Chapter Four

Bravo Club - Indian Compound

Chenoa meets us at the chopper and gives tribal information as we walk. “They use English names unless in ceremony, the chief is Shield. He’s at the bread store today but will be back before you leave. Sakari’s name is Sweet here. She’s been crying all morning. Sleeping Bear is your guide and Little Wolf turned eight and took charge of the welcoming crew, he can give you the low-down on tribal life. I need to get to the Lab. Alder had the Bits working all night. We have four that need vaccines and they’re bringing them over to me.”

“Thank you, Chenoa. What shot were we given?” Dyani asks.

“Alder’s vitamin booster. It’s just a blast of vitamins. Your tests all came out safe, I mean normal. The Bits stamp them with a safe emoji.”

I smile at that. “Thanks, Chenoa. The Bits ate at Guardian today so we haven’t seen them.”

“Gregor was one going through the results for us. The computer does it but they recheck everything. Your group needs vitamins but Alder will send it over. I need to go.”

I touch her arm. “Thanks.”

Her head rears back. “Calm that, Brother. You’re like a zap from Teller.”

I pull my hand away quick. “Thanks.”

She runs laughing while Sleeping Bear smiles watching her. “She’s an amazing woman. If we could get her to stop for ten minutes, I could ask her all the questions my wife asks me to.”

“Have your wife make an appointment at the clinic.”

The man is jolly, reminding me of a thinner Santa. “I’m going to tell her that. She gives me these notes with questions every time I tell her Chenoa will be here. I tried to work the store today, but the women revolted. Chief Shield is better in the kitchen, they said.”

I laugh seeing him sitting in what looks like breadcrumbs with a barrel beside him. He shrugs. “Thanks for being our guide, Sleeping Bear.”

We get welcomed by the little kids and Little Wolf leads us to the kitchen where two women are waiting. already in tears. I stand back with Sleeping Bear and Mary while the women maul a crying Anahu.

Hearing sister, I look at Sleeping Bear. “Sister?” The woman looks at least fifteen years older than the boy.

He backs us out of the kitchen. “She’s one of the rescued slaves that live on the ABSZ. She doesn’t come here often but wanted to see her brother. Some women came back changed. Tiani is one of them. She was taken on a trip to the northern tribe when she was young. They’re twins.”

Mary says what I think. “She’s the same age as Anahu. I’m glad they’re all dead, what they did to the women is sick.”

Sleeping Bear agrees.

I send energy to the girl that I would never have guessed is in her late teens. My eyes snap to Sleeping Bear when I feel fear. “What is it?”

Little Wolf laughs. “Your face has war paint like the book. That’s ill, chill, tight, sick…”

I tune him out and look at Sleeping Bear. “When I send energy, it’s powered by the ancestors now.” I roll my eyes. “It’s new and I forget how it shows.”

He nods relaxing a little but he’s not back to jolly.

“Does Sakari have a house Anahu can stay at?” I ask so this nervousness doesn’t settle in.

“Yes, we helped her clear the jewelry room for a bed for him. Her son is in the military now so she started working Native Jewelry. She only works the bread store four hours a day.” The jolly man is still nervous.

Dyani steps closer so I step back. “That’s nice. What branch?”

Little Wolf calms everyone with his fist pumps, confidence and joke about new naval native ribbons. I don’t get it but Sleeping Bear is back to jolly and tells Dyani about the tribe.

Mary gives me a commiserating look. We’re here for a while. This moment in my life sucks but does give me a chance to watch the little woman, who will be the center of my world, interact with virtual strangers. I guess that makes it an informative sucky day. She’s got new Indian themed clothes on like Chenoa wears so it does have a good side. I really like the new look.

***

Teach Club

Rounding the corner, I stop short. “Brother, I just got back.”

Ari smiles. “Yeah. We get test trainees next week. Are you up for a run?”

I heard the crazy plan for the maintenance class before we get a real trainee in here, but I don’t mention it since it pisses him off. “I ran at Bravo while they did a sweat lodge. Anahu is staying for a few days.”

He nods. “Walk with me. You have a meet after dinner, are the woman and old guy staying?”

“Shielding us.” ‘She’s mine but doesn’t know it. Do not say it out loud, don’t think about it. I’ll get to know her and need to wait for her to agree.’

“Forgotten. The old guy?” My new President is as cool as my old President.

“He got his brace and works IT. Mucimi says he’s smart, was a Marshal then Bounty hunter when he joined Texas Badass but jumped to UK Badass. He heard a story in a pub then went to help Indians held in the CIA. What I saw was from Mucimi, Nitis had wires all around his head. Mucimi said it was tests and he wasn’t beat by CIA, just held there like a prison.” We take the stairs fast.

“That means the prison beat them. How long were they there?”

I stop the answer I was going to give and lean forward. “Teller.” He just appeared in line with us.

Teller throws me chin while answering Ari. “Almost two years at the prison. The last few months, calls were going out for help because the country was being overtaken and the prison seemed to be of importance to the Kremlin. The CIA wasn’t a big secret in Georgia.”

Ari stops outside the door. “Jesus, they’ve been in prison for almost two years. Before that?”

“Like a CIA prison. They worked, ate and slept there. They weren’t beat or tortured, but they weren’t free. Indians were taken from all around the country and shipped overseas for whatever they were doing. The Badass were hodgepodge from everywhere. Three died in that prison. All international. Miguel was the only one from the US.”

I smile at his word. “Hodgepodge?”

He shrugs. “It’s new.”

Ari gets us back to the point. “They’re staying here. Have they been read? Are they safe to work here?”

Teller gives us a Knight smile with those happy green eyes. “Yes and yes. Later.” He’s gone.

I shake my head. “We need to do better.”

Ari laughs. “Find me after your meet.” He jogs away and I go to my office.

I have the meet planned out but would like to give it without having to look at my phone or tablet.

***

Guardian Club

Reaching the back patio, I’m surprised by how many people showed up. “Some from Bravo and Zion showed.” Axe points out Co. “Co is…”

I give him a look. “I know who Co is. You need to stop the magician shit and walk like a normal human being. You didn’t do the magician in Liberty or we’d have thrown you right the fuck back with the Virginia clowns you couldn’t wait to get away from every night.” Yona’s words of the ancestors amplifying my ability crosses my mind.

He grabs my sleeve, stopping my next step. “Wait, you’re pissed at me?”

I turn so we’re eye to eye. “Not pissed but annoyed. Most Indians don’t have the gifts a small handful of the Native population around the world do. Showing the clownish way those gifts are taken advantage of and used to make your life better is a slap in the face to the ancestors and the tribes that will never have those gifts. In a few years, resentment for your easy life will start to show. Indians won’t be so excited for the chance to show appreciation for their new job, growing family or any small accomplishments. Entitlement, avarice and sloth are lessons taught to keep everyone appreciative of what they do have. Happiness with life is important for all kinds of community. These people don’t get to see Ops, they don’t know how hard we all work to keep this going and them safe. You diminish the importance of those gifts by forgetting that without ability, you’d be a transport pilot and I’d be a lousy shaman. With them, we can free prisoners, slaves, Alpha-Bits and grow our communities making life better for more. Prez, Cort and Hemy can organize all their Brothers so we’re most effective to do that, plus work in our communities at jobs spreading that Badass. If you keep doing the clown show, their work, hell, all our work, won’t be worth a fuckin’ thing.”

“Ops, send that to Cort, Justice, Luke Rayne and Zeke.”

We both turn to Michaels and what I’m guessing is his whole family. “Brother, I didn’t see everyone this close. I’m not sure a call to anyone is needed here.” Fuck, I must be pissed. I didn’t feel all that energy close. They’re a whole family of ability. Except Michaels, the poor bastard.

Cuyler and a boy laugh. I roll my eyes at them.

“No, send it, Ops. Citiali is right. Everyone says it but not like him. I see it and will work to show that appreciation so I’m not a fuckin’ transport pilot in the future.”

I laugh at Axe noticing Mary and Dyani in her new clothes. “Did Nitis come?” I haven’t seen his new brace.

Mary points toward the wall. Nitis is standing with a huge smile on. “Brother, as true as you are, most would have hit you at least once for that.”

I shake my head. “I’m shielded.”

The Indians milling around laugh. It’s a good time to start the meeting. “Have a seat, Brothers, tribesmen. I’m Citiali from the displaced Liberty tribe of Cherokee in Virginia. I grew up Badass and have known Axe from young. He’s a Prince from Rhode Island and the SAA here so you all know him. He’s also an Ops pilot for those jobs we don’t brag about. Ability is gifted to Brothers the ancestors feel are needed. Our purpose has been written. Our Leaders put us in places we can be most effective and Badass has us working to keep us all safe. We do that with our heritage worn proudly.” The war cry makes me smile. They’re just like the Little Brothers.

I put a hand up and get quiet. “Together, Indian and Badass work to keep our communities growing and I don’t just mean in number. You all have aspirations, little ideas that would make life better or plans for your future in our communities. We need that, we want that and we encourage it. My grandfather told me of an Indian that was shunned by his tribe and hid his heritage from the world. He was the first full-blooded Indian Badass President.”

“Wall Thunderhawk!”

I smile at the tall boy by Cuyler. “Yes, my old President in Virginia is his son. Wall sent his boy to be raised by the Cherokee so he was safe while Wall was figuring out how to get the ancestors vision out to more through Badass. We don’t have to hide, we don’t have to worry over safety while on Club grounds and we don’t have to be a member of Badass to live as part of the free, protected Badass family. Since most of you have been here longer than I have, you know Cort and his Presidents welcome you all just as they welcomed me. Here, we are all equal just like in our tribes. We have jobs that keep us going just like in our tribes. Cherokee have different positions for different people. The farmers weren’t expected to fight but harvested food for the fighters to eat and protect the tribes. The council has planners that run negotiations or our battles and Warriors that protect our people. Badass is the same. Everyone does their part, so collectively we are safe and more importantly happy in our communities doing our part.” I look around seeing everyone watching me. It’s a good start.

“We come from different tribes but we are no different than anyone else here. If you are Apache, Navajo, Lakota, Cree, whatever, wear it proudly. We all want to know who you are and learn your traditions. I’ve read many books but had never met Cheyenne until I moved here. The jewelry I saw, with the colors flashing emerald, caught my eye and had me searching for the origin. We have a story that someone somewhere hasn’t heard. Show us, tell us, we may find new ways to do things from you. We may want items you know how to make, or foods we’ve never had that become a favorite.” I put my arms out. “Share who you are so our story together is long and easy.” I feel my back in motion and smile. “My back tells me the ancestors are with us. The paint thing and them working through me is new. Just know you’re not here alone and the ancestors are never far. They do seem to be crazier than they were but they’re here.” I drop my arms as half the people here laugh.

I shrug. “Do you have ideas of what you’d like these meets to cover?”

Hands go up. “Can I get an ability Brother to put this on a sheet for me?” I ask before I’m bombarded by questions.

The woman by Michaels stands. “I can and Judecan show it on the wall for me.”

“You’re White Wave, the shield?”

“I am. I’ve heard of you, Citiali. Your grandfather knew our old He’emo H?ahno . We knew her as our sacred shield.”

I nod not sure what to say. “Thanks for putting it up.” I point to a man sitting right in front with his hand up.

“Some of the women don’t know their tribe.” He’s a good Brother, the first question is for someone else.

“Badass has a location sheet for missing women. We can use it for anyone to find tribal information.”

Axe stands up. “I can start that one. I have the free woman sheet.”

This is going to work well. I point to a woman. She wants to cook traditional food. Michaels tells her of the Bravo stores and says they can test it here and if it works, help set her up in a town if she can find the workers. People are excited. I point to a teen about Anahu’s age.

An hour goes by quick when you’re having fun. I raise a hand. “So, our time is up but we have more questions to answer and Jude has a sheet set up for you in our chat. Add your questions and I’ll answer what I can on the sheet during the week, so everyone can see the answers. Next week we’ll have snacks and jerky from western tribes I know nothing about, hopefully, we can learn more from our tribesmen. I don’t say new because we’re all new to this tribe. The ancestors said we’re one so we learn that together.”

A war cry goes up and I take a step back from everyone moving toward me.

Axe steps in front of me. “Touch is felt by him. Too much and you’ll drain him.”

I nod and step to his side. “I can shield but too much is too much.” I send energy out feeling it. “It’s a happy energy I feel. Content is always a good way to leave a gathering. Be sure to show appreciation to the ancestors for bringing us together.”

They surprise me moving around us with the group. Okay then.

Axe laughs and I give him a shove. Shit. “Sorry, Michaels.”

He straightens Axe up and smiles my way. “I’d do the same but he’d blast me. Thanks for this. Atseeltsoi is excited and will ask his questions in the chat. He said your brother is a red-tailed hawk.”

I smile. “He is. Atohi is a Warrior Teacher. Now second to Andrew in Virginia.”

He winces. I shake my head. “They brought the Officer compound together and it’s working well.”

“That’s good. I just wanted to thank you for this. The kids don’t all remember their tribe and White Wave has stories passed down or from books. This is going to give them all a connection to what they’ve only read about.”

I touch his shoulder. “We do it together. I didn’t live on the reservation so I don’t know that life either. I’m just as excited to learn.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Brother. I need to find the kids before Kristoff quits on me.”

I nod not understanding that. Parker and a dog step closer. “I want to be Indian.”

Axe laughs and I swat back at him. “Welcome to our tribe, Parker. I bet you have traditions you can share with us.”

His eyes light up as if he expected me to say no. “I teach the dogs and build bikes and know how to make food in the kitchen and help with my brother-twin-nephews.” He’s cute showing me his fingers as he lists his qualifications.

I hold my laugh at the long word he spouted fast but don’t ask. “Those are all good things to know. Did you work in the kitchen?”

“Alpha Club and here I have a job. Larry comes to show me how to make new food. I made ambrosia with coconut, pineapple and marshmallows. It sounds gross but the Brothers ate it all.”

I laugh. “It sounds weird but Brothers like different food. What’s your favorite?”

“Granola bars but I make them with the Alpha-Bits. Nova took me to Elan so I could learn from Jane. She’s good at them and I’m big so I squish them good.”

I love this Brother. “It’s a good thing you’re big. Can you make granola for next week? Not too much, just for the people that show to the meeting. It’s a good way to meet the people in your new tribe.”

He takes quick steps to the side then runs. “I have to tell Nova, and Mikey and Garren and Michael!” He stops short and an Indian woman steadies him. “Oh, Oh! I can call Alex, he’s a Prince and knows about Indians.”

Axe laughs. “Tell Alex I said hi, Brother. He definitely knows Indians.”

Parker turns toward us and I see the woman’s smile. She loves the big guy too. “I’ll tell him, Axe!” His excitement has me laughing as the Brother is running away again.

“He’s cute. Thanks for the help here, Brother. I need to get back. I promised the Alpha-Bits some time.”

He pushes my shoulder. “Go. I got shit to do before meeting Nash at Alpha.”

“Later.” I turn and blank the thought of the girl I saw in Virginia. “Dyani, did you have questions?”

Her smile throws light into her eyes. “No, you answered everything. I was going to ask if you need help with the meetings.”

“I’m sure I will but that isn’t tonight. It’s new so it needs fine tuning. I’ve got a week to do that. Do you know your tribe and…” I stop with her laugh. It’s a pretty sound and her face changes to much younger with that little laugh.

“You don’t read unless it’s open to you. I remember now. I’m Cherokee from Tahlequah Oklahoma.” Her name is deer in Cherokee but I just assumed that she is from the east.

I’m shocked. The Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, genocide of eastern tribes, while being moved to the other side of the Mississippi River, is a painful part of our being. Time diminishes that pain from being physical but our hearts feel it. The idea that genocide of our people happened for no other reason than greed, is never forgotten and serves as a lesson to us all. Greed almost wiped out our existence, nothing is worth more than our family, our people.

The government didn’t learn our lessons. In 1832 Samuel Worcester, a missionary, testified before the Supreme Court on behalf of the Cherokee, only because he was living with them. The Supreme Court originally wouldn’t hear the case of non-citizens. In the end, the court ruled Georgia’s laws undermining federally protected treaties granting Cherokee sovereignty were unconstitutional, giving Cherokee a huge victory. It was short lived because the Senate passed a treaty law three years later stating Native Tribes had two years to move. Our history is littered with sad land and water battles but the Trail of Tears is one of the worst, because despite what American history books show, many tribes were evicted from the parceled out land the federal government allowed us in treaties. I can count on one hand the few tribes that were able to stay on their granted land.

Her serious expression tells me she knows the history and feels what we all do about it. “Do you have family to contact?”

Those serious eyes fill. “My sister, Lulu, died at the prison. She was what Mary calls a reader. She poked the guard a few too many times.”

My arm automatically pulls her closer while energy pours out of me. “I’m sorry you lost her and had to go through your time alone. Can I do something for you?” I drop my arm when she steps back.

She dashes away the tear that rolled out of her eye before it hits her cheek. “Maiyun said the traffickers are dead. We were handed to the CIA by a tribesman. He was Navajo but known to the council. Our boss in the CIA building said our parents died. Maiyun will have her husband check but I’m afraid who else was part of that. There were Indians from everywhere at the council. My dad called Pueblos and Cheyenne but someone died making him upset. We were taken the next day.”

My eyes close. “You’ve been with the CIA for more than eight years?” She would have been just a girl.

“I think so. We were young. I remember our twelfth birthday but not thirteen.” She was a twin.

My jaw clenches, fists roll to ready and breath goes deep and slow. Letting my breath out with some healing energy feels better than wanting to pummel someone. I’m not sure I even care who I would hit. My second breath has me seeing how fuckin’ stupid I’m reacting. I’d never hit someone for nothing. Emotions fuck shit up.When I get myself in check, I realize she’s watching me. “I was pissed. I’m better.”

She laughs. “You’ve got paint on your face. It must be needed. Since you stopped moving everything but the air around you, I’m glad you’re back.” I feel her emotional struggle and see strength in that.

“Did you tell Maiyun about your parents?”

“Yes. She may know who my dad called from the other tribes. Her mom collected information like a keeper. She wants me to write council names and anything I can remember for her. I think I can help with her books. The tribes weren’t all Cherokee.”

I nod. “She’s sort of the same thing. She knows languages and history. I bet she’ll love the help.”

Mary steps closer. “We need to go if we’re getting on that chopper.”

Chopper? I look for it and take a breath. “You’re staying on the ABSZ?”

“I have an appointment with the doctor and I’ll be getting a tour. I need a job and want to know what jobs there are. Mary said Phoenix has a lot of women in different jobs and she’ll show me around. This will be my tribe but I need to know how I can help.”

I nod. “I just saw the flight plan. I’ll see you when you get back.”

At least she’s coming back to live here. My arm around her felt like the connection I have with Atohi, familiar, unbreakable, family. I need to talk to her when she gets back. Right now, I need to find my new President and Alpha-Bits.