New World - Stage 2

by Can't make a name

A 2 part story. Everyone has emotional baggage including the Visitors. John must deal with growing unrest on the ships. Diana, must find a way to give the Great Leader the supernatural abilities he wishes to posses. Steven, could care less about anything. Even Willie and Martin are not free of their emotional baggage. Brian and his friends are Doing Our Own Thing

33. Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Brian

Just A Normal Day

Brian sits quietly in front of Victor as he goes over a list of items that are needed to be taken care of and who has been assigned to complete each on item on the list. His job will be to ensure that those individuals finish their tasks before the end of the week. One thing he understands is that Victor can be very efficient and does not care for others ideas unless asked. Still he finds what he has been doing as actually rewarding, challenging and appreciated for the work he is doing. He feels that he is also learning something new each time he works with Victor. This makes him happy as he is serving the Great One and helping to complete his beloved leaders goals, even if he himself is not sure what those goals are.

"Remember to make each Youth Corp member and Visitor Friend feel crucial to our work no matter what they are doing." Victor looks him in the eye as he asks, "As for Daniel, you are sure he is your number one choice?"

He finds himself rubbing his fingers for a moment. "I believe that Daniel will be integral to our process of ensuring that our Visitor Friends bond even further with the Youth Corp. I can go over again what I see as his qualities."

"No issue with me. I ran over your choices of those we should begin to reward in some way in order to continue our influence on them in what we see as their destiny to Our Great One. As for Daniel there was some issues with his apparent lack of drive before joining the Visitor Friends, but I believe that came about due to boredom. At the time he likely found nothing that truly interested him, that is until now. When you sent his name to me this morning as your final choice we gave him a few more tests. He was compliant, yet speaks up confidently when asked questions. I feel quite comfortable with him and will support your choice."

Brian rubs the back of his neck for a moment. Daniel has a high regard for anything that makes him feel like he stands out amongst others. Right now he would really like to show the Great One that he is able to give him humans that will do his every bidding. "May I give him some reward today?"

Victor leans forward, it is if you can see the muscles straining against his uniform. "Umm, I had not thought so soon. Something small would be fine. What would you like to do?"

He bites the inside of his lower lip for a moment as he had not thought of what the reward should be. Honestly he had thought he would be told what the reward should be. Then a thought comes to him, this may be a way for him to go to Beautiful Smoke and get the seeds for Aloohula.

"Again any thoughts on this?" Victor asks as he rubs his upper arms proudly showing off the muscle that appears to be screaming to escape his uniform. His gaze is towards Brian, but his true focus is on his muscles.

"May we be assigned a vehicle, I mean a car. Being driven and being told it is for his benefit, well I am sure this would please him." He watches Victor uncertain if he should repeat what he has said.

However, Victor tilts his head immediately, there is a hint of surprise in his tone. "That is all?"

Brian smiles it has been a long morning, but something good may come of this day. He gives what he hopes is the correct tone and smiles as he speaks. "Yes." Then a thought comes to him, "No, may I ask for a trooper as well? We can then drive around to some errand or errands that please Daniel."

"I see no problem with that. Could you do me a favor? I need to have a Youth Leader picked up before the beginning of an event. He has had a very long day and not having to await the shuttle would also be a nice reward for him as well."

He is feeling the disappointment as now his little trip to Beautiful Smoke can't happen. All he can do is agree.

Victor replies pleasantly, "Very good. I think this is a great thing all around. In fact, why don't you go to one of those coffee places. I know that Whipelli like coffee, it may an interesting time for both of you and your fellow Youth Leader."

This would have been awesome actually being able to use the car for his errand to Beautiful Smoke, but things never seem to be easy. He wants to ask who the Youth Leader is, but Victor is beginning to show his disinterest. "Thank you." Brian stands, "Will I know which car?"

"I will have the trooper waiting for you. Let me check and see who is free." Victor studies his device.

"Humm, sir could I ask for S9N10060. He has accompanied me before and I feel comfortable around him. 0, we have a good working relationship. He knows his place, is respectful and appears to know his job."

Victor checks his device for the troopers number. "Yes, he will be awaiting you. Now, go make Daniel feel...well, shall we say special." His smile looks more like a smirk.

Brian stands and nods his head to Victor. "Thank you, I will ensure that Daniel feels empowered and continue grooming him for a position in Visitor Friends. As your tests have indicated Daniel likes power and is easy to manipulate, but intelligent. He will be more than willing to do whatever to get the power he wishes to possess."

There is a long pause, then Victor says, "I agree. You have done a good job. Your going to find your own rise in the ranks with the work you are doing. Expect more points."

He thanks Victor and leaves. Brian though is disappointed, he had really wanted to use the car for his own little errand. Walking out the door he looks around taking in the scenery and sees Aloohula, he holds up a hand to him. They will just have to figure out another way to visit Beautiful Smoke. He smiles as he walks up to the trooper. "You got outside quickly."

Aloohula's tone is flat betraying no emotion as he looks around at those passing by. "Where were you? I have been waiting most of the day for you. You weren't on the shuttle this morning."

"Had an appointment for some testing, it is for human illnesses. For those illnesses we do not possess immunity for. You should be happy, we..." Brian's voice trails off and he finds he is smiling with the thought that Diana, Diana herself had given him a look that seemed like she was interested in him. If only that is so.

"Wake up." Aloohula raises a hand sharply, it is the only way at this time he can show his disappointment. " Are we doing this or not?"

"Of course we are." Brian shrugs and fusses with his belt delaying his unknown answer to Aloohula's question. "We just have to figure out how to get there. For now though I have to make a human named Daniel feel like he is the most important individual around. So please act the part of a subservient trooper. After we get rid of him, then scream or scold or whatever at me."

Although Aloohula is wearing his shielded helmet it is obvious at least to Brian he is glaring at him. The trooper turns away standing stiffly. They stand silently for a few minutes when the trooper turns to him. "Subservient," He says with a hiss.

"As I was saying we will find a way to do, well you know; our own thing. Please just act the part," Brian looks at Aloohula who is shaking his head and gives the trooper a puzzled look. "Yeah, I know not your thing, but subservient is the word. Act the part. Again, please. You know that's the game, a game we all have to play."

More of a hiss comes from Aloohula, "Yesssss. Guess, it just depends if you are a stupid Dahax, or wonderful Youth Leader."

"I promise..." Suddenly Brian's tone changes abruptly. "Daniel so good to see you. I was telling my supervisor about you. He is so impressed by you, he has asked that instead of you trying to find your way back home on the bus you had to take this morning, instead that we take you home."

"Really!" Daniel's smiles giving a gleeful laugh, "Really. Just officers take the cars. Wow! Honestly, for me!"

"Yes, for you." Brian gives him a nod and a quick smile, "You deserve it." The car then pulls up and Aloohula opens the door for Daniel as Brian walks around to the other door. "Is there a problem Daniel?" Daniel shakes his head, "Then get in, enjoy. This truly is for you."

Daniel sits down and then he frowns a bit as Aloohula sits in the front seat. Brian gives Daniel another smile. "You again deserve this, all of this." He gestures around the car and to Aloohula. As for Daniel he leans back and just smiles as the car leaves the Visitor Friends building.

For some time Brian just lets Daniel enjoy the ride. After awhile he feels like it would be okay to ask about Robin. First he watches the buildings and the people walking on the sidewalk, then he takes a deep breath and decides to go for it. "I have not seen Robin for some time is she doing okay?"

"Yeah, you guys were just friends right." Daniel smirks, "Or was there something between you two."

"Ah," He knows not to betray himself, say nothing. "Ah, naw. We played some game that was fun and she likes music." Brian shrugs, "You know. Nice that she plays the guitar. I liked listening to her play it and she would show me around your neighborhood. That's all."

Daniel is beaming, "That is good. I mean that, more like a friend thing between you two. She and I made up by the way. You know we have been dating on and off for some time. We're gonna try one more time." He winks, "If you know what I mean."

Brian has no idea what he means. He feels like he should though, "Ah, yeah. I am happy for both of you." They discuss any errands or plans Daniel may have, but Daniel says he just fine going home. The rest of the ride is very quiet. Once they arrive Brian turns to Daniel, "How is Polly doing? I should have asked earlier."

"Little nerd is just fine. Going to something at school I heard." Aloohula opens the door for Daniel who gets out of the car, before the door is closed he leans down. "Yeah, I remember. They feel like your people are monitoring the schools and she is going to be there to support the cause, or whatever. I don't know if you really know that girl. She's super opinionated and thinks she knows better than everyone else." He turns his head about as people are watching him, it is easy to see he likes this moment. "Yeah, they know who this guy is now." He points a thumb at himself.

Brian just shakes his head and smiles. A thought comes to him, how much does he really know of Daniel. He will certainly do as asked, he doesn't remember him ever being stubborn; certainly not opinionated. The guy does enjoy the idea of being given power and ordering others around. He purses his lips trying to figure out Daniel; he certainly likes to be the center of attention. Suddenly Brian realizes the car is not moving and Aloohula's shielded face is staring at him. Aloohula shakes his head and tells the driver to continue to the next item on the list which is to pick up the other Youth Leader. He shrugs, "Sorry, I got into my thoughts." There are no comments from either the driver or Aloohula so he just goes back to his own thoughts as they drive to the school to pickup the unknown Youth Leader. What he needs now though is to figure out how to get to Beautiful Smoke after they pick up the Youth Leader. It's going to be complicated in order to do what he and Aloohula really want to do and not have the other individual interfere in their plans.

The drive from Daniels home to the high school does not take long. He and Aloohula get out of the car and watch as numerous young people walk past them. The buzzing sound of many people speaking, yelling and laughing fill the air. Several are carrying signs that read, 'You Are The Visitors – Not Us,' 'We Didn't Invite You Here...Remember You Are The Guests...Not Us.' Some of the remarks are not kind as they walk past him, but Brian understands that his interfering will make it only worse. The event should be called the, Not Us movement from the number of signs being carried. However, it is not just young people roaming about, there are also a few police cars and many older people who are likely teachers and parents standing or walking about. The troopers and Youth Corp members are several feet away from the entrance the humans are taking. There is no Youth Leader standing with them, nor when he looks down at the parking lot where a shuttle awaits with troopers standing around it. He's not happy that he doesn't know who he is picking up and the whole situation here is definitely a mess. Rumors on the ship is that these are not going to take place again if possible, the protests are becoming more unpredictable. Secondly violence is not something that John or anyone would like to see happen; it will make his people look bad.

"Brian, its me!" A blonde Youth Corp member walks quickly over to him. "I have to go back to the shuttle."

He gives her a smile, leaning down and speaking in Depol, "Drone time?"

She gives a pretend yawn, but speaks in English. "Ah, what can I say. Someone has to do what they have to do." Becky changes to Depol, "Had to put my little drones out so I can get the visuals of those." She points to the young humans walking by, one with a sign that reads, 'We Should Learn From Each Other.'

"Doesn't this kind of look rough." He indicates with a nod of his head that he is talking about the number of troopers that are present. "It's just a peaceful demonstration. They feel like we are well," Brian turns his head about and finishes in Depol. "They think we are decreasing their freedom."

"We are," Her eyes are narrow, then she changes again to Depol. "We must support Our Great Leader and our people. Yes, no?" Becky switches back to English, pointing to the shuttle. "Want to check it all out?"

He turns his head to Aloohula. "You don't mind waiting. I promise I won't be long. Like to check it out. Just let the Youth Officer that we are escorting know that I will be back shortly." He begins to turn so he and Becky can begin the walk to the shuttle so he can see how she works the drones.

"Why not, just a trooper," Aloohula's tone is flat as he responds to Brian, even Becky can tell he is not happy.

"Ah, okay." Brian turns and he Becky walk to the shuttle quickly. One of the troopers watching the door turns his head to him and Becky, but makes no comment. He looks to the trooper, "Not staying, just checking it out."

She smiles to the troopers, "All is okay. Okay." Becky laughs as she enters the shuttle, "Your funny, none of the troopers business. Anyway another shuttle will be coming shortly then we will climb out of the way. Better not to be on the ground once we have everything in place. At first we were going to stay, but most of the crowd is very young. Any violence should not have any finger pointing in our direction. So we were going to leave some troopers on the ground, but later they decided no one stays on site. They said it is better to be up a bit and not have any of us here, better propaganda wise. You know hover out of the way so to say. Had to get the little bugs in place, now we are all set. What do you think?"

"This isn't like any shuttle I have ever seen." He looks about the shuttle, there are only a few seats. It appears that a lot of room has been given to monitors and some other equipment. "Why do you need all of this. Can't you do it all on your device?"

"Hey, they are getting the best," She points to herself, not hard to see that she is very pleased with herself. "No, we need the monitors. We get the visuals down so that someone not even from this school can be tracked. Of course, even if they go to this school, we want the best visual and sound if they say something we may need for later. You know, they may have some family member who may later join a resistance against us. The more info on them, well the better. Those kids are fourteen to eighteen, they seem like they are young." Becky gives him a stern look, "Don't go all Youth Leader, they grow up and trust me you will want all of this information."

"Are you tracking only those attending?"

"I don't know what will happen later, but we need to know the troublemakers. Don't want to make it confusing by adding too many to monitor." She then shows him how she works the drones. "Not bad. They think they are flies. They have been programmed to just fly about unless we send them to track someone. Anyway you better go the others will be here. My job is just ensuring they work as they should."

"I am impressed. Can you work these on the ships. I mean without someone noticing. You said flies, so I guess staff would notice."

She leans over to the chair he is sitting in and whispers, "I have done it. On an officer." She is smiling with a very pleased look. "Before you ask, my supervisor asked me to experiment. Likely he wanted to see if he could get some information. Besides everything is for him." Her eyes look up and he knows she means the Great One. He nods and looks up to show his devotion.

"Humm, interesting that you were able to do that without being noticed." He hears someone talking outside the ship, "Better go." Brian stands, "Thanks. We need to talk about this again sometime."

"Wait, that trooper was very demeaning to you. If I were you I would inform his supervisor."

Suddenly his knees feel weak. He doesn't want to have Aloohula get into trouble, it would mean he would be in trouble. "He is very good at his job. I know that he will protect me. Yes, I know its their job, but he will be there for me without question. Please understand. I like his weird attitude and he only uses his pathetic attitude on me. I will speak to him, it is after all on me for allowing it to happen."

"Okay," She brings her arms up and clasps them around her neck. "No, issue with me. I truly don't care."

Two other Youth Corp members come in and sit down so Brian nods and leaves. He can't get his thoughts off of the drones that look like insects. He will need to speak to Kelly about a way to warn them of drone monitoring. There is of course a knocking in the back of his head that this not something the Great One would want. However, he wants it to happen, does this mean he is undesirable to the Great Leader. His very life is of no importance when you consider any need of the Great One. As he nears the car he can see George and Aloohula speaking. He could not be any happier if this is what he thinks.

"George are you the one needing the ride?" Brian says with a large grin to his friend and his previous tension feels like it is leaving him.

"You know it." George gives a quick smile as he turns to Aloohula for a moment. "I heard we could go for coffee. I like the idea of actually relaxing before returning to the Visitor Friends building."

Brian begins turning his head about wondering if Polly is about, but she is not to be seen. Both Aloohula and George have gotten into the car and he can hear the doors shut. With a shrug he gets in as well giving the area he would like to have them driven too. The car heads for the exit of the high school parking lot, then he sees Polly riding her bike, "Stop the car for just a moment." The car stops as everyone stares at him as he opens the door and holds his hand up. Polly slows down then shrugs and begins to pedal once again. He shifts his position forcing her to stop.

"Get out of the way!"

He shakes his head as he takes hold of her bike. "So how goes your day. Heading off to the event I take it."

"Again get out of the way and let go of my bike." Polly says in an angry voice, "You really need to learn to know when your not wanted. I am not my sister."

Brian chuckles, "I don't think anyone will think you are Robin or the little one."

"Her name is Katie, dumb shit." She grabs his hand and attempts to loosen his grip. Her body stiffens as she removes her sunglasses and glares at him. "Get lost red suit!"

This is not the first time he has heard the red suit comment, he knows it is not meant to be nice in any way. Still if Polly goes in the drones will note her by taking visuals and if they recognize her as a daughter of a scientist they will record her conversations as well. "I am going with you. I am going to be there for you; stand behind you every step so you feel protected." Other humans who have been walking by are beginning to stop or at least slow down. He can't help the smirk that he knows is gracing his face, "After all we are such good friends, I would be wrong not to be there for you in case of any problems."

Polly's eyes shift as she watches the others watching her. "I know you aren't going to do that." She raises her voice a bit, "And we aren't friends."

"Your so adorable." He looks at the car and sees that both Aloohula and George are standing behind it. "Hey, George." George nods. "George feel up to going?"

"You know it!" George stretches, then he looks towards Polly and raises his voice a bit. "Nothing like taking care of friends."

"Friends for life, right Polly." Brian smiles, then in a lower tone, "I promise I won't leave your side."

Her face takes on a blank look, then Polly licks her lips shifting her eyes about at the people watching. Then in a very low voice says, "I hate you, I really hate you." He lets go of the bike, she turns it around and peddles away quickly.

Brian walks over to his friends and the three of them watch her peddle away. Finally George says, "Is it coffee time?" They get into the car and he turns to Brian, "Just what was that about?"

Yawning Brian says, "Just doing my best to ruin her day."

"I would say you succeeded in your goal." George shakes his head, "Your sister is safe."

"Not my sister," Brian rolls his eyes at George, "Seriously stop with that." With that the two laugh and they spend the rest of the drive with their own thoughts. For Brian the odd dream of talking to someone comes to him. He was supposed to reach out to Gailey on the Istanbul ship by some odd dream thing. It is not real, but it sure felt real. How would he really be able to do that, the whole thing is stupid, best to ignore everything. Now if he could only erase the death dream he keeps having. He's not afraid of dying if it is for his duty to their Great Leader. Still dying is dying, but it means a new life with your family and close friends. Seeing his mother and his brother means a lot to him, now if only the next life would leave his father out that would be wonderful. His father the traitor should not be part of this new path.

"You getting out of the car?" George is pounding on the roof of the car. "And where is the coffee place?"

Brian gets out and leans into the drivers window letting him know that they will walk to their destination. Once they are ready to be picked up they will signal to him and he is free to do whatever pleases him. The driver simply shrugs.

They only need to turn the corner and then another and cross the street. Brian prefers this short walk than being brought directly by the driver. With luck the driver will take advantage of this time and not wondering what he and his friends are up to. After rounding the first corner he turns to George as they walk. "You haven't been to Beautiful Smoke have you?"

"No, not sure I like it here. Something about this is different, certainly the wealthy do not live here. Is this where you plan to get the seeds?"

Rounding the last corner and crossing the street Brian nods his head. "Actually it is quite interesting here. The more I come here, the more I like it. Ah, just a warning we are called red suits, I don't think it is a kind moniker." He turns to George, with a shake of his head he points to the building where the window has written on it; Beautiful Smoke. "This is it."

"Moniker, interesting word."

"The kid I told you about taught me that word." Brian turns the knob, "You don't just push the door here you have to turn the knob."

Entering the room there are two people that appear to be more their age than the older customers that Brian normally sees when he comes to the shop. They turn looking at him, they appear nervous. They point at something, pulling out some money the two leave rushing past them.

Nick is shaking his head, "You just had to show up now. I am getting a reputation for you people coming here now."

Brian simply smiles, "Where is Javier? We are expected."

Nick glares, then takes a deep breath. "He should be back in about forty minutes." His head turns to the window, "Damn. Do you think you could hide for a moment and be really quiet about it." He then nods towards the sliding door behind him. "This guy buys quite a bit from me. Okay" Then he points at the door and then waves for them to go in quickly.

Aloohula closes the sliding door, then he stands in the corner with his arms crossed. George walks to a cupboard with glass doors and begins to examine it. Brian sits next to Ethan, from there he looks at his homework and they discuss the boys work. The other sliding door opens and a Hispanic woman stands there with a plate of pastries. She stares at the three of them not moving any further, Brian looks up and smiles. "Zelda how goes your day?"

She snarls, "Was better until now." Zelda holds the plate out to them, "Help yourself." Ethan jumps up and takes one.

Brian shrugs, taking one he examines it for a moment and pops it in his mouth. Then he chews and chews as he would normally when he eats. "This is good. Sticky, yet very good. What do you call it?"

"It is a German poppy seed pastry, the glaze is sticky. My grandmother was German, she shared the recipe before she died." Zelda has lost her grumpy look. "Have another," She holds the plate out again. Brian shakes his head, but waves over to Aloohula and George as Ethan helps himself to another pastry.

Zelda giggles, pointing to him and then to George. "What is is it with you two." She points next to the trooper. "At least that guy knows how to eat, chew, chew, chew; swallow." Zelda shakes her head, "What are you two doing, creating paste?"

Aloohula suddenly laughs which causes them all to turn to him. "See, even this person notices."

Brain rolls his eyes towards the ceiling for a moment, "Ignore him, he's just a trooper." This is where Aloohula stops laughing, not hard for even Zelda and Ethan to see that he is likely glaring at Brian.

"I was not laughing at you, just the eating style." Aloohula grins and nods his head to Zelda. "The pastry was good. It reminded me of something my mother used to make when I was a child. Thank you."

"I like you," Zelda smiles towards the trooper. "I am happy they were a memory of your home." Aloohula returns her smile.

George moves towards Zelda, "I wasn't going too, but may I have one more pastry?"

Zelda moves the plate towards him and George grabs the last two. With a silly smile he says, "Ah, sorry. I am so hungry, I haven't eaten that much today and I am starving." He looks at everyone holding up the pastries, "Want one?" They just shake their heads, with that he pops the first one in his mouth and Zelda watches him chew several times.

"Seriously is the idea to make paste in your mouth, I can't seem to stop watching." Then she shrugs, "I got to go back up stairs. Trooper you have a great day and try to ignore this one as best you can." She brings a thumb up and points to Brian before turning and leaving. All Brian can do is shrug and return to Ethan's homework.

The sliding door opens and Nick appears. "Javier is not here, but my customer is gone. Next time, more quiet." He turns and begins to walk away, then turns again. "Hopefully, no next time."

Brian and his friends follow Nick back into his shop. George has walked over to another sliding door across from the counter, which he opens. Nick calls out, "What is the matter with you people. Do you know of no boundaries."

Brian looks towards Nick giving him a smirk, then he follows George into the room, "No, no boundaries." The room is not large, however boxes of what appears to be junk and old papers takes up what space there is in the small room. There is also a table and some very worn chairs pushed against the wall with again more boxes resting on the seats. Dusty cobwebs are everywhere, it is like no one has been in this room in several months or even years. "Nick what was this room used for?"

Nick joins them in the room, he seems to be almost staring at something far away for a moment, then gives a snort. "This is a room my grandfather and father used to host little parties. People would come and try different cigars and tobacco's. It was special, they would have a bourbon or some cocktail as well, maybe something small to eat. Like to say it was because of you people upping the prices of everything that it stopped." He shrugs, "Wouldn't be true, we stopped when my father became ill." Nick reaches into a box and pulls out a small photo album, opening it he glances through it for a moment. "My father loved those special occasions." With a deep sigh, "Please, please exit." He puts the photo album back in the box, then points back to the shop so both Brian and George exit quickly. They look briefly back to the room and then to Nick as the man has lost his grumpy mood and appears sad just from going into the room. The phone rings and Nick answers it saying yes he is in the shop with no customers. "Could you three go back in there and this time stay quiet."

Once they return to the room behind the counter George is once again snooping around the cupboard. Then you can hear Nick and someone else speaking. Nick has an almost desperate tone as he speaks. "Look if you leave, I won't be able to pay my taxes and other things. I count on you, you said you would never leave. Why, why do this?"

The other voice is very quiet and Brian is not able to make out everything being said. What he can hear is that it is to expensive to run the small cafe and that it wasn't doing well before the Visitors came and now it is too much of a struggle to continue. He explains he is unable to afford the lease and he must join his family in San Diego. The conversation goes on with Nick offering a cut on the payments, but in the end the door shuts.

In the meantime George has figured out that there is another cupboard behind the glass shelves. He turns to Ethan. "Why is there a hidden cupboard?"

The boy looks up from his homework and up to George. "Prohibition hiding place, 'bout all I know."

Even Aloohula appears to have taken an interest in the cupboard when the sliding door opens. Nick is glaring as he appears standing stiffly. "Seriously do you all not know the word..." He turns saying, "Forget it."

Brian turns to Ethan, "Your doing a good job. My only advice would be that you keep your focus as best you can in class." He passes the paper he had been reviewing back to Ethan. "Take care."

The boy smiles, "You too. I'm gonna go upstairs and watch TV. You better be nice to Nick if you know what I mean." Brian smiles and Ethan speaks up so his brother can hear from the other room, "Nick, gonna watch cartoons." There is a response from Nick that sounds like a combination grunt and the word okay. Ethan grabs his homework and leaves.

As Brian walks back into the shop Javier enters the shop, he directs Javier to join Aloohula in the other room. Nick is just staring at the floor he never looks up even when he steps in front of him. Brian stands quietly for a moment more and then quietly speaks. "I am sorry, I overheard your conversation that you are losing money."

"You don't know anything," Nick shrieks. "I can't pay for everything now, what is it going to be like now." Nick begins banging his head against the shelves behind him.

"Ah, I don't want you to be offended." Brian continues to look at Nick who has now stopped banging his head and is now staring at him. He is not sure if he should continue the way he is being stared at. The stare reminds him of invisible knives being aimed at him. So he decides to just say what is on his mind and if it angers Nick it won't be anything new in his behavior to him and his friends. "I have a few ideas. My understanding is that your customers are changing. The ones who bought this tobacco stuff rarely come. Now you can point fingers at me, but it really is not the reason for the decline in your business. However, I think it may be due to your customers ages. I saw today that you had younger customers. I remember last time I came that younger customers were here as well. Javier told me you sell rolling papers and lighters. In fact, the few odd pipes you have appear to be gone, I am thinking they were bought my the younger consumer. He also, told me about how there is a shop downtown that sells pipes and other stuff. By stuff I mean; incense, lamps, pipes, and weird drinking glasses."

"Posters," Javier is suddenly there smiling. "Such a great shop. I have told Nick he should do that."

"In that room," Brian points to the room where the small tobacco parties used to be held.

"Exactly!" Javier smiles, "I even know where we can get the stuff. Before you go all psycho on me Nick, it is legal. You will find especially in this neighborhood that you will actually be making money."

Nick and Javier go into some conversation that Brian can't quite follow, all he can do is wait for them to finish. Aloohula is now standing behind Nick with his arms crossed, shaking his head. He quietly states, "Been over an hour. Need to leave." Brian and George simply nod to him.

"So Nick," Brian smiles. "Is it just about money now? Sounds like you have no choice but to take the risk. They give Youth Leaders money, an allotment for spending here on Earth. We don't use it because...well we visit at different houses and are invited to food and drink." He shrugs, "You know, don't need to use it."

George is beaming, "I even burned one of those money papers."

Nick shakes his head, "Burned money."

George shrugs, "Don't ever use it. Wondered if it looked different on fire, I heard it was printed with some weird ink." He shrugs again, "It didn't, someone teasing me or it was a myth."

Brian interrupts Nick before he can speak up again. "Look this will benefit Javier as well. He is your childhood friend. Would you not like for him to stop selling herb?"

Javier frowns, "Pot. That is how we make our share for Nick. Zelda's job doesn't make much either."

"You would be better off from the pot, herb, haze; whatever. This is from my understanding a legal way to make money and you are used to what others may wish to buy." He would have continued his speech, but Zelda has returned with a plate with sandwiches wrapped in napkins and a small paper bag in the other hand.

"I agree, in fact I want that Gary to go somewhere else. I do not want him here again, ever! It is time to leave this behind Javier." She walks over to George handing him the plate, which he takes with a confused look. "I thought you and trooper might like a sandwich. You said you were starving. Its a toasted tuna with crispy bacon and capers." She then walks over to Aloohula with a smile handing him the paper bag and the other sandwich wrapped in a napkin. "It's pastries, take them with you and enjoy. Thought you might like a sandwich."

Aloohula takes the bag and raises a gloved hand, he is also smiling. "I don't know what to say. You are so kind, again thank you. However, for the sandwich, no thank you. I will eat a pastry, but my diet is a bit different than George and Brian." The two Youth Leaders look first to each other, then give Aloohula a smile, but say nothing.

"Like I said, I like you," She then points to Brian. "Not my favorite, but I can put up with him, sort of." Brian smirks and shakes his head at her.

Zelda smiles, "Understand about the diet, Nick is doing some vegan, veggie thing." She then turns to Brian, "However, I agree with you on the change up on the shop, I like the idea of Javier doing this. He knows what people want on that side, but if he can do it legally that would be so much better."

"Look you can't go to school because we don't have money anymore and you hate working at that senior living house. That supervisor treats you, well I won't say out loud." Javier is frowning, "How can we save, so you can go back to school if we do this?"

Her tone has a defensive tone to it. "Yeah, he makes it tough on me, the people are good people though. I just thought I could and would be a nurse." Javier moves over to Zelda and he takes her hand. She sighs, "I love you so much and am so worried you will be arrested."

"I understand your fear, just things have changed so much since..." Javier lets go of her hand and looks at the Youth Leaders. "The whole thing was to be short term. Ah, no offense since you red suits got here things have gotten all weird."

She looks up at him giving him a pleading look. "Maybe all of us, I am getting sick over this. This would be a good change, a chance to embrace instead of feeling like I want to hide all of the time."

Nick has been watching Zelda since her statement about this diet, "It is good to do something healthier from time to time. I am not vegan by the way. Healthy, which means no soda and beer as well."

Javier nods, "For today anyway." He then walks over to the room they would use for the new business venture. Nick joins them with a request that Brian, George and Aloohula stay back while they discuss the idea for a few minutes alone without their interference.

"Hey, Brian." George holds out the sandwich, "Take a bite it is amazing." Brian takes the bite and they both chew as they normally do not realizing that Zelda is watching them.

She shakes her head gently, "Seriously is it your mission to make paste out of each bite you take?"

Aloohula is now smirking at them as well with Javier and Nick chuckling. Still smirking Aloohula says, "They do like to chew, paste is their mission. I like that."

Brian starts to make a comment, but before he can George speaks up. "This is great. I love it. You said tuna. I have to remember and try to find them. Really good."

Javier laughs, "She wants to be a nurse." He is shaking his head, "But her true passion is baking and cooking. Can't keep her out of the kitchen."

Nick echos what Javier has said, "Truly can't keep her out of the kitchen. I am going to be fat because of her." They laugh with Zelda rolling her eyes.

"Humm, since we are giving money for this." Brian waves to the room full of boxes, "Why not try and I do mean try, to do your own cafe. If I understand from the conversation I overheard, there is a kitchen next door." He nods his head towards Nick, "He is going to lose financial resources. This way he has a way to continue his own business and his friend will be working in a legal enterprise. Again my understanding is that Javier and Nick have been friends since children, which means very close bonds. George and I have been friends, well I can't remember when we were not. Friends want the best for each other."

Zelda frowns as she runs her fingers through her hair, reaching the end of the strand she pulls at it making a wincing face. "I don't think this is a good idea. Javier you would not just be thrust into a little business venture, but would have to do a great deal of," She shrugs. "I don't think your ready for this."

"Is anyone ever truly ready as you say to begin a new venture with no known outcome. I can help some, maybe not a lot, but some. Just not money." Brian turns directly to Zelda, "Just start with sandwiches and pastries, you never know that may help, meaning not only financially. Then make changes to those items you serve as you learn what is best for you. As people come in and purchase items, then you will learn and make appropriate changes. As we know the place will be empty unless Nick knows of someone who will take it, better yet someone he trusts. Think how you and Javier will feel. It is a new adventure, a new path, something to explore. Besides, sometimes being happy, feeling like you are doing something fulfilling can be more beneficial. Just feeling that you get to be you, not what someone else wants you to..." He holds up a hand to express exactly how he feels, then he stops as he realizes he is actually bringing in his own disappointments of not being able to decide what his life should be. He takes a breath and starts again. "I can most definitely gather money from other Youth Leaders. This will give some a chance to pay back some of my favors that I have done for them. Very few will know about this, our venture. Let me try at least. Want to try?"

Javier looks to Zelda, "Should I clap. Feel like I was at some speech thing." She just shrugs.

Nick is not happy, "This went to giving, to becoming part of. Why are you really doing this? You seem really passionate over something your never really going to be part of."

"Brian thinks he is going to be a farmer when he goes back home. Trust me this is really what he does best. Let him, let us be your silent. . .ah, business partners." The grin that seems to always grace George's face is still there.

Nick turns back to Zelda and Javier, "Are we going to let these idiots in on this?"

Both Zelda and Javier nod and agree. Then they look at each other and Zelda turns to Nick, "We have a little over two thousand saved. It is not going to be enough though."

Nick nods and speaks directly to Zelda and Javier, "Are you sure you want to give up your education money for this cafe, rockin the seventies venture? I really want you to be okay with this, both of you." Again they nod, then he points to Brian and with a snarl says, "Okay, give me what you have now and get the rest of money asap, partner. I am thinking a couple thousand to start off with, don't know that you can pull that one off and more will be needed most likely."

"Asap? I guess that means as soon as possible," Brian says with a slightly confused look as he takes out the money from his pouch and points to George who pulls out what he has and they give it to Nick.

Nick counts the money quickly, "Three hundred dollars. What the hell. You have all of this money for nothing. Geez, unbelievable."

"Well, I guess that means humans are doing our own thing too," George says with his usual smile and walks over to the trooper.

With a smirk Brian says, "When we do something not quite...how do I say this."

Aloohula interrupts, "Not part of what we are supposed to be doing. What those two are trying to say is don't say anything. Keep this to yourselves."

Nick counters back in reply his eyes narrow as he glances to the three. "No, problem there partner." Then he shakes his head, "Can't figure anything out anymore. You need to understand you may get absolutely nothing from this endeavor."

The two Youth Leaders smile and the trooper stands as he always does his face showing no reaction.

"We gotta go, we told our driver we would be here only an hour and I think it has been awhile." Brian looks towards Aloohula, "Signal the driver we are on our way. Nick you will see either myself, George or Gordon next time and they will have the money. We will do our best to stay in contact, but it may be difficult. Although I am sure that you would like it if we didn't come back except for the money."

Nick nods his head in agreement, then turning his head to Brian he speaks in very low voice. "Really like to know what goes on in your head."

Brian shrugs and in a whisper replies, "Nothing. Just being a good alien visitor." He then points to Aloohula's vest and nods to the paper bag, the trooper places the pastries away and they say goodbye leaving quickly to where they have been told the car is awaiting them.

Once they reach the car and before getting in Aloohula looks at them, "Seriously. I think I will be more upset now if my life returns to normal." He tilts his head, "I don't know what normal is anymore."

Brian and George just look at each other, for them this is normal.