Page 47 of Vapor
Bishop whistles and moves to the side. I see Ben Knight step up with the blond Brother and another that looks like Justice.
Ben smiles at me. “Jessie is one of Justice’s dads. Christian is a Blackhawk.”
I smile at them both. “I’m Julius Ross. I’ve heard a lot about you both. I read about you too.”
They smile, Bishop laughs, I shrug.
“You’re Tito’s son?” Jessie asks.
I nod. “Yeah, but I never met him. Alder is making me an app from his old Church videos.”
Ben likes that. “That’s good. We have Axe, Wall and Nunánuk. I never met Wall and Axe but find their advice so spot on it’s like talking to old Pres and Uncle Danny. The input camefrom old timers, Brothers stories, old film, books and letters they wrote but Pres and Uncle Danny’s feedback hadn’t been uploaded yet.”
Jessie nods. “Mitch said it wouldn’t make much of a difference. I tested it out and they answered with the same words and lessons as before the new was added. I had to show the lab feed to Uncle Danny. He was pissed he wrote so much. He’s Axe’s son and wanted the app for his great grands.” He smiles and points. “Justice, Teller, Phoenix’s kids and Aylen’s when he’s born.”
Danny has a bunch of kids, that list is long. “I can’t wait to meet Tito. I’ve seen pictures but that’s it. Alder said the tapes will give more than firsthand accounts because they have years of them with Club parties and special occasions.”
Ben agrees. “He’s right. Cloud had so much for Nunánuk her lesson app is like talking to her. They’re amazing with technology but these apps are more than technology. It’s keeping the lessons of our fathers with us and the ability to ask advice feels personal. I talk to Wall and feel his words. It’s odd, comforting and completely off the charts in freaky. He answers questions only I would have for him.”
Whoa. “I’m not any part freaky but I want that. When I met VP he said the words,I was born a Prince.Having met quite a few Princes, the words always depict dignified and honorable to me. My mom was great with the lessons but I never had a connection. Her letter telling me about Tito Ross came from a lawyer when she died. I’d like to know the man that inspired so many who tell me how great he was, but I really want to ask his favorite color, his opinion of the military and why he didn’t go after my mom.”
Ben hugs me. “You’ll get your chance, Brother. He was a great man and Aiyana is telling me you follow in his footsteps.” He’s got a heat like Justice and Mucimi, when they touch you, or sometimes just stand close, you feel it.
I laugh and he steps back. “That one isn’t in the cards, Prez. Vapor is the President in our family. I have no problem playing second fiddle.”
Cort laughs. “It’s Tito and Vince from what Ranger tells me. Vapor is the serious one and Julius is tough as nails but the funny one.”
I give him a look. “Have you heard the woman snort?”
They all laugh.
~*~*~
Vapor
“Ben Knight.” The President puts his hand out.
I take it in the hold Julius showed me. “Previously Virginia Kwolek, now Vapor Ross.” This guy looks like a model. They all do but he’s different. Like Cort, I guess.
His head tilts. “Kevlar.” The model of a man is a reader.
“My mom, but, yeah. Your kids and Copper perfected it. My mom had notes but never got around to finding the solution to the lighter question.”
He smiles and I see Aylen in there. He nods. “She’s my daughter. Lily is my old lady.” A very good reader, indeed.
That small world shrinks a little more. “I met Lily earlier. That explains Aylen's hair with your smile on her. I haven’t seen Aylen tonight.” The family picture they must make has got to be phenomenal.
He throws chin then answers. “She’s healing on the ABSZ. One of her members needed surgery.”
I just nod not wanting to ask but not really understanding.
Cort steps closer to the table. “Sit, Vapor. Ben wanted to tell you about the job he has and help from the Senator and FBI.”
I sit, then Ben and his Brothers do. “Before you start, what do you call the President of Territories?”
He smiles easily. “Prez is what my Brothers call me, behind my back they use POT, Boss is the most common standby.”
I like that he finds it funny. “I’m just Vapor. Too many virgin jokes with my name in the military made my call name stick.”
