Back in Lana's room, "What do you guys think would be a good way to celebrate these victories? First years getting to fight in this tournament is simply amazing, but they are going against the best of the best."
There were a few thoughts thrown out.
"Gear."
"Cash prize.
"A shopping spree."
"Breakfast in bed for a month."
"Dinner in a nice restaurant."
Lana smiled at all the options. "I just bought him those new boots, so gear is out. I also just gave everyone money so no on that as well. While breakfast in bed would be nice, he has roommates. That would be rude. I saw this," she brought out the map, "has anyone ever eaten at a hibachi grill before?" No one raised their hands. "So, this would be a treat for everyone while still being a celebration for our victors." She nodded. "Are there any complaints about inviting Quinn and his group?"
There were none so she booked reservations for 12. The earliest day was Thursday.
She noticed the time Kattie had mentioned for the meeting with the head of the Bree Family, one of the world leaders, was approaching. Kattie was to come with her. They went back to hotel 1 and informed the guards who they were to meet with. The guard pulled out a tablet and looked it up then scanned their watches. Upon verifying their identity, they were permitted in the elevator.
Once on the floor, the two girls, each with their beasts, found the room and knocked. A beautiful woman dressed in black, showing cleavage, donning a witch's hat with a high point opened the door. She wore a big smile. "Miss Bree and Miss Plantwell?"
They nodded with their jaws on the floor. They heard she was beautiful but she was truly stunning up close. Mona smiled and stepped aside so they could enter. "I appreciate you taking time to meet with me today. I was interested to learn about your time at school. How are your studies going?"
Kattie was the first to speak. "Studies are going quite well for me. I'm even teaching what I learn in Beast Weapons to Lana here," she smiled.
"Why does not Lana attend the class herself?"
Lana took a deep breath. "When I started school, I was unable to control my ability very well. I decided to take Agriculture instead of combat to get my plants under control. I'm quite busy. I learn martial arts from Kattie 3 days a week, I have another fellow student helping me with hand-to-hand combat, also three days a week, and on Friday, I'm working in the infirmary. On top of that, I'm conducting my own research with three studies I want to publish by the end of term and when I'm not busy, I cook dinner every night in prototype kitchens created by the Green Family's son."
Mona's smile had gotten bigger. "When do you sleep, dear?"
Lana chuckled, "when this little angel lets me," she patted her chest where he was sleeping all cozy and warm.
"Is that where the baby is? Caser, right?"
Lana nodded.
"May I meet him?"
"He's sleep but yes as long as I remain touching him. He wants skin contact with me." Lana reached in and pulled him out. The tentacles automatically went to her neck after Vorden tried to pull him out earlier.
"Ooooooo he's so cute! What is this around his legs? Are those roots?"
Lana nodded. "I found him on a planet that was orange and was turned red after our time there. Miss Bree, could you tell me? Is it possible to purchase a red-portal planet and how much would it cost? I'd like to return there some day when I'm stronger and live there. It's Caser's home planet and I felt safe there with the plants protecting me."
Mona laughed, "That is not a request I expected to receive from a first-year student! My understanding was they were planning to investigate if it could be considered a green planet."
Lana had a stern look on her face. "That answer is no. An advanced tier and an intermediate tier wiped out half a class. The intermediate tiers dropped students 20 meters to their death. Six managed to survive due to their abilities then had to face a king-tier beast. Does this sound like a green portal planet to you?"
"Miss Bree, we were only there for a few hours and this is what we endured. Our class was safe with no issues because we had Lana. All of the other classes had to call the sergeants for help. She even protected us against the beast that killed Caser's whole family. His mother was giving birth and he was the only one that didn't get squashed when his mother was stepped on. This beast was strong enough to just knock over trees as he walked along."
"I see. You mentioned purchasing this planet. Do you have credits or are you looking for a loan?"
"Right now, I get around 100,000 credits a month from the Green Family for all the commercials I did. Earlier today, Logan altered my contract to give me 3% of profits as well. I can pay 2 million credits right now and make payments if it's required."
"I can't imagine a planet that no one wants costing even a million. Let me talk to Oscar about it and I'll get back with you. May I have your contact information?"
Lana gave it to her.
Mona looked at Caser and petted him for a little while. "He's quite timid, isn't he? He's very fond of you, though. And a boy. He fears being abandoned. He's also uncomfortable with all this time in a building. He needs to be on the ground more."
She turned to Kattie and Sven. "He says you take very good care of him. Oh goodness! He ate fire snakes? Where was this?" Mona chuckled. "He said he wouldn't mind more but there were snakes on the second planet that he didn't get to sample and wishes he could have. Kattie, what do you think of her idea with this planet?"
"If it's with her, I'd move there as well. She has kept us safe as a team and has done everything she could to improve all of us. From ability books to gear. I'd like to bring in my family once we get an area tamed enough to be in peace."
Mona nodded. "Great traits of a leader. How long do you think it will take you to get strong enough? What does that look like to you?'
"I would say we all need to be a B-ranked traveler to go there. Honestly, I think we'd be C-right now or close to it. My brother did some research because he's thinking about joining a faction over the summer break. We'd need to work hard because the highest they would make us is D in the assessment but I don't think we need more than a year. Also, please understand, I have not discussed this with my team yet. I feel the need to move back there but I don't want to discuss it with them unless I know it's even a possibility."
Mona nodded. "That's to move there. What then?"
"I'm thinking of establishing my own family. I am an original. My ability allows me to talk to plants as you talk to beasts. I can get them to do things for me, just as you do with beasts. I can grow my own food and medicine. I can use my ability to help me fight as well. For me, technology is great, but not all information can be gained through it. Sometimes, the better source is plants. We could be hired to help find information."
"There is potential to bring people in for escorted hunting trips, but I'd rather not do that. I want to establish peace if it's possible."
Mona smiled even brighter. "I like it."
The three talked for about two hours discussing potential and things to think about in terms of setting up a family, especially on such a dangerous planet.
The girls thanked Mona for taking so much time to hear their ideas and share her own and returned to their rooms. Lana noticed her door close just as she turned the corner and went in quickly.
Her suspicion was correct, it was Vorden. He looked upset.