Visitor Friends

The Visitor Friends meeting is taking place in a big house, which has been remodeled to hold large gatherings. The largest room for the most part is filled with individuals who are between ages sixteen to twenty-one. They had started out with the meet and greet; then a meeting with different Youth Leaders giving speeches. Brian had been chosen to give one as well. He always writes an outline before coming down, and then memorized that outline for the speech. For the speech itself he just made it up as inspiration hit him. This is the second time though when giving a simple speech that he found words, and passion coming out of his mouth fueled by ideas he would like to see happen.

The first time it happened, it was a more passionate speech. After he gave the speech he had been fearful that he would be humiliated for speaking in an emotional way as it was definitely not done in a meeting by some young Youth Leader. Instead both humans and Youth Corp members came up, and told him how much they had felt inspired by his words. This time when he stepped down his hands were shaking. When he joined everyone else as the next speaker came up only other Youth Corp members told him how they felt, and how they shared his belief in the cause. The humans just smiled if anything with one or two saying something like, 'All for one'. However, the word 'cause' that the Youth Corp members used was just a word to say they agreed with what he had said.

Now with the speeches over, Victor the Youth Corp superior comes up to him and directs him to a corner away from everyone. The officer stands over him in a very intimidating way. It bothers him how the man appears to have muscles on top of muscles, and the way he makes sure you notice that he could physically beat you to pulp. "What is wrong with you? What in the name of, Our Great Leader are you trying to accomplish?"

Brian looks Victor in the eye, and gives the superior officer a warm friendly smile. "I was just saying that we, meaning human as well; all need to be united. That our trust is with each other and well . . . not to say for example the human's parents. Always trust our leadership, not your parents or other humans not of Visitor Friends. Unity will make us strong. Trust only us. You know Visitor Friends." This is what he tells Victor, but unfortunately what he was really saying in the speech was something different. 'When it comes to trust, trust only ourselves, no one outside of our group.'

It is apparent the way Victor is looking down at him that he is sizing him up, and what he has said during his speech. The long moments finally end, and Victor smiles, "I must say, I was concerned how the words may have affected the human youth, and any dissatisfied Youth Leaders."

Brian finds himself pulling his shoulders back, and his breath is coming in short breathes. "Sir, I was looking for a way to bring something more to a bland message about how we must become united as one."

Victor glances towards a group of Youth Corp members who have walked over to a group of humans. "You know I actually believe what you said. It appears to be effective." He nods his head to the group of humans and Youth Corp members. "Youth Corps knows it must connect more positively with human youth, but it seems less forced after your speech this evening. The humans may not understand the forced friendly behavior, but I do. So it looks at least for the moment the words are being embraced."

Brian can feel his heart pounding as though it will launch itself from his chest, but he forces his voice to remain calm. "Thank you, sir. I was trying to hard; I would never intentionally do anything to hurt Our Great Leaders cause."

Victor looks at him letting a few moments pass before speaking. "I may have misconstrued what I was hearing. Your passion, and the way you combined it with the words you used. I thought maybe you were implying something else." Victor smiles, "Actually after a moment's thought it was very well done." He places a hand on Brian's shoulder, "I am actually impressed."

"Thank you again," Brian says. Victor nods, and Brian realizes this is his chance to walk away, and with that he can finally take a deep breath. I really need to stop making mistakes. He does not look back at Victor.

Jodi is the first to wave him over. She is standing with two Visitor Friends. "We were just talking about what a nice job you did. Of course. Trust." The young woman winks, and Brian thanks her and continues his walk through the crowd.

He is actually feeling okay now as other Youth Members smile and nod, or reach out a hand to him.

"Hey, Brian nice job." Then Gordon lowers his voice. "You are going to lose your title, of subtle doing your own thing though. Look at them. You hit a mark."

"Maybe, but it was stupid," Brian says.

"No, those over twenty are too involved with other things. They just care about rank. We the twenty and under crowd, we get it and we support you. The only ones looking out for us, is us."

Brian frowns, "I am not that way. I am one of those who is all into my rank, trust me."

"No, you're not!" Gordon, says, "Those who know you, know that. Those that don't know you. Well yes, they indeed think your total goal is your rank. I know you have major trust issues. What you said today, and last week is good. We trust each other and no one else." He turns his head, and stares at the senior officers for a moment. "Damn; Victor, Steven and Martin and the rest of them. Good job."

"Thanks, guess I better go mingle. Gordon, I really do appreciate the support. You really have been a trusted friend, always." Brian says.

"Oh, Brian one more thing. I have been reminded by Victor since we are Whipelli that we need to eat whatever the humans are eating."

"Seriously?" Brian asks. "Tired of this."

"Yeah, seriously." Gordon shrugs, and then walks away.

However, before Brian can join other humans the three superior officers walk over to him.

Victor speaks first. "Brian, I was just talking to Steven and Martin. Martin heard your speech, but Steven only the end. We have agreed that it was quite stirring. Perhaps you may wish to give the speech on a few of the other ships."

Steven says quietly, "Brian, I will watch the vid later. Once I have, I will then arrange those ships best suited for you to give the speech. You have certainly moved Victor and Martin."

Martin says his voice even, "Yes, I believe you are going to see an enhancement in your rank. I am speaking to Diana today. Keep up the good work."

Brian thanks them, and the officers walk away. However, Martin turns back. "You may want to bear in mind that words are more dangerous than knives, and passion more frightening than guns. Just a thought," He says his lips tight, and then Martin walks over to Barbara.

Brian joins some human youth in conversation, but he understands he was just given a warning by Martin. He remembered some phrase he had heard humans use once, he just got schooled. He will have to get the vid of this, and watch it. Then actually write a speech one that includes what he said, but more careful of how it is presented. Martin may actually have kept him from making another mistake. No, more speeches that are not already written, and prepared for the crowd he is speaking to.

His job now is to schmoose tonight. Actually he finds he is pretty good at doing just that. He had not expected it to be so easy when he came to Earth. He never lies to them though. However, he most definitely leaves things out. One thing he knows is he is a terrible liar, but even so you can manipulate things to go your way by simply telling the truth. Compliments, and finding someone's passion definitely can help to guide them down the path you want them to go. He is surprised at how good he is reading people; no matter their species. Once you read someone, you can manipulate them. Unfortunately, now he wonders who may be using him. His next project for himself; read those using him, and figure out how to use it against them.

For now, he stands with Daniel, and three other Visitor Friends and he listens to them or at least tries to. His mind keeps wandering. He slants his head to one side, a song is playing in the background. He has heard this song before. Yes, Radar Love. He likes that song. He rode in a car by himself once. The driver asked if he could listen to the radio. He didn't care he liked music, and the idea of listening to human music intrigued him. That song was one of those playing. Whenever, he hears it playing he stops and listens, it makes him think of traveling. It sure would be nice if Daniel would shut up for a few minutes so he can enjoy the song now.

Daniel slaps Brian on the back, "Am I right or what?"

Brian tries to listen to the lyrics, but knows it wasn't going to happen. He will have to have Kelly find songs, and figure a way to play them in their room. Damn, I forgot about finding pot. I promised pot. Kelly did the zombie thing, and hasn't gotten caught yet. If he does, I honestly don't think he will tell on me.

"So do you think that is possible?" Daniel, and three friends are staring up at him with questioning looks.

Brian sighs, and points to the speakers, "Sorry the music."

"Hey, I will have them turn it down." Daniel says with a take charge tone to his voice.

"You enjoy the company. I need to do a few things, if you know what I mean." Brian smiles, and gives a quick wink. Please let them forget whatever they were asking me. Noting the alcoholic drinks in their hands, he is likely safe.

"Hey, I know exactly what you mean." Daniel says, and his friends laugh as Brian walks away.

Brian has no idea what they think he is doing. They would likely be on the floor laughing their guts out thinking him some weak weirdo if they knew.

"Hey, Brian." Todd is standing in front of him looking uncomfortable. "I, ah, I just want to warn you about something."

Brian speaks in a forced monotone voice. "You are making me nervous. What? Did someone say something about my speech?"

"Ah. . . no. That was awesome." Todd says. "The topic of unity is always one we should all embrace."

Brian takes a deep breath. He feels like the ceiling is going to fall on him. "What is the issue?"

Todd swallows hard before speaking. "Remember when I said others said, you had a human girl you were visiting."

First Brian looks at the ceiling, and then to Todd, "Yes, what have you done?"

"Ah, I was talking to someone, and then someone else came up. Then they started asking questions. I think I said too much."

Brian rubs his face, and licks his lips. "Please, tell me you did not tell them I liked being with her."

"I didn't, but there was something about them. They had the insignia of Youth Corp, but I don't think they were. You can tell those that have had the training. Something was missing. The oneness that I see in you and the other Youth Corps members has developed from your training as children. I don't know how to explain." Todd shrugs in the end.

"It's okay. They are likely just trying to monitor us. Don't worry. Just remember we may work, and obey, and do as asked, but in the end we can only trust one another. This includes you as well."

"Thank you. In the end they are the ones responsible for making us who, and what we have become. I gotta' go. I just wanted to give you a heads up." Todd walks away.

Brian watches Todd walk away. It never ends. His eyes go to the ceiling again. The good thing is that he has had several meetings in this building, and best of all there is a large closet in one of the rooms. He has a stool hidden in there and a book. He peers into the dark room and smiles, there is no one there. He walks to the closet, shuts the door and turns on the light. Reaching up he pulls the hidden book from the shelf. He is fascinated by the story. Unfortunately, before he can sit down he hears Gary come into the room and call out to someone. The Youth Corp member is always being assigned to work with him, and if ever there was a worse fit it is Gary. He turns the light off, and puts the book back in its hiding place hoping that no one saw the light coming under the door. The one thing he does not want is to get caught doing something he should not be doing. It is to be work, more work, and still more work. Reading a human book, or listening to their music just for the pleasure of it is a big, NO.

"Okay, you bring it?" Gary asks.

A voice answers back with a dry chuckle. "Not to worry. Take a whiff."

Time goes by, and finally after several minutes Brian can smell what has the same scent of mountain herb. Brian finds himself smiling. He has just found his pot.

"You have to pay me this time," the voice says.

"No, the deal is I keep the law from going after you," Gary says adamantly.

Brian has his ear to the door. He is surprised as he would think they have not been here long enough for Gary to have this kind of involvement. Then it hits him what has been going on with some of Gary's odd behavior the last few weeks. His helpfulness in setting up, and taking down equipment for the meetings. Gary, my friend you are a supplier on the ship. What do you get out of this? Who do you supply, and how do they pay you? Worse do I care?

"You don't understand the suppliers are coming after me. I need to have money, and now." The tone of the mystery voice is frightened. "They are threatening my wife as well."

Gary snorts, "Right, not my problem. Look Javier, I will come by your shop tomorrow, and give you something."

There is a sound of a fist hitting something hard. The mystery voice who now he knows is Javier, is breathing heavily. "Look you promised that last week, and you never come, and never brought anything."

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, there is always tomorrow," Gary laughs, "Tomorrow. Your problem started long before I came to you, and I have others I can go to now."

Javier says in an angry tone, "Your little Visitor Friends sure have hooked you up. What three weeks, and you are the man."

"Business, just business. I got to go, and hide this. Tomorrow maybe."

Brian can't make out exactly what they say after that. He hears the sound of one door and then another. He remains hidden until he is sure that the two have left the room. For a moment he thinks about trying to follow Javier. He walks over to the glass door and opens it, but before actually stepping outside he stops. No, Javier got through the shock troopers outside so it would likely be hard to follow him now. He smiles, and turns his head to the other door. Gary is screwing someone over, and this is leaving the door open for him, so to speak.