Page 71 of Citiali: Teach
“Very just and true,” Dakota says with approval in his eyes.
“Justice said you rolled fire or black.” Christian points out.
I nod. “Their intent was death to me and mine. Alpha-Bits, kids did nothing to warrant a war. We did nothing to warrant that war.”
He doesn’t agree. “Stealing the readers was the justification they used. It went along with invading and carrying out Ops but they can’t prove any of it. They wanted the readers broken so they could use them.”
My hand holds my heart. They came for Dyani. Bending so my chest hits my knees, I breathe. Strength and calm would be good right now.
“Citiali, breathe, Brother. Nitis was tested and has ability. He’s Indian but doesn’t look it.” Christian isn’t helping.
“Dyani is marked. Her sister wasn’t. Are they coming back? I don’t see another war. Would I see that? She’s mine.”
“Relax, Brother. She stays here and is happy. They aren’t coming back because they don’t know if they’ll all just die setting foot in the US. Dakota, do something, calm him down.”
“He is being calmed, our Great Guardian. Perhaps telling him the threat is gone first would help.”
I sit up fast. “The threat is gone. Nitis and Dyani are safe?” I ask Dakota because Christian apparently sucks at giving news.
“They are safe, Brother.”
I nod and give Christian a look. “Love ya, Brother, but you’re a dick. Don’t tell me any more about the ancestors and what happened. What are your questions?”
Aiyana hits his side when he glares at me. “You do not explain, ever. No experience with the job would have rational Brothers leaving that job to Brothers capable of doing it without causing heart palpitations.”
I smile. “Thanks, Aiyana. Questions?” I move them along.
“We need to promote Indian or not Indian but the lessons. We have Maiyun and White Wave to explain them but need to get that out to more than Indians. Badass is great with the lessons but we have more stories, simple stories that are fun and may work better to the young.”
“Did you watch my class today?”
“No. What happened?”
I shake my head. “White Wave does fireside chats with the kids. Before you got here, I was thinking about it. The kids having a class with them both will give perspective and get the chats out to more. We can record them for virtual classes or maybe Dreng can send them out on his news thing. I thought it would be helpful to the Bits.”
He nods. “You think the Bits would get it?”
“Yeah, Brother. Shay told Cai a story that pointed out a threat to one kid is a threat to all and Cai said he’s telling his Ford brothers. It was about animals in a forest but Cai got it when Shay said kids were the same. Atseelsoi was telling the kids about clean water from another story at the tent city last night. It was one of Maiyun’s stories that White Wave told them.”
He smiles. “Fuck, this is almost too easy. I watched Atohi today. He knows the plan and is pushing Andrew to solutions. Is he old enough?”
I nod. “Andrew sees his mistakes and realizes his future is tied to Atohi and Enoli. Justice put them both in place knowing Atohi will need Enoli to grow into his second. Enoli is Atohi’s Protector.”
Aiyana laughs.
“Fuckin’ kids. Aiyana thought so.” Christian isn’t pissed, he’s amused and throws chin to Aiyana.
“The Indians.”
I nod before Aiyana asks. “Co is right here. I’m doing a class and he asked that I send the feeds. He knows you’re spread thin too and we can help, we’re already doing it. My plan is to promote one tribe. When Co watched the next meet, he called me.”
“You are definitely a favorite.”
“I’m honored to be there.” I look at Dakota. “Prez took the kid reservation time from you but not because you fucked it up. Their Leads should be jumping with them. Hemy never jumped with me in Liberty. Half the Brothers there didn’t jump at all. The tribe didn’t believe in it. My grandfather and uncle did. They were our teachers and even last night, Yona showed to give advice and encouragement. Be the Prophet that shows and can share advice and encouragement. Every one of you need to be raised to your positions. Take them. We need help and you saw it. Take a step back and let us do our part.”
Dakota bows his head. “I see it but doing it feels wrong.”
“The kids need to think for themselves with reason behind it. Coddling them didn’t work, Zeke showed you what works. Unacceptable behavior is unacceptable for all of us. They’re starting to get the jobs they want. They come here and act right or Justice sends them back. Step back and support the Brothers pushing for change. You have a list of good Brothers that can do the job if you give them the support. Give it then let them.”
