Free Apocalypsis 02 - Warpaint by Elle Casey Page B

strength was important to earning and keeping his respect. I knew that. I wondered if he knew even this much about himself, or if he was a slave to his ego like most guys were. That’s where Bodo had it over Trip, as far as I was concerned. Bodo knew who he was and could make a joke about himself without worrying about being seen as less of a man. But not Trip; making a joke about him would probably get you beat down in a hurry.
    I watched Trip and Kowi standing side-by-side, wondering how two close friends out in the old world, like they apparently had been, could become such rivals when the world fell apart like this. What had caused Kowi to become this calm and thoughtful leader, and Trip to become so belligerent and short-fused?
    Kowi spoke again, gesturing to Peter. “We need jobs for the three additions to the tribes. Who’s got a spot for Peter?”
    One of the Creek girls raised her hand. Trip acknowledged her. “Jen?”
    “What can he do?” she asked.
    Everyone looked at Peter, who immediately squirmed under the attention. He seemed at a temporary loss for words, so I spoke up for him.
    “He’s very good at organizing and cleaning. He’s going to keep my training schedule for all of us, so that’ll keep his brain busy. But he needs to do something with his hands.”
    “And not cleaning the outhouse, please,” he said in a meek voice.
    Everyone laughed.
    “We’ve got a spot for him,” said Jen.
    “Good. Get him in the morning tomorrow,” ordered Trip, not even looking at Kowi.
    Kowi spoke up. “Anyone in the Miccosukee tribe able to use Peter?”
    “Yeah. We could use him. In the weaving hut,” said Coli, narrowing her eyes at Trip.
    “I’d like to suggest that Peter spend half his time with you and half with us,” Kowi said to Trip.
    Trip thought about it for a second and said, “I agree.” He jerked his thumb at me.
    “What about her boyfriend?”
    “He’s talking about Bodo,” I clarified, “but he’s not my boyfriend.”
    “Really?” said Kowi, looking genuinely surprised. “Sure seemed that way to me.”
    “Yeah, well, whatever.” Peter’s words were coming back to me, so I decided not to argue the point. Maybe it was better to just let everyone think what they wanted about us. At least I wouldn’t have to fight off any advances during practice sessions.
    “I’d like to take him with us hunting,” said Trip.
    “We would also,” said Kowi.
    The two chiefs were facing each other, almost like a showdown. I felt the temperature of the place rising as moods shifted. I spoke without even thinking.
    “Hey! I have an idea!”
    They both looked at me, waiting for me to continue.
    I paused, not exactly sure what my idea was. “Um … why … uh … don’t you, like, share him. Share everybody. Everything.”
    Trip frowned at me.
    Kowi said, “What?” looking just as confused as the other chief.
    “I’m sorry. That wasn’t very clear was it?” The idea was taking shape in my mind as I spoke. “What I meant was, why do you continue to live separately? Why don’t you combine forces for everything? Weaving, hunting, cooking. Whatever. Why keep it yours and theirs? Why not ours, as in all indians in Kahayatle?”
    “We lost our identity once. We’re not going to do it again,” said Trip.
    “No, we didn’t,” said Kowi, dismissing his concerns. “Working together doesn’t change who we are. It just makes us safer.”
    “And it makes the most efficient use of your talents and resources,” volunteered Peter from the sidelines.
    Everyone looked over at him and he shrank down, looking at the ground. I think if he could have made a hole open in the ground in front of him, he would have stepped into it.
    “I don’t agree, personally. But I’m willing to give everyone a vote,” said Trip.
    I nodded. It seemed fair.
    “Who agrees with Kowi and who agrees with me?” he said, looking out at the group.
    I rolled my eyes. “Pfft. Like that’s fair.”
    “What?” he