"I THINK I HAVE FOUND THE ISSUE," Sigma-Prime said after stopping the machine and pulling the plug from the wall.

  "Oh? What was it?" he asked, curious, but still unsure of why this machine demanded his attention when it had so far failed to prove itself.

  "I had it on the wrong setting. Oops!" she said, causing him to laugh.

  With the new and proper setting instituted, he watched as the machine once again activated, as soon as Sigma plugged it back in, and pulled the lever again. This time around, the machine stumbled much less and was more a bird fiddling in a tree branch during mating season than a bear in the woods. No smoke rose from the machine and its shaking was kept to a minimum. Minutes later, a 'dinging' sound like a light bell rang out.

  "Is it done?" he asked.

  "It is, yes," Sigma-Prime told as she pulled another lever, opening the machine's door.

  What was inside of the machine surprised him. "What is this? A powder?"

  "It is sleeping dust. Collect the dust in a small bag and deliver it to the man who asked. Inform the man, however, this will be his one, and only, vial of dust. He had become dependent on the substance, I am afraid," she informed.

  "Dependent? Like, addicted? I didn't realize people could become addicted to sleeping dust," he said.

  "Oh, yes. People can become addicted to just about anything, Zan. With sleeping dust, it is less the fact it puts people to sleep, and more the sense of joy and ease which preludes the drowsy effects. He will receive this impotent sum and no more. When you return, we should discuss the nature of the Command Center going forward."

  He delivered the dust to the man as promised. He was very unhappy with the situation and cursed greatly. He ignored the man's anger. What could he do? Strike him?

  "What do you mean? Future of the command center?" he asked, back in the Spirit Processing room.

  "As you have noticed, the encampment outside of the command center has dwindled in size. With the local space safe, for the time being, from Expanse incursions, many of the villagers who initially came to us for shelter have left. Sometimes new groups arrive, but they do not tend to stay for very long, especially when they realize staying is not 'free,' despite the fact we do not turn anyone away," Sigma-Prime began. He wondered why people would refuse shelter if they couldn't pay tribute or offer services to the camp, but he knew some people were just prideful, and anything less than 'their way,' was not good enough for them. Continuing, she said, "Yet, with the successful unearthing of the bunker complex in Guygale, and multiple more sites in the future, we should begin organizing a proper territory. Which is to say, a proper Order. I wish to implement the creation of an Order engineering corps comprised of formal Order members."

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "An actual corps of engineers, huh? Hmmm... do you think we have enough people who want to be members? Making a commitment to a Martial Order is a pretty big deal. We're not asking them to become Ranger-Knights, are we?" he asked.

  "That is an issue for you to decide. As the grandmaster -- in title only or no -- member roles and responsibilities are determined by you. Some Order iterations over the years do focus on frontline combat. Others on civilian life. It depends on the Order's location and the conditions which gave rise to the Order in the first place. Your leadership preferences so far have been centered on a balanced approach. I would recommend a heavy emphasis on combat. Considering our situation, and at least for the moment, a mixed approach would be best: everyone who joins should expect either frontline combat OR default into the engineer corps, unless they wish to join purely are civilian supporters. In case of civilian supporters, their membership would be 'on paper' only and would be a more exploitable relation than active members. Therefore, everyone should be encouraged to join either on the Martial focus, our speciality, or the engineer focus," Sigma-Prime explained.

  Although he thought her words over, he had no follow up questions or concerns. It all seemed very straightforward and to him, logical.

  "Sure. This engineer corps, the martial focus, it all sounds great to me, Sigma. Since we are pushing ourselves as a formal organization, we should start letting the people about our new direction. That they do not have to leave, but they will be expected to either join or become accustomed to greater amounts of work. That's the idea, you have, right? Working people, getting value out of them, or whatever?" he said, thinking of the many ways over the years unscrupulous businesspeople had wronged his township.

  "That is correct, sire. I want to assure you we will never turn those in need away. I understand you are concerned about this, so worry no more. As far as the additional levels of 'exploitation,' as you say, goes, I will also argue that considering the invasion, our need and what we expect from people more than covers the imposed demand. As a young person, I know you see the world differently than an entity like me. Sometimes, you have to push and extract to thrive. As long as we are careful not to over-push, there is nothing we should fear from asking our wards to share in the burden we bear," Sigma-Prime argued.

  "Alright. All good, then. So, you will establish this corps by going out among the people and recruiting. And also letting them know of the increased expectations. I should return to my team, then," he said. "After I have gotten some sleep," he added.

  "Affirmative! However, the people might take the news better if it came from you, sire."

  'Me tell them?' he thought. 'I don't do well with public speaking. Or the public in general.'

  Addressing Sigma-Prime, he said with hardly a moment of thinking, "No. You do it, Sigma. This is your idea. I support it and will push it. But with telling them? That's not my job. You're my second in command, right? Continue these delegation duties. And that is an Order I expect to see followed for as long as I am at this Order's head. Am I understood...?" he said, his voice stern, as he made his best 'leader' face he could.

  "Loud and clear, sire! I wish to take this moment to let you know I am always your humble servant. The Screen Master and I exist only to serve and aid in your will. I will begin preparations right away for the re-organization of the center and the refugee camp!" she said without any change in tone.

  "I know... some aspects of this job irritate me, is all. Thank you for your cooperation. Now, unless you need anything else, I am going to bed."

  "Actually, sire," Sigma-Prime said, her tone letting up into higher octaves for a moment. "I do need one thing..."