Chapter Five

Bravo Club

Two weeks

Teller meets me at the chopper. “Brother, you summoned me on my first day off in almost three weeks.”

He smiles like this is a good thing. Realizing I’m annoyed, I shake my head. “I’m not annoyed with you. Dyani hasn’t been back to the Club since she went on this Badass world tour. I’ve been to almost every Club and last night she was making plans for the MC and the northern Clubs with Stella.”

He laughs. “Cort has her in Phoenix. Did she tell you about training?”

“No. I’ve been talking to her about the tribes, Badass and claiming. She’s not giving me much about what she’s learning. I know the CIA was a shield for them but that came from Zeke.”We walk toward the lot so I guess we’re riding.

“Yeah, the head is doing good. Director Page has him close, like living next door to him on the ABSZ.” He doesn’t sound happy with that.

I smile. “I thought he was a trafficker, so him being a good guy is a surprise I’ll take with a smile. Dyani said they were treated well and they learned everything from martial arts to sewing. They worked jobs that kept them seeing the world but never left so they weren’t really part of it.”

He stops at two bikes in one space. “This is us. I got information from Nitis. The head brought him to see the kids. They were grown but he didn’t know how to get them back to the US. He wasn’t CIA anymore and wanted out of Georgia. His Mason contact had stopped calling him five years ago.”

This is so fucked up. “What was he doing for money?” The guy was housing and feeding more than a dozen Indians and countless international workers.”

“CIA informant spy shit for France, UK and Spain. He knew about the Ukraine invasion before it happened. He’s got people, feeds and mics all over Europe and Asia. My dad is sending Saber down. This guy isn’t CIA but kept up with the job, got countries to pay him and was housing Indians as a shield while using them as techs. I’m surprised he’s even allowed on BSC territory.”

I smile, dropping the helmet down. “CIA doesn’t have a name worth a damn in Badass but obviously they have good guys too. Wasn’t Web’s FBI girl shielded by CIA in France?”

“The asshole turned!”

Starting the bike up, I turn toward him. “Brother, I’m just saying it’s possible, probable and he did shield the kids until the country got invaded.”

He throws chin. “Yeah. Zeke, Christian and Aiyana all say he’s on the up and up. Justice hasn’t said anything about him.” This is a problem for him.

“Ask, Brother.” We roll out the gate toward the ABSZ. “Where are we going?”

“Phoenix. After lunch, Freedom has assessments with Dyani. Aylen, Hannah, Ginny and Kateri are helping.” All Protector with ability Brothers. Why?

“Assessments for?”

“Protector. The Guardian kids may be coming to watch. They have a class to finish but think they can make it. Arndt is babysitting for Freedom tonight. I got Tyson and Alta for us.”

“ Asgina . You’re a dick. You got me here for a fuckin’ party. Every damn night I’m at a party.”

“Did you talk to Dyani about claiming?”

“Yeah, but she said she’s not ready. I thought the list would show her I’m serious, but she answered as if it was a test she knew she’d ace. Women are fuckin’ nuts. I’m training back-to-back classes to get these maintenance test Protectors out then jet setting across BSC West to eat and spend time with her every night. Ari is picking up the slack with the Alpha-Bits but Dyani drops in for the Indian meets then she’s gone to whatever Club she needs to wake up in. This isn’t how it worked with the Liberty Brothers.”

He laughs at me. “It’s been two weeks. Brothers make themselves crazy when it comes to claiming. Mucimi is still haunting his girl.”

I shake my head. “He’s got reason. I don’t feel what he does but we all know it. We’ve seen it. Bringing that into a life that doesn’t feel it doesn’t mean she won’t. I’m not sure I’d rush into possibly fuckin’ her life up. Zeke and Christian aren’t pushing him. What does Aylen say?”

Little cars up ahead have us slowing. “It will happen and it’s not ours. Justice isn’t pushing him. Putam is teasing him but it’s for fun.” He sounds disgusted.

“Claiming is making you crazy. It’s gotta be that Prince in you. Mucimi will jump when he’s ready. Dyani will tell me when she is and you need to jump out of the match making shit. That guy in Alpha took the job.”

He laughs. “Troy is cool. I see the Brothers and know what that wait is like.”

I laugh and slow for the cars to turn at IT. “Indians had it easier before Badass. It’s the attitude that makes us crazy. I’ve got no problem waiting for Dyani but wish she’d make that wait at the Club instead of all over Badass West. Cai and Gregor are making bread for the next Indian meet and I’m not there for them.” I can’t believe the sheer number of planes and choppers lined up as if it’s an airport car lot. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many. I’ve run ground Ops forever. “Is this normal?”I point over to lines of aircraft.

His head turns as if he missed the rows we’ve been riding alongside of. “Yeah. He expanded a couple of years ago. With the new runway up by Veritable, he’ll add more to fill in here. Honor needs more planes so he orders them with the new choppers.”

Asgina . “I’m surprised he’s not building them.” I watch his wobble and smile.

He’s been riding since he was out of diapers so that wobble is surprise. “We build the lasers and a bunch of parts we use to make the PAVE systems better. The jammers are in PAVE now.” He pauses as if thinking. “I’ll ask Alder. We’d need a factory, robotics, experienced workers. This can’t be on ABSZ. I bet Dakota would know. He’s got parts running now.”

I don’t know PAVE other than I’ve never used it on transport flights and I only ran transport for about six months once I was legal. I’m not drawn to the seat but I’m glad I learned.

“Justice said Boeing is laying off. He’s going to ask Alder.”

I don’t ask. While I’m reminiscing, he’s talking to people about business plans to carry crazy to more. We’re just coming to the end of the jet rows. Every row has a hangar at the end on the Security Zone side. Riding fast, that row of hangars looks like one long building. It’s like a huge looming wall. The amount of tools and supplies crosses my brain and I push it out.

Cort isn’t a minimalist when it comes to his fleets. Raid told me all about it last week when I showed appreciation for the Officers compound at Phoenix. I got a full tour that didn’t look much different than the Protectors compound. It’s not bubbles but the inside is basically the same. Raid said the fleet of bikes doesn’t make sense when they live simple.

I didn’t mention it but nothing about Badass is simple.

I’m glad when we get to the warehouses and know we’re close to the Phoenix gate. This is another wall of buildings against the Security Zone, a good five minutes from the last town. What Alder did here is impressive and a little shocking. They’re completely self-sufficient and armed to the teeth while living inside a force field bubble that ensures they’ll stay safe. The Little President learned his lessons well. I bet Wall never imagined this when he threw in with bikers then took it over. I know Hemy is happy but he never talks about his dad.

“Alder is talking to Banks.” Teller is still on his aero business plans.

Of course he is. I ride through the gate throwing respect to the Marines manning it. “The military here help now?”

“Not really. They have bases but work mostly their own jobs. Alder built them a plant for hybrid Jeeps. It keeps people working and sticking around after they leave. He’s been looking for something else for when they get bored with Jeeps. They added the line of Gators we use but haven’t come up with shit on their own.” He’s not impressed.

“Don’t most of them come into Badass?”

“About a quarter. We’ve only been taking apps for Ops or service to Ops. Marines have good IT techs.”

Okay then. I’d think most would apply. I’m all out of small talk and ride paying attention to the trees and little businesses along the road. Teller points out a diner he likes. It reminds me of our diner in Virginia so I make a note to stop in some time. Riding into Phoenix is like riding into DC but way cleaner and newer. The buildings are impressive but the architecture all kind of matches. The bridge is over what looks like a river but isn’t. It peters out into a small lake to the side of the Club.

“The bridge is new, it scans us as we ride over. Trucks and cars get scanned for bombs and shit.”

“I figured the river was man made. Why so wide?”

“The pillars at the end stop any threat from reaching the other side. Sensors and guns are trained on us as soon as we rode over the white section before the bridge.”

Okay then. I don’t need more on how Phoenix is secured when I see Alpha-Bits on golf carts pulling up to the portico in front of us. Raid said there aren’t trainees in this Club anymore. I had a job at a country club that managed everything within their lot lines. It made the job easy because of their cameras, but leaving, we laughed about why they felt the need to cover so much. I’d cover everything too. The little Brothers should live like we do but the world is not Badass and they have already experienced the worst of that.

“VP Teller!” A tiny Bit runs right for us.

“Hey, Anton, what are you doing here?” Teller bends for the little Brother with the familiar name. He’s got a rep for pushing the limits of everything.

I hook my helmet on the bar and watch the little Brother waiting by Anton while fixing my feathers and hair.

“I work to Phoenix two days. Akai stay to Phoenix, ABSZ we get Training Center towns cover.”

“I could have helped. Doesn’t Maverick have junk moving?” Teller is everything, everywhere.

Anton rolls his eyes making me smile. “Boss Mars say she need day off. Junk be there after she see lagoon. Too many satellite launch this month.”

I laugh with Teller. “It’s good to be busy but a couple of days off to recharge isn’t a bad thing, Brother.”

The little guy changes his frown in a second. “I see Web, Alpha-Bits here, recharge.” Now that he’s happy about being here, he turns my way. “Who you?”

“Citiali from the Teach Club.”

“I have you training next month. Pres Ari say I learn more I keep his Protectors safe.”

I bend so he’s not looking up at me. “Sounds right, Brother. The more you know, the easier it is on your Security.”

His head bobs fast and he points to the other little Brother. “Aris say you new. You come to my park? I build laser and zorb.” He takes my hand and starts walking.

Teller gives me a hand up while laughing. “Lunch time.” He walks with Aris leaving me to the very talkative Anton and his questions. The bastard.

***

Phoenix Training

Sometimes living Badass is like living in another universe. This would be one of those times. Dyani has been in new Indian clothes every day, but today she’s in a Gi. It is odd to me because we train in shorts, breeches or sweats with the Club logo but I’ve never seen or worn a Gi. All the women Brothers here are dressed the same. I’ve never seen Ginny in a Gi and tell her when she hugs me.

“This is a new look for you, Brother. I’m not sure what to think. Our trainees are in sweats and shorts.”

She hits my arm hard. “Fuck off. Dyani does martial arts and we all do Krav maga. I’m sword for this one.”

I don’t roll my eyes. We’ve all had sword training and did it without a Gi. “Okay then. Hemy is proud, Brother. He showed us a job you did with swords at some fake bank. The big guy was amazing with his sword. MB said he’s the dog trainer and runs Elite.”

She nods. “It was the first time we used the swords. Harky was trained with them. He’s the President of the Club in a Club at ours. MB is President when Harky’s out. It’s nuttier than a porta-potty at a peanut festival.”

I laugh, only Ginny. “It’s good? I found MB fascinating.”

“It’s good. Marks wants to meet you. He’s working today so I told him I’d invite you up. Dyani is at my Club tomorrow. She said you show wherever she is and have dinner so tomorrow is set.”

“I’ll be there. Atohi said he’s seen you at the reservation.”

Her proud look says it all. “I saw the old crew. They’re getting big. Andrew was there with them. He’s getting it.”

I nod. “He is.” I point when the women bow before stepping on the mat.

“Later.” She jogs over to the mat and half bows before taking her place.

Kateri laughs.

Freedom shakes her head. “Hannah you’re up first, everyone else take a seat.”

They do a bow thing again then Hannah launches herself at Dyani. I suck in a breath and let it out slow when Dyani drops to the floor and pops up facing a rolling Hannah.

“Jesus, this is going to take forever, it’s shopping night.” Raid has me elbowing him.

Hannah raises her leg for a kick and Dyani gets a forearm under it and flips her. This doesn’t feel like sparring but it’s sort of entertaining.

Four more moves by Hannah and Freedom is up. “Good job. That was all on your list, Hannah. Did you add any?”

“No, it’s all from our test but she’s got them. The others are too easy to defend if she’s got those.”

So, this really is just assessment.

I watch Kateri with close hand-to-hand and think she’s trained better than some Brothers I’ve seen in Security. Dyani scrambles at first but settles and defends herself by the end with a smile.

Kateri hugs her when she’s done. “Those were the hardest lessons I’ve learned.”

Freedom smiles at them. “Good job. I haven’t seen that last one.”

Kateri looks proud. “It was the first I learned from Luke Rayne. He’s bigger than us both but the speed and agility work for any opponent.” She’s right.

Ginny jumps up. “I brought the training sword. Don’t let it hit you.”

The Brothers laugh.

Ginny’s first swing has me wincing. The woman is almost six foot and uses the power behind that sword.

“Fuck.” Teller doesn’t like it either.

Dyani dodges and weaves like she’s a dancer. When she bends back and kicks under a swing, Ginny loses her balance and Dyani kicks with her other foot. The sword flies while Dyani flips making me laugh as soon as the sword is in her hand. The woman is a Protector and great candidate for the three musketeers. Freedom gives her the props and Ginny sits.

We watch Freedom use moves I’ve never seen before, but Dyani must have, because she uses defensive moves like it’s natural to her. This is more like sparring with hands and hits as if it’s a real fight. Both are winded and scrambling.

After a few minutes, Seren is up. “Hold!”

They stop with Dyani bent holding her knees to catch her breath. Freedom is looking up with her hands on her head, elbows wide.

“Is she a Protector?” Raid asks.

We all just look at him.

“What? I didn’t see her use ability.”

“Get in there and test her.” Cort has my eyes huge. Raid is a fuckin’ giant.

Teller holds my arm. ‘Relax.’

I move closer with Teller by my side but don’t step on the mat. Freedom and Seren move off the mat quickly.

“Take him down, girl.” Freedom plops on the floor right in front of me.

Raid takes two steps, his long arm moves fast with some power behind it. I wince but keep watching. Dyani leans back and does the two kick move I saw with Ginny but she’s in the air and catches Raid under the chin.

Cort laughs when Raid is on one knee. I don’t take my eyes off Dyani. She almost gets caught when she moves closer but grabs his ears and flips. Raid screams like a girl and we’re all laughing again. Dyani’s last move is a two footed drop kick to the center of Raid’s back. He’s flat on his stomach and Teller is beside him trying to stop the yelling with some energy.

I shake my head smiling at my amazing Protector girl. “Good job, Dyani!” Lifting her right up, I kiss her cheek. “I’m glad I got to see this. You want a job?”

She laughs. “I do but not on Ops. I’d like to train. That’s what the assessment was for.”

“You’d make it on any Ops team.” Cort tries.

I stand beside her but don’t answer for her.

“I’ll help if I’m needed but want a training job. Freedom will send the video to Ari and Nova. If I’m living there, I’d like to help there.” Good girl.

Cort tries again. “We have Ops everywhere and get Brothers home every night.”

Dyani is shaking her head so I do. “She wants a job at Guardian. This is her choice, Boss.”

“If Ari can’t use me. He said they need one more trainer and suspending is important. I didn’t learn the flight suit but will so I know the Brothers limitations.” She’s a smart woman pointing out her ability to suspend and the need for knowledge that will keep everyone safe.

I nod feeling good about that. “Okay. No, Boss she wants a job at Teach and can suspend so it’s important.”

The Brothers laugh at me. I shrug. I’ll use everything I have to get her the job she wants.

Cort looks disgusted. “Fine, you got any more ability Brothers that can run Ops?”

I nod. “Hemy has some young Brothers going into Training so he needs jobs for the older. These are late teens.”

“Come to dinner. Raid is shopping so we can talk.”

I look at Dyani getting a nod.

“Seren asked earlier.”

“Roger, Boss. What time?” Since I have a bike here, a ride is in order.

“Seven. I have a meet in a few and later.”

I throw him chin. He walks to Raid and pulls him up. “You healed enough? We’re meeting Roger.” He walks away with us all looking at the floor. Raid lumbers away behind Cort, bitching the whole way about ear twists and women, once the doors close, we're all laughing.

“I need to shower and change.” With her eyes shining and that big smile, I’d say my girl is proud and she has every right to be.

I bend to kiss her head with a smile and nod. “I’m proud of you, Dyani. You earned a job you’re going to love.” She doesn’t answer with more than a nod with that beautiful proud look in her light green eyes. A second later I watch her follow the women Brothers. The giggles are cute.

“She did good.”

I nod at Ranger. “She did. I never saw some of those moves.”

“Me either. Freedom scares the shit out of me. She’s a master in everything now. Don’t piss your girl off, Brother.” He looks at me as if that’s a serious issue. I’m not going to ask.

Teller laughs. “He’s shielded by the ancestors. Nothing will hurt him.”

Ranger turns fast. “Fuckin’ Indians,” he mumbles walking away.

My eyes meet Teller’s. “He’s serious. What’s he doing to warrant a warning like that?”

The Brother laughs. “He’s got the triplets and bought them all cats when they already had dogs. Freedom dropped him with a pressure point and found a home for the new cats. One time…”

I put my hand up. “Stop. I’ll see it if I need it. Six animals would have me dropping him too.”

He nods. “He does stupid shit and Freedom doesn’t do stupid well. You’re not stupid, you’ll be fine.”

I will be. My girl is easy and said life here is easier than she expected. I didn’t point out that she’s living out of a bag all over the fuckin’ BSC in borrowed rooms, but she’s happy. I smile, I’m not stupid.

***

Phoenix Officer’s compound

Seren looks worried when we come in. We’re about thirty minutes early and have a bottle of wine for the spaghetti and chicken I saw when I looked for it. “Cort was supposed to be back here. I just walked in.”

I give her a smile. “What are we making and what do you need us to do?” We just had a long ride exploring the ABSZ so neither of us are stressed. Dinner shouldn’t be a stress to anyone.

“Chicken parm and I need a shower. Do you cook?”

I smile again. “I do and I know where the chef is. Go shower.”

She hugs Dyani. “I’ll make salad and bread once I’m clean and smell better. You’re a godsend.”

Dyani laughs when Seren rushes away. “That should be ancestors send.”

I love her little quips. “They don’t understand ancestors but they’re learning like us. Do you know how to cook?”

“I do but I don’t know what chicken parm is. I see spaghetti”

“Let’s start there. Sauce?”

Now she smiles. “Learned that one from an Italian chef who was disgusted he had to use canned tomatoes.”

I laugh pulling pans out. “Go for it. The pantry is right behind us.” I point to the left. “You’ll find what you need in there, spices are to the left of the stove and knives are that drawer with cooking utensils.”

She’s surprised. “How do you know?” She hasn’t cooked in her house yet.

“Every kitchen is set up the same. The decor is different but they base setup off logic and ease.” I find the chicken in the fridge then get to work cleaning and slicing it.

With an eye on Dyani so I know what’s in the sauce, I pull up the chef’s recipes and use the ingredients listed. In Virginia we did different chicken coating but I’m not in Virginia so I’ll use what they do. Dyani tastes the dark red sauce and offers me a spoon. It’s an interaction I’m not refusing.

“Fuck, girl. What’s in that?”

She looks crushed. “You don’t like it?”

“It’s better than good. How is it so dark and thick?” Looking around for the cans, I don’t see them.

She smiles. “There was paste in the pantry and they have wine in the fridge. It’s not much but makes a difference.”

Okay then. I’ll pay attention next time. Getting another spoon, I get another taste. “This is really good.”

She pushes me away from her pan. “What can I help with?”

“I need four eggs scrambled in a bag. I got the coating in this bag.”

“Bags?”

I shrug. “I’m a guy, it’s quick and uses less dishes. Once the eggs are scrambled, drop the chicken in to coat it.”

Her giggle follows her to the fridge.We get everything wet and coated and I start the chicken losing track of time.

I’m pulling chicken from the fry pan and dropping it on a waffle rack while Dyani’s putting water in the pot for spaghetti from a faucet over the stove. I don’t have that but can see where it’s useful in a big kitchen.

“It smells great in here.”We both turn toward Seren.

The woman is beautiful but there’s something about her that feels regal. She reminds me of Aiyana. There’s something deep in her that’s fighting her beauty for attention. Every time I’ve seen her, she’s just a Brother in Badass. Even married to Cort, she’s just Seren.

“What?” She’s watching me.

I smile and tell her what I just thought getting agreement from Dyani and Seren smiling again.

“Taste the sauce. I have time to make another batch if you don’t like it.” Dyani steps us through what could be awkward.

“Oh, my god. What’s in this?”

“Paste and some wine from the fridge, she said. All I saw was cans of tomatoes.” I flip the next batch of chicken.

While making salad, they talk about the sauce and Seren’s mom who was a chef.

Cort comes in as I slice the loaf of Italian bread. “I got it. Fuckin’ gang rode into a new town up north.” He looks around. “I was making the chicken.”

I nod. “It’s done. The spaghetti and bread are what’s left.”

Seren pours the spaghetti boxes in the pan. “Bread. Hurry up, Captain Cort. Caelan’s on his way with the Alpha-Bits and his dogs.”

I look around and see a dog laying on a huge pillow against the wall. The dog is always with him but blends into the background. “What’s your dog’s name?”

“Thrasos. Priam and Blue are Caelan’s.”

I nod remembering the other big dog. “Do they eat on the bench?” I grab a pile of plates knowing Freedom and Ranger are on the ABSZ with Rex and the Ant Irma lady. I haven’t met Rex and the Ant lady.

“Daniel and Lorelei are here tonight, they went shopping early today. Lorelei will set up Dyani’s payroll crap.” Seren has me smiling. It’s a big deal but easy here because Lorelei has it all on one app.

“Raid is at Zion with Banks and Alder. Aylen has something new with choppers and a plant between her and Maverick. Delta is busting at the seams. They took in two more towns.”

Cort has my head shaking. Teller is unbelievable with the business shit.

“Why is Aylen in the chopper business?” Seren has good questions.

“She got Dakota’s plans and José already had a plan with procedures or something for the complete build.” Cort doesn’t sound very interested.

I guess I’m not either as I set plates out in front of seats subtracting for those not here.

***

I throw a wink at Dyani and follow Cort out the back. The pool area is about fifty feet away from their back door. It surprised me but felt good when Raid showed me around my first time here. All the Phoenix Officers gather here and sit with Cort regularly so he always knows what’s happening with his Club and his Brothers. Tonight is no different. The table is full when we get to it. Caelan and the Alpha-Bits are in the pool with other kids. A Prospect is watching over them but the dogs are on the edges of the pool so I don’t think the Prospect is needed.

“Citiali.”

I turn in my seat surprised he’s done talking to the Brothers. “Yeah, Boss.”

“Freaky Protectors?”

I nod. “Hemy has a good four that need to be moved so the younger can go into training.” ‘Between us, Hemy isn’t thrilled with them going up north. They lose something.’

His eyes sharpen or pupils dilate or something. “Got it. I’ll call him tonight. We’ll need as many as we can get trained.” He stops when I shake my head.

“They’re all trained, Boss. Full Protectors with language and everything Brothers coming out of Langley are trained for. Hemy’s even got Flight suit training in them. They’re the trainers but are getting older now. The only way he can keep the kids working is at training. Before they go into the building, they have self-defense, IT and Security mastered. I know he’s got five ready to move but one is IT specialty going to Aaron.”

He’s surprised. “Huh. How old are the kids?”

“We started training young, Boss. By seven, eight we're in IT and surveillance. If we master self-defense, IT and Security we can move to training. That’s usually around ten, twelve. The Brothers waiting to move to the Club completed the tribal challenge and are Warriors. Some do specialty training but three or four years is a long time.” I explain why he should jump on this now.

“So, they’ve been ready for years and they’re not twenty yet?”

I nod. “Yeah, Boss. Kids are different when they have that Indian perspective, everyone has jobs and can contribute. Older we do more.”

He nods. “Teller and Justice said that. I see it in Caelan, saw it in Tyson, Dreng and Daniel.”

“Something about being equal to the elders and valued even if we’re stacking wood hits deep and turns into a need. Abilities weren’t gifted for nothing. Our part in life is depending on us to find where we are needed and fill that need,”

“I can see that. Learn everything is Badass or Indian?”

I laugh. “I think Badass. Cherokee are known for the separate lead positions. Fighters hunted but weren’t farmers or fishermen.”

His smile relaxes me. “More and more I see how and where Badass fit in with the Indian way of life. I’d say Mason belief too but they were later. FBI, PD and military like the Brotherhood surrounding them but Indian and Badass see further than that.” He’s a smart Brother.

“Yeah, Boss. Hemy gave us Badass growing up. My grandfather and uncle taught us Indian and Badass as lessons but they weren’t separated as one or the other. I didn’t realize it until I read the Bible. We were always just Badass Indians.” I smile. “I guess we still are.”

He laughs. “I think Crow did the same with us without promoting the Indian parts. Justice put it together for me but I’m still learning. Caelan needs me to keep learning. The world is getting fuckin’ crazier and crazier.”

It is so I don’t point out the part Badass plays in some of that crazy. “We all do, Boss. Every one of us knows we have a purpose that is meant to touch others but we’re just the tools. Our Leaders don’t make it unless they feel the trust, honor and respect they learn from Badass. It’s how they know where to use their tools.”

He laughs again. “You don’t say much but when you talk it matters. I really do like you, Citiali. Thanks for showing. I’ll call Hemy later. You don’t have to stay.”He points to the gate.

“She’d be great on a team but doesn’t want it right now. You don’t either.”

“No, Boss. I was used on Ops for a couple of years now. I like training again. Thanks for dinner.”

He laughs as Dyani walks right under my outstretched arm. “You made it and even brought the wine. I don’t have to dog you to claim your girl either.” His eyes are back to sharp.

“No, Boss. After years in a cell, we’re giving Dyani time to settle into a new life. She agrees it’s with me but needs real life experience in Badass.” I hope he doesn’t show at Teach, Ari will banish me.

She laughs. “I’m getting that fast. I think Seren scheduled this week to convince me but it is all new to me and very different than how I grew up. Even the kids have phones and vehicles. This is not even close to how I lived.”

I’m surprised to see Cort nod. “Seren laid it out for me. I push the Brothers without thinking of the ol’ lady. I’m thinking of ol’ ladies now. Take what you need but don’t drag it out. The Brothers revert to fourteen when they find their girls.”

I smile and turn my girl. “Thanks, Boss. My head is clear and path is written. Tell Hemy I’ll see him at the reservation. Night, Boss”

My first step gets stopped. “John F Kennedy said, ‘ We have faith in our future only when we have faith in ourselves .’ I see faith in Badass every day in so many Brothers, Citiali. In you, I feel it. Justice, Teller, Zeke, a handful from all over carry that. With you and now Dyani, I feel it like a beacon. Training is a good place for you. Thanks for cooking dinner.”

I throw him chin and get the hell out of there before we’re dragged into conversation with the Brothers moving back to the table.

At the VIP adobe, Dyani laughs. “He’s like Seren. I see why they’re together.”

I nod. “Raid said she’s powered by google but he’s never seen her use google.”

“Google the search engine?”

“Yeah, they have answers or sayings for everything. I’d hate to be in a debate with either. I know Badass and Indian.”

She plops on the couch so I sit by her. “You know how to cook, all kinds of languages, have been more places than I’ve ever dreamed of and spout information about them as if you’re a book.”

I smile putting my arm over her shoulder and pull her closer. “I worked a lot of DC jobs. It was home. How has your day been?”

“It’s been perfect. I finished the test this morning and Freedom said she’s signing off. I think it means I passed all the training. The range was easy today with Stella but she just said she’d get with Freedom. Then you came up and made it better. I like our time but today felt different. You’re still here and showed me you know how to cook. Did you know Cort really cooks too?”

I laugh, glad I fit in with her happy day. “Who doesn’t?”

“I don’t know. Do Ari and Nova cook?”

I shrug. “If they want to eat, they do. I grew up with my grandfather, uncle and brother, we all cook, sew and chop wood.”

“My dad never cooked, he was an Elder.”

The reservation was like that, according to Ginny. “I’ve heard about a tribe where the women served men but grew up different. That tribe is gone now. It didn’t last for them. Our people always had powerful women throughout the ages but somewhere, something broke in them.”

She looks at the trees from the window in front of us. “My mom wasn’t happy. This is different but in a good way. I wouldn’t want to live like my mom did. I’m glad you didn’t live in a tribe like that.”

“You’re meeting Ginny tomorrow. Her mom and grandmother lived in tribes like that. Hemy got her into Liberty young so she never did. Don’t mention her mom. Last year the tribe tried to have her killed so they could get the land. Hemy owns it and is her dad. Her mom was helping the elders.”

Her head whips so she can see me. “You’re serious?”

I close my eyes. “Yes. My older brother tried to kill her and my parents set it up. They’re dead now. The elders are in jail with her mom and the dick the mom lived with.”

“I’m sorry. You never lived there?”

She needs the truth so I give it to her. “My mother thought me and my younger brother were marked with evil. She handed us to our grandfather. Me to get rid of but he kept me. When my little brother came along, my grandfather just took him. He wasn’t even an hour old. They were going to drown him and grandfather knew it, so he took him. We were raised in Liberty. I stepped onto the reservation once. I threw energy to Hemy and he killed my parents by rolling fire throughthem, then walked away. My older Brother was killed at the Club Ginny is in. She’s the VP’s ol’ lady. When I asked Hemy later, he said my dad was the Brother that advised him. My mom had nothing but hate in her. She offered my brother up to kill Ginny.”

“I see it as you talk. That’s sad, Citiali. I’m glad you had sane people raising you. That angry tribe looks too familiar. My tribe fought over everything. The council was different but I don’t think the tribe followed their beliefs. Council people were happier, like here. We were so young but nothing I remember is really all that happy. The names I’m writing for Maiyun show the differences, it’s sad.”

“If that list is too much, let it drop for now. You can always pick it up later. You told me about Lulu, she was your happy, Dyani. Here, you can make your own path to that happy with her watching over you.”

She giggles. “I plan to. I think Lulu is cheering me on. I need to do the list, for Lulu and me, it’s like a therapy for both of us. It’s a little crazy but I feel it.”

I smile. She told me about feeling her twin at the reservation, I’m glad she has Lulu back. Atohi is happy to feel grandfather close everyday now, too. “You’re probably right. They’re crazy but effective.”

She tells me about Chenoa being claimed and the ancestors showing right there on the ABSZ. I laugh listening to her regal me with stories from the ol’ ladies and Alpha-Bits.

It’s a great night. We jump to the reservation before I fall asleep right here.

Jumping back, I don’t move and she falls asleep without saying more than thank you. There’s no way I’m waking, moving or leaving her now. She’s comfortable enough to fall asleep on me.I fall asleep smiling. ?