Eva thought the poor twins were going to pass out from shock. Neil was even swaying slightly in his chair.
"Just for us?" Nigel whispered.
"From Kendrick himself." Neil turned to his twin. "Pinch me, are we dreaming?"
Absently, Nigel pinched Neil who squeaked. "Nope, we're awake."
"Ryuu, make sure you get everything they need. I'm hoping they can create cool magical devices like my sonic screwdriver. I am adopting them as my baby Keelans!" Meryn announced.
Ryuu placed a hand over his heart. "As you wish, denka."
Nigel looked around confused. "What does that mean?"
Meryn waved her spoon at him. "It means I'll help look after you."
"But we've been assigned here; we're unit warriors," Neil said.
Meryn shrugged. "That's cool; Keelan's a unit warrior too."
"We tend to get in trouble..." Neil started.
"A lot," Nigel finished.
Meryn's answering smile was downright scary. "Then you're in perfect company."
Sebastian was still humming happily when he walked back in the room. He set a plate of breakfast in front of her.
Eva eyed the excited twins then Meryn, who she could tell was already up to something. She looked up and Ryuu winked at her.
Oh well, life was gettin' too borin' anyway.
"Sebastian, could I have another cup of coffee? I think I'll need it." Eva held up her cup.
Ryuu nodded his approval.
Sebastian poured her second cup. "I love having young ones about."
Eva grinned. "I guess it's not too bad."
*****
"Meryn, where do I put this?" Nigel asked, holding up a box.
"Can you unpack it? It should be the routers. I'll need them over here." Meryn was uncoiling cable after cable.
Nigel and Neil worked together seamlessly to unpack the routers. When they were done, they carried them over to the large workstation that Magnus had provided. One by one, they handed them to Meryn, and she began to hook them up.
When they were done, they all stood back.
"It looks like a summoning circle for computers," Nigel said.
"Hopefully, it will summon my damn Wi-Fi and cell service into this city." Meryn checked her phone. "Where is Etain?"
"I am here, my lady." Etain smiled as he walked in. "There was a bit of trouble on one of the levels, but when I explained that what I was doing would give them wireless internet, they were more than willing to help."
"A city of assholes, I swear," Meryn muttered.
Etain walked around the room and placed portal after portal, dozens of them, where the wall met the ceiling. Wiping the sweat of his forehead, he sat down in one of the chairs. "That should do it. I made the trip out to the cell towers first thing this morning. Work your magic."
Meryn was already moving. She checked the internet signal on each of the routers. She pulled out her phone and let out a loud whoop. She held up her phone. "Look, I have service!" She ran over to a large box and started to drag it across the floor. In seconds Nigel, Neil, and Etain were at her side. Etain lifted the box and carried it to the table. "What's this?"
"A present from the Alpha Unit." Meryn grinned.
Etain reached in and pulled out a small handheld. "Are these like phones?"
Meryn nodded. "They're walkie-talkies. I used them with the units back home. Once you establish what channels are for what type of communication, these babies will allow you to position the guys as needed. For example, channel one back home is for Aiden and the council members to make big decisions. Channel two is for the unit leaders to receive orders or relay their location. Channel three is for everyone to receive orders. These actually carry a tiny portal on the back of the battery panel so that you have reception no matter where you are. Cool, huh?"
Etain shook his head, grinning. "If I wasn't sure my commander would gut me, I'd kiss you for these." He handed Nigel and Neil their handhelds.
Meryn pulled out six and set them aside. "These are for me, Aiden, Magnus, Tarak, Kuruk, and Eva. When we leave, y'all will have two extra you can use as needed." Meryn tossed one to Eva.
Eva shrugged and clipped it on to her belt. "I'm feelin' very official over here."
Meryn clipped hers on her laptop bag. "Now, I just need to come up with code names for everyone."
Etain turned. "Code names?"
"Yup. The guys use them at home."
Etain picked up the box that contained the handhelds for the other unit warriors. "I'll get these passed out. Thank you, my lady; you've done this city a great service today."
Meryn tapped away on her laptop. "Now I can check my Sim city and FarmVille."
Etain looked startled and turned to Eva. "Did she just restructure the entire city's technology so she could play internet games?"
Eva gave a lazy shrug. Knowing Meryn, it was probably half true. "I can check on my cats, so I'm grateful."
Meryn's head popped up. "You have the cat collection game? Is it any fun?"
"I like it, but then again, I like cats." Eva grinned.
"Oh, yeah." Meryn went back to her laptop.
"Thanks again, Meryn." Etain waved and headed out the door.
"Late-tah," Meryn said without looking up.
Eva leaned against the wall. Maybe keeping an eye on Meryn would be easier than she thought.