(TSF 1 or The Sub-sequent Fate) Hu-mans Path #1

17

      CJ was almost ready; she just needed to wrap her gift for Sebastian. She and Peter had an interesting experience; she'd never gone to the families of the homeless before. True, she was rich but she never used her money work for herself. Her hair was in a small ponytail; a fancy scarf was wrapped around her head. [Don't really KNOW the man, but he DID save my life. Hope he likes my present, though.] She thought. She heard muffled voices and went to investigate. 

     Everyone was outside; she scanned for familiar faces, and panicked when all went silent.

[Uh...they're all LOOKIN' at me!] She thought.

Elise wanted to make her feel welcome, but she backed away when Valerie approached CJ. Keith was also at her side; Heidi and Bryce were on his other end, along with Will. 

    He stood in front of his cousin, his back facing her. "Valerie, Keith, this is my cousin, Cicely." He said and stood beside her.

"Cicely, may I present Valerie Chambers, and Keith Nie. The only present Commanding Officiates at the moment." He said. They both bowed their heads in respect and joined the rest of the party. The Officials approached her carefully. 

She backed away too far; so much she backed into someone.

 "Well, if it isn't the Problem Starter himself." Keith said, CJ turned around, and jerked away. 

"Your Officiate-nesses." Peter said with a dramatic bow, he patted CJ on her head. "Uh, hi...Girlie." he said, and nodded at Will. 

Keith squared his shoulders. "Peter Talbot, William King, Heidi and Bryce Rutledge. Do you swear to insure the safety of Cicely Dixon? As long as she remains in your Sanctuary?"

All parties raised their right hand and nodded. The Officiates turned around and look at the other guests. The partygoers changed their posture, to that of soldiers. 

Valerie spoke loudly for all of those present. "Everyone here today is a witness to this affair. The constituent, Cicely Dixon is now a part of the Sanctuary. Until, she no longer requires our aide. Our third member is absent, however—"

Valerie and Keith raised their right hands and spoke in unison. "The Officiates have been made vocal."

Everyone else lifted their right hands and also spoke in unison. "One to begin, one to continue, and one to thrive. Judgment has been made vocal."

Everyone immediately returned to enjoying themselves. Heidi embraced CJ and said her goodbyes. The girl was still riddled with confusion. Peter was still standing next to her. He tapped her shoulder gently. She turned to face him.

"So, questions? Comments?"

"A lot of both."

Peter smiled confidently. "Well, those were the Commanding Officiates, by the way. Since you and me are tied—I'm sorta involved in your life now. Your cousins are your family, so they're also involved. We are all a part of your Sanctuary."

CJ made a face.

"Don't give me that look. Since your accident you've been put in our care. Since what happened to you was a Veer-Related hit, it's our job to keep you safe."

"So all you guys...are my protectors?

He nodded. 

"So, is it just the Burning Man? Or is someone else trying to kill me?" She asked jokingly

She chuckled, his expression told her that she already knew the answer. "O-Oh. Well, who else is out there?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but stopped when he heard  when he heard Tense  arguing with Sebastian. She was speaking Spanish, and the man was just nodding politely. CJ headed back inside to retrieve her gift. Sebastian's guest cheered for him as he sat down. Tense and Devin approached him first.