"So, just to clear something up, before moving forward. We need to know about how my system works, and what abilities you still have," I said, and Orphus nodded.
"I will answer the easiest question first. I have no powers, nothing. The systems are created by the Hiveships central Matrix that sends out the signals. The original was built to be used inside of a controlled environment, but the one that we use only makes one set and that is all. That is the reason why we have to farm the resources off the planet. Your planet and solar system have everything that we need. The most important part of this invasion is to weaken the planet's Spirit. Then we capture it and feed it to the Matrix, but that is impossible now unless you somehow die," Orphus explained, and all of it was true.
"What do you mean, somehow? I am sure there are stronger systems that the Villains have, right?" I asked, but Orphus shook his head.
"It would take a coordinated attack from at least fifty Villains right now, from what I see just in this room. If you girls did this overnight, I am terrified to see what you could do in a week. That is how long it would have taken the Villians to group up and attack you. That was before I was cut off, and can no longer be tracked. There are only a few that know about your location, but the others are on the other side of the world. The offensive is going to have to bring a lot to bear on you, and they might, but they have lost me as their major advantage," Oprhus told us.
"Good, then we will continue with the plan to start sending Defenders to the Outposts that we will start creating. I will work on some giant Great Tree seeds that the trees themselves can throw. We can have Defenders running the connections as they go. This is the type of passive growth that I was hoping for so we can respond before they have a chance to get on their feet," I said, and wiggled for everyone to get up.
"What? Storytime is over already?" Anya said with a yawn as we all got up.
"For them it is, but not for us. Did your father tell you about the tree I was making him the custodian of?" I asked, and Anya nodded.
"Yes, he is very excited about it! So am I!" Anya said with a smile, leaning her head on my shoulder.
"Girls, keep an eye on Orphus, but I don't want you three down here all day. Orphus will have a place in the Great Tree above, and he is free to room and socialize, and whatever. If he tries anything bad, or really even thinks about it, the trees and animals will give him reminders!" I said, and Orphus put up his hand.
"Do dirty thought's count? It might be better to stay down here if that's the case!" Orphus laughed forcefully.
"Keep them friendly dirty thoughts, and you will be fine. Remember what I said, Sofia and Gaia. Get out and get some fresh air later!'' I scolded, and then kissed both of them before turning to Anya.
I took her hand, and the two of us headed into the elevator, and headed to the ground floor of the Great Tree. Once inside and moving, Anya turned to me with her hands behind her back, trying to look cute, but I knew what she was doing.
"We are going over to the Great Tree next door, and it is filled with every book that I could find in the city," I said.
Anya closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths before looking at me with her bright blue eyes. I could tell she was beyond excited, even though she looked calm.
"So, books are nice, but, what are we doing there?" Anya asked.
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"Now, that is a secret!" I said, and Anya kicked my shin hard enough for her to hurt her own foot; I was fine.
"Don't be like that! I had to wait for you!" Anya complined, grabbing my shirt while balancing on one foot.
"Serves you right for resorting to violence, but I will spill the beans. I just like to tease you, since you are always so calm for the most part, or scowling!" I laughed.
"Don't be a jerk! I am just good at controlling my emotions around people, except for you!" Anya complained, and I kissed her forehead, and stroked her hair as the elevator stopped.
"We are going to try and make movies," I said, and Anya pushed away from me.
"Excuse me?!" Anya asked in alarm, and partial disgust.
"Not those kinds of movies, you Dodo! From books!" I said, taking her hand.
"What? I am confused, movies from books?" Anya asked as I dragged her past some people entering the tree that greeted us, but then kept moving.
"Think about it this way. When you read a book, do you just read it, or do you imagine and see these things you are reading in your mind?" I asked as we left the Great Tree.
"Of course I visualize the scenes! Why else would you read a book!" Anya declared, and I nodded with a big smile.
"Exactly! So you and I are going to figure out how to record that! I don't know if it will work, but I think it is worth a shot," I said as we made our way over to the Great Library Tree.
"Well, now that is a fun plan! If we can actually get it to work, we could get multiple views of the same book! Have whoever we want play as the characters! Oh my, Daniel, this is revolutionary! If this works, it will make reading one of the most popular things in the world! The writers could even record while they wrote, and people could see the bloopers and outtakes from the book!" Anya exclaimed, almost jumping up and down.
"Yup, so let's take a tour first, and then we will get to a serious Brainstorming session!" I declared, and Anya stopped me right as I reached the outside of the tree.