A chorus of surprised voices echoed at him from out of thin air.  Some cursing, some questioning.  He held up a hand, then put it back down when he realized they couldn’t see him.  “Quiet down, please.  I can’t understand you when you all talk at once.  How ‘bout all of you head to the dining area, and I’ll talk while you walk.  Maybe I can answer all of your questions.”

He waited for the murmurs to die down, then proceeded.  “So first, I’m speaking to you through our new communication network.  It was one of the perks of becoming the first to build a Citadel.  Along with a castle that you guys have GOT to come see.   In fact, you should all come.  Lock down the Warren, leave a couple folks as guards, and the rest of you can come here via the new teeeeeleporter you’ll find out by the garage!”  He drew out the word for emphasis.

Again he waited as people reacted to that news.  “Yup!  We have our very own teleporter. And Ramon, I’m sitting in a library full of books about… well about everything.  So bring your scribey stuff.  We’ll buy you more when you get here if you need it.   We actually got six teleporters, so we can establish more Strongholds!” He tried to curb his enthusiasm as his voice went up in pitch like a teen going through puberty.  He heard Sam laughing.  “Luther, that means could reopen your Stronghold with a teleporter, and you could travel back and forth instantly.”

“That would be wonderful, Allistor.  Thank you.” Luther’s voice sounded pleased.

“If everybody is gathered together, pick somebody to talk first, and I’ll answer questions.”

Sam’s voice replied. “Most of us are here.  Nancy and Ramon were out in the greenhouse, but they’ll be here in a minute.  We saw the notice about you establishing the Citadel.  Michael says that’s a mixed blessing.  Something about people targeting us now?”

“Yeah, that is unfortunate.  But I think it will be a good long while before anyone is strong enough to challenge us.  A few like Evan might try, but our defenses are strong.  And I intend to make sure our people are strong, too.”

“We’re with ya there, boy.  I mean…Lord.” Sam’s teasing was good-natured.  “We’ve been out foraging and found a few good things for auction.  We also found a couple other survivors.  They’re here with us now.   Nathan and Nick.  Michael just brought them in about an hour ago.  Say hi, fellas.”

Two male voices spoke over each other, then one said, “Hello, Lord Allistor.”

The other said, “Hiya, Lord.”

“Please, despite Sam’s teasing, I’m just Allistor.  Welcome to our little community.  Sam will bring you along to the Citadel, and we can meet face to face shortly.”

They chatted for a few more minutes, then agreed that the group, minus two or three who would remain to guard the Warren, would teleport over in the morning.  Allistor signed off feeling pleased and quite hopeful for their future.