Chapter Three

Anchor

"Anchor, hold up. You never said how the ABSZ tour with Alder went." Wolf catches up and walks with me to the Club.

I just left one group with KC at the simulator and have classroom Security with the new we got in last week. I don't have much time but answer."I got to see the Lab and everything they're working on. He's an amazing Brother. We walked the building from start to finish seeing new laser and force field technology and new material using nature by replicating the process, like our suits using spiderweb patterns and a cricket that has a hinged leg they're testing for robotics. That led right into renewable energy testing to a world of medicinal plants, DNA and holograms that break down every cell in the body. He took blood and built me on the spot with my medical records he hacked from somewhere. It showed everything, even old stress on my system from getting shot four years ago. He's an amazing Brother." I shake my head realizing I already said it but it's true. "He told me about their filtering stations and how the Mayan's built. The Commander sent me the books he got before he started the build on that town. Alder really did replicate their process with new material and the technology that's available now. That town will last forever."

He hits my back. "So, it was good. Racks loves him too. He asked me about material we used for medical. I know he's a doctor, but the Commander said he built the simulator technology for surgery." He doesn't think Alder needs what we used?

I nod. "Web met us and Alder said he built the flight and medical simulators, but Web said it was primitive. He's more Security. Alder took what Web started and made the simulators we have here. No, it's all the Bits, Alder starts it and hands it off to the other Bits. They're all programmed to code for different things but every one of them has a huge amount of know-how. He uses everything every one of them has and keeps getting more. The little ones' imaginations are spurring on this new wave of energy Web says he can't keep up with."

He laughs. "He's coming to see me today. I wasn't sure what to expect."

I stop before heading into my classroom. "Don't expect anything. He's so smart but some basic shit is new for him. Answer his questions, explain your reasoning and he'll take over and do the rest. He's going to blow your mind expanding on the information you give him. There's something they're missing or that hasn't clicked for him when it comes to people. We see what they've built but it's only been six years since Phoenix went up. Alder went on the Alpha-Bit Rescues with Justice and that ended last year."

He's surprised. "I thought this was here longer?"

I shake my head. "Caelan was born a year after Cort opened Phoenix. The Bits and us aren't the only new here. It's all fuckin' new. It's set up to last and that's not just the BSC, the buildings, food, energy, water, gear, even the new chopper fuel. It means our grandkids will have a chance at a good life with an education built on the beliefs we're just realizing has been here for thousands of years. The Indians will guide us and Badass will keep us all equal with the respect, honor and integrity to carry it to more. The Alpha-Bits only knew computers and Badass. The Brothers around them let them loose and this is the result, Wolf. For the first time in my life, I belong and have family. It's a world I will help grow, defend with my life and teach to anyone willing to put in the effort. Alder is a big part of the center of my new world. Give him everything he asks for and anything you think he missed asking. It's going to make us all better."

"You got all that from a tour?" He smiles like I'm amusing him which I normally ignore, but right now it annoys me.

I shake my head at him. "No, I used what he told me and what I see. You believe in Badass but you're not seeing the implications of what we're doing to the civilians we help. You all think I'm clueless but none of you are seeing what's right here. Read the Bible again, it's more than how the Club works. Pres, the Commander, any of the Bits, hell even Bret is seeing it, ask them."

He watches my eyes for a few seconds then nods. "I never saw the Bible before getting here. I watched the Phoenix hologram explanation and figured it's like military protocol. Only Officers got the Bible. I'll read it."

"Get KC and Level on it, Brother. I'm the youngest but not stupid. The Bible is important shit to know."

"You're not, Brother. You didn't get connections but see them now. Why are you preaching the Bible, Brother? We're all in." The Commander steps up from behind me with his arm on my shoulder.

I look up at him with a smile on. It feels good to get that from my big brother. "They haven't read the Bible and Wolf asked about Alder. The bits know Badass and computer so he needs it to talk to him like an equal."

He nods, hooking my neck then lets it loose. "He's right, Wolf. Why haven't you read it?" He's pissed but not showing it.

"I got it when we got here but we fit in and weren't Officers. Boot camp in New York was basic Bible classes. We didn't read it."

The Commander is pissed, now I can feel it. "I'm ordering it. Read the Bible. I'll get it to Hank and KC." He walks toward his office. He called Level Hank. I've never seen that since the name change. He's really pissed.

I look at Wolf. "You may want to give them a heads-up. My class will be here in a few and I have questions to answer from Drew."

"Go, Anchor. I'll let Racks know." Wolf is taking the order seriously.

I turn back. "He read it and went through a better boot camp than you did."

"Fuckin' know-it-all."

I smile walking in the classroom while pulling my phone. Maybe KC will stop dogging me while trying to prove he's the same KC from the Marines. Joe will like that, I bet.

I've got ten minutes. Drew talked to Flame who called Lorelei and they explained her pay, the percentage that goes to help and the phone bill that's $20 for all BSC West members, but she gets it free working for Cort. I laugh reading her list, she's got a house with no bills, retirement benefits, a truck, smart car on the ABSZ, a bike and now a phone. It's a good day for Drew.

Our houses are a thousand a month but higher Officers get housing for free so I give that to Banks. We're not really higher officers; Cort just thinks it. Banks helps everyone and it's not much but it doesn't hurt. I lived free in the military and Badass pays more. No bills, a free phone and bike, I got the same as her. I know Alder paid the lease for the compound and Racks paid for the material to build so she doesn't owe for the house. Her other benefits are the harem shit from Alder.

Joe said the PVC was made at ABSZ manufacturing and can withstand colder and hotter temps so it must have been cheap. Everything we got from them was cheap according to Racks. I think it's from a real manufacturing company in Arizona and not the little factory on the ABSZ. I should ask, they're making the motors and some parts we need starting next month. Natalia is here once a week and does business for Alder, I can ask her the next time I see her.

Drew's questions about Aurora being hired to manage the compound, the chef and the Indians in Mass from the Bible get answered before the first trainee walks in.

"Prop the door, Trainee." I close the chat down and stand quick hearing the bark.

"Get the fuck out." The trainee moves to block the doorway.

"Stand down. Nike, is that you with your team?"

His chuff has me moving the trainee. "Brother, I had him prop the door so you're all not waiting for it to open for each of you. Hit the pad and come on in." He barks to his team while I look up at my class in the hall. "Everyone logs in, Trainees." I turn, "You're Nike's volunteer for the class today."

The trainees laugh. The idiot looks nervous and should.

"The first thing you learned about K-9s was…" I wait for their answer.

"They're Brothers patched in and deserve respect we haven't earned."

I nod as they repeat the line they learned yesterday before I was called for Ops.

"What do I have to do?" The trainee that blocked the door asks.

"Sit and listen. It's a class and you're a trainee. It's your job while you're here."

Some of the others laugh. I walk away from this trainee that isn't going to make it unless he starts listening and following the rules.

"Nike is Commander Keylan Stone's or VP's second. I call him Commander because he was my MEU Commander. He ran three teams for the Marines. One classified, one build and one rescue. The core team worked on the other teams but our classified jobs were Ops with a lot of shots fired. We provided Security to the other teams when needed, which wasn't often. Here, we are Rescue and do everything. You got the basic rules yesterday and today, you'll get to see why you learned those rules."

I wave the K-9 up."Nike."

He hits his paw to his nose and his hologram board pops on. I watch the trainees' amazement and smile. They're all paying attention. "Nike is a ranked Officer and trainer for Marines and us here at Rescue. He's armed and will shoot if you give him a hard time. If he shoots you, you're out. Don't disrespect the Brother, his training or his team. That's your only warning." I nod to Nike and he starts throwing up words on his board.

***

Drew

Lunch answers more questions and I love that women here know Badass, how everything works off the compound and don't treat me like I'm crazy for not knowing how to do things like eat out and leave tips. I read about the tip but I didn't see anyone put money down or even pay for our meal at the Vision park. I want to go back and get popcorn in the bag but Firefly says you don't leave a tip for that. Aurora is great and has taught me so much, but she laughs all the time and sometimes it feels like I really am stupid or loony.

"Are you okay?"

I smile at Flame. "I am. I was just thinking that I asked questions and you never laughed so I don't feel stupid. Thank you."

Firefly nods. "I'm new to Badass but the Brothers don't mind explaining so it's been easy for me. Anchor laughed at your questions?" I think she's angry the way she asks.

"No, but Aurora does sometimes. She was hidden but knows about the world better than me. She's always smiling and laughing. I'm always terrified and feel stupid."

Flame laughs. "You work for Alder and Cort, there's nothing stupid in you, girl. Experience is learned and we all have to learn somewhere. Aurora may just see learning different. From what I've seen, everything is an adventure to the woman."

I smile. "It is. You'd think trying to outrun policemen would be a cause for alarm but she was laughing when the helicopter landed. She had all the old people excited and cheering." I shake my head but smile remembering. "Me, I was terrified. Men with guns running toward us was scary, all I saw was guns, a pack of dogs and when they got closer, they were huge men, but it didn't faze anyone but me." I giggle at that.

"It was an adventure that you made it through. Now you're laughing. Badass teaches us that every experience has lessons, good, bad and horrific all teach us something. Look for the lesson. Sometimes mistakes are the best lessons but you'd never know if you didn't live through them." Firefly has good advice.

I nod seeing that. "I read about mistakes last night and thought about moving everyone to the house. I should have known better than to keep us all together." I smile. "It was the equivalent of marking the house with a giant target, but I never expected the fire they launched at us. The most they did was corner one or all of us and try to intimidate us. The attack was new. I learned and won't ever forget that one." I'd have failed the military crap with that one move.

They shake their heads. "You're all safe here," Flame says, taking my hand.

I'm quick to reassure her. "We all feel safe here. The experience is why I said it. My dad is crazy, that's what I got from the experience."

She gives a sad smile. "The lesson is hard but it is a lesson you learned. Don't ever fall for fake demands that put you back in that terrified state."

"Never. Scamming isn't new to them but it was to me. I fixed it when I found out. I'll never fall for those lies again. I'm sticking close to Racks and all the people that help everyone just because they can." I smile bigger. "I'm going to help where I can too."

Firefly stands. "There you go. I have to get to work. Chat me later about your dinner." She moves fast with her dog following.

I look around but the trainee men aren't moving. "Where are the Officers?"

"A meet at the rib place. They do it once a month. Firefly has an appointment with Alder. It's just a recheck." She doesn't explain what is being rechecked.

I want to ask but it isn't my business or Flame would have said. "She's new here too?" I heard someone say the Commander worked for Alder from another Club but Firefly just said she's new.

"Yeah, we're all new here but she's only been in Badass for a few months. She was an MP in the Army." She looks proud saying it.

"Wow. I read studies about the military but never met a woman from the Army."

She laughs explaining about the women here and some that she's met from the other Clubs. They all sound impressive. I'm going to meet some of them at the virtual meet tomorrow. I'm excited. Firefly's cousin is on an Airbase and works for Alder but she's an Officer in her Club. I wonder if she was in the Air Force.

Finishing my food, I put the fork down noticing the men leaving as a group. "Oh, I need to get to work too. I had one last question to finish before Racks picks me up."

She smiles. "I'm off to see the mom's new homes. Raiden is still at school so I'll be able to sit and talk. Stan thinks his mom wants a dog."

I smile walking out with her. "She may, they're smart dogs."

"They are that. She wouldn't get an Op dog, but I know as soon as she gets one, Raiden will have one. I've been trying to avoid that for years now."

I don't ask the questions that causes because I have work to do before Racks shows up. I do make a note for Anchor about ‘Ops' dogs as soon as I sit on my golf cart, then I ask about the golf cart. We all woke up this morning to golf carts right outside our doors. Putting my phone away, I get to work waving to Flame as I motor on by.

***

Looking back, I realize I should have said no to the ride or at least gave a time for us to get back. Everyone else on my schedule has one-hour times. My brother had to make today the day I ride for three. Sentinel had a bike for me so no one had to make it. I rode it on the track with Racks chasing me like we were kids again. It had me laughing and more comfortable with him, without worrying over my need to apologize. He's still the same Racks with his love of riding, easy nature and quick smile. I've missed him and our rides and said it. He missed me too but didn't bring up anything hard.

Whipping my clothes off, I jump in the shower. I told him about Aunt Jen and the deed making him laugh. He just said he's glad I'm so smart. My dad was scamming people so I scammed him. I didn't say that because I didn't want to bring up my dad. It was my day with Racks without the years of lies and comments clouding my judgment.

I smile drying off. He stopped me from apologizing. He said he was supposed to take care of me and he didn't, so I stopped him from apologizing and made him laugh with ‘Badass is forward.' It dropped right there without any explanations or excuses from either of us. We moved on and boy does it feel good.

I run to the kitchen pod seeing way too many old people. "Aurora?"Everyone looks at me, probably because I'm standing horrified and frozen in the doorway.

She's at the back counter with a measuring cup of water. "Drew, the Bravo elders made a surprise visit. Lola invited them to eat here so we don't miss your first meal." Her eyebrows are too high on her head.

I nod then think, how am I going to feed all these people. No one stood or mentioned helping me.

She answers what I'm thinking. "I'll take them to the pool for drinks and call for some quick appetizers. We got you set up so I'll add for more when that's done."

"Okay." Who is going to help me with the chef? I might as well use what she's got.

"Malcolm, can you show Drew the chef?" She asks and I have no gripes about her reading me today.

Malcom and Scott are talking to a man I don't know, but he nods and walks around the island still talking away.

I move out of the doorway while old people pass me, ours take my hand or touch my arm with smiles that could light a room. They're happy, so I put a smile on and move into the kitchen area by Malcolm. I hope the smile is covering my terror. I need to relax and get through this experience like Flame said.

He turns, of course, smiling at me. Bravo elders made everyone's day, apparently. "They live in a home. I'm showing the houses so they can make a place that gives them more independence."

I nod, glad he's helping, but need to cook for these people. "You should call the Alpha-Bits or Alder. They'd love to help. Before you do, can you show me the chef?" It sounds like I'm begging so I turn away to take in a calming breath. I just need to get through this.

"Right here. Every recipe in the world is on it, but Aurora had us prepping what you'd need before Bravo showed."

This is good and I can breathe without feeling like I'm going to faint. You gotta love Aurora. "Thanks, Malcolm. What do I do?"

He touches the tablet thing on the wall and points to a chef hat. "This one is the chef. Touch it when you want him to show and to put him away." He touches the hat and a tall man pops up on the side of me.

"Well, aren't you gorgeous. What is your name, darlin'."

I giggle at the man who isn't a man and Malcolm shakes his head. "He's always like that."

"I'm Drew and need to cook today. I've never cooked before so I need help."

He tsks three times. "I hope Mr. Crotchety isn't your help."

That strikes me as a little rude. "I was told you are." I look at Malcolm but he's talking to Scott.

"What is on the menu today?" The chef turns and I see the list on the fridge."Spaghetti and meatballs are easy." He thinks out loud, I guess.

Nothing is easy if you've never done it. To me, the list is too long and incredibly impossible. Bread is on it.

"The food is prepped but she needs more. Scott is making hamburgers on the grill at the pool. We do sweet potato fries. I'll peel a couple more. The pasta is done but needs to be put together for salad and jello is waiting by the micro with the water she'll need. Eggs for the salad, garlic bread toasted, spaghetti and fries is all she has. Aurora will come help once she gets our company settled." Malcom says all that like I understand. If pasta is done, what do I need to do to it? Where are the meatballs? I don't know how to make bread. Doesn't that take hours?

He walks out while I'm trying to find a good question to ask without sounding like I'm whining. My eyes go right to the chef. "Please help. I don't know how to make bread."

He smiles. "Oh, gorgeous girl, don't fret. Look at the counters. It looks like someone was helping you out. I don't suggest the pressure cooker but someone has it running over there."

I look at what he's pointing to and nod. "It's steaming."

"Go look at what's in it for me, GG, and I'll see what else they have here." He turns, looking from one counter to the next so I go to the steaming thing and look through the glass.

"It looks like sauce." I try to lift the cover. "The lid won't come off."

"No! Don't open it. The pressure will scald you." He's loud with that.

I back away from the steaming thing and vow never to open it. Scalding doesn't sound like fun.

"First things first, get a pan of water on the stove to make your spaghetti. They have two boxes here so it's a big pot."

I open cabinets but don't see pots. Why do I need to make spaghetti? Malcom said pasta is ready.

"Over here, GG. You've never been in the kitchen?"

"I moved in a couple of days ago. We're all new." I'm distracted but explain.

He nods but looks skeptical. "Pots are usually close to the stove."

I see why. "I have never cooked." I reach for his arm but my hand goes through it. It's like the sheets I answer Alder on. "You just give directions?"

He turns. "Yes. I'm a program. Get that big one out and fill it about three quarters with water then we'll make the jello so it has time to set." I pull the pan he points to and move. He didn't answer about bread. Bread is overrated and I don't have hours to make bread. I can wipe it off the board when I'm close to the fridge again.

The chef orders me around without explaining anything to me. I add salt, move metal utensils to another pot on the back counter and get racks and a baking sheet out. With water in a pan, I remember the guests and double the eggs, then get that on the stove.

Finally, I get to the jello and tell him we need more. He goes back to the order voice and I get the bigger bowl, more water and hunt down more jello. Of course, it's in the last cabinet that I open.

He talks about oil, but I can't follow while I'm trying to remember the time to cook water. I take a quick look at the box but it doesn't give a time. Mixing it all together, I pop it in the microwave and push the liquid button. This thing is cool. I put four cups and it goes on.

Moving back to the chef, proud of my new microwave ability, I act like I heard everything he said. He has me pulling the tablet from the wall and move it to the far side of the island. I do it, then go right back to look at the orange fries. They're in a strainer but look dry and kind of gross. I wash them and bring them back but they don't look much better.

"I need you to shut this off, GG."

I follow his order and reach to hit the button on the steamer thing, then move away from it quickly before I'm scalded.

"The light is still on, darlin'."

I look and he's right. "It's still hot. Maybe it shuts off when it cools. It clicked when I pushed it."

"I've never seen one. Where are my little guys?" He asks like I have time to hunt down Alpha-Bits.

I shrug and go back to the weird looking fries. "I just drop them in?"

"Yes. We should call… how is that dripping? No! Back up!"

He scares the heck out of me, so I drop the strainer and back up, then see the oil popping and back up more. When I see the volcano and flames, I run for the extinguisher.

Holy mackerel! I get the sheet pan and cover it like he said before I shoot the cabinets with the fire extinguisher. He was right, the fire is covered on the pot thing and the flames under burnt out, but jeesh.

"Unplug it. Call the little guys, an adult, the fire dep…what's going on with the microwave?"

I turn fast and drop the fire extinguisher ducking. Explosions are going off behind me from the stove. I bend behind the island and peek over.

The chef scares the heck out of me again. "Dearie, shut the burner off and call for help." Turning my head, his face is right by mine. He looks weird bent in half.

I nod and wait for the explosions to stop, then shut the burner off, find my phone by the egg carton that's covered in egg bits and call for help.

Aurora's phone rings from somewhere near the microwave that's oozing red and blue. I think the blue is the bowl because the jello was cherry. Racks doesn't answer. Anchor doesn't answer. I look at the chef. "No one is answering. All I have left are my bosses, Alder and Cort."

He moves closer looking like a scary version of the happy chef. "Alder or Cort."

"Alder is on vacation and Cort is the head honcho. I can't call him for this."

He rolls his eyes. How does a hologram roll his eyes? The steamer thing moves making noise and the chef yells at me. "Call Cort NOW!"

I hit the button and move to where the chef is pointing to on the other side of the kitchen. "Cort, I need help. The chef is yelling at me. The Bravo old people showed and everyone left with them. The jello melted the bowl. The fries made a volcano of fire and the steamer thing is making noise. No one is answering their phone and I don't have any other numbers."

A huge explosion has me ducking again. "Holy mackerel. It stopped. At least it wasn't like the eggs, they kept exploding forever." I turn and shake my head. "The sauce and meatballs are on the ceiling … and everything else. I need help." I think I stunned him speechless. After a few seconds, I ask, "Cort?"

"Yeah. I had to get your tracking up. Nash and Angel are on their way. The Rescue Teams are out and I don't know your trainees. Are you okay? Is anyone hurt?"

"It's just me and the chef in here. The fire is out."

I turn, hearing the door open. The men stop in their tracks and scan the room from one side to the other.

"That's something. I'll let Spano know. I'm on Ops. Call if help doesn't show in five minutes." Cort has my eyes burning.

"They're here."

"Good. Call if you need me."

I can't believe he said that and want to cry because my boss is so nice to me."Thanks, Cort," I whisper, swipe him off, then stand straight.

"I need help," I say barely above a whisper.

"Isn't this like a day old?" The tall blonde, who must be Angel, asks.

I nod because it's close enough and I don't think I can say anything right now without crying.

The two men laugh.

Alder runs in and stops short. The chef points at me. "She is not allowed in the kitchen alone, Little President. An adult or my little guys need to supervise. At the very least, give me a way to call for help, king of my Little Bits."

Alder looks around from one disaster to the next and stops on the ceiling just past the sauce and meatballs with egg and shells embedded up there, then nods. "I see you…reason to lesson stipulation and new code. I will fix."

The men laugh again.

I cry.

***

"Who ordered?"

I turn toward the gate where Aurora's eyes are. Prospects come in loaded with bags. "Phoenix sent us to get you dinner from town," the first Prospect says.

I look at Aurora. Nash sent me out here like ten minutes ago. I just finished telling them what happened to the kitchen, like three seconds ago. She shrugs.

Alder called someone and was ordering men to get help, supplies and panels of something. I cried through making sure everything was off and listened to them all explain what they needed on their phones. I have no idea who is doing what, but they didn't want me anywhere close once the chef told them everything that happened. Thank God, Angel was as sick of the chef's voice as I was and shut him off.

She takes my hand and gives it a squeeze then drops it. "We shouldn't have left. My grandma always said the pressure cooker was dangerous."

I nod. "It exploded. I shut it off and it exploded."

She takes my hand again. "She was right. It's done and someone sent food. We should thank them."

I shake my head at her. "Cort was on Ops and said the teams are out. I'll send him a thanks later."

She nods watching me. "I had to go make the appetizers. Where is Malcolm?"

"Showing the houses and peeling more potatoes. He left right after you. I haven't seen him."

Her head is shaking. I feel the same way. Me and anyone in the world would have been better than me and a program.

We eat, me without saying a word, and they talk about the houses and living here. Until the cooking disaster, it's been good for everyone. They feel like I do. I don't look up when they tell Bravo people about me getting their money back. I smile hearing about the escape plan then the chopper ride. Firefly was right. It's kind of funny now that it's over.

Aurora hits my arm so I look. Malcolm, Scott and the Bravo man come through the gate with their eyes on me. Oh boy, he's mad. "The Little President just gave me a talking to. The whole kitchen is totaled." His eyes go to Aurora. "You never went back to help?"

What? "You were supposed to help with the chef. I didn't know he couldn't do anything but order me around. I'm one person." The chef was right, he's crotchety.

Aurora touches my arm. "I had to go make appetizers because they didn't have anyone in for dinner yet. I shouldn't have left her, she's never made more than a sandwich before."

"We all should have stayed. I forgot to tell her the pressure cooker needs to be unplugged because the switch doesn't work. I was surprised and excited we had company," Dorothy says then everyone agrees.

Not three minutes later, they're all laughing about their own disasters. I smile for the first time.

Malcolm brings me a piece of cake and kisses my head. "I'll supervise anytime on one condition, you don't use the chef."

I laugh. "I'm not sure I need to open him up ever again. He was yelling at me."

"It's a deal then." He's back to happy. I guess it wasn't so bad.

Everyone is smiling and they start getting loud. Aurora smiles at me. "Thank you." I love this woman. Arguing with Malcolm wouldn't have solved anything, a minute and Aurora's explanation settled him and me right down. She teaches me so much, but I don't think she knows it.

She nods her head then tells us of her baking disaster.

The moms, then Flame and Raiden show at the pool, getting the whole story repeated, twice.

The men never make it home so I don't have to explain what happened again tonight. I do send a thanks to Cort, getting an emoticon holding his big thumb up.

I giggle laying my head down, then I laugh hysterically. I pretty much blew up the kitchen in like twenty minutes. I need an adult or an Alpha-Bit to supervise me and the elders are making a schedule to teach me how to cook - without the chef, who is getting new code.

What a day. I can't wait to tell Racks.