Read Online Peace Army by Steven L. Hawk - Free Book Online Page A

It was a sign that he held too much control, too much influence, too much power. He knew that if he proposed mass-producing silk flowers, and gave a half-reasonable explanation, they would do just that. It was a dangerous power, and he wondered, How do none of them see this as a problem ?
    He took a breath, rubbed his temples for a few seconds, and refocused on what was needed.
    “I want to produce roller blades and paintball guns in those factories.”
    A few eyebrows were raised, but no one objected, even though no one besides he and Tane knew what roller blades were. And Tane had no idea what a paintball gun was.
    Grant explained his ideas about setting up leadership training for the orphaned youngsters and the need to provide them with outlets for their energy in a safe, controlled environment. They would begin the effort with the children located within the prison, then, as they perfected the equipment and processes, would implement the program at the rest of the orphanages around the world.
    When his plan was fully laid out before the group, Randalyn Trevino, who had accepted a seat to the left of Tane, raised her hand. As the N’mercan Culture Leader, she could have commanded the far chair, but refused to displace Tane from his normal seat.
    “Yes, Culture Leader Trevino?” Grant recalled Tane’s request to treat Randalyn with the respect due to someone in her position and, since he did respect her a great deal, it wasn’t difficult.
    “It sounds like a very good plan, General Justice,” Randalyn stated. “What support do you require of the Leadership Council?”
    Grant mentally kicked himself for not thinking to pass the idea by the Leadership Council before announcing it to his staff. He glanced at Mouse seated to his right and saw the barest hint of a smile. The pilot’s unerring sense of political savvy was obviously a step of ahead of Grant’s.
    “Leader Trevino, I’m glad you asked,” Grant conceded as he fumbled for a way to save face. “It would be much appreciated if the Council could announce the plans for this effort on a global basis.”
    “I am certain that can be arranged. Anything else?”
    “Um… just your … uh… continued support, Leader.”
    Randalyn dipped her head in agreement. Her smile surpassed the one on Mouse’s face and Grant realized she knew the affect his gaff was having on him. It caused him to smile and dip his head in kind. Grant understood why she had been elected by her Culture as their representative on the Council.
    Grant’s stumble, and the way it had been tactfully recognized and handled, made him revise his previous assessment of the danger he posed to the current world. He was powerful, but obviously not capable of performing the political calisthenics that would be required to take over the world. The knowledge widened his smile and helped him gather his composure.
    The rest of the command meeting progressed as normal and without further incident. As a group, they settled on the details of producing thousands of pairs of roller blades and Grant made an appointment to get with Tane on the specifications for a workable paint gun.
    Despite his initial objections over having any role in arming children with weapons, even the nonlethal type, Mr. Blue agreed to help Avery coordinate the efforts within the prison. Having the approval of his Culture Leader obviously helped.
    Blue would also have responsibility for implementing similar programs at the other orphanages across the globe. Grant was glad to have Blue engaged. It would lessen the chance that he would interfere.
     
    * * *
     
    Grant took Mouse aside as the meeting broke up.
    “Hey there, buddy.” Grant pulled Mouse’s sleeve and they retreated to a far corner where they wouldn’t be overheard. “How are things?”
    Mouse was all dimples and gold teeth.
    “Avery told you, huh?”
    “It’s true, then? You gonna be a daddy?” Grant felt excited for his friend. Being a father was a feeling unlike