Chapter Seven

Teach Club

Three days

The meeting room shouldn’t be used when it’s just us but I don’t point that out. I watch Ari flip through an actual book. Everything we use is on hologram boards or books we carry in our tablets but today he has a paper filled book.

“Here it is. You’re on defending, that’s Flight with the kids or Alpha-Bits. Kent is on daily physical and regular range and pop ups. Marjorie is planning, she’s been watching the feeds with Alder and Asa and I got her Prince kid tries, but we’ll get her more as we go. Dyani is defense all the way, she’s been working with Atseelsoi and Arndt. I want her teaching moves they can use to help but she needs the trainees to see what the kids can do. Then Rocko, he’s fanatical about the kids. He’s not Indian and does normal scenario and book shit.”

I smile, even the so called ‘normal’ isn’t normal. “All kids covered works for me.”

He looks surprised. “So, we’re done?”

“Yeah, Boss. We already have the training schedule. The Alpha-Bits are scheduled here on a weekly cycle and Alder and Asa will alternately show once a week.”

He nods. “Yeah. We start right after breakfast. I just want it to run right.”He’s been waiting forever to open.

I see anxiety and throw him calm. “Relax. Let’s go eat. You’ll feel better when we’re actually working.”

“Falcon’s sending two classes of actual trainees.”

I nod, pulling him away from his book and out the door. “We can do four at a time. This week is going to be boring.” Doing maintenance training annoyed him so much he continually called it a test class. He needs to lighten up.

He laughs slapping my hand off him. “Fuck off. Did you get the box I sent?”

“I sent you appreciation. Thanks. Dyani is excited to have tribal artifacts. She’s got them everywhere. Where did you get them?”

“Teller took me to Oklahoma. There was a harvest thing that had tables of everything.”

I smile at the disgust I hear in there. “It’s appreciated. Aiyana has regalia for her. They’ll be here this weekend.”

“Here?”

“Relax, Ari. At the Protector compound. We don’t need their kind of crazy our first week.”

“Sure you do.” I just barely catch myself spinning too fast. “Bosses. What brings you here?”Danny and Knight are in Virginia once in a while but Teller says they’re here a lot. It’s the first time I’ve seen them here.

Knight smiles and I see Prez in those flashing green eyes. “Givin’ you shit.”

Danny bumps his arm. “We’re here for breakfast. The kids will be over later. We do a check-in with them every couple of months.”

I look at Ari, glad he’s looking at me. “You didn’t tell me about this. Anyone else doing check-ins?”

Mucimi shows. “I can catch you up.”

Ari’s hands go up then right back down as he glares at Danny. “My father is here?”

“Fuckin’ kids.” Knight walks away with Mucimi following.

I look at my feet and laugh. They’re all fuckin’ crazy. Dyani is going to love this.

“Steve wants to see your back. He knows someone in New York that’s marked.”

My eyes go right to Danny. “My brother, Dyani are, Mag’s dad and grandmother were.”

He nods. “Just giving you a heads-up.” He walks away and I realize for the first time his eyes are similar to Mag’s. I never registered the striking blue before. For the Meadows clan, it was just words, I’d never met them until here. I’ve seen Danny before, he’s been to visit us at Hemy’s Club.

Ari laughs. “It’s not going to be a boring week after all.”

I breathe deep. Fuck. When I open my eyes, I’m alone on the walkway. With a shrug, I go to breakfast.

Cai runs right for me. “Brother, I’m glad you’re back.” When I bend, he jumps but he’s too far so I pull him to me. “Time that jump better, Brother.”

Dyani and Danny laugh.

Standing, I walk us to the table. “Did you get the paperwork done already?”

Cai is a bundle of energy. “Pres Cort send jet to North, Virginia. Territory Lead give to rescued. I bring paper to Boss Ari.”

“Thanks for helping, Brother. They’ll be relieved they’re here legally.”

He nods as I sit him back in his desk chair. I swear he’s got it raised not a second later. “Web say Senator do three. Alpha-Bit have American.”

I smile at the proud little Brother. “Like you. Did your Brothers come with you?”

“Eat at Guardian, VP. VP Asa have new town building done. He make check,” Gregor answers.

“He’s doin’ check,” Knight corrects him. I’m not sure he should be teaching English. He hardly talks.

“That.” Gregor has us laughing. It certainly won’t be boring.

“What’s the new meals?” Danny asks as the Prospect moves toward us.

“Healthy same to us. Brother plate.” Cai slides his tablet to Danny.

“Bigger but a mix of Alpha-Bit and a regular plate. We didn’t have it in Virginia but we ate like them. Hemy had them put our food in the buffet for us.”

Danny nods sliding the tablet to Knight. “H3.”

“Same.” Knight doesn’t even look.

I smile at Dyani’s, “Same for me.”

A nod from me and the Prospect turns for Kent and Marjorie. They get regular plates. Rocko gets a skillet. Cai shakes his head but doesn’t comment.

I just realized the three trainers probably don’t know Knight and Danny. “Does everyone know Knight and Danny?”

“Of them. We were told they showed at Guardian and may show here. They visit the kids and the Nova’s.” Rocko is Badass from Colorado.

I nod and point. “Knight looks like a Knight and Danny is the other one.”

They laugh at me.

I shrug. “Everyone’s heard the stories. Hemy said every bit of it is true.”

Ari nods. “I’m from Mass, it’s all true. My dad told us shit they did as bedtime stories. The bombing of the gate and wicked warlock was the best.” He goes on to tell of the roof falling on a running bomber as Danny nods and adds Bob Tailey’s new leg in.

I smile at Rocko’s missing eyebrows. “The crazy isn’t new.”

He laughs. “I never heard that one.” They’re still telling it.

Dyani hits my arm so the Prospect can put our plates down. I bend and kiss her lips first, then move. “Ari probably knows more than I do. You’ll have to ask him.”

“Adrian wrote them. He just gave the gist but I can tell you the stories.” Ari takes that one.

Danny laughs. “Alan’s been around from almost the beginning. He was an associate from the fire department and moved up to Officer. He’s a good Brother. Glad he found a real woman. The Brother sucked at picking them. We found her for him.”

Ari looks shocked. “Not the shot gun wedding, I hope?”

Danny’s head is shaking. “Nah, that was Ricky, the Protector is Elizabeth. Your mom’s from Kate’s Center. She made him jump through hoops. He even took parenting classes. We gave him shit the whole time.”

Ari nods. “I need the list Adrian made. My mom said he had to read to us but he told us stories. It makes sense, she’s a therapist.”

Knight nods. “Good woman. Made him work for it.”

I smile at Dyani glad they weren’t around a week ago.

“You knew. Grew up right.” We both look at Knight.

“You’re both marked, know the ancestors and feel appreciation.” Danny looks at Knight as if he’s crazy, which he is.

Knight rolls his eyes. “Appreciate ancestors every day.”

I nod. “We do and have.”

“You’re safe.”

Knight is so serious it takes me a second, thenI laugh. “We appreciate that too.”

He smiles. I love the Brotherhood.

***

Teach Club

Seeing Dyani’s first class won’t ever happen again. She watched training feeds from every Club to be ready for this and halfway through, I can say she’s a natural.

“Where’s your class?”

I almost shake my head. He made the schedule, a job, I won’t point out, that’s mine. “I get this one when she’s done. We only have the two classes, Ari.”

He laughs watching a Brother windmill away from his partner. “Yeah. We need the four at once. I’m waiting on Marjorie.”

We’re quiet when Dyani talks to the windmilling Brother and his partner. They try the move again and both end with feet planted.

“She’s good. You got the kids? I thought it was this class.”

“They’re in school but due here for my class.” Again, I don’t point out his schedule. The Brother is going to give himself gray hair. “Relax, Ari. It’s working well and the Brothers are already trained for Protector.”

His eyes whip to mine. “This is for the Bits and kids. We got two weeks to get a fire burning in them…”

I laugh. “I can help with that. Relax, Brother. I’ve got them all at some point, I’ll make sure they get the importance of their new jobs. The kids and Bits showing will help too.”

“Cort is watching, it’s like I can feel those creepy, laser focused eyes burning through me.” This is what has him anxious.

“He’ll watch but he watches every Club. You have us set up and ready, Brother. I’m just glad we’re not Flight Guard.”

He laughs. “Yeah. This is easier and a job I know. I’m going to check on Marjorie.”

I smile watching him go.

“Worried. Good kid,” Knight says from behind me.

“Yeah. He’s been waiting forever to open. The wait must have been killing him, but I didn’t see it. I just got here.” I turn back to the class.

“Justice had Cort hold this one. Ari was at Rescue with Alder for a while.”

Bending, to see by Knight, I throw chin to Danny. “No one gave explanations. Mase just said he’s been waiting.”

Knight looks at me but I keep watching the class. “You didn’t ask for here?”

“No. I came to see Justice for a job. He kept me on their compound until the meet for Virginia was set then sent me for Putam. I met Ari after the meet.”

“You met Zeke.”

I nod for Knight. “I met them all but mostly at the compound. Zeke was different. We spent time on the reservation.”

Danny leans so I turn toward him. “What’s a messenger do?”

I smile. They know everything they’re asking about. “Just like it sounds. I bring messages, truths, to Brothers who can pass it to their clans. That used to be medicine men but times have changed.”

“Good place for you. Teller said you’re important here. Didn’t say why.” Teller is his grandson, he must have hounded him for information.

I shrug. “I guess we’ll find out.”

“Your girl is a messenger too?” Danny asks

“No, Boss. She’s a Protector through and through. Training is a good place for her.”

I feel the bundle of energy before she yells. “VP Citiali!”

Everyone stops to see the loud flash of color heading my way. I shake my head seeing the line of kids holding hands way behind her. When she stops, the Brothers on the floor laugh. The blur of color and loud yell doesn’t match the tiny girl full of excited energy.

“Cuyler, glad you’re here, but next time make it without disrupting the class that’s still going on.”

She looks embarrassed but turns. “Sorry. I’m excited for the new training. I won’t mess your class up next time we’re here.” I’m surprised she talks to the class and Dyani.

My girl finds the girl funny. “We’re done, Cuyler. They have ten before the next class. I’m with you after Citiali’s class.”

The kids float down and walk from the end of the gazebo. I throw them all chin then step back when Arndt and Atseelsoi walk to Cuyler. Danny and Knight stay close but make a point to watch the Brothers talk to Dyani or walk away now that class is over.

My girl is happy. She isn’t smiling but I can feel it as she talks to a Brother. When she’s done, I walk her way. “It was a great class.”

Her smile says it all. “It was. I’m going to love my new job.” She told me about their training classes with different people for everything from IT to cooking. Martial arts was her favorite but she learned enough about everything to make a life after the CIA.

I bend to kiss her head because I’m glad that life is with me. “You’re good at it. I need to call for the suits.”

Just as I’m turning, Prospects roll out suits on racks so I turn back. “Maybe not.”

She laughs at me. “I’ve got some feeds to watch so I can be ready for the next class.”

I nod and walk to the flight suits thinking she’s determined and it will be an asset to the Club and me. Seeing the Brothers swarm the suits, I smile but not for them. My girl’s determination shows in places I never expected, like her ol’ lady lists. Rating positions, new toys and videos will never be a problem for me and those quick comebacks, secret smile and unruly hair have me hooked. I never expected it but I’m loving every minute of it.

I almost walk into Mucimi. “Brother, bad form.”

“You need more than sex and wit.” He’s not happy with me.

“You need to look deeper. Sharing our home, knowing she’s there, close, a connection that’s mine by choice all mean something to me. Our time talking is filled with different experiences, views and laughing. She loves being outdoors and is running with me, it’s something she could never do growing up in a building. We cook, clean, plan classes, watch feeds and genuinely like each other. The ancestors have spoken and we heard them, understanding who they are and their importance in our lives. She doesn’t have to be with me and I don’t have to be with her, the knowledge makes us both appreciate the hell out of each other for the commitment we made. I don’t just love her, Brother, I cherish every minute we have together. Go find someone else to bitch at. This isn’t a fight you’ll win.”

He raises up, kisses my head and disappears.

“Fuckin’ Brothers.”

Danny laughs. “That was a good explanation of all in . Maybe he’ll go claim his girl.”

I shrug. “I’m Indian, our all in is a little different but basically the same. Tradition used to dictate the ceremony. Now it’s more like anything goes.”

He laughs.

I turn and raise my hand at the Brothers back from their break. “As you saw, you will need the flight suits. Get readied, Brothers.” Walking to the kids, I’m glad they’re calm and Cuyler didn’t take offense to them giving her shit. “First class, I want normal scenarios. You move and react as if it’s real.”

All the kids turn toward Atseelsoi. He nods, looking very serious. “They may be covering Brothers like Caelan or Anton. They have to see and be prepared for kids’ reactions.”

“Cuyler is going to be good for this. Cuyler, don’t move so fast they can’t keep up.” Arndt warns her.

Cuyler makes a face. “They have tracking. They’re supposed to use tracking if they can’t see us. How will they know if…”

Shay steps closer to Cuyler. “She’s right. Our part is being us. If she’s scared, she moves fast and they need to know how to cover us all the time or none of us are safe.”

I stop this. “They have tracking and were told to use it. This class, the first class, you react and move as you normally would. You’ll be challenged at different times, just react normally.”

They all nod. I smile because this is going to be fun. The Prospect pulls a dolly with a big box onto the mat. He throws chin and starts walking. “Stay, Mark. I’ll need you in on the rest of our trainings with the kids and Bits.”

“Thanks, VP.” He wants to stay here but is afraid to say it.

I don’t answer his thoughts but raise a hand. “Brothers, this is Cuyler, Shay, Undine, Arndt, Jude, Naaki and Atseelsoi. They don’t all have ability but they’re all in Protector training. That means they are all Enforcer level. Do not underestimate the kids. Be ready for anything and everything, use tracking when you need it. Your job is covering the kids. Go!”

My hand falls and the box is lifted. Three Alpha-Bits in full gear start shooting paint balls and four Brothers move toward them. The paint is coming out but no one can get close to the Bits.

Atseelsoi laughs. “They’re shielded. Go high!”

“No, look!” Cuyler is just gone.

I laugh at Cai and another Bit holding the net as if they’ll corral the kids in it. Pandemonium ensues. Ten Brothers, seven kids, five Alpha-Bits with my shields and a Prospect that finds this all funny have me smiling. Danny rises and I think this is getting better. More Brothers rise in their suits but Danny has Jude. The girl is smiling and yelling for help. I don’t shield Danny figuring he wants to play but I laugh when he’s pelted with paint.

Flying Bits catch Undine while she’s turned back for Jude. The Brothers are all pelted and Bits with Undine are falling fast. I slow that down and see Atseelsoi and Cuyler moving in. Holding the Bits up, I don’t shield them but watch the little ability shits shield Undine and pull her away. Atseelsoi never says a word out loud but he’s guiding them all. Cuyler laughs when paint hits the two Bits she uses as a shield for Arndt to get Jude.

“Where the hell did they go?” A Brother gets to the Bits about five feet above the mat but the kids are gone.

“Arndt has Jude.” I point and three Brothers float in front of them getting pelted but they stand at attention. Naaki and Shay have two Brothers floating in front of them covered in paint. Danny gives up and stands by the Bits still shooting. He’s covered in paint. Cuyler, Undine and Atseelsoi are covered by three, way up in the rafters.

“Stand down, Brothers.” The Bits drop their weapons down, Brothers lower to the mat. “Good job. Mark, how long was that?”

He stands tall. “From go to Stand down was three point four nine.”

I nod. “Brothers that were standing in front of the kids, move to the right.” They move and I blast them with a mist and wind, fast and hard. “Mark, get names for me. Brothers, be ready for anything isn’t always easy. Unpredictable, unexpected and unknown packages was the point. You’re not always going to have the cushy job. I asked that no K-9s be added because they're a challenge you need training for. The kids and the Bits will react to a threat differently than you would. Keep it in mind and be ready.” I point at the first Brother I saw stand in front of Naaki. “Why didn’t you move Naaki and Shay down?”

He pulls his helmet off. “They don’t know me, Boss. It’s paint and all I needed to do was cover them. It wasn’t a life-or-death threat, they weren’t getting hurt by it and were happy to watch. Thanks for cleaning my suit.”

I nod. “Good job.” Looking around, I see the Brothers to the left get his words. “Your job is covering the package. Two Brothers flew around the shielded Bits causing a distraction.” I point the two Brothers out and blast them clean. “Ten Brothers covered the packages. This Club was built for us to train Protectors for high-risk packages all over the country. If this is not the job you want, leave now. Michaels’ Clan, step up. Put your helmets back on.” They do and I blast them.

Turning back to the Brothers I tell them, “This is Badasses future. Three are in flight gear. The rest don’t need it. There are more, there are Bits, there are extraordinary kids that think, act and live as if their minds are fifty. Do not underestimate the kids. Don’t underestimate the abilities. React by falling back to your training. The first rule?”

“Keep the package covered!” It comes out in unison.

I’m impressed and nod. “The second?”

“Keep your Brothers back!”

I nod again. “For those who forgot that, go shower, change and save time after dinner to clean your flight gear. If you need the gear before it’s clean, you wear it painted. Mark, get the supply Brother on that so they’ll be ready for tomorrow’s class. Michaels Clan, the rest of the Brothers, take a walk around the lake, talk, learn about each other. I’ll clean the rest of this up while you do.”

I’m left with the Bits, Danny and paint every-fuckin-where.

Knight laughs. “Can help.”

I nod. “You got Danny. I can’t blast him if he’s not in gear.”

He laughs. I turn away to my two little Brothers. “Helmets on, stand in a line, I’ll hold you in place.”

They do and I blast them and the mat altogether. My shooting Bits laugh. “Gregor, is your leg okay?” I ask not knowing how long he can stand on it.

“I am good, VP. VP Asa make to me skeleton. Brace to swim, bed.” He’s proud and it shows.

“Your Brothers have your back. I’m glad they do. Thanks for helping today, Brothers. Next class is Bits in suits. I’ll need you all to be Anton.”

They laugh running, even Gregor.

“That was awesome, VP. It was so fast but showed a lot.” Mark is a smart Brother.

“It did. What’s your goal?”

He moves the box back onto the dolly. “I was shooting for Protector but I’m not sure now. I like how everyone has plans and trains here. You knew in minutes who is ready and who isn’t.”

“To be a trainer, you need to be a Protector. While you’re deciding, go as far as you can and don’t stop learning. Today I learned shit from the kids. Don’t ever stop learning, once you do, your views are limited.”

He stops stacking the little paintball guns and looks at me like he’s mulling something over. “You learn nothing when you know everything.”

I smile. “Exactly. Where did you come from?”

“Bravo. VP Teller sponsored me. He trains Prospects with the Brothers. The other trainers did specialty stuff but VP Teller mixed us in with his class.”

Teller is everywhere. “He’s a good trainer and he’s right. Bravo is big with perspective, Justice said Falcon pushes it to his Officers and trainers.”

He shrugs. “I don’t know about that but Pres Falcon talks to all of us. He takes our ride time regularly and is always telling us stuff we never thought about. I thought I’d have to be Security and was going to the Vision but he says we can make it as high as we’re willing to work for.”

That feels good. “He’s right. Don’t settle for what you can make it to, work for what you want. If that’s Protector trainer, you’ll make it to a Protector trainer.”

He shakes his head. “Not any trainer, Boss, I want to train for the Bits and kids. I was going to the Vision but they need more. VP Teller showed us what the Alpha-Bits had to learn and why. We need to keep them safe. They’re tiny and guys bigger than me come after them.” He looks away. “This is all they’ll ever have, Boss. We need to keep them safe.” His lowered tone has me swallowing.

The feelings we share hit hard. “We do. They’re a big part of the reason Cort started this Club. I see the need and will do my part to get that across to the new Protectors. You can be a part of that, your perspective matters here, Mark. We need every Brother coming through to see and feel what you do.”

His head whips around. “I can get VP Teller’s feeds.”

I smile. “Get them. You can help in the classroom tomorrow and tell them why this job is so important.”

“I will, Boss. Do you need anything?” He wants to run but holds himself still.

I smile. “No, I’ll clean the rest. Go get Teller’s feeds.”

He pushes the box to the center and runs with his dolly.

My head stops shaking when I catch sight of Teller walking my way. “He’s going to be a good Brother.”

I nod. “I’ll help with that. He’s exactly the kind of Protector we’re hoping to train.”

“He is, Brother. You need to be alert…” he bends holding his head. “Fuck!”

I walk away. He can’t say more, obviously. Stopping at my office, I lock the door and jump. Energy fills me but I get no words of wisdom here.

“Zeke, am I watching kids or Alpha-Bits?”

‘Stay alert.’ It sounds tinny. Shit, he isn’t giving me any help. In Virginia, I’d warn the Brothers vaguely. Since I don’t see what they obviously are, this has to be a me thing.

Jumping back, I take my laptop and head over to the gym. They call it training but it’s a gym.

The kids and Brothers get a set that I saw Dyani use for her assessment. Seeing the kids following, I get to work on the Brothers that have the protective burn in them. They’d make great Leads now, as I’m marking them, I think about making them all great Leads. It’s a new goal.

***

Guardian Club

Dyani and Anahu talk with a man about getting help from Nitis. I haven’t seen Nitis for two days but he was hunting for information about someone. I guess he went back to the bounty hunter skills that drew him to Georgia and the CIA mess.

Looking over the people who showed for our meet, I feel good. It was another good one but my focus has been on the kids and Alpha-Bits.

“You didn’t like your granola.” Parker sounds let down.

Turning, I smile at him. “We just finished dinner, Brother. I’m saving it for the fire later. The Little Brothers made them at my old Club. Don’t tell them, but I like the ones here better.”

His eyes light up. “I like mine too. I crush the nuts little like Jane does and used good honey.”

“I’m going to like it. Do you sell them here? I had some at the ABSZ but haven’t seen them out here. The kids had a table after Church every week.”

“You just tell the Prospect. They order from Little Brothers and bring your food.” He gives me a look that has me blanking my face so I don’t laugh.

“Got it. I’ll add them to my order,” I say, putting my arm out for Dyani.

Her ‘ I’ve got a secret ’ smile is out. “You look too serious over here.”

“Parker was telling me how to get the granola bars. The kids here are more organized so no tables after Church had me wondering.” I hand her one from my pocket. “I got you one for later too.”

“I can make more. My brother and sister took some before I came here. They said a couple but they took a lot.” The Brother is cute.

“I can order them, Parker. It sounds like you should make more for Mikey and Nova.”

He nods like a Bit. “I’m going to! I’ll make you some for next week!”

Dyani laughs as he runs. “He’s a very lovable man.”

“He is.”

“What’s wrong? You smile but it feels off.”

I am distracted. With a wave, I turn my girl and start for the parking lot. “The warning. It was a good meeting. Thank you for helping.”

“I still haven’t seen anything.”

I lift her helmet up but kiss her lips before I put it on her. “I don’t see me. I’m not sure anyone sees themselves in vision. I gave Michaels the warning. Ari has the Bits on high. It’s what I can do.”

“The worst moments are always the wait. Take me home so I can help fill some of that time then you can go brood at the fire with the Brothers.”

Tipping the bike for her almost turns into dropping the bike. I throw appreciation for the abilities that stopped that from happening. “What’s next on the list?”

“Fruit and Seren said it’s a man pleaser.”

Fruit? “Okay. I love it already.”

***

Teach Club

Dyani looks proud of herself while my legs don’t feel like they’ll hold me up for another minute. I breathe deep getting hit by the grapefruit scent that’s filling the bedroom. “That’s fuckin’ rude, deer girl.”

Her giggle does nothing to stem the annoyance I feel right now. I’m glad I made sure she got off before she started her ‘man pleaser’ plan. Now I know why she didn’t tell me and also that my first thought was right. She left me spent.

“You’re not really mad, are you?” Her serious look has my head shaking as I float her to the bed.

“No, baby. I’ll love it next time too but right now, I need to show my indignation at being ready to fall over.”

Another giggle isn’t helping my annoyance. “Do your wash bit then go see your Brothers. Rocko is excited about his old Pres coming or something. I think he’s another guy that walks on water.”

I roll my eyes at her and wonder if they’re still flashing. I never really thought about how that would look. Swinging my hair back, I catch the towel and clean her up. Bending, I kiss her. “I’ll clean this up and be back to wake you up later.” We jumped earlier so this is her chance to shoot sex down.

I get a half giggle I smile at. Once I’m done suspending shit away, I push fresh air around the room and smile at the cleaning I did not do. “Love you, deer girl Dyani.” Her eyes don’t open but I see her small smile at the ‘deer’ girl. Her name suits her. Deer are dainty looking but smart, quick and have incredible senses. Their prints look like upside down hearts too.

“Love already. Go.” My grumpy girl mumbles.

I shower and dress in breeches and a traditional shirt with the tie in the front and exaggerated V opening, but I never tie it. With cuffs, braids and feathers, I walk out ready for Brother time.

“VP! We go to pool. New goggle to night swim.”

I laugh and bend for the little Brothers with lighted goggles on. “Looks like you’re ready, Brothers. Who made these?”

“Juan here. He make to us.” Gregor is proudly standing with his lit up goggles squishing his chubby cheeks. He’s not even close to chubby so I don’t know where the cheeks come from.

“They match your brace with the light, Brother. Very nice.” I avoid the cool word.

“Juan add bling. I same to Tyson.”

I laugh and turn for him. “Bling is big on the skeleton and robotics where I come from. Andrew had a full outline of him in lights for night ops.” As we walk, I tell them of one Op and throw pictures of Andrew’s different looks in light.

We go through the gate with them laughing. None of them run until I bend for Gregor then the three run for the pool like they haven’t been in years.

Ari, Marjorie and Kent laugh.

“I love the illuminated Bits. Did Juan stay back at Guardian?” Kent asks.

“Yeah, he's printing shit with Atseelsoi. I sent it to Security, let Nova know and gave Michaels a warning.”

“I got it too and sent it to all of you.”

I nod. “Dyani showed me when we got home.”

“Where is she?” Marjorie asks.

“Sleeping. She doesn’t come out here during Brother time. She cat naps on and off all night. I think I bore her.”

She laughs at me. “You’re the light in her world; those are her words. She’s not used to so many people. I bet that’s it.”

I shrug. “She tells me to go so I go.” They don’t need details and I don’t care if they laugh.

“Pres, VP, Brothers, anything more on the warning?” Rocko drops into a chair.

“Keep it in mind but don’t stress over it, Rocko. Visions will make you lose your mind. I’ve learned to be alert and live my life. Do that.” Ari stands.“Gregor has lights going down his leg.I’m going to check out the Bits’ lights and clean up in the pool. VP is making it hard to do grunge.”

I shake my head at the Brother. “I’m in breeches and probably the cheapest shirt ever made.”

He turns so he’s walking backward. “I need new clothes then. Maybe a haircut or something too.”

My head is shaking as that causes me to pull in breath. “I’ll get you shampoo, Ari.”

I send an order for the Prospect to get two bottles of the shampoo Mucimi got for me ASAP. I don’t want him to cut his hair. Putting my phone back, I realize they’re all watching me. “What?”

“You’re always dressed good. I thought you were gay.”

I laugh at Rocko. “No but in Badass no one would care. I was seen as a savage, people actually thought it about me. Since I read, I made a point to dress with care and keep my hair tamed. It started young so it’s a habit now. Breeches and the flimsy shirts were cheap and could be made easily. Now they’re like fashion or something. The T under it costs more than the shirt because they make it special for me. It doesn’t show in the front but covers my back.”

“I’m like Pres, grunge is my habit.” Rocko isn’t kidding.

I laugh with the others.

“I didn’t grow up around Indians but I can see people treating you different. Being black has racial assumptions connected to us. I avoided eating watermelon or fried chicken anywhere but at home. I never ate it at school either. I love both.”

I throw him chin. Jamal Kent didn’t have an easy life either. “I lived with my grandfather; my family banned me and my brother from the reservation. My grandfather was a medicine man and never paid much attention to our appearance. My uncle did and taught us to braid our hair and sew on the machine. Grandfather was proud and mentioned it to everyone so it stuck. Hiding who we are isn’t an option, so we made it obvious in ways that showed pride for the heritage we were raised in. Some Brothers hid that heritage. I swore I never would.” I remember the first-time grandfather talked about us sewing. I can’t remember but I doubt we did a very good job on our first shirts. It taught us to make more of an effort in that job as we grew up.

“Right on, man. Black is beautiful and all that.” Kent has me smiling.

“Embrace the inner you. I grew up in a yoga loving nuthouse.” Marjorie makes me laugh, she’s so far from that I don’t know how her parents made it. Brash and loud is funny when you think of a yoga loving nuthouse.

“My dad was a drunk but the Club took care of us. When he died, the neighbors fostered us but let us live in our own house. I was seventeen and my brother was sixteen. They paid the mortgage with the foster money and we worked at the Club for the bills and shit. It was good then. My brother bought the house and married the neighbor’s girl. They're the best family.” He loves them all and sees Christmas lights on two houses side by side.

I hold my arm out so he doesn’t pay attention to me throwing strength to him.

He takes it with a smile. “It was good then. You made it too. Like us.” He’s embarrassed he said so much.

“That is good, Rocko. Hemy sort of did that for us. We had Brothers and Indians around us growing up.”

He nods relieved to move on. “I read about you but Pres Brekan told me. I don’t know Indians and didn’t want to get shot. He’s easy and doesn’t take offense.”

I smile. “He’s a reader and would know you didn’t mean it. We’re really not all savages and have lived in our skin from birth. I don't know all Indians but the ones I know are just like everyone else. We do our best and make mistakes too.”

He smiles, losing the seriousness he had on to convince me. “He said you’re like him but have more freaky. It don’t scare me like other Brothers. No one cares if I didn’t go to college and shit. I do my job like you all.”

Kent puts his fist out. “Went to the army and do my job, Brother. I love the Brothers at my back and the never alone Badass gives us.”

My eyes meet Marjorie’s and I smile at her rolling hers. “I’m out. Dyani is onto something. You’re boring.”

The two trainers watch her leave then look at each other. I’m younger than both, but don’t feel that now.

Rocko turns toward me. “So, the warning, I don’t like the kids mixed up in there.”

I shake my head. “I was told to be alert. Not who, when or where. Visions can happen in minutes or years. Since someone showed up, I’d say it’s hours or days for this one.”

He nods slowly. “I don’t like that.”

I smile. “Can’t say I love it either but it’s a warning I need and I’m alert. It’s all we can do until it shows and we react.” His body relaxes, surprising the hell out of me.

“Yeah. At least we know to be alert. It’s like a job. We got this, VP.”

I hold the laugh in but smile. “We do, Brother.”

“I’m swimming’.”

I nod and watch him and Kent start shedding electronics, then clothes and decide it’s a good time for more firewood.”

***

I stand at the door watching my girl sleep. Her unruly hair is spiked and corkscrewed every which way above her serene and flawless face. With almost almond shaped eyes, prominent cheekbones, wide mouth and narrow chin, the heart shape makes her look more dainty than you’d think of an Indian. At least what I’m accustomed to. She got new hair shit from Josephine but the taming doesn’t last in sleep, I guess. I still love it. It fights the dainty like her spirit.

My clothes go on the chair and I climb in bed behind her. My hands know where and when to move so I get the sleep filled moans I love to hear. She moves into my hand and purrs. When I see the secret smile, I flip her to her stomach and roll onto her. “Love that you love this.”

“Mmm, love that you know how to do it.” She’s got to be half asleep. We’ve been fucking since the day I claimed her.

With an arm under her, I wrench her up hard and slide in between her lips. That purr sounds again and I know this isn’t lasting for her, which is good because it already has me on edge after the fuckin’ grapefruit.

One hand squeezing a nipple and the other between her legs keeping my dick where she wants it, gets her moving up and down in her own time, which again, is none at all.

“Now!”

I’m right with her and slide in then lower her to her knees with one hand still putting pressure on her pussy, making that last for her. The grip she has inside on me has my brain reeling. Never has it felt like this here. No matter what, when, or how, it’s always the same feeling with Dyani.

Spent and exhausted, I clean us up and jump with Dyani in my arms. If I’m needed, the ancestors will let me know.

Smiling, I kiss my girl’s unruly hair just before sleep takes me.

Ginny was right, love makes all the difference in the world.