THE WALKER RANCH

Steven sighed again “I was a Texas ranger for several years, we put out lives on the line every single day protecting the innocent, This will be a welcome change, though I have to admit I am little rusty thanks to a rather mean dragon “he stopped and looked around as a bell rang “Nether would I if it was my child ether“he said softly.

He followed Brian into a large kitchen and saw others standing around a large table with men and tankards of some sort of liquid inside that they all drank. He took his from one man and watched as Brian moved to the head of the table he found a chair and sat down , taking a sniff of the liquid before taking a small sip . He smiled finding that it as rather to his liking. Sitting back he waited to hear what Brian would say

Brian began by explaining that Robert's pregnant daughter was seriously injured today and he was home tending to her and the unborn child. The men instantly made a toast to Khaat's and the baby's good health. They obviously knew her, and wished her well. She was like one of their own. A girl in a whole band of brothers. Brian knew that every one of them loved her, and it warmed his heart to see it each time it showed itself. He introduced Steven as a new recruit,, and told them what he knew about Steven. The crew welcomed him warmly, as if he'd always been on board with them.

Brian briefed them on the fact that those notorious bike races had come again, and the finale was tomorrow night. One of the most dangerous nights for wizarding children in Paris. That brought rememberance of those children and organization members lost on these nights in past years. "We're going to get more kids back this year, and we're leaving nobody behind," Brian said sternly. "We refuse to lose a one. Not a child, not one of us. Do we have an accord?"

They shouted their commitment, like a band of pirate rogues. They were dedicated, and Brian knew exactly how to stir them up. He was an experienced motivator and an experienced combat leader. He continued to speak until the men were nearly ready to leave right now. Then Brian broke out the map and spread it across the table. He drew out his wand and made little magical lights in various colors, one light for each member. He began to position each member strategically, sometimes alone, but usually in pairs. Usually a fighter with a rescuer at the most critical points of the festival grounds. The fighter's job was to be the distraction long enough for a child to be snatched and taken back to headquarters with a quick apparation. The rescuer would simply drop the child off there quickly and return as quickly as possible. He had positioned a crew at the house to take the children in and address their needs. If a fighter was injured or killed, the rescuer was first to get the fighter back to headquarters and then report to Brian ata once. Brian positioned himself at the hottest part of the fighting. He refused to place any man in any place where he himself would not go. And this year, he positioned Steven with him. Once the plans were laid, Brian asked, "Are there any questions?"

Steven listened when introduced he nodded to all the men, he was focuse on the mission more than interacting but he ahd to admit to himself he did feel welcomed like this was where he was meant to be. Soon he heard Brian continue with the plan out lining just where every one would be. He too put some sujestions witch he found were taken. He finished his drink and placed the tankared in a sink turning he heard Brian say he would be with him for his first mishion. he nodded but found he could not help take out the locket on its chain and hold it between his thumb and fore finger . His mind now found its self saying a quick prayer that all would go well as he use to do as a ranger before a mission.

"Okay," Brian said, finishing up, "Standard dress, standard weaponry. Remember, their greatest goal is to drag a child into the catacombs and make us fight it out down there where there is less manueverability and a lot more chances for them to lose us while they have the child. If you see a child being dragged into the tunnels, take your partner with you. Do not ever go alone. That's how we lose members. If you need backup, use your medallions. Steven, I'll get you one along with our standard bike festival dress. We try to be inconspicuous and as muggle looking as possible. Get a good night's rest. We'll be out all night tomorrow, no doubt. Make sure you eat. I don't want one man going out unfed. If you need to practice with your weapons, get a partner and hone up your skills. I don't want this sloppy. Remember what Robert tells us--quick, clean, and as silent as possible. Which means no one sees you or hears you any more than necessary. I'll meet you all here again just before sundown. You all know where to find me if you have questions that come up before now and then. Dismissed."

The men welcomed Steven again as they left, leaving Steven and Brian alone in the kitchen. "So? What do you think?"

Steven stood his eyes shut in secret prayer when he head a voice he opened them “well organized , I will take that offer of practice though “ he said slipping the necklace back into his pocket he knew eventually Brian would ask and he was prepared to explain but not right now. Now it was the mission and the children that were being planed to be snatched. “One question, how do we identify potential targets surly they will just blend into the crowd like we will?” He asked he arms folded across his chest “there not exactly going to stand and say “hey I’m here to take your child” are they “

"Robert formulated a potion years ago to help us see energy signatures. That helps you recognize family from nonfamily members. It also helps you recognize intent. The colors will appear very vibrant to you. You'll see it. You'll see the targets are kids who are easily manipulated into being separated from their parents, or kids whose parents just don't care, or just utter ignorance, despite our efforts to educated wizard parents. You'll see people who don't belong to those kids, by their energy signatures lead them off into areas where they would be alone. Those are the key things to watch. I'm sure I'll have the chance to show you a couple examples. This is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year. I cant' say I'm not concerned that Robert's not here. That's a first for him. He's saved more than one life, I can promise you that. Our enemies, basically, know not to mess with him. Come with me. I'll get you a medallion."

He led him to Robert's office and sat down at the desk and got out a medallion that looked like nothing more than a gold dubloon on a gold chain. "It activates very simply by spinning the skull on it upside down. It sends us a signal that only those who also have medallions can receive. It helps us hone in on who needs help and where you are. " He handed him the medallion. "So, you ready to go duel a bit?"

Steven chuckled “I might have known “he said with a soft smile “It’s an interesting technique but I guess infallible because you can’t mask you Auror and you said standard weaponry, I take it that means wands “he asked tapping his against his leg in its holster he moved his coat aside to show the light brown leather holder strapped to his leg like that of an old western gun slinger. “Protection only “he said.

He moved with Brian and watched him take out what looked like a gold doubloon on a gold chain he looked at it for a moment then slipped it around his neck it felt strange but he knew it was for a reason. “Yeap, always ready for practice “ he said placing his hat back on his head “let me guess you have some where special for that too?” he said now looking at Brian.

"Attic," Brian said, "Fourth floor, really. But Its just one big open space that Robert has furnished with everything we need to duel. I trusst you can apparate yourself up there?" He flicked his wand with a small motion and apparated up to the attic, wanting to see if Steven could keep up with him.

When Brian arrived, he found a lot of other pairs practicing on metal dueling dummies. He was glad to see they were honing up their skills. He trusted more the men who took their jobs seriously. And he had a sense Steven was one of those serious men, at least when it came to children.

Steven watched him aperate away quickly following him ariving he sat down on a bench "what took ya" he said slipping off his coat and hat behind him as he saw Brian watch the others. "there good " he said walking up to beside him. He also stood and watched his arms folded as he sw the concentration on the mens faces but now just men, woman too all focused on ther job and practice. His eyes moved round the room "nice set up don't the nabours complain about the noise?" he said half joking he knew there was probably some sort of dampaning spell to it would not affect those around the house.

"They never hear or see a thing. Robert has a whole network of spells around the house," Brian said, "He applies them in layers, like coats of paint. And the more layers, the more protected we are. Heck, the muggles don't even know the house is here. They' dont' even see it. Whenever you're ready, I'll set one of the practice dummies up for you. Lets start there first. If you pass them, we'll move on to live drills," Brian said. He glanced over and saw one of his men make a crucial misstep. "Hey!" He shouted, "You do that nonsense on your own time. You do that tomorrow, and I'll be bringing back your corpse. Get your mind on your skills, or get out!"

He looked at Steven, "Sorry. I am a bit of taskmaster, but I've lost too many friends in this to let them get away with mischief during practice. Their lives could depend on it. You ready?"