Dobin explained to the leadership this was why they wanted to sleep out. They could get more experience if they didn't need to walk so far or drive so far. They got to the insect grounds and Dobin woke Lana up. She looked around and smiled at everyone. "The focus for this afternoon is to work on speed and precision. I'm going to send Caser out first to stir the pot then let you all go in and clear it. I want to put the big kitchen in the middle of this field. It's one more thing to demonstrate our safety to the leaders then we can do what we need to do. Then…" she took a deep breath, "I will need to break it to Quinn what we are doing."
Dobin replied, "Do you really need to?"
"Dobin, you know better. Of course I do. Are we ready to go kill some bugs?"
Everyone smiled and nodded, even Caser. "Just eat one Caser!"
They opened the door and Caser was off looked extremely excited. Within moments he had 8 bugs in the air and the team ran in to engage the new targets. Lana grabbed the bag that had the luxury kitchen in it and took out the cube then zipped it back up, slung it over her shoulder then walked out carrying the cube as if she didn't have a care in the world.
The insects were dead before she even got to the clearing. She was hoping to get the leadership to leave as soon as they saw what the shelter looked like. She had an idea of how to be more effective in these grounds but couldn't do it in front of the extra eyes. The shelter was up not long after. The team continued to kill the bugs as they appeared. Some chose to stand still and wait for the bug to speed up and attack as a test of speed like she asked. It reminded her of a wild-west standoff where the duelists drew their guns at the same time to see who was fastest and most accurate.
The leadership watched all this from the vehicle and didn't know what to think. Blip was the first to heed Lana's wave for them to check out this strange shelter she called a kitchen. Nate came followed by Sam, who wore a rather large smile. As Nate approached the kitchen, a bug flew toward him. He went to punch the annoyance when a vine knocked it from the sky followed by it being eaten by Caser.
"Welcome to our humble abode," Lana stated as she invited the leaders in. She then walked them around showing they had food, beds, a bathroom, the works.
"I noticed there are seven people but only five beds." Blip stated.
Lana nodded, "I sleep on the couch unless I have the lab up. I didn't bring that with us today because I'll get distracted. There are three beds in there but then I'll want to do research. I need to focus on rank right now. Shalt will sleep on my bedroll on the floor near me."
Nate asked, "What's the beast rating on this?"
"Um, it got upgraded so I'm not sure right now. It was intermediate, though."
"How much does this cost?" Sam asked.
Lana shrugged, "No clue. I tested the prototypes and got to keep them. It is for sale, though. Just not this specific one."
Sam looked at her, "I'm confused. How did you get your hands on such a thing?"
Lana chuckled, "A classmate is an inventor from an … influential family. He helped me with my food science and I helped him with these kitchens. The first kitchen was inspired by me and I encouraged him to sell it. He then invented two other models that were upgrades."
"Now I'm really confused. We have all seen you fight. If you are conducting science, when have you had time to practice?"
Lana laughed, "you say that as though I gave myself a lot of time for socializing. We are a team because we have worked together literally all year. We did our classes, sure but we also sparred together, taught each other what we learned, and supported each other. They put us with strangers sure, but we got lucky and mixed well."
She looked to Blip, "now, can we spend the night out here?"
Blip contemplated it. "Yes, as long as you come back for tomorrow night. One night out, one night in. I want to know when you plan to be out all night and where. If anything happens, you contact the base."
Nate added, "I'm staying out here with you on the floor as well. If I'm impressed enough, I will back Blip when we discuss this with Linda. She is going to flip when she finds out. I don't think we can convince her you are strong."
Lana shuddered, "Just keep your dog on the leash. I hate fighting humans. It's hard for me to spar with them because I can be deadly without even meaning to."
Sam looked concerned, "What do you mean?"
"Simple. I went to use my whip once to bring someone closer to me. I wanted to reason with him. I put too much into my vine and removed his head from his body. Since then, I don't even want to spar. I'd rather fight things such as beasts."
Sam nodded with understanding. "Nate, they don't need us out here. She has this. We need to trust her."
"I'd like to but they have been on planet, what, three days? Four days? Yes, tonight will be their fourth night. I'd feel safer for them if they knew the area better before staying out."
Lana sighed. "If we're staying out there are some protections I need to put in place. If you'll excuse me."
She walked out and put in a monster venus fly trap around her kitchen every three feet. She got attacked three times but it wasn't a big deal.
Shalt rested inside as needed. By the time the sun went down and Lana had harvested food for the evening and the next day. They had gotten another 35 crystals. Dobin got the rest of the bags from the vehicle. It was going back because Blip didn't want to risk wandering beasts attacking it.
Before Blip and Sam went back to the shelter, Lana asked Sam to find Dilly, Rene, Dante and Tobias. He promised to do the best he could.
Lana and Nate stood in the doorway and watched the others leave. She sighed then entered, closing the door after Nate entered. Kattie and Almin started cooking after washing up. Alto kept the tank full. They took turns in the shower. The Logan Green washing machine didn't hold much but if you put your clothes in while you showered, they were done five minutes later.
Lana allowed them to do their thing while she went to sit on the couch and eat a piece of cake… or two. Nate sat next to her and watched her for a moment. "I really am surprised how strong you and your team are."
She sighed, "We've busted our asses to get where we are."
"I really do want you to understand you are not being punished. Freddy just died and he was experienced. We can't have your death on our hands. To be frank, you arrived with Quinn which means you are important to him. I cannot risk hurting my friend through my own negligence."
Lana looked up sharply, "Did I say anything? Did I question you?"
"No, but even I can tell you are unhappy with the situation."
"Wouldn't you be?" She looked him in the eyes, "if you were on a time crunch like mine, would you be? I have to get stronger while staying safe. Tell me exactly how to do that."
Nate nodded. "I get it. I'll show you more intermediate beasts tomorrow if you'd like. Training with all the types out here will better prepare you for the advanced beasts. Sound good?"