Unlike human kids, Freddy and the others didn't need to sleep for six to eight hours. Even if they were COMPLETELY depleted of their energy, all they'd need is thirty minutes to be back up to snuff. So, as you can imagine, with all five munchkins fully rested and ready to go, it was proving difficult to get them to sit still for the impending conversation that everyone would take part in. And poor Mike was at the center of it all, currently swarmed by them in one of the booths, much to William and even Ballora's amusement.
"Hey! I want to sit in Mike's lap!" Chica demanded, directing that at Foxy.
"Ye snooze ye lose. I got here first." Foxy replied.
"You got to sleep on his chest! This isn't fair!" She protested.
"So? Bonnie got to ride on his shoulders." He countered before he tilted his head back to look up, "She's even doing it right now!" He pointed out.
"Why are you back up there, Bonnie?" Freddy asked; he was sitting next to Mike on his left.
"It makes me feel tall." She answered as she rested her head on top of Mike's.
"Technically, you're already the tallest if we count your years." Goldie chimed in, sitting next to Mike on his right.
"Guys! Who cares who's the tallest?! What we need to be focused on is Foxy being a jerk!" Chica insulted.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words won't get me to leave my seat." He responded with a smug toothy grin.
As this went on, William and Ballora, who were watching from close by, couldn't help but smile at how quickly the kids had grown attached to Mike.
"They're far more receptive than we thought." He whispered so the others wouldn't hear them.
"I'm most surprised by Bonnie. She's always been so timid, and yet she's completely relaxed." She whispered back.
"Indeed. At least ONE good thing has happened because of recent events. For it might've been for the best that mister Schmidt and the children were introduced to each other as quickly as they were." He said.
"On that note, I believe it's time we get everyone settled so we can discuss what the future will be. Assuming, of course, that mister Schmidt will want to continue working with us." She suggested.
Nodding his head in agreement, William and Ballora walked over to the booth to get things underway.
"Ahem. Children." He spoke, which instantly got all of the kids' attention, "We need to talk. So, if you would, please calm yourselves so that we can begin." He requested.
"Are we in trouble?" Chica asked, doing as she was told and letting Foxy have his seat in Mike's lap. Leaving her to sit with Goldie on his right side.
"Have you done something that'd make you think that?" He inquired.
"No, papa. I've been good." She replied before pointing to Foxy, "But Foxy bit Mike's shin." She tattled.
"CHICA!" Foxy shouted in anger.
"Foxy, why would you do that?" Ballora asked, surprised by such behavior.
"He was an intruder! I was just looking out for myself and the others!" He defensively answered.
"Mister Schmidt did mention Foxy ambushing him from atop of an arcade cabinet," William recalled.
"Yeah, only for him to get flung across the room," Goldie said, then immediately covered her mouth because she didn't intend to let that slip.
When William and Ballora heard that, they looked at Mike, who had closed his eyes after she finished the sentence because he'd hoped that this wouldn't come up in front of them.
"Okay...I know that sounds bad..." He opened with, wanting to acknowledge how that came across, "But I swear I didn't mean to fling him, nor did I intend to hurt him. I was attacked from behind by an anthropomorphic fox the size of a plush toy and was subsequently bitten on the leg. Would you have expected me to remain composed when I didn't even know Foxy and the others existed before that lovely encounter?" He explained, ending with a question.
"No, you're right, mister Schmidt. You were presented with a situation that you couldn't have known wasn't harmful within the moment. You reacted as any normal person would." Willaim assured.
"But you said you hurt Foxy, correct? How're you feeling, sweetie?" Ballora inquired as she looked at the tiny pirate.
"I'm fine! Really!" He quickly responded, worried that Mike was in trouble, "Mike made it better! It doesn't hurt anymore! So don't get mad at him!" He pleaded.
"Calm down. We're just getting the events of last night sorted out, son. No one's in trouble." William told him.
"Well, I wouldn't say that. Foxy did bite mister Schmidt AND jumped from the top of an arcade game. Both actions shouldn't be ignored because of the circumstances. For if mister Schmidt had been an intruder, it would've been MUCH worse." Ballora argued.
"Counterpoint, miss Ballora." Mike spoke up, wanting to defend Foxy, "If it hadn't been for the hacker, the kids would still be asleep. Although you make a valid point that he shouldn't behave so recklessly, especially with strangers. If things had gone the way you and mister Afton intended, the kids would've met me properly rather than how it was last night. I think the true person to blame is the hacker." He suggested.
"I agree with mister Schmidt's reasoning. All of this happened because of a yet-to-be-discovered third party who wanted to cause as much chaos as possible. I think we can be a little forgiving this time." William said.
"I...suppose so. But we will be keeping an eye on you for a while, Foxy. To make sure you've learned your lesson." She told him.
"Okay." Foxy replied before tilting his head back, "Thanks, Mike." He said.
"No prob, bob," Mike responded, making both of them smile.
"Alright. With that sorted, I believe we can move on. Unless anyone else happened to sink their teeth into our new night guard?" William playfully asked.
"No. We were good, papa. We promise." Freddy answered, the others' all nodding in agreement when he did.
"As expected of my perfect little angels." He praised, which made them all smile, "Now then. While we have much to discuss, I think it's only fair that mister Schmidt gets the first question." He said.
"Wait!" Bonnie exclaimed while raising her hand.
"Yes, Bonnie?" He responded.
"Why do you keep calling Mike that?" She asked.
"Hm? Oh, mister Schmidt. Well, sweetie, it's because that's his last name." He answered.
"You have another name?!" Chica questioned, all of their eyes now locking onto Mike.
"Uh...yeah? People typically have a first, middle, and last name." He replied.
"We know that! But why didn't you tell us yours?" Goldie asked.
"Gee, guys. Maybe I was a bit focused on the discovery that I not only wasn't alone, but that five ankle-biters were running around." He answered.
"Hey! We never bit your ankles! We just said so!" Freddy exclaimed.
"I don't know; I can see Foxy doing it," Goldie said.
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" Foxy shouted at her, immediately offended.
"AHEM." William cleared his throat again to regain control.
"Sorry, papa." The children simultaneously apologized since they knew they were disruptive, except for Bonnie, since she hadn't said anything.
"Thank you." He said before focusing back on Mike, "Mister Schmidt if you would." He requested, wanting to get things moving.
"Okay. Well, I think the most important question I have is this. What exactly are the kids?" Mike asked, "And, just in case you need me to be more specific. I'm well aware of how advanced the animatronics in your businesses are, mister Afton. But there is a VERY big difference between a sophistically programmed machine and a truly conscious being. And unless everything the kids have said and done has been scripted, then there's no way they're like the rest of your inventions." He told him for clarity.
"You're correct, mister Schmidt. The children are not like the bulk of my company's inventory. For starters, they are alive. They might not have been born or have flesh like you and me, but they aren't soulless," William began, "For the sake of transparency, I feel I should stress I never aspired to achieve what I have with them. As I shared with you last night, my original dream was to bring joy to people and give them that same wonder I had from my youth. But as the years went on, I continued to grow and expand my intellect, and eventually, I started to challenge myself to keep advancing my technology as much as I could. The results of that have led to the five wonderful creatures sitting with you." He explained.
"He means us!" Chica exclaimed with a grin, which made Mike chuckle.
"Yeah, I kinda figured that one." He replied before returning to the conversation, "So, from how it sounds. You sort of stumbled into creating ACTUAL artificial intelligence; you never intended to attempt that did you?" He inquired.
"Still sharp as a tack, mister Schmidt." William complimented before continuing, "Yes. The creation of sentience that you see in them was purely accidental. It happened when I was working on a new animatronic I wanted to create once my company took off, and I'd have the resources to do so. What I was trying to accomplish was a technology that could register both the faces and mannerisms of the patrons. This way, when installed into an animatronic, it'd be able to remember them whenever they came back. However, as I continued to do daily tests and work with them, they slowly learned things based on how often I repeated certain actions or mentioned certain things. Fascinated as anyone in my position would be, I encouraged this new behavior, and it eventually became the level of awareness and intelligence you see in the children." He explained.
"Holy crap, that's insane," Mike said with widened eyes of amazement.
"Mhm! Our papa's a genius!" Goldie praised her father, further proving to Mike that she was unquestionably a daddy's girl.
"You're both too kind," William responded, "Now, before we proceed, is there anything else you'd like to ask regarding the children, mister Schmidt?" He inquired.
"Yeah, just one question, for now." Mike replied, "So, I get that the kids are FAR more advanced than the animatronics who sing happy birthday and everything. But even if we ignore their sentience, what they are physically is throwing my brain for a loop. Like, can they eat? How did Foxy feel pain if he didn't have a nervous system? In short, how much more complex are they apart from their sentience?" He asked.
"I'm...afraid that is a VERY long-winded answer, mister Schmidt." Willian admitted, "However if you'd like, I could have some reading materials delivered to the address you provided us on your application. They'd be copies of my private notes and other such articles that will explain the children's physiology and inner-workings in full detail." He offered.
"Yeah, no, that'd be perfect. Thank you, mister Afton." Mike accepted with an appreciative smile.
"Believe me, mister Schmidt. This is the LEAST I can do in return for all the unfortunate hecticness you unknowingly walked into when you accepted this job." He assured him as he turned towards his assistant, "Ballora, if you would be so kind, I'd like to call the main office and get the delivery of those items underway. Could you handle the rest of this by yourself?" He requested.
"Of course, sir." She responded with a nod.
"Wonderful. Thank you." He said before he walked away.
"What else is there to talk about?" Freddy asked once his papa was out of sight.
"It's very simple, Freddy. We're going to discuss what mister Schmidt's shifts will be like from now on. Which, by extension, affects all of you." She answered.
"So that means he's going to stay, right!?" Chica asked with an excited expression, making Ballora smile.
"Yes, dear. As long as mister Schmidt wants to keep serving as the guard of this facility and your caretaker, he will." She answered.
"You do...right?" Bonnie nervously asked as she looked down at him, the others also turning or tilting their heads to look at Mike.
"I don't know, do you guys REALLY want ME of all people to be looking after you?..." He questioned, unable to resist messing with them a little.
"YES!" They shouted in agreement, even Bonnie, surprisingly.
"Whelp, I guess I have no other choice then." He decided, which made the kids VERY happy.
"That's good to hear, mister Schmidt," Ballora spoke up to get the focus back on her, "However, this does mean your tasks every night have grown by a considerable amount. Do you think you can handle additional responsibilities?" She asked.
"If I couldn't, would I have applied for a position that would've had me dealing with a LOT more kids in longer shifts?" He countered, which made her smirk.
"A fair point, mister Schmidt." She replied before proceeding, "At the start of every shift, you are to do your standard patrol and investigation of the premises to ensure they're safe before you attend to the children. Then, when the children are awake, you are to keep an eye and account of where they are at all times. The only time they will be awake is at night with you, unless mister Afton or I am here during the day for whatever reason. So, on top of monitoring and interacting with them, you must tend to any needs that should arise, such as hunger or the need to use the restroom. As for what you can feed the children, a full list of approved foods, snacks, candies, and other edibles will be provided tomorrow, along with the acceptable amounts per child for each item. Beverages will also be on that list, in case you were unsure. There will also be other lists given that cover the other important details. It is expected of you to read and abide by them fully." She told him.
"Ah, so that must be why there are so many working toilets in the restrooms. Good to know." He thought before he replied, "Understood, mam. I'll be sure to read them first thing when I arrive tomorrow." He promised.
"I'm glad to hear that, mister Schmidt." She said, "Additionally, it seems that the severity of my unfounded suspicions of you are greater than I believed. I'll keep that in mind when I determine how best I can make amends." She added.
"Mam, I already told you that you didn't do anything wrong. So please, don't worry about it." He stressed.
"I'm afraid I can't do that. When one makes such an error, one needs to take responsibility. On this, I will not budge, mister Schmidt." She asserted, making him sigh.
"Good to know..." He said, just before a yawn managed to sneak out of his lungs.
"Are you still sleepy, Mike?" Bonnie asked.
"Yeah, my little power nap's starting to wear off..." He answered, referring to when he fell asleep in their room.
"If that's the case, perhaps you should head home, mister Schmidt? The car waiting outside will take you there." Ballora suggested.
"Didn't you and mister Afton arrive in that car?" He inquired.
"We did. But we need to stay here and examine the children's beds to verify that they've been tampered with. By the time we're through and put the children to sleep for the day, the car will be on its way back." She explained.
"Oh, okay." He replied before he reached up to grab Bonnie, "Well, then I guess I should go. I'll see you guys later." He told them as he set her down in the booth.
"But ye are coming back, right?" Foxy asked, wanting to be sure.
"Hey, I said was. And I'm no liar, remember?" He answered.
"Ye better not be. I'll be mad if ye are." Foxy said, making Mike chuckle.
"Oh no, I definitely will come back then. I've seen what you're like when you're feisty." He responded as he moved the fox off of his lap, rustling the fur on his head as he did.
"HEY!" Foxy exclaimed while he swatted Mike's hand away.
With everything sorted, at least for now, Mike stood up from the booth and headed for the entrance of the building, leaving Ballora alone with the kids. When he walked through the door, he wasn't surprised to see mister Afton standing outside, presumably having finished his call by now since Mike didn't see a cellphone in either of his hands.
"Hey, sir." Mike greeted as he approached, earning his employer's attention.
"Oh, mister Schmidt." William responded while turning to face him, "I hope you're walking out still employed with us." He said.
"Did you think there was a chance I wouldn't? Even after everything that was said and happened?" Mike questioned, finding that statement a little odd.
"Well, you never can tell with people. One minute they're fine, the next they're not. Feelings, opinions, and decisions can change in the blink of an eye." He argued.
"Yeah, that's pretty accurate." Mike agreed as he put his hands in his pockets, "But you don't need to worry, sir. I'm still a security guard, and you're still my boss." He assured.
"That does help me breathe easier, mister Schmidt. Thank you." William replied.
"I feel like I should be saying that to you, sir." He confessed, "I mean, similar to what you said about how people can be fickle a lot of the time, they're also untrustworthy. After everything that's happened, I'm amazed you didn't assume I was somehow involved as miss Ballora did." He said.
"Heh, I knew from the moment we met and spoke with each other that my decision to hire you wasn't a mistake, mister Schmidt." William told him, "Although, the extensive background checks we do for all our new hires also helped to dispel any concerns." He added, causing his employee to laugh.
"I bet they did." Mike responded before another yawn left his mouth, "Ah, man. The exhaustion's really kicking in..." He muttered.
"Then we should get you on your way, mister Schmidt," William suggested, offering to walk him to the awaiting car.
"Sounds good." He accepted as they walked together, "Oh, that reminds me. I wanted to ask something in light of everything I heard in there." He admitted.
"Do tell." William invited.
"Is there anyone driving these cars of yours, or are they also secretly sentient, and at a moment's notice, they're going to attack me too?" He asked, now making it his boss's turn to laugh.
"Yes. They ARE without a driver. Fully capable of navigating the road and traffic without issue. But no, they are not sentient, and they will not attack you." William answered.
"Okay. Just wanted to be sure before my seatbelt strangled me." He told him as they reached the vehicle, "Also, one last thing, do you want me to come at the same time tonight? Or should I get here a bit early in case there's something else I need to know?" He inquired.
"The mountain of text that'll be sent to your residence should cover anything we didn't in there. But if it somehow doesn't, I'll be more than happy to stay with you at the start of your shift to answer any more questions." William promised, "But for now, go home and enjoy a long day of rest. You've earned it and then some, mister Schmidt." He instructed.
"I will. Thanks again, sir. For everything." Mike responded before he opened the door and got inside.
"The same to you." He said, bidding him farewell.
And so, as the sun rose into the morning sky, Mike closed the car door and was soon on his way, only one thought left in his head as it drove down the road. This job would be a LOT more interesting than a simple daycare position.