Chapter 53
Brian
Doing Our Own Thing

"Gordon, wait. Come on stop," Brian runs up to his friend and then steps in front of him putting his hand on his shoulder. His tone is pleading and a bit fearful. "Please, I had no idea you would become so angry over this."

"You used her, you used that girl who was your friend." Gordon spits out angrily and surveying the hall he motions to a room where the door is open. He walks over and looking inside he finds there is no one in the room and he nods his head for Brian to follow him. They enter quickly and he gives Brian a harsh stare, "She trusted you and you betrayed her." He then suddenly pushes Brian against the wall, "You didn't just betray her, you used her. Your friend, who you actually tried to protect before this. . .incident. Whose sister you kept from going to a meeting that would have placed her on the list to be monitored. You did all of that too just use her in the end. How does that make you feel?" Gordon then pushes Brian against the wall even harder, "User! You used her for someone you have what they call a crush. Diana doesn't care about you and never will. Sadly, she is using you. Wonder how long before you understand that." He turns to leave and Brian grabs his arm.

"Wait, please wait," Brian stares at his friend for a moment. What can he say, he did protect Robin and then he did what Diana asked for. "She never said no. Had Robin had just said no, I would have left. I swear, but she didn't."

"Because she trusted you, because she thought she loved you. Just like you loooove Diana." He then edges closer to Brian and brings his fist up, but Brian doesn't move or try and defend himself. "She trusted you." Gordon brings his fist down and turns towards the door, "I loved a human girl once. I had sex with a human girl once. I wanted to be with her, but I told her that she and her family should leave, go away and hide."

Brian swallows hard, "I know. I should not have asked you about details." He sighs, "I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Gordon bangs the wall with his fist.

"Diana wanted me to have sex with her and she wanted to see it. I was afraid that maybe I would become ill, she didn't want me to use a condom. Maybe human females had something inside of them I didn't know of. At the time I thought maybe tiny barbs or something that a human penis could tolerate, but she didn't know if our people could. Then I thought well maybe there were toxins inside the human and later I would be physically. . .I had to know. You're my friend, I thought I could talk to you and because I had a feeling you had been intimate with a human you could give me details about how you felt physically afterwards." Brian knows he has brought up a subject to raw emotionally for Gordon to deal with and that he let his own fears and need to talk someone override what he knew would be hard on his friend. He shrugs, "Worse, I kept thinking about it as I wondered if that this was what the inoculations were actually about. You know if we had sex with a human female we could become ill from doing that and the shot would protect us." Brian frowns and crosses his arms as he prepares himself to allow Gordon to hit him, "I know it doesn't make sense. I can't believe Diana would use me as a test subject like that."

"I am still angry." Gordon turns his head away, his disappointment still showing. "You should have said no!"

Brian drops his arms to his side, "Actually. Jason warned me."

Gordon shakes his head, "Jason what?"

Biting his lip for a moment and staring away from Gordon, "Let's go. Should have not said anything. Will you still be going with us. Brighton and Shy are due here in a few minutes, or do you prefer that I not join."

"I prefer you not go, but they are your cousin's. I would like to see them as well." Gordon shrugs, "Let's go. Wait, what did Jason warn you about?"

Brian gazes at the door for a moment before turning back to his friend, "He said do whatever she asks. It was a bit scary. He said that Diana has killed those that do not do as she asks and that I do whatever she wanted me to do. I haven't spoken to him again, been really busy. I find it hard that Diana would kill me for not having sex with someone."

Suddenly they hear a very cheerful voice, they know who it is and walk out to the hall where George is walking towards the door leading outside. They greet him and once outside Brian turns to Gordon one more time and places his hand on his friends shoulder. "I. . .don't know. . .what to say. I hate this. . ." He sighs as suddenly Aloohula is walking towards them. "Please, forgive me."

"It will take time."

Then not only is Aloohula standing there, but the small shuttle lands out in what is called the parking lot and they can see Shy running down the ramp. With that they wave and walk quickly towards the shuttle. Once they arrive they say hello to each other and Brian turns to Aloohula, "Why are you here? I don't think any of us requested a trooper."

"I was assigned. The shuttle will not be left unguarded while you tramp about in the wilderness," Aloohula says with his usual restrained tone. With that he enters the shuttle.

When Brian enters the shuttle there is another who appears to be the one flying the shuttle. He had expected it to Brighton, "Do I know you?"

The Youth Leader turns his head and with a large grin answers. "My name is Denny. Brighton and I serve on the Seattle ship together." He points to a corner, "We have packs with a snack and some water in each bag." Denny then turns in Aloohula's direction, "That box has a couple of very small mice, some odd bread with herbs and nuts; something I know Dahax enjoy." Then he laughs before continuing. "I put some in all of your packs, I know that Whipelli gotta have their weird bread. Oh, and an apple for all of us. I promise very small mice Aloohula, I want you to have a snack that you will enjoy. The water container is over there as well." Aloohula looks in that direction and nods that he sees the items indicated and immediately sits down.

Everyone greets Denny and except for Aloohula all begin to talk to each other with more than one conversation taking place at the same time. A site has been chosen and approved for them to take their short outing this afternoon. It does not take long and they reach their destination leaving Aloohula to guard the shuttle. It has been a long time since any of them have been able to hike and the path is as they hoped for. Just the smell has Brian happy, the scent of trees and the pollen floating about gives him a smile. The sound of squirrels and birds going about their day has him tilting his head and looking to see if he can watch them for a moment. He is not the only one, as Denny points out what appears to be a fleeing deer. He wishes they did not have to carry weapons as it takes away from the pleasure of a peaceful hike, but they must be mindful that there are those that hate them. Peace is just a wish.

It doesn't seem like it has taken that long to reach their planned destination so that they can do a bit of exploring. Everyone is laughing and decide to eat first and begin opening their pack to see just what Denny has prepared for their snack. As for Denny, he takes out a small cage with two small mice and they watch him enjoy them and then take out a container of water. They in turn entertain him with their ability to chew each bite of food to what seems endlessly to him. For the most part their snack is composed of nuts and dried berries and the thick bread he had promised them. They do indeed each have an apple.

Once they have decided they have had enough to eat and drink they begin walking about checking out things in the woods. Brian has a list of things he wants to see and hopes that he can take a few small souvenirs back to the ship. He finds the small wildflower on his list and carefully wraps it in a small cloth he has brought. Next, just a very small rock which is not on his list, but he likes the color and the way it is so smooth and round. His hopes are to make something special for Diana. When he looks up he sees Brighton smiling as he checks out one of the larger trees and begins taking visuals of some of the trees that he likes. Everyone is having a good time and it involves nothing elaborate to do so.

Then their devices sound, it is an alert that they must return to the shuttle, with that the happiness changes as they make their way back to the shuttle. Brighton abruptly gives them a stern look, "Denny and I have something to say. Shy does not agree with us." They all stop walking down the trail and look at each other intensely.

"You're no longer feel the bonding with the Regime." Brian says as he looks at them and heads begin to nod in agreement.

"I don't either," George blurts out and then frowns as his voice grows angry. "I hate the Regime. I want to end the Regime! I want to end it now!"

Brighton grins in a very frightening way, "Yes. It is time for revenge. We end this. I don't care if I die. Denny doesn't care if he dies, but we destroy this!" Denny is nodding his head in agreement.

"What are you talking about?" Brian says with a stunned look. He can't grasp what they are talking about, but he agrees retribution would feel good right now.

Brighton seems to be whispering, but his voice is quite audible. "We the Youth Corp are unified. We the Youth Corp have only us to be loyal to. We get the pass codes, we set the codes and we blow-up each of the ships." He then goes on to talk about how and what should be done. The more he talks the more each one of them are nodding their heads in agreement. That is all, but Shy.

Shy looks at them implausibly, "Do you not understand. Do you not understand we all die. Not just us on the ships, but everyone on Earth. We all die."

George gives Shy a hard look, "They killed your mother. They killed Bri's father. They killed Brighton's parents. They kill, they made us slaves. I want no more of this."

"I am with them, I am finished with this," Brian says. Then he shrugs, "I agree. John though is the only one with the code that we really need as the password changes everyday. My understanding from Kelly is that you run the program, but must have the pass code. This will get you the password of the day."

Gordon has an excited tone, "Actually, Bri. . ." He grabs Brian's arm, "Diana. Diana has the pass code. You may be in a position to get that code."

"Yeah, your right. This could work." Brian's tone is hard, "We take those ships and we destroy their plan."

Shy gasps, "What is wrong with you people. There are children on those ships and the humans have done nothing. You're all so wrong." Then he walks away traveling down the trail to the shuttle. The rest of them though continue talking about the plan for sometime. Finally, they decide to go back to the shuttle before time runs out.

The more Brian walks, the more he must acknowledge this is all very wrong and he has just embraced his anger. This anger is going to be something all of Youth Corp will eventually embrace and will want something they can do to strike out. Strike out, he finds himself snorting and then laughing.

Denny turns his head and looks at Brian, "See it feels good to strike out against them. They have used us long enough."

Brian is still laughing, "Why yes it does." Then he continues putting his plan together in his mind. The goal originally by those in Avena was that they were supposed to take a ship when they in Avena were prepared. Well, why not prepare for that event now. Instead of one ship, why not two ships. Brighton is one of those that is being trained to command a ship if ever necessary. Why not figure out themselves what all must be done to enact this plan and just do it. They don't need anyone else to tell them what they must do. From what he is seeing their training and bonding has taught them to keep secrets and to work closely together. They should have that chance to repay the Regime for their education and training, show them that they have lived up to everything the Regime wanted. Those in Avena may not be ready, but it would be fulfilling what Avena wants. Not just one ship, but two and look how many Youth Corp members there are who have been trained to do a large assortment of projects.

Shy is sitting on a stump waiting for them, he stands and shrugs. In a couple of minutes they will be back on the shuttle and everyone has become quiet. "Stop!" He wants to discuss his plan now, because if Brighton leaves his plan may happen before he can stop it. Then again if they don't go through with it and someone very angry and vengeful may do something they have no knowledge of until to late to stop it. Then they may all be taken and real conversion, torture and execution in mass could be what is waiting for them in the end. He uses a tone that he hopes is reassuring, "I know what we can do."

"What!" Brighton gives him a sharp look.

"I don't know how we came out of the bonding. Anyway the plan to blowup the ships, we will likely not go through with that, but most of us are angry and ready to do something dangerous and likely not planned or prepared for." All he can do now is launch into what he wants to say and hope for the best, "However, there was a plan to take us out of bonding and it was not the Regime that wanted that. This was a plan by the Great One's brother. We were to come out of bonding and then they were going to prepare for us to take a ship. Likely they were going to get the security password codes and a way to get us all assigned or somehow find ways to get us to the ship they wanted to take. They weren't ready for this, somehow we came out early. However, maybe that is good. We do what we want, we don't do what others want. We do as we want. Avena wants a ship and fighters and trained personnel. It will take several months, but we can do it. Once it is done, we have more of a chance to make a statement against the Regime than anyone. The Regime trained us, why not take advantage of all they have done for us. Bonding has united us, training us since childhood has prepared us." Brian can't keep the smirk he knows is gracing his lips, "Let's show them what a lovely job they have done in preparing us. We don't resist, we don't fight. . ." He looks at them for a moment before finishing, "We simply leave."

Shy smiles, "I like that." He chuckles, "Simply leave. However, you can't know this secret Avena plan." All but Gordon is nodding in agreement.

"No, he knows because he can talk to them." Gordon is turning his head to each of them, "The temple taught him to use a gift, a temporary gift."

Brighton moans, "What? Brian what are you telling him. 'Cause he apparently believes you."

Almost in whisper Brian says, "I can speak to those trained to use this gift, to hold discussion with those in Avena without our superiors knowing. They have managed to put one of us on each ship."

"I don't believe you," Brighton says he gives Brian an accusing look. "You are lying. Why, I do not know."

"He can prove it!" Gordon turns to Brian, "Have him give you a few weird words and he will go visiting."

"Give me some words Brighton." He looks at his cousin who is giving him an odd look.

"I gave him singing butterflies," Gordon says as he gives Brighton an intense look. "He will give you his device first. I will give you mine, then you give us your words."

They are all looking at each other. Finally, Denny holds his hand out and both Gordon and Brian give him their devices. However, he then nods to George and Shy, "Hand them over, not that I don't trust you, but. . . " They give theirs as well.

Brighton sniffs, "Okay. Let's see." He pauses for a moment, "Take the high road and blow it up."

Brian hisses, "What! Okay, but. . .Forget it, that's what you want, then that is what you will get. I am going to look like I am staring in the distance, but I will be back soon." He does as he had done with Gailey, but this time it is Curtis of the New York ship who answers his call. It does not take long to have his discussion with Curtis and his eyes open with everyone watching him. "Okay. Curtis of the New York ship is going to be sending Brighton a message."

The words are no sooner out of his mouth when Brighton's device sounds. He looks at it, then snorts and shows Denny the message. "How, I mean how? This can't be real."

"I have their devices," Denny says as if in disbelief in what he is reading. He quickly gives their devices back.

Brighton shows the message to the others. "If this is real and if we could take two ships. Now that would be sending a MESSAGE!" He is more than a little happy, "I don't totally believe it." He shakes his head, "But I want too. In the end we will need to fight, most of us are not warriors. Sadly, we were chosen for brains and not brawn. Actually, that is good, but there are times you really need soldiers."

They all begin talking, for the message didn't just mention taking the high road, but included how two roads were better. They discuss some of their plans and how to go about doing what they need and that Brian will reach out to the secret communicator on the Seattle ship and have him talk to Brighton and Denny. Brian also tells a little of why he supposedly has this temporary gift. They also remind each other is that no matter what they are asked to do by their superiors that they do as commanded unless it is against another Youth Corp member. They have been so busy with their plans that they have forgotten about Aloohula.

"So when were you going to share this with me," Cracks Aloohula venomously. "Don't think I want to be part of this?"

They all look at him with stunned looks. Then Shy squints, "Are you turning us in?"

"You don't include me and I turn you in. However, I want out and you need troopers. There are a few of us who want out and have our own lives. This isn't just Youth Leaders who are suffering under the Regime. Time for us to be part of deciding how we give our lives." Aloohula turns his head to each of them and then gives an odd look to Brian. "Funny gift you got. From their reaction it is for real."

"You do know we have weapons." Denny says flatly.

"So do I," Aloohula taps the rifle resting in his arms. "And I actually know how to use it, do you?" He gives Brian a smirk, "You are just Youth Leaders after all." Then he lowers his weapon, "I am willing to take a chance, are you?"

"Ah, you do not understand, this is something that may not work. It could be your life, the life of those that you want to include and you can't include them until we have a way to ensure that they are not going to betray us." Shy says trying to appear unfazed. "Torture is not unknown and it is becoming more common."

"He's right," Brighton says with a thoughtful look. "I am not talking about being tortured, although that is true. We need troopers, let's just say giving orders and actually able to perform them is different. No, offense Brian, but I have heard the phrase, 'Can't fight your way out of a wet paper bag.' I don't even think you would try." Brian shakes his head and does not respond. Brighton smiles at him and then looks towards Shy. "First, Shy will figure out how to ensure they are truly with us. Only takes one to betray us. Aloohula you begin to list out those who should be the first to ensure will stand with us no matter the outcome. It will be a lot of work, the choice is not to be made on friendship alone. As time goes by the number may expand, but one step at a time." Aloohula nods his head to acknowledge he understands.

"Oh, and a few programmers," Denny includes and begins to tap his chin for a moment. "We need to do this, for there are programs which are going to cause a problem for us and then be able to fix or deleted them when we prepare to leave. Would not be good to have a program the Regime could activate and do something dangerous to us. Which also means those best at rising in the ranks, need to keep doing so." He looks at Brian and smiles, "Right."

"Is this getting out of hand. Look we can be easily found out." Brian says as he really feels like he is losing control, but he started this and this path must be created. "I know a hacker that may fit, he's really into this kind of thing. Remember the zombie thing on the learning site." Now it looks like he must find out if Kelly is trustworthy and bring him in. Will he be willing to leave friends and family behind and never see them again.

"You know the one who did that?" Brighton says shaking his head and rolling his eyes upwards. Everyone else laughs.

"Yeah, he is my roommate," Brian shakes his head, "He was never found out. He really knows how to cover his tracks. As for my rank, I have been lucky."

Gordon sneers, "I think they used to call that political, not lucky." Brian simply snarls at him.

"It is time for some of us to do," Aloohula stops speaking and has a huge smile, "We do our own thing."

Brian, George and Gordon smile as Shy explains to Brighton and Denny what doing our own thing is.

Brighton's nose flares and then he laughs, "Here is for; Doing Our Own Thing, movement. It is time."

They then discuss how Brighton and Denny must decide how to ensure they get the rest of the training they need and which would be the best ships to take, how to take them and complete the flight to Avena. The rest are given their assignments for the time being except for Brian. Just before he gets on the shuttle he stops, "What is my task, besides rising in the ranks. I mean, I thought this up. So what is my assignment."

Both Gordon and Brighton are shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. Gordon turns to Brighton, "You say it."

Brighton places a hand on Brian's shoulder, "You do what you always do. This includes since we were children; you think, you talk and you know better than anyone else. Literally, think and talk a lot."

"Seriously, I'm a talking computer and you all are always telling me how I rush into everything." He snarls and glares at each of them. Then he points a finger at himself and states, "And I normally do know better than everyone else!" He then angrily marches up the ramp with them all laughing.

. . . . . . . . . Later . . . . . . .

They arrive on the landing deck where Brighton and Denny will pickup the others who had come from the Seattle ship for a meeting with Steven. George looks around and says, "Together we are."

They all raise their fists, "Doing Our Own Thing!" With that Aloohula, Brian, George and Gordon disembark.

"I must admit, a good day," Aloohula says with a smile, which causes the others to smile as this is not normal for the trooper to be the one in good humor.

"Hey, all of you stop!" Jason runs up to them and stops for a moment to take a couple of deep breaths, "I heard you all were on that shuttle." He points to the shuttle where four officers are walking up the ramp.

"Okay, what do you want?" Brian asks as it seems unusual for Jason to need any of them.

"None of you have been good to your family," Jason says with his hands resting on his hips as he gives them an angry look.

"Family," Gordon sneers. "What family?"

Jason pretends to laugh and very quickly speaks. "You go down and you make those kids who have no one and you make them believe they have a bunch of brothers who care for them and then you don't turn your backs on them again. They need you." He turns to Brian, "You, especially you. You promised to be there. Stop making promises if you don't intend to keep them."

"I would say that this is more on Aloohula than myself," Brian turns to the trooper indicating he should speak.

Aloohula frowns, "William started this. We have all been busy."

"That's fine, starting tomorrow you will figure out a schedule so at least one of you a day is down there. Even if it is for less than an hour. Show them that you care, be there for them. Help them with the projects that you promised." Jason is shaking with emotion. "Remember a promise is a promise."

"He's right. Aloohula we both promised and somehow you two got involved." Brian looks to Gordon and George and finds himself sighing, "We have little time. You don't know how little time, but Jason we will send out times and dates. You set it up. If there is one of," He shakes his head, "One of our little siblings that need something special or something is upsetting them let us know so we can concentrate on that. Are you all fine with that?"

"I don't know with the way things are going, but sure." Gordon shrugs, "I will look at my schedule and send days and times off to you."

"Me too." George says quietly.

"Thank you, I know you are all doing your own thing, so I appreciate you doing this for them." Jason says quietly. They all look rather surprised at what he has said.

"Wow, yeah. Ah, doing our own thing." George says. "I will send the days and times that would work best for me."

"I truly do thank you all." Jason smiles and truly looks happy, "Now I just need to find an older sister so we can all do our own thing together."

As he walks away they all look rather dumbfounded. "Ah," Aloohula has a shocked look as he speaks, "I guess he is part of the, Doing Our Own Thing group."

It takes a long moment for everyone to grasp all that has just happened. Brian shrugs, "I think you are right, he seemed to almost be dropping hints that he knew about us and Our Own Thing. We will have to verify once Shy has it all set, but it looks like he may be a very good choice. He's not really a doctor, but may be all we will have."

George is tilting his head, "Did Jason say he is looking for a sister?" They laugh and enter the elevator to go to their rooms for the night.

Brian finds it odd, he has never felt so much in one day. Being happy, fear, expectation, and a need to be there for all of the Youth Corp, his friends and now well; family. If this works he will have what he thought he had lost. The Doing Our Own Thing group, is now everything for him. Then he thinks of the wildflower and Diana and the walk to his room is like magic as he has been so lost in his thoughts. Diana and Doing Our Own Thing, nice thoughts.