Chapter 7:
"So it sounds like it went well?" my father asked as he cut into his steak.
I nodded, swallowing my food. "The Protectorate and PRT weren't that helpful, at all. But, Dragon is willing to help me get myself started, so at least I have that."
"That is impressive." my mother said. "Dragon is a pretty big deal. So, are you part of The Guild, or...?"
I shook my head. "Nope, just an independent cape with Dragon's support." I said. "Having her backing me up should make me safer than if I was alone. No one's gonna want to mess with Dragon."
"So, how soon till you're all set up?" my father asked.
"She said it should be ready by next week. Which is pretty amazing, really. I mean, all of the things she needs to get to get me started, and the money that she'll need to put into it. But I'm really excited. I mean, all of the things I'll be able to do now."
My mother laughed. "Well, I hope you won't be too into it. I mean, school is going to start in a couple of months. I don't want you to forget about that."
"I won't." I said, sighing. "But still, I've got so many ideas, I can't wait to get started."
We finished up our dinners and then moved to the living room to watch TV. Or, my parents watched TV while I scribbled ideas in my notebook. A little while later, a knock sounded on our front door. My father went and answered the door, and returned a moment later with Emma and Sophia. We excused ourselves and headed to my room, where I filled them in on the days events.
"Woah, Dragon herself is helping you out?" Emma asked.
"That is impressive." Sophia said. "Kinda surprised the Piggott acted like that. Woulda figured she'd be all over recruiting a Tinker like you."
I shrugged. "Don't know what to say. She wasn't having it. I'm just glad Dragon was interested." I said. "
"Well, this is the best of both worlds, right? You get Dragon's resources, and none of the restrictions the PRT would put on you." Emma said.
Yeah, that was more or less my thought on it." I said. "Which works well. That means I should be able to keep working on you two as I come up with good ideas for you."
Sophia leaned forward in her chair. "Yeah? You got something in the works?"
"Plenty of things." I said. "I know you're stuck with the Wards, but that doesn't mean you can't get a little outside help right? And Emma, just cause you're not a cape, doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to defend yourself."
"So, what are you thinking?" Emma asked.
"General defenses for both of you. Some organ sheaths that would protect you from otherwise fatal injuries, mods that can make you immune to most poisons...I've even been toying with something that should eliminate drowning as a threat."
"Seriously?" Emma asked. "If you could do all of that...that's incredible."
I nodded. "I know. And then there's Sophia, in particular. With the equipment Dragon's getting me, I should be able to investigate your power more in depth. Once I do that, I'm sure I can come up with some specialized devices for you."
Sophia grinned. "Such as?"
I shook my head. "Uh uh, not making any promises." I said. "You'll just have to wait and see once I have more data."
Sophia groaned and leaned back. "Patience isn't one of my strong suits, Hebert."
"Well, you'll have to learn, Hess." I said. "It'll be worth it, I'm sure. Especially since Dragon has access to a lot of other Tinker's tech. She said she'd be able to get me access."
"Wow." Emma said. "It's almost enough to make me wish I was a cape so I could see what you could whip up for me."
"I'm sure I can get you something you'll be happy with." I told Emma. "And, when all is said and done, you'll be one of the most capable non-capes in the city."
I looked at my two friends. "We'll all be a force to be reckoned with."
