Downtime and Death (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 5)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Thank you,” Susan said. “I fully expected Alvin to shoot Eric and Joshua the other day.”

  “I would have anywhere else,” Alvin admitted. “I didn’t want to burn the bridge here, though.”

  Bill laughed, “That’s more like you.”

  “Please hold to that until you leave,” Susan said. “I’ll appreciate it.”

  “Would anyone like dessert?” Jarvis asked from the door. “I also have coffee ready.”

  “Might as well enjoy it while we can,” James laughed. “I wonder if we can get our cooks up to your level faster? It’s going to be a letdown going back to the food we have now.”

  “They just need to push themselves,” Jarvis said. “I’d also suggest someone apprenticing to them. That will help.”

  “We do have two kids in the bunker kitchen already,” Susan said.

  “Can Joanna apprentice to Tadashi?” Justin asked. “He stays at the inn and she enjoys it there.”

  “We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” Susan said. “Let’s have dessert and then give our hosts some peace and quiet.”

  “Oh, no worries,” Becky grinned. “We’re never quiet.”

  “And rarely peaceful,” Alvin laughed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Alvin woke from a very pleasant dream to find that the dream was real. Kuro and Becky were sharing his flesh like a lollipop, taking turns working their way up and down his shaft. “Good morning to you both, too,” he moaned, looking down at the two of them.

  “Morning, Hero,” Becky winked at him. “We both felt like we didn’t get enough last night. Besides, I knew you wouldn’t mind.”

  “Morning, Hero,” Kuro said, then took him into her mouth and slid most of the way down his shaft.

  “Fucking hell,” Alvin moaned, his head falling back into the pillows.

  “Oh, just wait... it gets better,” Becky whispered before her tongue lapped at his balls.

  Between the two of them, Alvin only lasted a few minutes before giving them what they wanted. Trying to get his breathing back under control afterward, he watched them sharing his seed. The play ended when Becky pushed Kuro down and took her mouthful, leaving the Elf with a small portion instead of what she had a moment ago.

  “So twice each wasn’t enough?” Alvin asked when he felt he could form a coherent sentence again.

  “Not even close, but we understand, and we’re glad you don’t mind when we have our own fun together.”

  “Come on, let’s go clean up in our shower,” Alvin said and sat up. “David wants to use the training room, and we have dinner with Megumin later.”

  “Why don’t you call her Megs?” Becky asked when she got out of bed, a set of her comfortable clothes appearing on her.

  “I don’t feel any connection to her like you do,” Alvin said. “If I didn’t like her, I’d probably have called her Gum, honestly.”

  Becky snorted, “Okay.”

  “She likes being called ‘Megs’ by Gothy,” Kuro added, her sheer white outfit covering her suddenly. “She’s also been nice enough to call us by the names we prefer, as well.”

  “Fair enough,” Alvin said. Running shorts and a t-shirt covered his formerly naked body as he put an arm around each of their waists. “Okay, let’s turn my dirty girls into cleaner girls... though, I know by tonight that you’ll both be back to being dirty again.”

  Becky laughed, “I can’t help it, and I don’t want to, either.”

  “None of us want you to change,” Alvin said as they entered the base.

  “Good morning,” Jarvis said, plating food for them already. “Would you like breakfast first?”

  “Well, since it’s done,” Alvin said. “What did you make today?”

  “Banana cream French toast,” Jarvis said.

  Jarvis brought the plates to the table. There was not any syrup; it had been replaced by a banana cream whipped topping. They all quickly demolished their breakfast.

  “Damn, Jarvis, never thought of that combination before, but it was amazing,” Alvin said as he drained the last of his coffee. “I like the hint of banana cream in it, but the topping was better than any pie I’ve had.”

  “I’m not a big fan of banana cream—” Becky began, but was interrupted by Alvin’s laughter. “Not that type, Hero.”

  “Sorry,” Alvin said, wiping at his eyes. “Considering my wake-up call, it was just so fitting.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it, even though it wasn’t a favorite of yours, miss,” Jarvis said.

  “It was very good. If I had had that before any of the other banana cream I’ve tried, I would probably like it more,” Becky said, rolling her eyes when Alvin laughed again.

  “I thought it was delicious as well, Jarvis,” Kuro added. “I’ve never had that cream before, so it was especially wonderful for me.

  “Come on ladies, let’s go get scrubbed,” Alvin said “Is there anything you need, Jarvis?”

  “No, sir, everything has been fine. I’ve been getting XP of my own from selling meals. If I need anything for the base itself, I’ll let you know.”

  “Sounds good,” Alvin said as he turned to follow Becky and Kuro. “If David shows up before we’re out, just let him use the training room. James should have handed him a key when they left last night.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  ~*~*~

  Some time later, Alvin exited the bedroom and saw David talking to Jarvis. “What’s up, bro?”

  “Hey, Al. I just got here and was asking Jarvis about what he can and can’t do. Hope that’s okay?”

  “You’re fine,” Becky said as she came out behind Alvin. “You’re going to be testing more explosives?”

  “Yeah, your base just makes that really easy. It eliminates all worry of accidentally killing myself.”

  “Hero, have they fixed the base door thing? Could we just use the vehicle entrance?”

  Alvin paused as he thought about it. “Don’t think they have.”

  “Maybe we can just leave the door here, then?” Becky asked.

  “Allowing David to use the training room when we leave,” Alvin chuckled. “I think that’s about to get fixed. Honestly, it should have been fixed before now. That’s just as bad as the previous portal issues.”

  “Wait, you can let me have access even if you’re not in Green River?”

  “Don’t get your hopes up,” Becky sighed. “Hero is right; it’ll likely be fixed by the end of the day.”

  “Damn,” David sighed. “Guess I’ll just have to wait for Susan to get us a similar set up. I’m going to do as much as I can testing-wise today, then.”

  “Have fun,” Alvin said. “Remember to set it to stop the scenario if you die.”

  “I remember,” David said and headed for the kiosk room.

  “Plans for today?” Alvin asked Becky.

  “No plans. Maybe find Megs and hang out since you’re planning on us leaving tomorrow, right?”

  “Yeah, I think it’s best if we head back out. Maybe we can find something to deal with that fish-demon while we’re out.”

  “I’ll find out what time dinner is and let you know,” Becky said as she and Kuro walked over to the door. “See you tonight, Hero.”

  “Have fun, but not too much,” Alvin said.

  “I know,” Becky replied. “She’s safe from me unless she specifically asks.”

  “Nut,” Alvin chuckled as Becky and Kuro left the base.

  “Which way are you thinking of going when you leave, sir?”

  “Through southern Colorado, and maybe dropping into Texas. Just need to miss most of the cities. I’m thinking Texas probably did better surviving the first week of the apocalypse. No idea what it might look like now, though.”

  “Going to take the ranger trails through the mountains instead of using the main roads?” Jarvis asked.

  “That was my thought.”

  “I shall prepare food to help with Hardiness,” Jarvis said. “Those trails are likely rife with mutated crea
tures.”

  “Better than gun-toting zombies, at least,” Alvin replied. “Maybe we can find out where the damned Draconian Gate opened up to.”

  “That Gate would be a dangerous one to visit, sir.”

  “I’m sure it is, and I don’t want to visit it so much as I just want to know where it’s at. Information.”

  “Understood, sir. However, the only way to know for certain would be to travel through it.”

  “That’s a good point,” Alvin agreed. “I doubt we’ll just stumble across it, anyway.”

  “Knowing you, it’s possible,” a female voice said from behind Alvin.

  “Hello, Sammi,” Alvin said with a grin. “Thought you might drop by.”

  “With your blatant talk about finding a way to take advantage of the base portals, it was the best avenue,” Sammi huffed. “We’re going to be hot fixing that in a few hours just to stop you from—”

  “Err… should I come back?” David said from the kiosk room doorway.

  Sammi startled, then glared at David. “Yes!”

  “Sorry,” David said, retreating.

  Alvin stifled most of his laughter, “There’s the aggressive, domineering Sammi we know and love. I mean, maybe he was going to say you were cute and prove Gothy right.”

  Sammi spun back to him and stared at him with annoyance. “I’m trying to be nice, dammit. We can’t have the NPCs interacting with me or the other devs! It—” She cut off abruptly and seemed to shrink. “I didn’t mean to snap at him.”

  “Things tough at work, are they?” Jarvis asked, handing her a glass.

  “We’re doing our best, but the original code is shit, and…” Sammi trailed off, downing the drink without looking at it. A moment later, she was coughing and wheezing, her legs going wobbly and the glass falling from her hand.

  Alvin caught her, “What the hell was in that glass, Jarvis?”

  “Just some whiskey, sir. I thought she might want a bit to help unwind.”

  “I’m not a drinker,” Sammi managed, her face flushed. “Can’t hold it. I get... odd, and then do things I shouldn’t,” she slurred as she leaned into Alvin. “Not good. My real body is already producing chemicals to help match the game.”

  “You should go, then,” Alvin said, holding her up. “We weren’t going to abuse the portal issue. You’d asked that we tell you, and that’s what we did.”

  “Oh…” Sammi murmured. “Thank you, then, Al.” She let out a small hiccup as she nestled her head against his chest. “I knew you could be nice. Becky and you are really tempering each other in some ways. It’s interesting to watch.”

  “Was she right? Are you our personal stalker?” Alvin asked, taking advantage of Sammi’s current state.

  “No… I’m just keeping an eye on our most troublesome player,” Sammi said, but her cheeks heated more and her hands tightened on his shirt. “Just doing my job… that’s all.”

  “You don’t like a stupid baka like me or anything, right?”

  “Right. Yes, I’m not—” Sammi replied before she suddenly vanished from his arms.

  “Guess someone pulled her out,” Alvin said. “Wonder if she’ll be mad at us later.”

  “She will hate both of us for at least today and tomorrow is my guess, sir. I do hope she doesn’t end up in too much trouble. Sammi has been the best of the devs I’ve spoken with.”

  “Ah well, can’t change it now,” Alvin said. “Don’t give her any more whiskey next time, please.”

  “I will make sure not to do so in the future, sir. An apology is likely in order for me. If you’ll excuse me, sir, I shall go and write one now.”

  “Have at it,” Alvin said. “Feel free to add a note in there from me, as well.”

  “I shall make sure to mention it,” Jarvis said, heading for his bedroom.

  “I’ll go check on David, I guess,” Alvin sighed.

  Stepping inside the training room, Alvin was surprised to see he was in a simulated alchemy lab, or something similar to it. “David? What did you need?”

  “Oh, um... it’s not important,” David said. “I didn’t know you had another guest.”

  “She’s gone. Now, what’s up?”

  “I figured it out,” David said. “I wanted a way to get exact details about the strength of the new explosives. I found out how to make it happen. Umm… who was that? I mean, I didn’t recognize her.”

  “Sammi. Let’s just say she’s an important person and leave it at that. She’s not having a good day, and I made it worse for her.”

  “Oh, sorry. I could tell she was mad.”

  “Find her cute, did you?” Alvin asked, tongue-in-cheek.

  “I’m engaged to Bridget,” David said quickly.

  “Nothing wrong with liking multiple women,” Alvin chuckled. “Besides, Sammi is not going to end up with anyone here. I was just curious if you thought she was cute.”

  “Reminded me of a few of the girls I tried to date before the apocalypse,” David said.

  “Got it,” Alvin said. “Well, if you don’t need me, I guess I’ll go see what kind of trouble I can get into. Make sure I leave with a bang.”

  “Susan would hate you for that,” David said, looking up from the chemicals he was working with.

  “Probably,” Alvin laughed. “Besides, I don’t have to cause trouble— it finds me all on its own.”

  “I’m sure you have never helped it at all,” David said sarcastically.

  “Not ever,” Alvin laughed. “Have fun. Don’t explode too much.”

  When he came into view of the taproom, Terry called out to Alvin, “Al, is it true you’re leaving tomorrow?”

  “That’s the plan, Gran. This was meant to be a stopover, a nice little vacation to recharge us for another major road trip.”

  “Good riddance,” Joshua said loudly from where he sat.

  Alvin’s eyes flicked to him, then went back to Terry. “Some of the people that are here are... let’s say idiots. You know my tolerance is low.”

  “Asshole, did you just call me an idiot?” Joshua shot to his feet.

  “See what I mean?” Alvin said, not even bothering to look at Joshua. “The only reason things are as calm as they are right now is because I’ve been asked repeatedly to be nice. Now things are straining my, admittedly, almost non-existent patience.”

  “Sit down,” Frank snapped at Joshua, coming up behind the hunter. “The rules apply here, as well. We don’t abide fighting amongst the patrons.”

  “You’re just covering for him,” Eric snorted. “Come on, Josh, let’s blow out of here.”

  “Isn’t blowing what you do when you two are alone?” Alvin asked with a straight face as the two men got to their feet.

  “Al, that’s enough,” Terry said firmly when the two hunters froze in mid-step. “I won’t tolerate you baiting them, either.”

  Alvin sighed, “Sorry, Gran. Sometimes my mouth just gets ahead of my brain.”

  Eric and Joshua stalked off, pushing past Frank on the way out. “Out of the way.”

  Alvin’s eyes narrowed, and he took a single step toward them before Terry grabbed his arm. “No, Al. If Frank was upset, he’d deal with it. If you go out there, Susan will have to kick you out of the settlement, because I know at least one of them will be killed.”

  “Fine,” Alvin said through gritted teeth. “I’ll let it go this time. If they get in my face again before we leave… no promises.”

  “They’re not worth it,” Frank said, coming over to them. “That whole team has become over-entitled assholes.”

  “Damned right they are,” another person said. “Always talking up how much they do to keep us all safe.”

  “Is it true you ran the kids through a special testing session?” someone asked.

  “Ask Susan,” Alvin replied. “Okay, I’ll let it go, Gran. I’m going to say goodbye to a few people then come back here to make sure I don’t do what you think I’ll do.”

  “Thank you, Al,” Terry said, patt
ing his cheek. “I know you’re a good boy.”

  Alvin rolled his eyes. “Really, Gran? Here, with twelve people watching?”

  “It’s true, but fine, I’ll stop,” Terry smiled. “I’ll make a special meal for—”

  “Already made dinner plans,” Alvin interrupted her gently. “Thank you for the offer, but we’re booked before we leave.”