Chronic In America

“Brandon, you got to use your imagination, look at things differently, honey,” Lynn advises. “The world is different than it was 40 years ago, during the marches and all. I want to talk with you more about your problem, and believe it or not, I’m gonna be there for you; but you got to wake up from this race thing you’re carrying around in your chest; be mature, have the courage to do your own self assessment, then assess others. From what you just said to me, you are all mixed up; it’s like you’re caught in a time warp or something. Step up and out of it honey; there are women just like me, of all colors, who would help a fine brother like you change and find something new in life, something that doesn’t include all that guilt and negative self-pity.” Clearly Lynn was hitting home to Brandon. Her dark brown eyes with their oriental gentleness and sexual seductive lore proved too much for Brandon. He gave in to her sensual nature which was so mystical and attractive, the ultimate influence that a woman such as Lynn would have on just about any man, except perhaps the Controller. Brandon went into action, teasing and cajoling Lynn as they both quietly finished their meals with whispers full of sexual banter and pseudo love talk. Brandon too had made his mark on Lynn. After a full night of intellectualizing the art of love, the couple quietly slipped back to Brandon’s room to test their sexual analogies. Lynn was down with Brandon. The next morning it is Bo’s turn to sit and chat with Lynn. Bo, being less refined but just as robust and alluring as his partner Ray and silent nemesis, Brandon, begins their breakfast conversation with a practical appeal. “I’m on the journey of my life here with the CIA and all; it’s like a dream come true, but there’re two sides to my story,” Bo shares with Lynn. “I want to be an organizational man, but I know I can never really be anything more than a man alone. See, both sides are appealing to me; yet I know I can’t be two people at once, nor can I be in two places at the same time, at least without splitting something; and lord knows I don’t need any more holes or splits. I want you to help me think through this stuff so I can be a better man.” Lynn feels compliant and humbled by his appeal. “Lynn darling, I need somebody clear-headed like you, someone who can cut through the crap, all the varying degrees of fakie, phony bullshit that people put themselves through.” Bo continues his confession, “I know I got two sides; but I think you can help keep me whole and single minded, a full-fledged organization man.” “Tell you what, lovey,” says Lynn, “I’ll do my best as long as you give it to me straight. Tell me the truth first, alright?” she inquires softly, "Then I’ll see if I can’t help you figure which side of you should handle the situation.” Lynn feels real comfortable talking to Bo. He seems honest and he certainly talks as though he is for real. Lynn likes that in any man she is going to deal with. For this reason Bo certainly hits his mark with Lynn. With only three days to get the ladies through their first stage of interaction with the Unit, the fellas go straight to work on Chris. Chris knows something is up cause without knowing particulars she senses some scheme is in play, especially after seeing all three of the guys on separate occasions with Lynn over the previous two day period. Her rendezvous with the unit members were all in one day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. And you guessed it, Ray, Brandon and Bo in that order. In each instance the guys parrot their concerns to Chris. As he did with Lynn, Ray goes deep and personal to express his concern about Brandon falling in line with his need for submissiveness. “Chris, you gotta help me figure out how to play Brandon. He’s a solid guy, but too gutsy for my taste,” Ray exclaims. “I am going to need your help to get and keep him in line, so everything works out for all of us. You know, I don’t need him interjecting and trying to change things, making me look bad.” Chris is hesitant. She’s not quite sure where Ray is going with the conversation. She knows from past experience that White males have a hard time accepting Black male prowess, but a guy of Ray’s caliber and status; she thought he would have resolved this kind of personal dilemma by now. Chris decides she must help Ray sort through his feelings. “Ray, you got to get on top of your feelings when it comes to Brandon,” she says in a soft but stern tone. “I know,” Ray implores with frustration and emotion in his voice, “but it’s hard. Black guys today don’t listen when they think they’re right. Lotta times you got to fold, even when you think you’re right. And you know, sometimes it’s not even a question of right or wrong, it’s what’s best for the situation.” Chris looks deeply into Ray’s eyes as he does his best to explain himself. She searches them intensely to see if Ray’s statements are honest or merely self-serving. She thinks to herself, ‘too early to tell if he is being honest with himself or not.’ Then she speaks, “Ray, I’m willing to help you with this, but you’ve got to be honest with yourself. What you’re talking about here is trust. Why do you feel you can’t trust Brandon?”