The Life Chest Extreme Adventures: Bangkok: The Life Chest Extreme Adventures, #1

By Kim Yost, Terie Spencer and Donna Yost

Now in the presence of the ancient Dynasty chest, Zen felt the magic alchemy more strongly than ever. Her eyes glowed blue when she reached into the chest. She touched the prayer bead, and the blue light emanating from the chest completely enveloped her. She disappeared.

April's family had a long-standing tradition of storing precious keepsakes in life chests, honoring memories and sharing stories across generations. From the time she was a little girl, April had a sense that the chests were magic.

She was right, but she didn't know the extent of the magic and her power to access it until she became a young woman. What had started out in childhood as a "tickly feeling" when she held a treasured memento from a life chest became visions of people and events in the object's history. And then something even more astounding occurred: she began to actually travel into the past!

With the spirit of her beloved grandfather to guide her, April — nicknamed Zen by Grandpa Josh — must learn how to use this gift. She and the six-person team who run her extreme adventure travel agency discover unexpected dangers on a life-changing trip to Thailand, where the oldest and most powerful life chest resides. The magic of the ancient Dynasty chest catapults Zen to exotic 17th century Bangkok, where she discovers the famous lost temple of gold and the people who risk their lives to protect it. Can she use her time travel abilities to help them and save the beloved temple? Or will doing so put her and her team in even more peril?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Yost
• Release date: Nov 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781733333887

Book preview

PART ONE

Zen’s Extreme Adventures Takes Off

BANGKOK

Chapter One

Life Chest Manor: Home Base for Adventure

Although a little humid, New West Adams, a bustling business district near downtown Los Angeles, was enjoying a pleasant and cool morning. In the early 20th century, the area had been home to a variety of huge, ornate mansions. Now only one remained—an imposing Victorian structure. The stone building and its manicured, flower-filled lawn was surrounded on three sides by high-rise towers, making it an odd sight among its steel and glass neighbors. A shiny, orange levicar glided to a stop in front of the mansion, completing the anachronistic picture.

A young woman emerged from the vehicle. April was her given name, but she had gladly embraced two nicknames her beloved grandfather had given her over the years. On her eighth birthday, Grandpa Josh first called her Blossom. That was the day she had received her life chest—the Zen Blossom chest. It was red and decorated with Asian-inspired trim and flowering plum tree branches. The pink and white flowers reminded Josh of his granddaughter’s fresh and enthusiastic outlook on life. He began calling her Blossom the moment he saw her face light up the day she unwrapped her precious chest.

April’s entire family embraced the life chest philosophy wholeheartedly. Their collection of chests went back many years. Josh’s great-great-grandfather Kim began the tradition that continued throughout the generations. Each family member stored their priceless keepsakes, journals and memories in their own life chest. The chests became heirlooms that were passed on to future generations.

Life Chest Manor—Home base for Zen

Life Chest Manor—Home base for Zen

Little Blossom grew up listening to her grandpa’s stories about adventures he had with his cousin Bernie. All of these adventures were linked to the treasures and mysteries the two cousins had discovered in Kim’s life chest, the Traveler chest.

When April was 26 years old—and Josh 88—the two went on their own adventure in Egypt. The trip was a dream come true for grandfather and granddaughter. When they discovered the find of the century—a lost Egyptian city filled with the golden riches of an ancient kingdom—Josh began calling April Zen. The grand adventure included a great tragedy. Josh was killed while saving his granddaughter’s life. After his death, April embraced not only her new name, but also her new responsibility. She would carry on her grandfather’s legacy—and that of all of her ancestors—as the family’s life chest keeper.

Part of her legacy was Josh’s extensive collection of unusual and precious artifacts—his mini-museum of the world. The collection had been in storage the last few years of Josh’s life. Remembering her promise to keep the mini-museum alive, Zen wondered how and when she would be able to display it properly.

She needn’t have worried. Her grandpa had provided a perfect location for the museum—the Victorian mansion that stood in the middle of a business district. Josh had secretly bought it for Zen, saving the historic building from demolition. Zen’s uncle Bernie, the executor of Josh’s estate, gave her the news a few days after Josh’s memorial service.

Grandpa thought of everything, said Zen as she looked through photosims of the stately building.

He bought it about eight years ago, said Bernie. The restoration was completed just before you two went to Egypt. I’m sorry he wasn’t able to surprise you with it himself.

It’s OK, Uncle Bernie. It makes me happy to know Grandpa was thinking of me.

Zen looked at another photosim. What an incredible gift. It’s big enough to live in and keep the mini-museum. Suddenly, she had an idea. Uncle Bernie! I just thought of something. You know I’m starting a travel agency, right?

Yeah. I heard you’re calling it Zen’s Extreme Adventures.

I was planning to rent office space, but maybe I could use the mansion instead, Zen continued. Grandpa Josh’s mini-museum of the world will be a great inspiration for me and my team as we plan our clients’ adventures. What do you think?

I think it’s a fantastic idea, answered Bernie.

Great! I normally hate moving, but this is different. Let’s go check it out right now! I can’t wait to get set up in the mansion.

Zen started for the door, and then turned back. The house needs a better name than ‘the mansion,’ Uncle Bernie.

You’ll think of something, Bernie assured her.

Manor is a better word than mansion, the young woman said thoughtfully. Since I’m the family life chest keeper, it’s going to be filled with life chests as well as the mini-museum. How about calling it Life Chest Manor?

See? You did think of something! And it’s perfect.

Zen’s new business was perfect for her, too. Her fearless and adventurous spirit, combined with Grandpa Josh’s inspirational stories, shaped Zen into a uniquely skilled woman. With dreams of being like her old movie heroes, Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, she studied several different martial arts and became a Kung Fu expert. She finished college early, with degrees in archaeology and history. She also mastered scuba diving, skydiving, rock climbing and target shooting.

In addition to these accomplishments, Zen began to develop a secret skill, known only to a few. Over the years, Grandpa Josh and Uncle Bernie had sensed that their family’s life chests held some sort of magic. They had experienced it in a few different forms—an electric charge, a tingling or warm feeling, and a sense of untapped power, all emanating from the special keepsakes stashed in the life chests.

Little Blossom felt the beginnings of that magic the day she received her Zen Blossom life chest. She and Grandpa Josh experienced more of its power on their trip to Cairo when they encountered the magic of several ancient Egyptian chests. When holding a special keepsake, visions from the past helped them navigate the perils of their dangerous adventure. Mummies rose from the dead to assist them in fighting off a gang of criminals determined to kill them. Finally, immediately after Josh’s death, an ancient scarab beetle pin took on magical qualities that saved Zen’s life as well as the lives of the entire team.

Zen lives the life chest philosphy: No Fear!

Zen lives the life chest philosphy: No Fear!

After that experience, Zen began accessing visions of the past by using the magic of precious keepsakes held close and with intention. Amazingly, the visions transformed into actual time travel, and Zen was able to transport herself to the era and original location of the life chest keepsake she held in her hand.

Zen found this new skill a bit overwhelming, so she only shared it with a few people. At first, Uncle Bernie’s son and daughter (her cousins Tam and Tien), were the only ones who knew. When she hired the rest of her six-person team for the travel agency, Zen told them about her ability to time travel. She even surprised them with a demonstration. By holding a Viking warrior’s knife in her hand, she was able to travel to an 11th century Viking funeral and back again.

Zen wasn’t sure how to use her time travel gift in her extreme adventure travel business. She did know that life chest magic would be a big part of Zen’s Extreme Adventures (ZEA). She planned to give each client their own life chest to encourage them to make unforgettable memories, both on their trip and throughout their life’s journey.

It was a unique way to run a travel agency, even in 2169. A little nervous on the first official day of operation, Zen took a deep breath as she gathered her bags, got out of the levicar and looked at the sign for her business—an elephant statue which bore three words on its base: Zen’s Extreme Adventures.

Zen’s cousin, Tien, exited the vehicle too, arms laden with bags and boxes. Zen clicked the button to activate the garage program. The sleek, sporty levicar glided away. Do you think you can manage? she called to her cousin. Tien had reached the wide stone steps flanked by two large lion statues.

I got it, Tien answered. Door open, she said. Nothing happened. "Door open," she repeated, with the same result.

It’s not working? asked Zen, joining Tien on the porch.

I don’t know why. Tam said he would have it set up by the time we got back. I wonder what’s wrong.

Zen put her packages down, turned the handle and opened the door. I guess we go old school for now. Go ahead before you drop all that stuff.

Thanks. Tien walked through to the office kitchen area and set the grocery bags on the counter. Tam? Tam! she called.

Elliot, the student intern, walked in the room with Cricket, his robot, hovering next to him. The robot was a six-legged backpack-sized creature that could move quickly on the ground as well as through the air. Cricket, where’s Tam? Elliot asked.

Cricket’s pleasant female voice responded. Tam is in the reflection room.

The screen on the wall above the kitchen counter brightened, and Tam’s face appeared.

"I’m glad someone figured it out," he said.

What do you mean? asked his sister.

I’m stuck in here! Tam replied. I was setting up my comm with the bookcase controls and I lost the connection somehow.

Everyone laughed.

That’s what you get for wanting a room with a hidden entrance, said Tien, shaking her head.

It’s not just for me, insisted Tam. Zen needs a secure place to practice time travel. She said I could have part of the space to make gadgets, and for Elliot and me to work on Cricket. Now could you get me out of here?

Zen examined the bookcase wall. I guess this is the easiest way. If it’s not connected electronically, I should be able to push the bookcase open, right?

I can’t from this side, groaned Tam.

Try it, Zen, said Tien with a shrug.

The wall of books slid open easily, and Tam stepped through into the kitchen.

Thanks, he said with a sigh of relief, straightening his tie and brushing a bit of dust off his jacket.

In another era, Tam might have been called dapper. Because he had lived in New York City for several years, he was fashion conscious and enjoyed East Coast style. Living in Los Angeles would be a new experience, and not only in terms of his clothes. Zen’s new business was full of opportunities—Tam was excited to get started. His responsibilities included managing the life chest aspect of the business. This entailed keeping a database of all the family life chests and their contents. It also involved choosing life chests for Zen’s clients and introducing them to the life chest philosophy: connecting with your past, present and future to provide the tools you need to live a life without limits.

I need a drink. Tam headed toward the coffee machine to whip up his favorite latte, then glanced back at the bookcase wall, watching Zen slide it into place. You think it’s too obvious that a hidden room is behind that bookcase?

Elliot spoke up with a grin. I think it’s great. I love that the high-tech room is behind a wall of antique books. Do you appreciate the irony, Cricket?

Irony, repeated the robot. A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Yes. It is appropriate.

I’m glad you approve, said Elliot, patting Cricket’s carbon fiber exoskeleton.

The room’s not very high-tech yet, countered Tam. I’m just now setting up a workbench. Elliot, after I get the door fixed, let’s go in and start working on Cricket. I’m itching to finally do some real work with my mecha-electronics degree.

Tam used to work backstage on Broadway, Tien explained to the young intern. He created a lot of props that looked high-tech, but were just shells.

Yup, agreed her brother. Now I can make things that really work.

Like your comm? teased his sister.

Just a minor setback. I want to see your watch, Zen. I think I can make its translator process new data quite a bit faster.

Gadgets will have to wait till this afternoon, said Zen. We’ve got a client meeting in half an hour.

Elliot and Tam bond with Cricket

Elliot and Tam bond with Cricket

Carol and John? asked Tien.

Yes. You met them the other day. This morning we’ll be going over the details of their trip to Thailand.

They seem really excited to go, said Elliot. The trip is going to be their honeymoon, right?

They couldn’t have picked a better guide than Zen for their wedding trip, said Tam, gesturing around the office. I see evidence of great adventures everywhere I look in this room.

Grandpa Josh’s mini-museum of the world is responsible for that, agreed Zen. We have so many of his incredible treasures that wouldn’t fit in a life chest. I’m lucky to have inherited it all.

The group smiled as they looked around, each one focusing on a different artifact. Tam’s gaze fell on Sir Lancelot, a suit of armor. Tien’s favorite was displayed on the wall—a large Viking shield. Elliot admired a framed papyrus painted with Egyptian hieroglyphics. Of course, the family life chests were prominently displayed as well. Josh’s Pirate chest and Grandpa Kim’s Traveler chest held places of honor on separate pedestals.

Zen had Life Chest Manor carefully renovated to accommodate the needs of the business while still maintaining its rich historic charm. Staff workstations, interactive maps and holographic video screens shared space with treasured artifacts. Cabinets lined the walls to display swords, helmets, decorated boxes full of coins and trinkets, large and small ornate jewelry pieces, figurines and statues. The antique rugs covering the floors lent the final touch to the room’s warm, intriguing feel.

Between Grandpa Kim, Grandpa Josh and Uncle Bernie, we have a lot of inspiration here, said Zen.

They all went to Thailand at one time or another, didn’t they? asked Tien.

Yes, answered Zen. Grandpa Kim went for the first time in the 1980s. Grandpa Josh and your dad traveled there after they found Marco Polo’s ancient coins in the Great Wall of China.

Of course, said Tam. Our mom and dad met on that trip, sis.

They brought back a lot of great souvenirs from Thailand, added Zen. Before we take Carol and John there, I’m going to select a few of them to help me go back in time to explore ancient Thailand.

Great idea, remarked Tam. He glanced toward the front door. I think I see Zelda coming up the walk.

Better open the door for her, laughed his sister.

OK, OK, grinned Tam, quickly jogging to the entrance.

After greeting Zelda and Ace, who came in behind her, Zen sat back in her office chair and smiled. Most of her team had arrived. She was happy to see how well they all worked together. Zelda chatted with Tien as she finished setting up her workstation. Tam and Elliot were eager to show Ace, Zen’s security expert, a new protocol they had just taught the robot. Zen had a good team, all right. Their variety of skills and life experiences made them a unique tribe.

Zelda was Zen’s travel expert. She had worked at a travel agency for several years but grew restless spending most of her days in a conventional office. She answered Zen’s advertisement for an experienced and knowledgeable travel agent who could think outside the box, plan extreme adventures and escort clients to all corners of the world. The job sounded perfect to Zelda, who craved excitement and adventure. Independent and a bit impulsive, she left the Bay area home she shared with her husband as soon as she was hired for a small apartment in Los Angeles. Zelda’s husband traveled extensively for his job, too. They spent much of their lives apart, so this was nothing new.

Zelda would be a good colleague for Zen’s cousin Tien. They were both quick-witted, intelligent and could quickly size up people and situations. However, Tien was as involved in other people’s lives as Zelda was independent. Though divorced, Tien maintained friendly contact with her ex so they could successfully co-parent their teen son, Van. She tried not to be an overprotective mother, but found it difficult. Because she and her twin brother, Tam, had grown up in a very close relationship, she tended to get wrapped up in his life, too.

Ace and Zen knew each other from a local gym which Zen had joined to brush up on her Thai boxing skills. Ace was a beginner. The two became friends when Zen volunteered to practice with him. Although he was an ex-Marine and looked it, Ace was a softie. The oldest child in a large family with undependable parents, Ace took on the role of parent and protector for his younger siblings. After he left the Marines, he naturally assumed positions as bodyguard and security expert. Most people in his profession embraced all the latest high-tech weapons and gadgets, but not Ace. Though he appreciated his multi-functional comm device, he preferred old-school defense methods, like hand-to-hand combat. He simply didn’t trust machines—especially Elliot’s robot, Cricket.

By the end of the first work day at Zen’s Extreme Adventures, Ace’s dislike of Cricket had become a joke among the team. It didn’t bother Elliot, though. He knew that many people didn’t embrace a future shared with artificial intelligence, but they would come around—even Ace. As a robotics student in the university where Tien had worked in the IT department, Elliot lived and breathed robots. Cricket was his second-year project that he constantly tinkered with and modified. With six limbs that gave the appearance of an insect, Cricket could hover, function as a drone, crawl around on the ground and even skim over water like a water bug. Elliot combined two kits when he built her: a drone base and a high-tech backpack—something Elliot figured every college student needed!

Besides robots, Elliot’s other love was his girlfriend Genny. She taught at the Onondaga Nation School in New York state. Both Elliot and Genny were members of the Onondaga tribe. As part of an initiative to preserve the tribe’s culture, Elliot programmed Cricket’s extensive language database to include the Onondaga language.

As Zen thought about the new team, her smile faded. Everyone’s here except Calvin, she said to herself. I wonder where he is. Of all the people she had hired, Calvin was the only one Zen wasn’t 100% sure of. He was very competent. Zen knew that because she had worked with him at her former job at an archaeology firm. However, he had left that position on bad terms. Zen couldn’t help wondering if he considered her extreme adventure travel agency to be a step down. She shook off the thought. Calvin seemed very enthusiastic when I offered him the position as my researcher. I just have to take him at face value. At least for now.

Carol and John arrive at Life Chest Manor, ready for adventure

Carol and John arrive at Life Chest Manor, ready for adventure

She looked up to see Tien opening the door for their first clients. A couple in their 30s, Carol and John were looking forward to a delayed honeymoon after being married for a year.

It’s nice to see you again, began Zen as they all settled into chairs. I’m glad our first meeting didn’t scare you away. I know you may feel you are taking a risk being the first clients of a new business.

Of course not, said Carol, a tall woman with dark hair, caramel-colored skin and a wide, friendly smile. I’m so excited for this adventure. Your credentials are very impressive.

That’s why we changed the name of the business from Life Chest Extreme Adventures to Zen’s Extreme Adventures, interjected Tam. We wanted to capitalize on the name during Zen’s 15 minutes of fame!

Oh, I think she will be famous for a long time, said Carol with a smile. When I read about how you and your grandfather discovered the lost Egyptian city, I never dreamed that I would actually meet you one day. Then I heard you opened a travel business. I canceled the plans we had made and told John that we had to go with you and your team.

That’s exactly what she did, agreed her husband. John was very different from Carol. Of Asian descent, his slight build and a shy manner contrasted with his wife’s ready smile and gregarious personality.

I have to admit that I thought it was a little crazy at first, he continued. After all, Carol’s sabbatical starts in just a few weeks. But we got our deposits back. And Zelda said she could plan a great trip for us even on short notice.

Zelda has a lot of resources. She’s working hard on it, Zen assured the couple. We’re as excited as you are. She gestured around the room. Do you remember the rest of my team? Everyone’s here except Calvin, our researcher. He’ll be along soon.

The others reintroduced themselves to Carol and John. Carol was very intrigued by Cricket, and Elliot promised to show her all the robot’s features when they had more time.

John spoke up again. Do we have a hotel booked yet, Zelda? I hope you were able to find a safe one.

Zelda pulled up a screen on her comm, and it shined an image on the projection wall.

I just got the confirmation, she said. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. It’s a cultural treasure—the oldest hotel in Thailand. And quite safe.

Sounds great, said Carol. I can’t wait to experience the city. I read that there are 300 Buddhist temples in the area. After I see some of them in person, I’ll have a lot more to offer my history students. I’m planning to write a paper on Buddhist traditions in Thailand as my sabbatical project.

Zelda displayed a slide show on the projection wall to show the group some temples they would be visiting. They spent the next several minutes admiring a variety of Buddha statues and the ornate temples that housed them.

John, are you a college professor, too? Elliot asked after the slide show was over.

I’m an accountant, he answered. I guess I’m a typical numbers guy. I like a job with very little excitement. Carol is the adventurous one.

I’m glad you’re willing to go along for the ride, said Carol, squeezing her husband’s hand.

Sure, said John agreeably. The fact is, I probably would never get out of the house if it weren’t for Carol’s trips.

We want to see a logging operation, too, said Carol. John’s interested in the rosewood forest regeneration project.

I do woodworking as a hobby, explained John. I’m excited to see the industry coming back. The rosewood forests were depleted during the 20th century, but forestry science was recently able to bring the trees back.

Grandpa Kim got his first life chest in Thailand. It was made of rosewood, interjected Tam. Have you seen the life chests we have on display, John? They’re beautiful examples of fine woodworking.

They’re also filled with precious keepsakes, added Tien. That’s what makes them really special.

Carol walked to the Pirate chest. What’s the story of this life chest? she asked.

Zen joined her at the counter and lifted the lid of the chest. This is Grandpa Josh’s life chest. He and I discovered Luxe City together.

The ancient Egyptian city hidden inside a mountain? asked John. That was the find of the century!

Zen gently lifted a scarab beetle pin out of the top tray of the life chest. Carol studied her face as she looked at it, then spoke. Your grandfather died on that trip, didn’t he? I’m so sorry.

Yes. He and Uncle Bernie—that’s Tam and Tien’s dad—went on so many unbelievable adventures together. Their life chests are full of wonderful keepsakes. The trip to Egypt was only Grandpa and me, though. It was our first and last trip together.

Impulsively, Carol reached out and gave Zen a hug. She gratefully received it.

Grandpa’s life chest is so important to me now, said Zen. I feel lucky that my family has lived by the life chest philosophy for so many years, and left us such a rich legacy.

We’re lucky that you’re the family life chest keeper now, added Tien, standing to give her cousin another embrace. We’ll all miss Grandpa Josh, but he will live on through his life chest.

All of us will, said Zen, managing to smile. So let’s start working on the future! This fantastic trip to Thailand!

The group spent the next hour going over more details of the trip until Carol and John were satisfied that they were going to have the honeymoon of a lifetime. In addition to visiting several temples and historical sites, they would tour one of the revitalized forests and visit a factory where hand-carved rosewood furniture was made.

John was always more subdued than Carol, but this time he was just as enthusiastic as his wife. He talked excitedly about the high-speed camera app he planned to add to his comm. He hoped to capture video of a furniture carver at work. Carol had to remind him that they had to leave for another appointment.

I think you have all the information you need to make your preparations, Zelda told the couple. Call me any time if you have a question.

As Carol and John were gathering their things, the door opened. Calvin strolled in, sipping a carry-out coffee. A fit but somewhat stocky man of medium height, he exuded an air of confidence—and a bit of defiance.

Hey, everybody. He set his coffee cup on Tien’s workstation and shook hands with Carol and John. I’m Calvin.

Yes. We met the first time Carol and I were here, said John.

We’re just about done with our second meeting, added Tam. The annoyance in his voice was obvious.

Sorry, Calvin said with a shrug. I had a late night. Started some reading on Buddhist temple architecture and didn’t shut the screen off till 2 a.m. I figured you’d mostly be talking about flights and what to pack and such today.

Oh, I would’ve loved to chat about temple architecture with you, Calvin, said Carol.

We’ll get together again for that, no problem, Zen assured her.

All right, said Carol. I wish we didn’t have to leave now but we have a full day today. Nice to see you again, Calvin.

You too, Calvin said with a wave. He picked up his coffee and settled into Tien’s chair.

Calvin shows up late

Calvin shows up late

Yeah, thanks for gracing us with your presence, muttered Tam under his breath.

We’ll talk soon, said Tien quickly, shepherding Carol and John to the door. Bye for now!

After the couple left, Tam turned to Calvin. He couldn’t contain his anger any longer. Showing up late makes the whole group look bad, like we’re unorganized. They’re our first clients!

We did wonder where you were, added Zen. She wasn’t as upset as Tam, but she wanted to address the issue. I wish you had called.

Really? said Calvin incredulously. "You’re mad at me because you’re afraid the clients will think we’re unorganized? With everything you have to offer, you shouldn’t worry about one guy coming in late. Take it easy, April—oh—I mean Zen."

Zen bit her lip, then spoke. Calvin, what’s wrong with wanting to make a good first impression? I’m not mad at you. It wouldn’t have been a problem if you had just let us know when you were coming in.

OK. You’re right. I should have contacted you. I didn’t because I thought we had sort of an open scheduling vibe.

We sort of do, agreed Zen. But communication is always important. Especially when clients are here.

Got it, said Calvin I understand. Sorry, Zen. Sorry, everybody.

It’s cool, said Ace.

Yeah, managed Tam.

Zelda looked up from her comm. I found an app that can update the group as to where any of us is at any given time. Sound good?

Fine with me, agreed Calvin. I don’t care if you know where I am all the time. I got nothing to hide. Well, not much, anyway. He grinned.

Cricket, who had been dozing on the floor next to Elliot, rose on her six legs and chirped out a message. Scheduled time for lunch in five minutes.

Tam reached out and patted Cricket as if she were his pet dog. Good job, girl. I’m hungry.

I’ll treat today, offered Zen. Where should we go to eat?

There’s a new Thai place down the road, said Tien. I think that’s a good omen, don’t you?

Absolutely, said Zelda.

They have great food, said Tam. I know just what to get. Cricket, he announced, order seven lunch specials from Thai Palace on West Adams.

Make two of them extra spicy, Cricket, added Tien. She grinned at her twin brother.

Really? he said, returning the smile. That’s how you’re going to play it today?

Yes, sir, said his twin. Spicy food challenge, you and me.

You’re on. I don’t know why you want to do this again. Last time I added extra peppers and totally beat you.

I’ve been practicing, explained his sister. Van’s been taking a community kitchen cooking class and testing out spices on me.

Cricket rose into the air and floated toward the door. Scheduled lunch time begins now, she announced.

You’d think Cricket was hungry, too, laughed Ace. I’m not sure if I like a robot telling me what to do.

She’s not telling you what to do, Ace, said Elliot. She’s making a suggestion.

Well, we’re doing what she says, aren’t we?

"Yes, but because we want to, not because she’s telling us to!"

Let’s go, said Zelda, laughing. I for one welcome our new robot overlord!

The rest of the group joined in the laughter, then headed out the door for the short walk to the restaurant. Ace shook his head as Cricket led the way, floating next to Elliot’s shoulder. Elliot noticed Ace’s frown.

She’s really a very basic robot, the student said. I built her from a kit.

Tam caught up to the two. "Even a mini kit robot like this one has a great deal