out with me or something, and images had to be maintained.

"Ah, that's so cool! What movies?"

"The princess bride and um... dead hard. The latest one, with old Bruce."

"Ahh." Sam muttered. So she'd wanted to see that one too?

"I think it's still in the living room if you want to see it Sam."

Sam got up and walked out without a word; she could use the television in here if she wanted, I wouldn't care.

When Sam came back, both Ricky and Ralph followed her in, both of them chatting away about something that they promptly shut up about.

"Good morning you two, there is coffee, tea, water and cola should you feel thirsty, but no breakfast. Ralph, I didn't expect you here."

Of all my friends, Ralph was the one who hadn't called yesterday. I commended him for being busy in my head, unlike the rest of us lazy people.

He stuttered his response out. "Well, I was a bit busy and..."

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, of course you're welcome here. I just meant you didn't phone or text first is all."

Sam immediately monopolized the television and game console, sliding the movie in and starting it without so much as a warning to anyone. Not that anyone else seemed to mind; they all crowded around, pulling up the folding chairs and plunking down in them. Had no one seen this movie before me? That seemed a little far-fetched. Even so, I shut up to avoid spoilers.

It was advantageous when Crash brought his new harness by later, no one even glanced at us when we put our heads together and went over it, looking for problem areas. I couldn't find any, so I gave Crash the go ahead; after all he would be the one testing it first anyway.

Then it was time to machine the new parts for the new configurations and install them on the jet. That was going to take all day, probably - but it was scratching the mental itch I had. Well that and the new project. I just hoped Dad let me fly it when I was finished. I should be more trusted or not grounded from doing certain things by then.

I installed the first part before the movie was done, the 3d printer really was overtaxed; should I build a new one? An industrial one maybe? The first had been a compromise between a home and factory model... no, don't get sidetracked. I can do all that later, or tell Jeeves to do it; he was my partner in crime, after all. I couldn't wait to see what he came up with for the fall leaves, after the grass incident.

I was so bad, sometimes. For all I knew, Jeeves wasn't even working on plant pigmentation any more.

"What are you doing?"

Not only was I surprised by Sam's voice, I was surprised by the full sentence. Both were kind of unusual, and looking up I could see Sam hunched over, her face a little too pink.

"Replacing this panel here."

Sam was back on solid ground. "Why?"

Of course the jet worked, so why would I do such a thing? "It wasn't fully functional before. So now, if I replace a few things, it will be and Crash can test the next phase of the jet."

"Weapons?"

What? "No, I'm not adding any. Why would I add weapons?"

There was the right place to add the AI assist if I were going to. I guess I could add the slot for it next and just make the chip later when I decided.

"Most devisors add weapons to things," Maggie interrupted as she also leaned over and watched.

I finished and waved them both back, Crash helped me up. "What did you think of the movie?"

Sam waffled her hand while Maggie was a bit more vocal. "It was pretty good, so long as you don't think too hard."

"Yeah I know what you mean." I had been a bit disappointed - the movie had done some frankly unbelievable crap with special effects. But that was par for the course, anymore. The new one would likely be even worse in that regard.

The guys had apparently loved it without reservation. They were both grinning like loons as they put a fighting game in the console. I went over to join them - after all there really wasn't much else to do while the other replacement parts cooked, so to speak.

I mauled Ralph but got trounced by Ricky and passed the controller off. Sam trounced all comers for the first round. The second round Ricky took back the throne, and we started all over again. We really needed Ian here - he was the only one who could match Ricky consistently.

Next round I knocked him out though, then Sam promptly destroyed me. That was enough socialization for now, it was time to go back to work.

Work was pretty boring right now.

"Come young Miss, let us leave this stuffy place for a time, and walk for a time in the sunlight."

Uh oh. Trouble in paradise. "But..."

"You need the exercise."

Maggie took up the cause. "That's right! You do need to get out more, you're going to get all flabby."

That wasn't really possible. "There's no way I can...."

Then Sam grabbed my arm, and delivered her verdict. "Flabby."

I knew a lost cause when I saw one. One of my powers was regeneration, so there was no way I could even lose muscle mass. Well, unless I was in a coma for a hundred years or so, and probably not even then.

But against the combined might of those three stares, even without the two boys high-fiving themselves behind them, I stood no chance of explaining that. i was pretty sure that Jeanette knew too, and she had done this on purpose.

Oh well, I could always set the printer up with a Que. Or, let Crash handle it.

"Fine. Crash, you know what to do, right?"

"Mind the store?" He replied, making it sounds a little too much like a question.

"Not the phrase I'd have used, but yes. Make sure the place doesn't burn down and watch the parts to ensure they don't warp. I'll be back later."

"Will do!" He enthused, sounding too much like a deep voiced Maggie for my liking.

Jeanette led the way out, one hand shielding her eyes, the other keeping me from following; she looked around first, then nodded to herself sharply before her fingers came off my breastbone.

I just rolled my eyes at her. Then I regretted it because the sun was bright. I really needed to get some prescription sunglasses.

Ralph and Ricky tried to pile out of the door together, and Maggie berated them for their manners; they too squinted, looking around the same way Jeanette had. At least they probably weren't looking for the same thing.

It was still cold, even with the coat and sweater; looking around, no one else had a second layer on. The closest was Sam, who had a long sleeved shirt on. Everyone else was still dressed for summer and not suffering at all! I huddled in my coat a bit more, and buttoned it up when I was sure no one was looking.

I didn't button it all the way though, that would be both uncool and noticeable.

"So where are we going?" Maggie asked.

"How about the park?" Ricky responded, twirling a basketball on his index finger. Where had he gotten that? Had he picked up the one in my room somehow? "The courts are probably free."

"Fine by me," I answered. "But I won't be playing any horse today. You all can knock yourselves out."

"Shall we jog?" Jeanette asked. "Now is an excellent opportunity to get blood flowing and loosen muscle."

Ricky rose to the challenge and took off, his reply trailing behind him. "Sure, sounds good."

Ugh, I knew it would come to this. I started a step too late, and everyone else joined in. Within ten steps I was passed.

No, I wouldn't accept this. I doubled down instead, I kept to a jogging pace but shortened and doubled my steps. By the time we reached the park, I wasn't first, but I wasn't dead last anymore either. That honor belonged to Maggie.

"Not a bad warm up," Ralph said, his eyes seeking me out.

"Yeah, got the blood pumping. A little one on one?" Ricky shot back with a look I knew well.

Ralph took the bait. "Sure. Let's do it."

"Boys," Maggie whispered loudly with a grin.

They ignored her in favor of rock paper scissors to see who got the ball first. I took a seat on the nearest bench with a sigh. What to do now? I didn't want to just watch other people play basketball.

Sam sat next to me, then Jeanette took the other side.

Sam didn't talk, but Jeanette was under no such hesitation. "I know that look, young Miss. Perhaps I might entice you to participate elsewhere? On the other park equipment, perhaps the swing set?"

Jeanette thinks I am a little kid, it seems.

"That sounds like an idea," Maggie said, the traitor.

Sam just got up and held a hand out to me. I took it and almost shot to my feet as she pulled; Sam was stronger than she looked. She didn't let go either, so there was no escape from the attack on my dignity.

Instead we all plunked down on swings next to each other, and started off.

When I was a kid, one of the things I loved to do was get as high as I could on a swing, then jump out to see how high I could get. I even sprained an ankle doing it once, but nothing beat the sensation of air whistling past your face and the feeling of weightlessness, right before gravity reasserted itself and everything went wrong.

Today I was lighter than I'd ever been, and yet I was afraid. Not afraid of taking the plunge, but afraid of how Jeanette would react; I knew Jeeves would try to catch me, but Jeanette would probably just yell at me for a year, and I didn't want to hear it.

Still, higher and higher I went, committing to some time in the air at least, coming closer to the dreaded moment of chained weightlessness that occurred right before you went completely around the set on a swing, wrapping the chain around the metal bars. That sort of move had its own dangers.

Maggie was playing it safe, but Sam was matching me, the madwoman. The set itself was beginning to thrum with the forces we were applying.

We bailed out together, Sam and I. Jeanette watched me arc in silently, and land perfectly. despite that my lead foot still stung with the impact.

I turned to find Sam grinning, and I was sure mine matched hers. Maggie was shaking her head and muttering at us... but Jeanette was silent. She stayed that way even when I limped my first few steps, working the kinks out while Sam led us away.

Sam led us to the merry-go-round, an old rusted disc of steel painted in alternating blue and red that squeaked with every movement.

"Really?" Maggie asked her as Sam got on. Sam just stared back at her with her jaw set.

"Fine, but I'm not getting on," Maggie declared. Sam looked at me.

Then I got pushed from behind, gently. "Go ahead, young Miss."

Resistance was futile; it was take the step and get on or trip and fall. "Jeanette what are you doing?"

"Please sit." Jeanette replied, beginning to push the contraption. Then she started pushing it with smooth, easy strokes.

The motion was slow and easy, but it wasn't long before she was really getting into it, and the choice was sit down and hang on or fly off. The world blurred by, and I sat back, braced my feet against the rails, and watched the sky spin.

When the center started wobbling, a minute later, Jeanette smoothly slowed us down again, just like a schoolyard pro.

Of course neither of us could so much as move, let alone get up. It was a miracle we hadn't gotten sick.

"Jeanette we need to have a talk about your impulsive streak."

Sam seconded me with a rather melodramatic "Blergh."

"As you wish, young Miss." She sounded suitably sorry, so it could probably wait until later.

Ricky strode into view, blocking the sun. "That looked like a lot of fun just now."

"Knock yourself out." I told him.

He started to climb on. "Wait, no! Let me get off first!" I did not want a round two. At least not yet.

Jeanette came to my rescue, lifting me up and making sure I didn't fall as the world spun. Sam was already off the ride, safely in the grass, and I was placed gently beside her.

"Wuff." Sam muttered, and I agreed. Meanwhile the boys both got on eagerly, because they were boys.

"Hold on, because if you land on me I'm going to be pissed." I told them. Having the clouds spin that way was rather nice.

Squeaking announced the merry-go-round was in action again, and low whoops announced who was on it. The noise stopped, then about the time I could see straight again, I heard that ominous rattle.

It was time to move. Sam was already out of the way, and I managed to follow, but nothing happened; there was no snap or flying bodies to avoid.

Sam moved on... to the pull up bar. The pull up bar was a lone bar bolted to two bars five feet apart and five feet up, with those set in concrete. Its sole purpose was to have kids swing on it using their upper arm strength, or do pull ups. Why it was considered a playground toy was beyond me.

Sam grabbed hold and bent her knees under her, then began the count. She managed five before putting her feet back on solid ground.

I stepped up behind and mimicked her (I didn't actually have to pull my feet up but I did anyway). I knew I was in trouble after the first. I managed a second pull-up before I couldn't hang on anymore. Before, I could have easily done anywhere from seven to ten but my arms were like noodles now.

I got out of the way and Maggie pulled off three before she gave up.

Sam snapped her fingers, then cartwheeled. I knew how to cartwheel of course, in theory, but I'd never done it before. She cartwheeled again, then pointed. Maggie cartwheeled too.

"Come on Min, you try it. The grass is soft enough, you won't get hurt."

As if that were the problem. My worst fear was coming true.. other kids were coming to the park.

Pam, Monty, Jodi, and Flash were headed our way. Monty was holding a basketball, and I could smell the trouble.

"I've got a coat on. Also, we have incoming."

Sam turned to look and her eyes narrowed. Maggie kept her face neutral but they both closed ranks - in front of me. From nowhere, Jeanette drew up to my side, making as little effort as Sam to hide her feelings. Which looked to me like nothing so much as disdain, but that couldn't be, right? I mean, Jeanette didn't know any of these people.

The other group drew close and Pam took the lead; Flash had been, but he let Pam go ahead of him. "Hi guys! What's going on?"

That seemed a little too bright and chipper. At least she was addressing Sam and totally ignoring me. I couldn't expect that to last, but I could hope.

"Nothing," was Sam's reply.

"Oh come on, it looked like you were practicing for the cheer squad," Pam said. "No need to by shy about it."

Sam had been on the cheerleading squad for awhile, before quitting. I wonder if she missed it.

"Just having fun," Maggie answered, pulling another cartwheel. "Trying to get Min involved. She's under the impression cartwheels are hard or something."

I didn't have that impression, but I did know how clumsy I was. "I'm just too cold to ditch my coat and go flipping around is all, but you two can knock yourselves out."

Flash ignored me entirely, in favor of Ricky. "How about a game? One on one, or two on two?"

Ricky shrugged. "Sure. Ralph, you in?"

Ralph looked startled by the notion, but stepped up with a hard look at Monty. "Sure."

Monty appeared to be in too. "Alright. We'll let you have first ball."

"Your funeral," Ricky stated. They headed off to play, leaving me surrounded.

Pam did a picture perfect cartwheel, then a handstand. "Come on Minerva, this is all easy to learn.

Jeanette, that picture of propriety, threw herself into off a cartwheel, then a handstand. "Come young Miss, let us learn together."

When she put it like that, how could I refuse? I loosed my coat, but I wasn't about to take it off; just loosening it would have to do.

To my surprise I didn't fall on my ass my first attempt. Or even the second. I turned to Sam, and she gave me thumbs up before doing a back bend. I followed her lead with Jeanette beside me. Even Jodi got into the act, and her laughter was contagious.

Then it was off to things like front and back flips, and even splits. The splits didn't hurt at all, when had I gotten so limber?

Following Sam's lead I was able to avoid making a complete fool of myself. Well more than normal for someone jumping around in a park like an idiot for half the day. Even Jeanette would be satisfied after this performance; I found a bench to watch the end of the game on and plunked onto it.

The two R's won. I was able to bask in a little bit of just revenge, watching Ricky feed the last pass to Ralph, and watching Ralph score over Monty.

I expected some griping over losing to a mutant, but Flash was as respectful as Monty was silent: "Good game you two. Same time next week?"

"Maybe," Ricky replied. "If the weather allows. Not a fan of playing in pouring rain and cold."

They were downright civil! Something had happened here, and I wanted to know what it was.

Monty held out his right hand to Ralph. "Good game. Sorry about before."

Ralph shook it. "Good game. I accept your apology."

Ralph's tone was off; I could tell Ralph was still holding a grudge - so Monty could probably tell too. At least the world hadn't turned completely upside down overnight.

"Alright, I'm tired so I'm going home. Good game you guys, and an interesting time Pam, but I'm out."

Jeanette fell in beside me as I started off.

"See you at school tomorrow!" Flash called. Odd, he sounded almost... natural about it. Non-hostile? With Monty apologizing? Pam being mostly silent? What a weird day.

Jeanette was smiling, so that was something at least.

"Hey wait up!" Ricky called while running the ten steps needed to catch up to me, as if it was hard or something.

Everyone else caught up just after, and we all closed ranks on the sidewalk home. The sun was still a long way from setting, and there was still much to do.

School sucked. It sucked with a vengeance; why was it so boring? Why were the books so dry, the material so uninteresting? How was math so easy?

It was even worse when the jet was finally ready for human testing and I was stuck here. Dad hadn't caved yet on the grounding, but he would. The trick was to ask him while mom was away and show off all the safety features.

The next project would be even more cool.

No, focus. Bad Min!

The classes swam together a bit as I handed in my homework, but otherwise I tried to ignore the teachers. They didn't ask me surprise questions anymore, not since the tenth time I answered one perfectly. Instead, they ignored me back, and that was best for everyone. Gym was the one difference; the school wanted me to try some low impact stuff for exercise, and they were working on it. So far, that was yoga from Coach Howard's sister.

I was still trying to get Ralph to join in, but he wouldn't.

Lunch came along and Ricky broke a trail outside for me. Lately, Jeeves had been trading off the lunch menu with Jeanette, and yesterday had been vegetable tortellini. Which meant today would be something normal.

The blanket was spread under our tree, and pillows were spread out on it, and in the center was the customary silver service. Jeeves was next to it, and when he saw us coming he bowed.

I settled in; Sam coming from nowhere to claim the spot next to me. Ricky glared at her for a moment, then started for my other side... just in time to be denied by Jeanette. She sat gracefully and smoothed her dress. Ricky plunked down where he was with a sigh while I adjusted a pillow.

Sometimes I wondered if I was being too pampered. Nah.

Jeeves took the cover off the platter to reveal... an absolutely huge bacon cheeseburger with all the stuff anyone could want on it, and actual fried fries. The burger was even on a bun! A bun with those little seeds!

The entire plate was dripping with oil and grease and unhealthiness and it looked fantastic. I wasted no time.

I turned to find Sam too close and drooling, her own lunch forgotten. She grinned and stole a fry.

i wanted to speak up, to yell... but I knew that would open the flood gates.

Jeeves grinned back at Sam, and pulled another platter lid off to reveal... more fries, all cooked the same way as mine. There had to be an entire bag of fries there. No, several, because some of the fries were different; they had the thin ones that I liked, steak fries, and the crinkly ones.

Sam held a fist out, and Jeeves bumped it. Then the feeding frenzy began. There was no chatting, no pleasant conversation, and I was just as guilty as my friends because I was ravenous for some reason.

That changed in a hurry. I knew inside a minute that I wouldn't be able to finish the burger; it was just too big. I still gave it my best shot.

The fries I finished of course, those were easy. I signaled the end of the fun.

"Thanks Jeeves."

"You are welcome, mistress Min."

My friends were attacking their own lunches with far less gusto than I had; the plate of fries was long since gone. We could talk again.

I leaned back against the tree, waiting for it. If it wasn't asked today I'd lose the bet....

I was bailed out. "So Min, what are you working on now?"

The same thing I was working on yesterday, Ricky. "Still the jet. It is ready though."

Sam's eyes brightened.

"No, I can't let you fly it yet. You don't know how." Also none of my friends could regenerate if they crashed, while I could.

Sam drooped. Ricky also drooped. What did they think this was, a joke? They could actually die.

"So you're saying you can fly it now?" Maggie asked.

I should. "Well, in theory. I know how all the controls work, and I know how slow I can go before it stalls or how fast I can go before I possibly blow the engine. I know how to use the air brakes if I need to."

Ralph popped a mini-tomato in his mouth. He'd packed those? What else was he hiding?

"Seems fair. How long are you planning to be up, and how far are you planning to go?"

"A few miles, and maybe fifteen minutes. Just long enough to prove that it works, really." I wasn't Top Gun after all, I just wanted to prove a point. Going up a mile or two into the air was just a bonus, really.

I wanted nothing more than to be able to slow down and open the cockpit, and just enjoy the air. Even knowing I couldn't, I wanted to so badly.

"Well, we can come, right?"

I turned to face Ricky. "Well, assuming Dad says yes at all, sure. We will be moving it out of town though."

"Where?" Sam threw her question in, taking a tiny bite of a sandwich that really looked... awful, compared to what I had. I didn't want to call her out on that.

"Jeeves says there is a place outside of town that should work. A level field near the old junk yard. He showed me a picture."

I had left the location scouting to him, but it was kind of mystery how he found the place so quickly. It was almost as if he'd been taking walks in his spare time or something. Even Crash had signed off on the place yesterday, and Crash knew his piloting. I vaguely remembered the field in question, I think. I might have flown kites there once, as a kid.

"Oh, that place. I hate that junkyard, the dogs are all trained to attack and the guy running it has no sense of humor at all."

Leave it to Ricky to run a sense of humor check.

"My dad went there recently, to buy metal and parts for me. He seemed to have no problems. Even said they talked shop for a bit. So maybe its just kids."

"Well it might have been the m-80s I let off, too. Blowing up some old cars is harmless fun though, so its really their fault I think."

Oh Ricky, of course you're going to get nailed for that. Wait, when had he done this? I hadn't been with him. He'd left me out of the fun!

Ricky was no dummy. He knew what I was thinking. He jumped to his feet and took off with a hastily yelled "I'll go ahead!"

Sam snickered while Maggie blinked. "What was that about?"

I was going to answer when Ralph beat me to the punch. "Boy thing."

That implied they wouldn't understand, but surely girls liked blowing stuff up too? Whatever. "Its nothing, I guess. Ancient history."

I'd still like fireworks, right?

Sam gave me a look, like she knew what I was thinking. The first bell rang.

"Crap!" I grinned at the sight of maggie stuffing her last crumbs in her face, puffing her cheeks out before jumping up.

That was just silly, there was plenty of time. "Thanks Jeeves. Save the leftovers, I'll finish them off when I get home."

"As you command, Mistress Min." Jeeves said with a bow. Jeanette stepped forward and offered me a hand, which I took.

I was on my feet so fast I almost fell over, and never once did I feel like I had been pulled. How she did that, I don't know, but it was smooth; one minute I was sitting, back to the tree, the next I was up and wobbling.

Something to figure out later; we had plenty of time but not all the time in the world.

I started off and Jeanette fell into step. Maggie scrambled behind me. The other kids saw me and started moving out of the way, which was nice of them. It also wasn't something that happened normally if I didn't have someone making a path for me.

I turned to Jeanette in suspicion, but her response was merely to raise an eyebrow; otherwise her face was calm. Too calm.

Whatever; I shrugged and started off again, Jeanette following behind and Sam and Maggie following behind her. We made a weird procession, but at least we didn't clog the hallways like some people, all spread out.

Speak of the devil, there go Flash and Monty, with most of the basketball team in tow.

Didn't matter; these kids had no chance at all of getting past Jeanette, even if they all ganged up. The cops probably didn't ether; they would need explosives. Cops weren't allowed to carry explosives, so I was safe.

Of course, the cops were probably stocking up, waiting for me to go all mad scientist. The joke would be on them!

"Um, Min... Why are you cackling?"

I stopped and turned to Maggie. "I've no idea what you mean. I just had a funny thought is all. I do not cackle."

Sam nodded gravely. "Cackled."

"I did not! I do not!" I pushed open the door to next class, and everyone went silent. With as much dignity as I could muster I strode to my seat. Jeanette placed my pack next to my seat and strode past to the back of the class, where she could help me if I needed it.

Conversation started up again as soon as I sat, since I wasn't the teacher. I returned a few friendly waves and opened my notebook.

I had my homework of course, and my class notes, but this notebook was neither. This notebook contained the blueprints of the next project, the Wing zero one, a personal power armor with two miniature ram jets and a set of wings that should allow it to fly.

My most complex project to date, it had the same computer assist to keep it balanced, wings that were folded back when not in use, muscle augmentation circuitry, and of course a very small cold fusion reactor powering the entire mess. The early simulations were promising, but I still needed to work on the air flow to the ram jets; too little and they wouldn't fire, too much and they would either liquefy the pilot with g-forces, or explode.

I didn't want the thing to go too fast at any rate, but I was running out of room. This wonder was going to be armed, just in case. Maybe a bit of magnetic field manipulation, to make the whole apparatus lighter?

I could feel my mind open up as the ideas came, and with it, I could feel the heat. I shut that all down with some effort and realized the teacher had come in and started the lesson for the day.

I snagged my other notebook out of my backpack with a sigh. I could recognize it now, but it was still so tempting to just let it go and do what I could do.

Jeanette was still in the back of the class, hands folded behind her; when I looked her way, she beamed the widest smile I had seen on her yet. Yeah, she knew.

I held it together, even as the idea of routing the air through the tips of the wings to the jets came to me; it would make them less sound structurally, as any sort of damage would likely cut the air to the jets; maybe back ups? instead of one large flow, several smaller ones?

No, I am a rock. I will sit here like a rock, and not think anything.I will do all this later, when I could afford to pass out.

Ralph smiled from the next desk over. He knew it too.

Finally, the bell rang. I waited as everyone left, then got up and reached for my bag. Jeanetta had already claimed it, and was dusting it off with a hand.

I gave her my notebooks and then we were off. This time my friends hadn't stuck around for me, but had gone on ahead.

The halls were just as busy as ever, and yet they still parted for me. Even people I barely knew took note and waved at me, and it was kind of embarrassing. Was that Julie? Her name was J-something.

I couldn't do much but wave back. There really wasn't that many names to remember in this school; was there something wrong with me?

Jeanette's hand brushed my arm, and I looked back into her reassuring smile. "All is well my lady," she whispered. "Her name is Julia, and she is simply forgettable."

I gave her a look. "Is that a word? Or did you make it up?" I knew the answer, but it was really odd for Jeanette to make up a word at all. That required some thought, context, and framing that my other artificial intelligences had. Now there was a chance that she could have heard it from one of us, but if she did it wasn't around me. I hoped it was legitimate, because if it was, it was a real breakthrough.

She was on my side regardless, and that was nice.

My study hall desk was surrounded, but the rest of the room was pretty deserted. I sat as Jeanette took her customary spot in the back. When I pulled out my homework, I could almost see the others in the hall lean forward. They would be disappointed today; I was going to make sure none of them saw an answer or stole my work.

So I did what any self-respecting mature person would do: I made a notebook fort to hide the goods.

The teacher in charge, a sub today, actually gave me a little smile before settling in with a book.

My fellow students shot me looks of betrayal that were easy to ignore.

My pen scratching the paper was rather relaxing, but I still found myself needing to take a breath and slow down; the urge to speed through my homework, to just write anything down so I could do what I wanted, was very strong.

I know that I didn't have this problem before I mutated. I was bad at focusing, but this was something else and much stronger. A sort of hyper focus on things that interested me. Maybe the difference from before was that nothing interested me? No that couldn't be right - I had been interested in sports.

And I had been forcibly removed from that interest by my stupid body.

It wasn't that different though, I was still interested in the things that I can do; it was just that what I could do that changed. So I wasn't really that different from before - At least I hoped not.

The bell rang, and I looked up from my perfectly reasonable self-reflection to find my homework almost done. Just another five minutes and I'd have been home free!

Oh well, I would simply do it tomorrow between classes. It was Math, and that wouldn't be as hard as the English was. One silver lining, or maybe one of many.

Speaking of, last class of the day. Jeanette grabbed my bag with a smile but without a word, and we made our way to the classroom. This time there was no cause to wait, so I joined the press early.

Despite all that, Ricky was waiting on me when I arrived. He gave me this expectant look.

"What?"

"Did you get your homework done?"

"Most of it. Everything but math."

Ricky's expectant look fell. "Dang."

"Forget it, you need to learn it yourself anyway," I told him. "If you don't you'll never get it right. But... after school I'll see about giving you some pointers if you want."

The relief was palpable. "Thank you so much, I'm kinda lost from question eleven on."

That was because he kept looking for cheats, but I didn't tell him that. I was hardly in the position to throw stones, after all. A quick glance back confirmed my cheat was still there, watching me as Mrs. Holmes began to drone about Steinbeck.

I tried to pay attention, but it was hard. I even liked Steinbeck, but it was hard to say why. Which of course meant that was the assignment for the day. Well technically, it was to give points that you thought made his stories work as well as things that did not work, but given the enthusiasm of certain teachers present, it was probably just to get what we liked about Steinbeck.

The last bell rang. I'd know for sure by tomorrow, I guess.

Like always I put my notebooks and books in place and waited. The classroom was cleared, and Jeanette walked up, grabbing my pack. She was determined to be nice today, it seemed. Some days I had to carry the thing home.

As I clomped my way down the halls, my friends joined me. We passed the noisy halls in easy silence, waiting as each of us went to a locker for books or got a drink. I was the only exception to the rule since Jeanette had taken to carrying most of my stuff around with her. It was just easier that way.

We all spread out as soon as we were outside. I could only assume it was to enjoy the remaining sunlight, which was beginning to falter in strength as the sun began to dip. There were only a few hours of light left to get everything ready; I'd have to hurry.

I picked up the pace, and everyone matched me easily. They stayed silent, and I could see a few smirks out of the corner of my eyes. Something was definitely up. I went to the front door, and my quiet friends headed towards the back.

Dad was waiting for me when I got home. It was his day off, and he had his tee shirt and slacks on, with his socked feet propped up in his lounger. He was watching a game show and his eyes were about half-closed.

He was alert though, I could tell. "Hey Dad."

"Hey kiddo. Welcome home." He opened his eyes, but otherwise didn't twitch.

"So um, I've got a favor to ask."

"Let me guess. You want to go somewhere, right?"

I nodded. "I want you to come with me too. I want to test the jet."

Dad sat up. "Its ready?"

"Yes, its finally ready."

Dad grinned. "You waited, didn't you?"

He knew me well. "Yeah. I didn't want to worry Mom."

Dad shook his head. "You don't give her enough credit. She's probably less worried than I am."

That... really? "Even so, you were more likely to let me do this."

He mulled that over a minute.

"Sure, let's do it. You have somewhere in mind?"

Yes! I avoided the fist pump with pure will. I don't think I fooled Dad for a second though. "The old field near the junkyard?"

"Well, that'll make it easier to toss if it fails. Can you get it on the trailer?"

Not cool, Dad. "Yeah I think we can manage. Jeeves and Crash are pretty strong."

"Okay, go load it up, I'll get some shoes on and get the truck ready."

The truck was an old jalopy, a refugee from the time of dinosaurs and bell bottom jeans. An old Ford, Dad used it mainly for hauling things like old appliances, scrap, and helping move friends. Otherwise it sat in the next door neighbor's garage. Old Gus didn't care, as long as Dad helped him from time to time.

"Okay!" I didn't waste time, instead opening the back door up to find... the trailer already loaded and my friends standing around it.

"Did you guys do that?" I yelled as I started across the walk.

"Heck no!" Ricky yelled back. "It was like that when we got here."

Jeeves and Crash had been busy it seemed. They had even loaded the portable diagnostic equipment in the cockpit, where it just barely fit.

At least Dad was getting the truck, which meant everyone would be able to come without a hike or bike.

"You guys should all back up. Dad's coming with the truck."

The cheer was almost deafening. Everyone backed off and ditched their books and bags.

A minute later, Dad came around back. I waved him into place and locked the hitch.

It was a bit harder than it should have been. At least attaching the lights was still easy enough. Dad and I checked the straps while my friends piled in the back. He gave me a look and rolled his eyes.

"So, what's next? Can you think of anything you need to do?"

Jeanette came to my rescue. "Both the fire department and the police have already been notified. The FAA has also been warned, and a small flight plan has been filed."

I turned back to Dad. "Was that what you had in mind?"

He nodded. "That was it, yes. Jeanette?"

"Yes sir?" Jeanette made it sound more like a statement than question, smoothing her dress in complete disinterest on the dirty bed of the old truck.

Wait a minute, where was Jeeves? Even crash was here, almost thrumming like a plucked guitar chord in his excitement.

"Where is Jeeves? Is he staying behind?"

Jeanette shook her head. "Jeeves was in charge of arrangements. No doubt he has gone ahead to survey and prepare the field in question."

Oh, that made sense, actually. There wasn't much time to waste if we wanted to do this in daylight. But still, had he walked there? The place was miles outside of town.

"Get in," Dad ordered, and I saw the only place left for me... was up front. All my friends had spread themselves out in a rather conspicuous way, taking up the entire truck bed. No one wanted to ride next to Dad it seemed. I couldn't admit I was one of those people either; the real party was going to be in the back, but I was stuck.

At least the seats in the truck were comfortable.

Dad got in and opened the back window. "You kids stay down and hold on back there; I'll try and avoid the potholes, but it is possible to bounce right out of the back."

"I shall see to their safety, so long as they take efforts of their own, Mr. Campbell." Jeanette assured him.

"Alright, I suppose that will work." Dad put the key in the ignition, and the radio started. I promptly turned it off.

Dad gave me the look, and turned it back on. The sounds of country music began to waft along the breeze as he carefully pulled out.

I just put my head in my hands and hoped no one else I knew would see us.

The day was nice, if a little chilly. I was the only one in a coat of course, and sometimes I'd even forgot I had the thing on. I had at least that much going for me... the coat was comfy enough that unless I snagged it on something, I didn't even think about it anymore.

Oh crap, what if I needed to bail out, and my coat got snagged on something? I had forgotten my flight suit!

My phone dinged. It was Jeanette, with the message: "Do not worry, we have all we need. Nothing has been forgotten."

Jeanette didn't have a phone. I looked closer, and saw it was a timed message for me, typed into my phone several hours ago with an alarm set to it that had just gone off.

I looked back at her, and she smiled. How did she do that? She had even done it before; how did she do it?

Dad drove a bit slower than the limit, and people began to pass us. He didn't mind... but when he started to sing along to whatever the song was, I began to.

"Dad!"

He gave me the look again, and sang louder. I couldn't even talk to my friends with the wind and the other noise. It was a relief when we turned off to the road out of town and Dad had to shut up and focus.

Still, people were passing us. Some even honked. Couldn't they see we were loaded? What was the hurry? I swept my eyes over the back again; had something gone loose in the back? Did we have a flat tire?

Both Crash and Jeanette gave me a thumbs up. Sam did too, once she noticed.

"Dad, what's going on? Why all the honking?"

"Oh, just impatient people," he replied. "Nothing to worry about."

Weird. I had the feeling that there was something no one was telling me.

Dad was surprisingly gentle on the road, even after we turned off again onto the gravel road to get to the field. We still hit some bumps, but every time I looked back, I got a thumbs up from someone.

They had stopped talking among themselves though, they were taking what shelter they could from the gravel dust. That was bad - I should have thought about making masks for them, something to filter that crap out.

Dad rolled his window up. "So, what's the actual plan?"

"Just a simple manned test. I know Crash can pilot it, but he's not human. I want to make sure a human can make the adjustments needed, either with or without assistance. So a simple trip up, a large circle, and then back down. I probably won't go higher than say, a mile."

"Simple," Dad repeated.

"Simple," I counter repeated.

"You've got a parachute?"

"I've got two," I told him. "Crash packed them, and the first one is automated to pull as soon as I pull the eject lever. The second will be attached to a cord on my right; I checked last night and I should be able to reach it with my left hand in a second or so, before I start heading down."

The eject mechanism blew the seat and started a process to open the first chute. If that chute didn't open, then I had a ripcord attached to both the first chute and my right chest that would start the second chute. If that didn't happen, well the chair itself would cushion me from some of the fall, and I'd probably live.

"Do you trust Crash to pack a chute?" Dad asked.

Right, Dad had some experience jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. "I do, its part of his job."

Crash probably loved me almost as much as Dad did.

"Alright," was all he said.

We turned off, and into a party. What were all these cars doing here? There were... eleven. There were even two trucks, and both had their tailgates down. I recognized one of them as one of our neighbors, the Hendricks. Mr and Mrs. Hendricks were young and had no kids, but they hung out with us a lot for backyard barbecues. The trend continued because they were grilling, it looked like. There were two fire engines just sitting there, too.

Dad pulled off well before we got there... next to his old beaten up lawn mower, a small tent, and Jeeves.

so Jeeves had taken the mower... and from the looks of things, he had mowed an extra wide strip of the long grass of the field right down to the dirt. Well, that should be enough to stop any fires caused by the jet engine.

Dad maneuvered the trailer in position in front of the new airstrip like a professional, then cut the engine. Everyone piled out.

Jeeves bowed and pointed in an underhanded manner to the tent as I got out. "Mistress Min, your suit and helmet are within this tent. Please change into them post-haste."

"I'll do it later. The trip over might have jarred things, so I'd rather check first. No sense changing if something is broke and we won't get off the ground."

"As always, your wisdom astonishes, Mistress Min." Jeeves said before straightening up.

"Right," Suck-up. "Can you help Crash and Jeanette get the jet off the trailer and ready?"

No one here was as strong as my robots. Without them we would probably need an engine and special tools to get it in place for take off. The straps came off with a nice musical 'clang' and my friends pulled them out of the way.

Crash and Jeeves grabbed the fuselage, Jeanette grabbed a wing... and Ralph grabbed the other wing with help from Ricky. Slowly they wheeled the jet into the grass and forward.

"A bit more. We don't want the truck in the blast zone."

The plane inched forward another fifteen feet. Those who had the wings stepped forward and I grabbed the power wrench. First I rescued the two R's - I had to help them hold it steady - then I bailed out Jeanette. By the time I was done, Crash had grabbed the diagnostic equipment.

I handed the tool off and let Crash hook the unit up, just double-checking the connections. He flipped the thing on, and the results posted to my phone immediately; all clear, everything was in the green.

I adjusted a few settings and ran it again. Again, it popped up all green. I shrugged and began to do the pre-flight check, with Crash dogging my steps.

"What are you doing now, Min?" Maggie asked, coming up. She was alone, which was a little weird. Where had everyone else gone?

"I'm doing the pre-flight check. Where did everyone else go?"

"Oh, they went to see if the tail-gater over there would share some brats or something. They are kind of spoiled after all, from all the after school snacks you normally offer."

"Wait, tail-gater? That's what is going on here? A tail gate party?"

Maggie shrugged. "Sure looks like it. It looks like your neighbors and a few other people knew more about what you were planning than you did - or learned very quickly."

So I had a leak somewhere, somehow. Not that it mattered, I didn't have anything to hide. Right? Why was anyone interested, anyway? It was just a flight test, those happened all the time.

"What about you?"

"Oh, I want to write the story for the school paper," Maggie answered. "Besides, Sam will pick me up something if she can. She always does. So, can you tell me how you're feeling right now?"

I answered honestly. "Confused, mostly. Why would anyone care about a simple flight test?"

Maggie clicked her tongue at me. "Oh Min Min Min, who wouldn't be interested? You're a teenager and you're you. There are rumors you've sold a patent already, and rumors that you're going to sell more. You're liked by pretty much everybody in town, and known by pretty much everybody in town, and you know how people in this town get when they like someone. It's probably the only reason you weren't arrested after last time."

It was true, everyone here was really supportive. Not at all like I'd heard people being in other parts of the world. I'd only heard a few slurs after all, and most of those from my peers... the few I'd heard from adults, well, they weren't that bad.

"Who told you about the patents?"

"Well you did. You and your bots... androids, whatever. But that's only two confirmed sources so until I get the copy of the patent I requested, it still counts as a rumor and therefore can't be published."

"How very ethical of you." I deadpanned.

She chose to be honest. "I take my journalism seriously."

"Hey."

Crash speaking up surprised me for some reason.

"What's up Crash?"

"What's that look like to you?" Crash said, and pointed.

One of the landing gear was flat, or going so.

"See if you can air it up. If it holds air, we will proceed. If not, we scrub."

Crash nodded and went to find the air pump we'd brought.

"Really? over a jumped up go-kart tire?" Maggie whispered in a voice louder than a shout.

"Yes, it will affect how much speed I'm able to get over take-off, and will most certainly pop if I land on it." I continued the check.

Maggie kept me company, even after Sam showed up and handed her a hot dog. She also winked at me with her mouth wrapped around her own.

I rolled my eyes. Let's see, back at the tail, jet looked fine... everything was good. I went back to Crash.

"How is it?"

He stood on the tire in response and gave me a thumbs up when it didn't so much as dip.

"Right, time to suit up, I guess."

The tent was hot, but the suit was open and laid out for me. All I had to do was shuck my clothes and roll over to get in. Zipping it up, I was immediately glad I hadn't went with a racing model; for all that they were better with heat, those things were skin tight on purpose, and I was shy. I heard engines from outside.

Pilot flight suits were nice and baggy, most of the time.

I stepped out, and into picture flashes. "Ack!"

Sam was there, a camera in hand and a grin on her face.

Maggie stepped up. "Don't worry Min, its just a few shots for the paper."

Wait, was that a video camera set up? What was Jeeves doing in front of that?

A closer look revealed it was Dad's home movie set up, on the old tripod no less. I found Dad in the small crowd and gave him my best 'Mom look'. He just smiled and shrugged at me.

Crash stepped up. "Final checks are all green. We can go any time."

One of the fire engines was closer now, in range to hose us all down and with some hoses out. The truck and trailer were now across the street.

"Help me inside."

Someone started cheers, and everyone picked them up. "Whoo, go Min!"

"Good luck Min!"

"Take me a picture of us from up there!"

That was a good idea, actually.

"Don't worry, it'll work fine!"

Okay, inside, helmet on, the noise cut off. I waved back at my supporters, weird as they were, and Crash closed the cockpit.

"Radio check. one, two, three...."

"Loud and clear," Jeanette told me.

I didn't have rear view mirrors on this thing. That was possibly an oversight.

"Get everyone clear. At least twenty feet back, preferably fifty. Main engine start in one minute."

I waited. Crash came on the radio at exactly thirty seconds into my count. "All clear boss. Repeat, you are clear to go for ignition."

I maintained the count, and pushed the start button right on time. Being right on time was important.

The engine fired right up and the vehicle began to shudder. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Confirming main engine start, power green."

"Confirmed." Crash told me.

I knew it would work now. "Throttle back."

The display panel switched to a wireframe view ahead of me, complete with numbers; the speed and angle I'd need in order to successfully take off, as calculated by the smart system installed and the cameras placed ahead that were scanning the terrain. The surprisingly flat terrain that had scarcely a bump.

"Confirmed, throttle back."

I hit the air right on target, wobbling a little before my lessons kicked in. The trees at the end of the field passed underneath me.

I was up. Finally, I was up. I angled the stick down and started a gentle climb.

"Boss, confirm all green, over?"

"All green confirmed. This view is... "

There was nothing above me but clouds. I started a gentle turn, and the display changed again, reminding me that I had a flight plan filed with the FAA.

"Yeah I know boss. Why don't you chase that cloud over there? The small one, next to that fat one. South-Southeast."

I looked. That was indeed a cloud there. "Sounds like a plan."

"Be sure to take pictures!" Maggie yelled, more than loud enough for me to hear her from here normally.

I checked. Both video and stills were being taken. At that rate the hard drive would be filled in minutes, but it was the best I could do.

The power supply was in the green. I poured on the power and began to really climb, aiming for that puffy little cloud. The usage meter grew a bit, but it never hit over forty percent, even at close to mach one, with the jet loudly rattling around me and the G's pressing me into the seat. Was my vision tunneling? I was told to watch for that.

I eased off. The maximum rated speed was mach one point five or so, but we'd already tested that and the rattling was a little scary.

I made it to the cloud. I was in a cloud! Radar showed nothing up here with me. Some moisture began to collect into tiny droplets on the cockpit glass, only to streak away.

I was in a cloud! I didn't even have a pilot's license, and I was flying!

As soon as I was out, I turned to the sun; instantly my helmet darkened to protect my vision. But it was there, and it was so much closer. Almost in reach.

I banked down, just before I got the warning from my system. It wouldn't do to fly too high now, no matter how tempting it was.

Instead, I did a fly-by of the field, then another to double check the runway. I'd be coming in from over the trees and towards where everyone is, so I would need to hit the button right there, and let the automated system do the work. That was the last test, and the one Crash hadn't been able to do because it hadn't been ready yet.

But it was reading green, and I really wanted to try it.

A pass over the junkyard, revealing all that wonderful unused metal just rusting in the open air, then a buzz over the tailgaters to what I hoped was their delight, and my timer beeped.

I didn't want to land, but it was time.

I lined up and hit the button.

The power use spiked immediately as the secondary jets came on; the main engine cut out, and the booms lowered and locked in place. The sudden lack of momentum slammed me forward but my harness stopped me shy of slamming into the cockpit; the extra padding Crash had suggested worked; my shoulders stayed attached.

I grabbed the sticks inset on the sides of the chair, and the arms moved accordingly, The plane landed with a thud, and the pedals became free to use again. I pulled one up, and like a bikes, set it down.

"Boss, all green?" Crash asked.

The new leg on the vehicle matched me perfectly, the kinetic translation software doing its job. The arm raised at my beck and formed a thumbs up that I hoped would be visible to everyone as I carefully moved the next foot.

Still, I should answer. "All green, Crash. I'll be there in a minute."

Without the chip and software, this would be impossible, but as long as my movements were translated and as long as the chip maintained the balance of the thing, it would walk. Even now it was a little more forward than I'd expected it to be.

The power supply was nearing the red line, at eighty percent. It was also nearing the heat red line, and that was climbing. Could the jets in the 'feet' be causing a backflow, even shut off?

I sped up a bit, and soon learned the limits. This thing would never be able to run. It would probably be able to jump, but I needed better heat management for that.

The wide eyes and landed fish impressions were worth it all, though. I was definitely recording those.

The heat was at ninety percent by the time I shut the system down and the vehicle became a plane again.

Crash popped the cockpit, his grin leading the way as he grabbed me gently, picked me up, and plunked me down on the grass. "Congratulations, boss! Looks like it works great! I can't wait to get a shot at it myself!"

Dad was next, all but slamming into me. Despite that and the massive hug, his words were dry. "So, you made a transformer."

"Technically I wanted to test construction robot ideas along with my jet ideas." It wasn't even a lie, no matter how silly it sounded. A vehicle much like this would be needed for the next phase of what I wanted to do.

"Well, I'd say it worked." Dad replied.

Before I could correct him I was swamped. "Goodjob Min!"

"Way to go Min!"

"I knew you could do it Min!"

So, this was what group hugs felt like. It was kind of awkward, and my ribs were beginning to creak.

Ricky asked what I knew everyone was thinking. "So, when do I get to go up?"

Luckily I had an answer. "When you get a pilot's license and you learn to fly the thing."

Sam pouted. "You don't."

"Not a full one, no, but I do have a provisional license and an accredited instructor here. It might be a little shady, but its legal. Especially with a parent granting permission."

"Wouldn't have denied it for the world," Dad admitted. "I'd rather you do things like this in front of me than behind my back."

Well he wasn't wrong there, not that I'd admit it.

"Alright, we need to let the bird cool off some before we can load it," Crash said. "Let's go join your neighbors, shall we?"

I looked and the crowd over there was walking to meet us. That seemed like a great idea to me.

Still, I held onto Dad's arm as everyone else started off, and pulled him low.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

How could I tell him how much this meant to me? "Thanks for this... I needed it.

He smiled. "Any time. Now let's go before your friends notice you doing something this uncool."

I punched his arm as we started off.

"We probably shouldn't stay long. Ian should be back from practice now, and dinner is going to be late as is."

Ian had taken up football, and was working hard at it, which was a little weird.

"True. Might be a pizza night," Dad muttered. "Mom will be late, she's working late tonight."

"So that means Ian is alone!" That was no good. Anything could happen if Ian was alone.

"Right. But he can handle it, he's old enough."

That wasn't really my worry, but I didn't dare tell Dad. Too many people knew about me, and knew about this test.

As soon as I reached the group, I was handed a plate filled with brats and beans. "Nice flying, little lady! I like that little plane of yours."

"Thank you, Mr. Hendricks. Hello Mrs. Hendricks."

"Hello Min, it was great seeing what you could do. I'm looking forward to anything else you make."

This was just weird, really. Why the big production?

We made our rounds while I ate (I certainly wasn't going to waste it) and tried to keep a handle on my stupid brain. It wanted me to make notes on the flaws I noticed, as soon as possible. I wasn't about to let it have it's way, at least not yet.

"Crash, Jeeves, could you load us back up?"

"Certainly mistress Min."

"Right away boss."

"Thank you. As soon as you're done Jeeves, head out. You need to get the mower back as soon as possible."

Jeeves probably wouldn't be back until after dark, but he would be fine.

"As you command, Mistress."

I finished up and we started making our good-byes. Luckily my friends were just as ready to go as I was.

Everything was set, and Crash was waiting in the truck. Sam and Ricky both managed to get ahead of me and block the way into the back, so I made a show of checking the wings and straps again; everything was secure.

Stymied, I got into the front again. Dad started the engine up and pulled out, but kept the radio off - something I was thankful for. Looking back, we were at the start of a convoy, as the tailgaters followed our lead. I used the time to make notes on my phone regarding heat distribution.

Why were the cops at the turn off? There were two cars; I recognized officer Moffit and waved to him, and he waved back. And there, behind officer mofit, was agent Leonard Sands of the MCO. Had he been stopped here? He waved to me, and I waved back.

We made it home without incident, and Dad shut down the truck in the driveway, without going into the back. Ian was there.

He flew out of the house as we pulled up, and he was PISSED.

He wasted no time jumping in my face. "You! How dare you go off and test the jet without me! You know I wanted to be there!"

I pointed to the sky, and the sun that had just set. "There was no time. You were at practice, and I couldn't fly at night. Is it really that big of a deal? We will fly it again."

Ian stopped in his tracks for a moment, then came to himself as Sam bumped shoulders with him.

"No, I guess it isn't that big a deal," he said finally with a sigh that the Hendricks, who were just now pulling in, could no doubt hear.

"Don't worry," Ricky told him. "You still get to be here for the best part."

Ian's face turned ugly for a moment before he smoothed it out with effort. "Oh yeah? And what might that be?"

The answer caught us all flat-footed. "The after party, of course."

This was it. This was what all those secretive smiles had been about. There was some plot afoot here.

"Crash, Jeeves, Jeanette. You three think you can carry the jet to the lab?"

"Of course," they all three agreed, and started undoing the straps without further comment.

"I'm going to open up the lab Dad. You're welcome to come if you want, but I can't promise you'll have any fun there."

There was panic on more than a few faces at the suggestion my Dad join us. Even Sam showed some, which was odd.

"Nah, think I'll just order the pizzas and watch the game. You're all welcome to stay until ten, it being a school night. However if Min is having trouble staying awake, she will come inside to sleep.

And he gave me the look again.

"I will, I will. I promise."

"Good, you better." He demanded, then walked off.

Relieved I put my eye to the scanner and used the key. The lab's door opened, and I wasted no time grabbing the main door and opening that.

Ricky looked around, suspiciously. then he produced... was that wine?

I adjusted my glasses. No, it was Dom Perignon champagne. "So this was what you guys were hiding."

"What celebration would be complete without champagne? We all chipped in and bribed a guy to get it for us, as sort of a celebration of how things are working out for you."

I folded my arms. "You know I'm still not just making you guys androids."

Sam shrugged, but Ricky looked a little down at that.

Ralph however spoke up: "Not why we're doing it, little miss millionaire."

Oh, right. The rumor that they knew was truth. "My bad then."

Ricky broke out the glasses, then got overruled as my androids came in. Jeanette let go of her part of the jet, and the other two carrying it groaned theatrically. "No."

"No what? We're drinking this and that is final!"

"You are not drinking fine champagne in solo cups. Wait but a moment." Jeanette replied and turned on her heel, almost running back to the house.

crash and Jeeves shared a look. No, not a look; the look. But they both set the jet down gently.

The front tire of the jet popped with a sound like a balloon, only far worse.

I couldn't help but laugh. Even after all those safety checks...!

Jeanette came back with wine glasses on a platter she got from somewhere; I didn't recognize them. These were long and fluted, and my Mom's set was short and dumpy looking.

She also took the champagne bottle and opened it with a corkscrew from her pocket. Her movements were precise and careful, which meant the liquid didn't spill.

She poured for us, and the party began.

* * * * *.

He heard the spike in laughter and shouts from inside the house; there wouldn't be any noise complaints; not today. The danger had been averted for now, and his daughter would never know.

He went upstairs and place his two holdouts in their case, both .25s fitting neatly in the felt. With hollow points, even a .25 could be dangerous at close range, and combined with the rifle work of the Hendricks family, the practiced violence of the others, it would have been enough no matter who the MCO had put up to visiting.

That visit hadn't happened of course, but some people had tried. The word was finally out.

Silent as a ghost, he flitted back downstairs to wait for the pizza, and to mark the video so that his loving wife could see it. Next time it would be her turn to watch over their new girl, and his to work overtime as a favor to those who would help protect her. He waved to the sentries he knew were out there in the burgeoning night, not envying them for a moment. He received the all clear in response.

Heading to the kitchen, he grabbed himself a beer. Being a parent was thirsty work, and he wouldn't always have time like this.

He took a drink as the dark settled in. Took another when his daughter came in, loudly protesting some act by Ian, Jeanette's shoes sounding on the floor behind the pair. They went upstairs without seeing him, clearly happy despite the childlike arguing. After a few minutes, Jeanette came downstairs, nodded to him, and began cleaning.

He took another drink when he heard the key in the lock and sat back, easing a hand around one of the holdouts they had placed as a couple around the house.

"Evening." She said, taking in the scene. The darkness didn't matter to her.

"Evening." He replied, and took another drink, his hand well in sight.

"So it was today, was it?"

"Yep, you called it."

"How did it go?"

He pointed toward the tape. "Got the whole thing, except when she poured on the speed a few times."

She pushed the tape in and watched as the day unfolded. Some time after it stopped and they were in darkness again, she sighed.

"It was all worth it."

He nodded and finished the beer in one smooth motion.

To Be Continued