Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,89

all feel that.” Cort stops and I feel he’s unsettled.

The Marine nods. “I’m sorry about your Brother. Commander Saber said we can trust Badass. You didn’t come at us for the ransom of facts, you asked for reasonable. It’s an honor we don’t see often. You have our agreement. We will pick the men for duty to the Alpha-Bit safe zone and accept your approval of them. I’m giving my trust that the men and families we deploy will be safe with Badass and the Alpha-Bits.”

Alder nods again. “Alpha-Bits work to show you trust not mistake. Badass honor show everyone equal, never alone. We have military here, happy to help keep Brothers, Americans and Alpha-Bits safe, I honor to add you.”

The Marine looks surprised. He recovers fast. “Send all bills to me. You have technology to get in here. You can do that?”

Alder smiles. “I will. Security contact to Pres Falcon Beckett, I send first. Compound take two week. Contact to school, supply, food and me, two week. Security first priority. I need numbers to build, second priority.”

They both nod. Alder nods to Justice and the feed shuts down. As soon as it does, he sinks in his seat. “Fuck.”

I laugh. “You did good, Brother. They’ll send security and pay for it.” Justice has Alder’s eyes rolling.

“Another compound, school, community. Here no good to vacation two, three week. A7 have new location, possible Gs. Asa still tail hair, ink, pierce ear. Alpha-Bits to circuit, businesses, travel across country. Military, government pay? I have money. No citizenship, no paper, too many moving around. How I keep them safe no paper? They missing, just gone, no trace. We no real to anyone not Badass.”

Cort laughs. “I’ve never seen you blow up, Brother. I like it. You’re real to us and it’s enough. Badass is in everything, Brother. We got your back. What more do you need?”

Alder shakes his head then smiles. “Two A7. I build and relax. Show Brotherhood to learn. I done...tantrum. I work. Thanks, Brothers.”

I laugh when he snags his backpack and runs out.

Justice looks from the door to me. “He’s building another hologram? I need approval for that shit.”

I shrug. “He needs it, Brother. He’s right. They’ll never be people to anyone but us. It’s a threat that not many people carry. Fucking dogs are protected better than the Alpha-Bits will ever be. He’s got us and we do what we can to make sure they’re safe. They keep us all safe so we better make sure he has everything he needs. He says he needs another hologram. I’ll help.”

Cort smiles. “I approve it.”

Justice looks unsure. “Okay. He needs it and it’s approved. I can help. You think he’s doing it now?”

I laugh and nod. Justice is just gone.

Cort shakes his head. “We should have named him Little General. He took the Op Control position tonight and had everything coordinated. He even told me to find how they got here. It was impressive to see. I can’t wait for his new shit. You think he’ll have the military compound painted all camo?”

I laugh. “He may. The little Brother floors me. I need to find out how Alexia is doing.”

He follows me out. “She shot a sniper. Sheila was pissed. She had the shot.”

I nod. “It won’t play in her head. She was worried she didn’t follow orders to the safe room then to Ops. Training takes over when she’s scared. Brekan said she did good and she relaxed.”

He nods. “I’m here until you leave, we’re all here until you leave, Brother. Go relax and make sure Alexia is good. Seren is pissed I didn’t bring her. She can’t do more than the Alpha-Bits or you for Alexia. She doesn’t get it.”

Seren has a soft spot for the Alpha-Bits and I know she has Solei and AJ watching out for Alexia. “I sent her the Asperger’s info I got. She knows, Boss. Being a mom, I bet, has her wanting to shield Alexia. I don’t think the women get that she’s trained like she is. She can keep herself safe. Her problems are the new sprung on her, she’s been doing better with that, she’s growing and dealing.”

“I’ve seen it. Go, Brother. I can’t get into the safe room. I’m in the main room.”

I nod and turn toward the bunk rooms. My one is here. This time I think I need to see and feel her for calm. The threat will still be here when I’m done. I need my