Page 30 of Citiali: Teach
“I figured the river was man made. Why so wide?”
“The pillars at the end stop any threat from reaching the other side. Sensors and guns are trained on us as soon as we rode over the white section before the bridge.”
Okay then. I don’t need more on how Phoenix is secured when I see Alpha-Bits on golf carts pulling up to the portico in front of us. Raid said there aren’t trainees in this Club anymore. I had a job at a country club that managed everything within their lot lines. It made the job easy because of their cameras, but leaving, we laughed about why they felt the need to cover so much. I’d cover everything too. The little Brothers should live like we do but the world is not Badass and they have already experienced the worst of that.
“VP Teller!” A tiny Bit runs right for us.
“Hey, Anton, what are you doing here?” Teller bends for the little Brother with the familiar name. He’s got a rep for pushing the limits of everything.
I hook my helmet on the bar and watch the little Brother waiting by Anton while fixing my feathers and hair.
“I work to Phoenix two days. Akai stay to Phoenix, ABSZ we get Training Center towns cover.”
“I could have helped. Doesn’t Maverick have junk moving?” Teller is everything, everywhere.
Anton rolls his eyes making me smile. “Boss Mars say she need day off. Junk be there after she see lagoon. Too many satellite launch this month.”
I laugh with Teller. “It’s good to be busy but a couple of days off to recharge isn’t a bad thing, Brother.”
The little guy changes his frown in a second. “I see Web, Alpha-Bits here, recharge.” Now that he’s happy about being here, he turns my way. “Who you?”
“Citiali from the Teach Club.”
“I have you training next month. Pres Ari say I learn more I keep his Protectors safe.”
I bend so he’s not looking up at me. “Sounds right, Brother. The more you know, the easier it is on your Security.”
His head bobs fast and he points to the other little Brother. “Aris say you new. You come to my park? I build laser and zorb.” He takes my hand and starts walking.
Teller gives me a hand up while laughing. “Lunch time.” He walks with Aris leaving me to the very talkative Anton and his questions. The bastard.
***
Phoenix Training
Sometimes living Badass is like living in another universe. This would be one of those times. Dyani has been in new Indian clothes every day, but today she’s in a Gi. It is odd to me because we train in shorts, breeches or sweats with the Club logo but I’ve never seen or worn a Gi. All the women Brothers here are dressed the same. I’ve never seen Ginny in a Gi and tell her when she hugs me.
“This is a new look for you, Brother. I’m not sure what to think. Our trainees are in sweats and shorts.”
She hits my arm hard. “Fuck off. Dyani does martial arts and we all do Krav maga. I’m sword for this one.”
I don’t roll my eyes. We’ve all had sword training and did it without a Gi. “Okay then. Hemy is proud, Brother. He showed us a job you did with swords at some fake bank. The big guy was amazing with his sword. MB said he’s the dog trainer and runs Elite.”
She nods. “It was the first time we used the swords. Harky was trained with them. He’s the President of the Club in a Club at ours. MB is President when Harky’s out. It’s nuttier than a porta-potty at a peanut festival.”
I laugh, only Ginny. “It’s good? I found MB fascinating.”
“It’s good. Marks wants to meet you. He’s working today so I told him I’d invite you up. Dyani is at my Club tomorrow. She said you show wherever she is and have dinner so tomorrow is set.”
“I’ll be there. Atohi said he’s seen you at the reservation.”
Her proud look says it all. “I saw the old crew. They’re getting big. Andrew was there with them. He’s getting it.”
I nod. “He is.” I point when the women bow before stepping on the mat.
“Later.” She jogs over to the mat and half bows before taking her place.
Kateri laughs.
