Chapter Ten

Teach Club

Two days

There are too many people at breakfast. Dyani holds my hand tighter as we walk through the crowd to the Officers table. We have forty trainees; the dining room should not be crowded. I get tired of putting my arm out to move the Brothers and suspend them so we have a path.

“Hey!”

I smile at Danny. “Just trying to get to our seats. Shit.”

Ari laughs. “I said the same thing. They’re going to get a complex.”

“Preses, Brothers. We need a bigger table.”

Ari doesn’t like that idea. “No, we don’t.” He points. “The trainees are setting tables on the side. It’s a nice day and we’re not making the Club bigger to fit these Brothers that are here for a few days. They got tents and their own kitchen, so this is on you, but we’re not expanding.”

I look at the Brothers watching him and glare at the Brothers laughing.

“Got it, Brother. How is this on me? I didn’t invite anyone here.”

He gives me a look so I give him one and think he needs to relax. “There here for you. Don’t start the eye thing. I didn’t invite them either.”

I nod once and move Brothers down with their plates so I can sit by Ari with Dyani beside me.

“What the fuck, Brother. I’d have moved.”

My eyes whip to Jessie. “Your fork is still in your hand with eggs on it. Since I wanted to sit with my ol’ lady who lives and works here, I made it happen.”

“Put away the freaky shit.” He stuffs his fork in his mouth.

Brothers laugh but I ignore them.

“You settle Ari?” Cort asks.

“Yeah, Boss. He’s calm.”

Ari elbows me in the side. “We’re still not expanding.”

I nod. “You said that, so I’ll make it happen, Brother.”

“You can make a shield so crews can’t build?”

Raid has my eyes rolling. Dyani laughs. “No, Brother, or maybe, but I wouldn’t need a shield. I’d point out the cost and waste associated with expanding for a few days of use. There’s a whole tent Club three miles away, the big club less than five miles from that. Do we really need to expand for this?” He’s the business guy. “You wouldn’t even give us pieces. You’re going to okay expansion here?”

He looks away from me. “Cort said it’s not an Ops Club.”

“Since we’re obviously cutting waste, Club expansion is off the table?”

The giant moves, standing fast, he hits Jessie’s food off his fork. “I didn’t say you’re expanding for a party. I’m eating outside.” He takes his plate and walks.

Jessie pushes Raid’s chair back and glares at Ari. “Stay right there.”

I smile at Ari. “No expansion and we can eat.”

They’re all laughing now.

“Has he always been like that? Does he do business?” Cort asks.

I look at the other side of the table and throw a smiling Hemy chin. “He’s been the same for years except the paint and eyes. His eyes flashed when he’s pissed but not like now. He learned Lead, Teach and Enforce like the rest but he blasted through Officer young and he’s Indian, he doesn’t do waste anyway.” His hand swipes at air as he shakes his head. He doesn’t like waste either and he didn’t grow up on the reservation.

I smile at him. “Thanks, Pres.”

“Is the paint permanent?” Prez Knight asks.

“No but his eyes are always with the circle of gold now.”

Cort answers so I turn for the Prospect. “The same.”

He smiles at me and walks fast toward the kitchen. I always get whatever was ordered so I’m not waiting on food. Dyani finds it funny. I kiss her smile. “Are the kids here today?”

Those pretty eyes shine at me. “I got a chat from Atseelsoi. They’ll be here.”

Shit. I close my eyes and breathe. I was planning the next number on her list. She told me right before I implemented that plan. “I was distracted.” I try for a sheepish look.

She laughs at me. “You were and it was worth it.”

Officers stand drawing my attention. Everyone shifts seats so Cort, Prez and Hemy are right beside and across from us. Dyani’s eyes go wide. I laugh. “They’re bored down there.”

“How do you make the paint go away?” Cort asks but he’s looking at Dyani.

“I don’t. He breathes reservation air or something to calm or settle him. If he thinks of someone needing something or he needs it, the paint shows.”

“Does it show regularly?” Prez asks.

“All through the day,” Ari answers. Since they’re all talking, but not to me, I eat.

***

The Brothers are wherever they went, I’m hoping back to the tent Club, so just Prez, Cort and Hemy are here with their dogs. It’s a quiet walk until we get to the rock wall around this side of the lake. Prez points so they sit. I sit on the grass in front of them so I can see them all.

“Christian, Dakota, and Jacob have no idea how you missed everyone’s list. Aiyana said she told me but I don’t know when that was.” Prez stops when Hemy shakes his head.

“I told you about him when Ginny went to Princes.”

Prez shakes his head. “He was sixteen. You didn’t say messenger or anything that would have clued me into his ability. You said Ginny has ability but not what. I’ll take the hit but, Brother, I need better information. Aaron isn’t clueless but doesn’t get any ability besides reading. Christian isn’t showing me kids anymore. I get more from Justice and Zeke than I do my Presidents.”

“As it should be,” I tell him, then shut up when I see the surprise on his face.

“I should be getting information from them?”

“Yeah, Prez. You have Presidents of Territory Leads because it got too big for you to manage the country plus international, well, out of country was coming up, but you saw it. Your council took the new without a manager below them. Justice knows the Protectors and our ability. Christian is supposed to guide us. He’s always busy saving us from ourselves. Aiyana is still working Ops while being the ancestor’s voice, healer, doctor and guide for when we’re unsettled. Dakota sees what’s to come but day to day work isn’t leaving him time to see much. I didn’t get the ability to shield because I’m special, everyone else was busy.”

Cort laughs. “I really like you, Citiali. Do I need to pull shit back from the Protectors here?”

I nod. “You do, Boss. I know you heard Jacob about the abilities and how exhausting it is in crowds. You’ve tried to give us time but a weeklong party with everyone here, Prez, Hemy, Justice and Teller, then add Aiyana or even Aylen is tough to handle. They all have an energy that runs through us. Like with you anywhere close, every Brother is on alert. We wouldn’t settle until you’re safe and away from us. With ability, we’re blocking readers who get amplified because so much ability is close. Mase shows on boards so he’s not slammed by that closeness. I had to shield at the Protectors tent compound so the kids could eat because so much ability close puts them to sleep, or makes them little walking zombies. People don’t say no to any of you, but you’re forgetting how hard saying yes is for us.”

His eyes aren’t scary but they’re focused on me. “Keep doing that. I need the comparisons like you just made, otherwise I don’t get it. I have no ability and I’m still learning Indian.”

I nod. “You hear me, I appreciate that but I saw where hearing and understanding isn’t connecting. I can and want to help with that. It’s my purpose, Walker says, ‘the messenger of truths for all.’”

He smiles. “That Brother has more in him than anyone ever sees.”

I shake my head. “We all see it. He’s happy and shares when he needs to. It’s where we need him, his purpose.”

“Huh. I guess he is. What do you have for Hemy?”

I smile at my old Pres. “The reservation isn’t yours to carry. Let it go, you’re the only one blaming you for the mess sloth and entitlement left there. Trust was broken, lies were told and justice was served. Let it end.”

Hemy nods. “I need to. It’s making me old.”

I smile at him. “Atohi may have something for you for that. Ask him.”

He shakes his head. Cort looks at Prez Knight. “You back?”

Prez Knight smiles. “I am. My council agrees with you. Asking why they didn’t say something to me, they all turned to Dakota. He said it wasn’t time.”

I shake my head. “It’s time, Prez. We need our guides, your counsel and advice that doesn’t take forever to get a solution. Aiyana told Andrew I should be his second more than a year ago. This war was seen then. We need solutions so Atohi isn’t bringing IT ideas he snags from Brothers heads to cover Virginia so you’d have help up north.”

He shakes his head but he’s smiling. “He asked Kaleb?”

I nod. “Kaleb and Mucimi. He lifted from Jason and a Josiah Brother training him.”

“They’re good Brothers. I’ll thank him for that. My council is finding a solution to this problem. Since they’re the guides, it shouldn’t take more than the two days I gave them.”

I laugh. “They know.”

He nods. “I figured they did since it wasn’t time before. Where do you fit in all this, Citiali?”

I smile. “I’m just the messenger, Prez. I do and say shit that pisses people off and always had ability to defend it. There is nothing in me that would lead to a lie or disrespect for an opinion I don’t hold. My very being depends on all opinions, it ensures my truth, which is based on fact, holds an understanding of why differing opinions even exist. You see me, in me, there is no disrespect. I get pissed but still hold no disrespect for anyone. My words are merely truths that need to be told, need to be heard.”

He nods with a smile. “I see it and understand pure heart. You think I’m going to blast you?”

I smile nodding. “Your eyes flash green, Cort’s are like steel or Ari said lasers. I’m just making it clear before I piss any of you off.”

They laugh at me.

Our conversation takes a turn, Cort and Prez Knight ask about Clubs and Brothers I have to search for. Hemy is quiet but watches me, then their reaction to my words. It’s a good talk but I’m glad when they’re done. Neither is pissed at me.

Prez stops after just one step toward the walkway. “You had no questions, Hemy?”

“Nah, I got Atohi and Yona close. Aaron is meshing us in good and even gave me the kids to train at Quantico. Citiali is missed but I see him at the reservation with the kids.”

Cort turns to me. “You answer questions at the reservation?”

I shrug. “If I’m asked. I don’t talk much, Boss. I ignore stupid shit but answer real questions.”

He nods. “Like with Raid? You answered Ari, that was stupid.”

“I did, Boss. He’s unsettled because so much energy is close. Dyani was too. I made sure he knew he wasn’t completely losing control. Younger, I felt like that when energy was close. Now, it’s draining but you gave me a crash course in daily blocking.” I smile saying it.

He laughs. “The perspective or differing opinion.”

I nod. “Understanding what he’s feeling helps me avoid being shot.”

He hits my shoulder. “You’d block.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need to, but how much more anger would that earn me?”

“You’re not in an easy place, Brother. Call if you need me.”

My hand goes to my chest. I feel that from the one Brother that doesn’t have a spare minute in his day. “I am more honored than I can tell you right now. Prez, I have Justice, Teller, Putam, Mucimi, Zeke and Ari right here. Aiyana is always dropping advice and I feel Christian regularly but haven’t seen him lately. If I need you, I will call to you. I hope the Brothers you gave me work so I don’t need to make that call. Your job is providing my guidance, I appreciate and value every Brother you gave me.”

He pulls me over and kisses my head. “Call if you need me.”

“Always.” I smile when he kisses my head again.

“You’re so young but not. Glad you’re ours, Brother.”

Cort has me throwing chin. I am seen, heard and appreciated. I love it here.

***

Badass tent city

Bikes are everywhere. I pull up and shut my bike off. “They really are crazy,” I say softly, taking off my helmet.

Dyani gets off when I tip for her. “There’s got to be a thousand bikes here. What’s happening now?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know, I’ve been blocking the din all day.”

She nods taking my hand. “Aylen taught me how to shield from thoughts. It works but I don’t see so much when I shield. It’s not a bad way to live.”

I laugh. “It’s not, the shield keeps you sane. Hold onto me if you need energy to keep it up.”

Her hand squeezes mine. “I will. Aylen and Justice send energy out like you. I’m all for exercise but I’m not walking a mile to a drink.”

I smile and suspend us to the outside of the games. “Holy shit.”

She looks at the expanded area. “How do they do this? We were here yesterday.”

There are hundreds of bikes lining the game area and at least thirty doing a slow race. I shake my head and tighten my hold on her hand. “I’m shooting for the Protectors compound, it feels off, but I’m heading for the energy.”

With her nod we’re off. I see Bits and slow but the energy is ahead. Chris and Brekan look my way as I lower to the ground. “Brothers. They moved.”

Brekan smiles. “Brothers. We just got here. Prez is this way.”

I nod and we fall in line with them.

“Thanks for the shield or whatever you call that. You saved a couple of my Clubs and countless Brothers. They’re all sending positive reports. The Presidents and Officers are more settled.” Brekan’s thoughts go to bibles. He’s excited about his new Clubs.

I don’t look at him but throw chin.

“He doesn’t need an answer, if there even is one, appreciation is his point.”

“Thanks, Chris. I feel it and saw.”

Brekan stops so we all do. “They’re getting freakier, aren’t they?”

I turn my head to where he’s looking, then close my eyes and think about strength. We’re going to need it. A big tiki hut looking stage has Brothers all around it. No one is on the stage but the Brothers are there. I start walking again and see Caelan’s dogs then him.

His smile is cute. “Pres, VPs. VP Pablo came with Pres Zeke.”

“I feel them, Brother.” Sending strength toward him, he smiles then nods.

“Thanks, VP Citiali. Freaky compound.” He points toward the new container pool with a wooden deck built around it. Brothers, kids, dogs are all over it and under the deck on lounge chairs, talking, laughing, running, like this is normal.

I walk on. “Tiki hut is a theme today.” The new shit has thatched roofs.

Brekan laughs. “I can’t get past the entire city in tents. We went by the Alpha-Bit neighborhood. The dogs even have a neighborhood. A Brother from our Club said Prospects have maps from planning. This city even has planning.” He’s amused and perplexed at the same time.

Dyani laughs. “They have good planners. I’ve seen two bathroom huts, a first aid station, water fountains and a tent kitchen since we started walking.”

My feet stop. “Do you want a drink?”

She pulls my hand and I follow. “I’ll get one when we stop.”

We pass two neighborhoods the first of seemingly normal Brothers that turns out not to be so normal. A cow is over a huge pit of rock and whatever the hell they’ve got in there. A pulley is hooked to the running truck with its hood up. Brothers are spraying the cow down with a keg of beer. I look at Dyani. She shakes her head and keeps going. The next smells like a body shop and looks like they’re not done. Every tent is painted or being painted by Brothers doing their best to win the best neighborhood award with spray paint.

“They’re doing a hell of a job and are gifted artists for sure, but I’m not sure planning is giving awards out here.”

Brekan laughs hitting my arm. “It’s Delta. I bet the first tent is going to have a rocket. The rest are planets or sky.”

Dyani makes me laugh. “I thought they just missed spots but the more steps you take it changes. It’s like an illusion. They’re showing their own form of freaky.”

Turning, I see we’re on a bit of a rise. The games grew by at least two times it’s size from yesterday. The place is packed but everyone is calm and orderly. The neighborhoods are clearly identifiable in square block sections. Every section is the same size but some only have a couple of bigger tents like the old lady compound. The walkways are the size of a two-lane road with tents or food trucks lining the inside. The oval area behind the businesses has a straight line of what has to be coolers powered by solar panels on frames in between the dumpsters. I shake my head. “Where is water?”

A hit to my arm surprises me.

Chris stopped too, I guess. “Look at the grass behind the dumpster. It’s a straight line turning yellow. They trenched it. I bet they have firehose under that sod layer.”

My eyes follow the line. It T’s off at the road grids. “Yeah. They really did plan it. They’re fuckin’ crazy.”

Brekan laughs pulling Chris forward. “It’s better than Coachella and Woodstock. Clean water, bathrooms, housing, security on the main drag, Clubs sponsoring food for those that need it and activities to keep everyone entertained.”

Dyani squeezes my hand. “Every section has a fire pit, the pool, food, games all have seating or viewing. It’s our tribe like at Pow wow. It didn’t matter the tribe, we’d talk to and help everyone.” My girl’s smile touches me, she doesn’t share much of her past but this is a good memory for her.

Brekan smiles. “It is like Pow wow. I’ve been in the crazy so long I’m missing the obvious. Badass is good at reminding us of what’s important in the most unusual ways.”

Dyani nods. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was trying to forget my past. It wasn’t all bad and the good is important to carry on.”

I tighten around her hand. “It is. I like the new view.”

Brekan watches me then nods. I smile seeing the perspective word cross his thoughts. We walk again. I feel a shield and add to it getting closer to the energy that’s radiating all around us. The shield is inside the next compound. That makes me smile. I’m heard here. The tent seems to glow but I’m seeing it with my eyes, it’s a light like a beacon. We step in and I laugh. Presidents and Officers are here from everywhere but the energy inside is toned down.

“Thanks for the help, Brother. Jeremy said you got this.” Christian looks exhausted.

I nod to him and push a little harder. “I do now. Are you okay?” I take his arm and feel my back running like a light switch was flipped.

“Yeah, thanks.” He doesn’t let my arm go for a few seconds. “It’s easier.”

I nod and let his forearm go. “What’s happening here?”

He rolls his eyes looking a little more settled than a minute ago. “What’s next. This one may work yet. I’m off kid gestapo.”

I laugh. “It’s time. We need help focused on what’s next not what’s now.”

He nods with a serious look on his face. “They heard. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, Brother. You haven’t met Dyani.”

“I have. She’s remembering my voice.”

My eyes whip to my girl with her secret smile on. “You told me to fight. We were so young. When she died you came again.”

He hugs her shocking me. “You made it. Lulu is with you.” He steps back quick.

My girl wipes her eyes nodding. “She is. I feel her when I’m at the reservation or like here. All the energy helps and bashes me at the same time.”

“It’s like that for me too. I lost you. I’m so fuckin’ glad Citiali found you. Your pain brought me to you. I haven’t felt it in so long. I’ve jumped here to make sure you’re the one I saw.”

She smiles. “I think I felt it but you didn’t talk to me.”

“No, I wasn’t here in person and I’ve been putting out fires everywhere so I’m tired by the time I make it to the reservation.” Shit, he’s been spread so thin.

“I feel but don’t see you. I hope whatever is happening changes that.”

He smiles. “It will. Come in, Brekan is talking to Cort. Prez is watching us. Keep the shield up.”

I don’t think I’m controlling it but nod and follow him.

Dyani let’s my hand go before I take a second step. “You’re the energy now.”

My back isn’t the only thing that feels in motion so I guess maybe I am. Dakota throws me chin. “Your ability to shield is appreciated by all of us, Brother. A much-needed break for those of us not rambling for hours on end.”

I laugh. “Glad I can help, Brother. Are you okay?”

“Take his arm, Dakota. It helps,” Christian says.

I put my arm out. “Someone is helping the shield.” I feel it when Dakota takes my arm.

“Mucimi and Keesog are at the reservation.” Christian points. Mucimi and Keesog are guarded by Mase on a couch against the tent wall.

“Your paint is dark, Citiali. Thank you for helping here. Jared took Aiyana to the back and Jeremy followed. They’re exhausted.” He’s concerned. “I can help.”

He shakes his head. “Justice sent Teller and Chenoa.”

I nod. “You wanted to see me?”

He smiles. “I didn’t know it was to relieve my tired council or shield but was told Zeke was to be a second to Christian and I fucked it up. Like Andrew, I dismissed the thought of change, luckily it wasn’t out of mistrust. Everything is a lesson so I will use that and apply what I’ve learned from it. You are here to make sure I don’t fuck it up again.”

I hold my laugh but smile. “Roger, Boss.” I let Dakota’s arm go and hold my arm out to Prez.

“You’re not throwing?”

I shake my head. “Keeping the Protectors settled is my thought, Prez.”

“Your freaky is off the charts.” Prez has Dyani giggling.

I smile and see she’s looking at floating babies. Prez sees it and shrugs at me.

“Carmen and Hannah are over there. Go, do whatever makes you happy, deer girl.”She pulls my shirt so I bend for her quick kiss.

When I straighten, Prez watches me. “It bothers her?”

“No, or not usually, but when I came in, I pushed harder and she had to let my hand go.”

He nods and lets my arm go. “You’re like a jump for me.”

I nod. “It’s not me, Prez. They’re here through me. I’m not throwing anything.”

“I want to tell you of the new plan.” I nod and sit at the table when he does. Cort turns from Brekan and Christian. “I asked for Citiali because he’s the only Brother I’ve met that doesn’t care if he pisses me off.”

Cort smiles. “I was going to bring it to him after this, so it saves me a trip. You know the shield means we can’t hurt him. Raid shot at him with laser and bullets just drop.”

Prez looks stricken. “He shot at him with fuckin’ bullets?”

Cort shrugs. “He said the laser didn’t get close.”

I look down so I don’t laugh but feel right away Prez is pissed. I reach and hold his arm with a firm grip. “He was testing the shield, I was in gear and the shield covered everyone with me.”

He gives me a look. “Who the fuck was with you?”

I shake my head. “Let it go, Prez. It doesn’t matter, it proved the shield works and it’s a non-issue. Close your eyes and breathe the ancestors in.”

He shocks me listening. I let his arm go when his body relaxes. As soon as his eyes are open, I throw out. “So, the plans?”

Cort laughs.

Prez nods, then smiles. “Yeah, thanks. So, Keesog is Christian’s help.”

He stops as if waiting for me to answer. I nod. It’s a good place for him and he won’t be so bored he’s creating trouble.

Ten minutes in and Christian speaks up, Aiyana shows at the table. Mucimi, Jeremy, Dakota and Zeke take over and write what needs to happen and who their help is. Each one of them have different and younger help for positions Prez takes note of. Cort doesn’t object when Zeke names Caelan but he’s surprised.

After almost an hour, Dakota slides his tablet to Prez. “This is what we and each territory need, Prez.”

I smile when Prez does. “You hijacked my meeting.”

Jeremy nods with a big smile. “Yeah. You’d ask.” He doesn’t say more.

Prez nods and gets a serious look to his eyes. “Do it whenever I need it.”

Christian sags in his chair. “We will. It beats you ordering us before you hear us.”

Aiyana and Dakota agree nodding. “I am told I am shielded and you cannot shoot my feet.”

I laugh. Aiyana is about as Badass as it gets.

Prez nods. “I like you throwing equal out. I have felt like I’m ordering you. I need you to explain better so I’m not ordering what you don’t agree with. We used to work together. There are too many times I’m not feeling that.”

Christian sits up. “You’re Prez. We follow orders all the time not agreeing.”

Prez puts his hand up and Christian stops talking.

I smile. “Keep going, Christian. He was making a point.”

Christian looks at me then Prez. “We’ve always just followed orders.”

Prez shakes his head. “I need a team, a council, that shares ideas with a passion that will change my mind when I’m not seeing what you do. I may still order whatever but I need why you object in English, not hidden behind Indian words I don’t always understand. Citiali is a messenger doesn’t tell me what the fuck Citiali’s purpose is. Zeke is a teacher? Of what? Why is it important? He’s Christian but not, Citiali has stories I don’t understand. Atohi can be interchanged, why? I went along with Justice and Zeke because they had more running through their heads than you do. Hemy understood but wasn’t clear. I need real and I need it all on the table, all the time. Explain so I get it.” His green eyes are flashing like jewels.

I watch the table. Justice nods. “Always, Prez.”

Christian, Aiyana and Dakota agree.

‘Christian told you about me while I was sitting in front of you.’ Zeke throws.

Prez nods. “He did but we had a meet right before you that all he threw was you’re a teacher. That’s in my head, Cort sent an email about you getting there right away, we had the threat to Maine, the blowback from Kentucky then helping Aaron in South Carolina. When we had the meet for you, it was more a formality than anything else. I needed you to know I was behind the move.”

“Christian was late in his delivery but you didn’t hear him, Prez.”

Those flashing eyes turn my way. I put my hands up. “Opinions matter. To get honest you have to give it.”

He closes his eyes and breathes. I’m glad to see no flashes of green when he opens them. “You’re right. I will focus on what I’m doing and hearing. We need to jump together and I want my council meets scheduled. This piecemeal isn’t working for any of us.”

“Very sound plan, Prez. I will send the meet to Darren for your schedule.” Dakota isn’t letting this go.

Prez nods. “He’ll get it to José for us.” He looks around the table. “I agree to everyone and everything you brought here. Get them training then into position as soon as you can. If they don’t work, change them out until you’re both comfortable with it. Let me know when that change happens and why.”

“Roger, Prez.”

No one moves. “What’s left?”

“Jump.” Jeremy says nothing else.

Christian nods. “Jumping. Everything else is easy. We need the jump together more than anything we decided on. The need for you to feel what we do, see what we see is important, Prez. It doesn’t matter where you are, we can all land in the same place.”

I nod. That’s a good way to put it. “It would show what you don’t understand, Prez. You see more there and they can show instead of just saying words.”

He nods. “Council meet there?”

“Yeah.” Christian, Jeremy and Zeke say fast and loud.

I nod. “Zeke said it out loud. You know that’s a sign.”

He smiles. “Yeah. I got that.”

“How do I get there?” We all turn to Cort.

“You want to meet at the reservation?” Prez is surprised.

“I want to jump with my council Brothers. How do I get there?”

Justice falls sideways laughing. “Zeke, Luke Rayne or Citiali can bring you, Boss.”

I feel my eyebrows move up. “Is this a regular meet and when?”

Cort waves his hand. “I’ll have Raid schedule it. I don’t understand Indian shit like you all do. Reading books isn’t getting me closer. I felt it when Justice was Knighted. I need to feel it and see it.” He turns to Prez, “Citiali said you show that. Show me.”

Prez laughs. “You’ve got a good point and Justice has Brothers to get you there. Make it happen, Justice.”

“Roger, Prez. I think it’s a great idea. He knows the words but doesn’t have a connection. No, he obviously has the connection but didn’t grow up with the knowledge. I’ll get him there.”

“So, we’re done?”

Christian sits up again. “You didn’t hear our why for our new people.”

“Do you believe strongly in your choices?”

“Yeah, Prez, but…”

Prez stands. “I believe in you. You’re not putting someone in the job you’ll have to work harder at. You had a plan and got everything you wanted. You don’t need me to do your job. You just need me to agree with it. I did. Now I’m trusting in my Brothers to carry it out.” He walks away and I laugh. Cort scrambles to follow him.

I laugh more.

Christian hits my side. “Shut the fuck up, Brother. Does he really listen?”

Aiyana stands. “He hears us and will let us work without a replay of every decision we make. He has learned. You, I believe need a nap.”

I’m laughing again but I move fast and go find my girl. It’s got to be dark by now and the Brothers will be in lights at the games. My plan is to stay up here and watch. I hope she agrees to that one. I smile, she’s already outside the tent on a lounge chair. I like her plan and lift her up then sit.

“I’m shielding you.”

She nods. “The stage is karaoke, the lights feel magical and the energy isn’t bothering me. It’s a nice night.”

I kiss her head but don’t answer. It is now.