While waiting outside the Guildhall, I thought about the blend of amused, startled and embarrassed looks that had been present after we had finished our farewell kiss. Billie’s sigh as she pressed her cheek into my hand before returning to work was very cute as well.

“Thinking about Billie again? I knew you should kiss her again, Boss.” Friday’s voice that only I could hear sounded smug, even if I knew she wasn’t yet capable of such emotional subtleties.

Prodded from my musings, I returned to attempting to add the axe from Buckle into the straps for the package of hides that I would be carrying for the next 2 days. The snacks had fit into my backpack rather easily, but the axe didn’t want to stay in place while I walked. “I like Billie, and I find kissing her enjoyable, but why were you telling me to do it?” I subvocalized.

“Internal Awareness.” The smugness faded into an educated, or educating, tone. “Your most positive levels by the metrics that I can currently detect have been in Billie’s presence. While some questionable spikes occur with kissing or hugging, afterwards there is general marked improvement in blood pressure and respiration. Hopefully improved data gathering on my part will provide even more accurate metrics, once I have more medical texts available for Giant bloodlines.”

“So, it’s guesswork right now? You aren’t sure, but are basing your statements on incomplete data?” I teased, tweaking the straps to allow the axe to be on the other side of the hides, away from my head and shoulders.

“It should be the same, or at least close, Monday.”

“Even so. Why encourage me to do something that brings positive physiological reactions?” My curiosity on the subject hadn’t faded.

“The metrics being used relate to positive physical and mental engagement. A healthier body and mind make it more likely for yourself, and my program, to coordinate for a longer period of time. That is one aspect of my core programming.” The warm voice sounded like the information should be obvious.

“So, self preservation is a core directive?”

“Boss, until such a time as you have clearly stated your directives, or I have enough data to fully understand your objectives through sufficient observation, prolonging our existence is the only obvious way to work towards their eventual accomplishment.” A hint of exasperation? Even if emotional responses were not a part of the Tier 3 suite, Friday certainly contained a vast array of emotional seeming responses.

“Friday, have you grown… I mean updated or advanced last night? You seem more concerned, or aware I suppose…”

“I’m very aware, Monday, maybe as much perception as processing. All Tier 3 or higher AI System Interface instances will adapt and grow as their time with their partner extends. New information, instructions and observations will allow adaptation even if full inorganic sapience is not present.”

Nodding in understanding, I tried my new pack assembly. Everything seemed like it would stay in place, and felt reasonably comfortable for an extended walk. I took a short jog around the area to make certain everything seemed like it would hold for the trip, or at least the morning.

“Senpai! Sensei!” Glancing back I saw the Merits approaching from the direction of the Pillow and Pie. A short wave between the scruffies and myself brought a smirk to my mouth as they drew closer. “Got all your kissing done? We mean until we exit… the Ways that is.”

Narrowing my eyes a tiny bit it felt safer to just ask, rather than dwell on it. “Tok, Muto, are you envious of me kissing, being kissed, or trying to tease me?”

All of the Merits were dressed differently than I’d seen them before. Armor mostly mottled colors in browns, greens and greys. The notable armor platings strapped over comfortable looking clothing. Good sized backpacks and weapons were also present: the scruffies with short swords and daggers, Jazmine with a bow and saber and Roy holding a staff and having a pistol as a side arm. Each of them also had a helmet strapped to their packs.

Taking them and their equipment in, it was obvious when Muto and Tok turned to each other and then back to me with a hint of a smile. “Yes… Of course! Owwww!” They exclaimed as Jazmine smacked the sides of their heads from behind them, causing the boys to tilt their heads in towards each other.

“Behave you two.” She sounded more good natured than harsh. “Don’t worry, Monday. They do remain professional once the job starts.”

“Not boringly so, I hope.” I said with a smile.

“We’re never… boring Senpai… Sensei.” they interjected, with mirth bubbling in their eyes and voices.

As my eyes were beginning to roll in response to their antics, I spotted Jordan and Bluebird emerging from the Guildhall. Both were dressed as I’d seen them before, but the merchant pulled a cart of sorts. Poles extended from a two wheeled box, also in green brown and grey. The poles ended in curved sections that were padded and cupped Jordan’s shoulders.

To my uninformed eyes, the cart looked well balanced, resting on the merchant’s shoulders rather than pressing into them, or tugging up against the straps that seemed to be present for additional security.

“Any last minute business before we move to the Waypoint?” Bluebird glanced at Roy and the Merits but their eyes didn’t quite meet my own, glancing near my face, but gliding away smoothly.

Following my pattern from moments ago with Tok and Muto I just spoke up. “Problems Bluebird? I think I’ve been clearly up front.”

The sky blue eyes met mine. “Monday March, your genuine honesty and forthrightness is unusual and exhausting. I want you to reach Big Bay and the Grindstone safely with this entire group, however I’ll be happy to have you there rather than in my Guildhall, or God’s Bath.”

“Great. It may be a good idea for you to talk to that person before I send a letter back to my friends. I’m feeling bad that I was less than forthright about the situation before leaving. I’d hate for my friends to suffer like I do and be… under informed.” While I was feeling the odd nudge, almost none of it led directly to my response. The agitation wasn’t nearly to the level of the bath granny, but Bluebird had been evasive and self serving enough to keep me occasionally cranky when thinking about them.

Rather than being evasive, Bluebird’s eyes locked in as they sighed. “You’re a bit harsh when you feel you have the upper hand, aren’t you Monday March?”

“Calling me a bully, are you?” I said good naturedly.

The sharp intakes of breath and shocked looks informed me more than anything else that I’d said something considered extreme. The sharp whistle in my head also called out the mistake. Bluebird’s defensively raised hands, as if to ward off an attack, mostly evoked confusion from my part.

Friday’s voice cut through the silence from those around me. “Sorry Boss, no idea what you were going to say until you said it. Current definitions place calling someone a bully rate somewhere between murderer and rapist on the socially unacceptable rankings in Cecal. Maybe let them know your knowledge of the word might not mesh with theirs?”

With a sigh, I did pretty much just that. “Sorry, seems that word has a different, or stronger meaning than what it is in my head. My brain says it is bad, but not accusing me of murder bad.”

Tok let out a low whistle and Muto seemed too stunned to talk. “Murders bad, but a bully or consistant bullying can break brains. What you’ve said didn’t seem abusive or bullying, just maybe uncomfortable.”

With a head shake I addressed Bluebird rather than Tok. “I acted from perceived power or control, and my brain tells me that could be strong arming or bullying. Apparently the word is more charged or changed than I thought, like sissy, or Syssy. Sorry if it felt like that to you. Just don’t want a friend to have undue pain.” With a shake of my head I clarified. “Didn’t mean to imply anything, just saying I’d be straight with that person in my mail, you can do whatever you want. I don’t think you were accusing me of a crime or over manipulation or whatever the actual concern is. Roy? You think I can get a modern language primer at the Grindstone?”

A sudden smile appeared under Roy’s mustache. “Most certainly, Monday. So long as you can pay. One last thing before the gate, no rings on our team for travel, but permission for physical contact to administer medical attention or attempt to prevent harm is understood. Jordan, Monday, are you both okay with providing the same permissions?”

The merchant gave a sharp nod. “I agree to physical contact for medical attention or actions to ensure my safety.”

An attempt to get away with just nodding in agreement was made, and denied by Friday. “Sorry Boss, they know you can speak so verbal agreement or denial is needed. Up to you, but safer to agree now in case you are sleeping or unconscious when help is needed. General consent protocols.”

“Yeah, sorry Roy. I agree to physical contact in case of medical care or to prevent physical danger.” The words interrupted Roy just as he was probably going to ask me for them.

He nodded and smiled. “To the gate then.”

Subvocally addressing Friday, “General consent protocols?”

“Guessing it is standard protocol for escort missions, or general cooperative actions, as it is listed in common consent agreements.”

“Do I even want to know?” I replied as we were drawing towards the open yard Millie Goode had desired to play in with a dog and her peers. No children or dogs were active here now, but I could feel the breeze playing on my scalp as it flowed over the wall, as well as seeing it tickle Bluebird’s azure spikes.

“You saw how Crag reacted. While consent is mostly sought for personal or emergency situations, if plans are made ahead of time for a possibly dangerous situation, getting consent before it is required is wise.” Friday was full education mode, lacking sarcasm or teasing.

When the gate closed behind all of us, Bluebird held out 6 brass hollow tubes on cords long enough to loop over even a sizable skull. “Everyone take one, hold and touch them into my palm at the same time. Roy, are you good with explaining to Monday the Pass uses?” They asked as we accepted the brass tubes. Roy agreed with a nod.

The Merits and I positioned ourselves around Jordan and her cart, extending our hands holding the Passes out to touch the Guildmaster’s open palm. Once they were all in position Bluebird spoke. “6 for the Ways from God’s Bath to the Big Bay external Guild hub. Morning of April 3rd, 210 PC.” A green flash lit in their palm, hovering around the brass tubes before extending to encompass all of our hands. “May the Ways be safe and clear for you all.”