That evening, just after dinner, Blaine and Lana were called into the administrative office, to a small conference room. While they had begun to hold hands publicly, they still had to play the game.
In one of the talking sessions recently, Blaine explained the reason his grandmother issued such an order was because it made them uncomfortable. If they became comfortable, he might be made to violate her, which he didn't want to do. He wanted a clean relationship with her.
Blaine walked into the conference room first, making her hold the door for him, just in case his hunch was right. Chekof had shown him the headlines for the day. Blaine was on alert. He was correct.
His grandmother's lawyer was there with a document for each to sign. The lawyer didn't stand up. Didn't offer a handshake, just gestured for them to sit in the two chairs provided.
Once seated, Blaine turned to Lana, "I'd like you to meet Slim Sarpa, Grandmother's lawyer."
Lana nodded, "nice to meet you Mr. Sarpa," while keeping her eyes toward her lap.
Slim grunted. "I'm here today to inform you of a trust created in which the two of you are the sole beneficiaries. For you, Sir Abel, your monthly stipend will get added to your family trust and your allowance will increase. For you, Miss Plantwell," he practically spit her name out, "upon your signed acknowledgement, you will have a monthly stipend sent to your military-issued money card."
Lana's eye twitched, "I'm sorry, sir. I'm confused. What is this about? What is a trust and how did I become a beneficiary?"
She actually knew what a trust was because the Techno family set one up for her when they adopted her. All her questions were answered at that time. She and Dobin would now receive an allowance each month. She thought it prudent to feign ignorance. Their adoption was not made public yet.
The lawyer chuckled like he was a superior person, "a trust is something that manages the assets of those who are well off and provides payments at an interval as determined by the person or persons who established the trust. In this case, Star Wood ended her life the day after her family ended so tragically. The state determined the best thing to do with her assets was turn them over to her victims. Since the crime against you was deemed more severe, your payments will be slightly higher."
Blaine asked, "but the news of her death was just released today."
"If you read the article, Sir Abel, it will tell you they waited to release the fact it happened until a decision was about her assets."
Blaine nodded and signed with the pen provided.
"Is anything required by me to receive these funds?" Lana asked.
"Nothing. It's a simple penance for wrongdoings committed."
Lana nodded and signed.
As soon as her pen left the paper, he grabbed both sheets and placed them in a briefcase. He was out of there 5 seconds later if not faster.
Lana looked at Blaine, "what's going on?"
"Power play. Making you feel grateful to let your guard down, I'm sure."
"Right."
He grabbed her hand and took her to her tree so they could talk more in private.
Meanwhile, in Paul's room, his system was telling him her file was accessed once again, the financial tab, his eyes furrowed as he watched the cursor. The file would not show the particulars but it would show the account number so deposits could be made. Paul had a bad feeling and decided to flag the account number for notifications.
The following morning, Lana gave Dobin his money card back. He was high enough level to no longer be in danger. As long as he didn't rise to much more for the remainder of the year, he should also maintain a low profile.
The next thing Lana needed to contemplate was the crystals they earned on their first outing. Normal schedule now meant beast weapons class from 6:30-7:30 after dinner Monday, Wednesday and Friday and second half of Agriculture was now spent with Dr. Tall on Tuesday and Thursday. If she wanted to find a forger, it had to be on the weekend or after dinner. The previous Sunday was the first day of the Student Market which Lana needed to get ready for, if the time presented itself.
She found a man who gave her dwarf vibes short but broad. He looked like he could bench press a house. She got his information but they had just come back from an outing. People were lining up to hire him to make gear.
At lunch, while she, Katie, Blaine, and Chekof were in the park, she decided to send a message to Bonol Jali asking if he was available after her special martial arts class to discuss commissions. He gave her instructions on where to find him. Soon, the four students headed back to class.
Blaine was happy they were on phase 3 and able to go to the park without special permission. Chekof insisted on providing security any time Lana would be in the park. They had not heard from Pucket but expected the lull was just him planning.
At the appointed time, Lana, Blaine and Kattie met with Bonol. Lana approached him with an outstretched hand and introduced herself. She explained she was looking for armor for her teammates as well as weapons. She produced one of each of the crystals she had.
Bonol took the first one and examined it closely. "This is the flying snake crystal from that last outing, right? These make great boots. Those snakes are quite agile and that comes out in the forging." He then looked at the rest. "This is the hedgipine, great for bladed weapons. The cottonmouth would make great arrows. And this one, you fought the ogre? This would make a great heavy weapon. What are you looking for?
Lana replied, "well, it looks like that ogre one could make a battle axe? I only have one. Is that okay?"
"For the crafting, no, you need 3. Understand the lower the level, the more impurities in the crystal so it will take more to create the item. Higher levels only require one crystal because they are so pure."
"Can more be purchased?"
He nodded. "You can either purchase them and bring them to me or give me the money to purchase them."
"Okay, so, three crystals for the ax. How much to make it?
"It will be 3,000 credits plus an additional 2 for buying the missing crystals."
She nodded, "okay. Four pair of boots?"
Blaine chimed in, "make that 8 pair of boots. I'll add in 4 more pair."
"Those are 4 crystals per pair and 2,000 credits each."
"Okay, I don't have an archer but Blaine here does. What will be it be for arrows?"
"Two crystals each and 1,000 credits each."
"Okay, I'd like 30 for her."
"Okay, and any bladed weapons?"
"I use dual daggers and was also wondering if I could get a string with a loop at the end of the handle so I can throw them and bring them back with the string?" Kattie chimed in.
"Easy. That will be 4 crystals and 1,000."
"Blaine, do you think we should get a set of those for everyone?" Lana asked.
He nodded, "I was thinking the same thing. Eight sets of those as well."
"I'm sure we need to get our people over to get measured for the boots?"
He nodded, "give me their names so I know it's your order."
Kattie took care of that while Blaine and Lana discussed payment. They decided they would each pay for their teammates and Blaine would reimburse her for the crystals used for his people. She could then sell what was left. Then each paid Bonol for the order and Kattie volunteered to coordinate getting everyone there and fitted.
By the time that was all done, Lana was getting tired. Blaine walked the girls back to their room, inviting himself in for a goodnight kiss. Lana obliged then kicked him out so she could sleep. After meditation, she lay in bed reflecting on the full day she had.
Lana had arranged a surprise birthday party for Alto. His birthday happened on the portal, the day they took Star to the teachers, in fact. He considered it an incredible birthday present but he also never told anyone and was shocked Lana knew. They had a great dinner and fun after until Lana realized the time and had to run to her martial arts class. Blaine ran with her trying to attend as many classes with her as he could. Lana's friends were no longer being hazed but Blaine had attracted the wrong kind of attention for sticking up for those the major deemed in need of his kind of assistance. He couldn't be with her as much as he wanted to.
Still. As she reflected on the look on Alto's face when he saw the presents… She imagined she looked at lot like that when it happened to her.
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