Page 6 of Ranger's Rise
I laugh walking toward the door. “Thanks for the help and answers.”
“Thanks for talking. See ya next time, Ranger.”
Taking the stairs, I laugh. I didn’t talk much, but she did. This is way fucking bigger than I thought. I knew about Training and Security. The market feeds people. Nice. I met Rex and Ant Irma. She talked about her kids, but I didn’t see them. Rex said they’re from all around town like a teenage daycare. That’s a good Badass project. I wonder what else is out there, but really want to work with Web and his kids.
Training in the simulator and pop-ups goes by fast, the range shows where the trainees need work. I like running moving targets and the simulator better than the pop-ups. For Security, the pop-ups are good, but Enforcers are past that level before they get to me. I get them settled and moved to Brinks and walk through the Training Center to get to Ops.
Freedom smiles my way. She’s got her trainees moving to Mounty. She walks with me toward the Ops stairs. “I got a new job today. I won’t be lounging around trying to fill my days.”
Her smile gives her away, but she asks. “That’s good, I’d get jealous of you sitting around the lake sunbathing while I work. Dinner and pampering would be expected. What’s the new job?” That’s encouraging.
I laugh. “Not sure about the dinner every night, but I think I can do the pampering. Aerial Ops and Training Flight Crews. Same as my old Club. I need to learn Ops procedures here, so I’m on my way up for the first of many lessons.”
Her laugh makes me smile. “It’s a job you’ve done, I’m sure you’ll get it quick. Congratulations and on the new Officer cut you’ll have to go with the job.”
I knew she knew. “Thanks. What are you doing for dinner?”
“Before dinner, I’m hiding out here until you’re done, then I’m taking you to the steakhouse.”
I like the sound of this. “After, maybe I can show you that pampering.”
She laughs. “I have a class tonight. It’s Seren’s first day back. What's your schedule tomorrow? I ask because Victory is with us for this one and I’m not losing her that easily.”
Fuck. “I’ll find out and tell you over dinner.” It’s been more than two weeks of busy, but short times that we’ve gotten to talk, have a drink or find food together. I even jump in errand invitations. The daily contact is good, but the first night we walked the lake and talked for hours. The next day was a Club party that had us both busy, me with new Brothers getting to know everyone and her with her friends and the ol’ ladies. We sat and talked at the bonfire, but she was pulled away by the women. Victory was upset and crying over something. We just can’t seem to get timing right.
She stops walking when we get to the stairs. “I’m glad you’re not pissed. Victory isn’t easy, but she’s my twin. I need to be there for her even with everything happening at the shop and with you. It will slow down for me and we’ll get that time. I’m pretty open and can plan around your shifts.”
“She’s good at that.” Comes from behind us.
I turn smiling at Falcon. “Thanks.”
Swinging my head, I turn back to Freedom. “I’m here and not worried. If your sister needs you, she needs you. When that settles, I’ll be happy to get all of you without you worrying over her.” I kiss her lips and start up the stairs.
“You already have all the right answers, Ranger.” She makes me smile.
Turning, I show it to her. “Not sure there is a right here, but I may need the same time for a Brother and know it’s not always going to be easy. Giving that to you means I’ll get it back.”
She swings her head smiling and walks away. “Good answer, Brother.” Fucking Falcon is waiting at the landing.
“You’re a fucking nosy Brother that sees too much and hears more than you need to.”
He laughs. “I need to add you to the room. It’s a thumb-print activation.”
“Good answer, Brother.” I throw back at him making him laugh again.
When I’m added and get the code, in case something goes wrong, I see the Ops room for the first time. This is nothing like Michigan or any Ops room I’ve ever seen. Hade watches us walk in and throws chin. He’s talking to someone, but the room and Falcon have my attention. The military didn’t have all this. I’ve only been out for three years and know this technology wasn’t used then. The Badass on the wall under the Phoenix logo feels good. Badass is everywhere in this building, but seeing it on the wall here shows a commitment that I’ve felt from the minute I got here. The President of my old Club talked a good game, but I know he never felt like Badass was a way of life. Growing up in the Club with my dad as VP was different than what I came home to. My dad and our President, my uncle, were gone and the new President wasn’t quiteall infor his Club. Every Officer I’ve met here has that commitment and I’m honored to be added to their ranks.
I follow Falcon and listen to everything, taking note of the two albinos working and one in the back at an IT station. He names Akai as Lead IT Control and I smile at the Little Brother getting one back. Anton is smaller than Allen and Akai. He’s a cute kid. I can’t believe he’s twenty. When Falcon asks for headsets, Anton hands them back.
“Thanks, Anton.” I hope for more than his quick look up at me.
He puts his fist out without looking and I bump it. “This is Ranger. He’ll be working Aerial Ops and Training when the choppers get here.”
Anton turns and smiles at Akai. “We’re learning,” Akai says.
Falcon smiles. “That’s good, Akai. We’ll need IT for the station. Right now, we only have Ranger for a Lead.”
“Me, Boss.” Anton wants the job. I smile at the Little Brother, but he’s looking at his monitor.
