Chapter 14: Decisions

"Why can't we go?" Bingo asked, standing by the front door.

"Yeah! Why do we have to stay home?" Bluey added.

"Because this is Thomas' day. We're going to tour some different unis around the city to see which he might be interested in." Chilli replied.

"But you two still get to have fun with your Uncle Rad and Aunt Frisky." Bandit said, glancing at his phone, "As soon as they get here…"

"What is Rad like?" Thomas asked as his parents got everything ready for their excursion.

"In a word, a bogan. In three words, a nice enough bogan." Bandit chuckled.

Thomas knew bogan was slang for someone from the bush, so he wasn't exactly sure how that fit into Rad's personality-especially given that Bandit grew up in the suburbs. But he shrugged and was content to meet his uncle in a little bit. Rad normally worked on an oil rig, but because it was close to Christmas he had time off and he was back in Brisbane with his wife, Frisky. As Thomas thought he heard a screech and saw a black ute arrive, nearly skidding on the front lawn. It stopped and he heard the engine cut out.

"That'll be him." Bandit said without looking up.

A moment later the bell rung and Thomas opened the door. Standing in front of him was a tall blue and red heeler and a slightly shorter red heeler with her hair in a neat updo.

"Hi." Thomas said, not sure exactly how to introduce himself to his new relatives.

"You must be Jason!" Rad smiled as he picked him up and squeezed him in a hug. After a moment he set him down. "I'm your Uncle Rad."

"Wow!" Thomas coughed at the squeeze, "Everyone in your family's a hugger, aren't they?"

"It's a Heeler thing." Frisky confirmed. "I'm Frisky, pleased to meet you." She stuck out a hand. Thomas shook it before stepping aside to let them in.

"Aunt Frisky!"

"Uncle Rad!"

The girls charged forward and hugged their aunt and uncle a moment before swapping and hugging the other adult. They detached and stood in front of the couple, tails wagging happily.

"Well, sorry we can't catch much of you right now Jason, but hopefully we can talk when you get back from your tours." Rad said, ruffling Bluey's head.

"I'd like that." Thomas smiled.

"And off we go!" Chilli said, stepping out the door.

"Be good girls!" Bandit called as he stepped out.

"See you guys soon!" Thomas waved as he closed the door behind him, hopping down the stairs before getting in the Heeler family 4x4.

It was a short drive to the first university. Brisbane College of Engineering was a short drive from home, only about 30 minutes. It was a new campus with a large number of impressive glass and steel buildings. As they walked across the quad toward where they were meeting their campus tour guide Thomas looked around at the other students. Most of them looked about his age. He saw a large array of different dog breeds, most carrying backpacks or bags as they walked around. There were a handful of students cramming for finals in the open air, and some breathing a bit of fresh air in relief over finally finishing all their tests. After crossing under a large bell tower they met up with their guide, a yellow lab with a name tag reading "Clark".

"You must be Jason Heeler, and these are your parents?" Clark said, noticing the three approaching.

"That's right." Thomas replied.

"Welcome to Brisbane College of Engineering, or Bikke as we call it. Follow me and we'll get started touring some of the different departments on campus…"

Clark was friendly and chatty, and the classrooms and staff they talked to all left a good impression, but it didn't feel right for some reason. Thomas smiled and asked questions like he knew he should, but in the end he wasn't sold.

"So, what do you think?" Chilli asked, starting the car as they departed for the next school.

"I'm not sure. It seems nice, but I'm not sure it's for me."

"That's alright mate, we'll keep looking. I went to almost a dozen different unis before I decided on mine." Bandit said, looking in the backseat.

Their next stop was a university on the other side of Brisbane, a longer drive, but still not unmanageable for Thomas to commute daily. This campus was notably older, with large brick buildings and shade trees lining the quad instead of modern glass and sculptures like the previous school.

Chilli looked at a brochure as they walked, "According to the brochure they have over twenty different programs in technology and design, including some new ones in bioengineering and computer science starting this year."

"That sounds pretty cool." Thomas replied, it was interesting sounding-medical tech was always something he'd found impressive-but he wasn't sure if he'd want to do it as a job.

This time their tour guide was a female pitbull named Sandy.

"Hi! Nice to meet you! You must be the Heelers!" Her tail wagged as she smiled at the three. "I'm like, super psyched to show you three some of our different things here at Britek, or Brisbane Technological University if you wanna be formal about it…" She turned and led them toward a large brick building, talking about its history and some of the important technological breakthroughs that had happened on campus.

"And this is our 3D printer!" She paused at a large plate-glass window.

"Woah! Look at that!" Bandit marveled.

It was a massive printer that took up an entire room. At the moment it was buzzing as it flitted around laying down layers of filament.

"Right now we're using it to design different hulls for our student's annual boating competition. We have a race down the river to see who's designed the best hull." Sandy said, proudly gesturing to the device.

"That's impressive." Thomas admitted.

"How much does something like that cost?" Chilli asked.

"Well, they never released the official amount, but it's not cheap. It's the largest 3D printer in all of Australia!"

Thomas nodded, It is impressive, but I don't think I'm going to choose a college based on the size of its 3D printer…

The tour concluded and the Heelers again sat in the 4x4. Chilli turned around from the passenger seat.

"What's wrong Thomas? I can tell something's off."

Thomas sighed, "This one didn't feel right either. I'm not really sure why, but it just didn't seem right."

"That's okay sweetie, we can always look at other schools."

"In fact, we have one more to look at today!" Bandit said with a sly grin on his face.

"We do?" Chilli asked.

"I thought we were only visiting two schools?" Thomas confirmed.

"I set up an appointment somewhere else, don't worry, it's a legitimate university of higher education, and I think it might be something you're more keen on." Bandit smiled.

"You've always got something up your sleeve, haven't you?" Thomas chuckled.

"Well, mate, being around as long as I have you learn to be over-prepared for these things…"

The 4x4 parked in a small lot behind a large three story stone building. They were closer to home than the second school, but a bit farther than the first university. As soon as Thomas stepped out of the car he smelled something delicious.

"Mmm… If that's the cafeteria I might be leaning toward this one." He smiled twitching his nose. "I think they're making some sort of dessert, I can smell the fresh cream and blueberries…"

"You've got a better nose than me if you can tell all that." Chilli admitted, "But I agree, it does smell wonderful."

Bandit led the family around the side of the building where the name of the school was visible. "Brisbane Culinary Institute"

"Culinary school?" Thomas asked.

Bandit looked at his son, rubbing his paws together a moment in anxiety, "I know you're experienced with science and engineering, but you have a gift. I figured, at least take a look…"

Thomas smiled, he was glad that his father was encouraging his interests, but not forcing him. "Sure, it wouldn't hurt to look."

The three entered and met a husky named Rita by the front door. Bandit and Thomas barely contained chuckles.

"Sorry, my daughters sometimes use that name when we play games, it's a long story." Bandit stated.

"We promise it isn't at your expense, it's just funny, I've never actually met someone named Rita before." Thomas admitted.

"I don't mind." Rita smiled, "So, you're Jason, right?"

"Yeah."

"Your father spoke very highly of your skills when he made this appointment, if you are as good as he says, I have a feeling you could really do well here."

Thomas blushed and cleared his throat, "Um, thank you."

She led them up a flight of stairs and opened a door to a large kitchen. "This is one of our classrooms. We have practical classes in rooms like this, where you work on making food-learning techniques and practices to improve your craft. You'll learn how to use recipes and improvise to make your own creations." She paused, "We mainly focus on cooking, baking, and technique. There are additional classes that can hone specific styles of cuisine-we recently added a South and Central American option, which I was told you have some experience with."

"Yeah, my parents made a lot of traditional Mexican cuisine when I was growing up so I learned how to do that." Thomas replied.

Rita nodded, "Very good." She walked through a second door and into a more traditional classroom. "In rooms like this we have classes on the different types of cuisine, learning preparation and safety procedures, and how to use your skills effectively in the real world. You can either take classes on entrepreneurship or food service management. We've had a large number of students successfully open their own restaurants throughout the city, and there are just as many running restaurant kitchens for a number of elite eateries."

"That's impressive." Thomas said.

"We are very proud of that." She nodded. "And if you'll follow me you'll get a chance to see one of our classes in session." She walked down the hall and pushed open a door to a viewing gallery. "Now, we can't go down to the kitchen for sanitary reasons, but here you can see some of our higher level students preparing food."

Thomas watched enthralled as a half-dozen students moved around the kitchen, preparing sauces and soups, dishes and desserts… it was beautiful to watch, and intoxicating to smell. "It's amazing…"

Rita nodded. After a few minutes Thomas was pulled away by his parents and they continued on the tour. After speaking with a few students and a teacher Thomas could barely stop his tail wagging. Rita stopped in the lobby where they'd entered and turned back to the three.

"So, do you have any questions I haven't answered?"

"When does enrollment start?" Thomas asked.

"We enroll on a quarterly basis. You could make our quarter 2 for next year, as quarter 1's class lists are already made. That would be in early April."

He turned back to his parents, "Do you guys have any questions?"

Bandit and Chilli exchanged looks. Neither had any at the moment.

"Well, if you do have any questions, you can always contact our advisors here." She pointed to a number on a packet as she handed it to Thomas.

"Thanks. I think I will." Thomas said.

Five minutes later the three were sitting outside the school.

"I've made my choice." Thomas stated. "I want to go here."

Bandit smiled, "I thought you might."

"Well, you certainly are talented in the kitchen." Chilli nodded, "We'd be happy to see you do this."

Before they could continue a massive boom rippled through the air.

They all looked in the direction of the loud boom. Suddenly a car was heading their way at mid air, Thomas then touched his parents and teleported them to safety. "Mom, Dad are you okay?!" Thomas asked as they teleported away from the Chaos. "We're okay, we're okay are you okay?" Chilli asked, looking at her son. "I'm okay, I gotta go," Thomas said standing up. "N-no!" Chilli said, grabbing her son's arm with tears in her eyes. "Mom, I have to go," Thomas said cupping her muzzle. "No!" Chilli shouted. "Chilli he has too," Bandit said as he placed his hand on his wife's shoulders. "I'll be okay I promise," Thomas said, letting go of his mother. "Thomas! No!" Chilli shouted with worry as Thomas teleported back to the spot where the car was thrown. Thomas landed in the spot where he and his parents were with his hero suit on.

Thomas looked forward and saw Fenrir walking towards him. "Hey Asshole!" Thomas shouted, now walking towards the tall superhuman. Fenrir stared at him with helmet while holding his large laser edge sword. "You're really pissing me off!" Thomas said as he made two cosmic energy swords. Fenrir then threw something on the ground in between him and Thomas. Suddenly a hologram popped up the small device and a man who was older with a scared up faced. "Hello Thomas," Carson said from the hologram. "And who the hell are you?" Thomas asked as he titled his head. My name is Carson and I'd like to see the real you," Carson said as Fenrir shot a shock bullet at Thomas which forced him to change back into his human form. Thomas screamed in pain as it happened.

"Better," Carson said, now looking at Thomas's true form, which was human. "Now let's talk business," Carson said with a sinister smile. "What the hell do you want?" Thomas asked, looking at Carson. "You are a variant! Of a version our Thomas who had betrayed us in our universe with his Project New Era," Carson said as Fenrir added a shock wave making Thomas cry out in pain. "W-what does that have to do with me?" Thomas asked, feeling the pain. "Other variants failed to give their Project New Era to save our universe for Project Preserve," Carson said looking at Thomas. "Project Preserve? But that's a fail safe in case Project New Era falls into the wrong hands," Thomas explained "you! It fell into your hands! And you either give us Project New Era or Fenrir will take it from you and kill you!" Carson spat. "Then you gonna have to kill me tor it," Thomas said as he blasted the small device that was projecting Carson.

Thomas then transformed back into his Heeler form and jumped forward with his cosmic sword to Fenrir. Fenrir blocked him and slammed Thomas down. Thomas landed on his back as Fenrir grabbed his sword and was about to stab Thomas until he teleported from behind Fenrir and blasted him with his cosmic beam. Fenrir fell forward to the ground and Thomas blasted him again with his eyes. Fenrir was down trying to stand but Thomas kept going at him and then used his telekinesis to pick up Fenrir and throw him towards a building. Thomas was breathing hard hoping Fenrir was finally down for the count. Thomas stepped forward as Fenrir shot him in the shoulder. "Ah!" Thomas shouted as held his shoulder. Thomas then noticed Fenrir didn't shoot a bullet but a small harpoon at Thomas's shoulder. Thomas's eyes widen as the line to the harpoon started to revert back to Fenrir. Thomas screamed from the pain as he was being dragged back to Fenrir with the small harpoon still in his shoulder.

Thomas made a cosmic sword in his free hand and cut the line. Thomas then pulled out the harpoon as hard as he could. Thomas screamed loudly before trying to heal himself. Fenrir started walking towards Thomas with all the collage dogs running for their lives. Thomas finally healed himself but was in deed weak from fighting. Thomas looked up at Fenrir who was looking down at him. Fenrir grabbed Thomas by the neck and held him up. Thomas choked while Fenrir held him up in the air. Then suddenly a group of first years were trapped in a building that was on fire from the fight. Fenrir then dropped Thomas and went to help the kids that were in danger. Thomas gasped for air as he fell to the ground and watched as Fenrir saved the kids in the burning building. Fenrir gathered all the kids and took them out of the building and then put out the fire. Fenrir turned to look at Thomas and then left.

Thomas stood up weakly and teleported himself to his parents' car. Chilli was crying hard while she and Bandit sat in their jeep. "It'll be okay babe Thomas is a strong kid," Bandit said while holding his wife. "What if this time is his last," Chilli said, looking at husband with tears. "No, we can't think like that he will make it out," Bandit said, making Chilli look at him. Chilli nodded trying to think positively. Suddenly Thomas teleported in the back seat of the jeep. Chilli gasped and looked at her son before getting in the back with him. Bandit then started the jeep and took off. "Honey your shoulder," Chilli said looking at her son's shoulder which was bleeding from the harpoon. "It's okay mom," Thomas said as he started to heal it with his healing power. "See good as new," Thomas said with a chuckle. Chilli light rubbed her son's cheek. "Unfortunately I think culinary school will be out for a bit," Thomas said looking back at the school as fire trucks started to make their way to college. "That was a good school too," Bandit said with a sigh.

Thomas sat back in his seat while Bandit drove the jeep now thinking about Fenrir and Carson. Project Preserve was a fail safe project that would save the world if Project New Era fell into the wrong hands… since Thomas was a variant and other versions of him failed to give up their Project New Era, what was stopping Fenrir and Carson from going after the infinite numbers of other variants like Thomas to get what they wanted. "I have to be the one to stop them," Thomas thought as they continued driving.

Later that evening after everyone was settled down Thomas locked himself in his room and started to work on a new gadget to help him along the way. Thomas had Bandit take him to an electronics store and bought a new drone. Thomas then took the pieces apart and reprogrammed it. "Alright little T-Bot let's see what you got," Thomas said, almost electrocuting himself. The small drone then came to life and looked at Thomas. "Okay, scan," Thomas said as the drone scanned him. "Thomas "Titian" Gomez aka, Thomas Heeler, age 19, vital signs normal, DNA tests show altered mutation," The Drone said with a blink. "Great," Thomas said with a smile. Thomas then linked up his drone with his start watch which gave him full control of him. Thomas then tweaked the settings giving his drone a full A.I personally. "Hello Thomas, how may I be at service?" The drone politely. "Yes!" Thomas shouted. "Tony stark has Jarvis and I have… umm… what would you like to be called little guy?" Thomas asked, looking at his drone, which then started to fly in the air. "I don't not know I was only born just seconds ago," the drone said looking at Thomas. "True… I got it! How about Wilbur?" Thomas asked with a smile. "Wilbur? Hmm I like it!" Wilbur said excitedly.

"Mate, are you talking to someone?" Bandit asked while coming into the room. Wilbur then flew over to Bandit and scanned him. "Bandit, Rodney Heeler, Age 40, DNA normal, species canine, dog breed Blue Heeler, vital signs normal " Wilbur said as he finished scanning. "Biscuits mate! Did you make him?!" Bandit asked with a smile while wagging his tail. "Dad meet Wilbur, Wilbur this is my dad," Thomas said with a smile. Wilbur then flew out of the room and went to scan more things. Bandit chuckled "where's he going mate?" Bandit asked as he started to follow the little drone. "He's learning. I designed him to Learn everything and bring back the most important data," Thomas explained as they followed Wilbur. Bingo was playing with her toys just as Wilbur flew up to her.

"Huh?" Bingo said, looking at Wilbur before she screamed. "Bingo Grace Heeler, age 5 vital signs normal, species: canine, Dog Breed Red Heeler with 30 percent Blue Heeler, allergy to gluten foods, descendent of Bandit Rodney Heeler and Chilli Harper Heeler," Wilber said before moving on. "Wow!" Bandit said wagging his tail faster. "He's not going to eat me?" Bingo asked, looking At Wilbur. "No Bingo Wilbur doesn't eat, he just studies and is here at your aid," Thomas asked, explaining "oh!" Bingo said, now wagging her tail. Wilbur then went to the kitchen. "He's going to see Mum and Bluey!" Bingo said as she followed the small drone. Thomas and Bandit also followed.

Chilli was putting dinner in the oven while Bluey was doing some homework at the counter. Chilli closes the oven and then turns around just as Wilbur scanned her. "W-whoa!" Chilli said not knowing what to say at the drone. "Chilli Harper Heeler, age 40, vital signs normal, DNA normal, species: canine, dog breed Red Heeler, dislikes messy houses and likes kissing Bandit Rodney Heeler," Wilbur said. "Well I-I," Chilli said speechless while blushing. "Cool!" Bluey said wagging her tail Wilbur then came over to Bluey and scanned her. "Bluey Christine Heeler, age 7, vital signs normal, DNA Normal, species: canine, dog breed Blue Heeler with 30 percent Red Heeler likes cheese and jam and dislikes being bored," Wilbur said before hovering back over to Thomas "Heeler family household is 100 percent scanned and accounted for is there anything else I can be at service Thomas?" Wilbur asked politely. "what else can he do mate?" Bandit asked.

Thomas and Wilbur looked at each other before looking back at Bandit. "Umm oh! He can fist bump," Thomas said as he made a fist and did a bump with the drone. "Can he play with us?" Bingo asked, wagging her tail "what is play?" Wilbur asked looking at Bingo. The girls gasped "you don't know how to play?" Bluey asked. "I was only born precisely 20 minutes and seventeen seconds ago, I do not know the meaning of playing but I am a learning drone and would like to learn what this so-called play is," Wilbur said with a digital smile. Wilbur then hovered over to the oven and scanned it.

"Homemade Lasagna, recipe by Christine May Heeler with a few substitutes, cook to a high temperature of a 370 degrees Fahrenheit to a crisp golden color, check the home cooked meal ten minutes before exiting the conventional oven to a make sure the home cooked meal is fully cooked before serving to the healing household containing five members of the family," Wilbur said before hovering back to the family. "Wow he got all that just by one scan?" Chilli asked. "Yep! He sure did," Thomas said proudly. "Hey! You said you make it just like Nana!" Bluey said, looking at her mother. "I-well-she it tastes like Nana's doesn't it!" Chilli said, looking at her daughter. "Well yeah it does," Bluey said just as Wilbur hovered over Bluey.

"There is only a five percent taste difference between Christine May Heelers and Chilli Harper Heelers homemade lasagna," Wilbur added. "Not helping Wilbur," Chilli said. "My dearest apologies Mrs Chilli Harper Heeler," Wilbur said looking at Chilli. "Just call me Chilli mate, you don't have to be so formal," Chilli said with a chuckle. "Alright then Chilli," Wilbur said with a smile. The girls started laughing and enjoying Wilbur. "Come on Wilbur, let's show you our room," Bluey said as she and Bingo took off to their room. "I think you lost your toy mate," Bandit said with a chuckle. "He's not a toy he's…" Thomas while watching Wilbur follow his sisters. "He's a friend," Thomas said with a warm smile. Bandit and Chilli placed their hand on Thomas's shoulder and smiled as they watched their daughters play with Wilbur and taught him things.

Outside the southern lights started to flicker as storm clouds formed around the lights lightning and thunder roared with high winds picking up and then suddenly the southern lights spits something out from its portal entrance making it land right into the Heelers backyard. It was a book that landed in the backyard and it was golden with a strange cosmic turquoise hue around it. The title of the book was "Pinocchio"

Kodiwolf321: Alright guys! Tell us what do you think! And what do you think about Wilbur? A nice friendly drone? He is indeed! He'll stick around for a while. I really like him and then ending? We may or may not be universe hopping soon and other variants in versions of Thomas and the Heelers soon? Maybe or maybe not only time will tell wink wink lol

The-Suburban-Guy: Well, Thomas got a chance to learn a bit about himself and one of his enemies. Could this mark the beginning of a change for our hero? Keep reading to find out!