240 | John W. Warner IV whole life for thinking differently and being myself. I never really did fit in with the traditional elite, they…can be Coring, self-absorbed, intolerant, and way too strict with rules and customs. I hate irrational rules. My brothers accepted me for who I am, a switch-hitting mystic gadfly, but not the rest of the family, or myopic high society for that matter. He smiled. I needed structure. The Marines and Navy rewarded me for my diligent and loyal service, but I had to be careful not to rock the boat regarding my more.. .outlandish views. Now that boats wrecked on a lee shore. The worlds fucked up royally again and they task me with this crap, though I admit I begged for it. And so, here you are. Having fun? Gwafa returned the smile. When a man drifts with the wind and ends up in jail, he learns what is truly inside of him. Punishment and solitary confinement do wonders for the soul of a young man who hated and blamed everyone else. I learned… to make peace with myself first, only then could I understand and forgive others. It is written that all answers lay within. Im glad for you, I have problems forgiving others. “You had a spiritual awakening most of us could only dream about. Hard knocks do wonders, Im not kidding, pal. If by that.. .you mean I am strong from hardship, then yes. I first killed a man when I was fourteen, but I was big even then. He beat and raped my sister, so I beat him bloody, but he never woke up. Thats when I ran. No looking back. As a sponge I absorbed the whole world around me. Never ask me for my real name, monsieur, never. T like Gwafa anyway. Did you know that its said the Berber people of the Atlas Mountains are said to be direct descendants of the Adantis survivors? He pulled up a mule leg to inspect the hoof. They are blond with eyes of cobalt-blue. Unique language. Yes, I remember. Bernie shared a prized Army tropical Hershey bar especially designed for the heat. Did you end up in jail for stealing? Oui. Un petit avion. He laughed. I read a book on how to fly and I stole it. When I landed far away in Libya I sold it to a man in the black market, but an Italian turned me in because he hated the fact that a black man could fly. After jail, I joined the French Army and became a mechanic. I could read the manuals, think independendy, and that impressed them, but I was insubordinate too, a firebrand they said. Officers want their men to fight and perform various duties without thinking too