Chapter 9

Hiccup let out a groan as his alarm sounded. He tried to cover himself with the blanket and burrow himself further into the bed when a-now-familiar female voice said "Rise and shine sleepyhead."

"Five more minutes....." Hiccup whined. The bed was so warm and fluffy. A very welcome change from sleeping on the ground in a cold desert.

"I have already given you an extra five minutes," The A.I. stated. "Any more and you will be late for your job."

Hiccup huffed and groaned but he did get up. His auburn hair was sticking up in various directions as he wiped his bleary eyes and some of the drool. He blinked and looked around the room. The Berkians were here for three days already and Hiccup still had to pinch himself to check if it was all a dream. He stood up and went into the small bathroom that was attached to his bedroom. There once under the warm water he thought back to everything that had happened a few days ago.

Stoick had not been very happy and quite suspicious of the three scientists. The Berkians piled into one of the big conference room and they 'oohed and aahed' when a holographic blueprint of the facility appeared before them. Hiccup could still remember what Mrs. Hofferson explained.

"Arcadia is a state of the art black site facility that has been in use since the early 22nd century. The facility was made to house many families since those working here could not readily leave. We are the only scientists left currently at this site because all the others fled upon the Genesis ships."

"But what does Arcadia do?" Hiccup remembered Fishlegs asking.

"Arcadia's main purpose is to further Artificial Intelligence and nanotechnology to try and terraform the planet." Drago, who had been assessing everyone, muttered. "So far the technology can only be employed on a small scale and is being tested within the Biodome."

"Our A.I. has so far exceeded our expectations and is not only maintaining the Biodome but also this entire facility." Hank stated as the hologram started to zoom in. "The facility itself is located approximately one mile underground. Some of you have already surmised that the main source of electricity and water is the dam and reservoir behind it." Gobber had let out an appreciative whistle at that point as the explanation continued. "The facility itself is divided into four main areas consisting of each three levels. The Biodome, waste processing, water treatment and reactor facility make up area D. Area A consists of living quarters, recreational facilities, training facilities and storage units. Area B is the R&D aspect and contains the infirmary, laboratories, coolant reserves and engineering department."

The explanation continued and once Hank had finished highlighting all four areas he proposed a deal to the Berkians. Mainly that they had resources and room for more people. They were willing to house the Berkians. In exchange the Berkians would help to maintain the facility. It seemed that even with the A.I. managing most everyday tasks they were still running short on manpower. Some things just had to be serviced by hand. Stoick thought for a bit and then argued with the eldest people of the Caravan as to the benefits and disadvantages of such a deal. Hiccup knew the benefits were immense. They'd be staying alive after all. But he also knew how prideful his father was. Partnering with the scientist essentially meant that they would be dependant on them for resources. Many of the Berkians thought they would abuse this but the Hofferson's surprised them. Dr. Bludvist had excused himself mid-meeting stating that he had a project to oversee so Hiccup couldn't really tell if he liked the man or not. The Hofferson's however were very cordial and they even promised to share Administrator privileges, to the A.I and Arcadia itself, with Stoick and the Elder council as a show of good faith. That would have basically removed any doubt the Berkians would have had as to their intentions.

The facility itself had a lot of living quarters. Hiccup and the gang looked around as everyone was divided into smaller groups so that they could be housed. Hiccup, of course, ended up sharing a small apartment with his dad but so far he had yet to see either hide or tail of him. Their rooms were separate, each containing a bed- and bathroom. The living area was the only place he would probably run into his father. Yet that didn't stop Stoick from assigning the teens menial work as punishment. The group of teens ended up being put on janitorial duties under the supervision of Mildew. The old cranky man had smirked as he had them clean the toilets with toothbrushes yesterday.

Hiccup sighed as he found a fresh pair of clothes. The other teens' punishments would end in two days and they would be assigned other jobs within the facility but uncle Spitelout had made it very clear that Hiccup would stay assigned as a janitor indefinitely. Mildew had smirked now that he would have an underling to boss around and even Gobber had argued that he wanted Hiccup to work with him in the Engineering department downstairs. Stoick, however, hadn't budged an inch. His dad was stubborn to the core and this was probably payback for running away. Even though Snotlout took the blame, Hiccup had no doubt that his father didn't believe a word his cousin had spouted. He just didn't have any evidence contrary. Thus Stoick seemed to think that Hiccup would be better under Mildew's supervision. "A constant watchful eye," his dad had muttered.

Hiccup left the apartment that he'd been assigned and was immediately assaulted but the hustle and bustle of the corridors surrounding the living area. Several small children of the last Generation ran past him and were probably on their way to the recreational area. Some women were carrying tools and laundry through the corridors. It seemed that this once empty facility was now starting to bustle with life again.

Hiccup made his way past a large atrium that held the doors to the large communal kitchen and Mess Hall and entered a small office nearby. Mildew had been assigned this place since it was closest to several storage rooms. The man not only had authority over the cleaning staff but he also assigned provisions to everyone. Hiccup knocked twice on the metal door before a muffled voice of "Enter" could be heard. The office itself was utilitarian and sparse and Hiccup wondered if the old man was going to add a personal touch. "You're late," Mildew stated as he looked at Hiccup with a scowl.

"Wait..... No I'm not." Hiccup argued. If he had been late the A.I. would have given him a heads up.

"Shut it boy," Mildew muttered. "If I say you're late then you're late." The old man looked at the computer screen for a moment before telling Hiccup "Grab the mop and cleaning supplies. Area C-3 still needs cleaning."

Hiccup sighed and nodded. He'd rather keep his head down for now and not argue. He left the small office and went to the nearby storage unit to get cleaning supplies. He had been surprised to find out that the nanomachines could create bleach and soap. According to the explanation they had been given the nanomachines were housed throughout the walls of the facility and were mostly used for the dam and sewer maintenance. The scientists still hadn't figured out how to use the machines to repair electrical wiring or use them for cleaning the hallways. The materials the nanomachines cleared from the water and plumbing were then atomized and used as base materials to develop other things such as the bottle of bleach Hiccup was currently inspecting.

When Hiccup got his cleaning supplies he asked the computer to direct him to area C-3. "So what's in C-3?" Hiccup asked casually as he made his way to the elevator. Arcadia was created much like a four leaf clover with a central elevator system in the middle that ran through all the levels.

"Area C-3 currently houses the Security offices and armory." The A.I. answered. And now Hiccup understood why that place needed cleaning. Uncle Spitelout was put in charge of the security along with Bucket and Mulch. He remembered Snotlout mumbling yesterday about how his father was complaining that everything was dusty. Sure the facility ran at optimal conditions but even this far underground dust still found a way to settle in unused areas. The elevator dinged, singling that Hiccup had arrived at his destination. When he got out of the elevator he looked around the lit hallways at the junction. There were small signs on the doors or next to them to denote the purpose of the rooms. Hiccup was about to pass the Security office when he stopped upon hearing an argument inside. He recognized the two voices. They belonged to his uncle and cousin. Due to the thick metal doors he couldn't hear what exactly was being said.

The A.I. however chose that moment to contact him in the hallway. "You have 30 seconds to make it to the corner unless you want to be caught eavesdropping."

Hiccup jumped at the voice before scrambling into action. He just rounded the corner when the door to Spitelout's office opened and Snotlout walked out, still shouting at his father.

"Snotlout you get back here!" Spitelout growled.

"No dad! No!" Hiccup overheard. "Why do you keep telling me to be horrible to Hiccup?!" Snotlout sounded agitated. "He found this place and we aren't dead and rotting in a desert!"

"I'm your father and you'll do as I say!" Came the angry shout.

"Are you still upset about aunt Valka dying after giving birth to Hiccup!" Snotlout shouted. "It's been years!" Hiccup covered his mouth as a slap could be heard ringing through the corridor behind him.

"Get out of my sight!" Spitelout growled before a door slammed shut. Hiccup waited for a few minutes while trying to process what he had heard.

"The coast is clear." The A.I. contacted him again.

"Thanks," Hiccup said. Who knew how much angrier Spitelout would have been if Hiccup had been caught listening in. But that begged another question "Why did you help me?"

"You intrigue me," The A.I. answered. "I have studied humanity's history yet never had the chance to study human interaction since only three individuals lived here during all these years. My data pool had been limited. The addition of more humans these past few days has been enlightening."

"Oh," Hiccup said. He supposed he should have expected an answer along those lines. This was a learning machine after all. "I am also curious as to why several members harbor hostility towards you." The female voice continued. "Yet others of your pack do not stop them."

"Humans don't use pack for their..... Uhm.... associations." Hiccup clarified.

"Then what is it called?" The A.I. asked, genuinely curious.

"I don't know. I don't think humans have a name for that," Hiccup answered. "Say...... is there something else I can call you?" He asked shyly. "I don't think I can keep calling you A.I. or computer or it."

"You wish to give me....... A name?"

"Yeah, why not?" Hiccup said. "Unless you prefer not to?"

"I would love a human name." The voice answered.

"Is there any name you already like?" Hiccup asked since he had no naming experience.

"I am partial to Germanic names." She answered and Hiccup thought for a moment.

"How does Astrid sound?" He suggested. It was quiet for a moment before the female voice spoke again, this time in a more technical voice "Changing A.I. designation to ASTRID."

"C....Can you just do that?" Hiccup asked, worried that he might have screwed something up.

"Yes Hiccup, I can," The voice chuckled warmly and then said "Allow me to introduce myself again...... I am Astrid."

AN: next update will be Monday