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"You have all been making wonderful progress," said Damian. "And as such, I think the time will soon come when we have our first, true family outing!"

A chorus of uncertain mumbles ran through the audience, and Cisco and Dunstan exchanged looks.

They didn't need words. They both understood the implications. Any chance at freedom was a chance to escape the old man's clutches. Ideas were already forming in Cisco's head about how they might be able to accomplish it, and he had no doubt Dunstan was the same.

Unfortunately, ideas of how impossible it might be were also forming. Dunstan hadn't tried to conceal his dislike for their current circumstances. Damian had to know that Dunstan would want to escape.

"And in celebration of this magnificent step forward--" The old man raised his left hand somewhat, and the front door of the cabin swung open. "--I've decided that it's time to give you all more presents!"

A line of various electronics came floating into the cabin, all bobbing up and down in air as if in tune with some silent music.

"I know how much you young folk hate being 'off the grid,' as they say," said Damian. "So I figured that it was about time I let you reconnect with the world a little. But only a little! Okay?! Don't abuse this privilege, or Grandpa will have to punish you!" And he smiled wide.

A flat screen television hovered right into Cisco's hands.

One of the younger Rofals, a teenage boy named Ricky, looked ecstatic as a tablet floated toward him. "Wow, Grandpa! Thanks!"

"You're welcome, my boy!"

Ricky's apparent enthusiasm turned to curiosity. "But do we even have an ISP way out here in the mountains?"

Damian blinked at him. "Hmm? An ISP? Wazzat?"

And from there, it became quickly apparent that the old man didn't actually know much about modern electronics.

On the one hand, Cisco was surprised by his ignorance, but on the other, he wasn't at all.