Page 72 of Benga's Rise
Raid
Major finally pops up on Web’s computer. “Pres!”
Cort moves from Jinx and Brinks to us and takes a seat. “Open Jordan, Maverick, then Major.”
“Roger, Boss.” Web does and puts them side by side. I’m glad his monitor is big. It’s like a big concave TV.
“Brothers.” He shows respect getting, ‘Cort,’ back.
“Badass will take care of Needle. An eraser is already on his way. I’m told it will be about four hours and you’ll get a call direct with a clear from them. The President had some concerns. The first is the tours. While he benefited with the apps and was impressed with the Center, he doesn’t believe all should be welcome into your restricted areas. He saidhe’dkeep all visitors out. They get the results of the training, they don’t need to see how.”
Cort relaxes. This is good. Major isn’t finished. “He does like the Center and what you’re teaching and thinks it should continue without the notoriety, but with full Badass support. Raid’s email and video made it to him. I believe he knows quite a bit about the Club and Officers, he mentioned them by name. He is sending out his own email to make sure the other Clubs know that Badass not only agrees with the shooting policy, but suggested laser isn’t given as a warning.”
Cort and Jordan laugh. “Cort, he also agrees that when we have a threat like today, yours should be the voice of reason. I just about begged you to lead the Council then forgot the reason I did. If I were younger, I would never have questioned shooting a threat. Age does have some drawbacks. I am asking you to take the seat as Council Head and run our Ops keeping us all safe when we need it. I am not the right Brother for that job.”
He’s surprised. I squeeze his arm quick. He’s got this. He’s already doing it. “Take it, Cort.” Jordan smiles at him. Maverick is nodding.
“I’ll take it with honor and respect. I know we each bring something different to the table. I shouldn’t have left it to you, Major. I’m seeing that your purpose isn’t leading a Security Council, but guiding us in Badass.”
Jordan and Maverick laugh. Major smiles looking relieved. “I am happy to guide with that same honor and respect you’ve always shown. Thank you, Brother. So, Badass will contact you with a clear and you should get an email from the Territory President with the warning and support included. I’ve been instructed to say,Good Job! and Keep being fucking Badass.” He smiles looking younger.
Cort laughs. With congratulations done and the Clubs shut down, I look for Doc on tracking. He’s at the hospital. Great.
“I’m glad you took it. You’re needed there. Now maybe Clem will settle.”
He doesn’t agree but doesn’t say anything as he stands. “Controls, IT, Trainees, good fucking job, Brothers. Web, you’re unfuckingbelievable. Thank you for getting the Mexican Clubs shut down. Make sure you thank all your IT for me. I know we can’t do this without you.” He pulls Web up and hugs him. “Now it’s with no visitors,” he says low. The room is loud.
“I’ve still got Ops running, Brothers.” Jinx is smiling, but he turns right back to his screens.
“Hade, make sure they get a drink on me. Everyone that’s clear, clear out.”
Brothers move with, ‘Roger, Pres,’ as they do. I’m proud of him. He challenged Major and got it done without losing Brothers.
“Pres!” The tech on the chopper Ops yells.
Cort goes to his station and takes the headset. “Brothers, today the Badass Territory President gave a compliment that I have to pass on. ‘Good job and keep being fucking Badass,’were his words. Set down, cover your ride and Brothers, be fucking Badass.”
Everyone close gives a laugh, but it’s not loud. We watch as the chopper sets down and the Brothers look at their watches. The Lead raises the launcher and they all follow. Eight Brothers fire together, turn together and climb back in the chopper. They don’t stay to watch.
“Now that’s fucking Badass,” Falcon says.
Cort hits the IT’s shoulder. “Good job. Stay with the chopper until it lands, then go get a beer at the Club. It’s on me.”
“Thanks, Pres.”
Falcon hands his headset in and walks with us to the back. Web is alone at the station. All the IT and trainees cleared out. Jinx and Hade are on with surveillance, Anton and two IT Brothers. A couple of As are at the IT station.
“Did you get it, Web?” Falcon asks.
“Yeah. They were on the chat.”
Falcon looks at Cort. “The President of Territories and Major were talking in the Ops room. I was watching Clem. He wasn’t happy with whatever was said and I asked Web to get that for me.”
Cort shakes his head. “Fuck.” With a deep breath, he nods. “I am not watching a conversation I wasn’t invited to. Falcon, watch it and tell me if we need to keep a closer eye on Clem. You are not doing that in an open room and my concern is Clem.”
“I need it while the room feed shows, there are a couple of times that I’d need what was said.”
“Web, go with him and get it set. Do not repeat what you hear. You can tell me about Clem when you’re done.”
