#anywhere

"yes.." she looks up from her note pad. "I understand you, Chieftain"

"Do you agree, Lily?"

"oh, drat. I have to agree." She sighs "yes. I agree. I shall discusss it before the death of two suns if I feel wronged."

Adam rolls his eyes.

Brekke nods. "And if not by then, then you must let the offense go as if it had not happened. Now, here is the suggestion. In truth, it is more of a request. You already know there is human trafficking. Three of you have already interacted with its victims. I am going to ask all of you to contribute to our work to end it. I am asking your family to take part in this as a quest."

Adam blinks. "A quest?"

"I'd be happy to help Kongkea and the others" Brenda says

Kyle raises a brow "I..not sure how MUCH we can do but.."

"A quest" Lily says in an excited whisper

"Chief, they've never been on one." Some concern.

Brekke nods. "I need you all to work together. You all have skills, and they can weave well together. I think you will all learn and contribute." She nods to Adam. "You have more experience in this, it is true."

"I do not know if you will even be required to leave home, to be honest. It will take time to determine what we need to do. But I wish you to be ready, should it come to that."

Again, Adam has something on his mind but just shifts his weight and doesn't speak.

And with that Brekke rises. "I will be in touch. Remember the promise we have made each other here. I intend to honor it as well."

Kyle rises "Thank you, Chieftain"

"Yes" Brenda says

Adam stands. "Yes, Chief."

Lily nods "Yes. "Then "What's a human trafficker anyway?"

Brenda says "We'll talk later.. but very bad people"

Brekke nods. "Adam, Kyle, come by the Lodge later for training, please."

Kyle nods

And Brekke departs.

Adam gets the door for her, and even gives her a little bow as she leaves.

Brenda gives Adam.. a hug "Hey. I know it was uncomfortable, but I'm glad we all sat down"

"Yeah. Uh. So...."

"So" She backs up, head tilt "I'm willing to listen. So what did you want to say?"

A shrug. "I don't know. I don't know what to say."

"Well, are you hungry? that was a long talk. I imagine we're all a bit peckish"

"I guess I could eat." He agrees.

"Kyle? Hungry?" She asks

"Don't have to ask twice" He nods

"Good.. and I have some food for you, Lily dear" And Soon.. the smell of a chicken enchilada casserole is in the air

Adam hangs around the living room a bit, almost testing the air.

It would seem a lot of tension is.. reduced...

and the food is smelling good

Lily's food is fortunately less fragrant

"So, uh.... HEY MOM? How much longer?"

"Actually, set some plates out and by the time you do I should have it ready for you"

"Ok." And he does; he sets the table.

"Thanks," And chicken enchilada casserole is sat down "We also have some strawberry short cake after if you folks want"

"How could we Not want Strawberry Shortcake?" Mr. Thomas asks

"Strawberry Shortcake is good." Adam agrees.

And Kyle and son both eat with gusto.

(End Scene)