S i b lings, p.11
S.I.B.lings, page 11
Wade knew what Rachel was saying was right. It was their job to inform the public of anything newsworthy. Lord knew this was newsworthy. But so was the fact that he now had these special powers. Was that something that should be told to the general public? Wade wasn't sure. “Until we know more about Chambers' operations, I think it may be best to hold off on sharing half-truths to the public. Don't get me wrong. You are right, it is our job to report the news, however, we must try to avoid a public panic at all costs.” He shrugged. “What if we hold a press conference and we tell the public that there are people, some may or may not have been identified, who are killing people who have not been identified, at-will with a needle? What do you think the reaction would be?”
“You will have people walking around with guns shooting their asses before they can get to them with that needle.” Rachel hissed. “Which by the way I don't think is such a bad idea.”
Wade had to smile at her. She said those words with such passion and conviction. “I don't think it's a good idea for people to shoot people on a maybe.” Using his finger, he put a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I think the only time that guns should be used is if someone's life is in danger.”
“Excuse me, darling, those needles are dangerous. They have been killing people for God only knows how long.”
“That may be true about the needle. However, before we share the information we have, let's get the full story.”
“All right, we can do that, but don't talk to me about ratings when some other network scoops us on our own story. I mean by all rights; this should be an exclusive for us.”
“We did have an exclusive with the mayor, and I think our ratings are going to do just fine. I know you broke the story on the judges, and you also had a hand in breaking the story on what's happening in the city. You want to see it to the end. I get it. But this one is a little closer to home than either of us anticipated. I think we need to be careful how we move forward. This story has the potential to impact my brothers.”
“And you,” Rachel stated. “In fact, it seems to touch you more than everyone else. Your mother gave you the wisdom and skills to handle this situation once it came to fruition. Only you can stop Bradford Chambers. I don’t know what it is but there is a reason why only you can stop him. I think it has a lot to do with that pure heart of yours. Your mother and your ancestors knew when you were born that you were the chosen one. And yes, I do have faith in you and your abilities. I just do not want you to be a target of all that's happening without other people knowing you are a victim and not the cause of all of this. I am a firm believer that the more people know, the more we can protect against these crazies that are out here. As the mayor stated before, the crazies are counting on us staying quiet to get away with what they are doing. A public warning may not be a bad idea, that's all I'm saying.”
“Well, I don't think a public warning at this time is a good idea. Let’s wait until we have all of the information that we need. Once we address the public, we need to also be able to tell them that they are safe. We need to be able to give them confidence that whatever is happening is going to be handled. It will not touch their everyday lives. Agreed?”
Rachel nodded her head in agreement. “I agree,” she stated then began walking away. “But,” she turned back with a smirk on her face, “don't say I didn't warn you that another network is going to beat us on our own story.”
Wade smiled, “Warning received.” He watched as she walked back into the house. Something hit him on the head. He turned back to look. There was a crow sitting on a branch of the tree.
“Dumb ass.”
Wade blinked twice, not believing what he had just heard. He continued to stare at the bird, but did not see the bird’s mouth move, but he knew he had heard something. His eyes narrowed at the bird.
“Did you just say something?”
He could have sworn the bird was laughing. Its wings flew open, one was holding his tummy just as it had done before.
“Yep, you are Star’s child. One of my boys would never have questioned a woman who looks like that.”
Now, Wade knew he was not crazy. The bird, the tree, or something was talking back to him. He looked all around and saw nothing. He looked back, the expression on the bird’s face made him laugh.
“I'm going to have fun with you, nephew.”
Wade frowned, “Nephew?” He questioned,
“Yes, nephew. I am your mother's brother. The name is Moon. You're going to be ok kid. This communicating with another realm of existence is not easy for many to accept. You will come to embrace your gift once you get your shit together. Right now, you are still flustered about all of this. That is okay, but you cannot remain here for long. You will have to move forward. That is what Rachel is trying to get you to do. You live in a world of instant news. Other networks will scoop you on this story without all the evidence needed only to try and bring you down. You are right to hold back on Rachel's suggestion for now. But do not wait too long. You will know when the time is right to share all with the public.”
“If you can communicate with me, why can't my mother?”
“It is not her place. Our grandfather will share the wisdom of our people with you. He is the only one who can. Your mother will come to you in your dreams when needed or speak through Rachel. It is my honor to watch over you day and night. And no, I do not watch as you and Rachel are making love. I have to get my own.”
Wade fell out laughing. “How did you know I questioned that?”
“You’re a man. I know how you think. Oh, and you should know, that woman you were talking to last night is dangerous to others, but not you. You can trust her with your innermost secrets and not fear her wrath. She will protect you at all costs.”
“Is she one of you?”
“No, she is very real and is of your world. She will need your powers to combat what is coming your way.”
“Who are you talking to?”
Wade turned to see Drake standing in the doorway. “The tree…the bird in the tree to be more precise. He’s, my uncle.”
Drake stared at him then nodded. “Uh huh. Monty said the plane is ready for the short flight to DC.”
“Why aren’t we driving?” Wade asked.
“Too many people for one vehicle,” Drake replied. “Besides, traffic is backed up. It’s quicker by plane.”
“Then let’s go,” Wade stated as he walked past Drake back into the house. Drake stared at the bird and the tree. All he heard was tweets in the air. He shook his head. “I think everyone around us is losing their damn minds.” He said, then walked back into the house.
Chapter 19
The Tyson brothers and Rachel walked into the church that was the temporary home for the siblings. Agent Parker Anderson was waiting in the vestibule when they arrived.
“Parker,” Monty held out his hand.
“Monty, good to see you.” He shook the hand extended.
“Have you been downstairs to see the siblings?”
“Siblings?” Parker raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, my brothers and I are probably going to be connected to a few of them. We think the term S.I.B.s has a negative connotation to it.” He shrugged. “Siblings makes them more personable, more connected to us.”
“I see.” Parker nodded. “You should proceed with caution. You don't know if these people are dangerous to you, your brothers, or even to themselves. I suggest each of you find out a little more about them before you get attached.”
“That's why we're here,” Ross stated. “We need to see who they are, what they are about, and if we are related to any of them.”
“Well, I have some of those answers for you.”
They turned to see Sapphire walking up behind them with two women.
“I'm surprised to see you here,” Rachel stated to Sapphire. “Who are they?" She pointed to the women with her.
“What are you talking about, Rachel?” Dane chuckled. “I don’t know that woman, but that’s Skylar. She was just at the house yesterday.”
“No, it’s not.” She gasped, “Oh, you must be Tylar, Skylar’s sister.”
“My bad,” Sapphire stated. “I should have introduced you all. This is Tylar Burrell, Skylar’s twin sister and this is Dr. Amber Lassiter, my sister-in-law.” She glanced at Drake, “She will hurt you too, then my brother will make you disappear if you touch her.”
Dane gave Drake a nudge. “That means keep your hands to yourself.”
“I know, but they really are fine.” Drake replied.
“Ladies,” Sapphire continued, “these are the brothers I mentioned. Wade, Ross, Monty, Dane, and Drake Tyson.” She then pointed, “This is Wade’s fiancée Rachel Fontaine. They were all involved in the rescue of the siblings.”
“It's nice to meet all of you.” Tylar extended her hand. “Skylar is so thankful for your actions in Roanoke.”
“Are you and your sister identical twins?” Parker asked.
Tylar was silent for a moment. Then she cleared her throat. “Yes. And you are?”
“Agent Parker Anderson with the FBI.”
She nodded her head in recognition. “Ahh…now I understand. Skylar has spoken of you. Your voice is very distinctive and somewhat familiar.” Tylar shook his hand.
“I get that from time to time. Is your sister here?” he replied.
“No,” Tylar shook her head. “She is visiting with AG Haskell on a few things. She will stop by later.”
“I see,” Parker nodded then shook Amber’s hand. “Dr. Lassiter. It is a pleasure. What is your role here?”
“We thought it would be a good time to collect DNA on each of the siblings.” Sapphire explained. “We have written records on who the individual sperm and egg donors were on most. Now we need to back that up with scientific facts. Special Agent Morgan is coordinating the program and another of my sisters-in-law, Rochelle Lassiter who is medically trained, will be working with helping the siblings get acclimated to their new lives. They are both downstairs waiting for us.”
“We are giving them a choice, right?” Dane asked as they began walking towards the steps.
“A choice between what and what?” Parker asked as he followed.
“Between being controlled or having free will.” Wade replied.
“One would think that would be a simple decision to make, however, if you never had it, free will can be a bit scary,” Amber stated. “The children are not going to have a difficult time. Their minds are more open to possibilities. However, I am more concerned about the women, especially the older women. There are going to be a number of issues each one of them are going to have to confront.”
“Are we providing psychological assistance for them?” Wade asked.
“Yes, we are ensuring that they receive psychological, medical, and training assistance. They are going to need to become self-sufficient. We want to give them all the tools to make certain that when they leave us, they are able to become independent citizens of this country. It's going to take a while. It is not going to happen overnight, but we are committed to assisting these women and children in every way, no matter how long it takes, to have a very productive life.”
“We are here to assist them with that as well,” Monty stated. “Anything you need from us as far as employment is concerned, I'm certain we could find positions for them at any one of our companies.”
“That is very generous of you” Sapphire stated as Parker opened the door to the center where the siblings were located.
“It’s very quiet in here,” Drake stated. “Are the children here?”
“You have to keep in mind these are not normal children.” Special Agent Morgan stated as she approached them. “They are seated in the classrooms going through their lessons for the day.” She held out her hand. “Agent Anderson it's good to see you again.” Genesis shook the man's hand. “Tyson brothers, Rachel. I take it you all are here to observe the siblings.”
“We are here to do some testing if they each agree to it,” Sapphire stated.
“They would not know whether to agree or disagree at this point,” Genesis stated. “They simply do as they are told.”
“Do they have legal representation?” Monty inquired.
“Not at this time,” Genesis stated.
“If it is acceptable with everyone, I would like to represent them.”
Genesis looked to Amber and nodded. “I think that's a great idea for them to have representation. Do you need signed documents from each of them.”
“I’ll have something drawn up for each of them to sign. I will be taking all of their cases pro bono. Do we have any idea what their legal names are?”
“I have a list of names that each of the women gave me,” Roc stated as she joined the group. “I also have names of the children.”
“I have a list of names that were assigned to them at creation,” Sapphire added. “I think it should be left up to them if they want to keep those names.”
“I agree," Roc stated. "Since you have access to the entire list of births of each woman that’s a good starting point."
“I’m certain we can sort through the information from the binders to determine who the birth mother was for each of the children here.” Sapphire looked around. “Is there an office we can work from?”
“Pick any office that is open,” Genesis pointed.
Sapphire walked over to one of the closed rooms, with Roc following her.
“Is there a place where Dr. Lassiter and I can speak with Wade while the other brothers meet the siblings?” Tylar inquired. “I understand the siblings have the ability to read thoughts. We will need a location far enough away to have some privacy.”
“Then it may be better for you to meet in one of the rooms upstairs,” Genesis stated. “I am not certain what their range may be.”
“We are able to read the thoughts of people inside of the room.” Dane stated.
“Sometimes, outside the room if there are no barriers such as doors or windows.” Drake added.
“Then we will use upstairs so there are no interruptions,” Amber suggested.
Rachel turned to Wade. “Do you want me to go with you? I would really like to see the siblings.”
“No, I will be fine. You go with them, but do not be alone in a room with any of the siblings.” Wade cautioned.
"Great,” Rachel exclaimed.
“We will keep an eye on her,” Monty assured Wade as they followed Genesis and Roc to the siblings.
“I will be with your brothers,” Parker stated. “The question of their ability is still a concern for me.”
“Understood,” Wade stated then glanced at Tylar. “Shall we?”
Tylar and Amber nodded then followed Wade upstairs.
Chapter 20
The siblings children were in three different classrooms. They seemed to be set up according to age. There were twenty-two around the age of five in one classroom. Two women were with them, one instructing while the other assisted the children with their learning. The lesson plan consisted of basic math, reading, and writing.
In another classroom there were twenty-five children around the age of ten. There were four women. One appeared to be watching over each group. The children were paired off with each other. The instructions in this classroom were very different. Each of the women were instructing the children on how to read the thoughts of their partner.
Strangers are in the room. The children need to continue to concentrate. They must not be disturbed.
The thoughts of the women watching the groups penetrated Monty’s mind. He glanced around at his brothers and knew they had received the same message. He turned his attention to the women who were communicating with each other.
They are with SA Morgan. No harm will come to us. One thought.
Keep your mind on the children not on the visitors. The overseer responded.
If they are not with us, then they are against us. A second woman entered the conversation.
Concentrate on the children. The overseer instructed.
We should know their intent. The third woman stated. We have the ability. We should penetrate their minds.
“Any attempt to do so will be met with force.” Monty spoke.
The women all stopped what they were doing then turned to face him. He could sense their thoughts questioning if he was one of them.
“I am one of you, however, I have been away for a long time.” Monty explained. “I now have total control over my life. We are here to help you gain the same.”
“If that is what you want,” Dane added as he walked to the front of the room. “I know this all seems strange, and it is not at all what you are used to. But you are now entering into a new phase of your life. And we,” he pointed around the room, “All of us are here to assist you with that.”
“My name is Montrell Tyson, however, you are free to call me Monty.” He followed Dane to the front of the room. “I am here to offer my legal assistance to help you navigate through everything that is about to come your way. You do not have to fear us. We do not mean you any harm.”
“We do not know this fear you speak of,” one woman stated.
“What is your name?” Monty asked.
“I am Angela.”
“I am Beatrice.”
“I am Connie.”
“I am Helen.”
“You were all in the class with me,” Dane stated. “I am Dane. Do any of you remember me?”
Connie spoke. “You sat next to me.”
Dane smiled. “Yes, I did.”
“Where did you go?” Helen asked.
“He was a failure,” Angela replied. “You were discarded.”
“I was discarded, but never a failure,” Dane replied. “Just as none of you are failures.”
“If you are one of us then you know it is against the rules to interrupt the lesson.” Beatrice stated.
