Chapter One #4
Tats smiles my way. He said it earlier so I throw him chin and make a note to ask about the ‘grenade making pools’ story Pablo told me at the Elan Club.
The ride to the IT building isn’t short but I saw some intersections that look like they lead to interesting sights.
This definitely needs to be explored. Phoenix is impressive with the span of five towns that encompasses almost two full counties.
I swear I saw a big lake. The map didn’t show a lake in between Phoenix and Bravo.
There’s one between Phoenix and Elan and a river just east of Champion.
I don’t ask because before the lake was an old terracotta colored town with a couple of stores and restaurants, like an old western town.
I need a closer look to see what the blue was.
I’ve seen it before in a book but it was ancient ruins.
“When did you start, Girard?”
I tear my eyes away from the greenhouses and crops of what looks like corn to the left and sunflowers on the right.
I’m happily surprised at the food but why the flowers?
I do like the seeds. “I did the suit test and was told to relax for the day. I started at five when I pulled into Bravo, Pres.” He’s my Pres or I thought he’d be.
“You ride. This is a good ride to be on. The military stay on perimeter Security. Alpha-Bits and ABSZ townspeople are all that live on the land. We have a tribe compound just outside the border walls closer to Bravo. They’re good people and considered part of the ABSZ.
Visitors are flagged and monitored. Brothers’ ID and tracking follow them everywhere so you won’t be stopped here.
Alder said he’d make a house here at his compound and he’ll have one built at Sentinel or Rescue, his house is in between them and the elders. ”
“He’s building me two houses?”
Tats laughs. “His new thing is downtime. One of his harem said it’s as important as uniforms, healthcare and retirement benefits so Brothers aren’t distracted by little things.”
Badass does that anyway. “Good point but I just stay in a Club room.”
Falcon blows that up. “ABSZ doesn’t have a Club. He has VIP pods and Security is a fireman’s setup. Asa, let Alder know Hud will stay in VIP.”
“Roger, Pres Falcon. I have plan to Rescue. I send all choice to chat.” The little VP is quick.
“What does all choice mean?” I ask before someone stops me with comments.
Asa isn’t into talking, I guess. “Boss Sophie, or Tats, Barney explain.”
Charlie’s Angel pipes in. “I just went through this. Pick your style of house. Honor is two story, some compounds are western, meaning low to the ground with over hangs because of the desert sun or wind, some adobe, some bubble pods. Delta has log cabins and A frames, they get snow. Copper lives in a Silo house, they bought ranch and farm land. You’ll get pictures of the other houses so pick colors, inside he'll want preferences, they give three choices and a line for extra words. Asa would do some specialty things for your foot or when you don’t have it on.
They build it into houses so it’s not noticeable.
I stayed in a house that had tub bars. Asa said Seamus stayed in it when he got out of the medic rooms.”
Jesus, I don’t need my foot out there. I ask the next to be away from disability talk. “Thanks. Seamus?” I want to know if the silo is a real thing but I push for the change of topic.
“President of Maestro, K9 Ops, the chipped Brother.” Tats reminds me.
“Just pick whatever is important to you. Sophie is right, Alder will have what you need already planned. Asa makes sure Clubs west of Phoenix are following his plan. Brann or Alder do east and north of Phoenix. Seamus is in a skeleton or walking with braces again. His ramps fold so they aren’t seen when he’s walking.
If he’s in the chair, they fold out, or he bounces up and down stairs in the chair.
The Brother is like you, he just doesn’t stay down.
” That feels good and shows they really don’t give a shit about my foot.
“Deep red, blue and gray work with or without a little tan. I like sitting out at night so a deck or something.”
“Ranger color. Hammock swing?” Asa is a smart Brother that knows his military branches.
I smile. “I never had a hammock. It sounds good. Rescue isn’t in the desert?”
Falcon answers quick. “Mountain. Here is mostly flat but just as impressive. It’s just in a different way.
Solei has the kids at my mom's. I can take you through the ABSZ so you know what’s here and where Web, the Protectors, VIP and Alder’s compound is.
Alder calls Web’s Phoenix ABSZ and his Bravo ABSZ but no one else does. ”
I smile at that. “Thanks, Boss. I saw an old town when we came in.”
“Mayan town. I ride and show. Pres Falcon tell clay names wrong.” The Mario boy has the Brothers laughing.
Tats looks at me. “I’ve got Alder. Check out the ABSZ.”
“I get clothes and ride to you, Pres Falcon.”
I throw Tats chin and skirt to the side following Falcon’s lead. Charlie’s Angel is good on the bike and doesn’t chatter nonstop. This will be another good night.