Dakota Run

Chapter Twenty-Two

It was late afternoon. The sun was high overhead in a clear blue sky.

Except for Beta Triad on guard duty on the walls, and Spartacus and Seiko watching the prisoners in the infirmary, the entire Family was gathered on the commons between the Blocks to hear a special announcement from Plato. Men, women, and children were packed into a tight circle, their faces directed toward Plato and several of the Elders. Blade stood off to one side, about eight feet from Plato, in the center of the encircling Family.

“I will make this as brief as possible,” Plato began. “For the benefit of those who might have been outside the Home wrestling mutates all day, two couples have declared their intention to bind in four days. I know how much we love to gossip, so I imagine everyone already is aware of the fact, but for the few still ignorant of the news. Blade and Jenny and Hickok and Sherry are going to marry in a double ceremony.”

There was a spattering of applause, laced with expressions of delight from several of the women, and one or two suggestions from the men on the proper wedding night activities.

“That’s only part of the news,” Plato continued. “We are all painfully cognizant of the shortage of Warriors, a deficiency made glaringly obvious by the Troll raid on our Home some time back. Consequently, the Elders have decided to add another Triad to the four already in existence. Joining Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Omega Triads will be Zulu Triad. Additionally, we must fill the vacancy in Gamma Triad created by the demise of its leader.”

Some of the Family began conversing in muted tones, discussing the fate of Napoleon, the late powermonger and former leader of Gamma Triad.

“The Elders have also reached the conclusion Alpha Triad should return to the Twin Cities soon. That being the case, and in order to assure adequate time to provide minimal training, we have elected to announce the final candidates for Warrior status. I’m afraid we’re rushing into this.

I’d prefer more time to devote to training the new Warriors before Alpha Triad departs, but for reasons I will elaborate upon later, it is imperative Alpha Triad hasten to the Twin Cities and establish a friendly pact with the inhabitants. So…” He paused and surveyed the dozens of faces surrounding him. “If there are no objections, we will proceed with the induction of the new Warriors.”

None of the Family lodged a protest.

“Excellent,” Plato resumed. “We were honored this time to have ten candidates for Warriorhood. Unfortunately, we only require four at this point. Regrettably, this means six had to be eliminated. I want to stress, for the benefit of those six, that being dropped from current consideration does not adversely reflect on their personality or qualifications for the post. It simply means the four chosen embraced certain factors or experience essential for becoming a seasoned Warrior, factors predicated on incidental circumstances and not deliberate design.”

Hickok, who was standing two feet from Blade, Sherry at his side, leaned forward. “You know, pard,” he whispered, “you’re always saying how funny I talk sometimes, but at least folks can understand me!”

“First I will announce the replacement for Gamma Triad,” Plato stated.

“Because he displayed considerable courage during his confrontation with the Moles, and because Hickok vouches for his potential, and overlooking his insubordination when he left the Home without permission and was later captured, the Elders have chosen Shane as…”

Plato’s comments were loudly punctuated by a shout of delight from the chosen one.

Others laughed at Shane’s reaction.

“…the new Gamma Warrior. While on the subject of Gamma Triad, you all know they require a new leader. So, because of his loyalty in the face of deliberate rebellion, and with Blade’s highest recommendation, the Elders have picked Spartacus as the new head of Gamma Triad.”

A young woman, Spartucus’s girlfriend, broke away from the Family and ran toward the infirmary, her long black hair flying, as she raced to convey the good news.

“As for the new Triad, Zulu Triad,” Plato continued, “we have selected the following three individuals to comprise it. The first is Crockett, in light of his exceptional marksmanship and confirmed bravery. We all recall how he saved several of the children from that mutated wolf. Our second pick is Samson, for his undisputed allegiance to the Family, and for being one of the few who can boast a physique almost as mighty as Blade’s.”

Plato stopped and cleared his throat.

“Before I reveal the third new Zulu Warrior, an explanation is called for. Some of you might question the wisdom of our next candidate, but hopefully you will understand after I supply a bit of background. As all of you are aware, a number of outsiders have come to dwell among us in recent months. We have, of course, embraced them with open arms, and been delighted at the ease with which they have found a niche in the Family culture. One of them has impressed us with her integrity and her devotion to our ideals. This morning, when our Home was invaded by a pair of genetic deviates sent by the nefarious Doktor, she displayed considerable courage in opposing a creature of formidable power and savagery…”

Hickok flinched as Sherry’s fingernails dug into his right forearm.

“…and was slightly injured in the process. And, in a rare formal appeal, three of our most skilled, accomplished Warriors petitioned the Elders to suspend normal procedure and hear their request for her induction.

Usually, as you know, we permit one Warrior to sponsor a new candidate for Warrior status. In this case we made an exception. When the likes of Blade, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and even Yama come to the Elders and urge acceptance of their unique nomination, believe me, the Elders listen…”

Sherry placed her lips near Hickok’s right ear. “All three of them? I hardly know Yama! Why would all three vote for me?”

“Because I begged them to,” Hickok quietly replied.

“Really?”

“No. I threatened to tell everyone they like to wear dresses to bed.”

“…so without further ado, I am proud to announce that Sherry, the woman from Canada, has been selected as a new Warrior.”

Before Hickok could grab her, Sherry released his arm and ran to Plato, startling the Leader by hugging him and kissing him on the left cheek.

“Thank you!” she happily blurted. “Thank you! This is the best wedding present I could have received!” She released him and darted to Hickok’s side.

Plato, flustered by her display of affection and gratitude, managed a lopsided grin. “Thank the Spirit all of our Warriors aren’t women,” he quipped, “or my wife might become extremely jealous!”

There was a spontaneous outpouring of mirth from the assembled Family.

“In summation,” Plato eventually went on, “we feel the Family will be well served by the additional Warriors. We can increase the number of patrols on the walls, and afford the Warriors more leisure and recreation time. An overworked, fatigued Warrior does not function at peak effectiveness, and might actually endanger the Family by an inadvertent mistake. Does anyone have any comment to make concerning the selections?”

No one raised a hand.

“Fine. Then let’s review our Warrior organization. Blade is still the chief Family Warrior, and leads the Warriors in all operations. Our Triads will be constituted as follows. Alpha Triad will include Blade, Hickok, and Geronimo. Beta…”

“Where is Geronimo?” one of the men shouted.

“Yeah,” echoed another. “We haven’t seen him around for a while.”

Plato frowned, the lines around his eyes deepening. “Geronimo requested a temporary leave of absence, which was granted. He has been gone much longer than initially expected, however. We do not know where he is at the moment, but plans have been made, should he not return within a week, to try and locate him.”

“I hope he’s okay,” said a young girl in the crowd.

Plato recognized Star’s voice. She was quite attached to Geronimo, perhaps based on the mutual bond they shared; they were the only Family members with Indian blood. He hastily forged ahead. “Beta Triad will be comprised of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Teucer, and Yama, with Rikki as the head.

Gamma will be made up of Spartacus, the leader, and Seiko and Shane.

Omega Triad will still include Carter, Gideon, and Ares, and Carter will serve as their chief…”

“Do we have to memorize all of this?” one of the men asked, and others laughed.

“…and finally we come to the newest Triad, Zulu, consisting of Crockett, Samson, and Sherry. There you have it. Fifteen Warriors responsible for the defense of the Home. May the Spirit grant them the strength and bravery to fulfill their duty admirably. Will the inductees please step forward?”

Blade strode to Plato’s side and watched as Sherry, Shane, Crockett, and Samson emerged from the gathering.

Sherry waved to Hickok and blew him a kiss. Someone behind the gunman tittered and he whirled, glaring at those to his rear.

Suppressing a grin. Blade addressed the four candidates. “You will raise your right hand and repeat after me.”

All four complied.

Blade studied their faces as he recited the Warrior’s pledge. “I promise to preserve the Home and defend the Family at all costs. I will give my life, if necessary, to protect the lives of every Family member. I will obey all orders at all times. I will faithfully discharge my duties and obligations…”

The four inductees repeated the pledge, word by word, their serious expressions reflecting their sense of commitment.

“…I will be steadfast and loyal to my Family, my fellow Warriors, and my Triad. In the sight of the Almighty Spirit, as witnessed by this assemblage, I hereby vow to live, and die, being the best Warrior I can possibly be.” Blade paused and swept them with his intense gaze. “So do I swear,” he concluded.

“So do I swear!” they chorused.

“Congratulations.” Blade smiled. “You are now Warriors.”

Crockett, a lean, dark-haired man in buckskins, nodded. Samson, a muscular powerhouse of a figure attired in ill-fitting jeans, grinned.

Sherry screeched and spun around in her tracks. Shane, surprisingly, simply stood there, slack jawed.

Blade stepped closer to him. “Are you okay?”

“It just occurred to me,” Shane said.

“What did?”

“I’m really a Warrior!” the youth exclaimed.

“Yes,” Blade nodded, “you’re really a Warrior. Just do us both a favor and don’t get yourself needlessly killed. We expect only your best at all times.”

“You don’t have to worry,” Shane assured him.

“I don’t? Why not?”

“Because,” Shane beamed, “I’m going to be one of the best Warriors the Family has ever seen. I’ll be just like my hero.”

“Your hero?” Blade repeated.

“Yep.”

“Who’s your hero?” Blade inquired.

“Who else?” Shane seemed surprised at Blade’s ignorance. “Hickok!”

“Let me get this straight,” Blade said slowly. “You plan to become just like Hickok?”

“Sure do.”

“Exactly like him in every respect?”

“Absolutely,” Shane stated, nodding.

Blade made a show of placing his right hand on his forehead and groaning.

“What’s wrong?” Shane immediately queried him.

“It just boggles the brain!” Blade replied.

“What does?”

“Two Hickoks on the same planet! I don’t know if we can survive it!”