The next day, Lana oversaw Qi meditations, martial arts class and bringing in all the new people. Though they would likely all agree to join her, she refused to accept any such protestations until they were back on their feet. Their health issues were addressed but the healing ability didn't affect malnutrition.
Everyone was put in the orphanage behind the travelers' center and forced to stay in bed for a month. They were each given 30,000 credits which were used to pay for their care. Lana knew they would still have plenty to spare if they chose to settle elsewhere.
One thing all these people had in common were they were single. Some were widows or widowers, single parents, but all were in an emotional or financial state that made them easy prey for business sharks.
The cooks ended up cooking a lot extra, with extra pay. Lana and a few others were also cooking for them. After that initial month, Sirus went to live with Alto. None of them were at full strength and would not be permitted to make any choices until they were. Rene told Lana to give it one more month.
The underground area was now cleared out. There were three more king-tiers in there plus 37 advanced tier shadow wolves. They never saw those rat things Quinn's group faced so she assumed they were attracted to that tower.
Lana's stomach was huge and even waddling was a chore by the time everyone was ready to make decisions. They all wanted to stay but none wanted to become travelers. Five women wanted to continue making clothing. One had an ability to spin plant matter into linen. These women agreed to work with Dilly to create clothing and sell it both in the shelter and on the open market. The clothes made from the ability could be sold a bit cheaper and still make plenty of profit.
Kelly, Solis and Zian wanted to help Kris and Hans make candy because online orders had gotten way out of hand.
Anthony was a businessman who managed the books until the boss got greedy. There was a falling out and corruption won out. Sirus backed up what Anthony stated so Anthony was promoted to business advisor and given an 80-foot house. Since he didn't have any children, he was given one with less rooms. He also got the second office in the command post.
Quad decided to take the night shift at the command post to ensure it was always manned. Two ladies also volunteered for the position to ensure there was always someone there, Annie and Belle.
Brad, Bruno and Felicia wanted to become forgers but none had experience.
Kay had a 9-year-old daughter. They both said they would help with the food such as growing it and harvesting.
Kimberly was interested in opening a restaurant in the market area with her kids, 10-year old son Preen and 13-year-old daughter Dawn, helping her.
Yolanda, Jacinta, and Wanda wanted to open a bakery.
Romoan and one of his boys wanted to do a deli. He said his other two boys would attend school.
A woman and a man each volunteered to work at a barber shop, ice cream shop that doubled as a coffee shop and a game shop with things such as Power Fighters.
Soon everyone had a job and a home. Anthony mentioned those who were selling things needed to pay the faction a portion of their proceeds but also needed to pay for their food and housing since they were not going on quests. Lana didn't like that idea.
Lana decided instead of food being free for all, the faction would pay for the food for the travelers. Housing would still be free for all. 10% of profits would be taken as a tax. Half would go to the Faction, half would go to the Family. Those businesses the Family paid the start-up costs for needed to pay that money back,
Right now, the family consisted of her and Mandy, the teachers, which included Steven who would teach how to use beast weapons, Anthony, those in the orphanage, and the artists. Education would remain free for everyone.
That brought Lana around to abilities. She told them all she wanted them to learn an ability if they wanted to. Check the library. The books belong to the Family but they could study in the library or together if more than one person wanted to learn. The healing ability would be very much needed. Anyone interested in her own ability needed to work with her personally. Sadly, it seemed, males could not learn her ability so only females could be taught.
With Lana heading the family, she wanted a dividing line. She asked Kattie if she would be willing to lead the faction. She happily agreed. They would need to sit down soon and divide up responsibilities. For right now, Lana had something else to do.
Lana called Quinn after sending everyone off to rest and either join their new team in the morning or get her a list of what they needed to start working.
"Hey Quinn, I have a proposal," she smiled.
"Yes?"
"I have 3 people who want to be forgers. Can I fund a state-of-the-art forgery on your ship in exchange for Alex teaching them?"
Quinn smiled broadly, "I'll ask him."
About 30 minutes later, Quinn called her back and gave her a quote. She had the faction send 5 million credits. They had the forge set up pretty quick. Lana brought her people to the ship. A few moments later, people started coming through stating the Sunshields were there. None of these people were injured but Peter met them and was not happy with their attitudes. Lana looked at him and smirked. Linda was there as well.
Lana decided to just stay near the teleporter in case her healing service were needed. She thought about going to get Rene but was afraid someone would need her if she left.
"Peter, can you take these three nice gentlemen to the forgery? They are to be Alex's apprentices."
Just as she said that, Linda suggested a tour to those who were already there. Lana informed them of her intensions and stayed put. Caser and Shalt were there with her of course. Shalt went to the canteen and got them each a chair. Other healers soon joined her that were attached to the faction.
Not long after, wounded started coming through. Civilians who should have evacuated with the others but didn't. It made Lana shake her head but what can you do with stubborn people…
There were enough healers between them all. Lana was getting antsy. While she wasn't close to them, Quinn was down there and she was starting to build friendships with the others as well. She hoped things would go well. After what happened at the last factions… But they are wearing armor made by Alex Way. They will succeed. Lana smiled at the thought.
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