one hand, because it appears to solve everything in one strike, what does the distance mean for support or visiting between the charters? We want to keep the consistency of the club smooth as silk, we gotta keep the churn of rides and mixing of charters. Best way to ensure no one charter goes off on a tangent is to remind them of the overriding covenant and doctrine. It’d also be fuckin’ expensive to roll up a new charter. Wouldn’t be no dues comin’ in, especially not if we’re lookin’ for men to relocate to fill the roster. They’ll have money tied up in the move, wouldn’t have any to spare for the club.”
“You can come up with a dozen reasons not to, and I’ll find a matching number of why we should.” Blackie shook his head. “The previous idea was rolling up a support club here, which made sense because it’d be less threatening to the dominants who share the region.” He nodded at Retro, then Twisted and Wrench, ignoring Mason, who grinned at the slight. “But we can get details worked out tonight, right here. I’m warmin’ to the idea with every word. We’ve got the cash, and the folks who were gonna slap an IRMC patch on could as easily wear mine.” Blackie straightened, feet spread, and shoved fisted hands against each hip as he stared around the group of men. “I do not see a single reason why I shouldn’t plant a charter here.”
“Seems a reasonable solution, brother.” Mason broke from his place in the circle and came to stand in front of Blackie. “We all know where we’re goin’, just a few years down the road. Don’t matter to me if it’s FRMC or IRMC planted here, and if I’m honest, your idea makes the most sense. We both know you don’t need my permission, but you’ve got my agreement.” He thrust out a hand, and Blackie took hold slowly, each move ponderous. Understandable because this was a huge decision, made quickly, and now backed by an important dominant club president. “Congratulations, brother.”
Twisted and Wrench had their heads together, both talking fast and low, the quiet buzz of their conversation all Bane could make out. They turned as one and nodded. “Sounds like a plan,” Twisted said, while Wrench offered, “Best idea so far.”
Blackie took in Retro’s nod, then turned to Skyd, who was grinning. “Saves me the hassle of a new charter.”
“Sounds like we’re agreed.” Blackie turned to Bane, who shoved his shoulders back, standing tall. “We’ll settle the details of the new charter in a bit, but there’s a couple of things to get straight now.” Gunny and then Truck stepped up beside Bane, one to either side. “Mason already agreed to a patchover, but what with plans skewing slightly sideways, we might should ask him again.”
“Aye.” Mason called without hesitation, then laughed.
“Alrighty then.” Blackie’s beard split with a grin. “Meet your VP and SAA, brother.”
“The fuck?” Bane spun to face the two men, feverishly studying their faces for any hint of a joke. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.” Gunny nodded. “My Sharon misses time with Vanna Mom, and this puts me closer to a couple of good friends down near NOLA. I’ll miss my brothers in the Fort Wayne chapter, but it’s time. Never thought I’d patch over, but this feels right.”
Truck stepped closer and slapped a hand on top of Bane’s shoulder, fingers digging deep as he held tight and rocked Bane. “What you said about me being an orphan in the region was dead on, brother. I love the Little Rock chapter, but I do not like havin’ to ride hundreds of miles away from my ole lady when it comes time for church. I also miss the brotherhood, because I might have a city rocker, but it feels like I’ve been nomad for years at this point. You’re givin’ me a good reason to settle, stay in one place. We’ll build something strong for the FRMC. My oath to you, as my future president. I’ll work my fingers to the bone to help you create something to be proud of, brother.”
“Well, shit.” He looked over his shoulder at Blackie and nodded, watching as the man’s beard split to show white teeth. “Looks like I’m patching up a grade, not patching over.”
***
Myrtle
“So you’ve decided, then?” Vanna’s quiet question stood in contrast against the controlled chaos of the kitchen. Myrt looked up to find her friend smiling down at her.