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Him
Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
27
"Fortune
is
guiding
our
affairs
better than we ourselves could have wished. Do
you see over yonder, friend Sancho, thirty or forty hulking giants? I
intend to do battle with them and slay them. With their spoils we shall
begin to be rich for this is a righteous war and the removal of so foul
a brood from off the face of the earth is a service God will bless." ~
From 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes
Billy was
looking right at Orville’s face and caught his eye when the judge read
the verdict. Billy smiled at Orville and winked, then grinned like the
cat what was just about to eat the canary. The look on Billy’s face was
a mixture of revenge and satisfaction: schadenfreude du jour. The look
on Higginbothem’s face was one of pure horror like he looked upon the
countenance of Cthulhu and his own face was about to melt and run down
into his lap. Poor Orville’s worst nightmare came true. He was hoping
against all odds, whatever the outcome, Billy Daniels would not carry
through with his threat to buy him. The blood rushed from Orville’s
face leaving him pasty white. Clarence Womack didn’t miss Orville’s
reaction when he heard the news he would become Billy Daniels’ slave
and it clicked in the preacher’s small mind the accused knew something
which terrified him and shook him to his core. Womack saw the eye
contact between Billy and Orville and the unspoken exchange which
passed between them. No one missed it. The courtroom was suddenly
filled with the stench from Orville losing control of his bowels and
bladder. The judge banged his gavel, gave the order to clear the
courtroom, and take the prisoner back to the jail where he would be
turned over to his new master.
As folks
gathered outside in the fresh air, Womack rushed up to the sheriff and
demanded to see Orville Higginbothem before he was released to Billy
Daniels. “Whatever for?” Will Tate asked the short, fat, little
preacher and laughed. “Orville Higginbothem is no concern of yours,” he
added.
“All men, no
matter their crime, must be offered the way to the cross. He must be
given one last chance to repent and give his soul to Jay-sus,” Womack
said dramatically in his best evangelical tone.
“Hell far! We
ain’t gonna’ execute him, Preacher. He’s just gonna’ spend the rest of
his life as Billy Daniels’ slave. He’ll have a lifetime to find Jesus.
Beside, h’it ain’t up to me. You heard the judge. He’s now Mr. Daniels’
property. You gotta’ ask him, but I warn you, he ain’t unaware of your
attempts to invade his privacy what boarders on the criminal. To say
nothing of your slick little trick to try’n make a lot of money off’n
him if you managed to con him into being interviewed by them two major
networks. Fortunately for you, it backfired or you might have been
brought up on fraud charges. If Billy wanted to push it, you still
could be charged with attempted fraud. If you keep stick’n your nose
into other peoples’ business where it ain’t wanted, you might find
yourself being sold to the highest bidder. Preacher or no, country
folks are private people unless you happen to be lucky enough to win
their friendship, and prove yourself worthy of their trust; then, they
might come to accept you as family. Somehow, I don’t see that happening
for you,” Will said firmly.
“Well, it’s
obvious who your loyalties lie with, Sheriff, and after all I’ve done
for you,” Womack said shaking his head in disgust.
“Tell you what,
Preacher, you come by my office tomorrow morning, and I’ll give you
back your hundred dollars you gimme’ for my election campaign three
years ago. Then we’ll be even. That way, you won’t have to feel like I
owe you anything. I won’t ever make the mistake of accepting a
contribution from you again because it ain’t given freely. It comes
with strings attached. You should know by now I can’t be bought by you
or any man,” Will said quietly with controlled anger in his voice.
Clarence Womack
knew he stepped over the line, but rather than leave it be, he pushed
on. “I suppose Billy Daniels work’n a miracle on your daddy could be
looked upon as exchanging favors,” Womack said in a nasty tone, “Too
bad you decided to side with the devil, Sheriff,” he added.
“Ain’t no such
thing as the devil or miracles, Womack, but there is such a thing as a
disease going into remission. My daddy still ain’t what he was, but I
contracted with a cousin of mine to come live with us and be his
wrangler. However, my personal life ain’t none of yore’ business, and I
suggest you keep your warped and twisted opinions to yourself. As for
your request for me to go out there and look around, I did. There ain’t
a goddamn thing going on out to the Daniels’ ranch what ain’t going on
at thousands of other ranches all over this country, and if you don’t
let go of your loony tunes belief in demons and devils, I promise, you
will find yourself in a larger hell than whatever you might imagine is
going on out there. People don’t take kindly to you making accusations
agin them what you can’t back up with facts. You ain’t lived in this
community all your life. You’s tilt’n at windmills, Womack. The Daniels
family’s been pillars of this town since the early eighteen hundreds.
They’re the first to offer a help’n hand to their neighbors in need.
“Furthermore, it
ain’t your job to investigate anybody in this county. That’s my job and
when you start crossing the line by put’n two ignorant cowboy’s lives
in jeopardy, that’s also my job. You try another stunt like that in
this community, and I’ll slap yore’ fat ass in jail faster than you can
call out the name of whatever god you believe in at the moment. I’m
warning you Womack, I won’t put up with your shit no more,” Will said
within inches of Womack’s face.
“We’ll just see
about that,” Womack said and spun on his heel to walk away from the
sheriff. He saw Billy was alone for a minute and walked up to him,
“Daniels, I will have a word with you,” he demanded.
“Who the hell
are you?” Billy exclaimed. He knew full-well who the rotund little
preacher was.
“I’m Pastor
Clarence Womack, of the ‘Deep River’ charismatic congregation, the
spiritual leader of this community, and I demand you allow me to talk
with Orville Higginbothem in private before you take him out to your
ranch,” Womack said like the pushy little weasel he was.
“If them good
folks in your church is stupid enough to let you be their leader, their
river cain’t run too damn deep. Ain’t chu’ that loony sum’bitch what
was harassing me and my family several weeks ago threatening us with
eternal damnation if’n we didn’t step to your tune?” Billy asked.
“I resent that.
I’m the spiritual leader of our community, the only true man of God in
this here county. I was trying to do the work of the Lord, but you and
your haughty family ignored and rebuked me. I would be careful what you
say to me. The Lord sent forth two vicious female bears to kill
forty-two children of Bethel who mocked and teased the prophet Elisah
for being bald. He called upon the name of the Lord to punish them and
the bears tore them to pieces,” Womack replied.
“And you worship
a vile piece of shit what would do such an unjust thing to children?
Whatever happened to ‘Suffer the little children come unto me, for such
is the kingdom of heaven’? That little story tells me all I need to
know about your character, Womack. H’it ain’t nothing but
superstitious bullshit you pull out yore’ ass to argue a point or
scare folks when some’um ain’t going your way. Judge’n by the volume of
shit what comes out your mouth, I’m guess’n somebody reversed the
polarity on your colostomy bag. They’s seven other churches in this
community and you’s little more than a bottom feeder where religion is
concerned. Fortunately, very few people take you seriously. We go to
the biggest church in town, and I’m pretty sure our pastor would have
something to say about chore’ claim to be spiritual leader. Oh, and by
the way, you liar, how much money was you plan’n on sharing with me
what you was gonna’ make from arranging an interview with them major TV
networks?” Billy asked.
“Nobody lied to
you. My arrangement with the Networks was none of your business, you
blasphemous godless sinner, but if you must know, the money weren’t for
me. It would a’ been a donation for our church to further the work of
the Lord,” he replied.
“More lies and
bullshit! A donation to your church is a donation to you. And folks
claim cowboys are the biggest producers of bullshit. I just don’t
understand it. You lazy sum’bitches what ain’t never done an honest
day’s work in yore’ life, you do nothing all day but interfere in other
people’s lives, suck money from them poor bastards what barely got
enough to live on, drive around in a hun’nert thousand dollar car, and
you got the unmitigated gall to tell folks you’s do’n god’s work? What
a laugh. Besides, you don’t give a rat’s ass about saving Orville
Higginbothem’s soul. You wanna’ get him by his’self so’s you can pump
him for any piece of information you think might be used against me and
my family. You got some bug up your unholy-ass what thinks they’s
something go’n on out to our ranch you don’t approve of. Well, you’re
right. They’s a lot of love, fun, good music, and community spirit what
binds us together into a large happy family, and we don’t live in fear
of no jealous gods or a devil what’s gonna’ torture us forever ‘cause
we didn’t live as perfect a life as your imaginary dictator thought we
should; to say nothing of not giving you the money you think you should
be get’n from us; howsomever, we pay an unjust tax required by the
government to a religious fund ever’ year. That’s a hell of a lot
more’n you deserve. I wouldn’t pay that if’n it weren’t a law forced on
us by an immoral majority. I’m sure you wouldn’t approve of what goes
on out to our ranch no ways. You worship hate, fear, and an authority
created from pure bullshit, and ‘no’ I won’t allow you to speak with
Orville Higginbothem under any circumstances. Sorry, you petty little
bible bang’n huckster, you almost fooled me once, but you won’t get the
second chance,” Billy said firmly.
“Why -- why, you
can’t talk to me like that. I’m a man of the cloth -- a man of God! I
demand you show me the respect my office deserves! If you don’t, I can
promise you, you’re going to Hell, Billy Daniels, you and every soul
out to that ranch will burn forever in a lake of fire --
sha-ha-lam-alack-a boo-boo!” Womack shouted at him waving his hands
like a witchdoctor laying on a curse.
“That may be,
you self-righteous little huckster, but until that time, I’m going home
to my ranch, I’m taking my new slave with me, I’m gonna’ kick back, put
my boots up, and use old Orville for my footstool whilst I enjoy me a
nice tall cold glass of iced tea,” Billy said and smiled sweetly. Billy
walked away with a big grin on his face.
“Flying saucer,
my ass!” shouted Womack behind him. Billy just kept walking. “I know
what you’re doing out there at that ranch, and I won’t rest until I
either bring you devil worshipers to Jay-sus or expose your evil
sickness to the world,” Womack threatened, “Then we’ll see who has the
last word, you heathen,” he added.
“Blow it out
chore’ ass, Womack! It’ll do you more good. Maybe you can let loose a
big one like poor Orville done in the court room. Your ranting and
raving ain’t nothing more than empty accusations. Opinions without
proof are as useless as your prayers, and as lonesome as the nine
button on my microwave,” Billy yelled over his shoulder.
Billy and his
people walked across the street to the jail. The sheriff and his men
just finished installing a slave ID chip deep into the muscle tissue of
Orville’s left shoulder on his back. It was placed so it would be
almost impossible for him to remove. It could only be done by someone
skilled in surgery. Orville was wearing a pair of cotton pants with the
typical black and white stripes. He wasn’t wearing a top because of the
recent implantation of his chip. His face turned white when Billy, Tom,
Enoch, Moss, Nathan, and Tron walked into the room accompanied by the
sheriff.
“I don’t think I
need to tell you, Orville, you’re now Billy Daniels’ slave. You will do
as he tells you,” the sheriff said. Orville didn’t reply.
“Take off your
pants, Orville, and kick off them canvas slip-ons. We’ll leave them
behind for another unfortunate criminal what can wear them. Besides, I
bought a couple of slave devices to put on you what will control you
and help teach you some manners,” Billy said.
“You mean I
gotta’ be naked?” he asked.
“Of course. You
ain’t a man no more. You’re listed on my bill of sale as a slave --
more precisely defined as a piece of livestock. J’ever see a cow
wearing clothes?” Billy asked.
Orville got a
sick look on his face, but did as he was told. Billy was surprised. Old
Orville had a big fat, uncut cock which hung loose at nine and a half
to ten inches. Billy pulled out a pair of throw-away examination gloves
from a small leather kit-bag and put them on. He reached inside the bag
again and brought out what looked like a chrome donut what came apart
into two halves. “Pull your cock up with one hand and pull your balls
down as far as you can to stretch your sack,” Billy ordered.
“What are you,
some kind of pre-vert?” Orville asked trying to sound ornery and brave.
“Not at all,
Orville. The sexual appetite of your master ain’t none of your business
no how, slave, but if you don’t cooperate with me, I’ll have my cowboy
bothers Moss Garrett and Enoch Redbone give you a lesson in manners.
You wouldn’t mind, would you, Mr. Redbone?” Billy asked Enoch.
“Say the word,
Master Billy. I’m your man. I’ll hold him while Moss stretches his
balls so tight his eyeballs will roll back into his head so far he’ll
get
a look at that tiny brain of his,” Enoch replied.
“No, I’ll do as
you asked,” Orville said, grabbed his big cock, wrapped his other hand
around his balls, and allowed Billy to fit the two chrome halves of the
heavy ring together around his sack and secure them with a special
key-wrench designed for the purpose of locking it tight so it couldn’t
be removed. It was made of a titanium chrome steel, a metal alloy which
could neither be burned off with a torch without frying Orville’s balls
nor could it be hack-sawed. Without the proper removal tool with which
Billy locked it, for all practical purposes, it was permanently
attached to Orville’s ball sack and would ride on top of his testicles.
It was quite heavy and made Orville wince when Billy dropped his balls
after checking his work.
Billy
reached into his bag again and pulled out a medium sized butt plug made
of the the same metallic alloy and proceeded to grease it up with a
glob of Bag Balm from a small tin he brought along for the purpose.
“You ain’t gonna’ stick that damn thing up my ass?” Orville asked.
“That’s exactly
what I plan to do until you can learn to control your bowels, you
become
a humbled slave, and a gentle critter. As you are now, y’aint nothing
but a wild piece of livestock. Beef on the hoof. I don’t want some wild
animal shit’n all
over my horse trailer. I make allowances for my ponies 'cause it's
their natural way and I love 'em, but I won’t for you. Now bend over,
reach behind you, grab your ass, spread your cheeks for me, and smile
real big,” Billy order his new slave.
“Like hell I
will!” Orville exclaimed.
Billy took out
the small remote control for the donut ring around Orville’s ball sack,
punched the first button to set the intensity of the charge and pressed
the red button. Orville double over in pain. “Oh my God! Don’t do it
again. No! Please! Not again! I’ll do as you asked,” he hollered. He
slowly got up, turned around, bent over, reached behind him, and pulled
his ass cheeks apart. Billy began to work the plug into Orville’s ass.
He wasn’t out to hurt his new slave, but he was firm and worked
Orville’s ass like he was sure he would be able to insert it with no
problem. It was the ultimate embarrassment for Orville to have his ass
fucked before the men he so despised for their social status. After
several minutes of fucking Orville’s ass with the plug, his sphincter
suddenly dilated. Billy took advantage of the window of opportunity and
sank the plug into his slave like the final gulp of the ocean as it
closed over the Titanic when it departed for a dark watery grave.
Orville grunted and once again cried out. Billy was firm and pushed it
all the way to the flared seat so it would ride easily within his new
slave’s ass. He pressed further and harder to seat it properly. He took
a paper towel and cleaned the excess grease from his slave’s ass,
gently slapped him on his butt, and told him to stand. Orville did as
complied.
“How does it
feel, slave?” Billy asked without nuance.
“Full -- like I
gotta’ take a shit,” Orville moaned.
“Good! That’s
the way it’s suppose to feel. You’ll get use to it. You’ll become so
use to the feeling, you won’t be comfortable without it. You will come
to look upon it as a pacifier for your second mouth,” Billy said, “It
will keep your hole satisfied when you’re not being fucked by the rest
of my slaves,” Billy said.
Billy reached
into his leather bag and pulled out a full leather harness which looked
like something one might attach to a plow horse. He placed it over
Orville’s head and the two main straps rode on his shoulder. Billy let
the front and back drop. There was a heavy strap that fit across
Orville’s chest. It was broken by two large metal rings which
surrounded the slave’s tits then ran to the back were it was secured
with buckles to the main strap running down his back. The two straps
from his shoulders continue down his front to another belt which went
around his waist and buckled in the back like the one across his chest.
From the center of the belt one wide strap ran to a ring which Billy
shoved his slave’s cock and balls through, and it in turn, was attached
to another smaller, more narrow strap that ran from his crotch along
his ass crack to come up behind and be secured with another adjustable
buckle. Billy cinched it up firmly locking the butt plug tight in this
new slave’s ass. Orville groaned again.
“Now, slave,
allow your master to demonstrate your new additions to your body,”
Billy said. “From now on you will address me as Master Daniels,” Billy
said. Orville didn’t respond. “Billy took out his little remote,
activated the electronics in the base of the butt plug and pressed the
red button. A small charge of electricity ran from the tip of the plug
through Orville’s prostate and down to the ground within the ring
around his ball sake. It had the effect of making his sphincter muscle
clamp down hard on the butt plug sending it momentarily deep into his
ass like it was fucking him. Billy hit the button repeatedly and
Orville was doing a buck and wing trying to get away from the fucking
going on in his ass. “I didn’t hear an answer from you, slave. You will
always answer your master when he asks you a question, understand!”
Billy said firmly.
“I understand,
Master Daniels, I will comply. Just don’t make that thing fuck me in
the butt no more, sir,” he yelled.
“Good enough,
slave, for the time being. Now you will kneel and pay homage to your
master’s boots,” Billy demanded.
Orville looked
at him with a look of hatred but didn’t dare refuse what Billy ordered
him to do. He was beginning to think there was no limit to what this
young cowboy could put him through. He kissed each of Billy’s boots and
waited for further instructions. “You will have to do better than that,
but it will do for now. You will be trained to clean my boots with your
tongue no matter what I stepped in,” Billy said firmly.
“You said you
still have his clothes he was wearing when you brought him to jail,
Sheriff?” Billy asked Will.
“Yes, sir, Mr.
Daniels. They’s in that box just outside the cell sitting on my
deputy’s desk ready for you,” the sheriff replied.
“Would you grab
his boots for me, Moss,” Billy asked his brother.
Moss didn’t
answer, walked over to the desk where the box was, took out a decent
pair of western boots, and handed them to Billy. “Here, put these on,
slave,” Billy handed them to Orville. He sat cautiously on the bed,
felt the huge plug adjust itself deep inside him, and pulled his boots
on. Billy reached into his bag one last time and pulled out a leather
codpiece which snapped on to the front off Orville’s slave harness to
hid his nakedness from the public. Billy told him to put it on. There
would be a few times he would be required to wear it when the family
entertained and didn’t want the ladies to look upon him. It took him a
minute, but Orville managed to get the codpiece into place.
It was unusually
cool with overcast skies for an early April morning as Billy and his
posse led Orville Higginbothem out of the jail by a stout chain
attached to a leather collar around his neck and escorted him to the
rear of a small one-horse trailer. Billy was a bit more considerate
than Orville imagined and included a bale of hay covered by a horse
blanket for him to sit on and another to wrap around him if he got
chilled. As they walked to the trailer, Billy made a mental note how
out of shape and proportion Orville was for good health. He was
carrying about a hundred pounds of excess body fat which, if left on
his own, very probably would result in major health problems if not an
early death. Eustace Barger was right, Orville was in no shape to
become a slave, but Billy was confident within six months no one would
recognize Orville for the man he was that day.
* * * * * * *
Sheriff Tate
promised, he and his dad would be out to the Daniels’ ranch for supper
as soon as he got off duty. There were no other inmates in the jail to
worry about and Will was anticipating an easy weekend. Driving back to
the ranch, Billy asked Tom McMartin to send his family along with his
nephew, Enoch, and their grandmother, Zelma Jane. He wanted to talk
with Tom in private. “Tom, I got an idea in my head shortly after you
folks left last weekend. I ain’t said nothing about it before now
‘cause we ain’t had a chance to be alone since ya’ll got here, but last
evening I got a special delivery message from my celestial uncles on my
husband’s side of the family telling me to offer you and the boys a
trip across the universe to meet them and them Irin folks. The only
problem might be, I’m think’n on taking Roz with us and the folks on
Retikki Prime don’t wear no clothes,” Billy said.
“That’s no
problem. Lemme’ put it this way, it will be less problem for my wife
and boys than me,” Tom said and laughed, “however, I think you know us
well enough to know we strive for good mental health for our kids and
answer any questions they might have about sex with honesty. We leave
out books on human reproduction for them to look at or refer to if they
have questions. We make it a point to take any question they might have
about sex seriously and try to answer in a manner which is as
educational as we can present the subject without using base idiomatic
language; although, those words do come up from time to time, but
hopefully we explain them in the same manner,” Tom replied, “And,
'yes,’ we would love to join you. Anywhere you, Nick, and Boomer go is
where the boys want to be, and I have to admit, I share their
enthusiasm,” he added and laughed.
“Good, then you
won’t have a problem with nudity?” Billy asked and smiled.
“I’m a ‘Redbone’
man, Son,” Tom said with masculine confidence, and they shared a laugh.
* * * * * * *
After Billy and
his company returned to the ranch, they took some time to get Orville
settled in. For the time being, he would be assigned two large Irin
guards who would see to him around the clock. After Nathan and Tron had
a talk with him, Billy decided it might prove to be impractical to keep
Orville all gussied up like a plow horse out of a bad Hollywood S&M
porn leather movie. After all, they reasoned, if Orville is to be a
slave, make sure he earns his keep. Simply absorb him into the everyday
slave routines without some of the perks the regular Irin slaves enjoy.
Taking away two other slaves to tend him would be defeating the purpose
of his slavery. Did Billy really have the time to devote to becoming
Orville’s personal tormentor? Billy agreed but decided Orville would
spend the evening in discomfort wondering about his future, and Billy
would tend to him after his party returned from Retikki Prime. Billy
left him in the hands of two of his most trusted Irin cowboys with
explicit instructions about his care for the first day and night he
would spend on the ranch.
Billy also had
another thought he discussed with Hank and Buck. “When you men were
called back to Retikki Prime with Boomer to learn about Orville’s plot
to kill our big brother, did you have to undress before you returned or
did they receive you fully clothed?” he asked.
“Naw, sir,
Master Billy, we stayed for a day and night and returned the next
morning, but we wore our cowboy clothes the whole time when we weren’t
in our rooms to rest. We didn’t go no wheres but around the castle.
If’n we had, we would’ve stripped to go into town as is the custom.
They told us we didn’t have to be nude in the castle if we were more
comfortable. They looked on us as family. You remember when we returned
from Fort Adam Lear after our visit with the Irin nobody said nothing
about us wearing our western clothes,” Hank said.
“Yeah, I
wondered about that. Do you think we’d be disrespectful if we wore our
clothes to transport and undressed there if they have some official
welcoming or we should decide to go into town?” Billy asked, “It might
be a bit more comfortable for all concerned. What do you think, Number
One,” he asked Boomer.
“I don’t see no
problem with it, Master Billy. We can always ask when we get there. It
might be a nice gesture to request we be shown to our rooms so we might
make ourselves and them more comfortable by removing our clothes.
There’s always the possibility we might be called upon to visit with
the Irin as well, and remember, we were outfitted by Clyde the last
time. By wearing clothes through the gate would insure we have them
should they call upon us,” Boomer said.
“Excellent idea,
Number One. Thanks for reminding me why I made you my number one slave
and took you for my mate,” Billy said as he gave his monster husband a
big hug and a kiss.
Billy had Boomer
activate a gate so he could send Balthazar back to his mistress Madame
Spartza on Retikki Prime. He knew his black angel would have many
details to tend to and preparations made to transport the magnificent
lady Shedu to Nick’s ship. Preparations were almost finished to
accommodate her. The village workers were busy putting the finishing
touches on her new living space. Billy and Nick made several trips to
observe their progress and were impressed they created a wonderful and
comfortable place for her to dwell while she and the great Shedu bull,
Beauford, became acquainted with each other. Strangely enough, no one
considered they might not be compatible. It was too horrible a thought
to contemplate. Everyone on both worlds wanted it to be a success for
them, to find happiness with each other. After all, as far as anyone
could tell they were the last of their kind in the universe and where
there is life there is hope for the future. Their kind were hunted and
destroyed for centuries because of their powers. They were most
powerful when a mated pair conjoined and formed an alliance with a
third party or protector, but that protector must be someone very
special; someone who was given great gifts of patience, organization,
and compassion. Over the centuries many men tried to ascend to the most
exalted position, but none ever attained the greatest secret to power
and always failed miserably from personal ambition and greed. Centuries
past and those who tried and failed were forgotten. It was time to try
one last time. In his most early days, Billy Daniels was chosen for
that honor.
* * * * * * *
The slaves went
about their business and saw to Orville’s needs. They assigned him a
bed in their bunkhouse along with the rest of them. He thought sure he
would be sleeping in the barn with the rest of the cattle. He was fed
only a cup of slave chow and one nutritional biscuit with a cold cup of
fresh water. He ate slowly and was surprised the chow didn’t taste as
bad as he thought it might and the biscuit was filling. If he was a bit
more comfortable, he thought he might almost feel like one of the other
slaves. He observed them closely, and although they seemed different,
they were intelligent and seemed happy with their lot in life. They
talked endlessly about the different projects going on at the ranch,
and their hopes for the future. He was amazed slaves were talking like
they were a part of Billy Daniel’s empire he was building for himself,
but where did he get them? To buy quality slaves like these men and
several fine looking young women represented high dollars. Orville
surmised they would cost a fortune. Where would a young cowboy just
starting out in life get that kind of money? Inheritance? A business
venture from several rich benefactors? For all his questions and
confusion, Orville said little, but he listened a lot.
Billy’s guests
began to arrive for the evening. They brought with them their
enthusiasm and anticipation for another adventurous evening at the
ranch. They created joy and brought much happiness to the ranch and
Billy’s family in particular. The sheriff and his dad stopped by the
local store and Will bought a huge sack of carrots and threw it onto
the back of his big flat bed Dodge Ram diesel truck for the guard cows
at the front gate. After he hollered at them they parted and he drove
in amongst them. “C’moan, Dad, gimme’ a hand with them carrots. They’s
for ma' buddies here at the front gate,” Will said. The men climbed up
on the back, Will split open the sack with his knife, and he started
throwing handfuls out over the sea of surrounding cows. Buster got into
the spirit of the moment and did the same on his side. The cows were
going after them like kids looking for Easter eggs. They were having a
ball and enjoying the sweet treats. “I hope everyone gets one this
time,” he called out to the cows.
“We’ll make sure
everyone shares,” one of the bulls replied and several thanked Will and
Buster for their thoughtfulness. Buster beamed like a little boy what
just done a good thing. Will hugged his dad and stole a kiss. “Life is
so much better with you by my side, Dad. It’s good to have you back,”
Will said.
“It’s good to be
back. Will it last, Son?” he asked.
“I think so,
Dad. Billy and his crew don’t do nothing half-ass. I think we’re both
in for the evening of our lives. I ain’t told ju’ yet about the places
we might visit this e’nin. Wonderful places we can only dream about,”
Will said after they got back into the truck and headed on up to the
ranch.
The Rutherfords
arrived right after the sheriff and his dad. Randy just hollered to his
cow buddies. They called back to him to enjoy himself on Retikki Prime
as they enjoyed another carrot. It was like a family reunion once again
and everyone had to know how baby Clara was doing and amazed at how
alert and happy she was. She was a healthy baby in love with the world
and anyone who would smile at her. Her face would glow, and she would
return their smile with one of equal joy.
“Are you ready,
Buckaroo?” Billy asked in a whisper as he stole a kiss from his little
buddy.
“I ain’t thought
of nothing else since I learned ma would let me go with you, Cowboy
Billy,” Randy replied. “I sat with my new friend this morning and told
him I would be going with you to his home world for an audience with
his ancestors. Ludo didn’t say nothing, but he did let me bath him and
comb out his fur for him. I think I love him, Master Billy, almost as
much as I do you,” Randy whispered.
“Just as long as
you give me the edge in the 'love’ department, it’s all right for you
to love Ludo, too, and for him to love you, pod’na,’ but you will
always be my little brother, my saddle buddy, and my wingman -- right?”
Billy asked
“Always and a
day, Cowboy Billy,” Randy replied.
* * * * * * *
Talk was
certainly lively around the supper table that evening. Billy encouraged
everyone to eat hearty because with the difference in time dilation
between galaxies you never knew when you might arrive, and it might be
a while before they shared another meal. Randy, Rory, and Calhoun were
beside themselves and wanted to know when they could ‘get naked’?
“There’s been a
change of plans. With the helpful advice from my main cowboys and
number one slave, I decided we will go through the gate to Retikki
Prime in our best cowboy clothes. We might need them in case we get a
request for an audience before the Irin elders,” Billy said, “So be
sure to wear your very best cowboy duds and shine your boots,” he added
and laughed.
“Would you like
to go with us, Roz?” Billy asked.
Poor Roz dropped
her fork onto her plate and looked at Billy with great admiration,
“More
than you can imagine, Master Billy. From what my little brothers tell
me, Retikki Prime is a wonderful world to visit. I would love to go. It
would be a great honor, sir,” Roz replied.
“Then you will
be our mistress of the music. Carry a small shoulder bag with the music
you gathered for our quartets, your own solo pieces, and don't forget
to bring your
viola along," Billy said and grinned like he knew she wouldn't forget,
"Likewise, my faithful little brothers, you will bring a
violin in one hand, and one of our larger bothers will carry your
keyboards for you. Roz, I want you to wear your blue jumpsuit -- the
outfit Clyde made for you to visit Nick’s ship. It will be good for an
exploring expedition, and you look wonderful wearing it,” Billy
complimented her.
“I shall, Master
Billy. I’m rather fond of it myself,” she replied and smiled.
After coffee and
dessert it was time for Billy and his posse to depart for to Retikki
Prime. They were going to transport to the line cabin and Boomer would
open a gate in the barn. Kate recruited several lady Irin slaves to
help her and Zelma with clean up, so there would be no delay for
Billy’s group. He gathered everyone in the front hallway and he, Nick,
and Clyde transported them to the line cabin. Buster was becoming an
old hand at transportation, and it didn’t seem to bother him at all.
They walked into the barn and there was a gate ready and waiting for
them. Boomer looked at Billy and grinned. “They heard you were coming,
Master,” Boomer said and everyone shared a laugh.
“Randy, you’re
with me. Boomer, you carry Rory; and Tom, you carry Cal. The rest form
a single line or you may choose a partner to walk through with you.
Tom, Nick, Boomer and me will bring up the rear. Ready? Head ‘em up and
move ‘em out, Pilgrim. Let’s take these dogies to Abilene,” Billy said
in his best John Wayne imitation. Roz and Clyde went through together,
followed by Will and Buster, Tron and Nathan, Buck and Hank, Cass and
Poly, Andy and Vox, Archie and Edith, Tom with Cal and Nick, and
finally Boomer with Rory and Billy with Randy. They walked directly
into the beautiful garden of the palace and there was everyone waiting
for them. Gregor and his mate Albrecht, the Shedu lady Madame Spartza
with Balthazar who had a big grin on his face. Billy walked to the
front of his group and spoke. “Ladies, and gentlemen, please bow to
honor
our gracious hosts -- the two highest ranking members of the council on
Retikki Prime who just happen to be the uncles of my number one slave
and my uncles-in-law by bond -- the great Gregor and his equally great
and much better looking bonded mate Albrecht,” Billy commanded and
everyone proceeded to bow.
“Oh, cut the
crap, Cowboy, and come to my arms, we gave up the knights what say
'nee’ routine shortly after you left the last time,” Gregor commanded,
“And you tiny one,” he said pointing to Randy, “to my partner’s arms,
and be quick about it!” he exclaimed and bellowed. “Better looking my
ass --” he added as an afterthought and laughed.
Billy looked at
Randy, grinned, and winked. They both ran full out to the huge watchers
and were smothered in fur and love. The rest of the group could only
watch and smile. Billy caught a glimpse of Nick watching Billy and
Randy wallow in the love of the two giant creatures and for a fallen
angel who lived for centuries he could feel Nick was impressed. After
many hugs and several stolen kisses, Billy introduced each person to
his and Boomer's Uncles Gregor and Albrecht. The giants knew everyone
from watching them on holographic-vids. No sooner was a new person
introduced into Billy’s family when he had his own set of invisible
robo-cams set in place to record every moment of his life. They could
switch from person to person to check on them, to visit for a while to
see how they were getting along.
Of course their
nephew, Boomer, was one of their favorites and they showered him with
their love and compliments. They were particularly taken with the young
bairns, Randy, Rory, and Cal and the boys climbed on them like they
were jungle gyms. Of equal interest was the petite, beautiful young
woman Billy brought with them. “I’m sure you already know about our
dear Roz, Uncles, but this lovely lady has captured our hearts in
several ways. She is carrying Boomer and my son, Billy Junior, but
aside from that she has developed a talent for music which has made the
angels weep from her playing, and ‘at ain’t no bullshit neither. I just
happen to own a couple of fine angels what I watched shed tears of joy
when Roz played for us,” Billy said as Roz bowed to the giant creatures.
“We have not
missed one of your performances, dear Roz. You have hundreds of
thousands of faithful followers who are so die-hard they would not miss
one of your practice sessions in the barn. You are never alone. You
have the love and encouragement of untold numbers in our galaxy. Your
music progression has become a world-wide addiction and we cherish your
playing like children feasting on sweet meats,” Albrecht said to Roz as
he took her hand and gently kissed it.
Roz blushed but
rose to the occasion in her usual charming and funny manner, “With such
large fans I could hardly wish for more, kind sir,” she said and
curtsied. Everyone laughed including Albrecht and Gregor. The rest of
the men came forward and received their love and compliments. Tron
Garrett and Nathan Daniels were of considerable interest to them and
garnered many compliments. They called Nick forward and showered him
with their affection and kind words. Billy never saw Nick so
overwhelmed by any situation. He fell to his knees and and bowed from
his waist to them.
“Come to us,
bright angel. Here, you neither represent darkness nor terror. You are
recognized for your good works, compassion, faithfulness, and a history
filled with good deeds to those less fortunate in the universe. Rise,
come to us, Nick Samuels -- as your young master has appropriately
named you,” Gregor commanded. Nick went to the giant and cried his
heart out in the monster’s arms as Gregor and Albrecht consoled and
comforted him. “You’ve seen too much, been chastised and maligned
unjustly for centuries, bright angel, but through Billy Daniels you
will regain your respect and rightful place in the pantheon of history.
Your time has come to set things right, not only on Earth but within
the universe,” Gregor said firmly.
They took a
special interest in Vox Humana, and to Billy’s surprise, announced
himself as the dual human entity from Earth known as Vox and Roxanne
Humana. “We are two persons sharing one body, Sires,” he said.
“Ah, yes, a
chimera. I noticed Master Billy used the plural 'ladies'; however, I
could see no other female but Roz. Now I understand. Your female half
is within you. Master Billy is an astute young man. You are, indeed, a
rare treasure in the universe. You're most welcome here. We hope you
find your
visit to our world one of joy, and with our help, use it as a chance to
find yourselves. We stand ready to help or fortify you with any
adjustments you might consider,” Gregor offered kindly, "We will also
further correct your memory loss and enhance your physical body and
appearance until you are about half you current age."
“Thank you,
great sir, it is our wish to learn to coexist in peace and harmony. Any
boon you might provide us will be greatly appreciated,” Vox and Rox
replied.
They welcomed
everyone, but saved the best reunion for last with their old friends
and attendants, Hank and Buck, Castor and Pollux, and Archie and Edith.
There were many hugs, kisses, and tears while reaffirming their love
for one another. Edith and Archie couldn’t thank Gregor and Albrecht
enough for giving them the opportunity to become a part of Master
Billy’s family. They assured their giant hosts they couldn’t be
happier. The twins told them the same and swore Master Billy increased
their musical abilities and taught them so much their old masters
wouldn’t recognize their playing. Hank and Buck didn’t have to say a
word. The two giants could see the change in them. They radiated their
good mental and physical health and stood proud to be considered two of
Master Billy’s most highly valued and important slaves. Hank and Buck
were his right-hand men and proud of their station in life.
Everyone turned
to watch Billy shed his clothing until he was completely naked. He
slowly approached the giant lady beast, Madam Spartza, and bowed deeply
to her. “It is with complete humility I stand before you, my lady,
unadorned as the day I left my mother’s womb to offer you my respect,
my love, my friendship, and my protection,” he said.
“Your offer is
gratefully accepted, Master Billy. Enough formality, come to me Billy
Daniels and share your love,” the giant Shedu beast commanded.
Billy slowly
walked to her, placed his hand upon her back, and gently stroked her
like a lover might stroke his mate. He immediately became erect, but
didn’t try to hide himself, “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you
again, ma’am, and to be given the honor to become your protector has
filled my heart with a purpose far greater than anything I might have
hoped to accomplish,” Billy said.
“Pshaw,” she
rebuked him, “you had me with your offer of love and friendship. I can
see for myself how happy you are to see me, and I might add, it is a
fine display of masculine joy,” she said wickedly and giggled, “Never
underestimate yourself, young man, nor be ashamed of your natural
physical impulses. It is a strong statement and a great compliment to
me. You have not yet tapped your depths of power, but you will soon.
Together we will adjust the sordid course of your world and prevent it
from cascading into an evil so dark from which there may be no escape
if we do not join forces to rewrite the future. It won’t be easy, but
with patience and hard work, it can be done,” she said humbly.
Albrecht stood
and made an announcement in response to Billy’s actions with Madame
Spartza, “We no longer enforce nakedness of our guest within the
palace; however, until Madame Spartza is installed on Earth with Master
Daniels as her protector, those who wish to approach her here must be
unclothed to assure her protection,” the smaller giant said, “However,
if you leave the palace to visit our world, you must go native, and
that means without clothing,” he added.
The boys
couldn’t stand it and followed their hero’s lead. Clothes were flying
in all directions. They couldn’t get them off fast enough. Even Madame
Spartza laughed at their enthusiasm. Tom laughed at the boys and their
sudden loss of modesty. He thought it was a healthy sign. For all their
bravado, the boys approached the giant Shedu lady with awe and respect.
She thought they were priceless, and the boys won her heart with their
humility, manners, and sincere interest. She saw great things for the
future for the three young men and later confided to Billy she was
amazed at what she saw in young Randy Rutherford’s future. Billy didn’t
ask. Some things he wanted to unfold in a natural manner; others, with
which he was not so comfortable, he would seek her guidance.
“Dearest
Uncles,” Billy addressed Gregor and Albrecht, “What time of day have we
arrived? I see the second sun has not yet peaked over the gorge, the
third moon is still at the first position, and would venture a guess it
is early morning,” Billy ventured.
“And you would
be correct, Master Billy. We are preparing, what you call, breakfast,
the meal
which breaks the fast of night and begins each new day; however, we’re
aware you just finished your supper and have not had time for your meal
to digest nor a rest period. We would not expect you to eat another
meal, but we will be serving Hosanna cakes and our version of your
coffee,” Gregor said.
“If the Irin can
grow Arabian coffee on their world, why can’t you grow it here?” Billy
asked.
“We probably
could. We’ve just never thought to acquire the plants to start
cultivation. Perhaps on one of your future visits, your six month
vacation to Retikki Prime, you might bring us some,” Gregor said.
“Your wish is
our command, Uncle,” Billy replied and grinned. Gregor bellowed with
laugher. “And how many guests will be arriving for breakfast, Uncles?”
Billy asked.
“The high
council, the leaders of our town, and those dignitaries highest in our
society including many of Hank and Buck’s clients -- the usual. Oh,
yes, and one entertainment mogul or as you might call him a “Czar”
managed to oil his way into an invitation via some favors from a most
influential ally to the supreme council and a staunch supporter of your
family’s excellent work on planet Earth in the Sol system. He wants to
arrange a one-time-only performance by your group in the center of the
town square for tomorrow afternoon if you could find it in your big
cowboy heart to grant him and us such a boon,” Gregor teased.
There was a
silence around the garden. “In the name of some unknown god, I love
you, Uncle Gregor. You’s so full of shit,” Billy said and everyone
laughed, “Of course we will oblige your friend. It’s the least we can
do for your generosity and hospitality. We’re ready to play this
morning for your guests, if you like,” Billy said.
“That would be
lovely. We were hoping you might,” Albrecht replied for his mate.
The arrival of
the party from Earth was an ‘event’ on Retikki Prime, and only the
elite of the social order, those of power and influence, who
represented people and wealth were invited to attend; but they, in
turn, extended invitations to the more common folks who volunteered to
represent the classes and were chosen by the people. All in all, it was
a healthy blend of interesting folks. Most remembered Master Billy and
his small band of slaves and his chosen mate, Boomer, who
originally went with him to Earth. Others tuned into the exciting
reality show which stared Master Billy, the cow-person, and his group
of people who were working to bring change to their planet. There was
much talk, catching up, questions about how things were progressing and
everyone participated. The boys were treated like stars, and they
wallowed in their new found fame. Randy was asked many questions and so
were Rory and Calhoun. Billy was impressed, they were young gentleman
and answered intelligently.
The morning was
a great success and after the catering slaves removed the food and
cleaned up, seats were brought out for Master Billy’s quartet. Billy
pulled on his pants to play. He didn’t want to look like he was
copulating with his cello; although, he was sure several of the
climaxes in the Ravel quartet could make him ejaculate. They got out
their instruments, music, and read through the Ravel string quartet.
The audience was mesmerized, but after the completion of the second
movement involving much pizzicato, the audience refused to allow the
musicians to go on until they repeated it. Billy nodded his approval,
and his musicians were happy to comply. After they finished the
quartet, there was thunderous applause from the gathered crowd. The
entertainment Czar, Moewhotoo Gabberdean was beside himself with
superlatively flattering compliments and begged Master Billy to appear
with his musicians under his auspice in the town square the following
afternoon at two past the second sun. Billy agreed and said he planned
to spend some time in the square before hand with his group and could
arrangements be made to transport their instruments from the Palace to
the square? Mr. Gabberdean assured him he would see to it personally,
and their precious instruments would be guarded with their lives.
The crowd asked
for an encore and Billy decide, since the twins were so popular on
Retikki Prime, he would let them shine. Roz took over the cello to play
the basso continuo part to Billy’s synth-harpsichord accompaniment for
the Bach double violin concerto. And how did Billy power his instrument
on a world with totally different electromechanical system, the more
nit-pick'n technical among you may ask? Simple. He had his own living
electro-idiosyncratic creatures with him; Archie and Edith. Along with
Hank and Buck, two of Billy’s gifted Irin slaves created a power supply
about the size of a shoe box for just such an occasion. Archie and
Edith sat in two chairs, held hands, and in their other hand held an
electromagnetic coil which they allowed to rest comfortably in their
laps. They raised their beautiful wings to absorb the ambient
electrical energy around them and channeled it into the coils.
They completed an electrical circuit with the power supply. Billy could
plug in as many instruments to the small box as he needed. It took
little or no effort from his beautiful Psyches, and they were thrilled
and proud to be a part of the musical moment. Billy always remembered
them and gave them credit their talents provided for the concert.
Billy and Roz
spoke later of the performance, and they agreed their halfling brothers
never played with more verve or passion. They wanted to project their
joy at being back on Retikki Prime, but they also wanted everyone to
know how far they had come in their musical abilities, and their new
found happiness living and working with their new master. They saw
their performance as a reflection, not only of themselves, but their
master and fellow musician, Roz. The audience was stunned. There was
complete and utter silence after the last note sounded. Suddenly,
someone yelled at the top of his booming voice, “Hosanna!” and the
gathered crowd echoed his exclamation with a resounding, “Hosanna in
the highest!” They repeated the call and response three times which was
the highest possible compliment an artist could garner on Retikki
Prime. Then the audience broke into raucous and uproarious applause,
shouts, whistles, and further shouts of 'Hosanna.’
“We have a
request,” Albrecht said.
“Name it,
Uncle?” Billy replied.
“We would like
to hear Roz play the Heinrich Biber Passacaglia for solo Viola she’s
been practicing on the sly,” Albrecht said.
“Have you been
holding out on me, Roz?” Billy asked and grinned.
“She goes down
to the river and plays for the deer who gather to listen. We’ve counted
as many as twenty at one time,” Gregor said.
Roz blushed.
“It’s true. I was afraid my playing in the barn might be disturbing
some folks, so I walk down to river. The deer have become my practice
audience, and they are my musical gage. If the deer stay and listen, I
know I’m playing well. If they become disinterested and start to wander
off, I know I must play better. I even have an audience of several
Bigfoot and a couple of daddy long-legs who come to listen. They show
their appreciation by leaving me offerings of wildflowers and fresh
catfish they catch by hand from the river. They carefully arrange them
on the rock next to the water where I stand to play. I would be
thrilled and honored to play it for you, sirs,” Roz said.
Billy winked at
her and gave her the stage. Her playing was masterful and there were
several big monsters who shed tears at the beautiful sounds and
variations she pulled out of her instrument all played over a ground
base melody which gave the effect of two Violas playing together. There
was no doubt in anyone’s mind Roz was a major talent. They applauded
and chanted her name amid ‘Hosannas’ and whistling. Audiences are
pretty much the same all over the universe when they have been so
richly entertained as Roz did for them. Billy took her into his
big cowboy arms, held her to him, and gently kissed her on her
forehead. “That was outstanding, dear heart. Ain’t never heard it
played better,” he said and the crowd went crazy again. Billy held up
his hand. “You will get another chance to hear Roz play tomorrow
afternoon if you come to the town square. I promise, we have a
lovely piece for you to hear what will showcase our young talented
Viola player. You won’t want to miss it,” Billy said and they applauded
again. The morning concert was over and Billy hugged, kissed, and
graciously thanked his power suppliers. Archie and Edith beamed with
pride.
The crowd
politely broke up, said their goodbyes and wished everyone well and to
enjoy their visit to Retikki Prime. Billy’s posse was left alone with
his and Boomer’s giant uncles as well as some attendants. Madame
Spartza decided to retire to her temporary quarters in the palace and
Balthazar saw to her but soon rejoined Master Billy and his group. He
left early and was on Retikki Prime for a couple of weeks making final
arrangements so when they were ready to go back through the gate to the
line cabin, then transport her to Nick’s ship, everything would be
ready. Gregor and Albrecht insisted on moving her to the Palace soon
after Billy’s first visit because they were afraid for her. Word got
out assassins were looking for her. They made a lucky guess a
Shedu might be dwelling among the vast cosmopolitan civilization on
Retikki Prime. There was no word there was still a male Shedu left
alive, or they would have turned every stone in the cluster of the
Seven
Sisters to find her.
“Thank you,
Master Billy, for performing for us and our guests; also, for agreeing
to perform tomorrow afternoon at the square,” Albrecht said, “What
would you like to do for the rest of the day?” he asked.
“I would like to
take my family into town for them to get a taste of what living on
another world is like,” Billy replied, “Do my halflings, and my husband
still have credits available to them in case we need them?” he asked.
“Most certainly.
Castor and Pollox Daniels have an account, and Boomer Daniels still has
his. The last we checked the amount was several hundred thousand
credits, but I’m sure there’s more by now -- enough to royally
entertain your family for a couple of years. You have no idea your own
self-worth on our planet, young master. You have an account which
rivals some of our top ten wealthiest families combined fortunes. All
you have to do is wave your hand over a scanner and anything you
purchase will be paid for. Cass and Poly will show you,” Gregor replied.
“Any word from
the Irin?” Billy asked.
“Yes, they have
been quite generous with friendly relations, and we are slowly building
confidence with each other, thanks to you and their interest in your
world. Of course they know you’re coming and have requested an audience
for tomorrow evening for dinner with you and your family to attend. We
know you’re looking forward to having your special people you brought
with you enhanced. We will do our part this evening, and they will add
the finishing touches tomorrow evening. In the meantime, you will need
additional protectors for your family. While we’re quite proud of our
nephew and his developing abilities, and how well he’s working out with
your family, you must have at least a couple more protectors,” Albrecht
said.
“I
was hope’n you might consider a couple. Maybe three if you see fit
to grace us with another. I’m sure you’re aware, we already got several
wild ones on our planet already,” Billy said.
“We’re well
aware of every watcher on Earth and have become quite familiar with
their adopted brothers you call the daddy long-legs. We have never
brought a daddy long-leg to our planet, but we know them all and how
they fit into our watcher society -- such as it is. They were shunned
at first, but we came to take pity on them and began to help them. They
are strong of purpose and loyal to a fault to their watcher brothers.
Many have given their lives for one of our kind without a second
thought. You don’t turn your back on dedication like that. We
encouraged our Earthly watchers to selectively include them among them,
but mantain an open door policy for them should they feel the need
to roam alone. Most are mentally and spiritually broken and downtrodden
because of the lack of empathy in your society. Some are physically
scared and mamed by war. Many have served honorably in the armed
services of their county and are valiant heroes. We humbly urge you to
offer them sanctuary and succor, Master Billy. Madame Spartza has seen
several in your area with great talents who would be a great boon for
you,” Gregor explained.
“I have already
put the word out to a combined group of watchers and long-legs on my
little brothers ranch we accidentally ran across the other day. I told
them they are welcome to live and forge on several ranches in the
area and they will neither be bothered no harmed. I stressed we would
try to assist those daddy long-legs who wished to
return to society. When did you have in mind for us to choose, and with
whom are they intended to be bonded?” Billy
asked.
“Your sheriff
needs a protector for him and his family. He’s wanted one for several
years. He’s been bonded in his dreams for sometime now with one who
lives on his and his dad’s ranch. The McMartin brothers and family also
need a protector,” Gregor said.
“I agree,” Billy
said, “I realized last week Tom’s family needs a protector, but I’ve
not said anything to him. My first step was to get him and his boys to
Retikki Prime,” Billy added.
“Oh, Dad, can we
have our very own Bigfoot?” Rory and Calhoun pleaded.
“In two months
you’re going to have a pup to take care of. Do you boys think you could
learn to groom one of them big monsters? It ain’t like having a
hamster, you know?” Tom asked like he was overwhelmed at the thought,
“Besides, we live in the city, and he wouldn’t have the country to
roam. It just wouldn’t be fair to him,” Tom added.
“Master Billy
would you let us keep him at the ranch? We could come on weekends and
learn to groom and take care of him -- please!” they wailed.
“Of course you
can. You don’t have to ask. We can milk him just like we do Boomer and
the rest of us when we morph into watchers so’s we can have an adequate
supply of watcher’s milk,” Billy replied.
Gregor and
Albrecht almost fell down laughing. “You men morph into watchers to
make more milk? Why didn’t you say something or have Boomer contact us?
We would send them to your back door or the cave where Nick’s ship is
docked. There’s lots of watcher milk going to waste out there,” Gregor
said. “And while we’re on the subject, the most needy of your family
for a protector is your little cowboy brother, Randy Rutherford,” he
added.
“I couldn’t
agree more,” Billy replied.
The boys didn’t
bother to put their clothes back on. Everyone who came to breakfast was
naked, and they felt comfortable. Randy ran to Gregor’s big arms and
gave him a kiss and a hug. “Bring in the available watchers from
Earth,” the giant commanded. Slowly, and very shyly a group of about
twenty-five watchers of varying sizes walked into the far end of the
garden all bunched up together. “Sheriff Tate, you know your watcher.
You have already named him, and you have accepted him by bond in your
dreams. Call out his name,” Gregor said.
“No need, your
honor, I see him,” Will Tate stood and without thinking found himself
shedding his clothes until he was naked. He slowly walked toward the
gathered, huddled group of wild Bigfoot from Earth and held out his
hand for his chosen one. “Come, take my hand my handsome brother, I
have already chosen you in my heart to be my protector, and your name
shall be ‘Bear,’” the sheriff said. The watcher came to Will with a
smile on his face, took his hand in his big paw and dropped to his
knees in front of him. “Rise, and show your master your love, my
faithful Bear,” Will said. The giant monster did as he was told and
shared his first kiss with his new master. “My god, I’ve been wanting
to do that ever since I laid eyes on you years ago, Bear,” he said,
“Welcome to my family, brother,” he added.
“I’m glad to
belong to you and your family, Sheriff. Bear love you for many years. I
hope you be happy with me,” Bear said.
“There ain’t no
doubt in my mind,” Will replied.
“You sure it’s
all right with you to keep our protector at the ranch, Billy?” Tom
asked.
“You got my word
as a cowboy, Brother,” Billy replied.
“Good enough.
You boys got any idea which one you want?” Tom asked. He could see the
watcher they were looking at and whispering back an forth.
“We want
‘Caesar,’” Rory said.
“The albino?”
Tom asked.
“He’s the one,
Dad,” Cal confirmed, “He wants to be our protector,” he added.
“He’ll stick out
like a sore thumb,” Tom mused.
“Which one
won’t?” Billy asked and laughed. “I think the boys picked a good’un.
He’s certainly big enough to protect the whole damn family, including
yore' grandma. And as an added bonus, we could color him for Easter
like one a’
them little chicks,” Billy added wickedly and everyone laughed. “Where
did they get the name, 'Caesar’?” Billy asked.
“They’re big
fans of the 'Planet of the Apes’ series and ga-ga crazy for the latest
one. The poor thing. He’s lucky they didn’t name him after their
favorite character,” Tom allowed dryly.
“Who’s their
favorite character?” Billy bit.
“Dr. Zaius,” Tom
replied and everyone laughed.
“That is a
relief," Billy agreed and everyone laughed again. “That only leaves one
watcher-protector to pick. Which one of them handsome beasts shall it
be, pod’na’?” Billy asked his little buddy.
There were big
tears running down Randy’s handsome face like his heart was broken.
Gregor
petted him and tried to soothe the boy. “There, there, what’s the
matter little one? Are you frightened of them? There’s nothing to be
afraid of. Anyone of them would be proud to be your protector,” the
giant said softly.
“My heart is not
among them, Uncle Gregor,” Randy managed to get out through his tears.
“He had his
heart set on a huge watcher he already befriended whom he named ‘Ludo,’
and he don’t see him among the group,” Billy explained.
“Are you sure,
Son?” Gregor asked.
“Yes, sir, he
ain’t there. I’d know it if’n he was,” Randy said like his heart was
breaking.
“Look a little
closer -- behind that big bush over there -- to the right of the
group,” Gregor said, and he stood to his full height of fifteen feet.
Randy got a bird’s eye view of the group and sure enough there was a
big, ugly, grinning Bigfoot face peaking out from behind the bush he
recognized. He saw the black rim of fur that outlined his monster’s
reddish-brown facial hair like a picture frame. Ludo wasn’t the best
looking watcher of the bunch, but to one little boy, his ugly face was
the picture of love and belonged to a source of masculine power he so
longed to call his own. Fortunately, Ludo
shared Randy’s heart. He desperately needed to be needed, and he
thought young Randy Rutherford just might fill his lonely heart.
“Ludo!” Randy
hollered at the top of his lungs and wiggled to get loose from the huge
giant. Gregor almost dropped him and laughed as he lowered Randy to the
ground. His legs were already running as he hit the ground, and he
covered the distance like a pony express rider late with the mail. Ludo
moved out from behind the bush, knelt on one knee, and opened his big
arms for his little friend. Randy jumped the last few feet to be caught
in the huge beast’s arms. Ludo lifted him high above his head and
turned slowly as if to show the world his trophy, his little buddy who
loved him enough to shed tears for him. “I don’t want no other
protector but you, Ludo. You’s my bonded brother. I love you, Ludo,”
Randy said loud enough everyone could hear.
“Nice one, Uncle
Gregor,” Billy complimented his uncle-in-law on his clever surprise for
Randy.
“Don’t get much
chance to see such joy and happiness. We thought we’d just milk it a
little,” the huge giant said sheepishly, and they shared a laugh.
“Why didn’t you
tell me you would be here?” Randy asked his protector.
“I didn’t know,
Master Randy. I was called after you left,” Ludo replied honestly.
“Well, I’m glad
you’re here to share this time with me,” Randy said.
“I knew you were
special when I first saw you several years ago, but being such an ugly
beast, I never imagined I’d be assigned as your protector. I hope
you’ll be happy with me, young master,” Ludo said sincerely.
“I hope you’re
comfortable and happy with me, Ludo -- and y’ain’t ugly,” Randy
replied, hugged Ludo, and gave him another kiss.
* * * * * * *
Billy and his
family were shown to their rooms. Billy was given a suite of rooms for
him, Nick, Boomer, the twins, Randy and Ludo, and Clyde. The sheriff
and his dad were given two rooms with an adjoining bath -- an extra
room for their new family addition. Billy’s Irin cowboy foreman, Andy,
and Vox were given a room together with two enormous beds. Tom and his
boys were given two rooms with four beds. Tom laughed. He knew only two
beds would be occupied -- his and Caesars. Roz was given a smaller room
to herself with a handmaiden who stayed in a small anteroom off the
entry way available to her at all times who also acted as a guard for
her privacy and protection. Tron and Nathan were given one large
sumptuous room with two huge beds and laughed at the idea both would be
used. The same went for Enoch and Moss. Hank and Buck were given a room
next to the big cowboys. Last but not least Archie and Edith were given
their own room next to their master’s suite of rooms.
Billy instructed
them to get comfortable, and he carefully explained the rules again.
Men could wear their boots and hats and Roz could wear a scarf and her
canvas sneakers, but that was all. They wouldn’t be chilled because the
year round temperature on Retikki Prime only varied one or two degrees
from 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When they were ready, they would meet in
the large foyer at the entrance to their wing of the castle. It didn’t
take them long. Everyone was excited to explore a new world with Master
Billy and his family as their guides. Billy put Hank and Buck in charge
with the twins as their ready assistants. They knew as much or more
about the town than any guide the Palace might provide.
Billy asked how
long they thought it might take for everyone to ‘get comfortable’ and
all agreed to thirty minutes. They met in the foyer and once they got
over the initial shock of everyone being nude they proceeded to the
exit of the Palace. Billy agreed to let Boomer and the twins take care
of any charges they might incur as anything spent was for the benefit
of their whole family. Boomer, Cass, and Poly looked upon it as an
honor. They boarded an electric trolley at the base of the huge stairs
up to the entryway of the Palace and traveled to the mag-amp-antigrav
shuttle line going into the city. Billy’s family boarded the mag-lift
carriage and almost completely filled one by themselves. There were
only two other passengers. They smiled and introduced themselves. They
were thrilled to be traveling into the city with such well-known
figures as Master Billy and his family.
Billy escorted
Roz everywhere they went and she was constantly surrounded by the
family’s huge watcher-protectors and Billy’s big cowboy brothers. Even
the twins were looking out for her and treated her like their dearest
sister. Roz was having a ball. She wasn’t the least nervous by her
nakedness nor that of her male companions. “Not meaning to stare, but
are you beginning to show, dear heart?” he asked.
“I think so,
Master. I asked Mistress Kate and Zelma before we left, and they seemed
to agree; however, I haven’t felt him kick yet. I know he’s there. He
watches everything through my eyes like it’s a dreamworld to him. He
loves music. He loves my playing. He’s most at ease when he hears me
singing to him with my viola. It is for him I play my best. He doesn’t
fully comprehend, but he’s learning fast,” Roz said.
Billy’s family
were agog at the sumptuousness of the mag-lift car and the comfort of
the seats. They were so posh the men commented they were glad they were
naked to enjoy the sensuality of the soft velvety seats which seemed to
mold themselves perfectly to all parts of their bodies. It was an
incredible feeling. There was no graffiti or dirt. The carriages were
spotlessly clean and the ride was so smooth you couldn’t feel movement
other than acceleration and slowing. Since they paid a bit more and
took the luxury express there were no other stops along the way. They
arrived at the heart of the large city and the huge town square shortly
before midday. When they disembarked they were recognized immediately.
Throngs of people came to gather around and applaud for them to show
their approval. Billy’s family were overwhelmed.
“You think it’s
the boots and hats what give us away?” Billy asked his uncle and his
mate.
“More likely the
“Billy Daniels’ Show,” Tron said dryly, “On the other hand, ever’body
loves cowboys,” he said. They shared a laugh.
They came to the
arts and performer’s area. Roz was enchanted by a hand worked platinum
gold bracelet with inlaid rubies, emeralds, diamonds, delicately
arranged within a field of pink amethyst. There was a set of three, but
each one was slightly different. Roz was holding the one she liked
best.
“Would you like
to have it, dear heart?” Billy asked.
“I would never
presume, Master. I was just looking and admiring,” she replied.
“Would you like
it for a souvenir of your first trip to Retikki Prime?” Billy asked.
“It’s probably
far too expensive, Master Billy,” she replied.
“Sometimes not,
if you buy in volume,” Billy said, “How much for the three bracelets?”
he asked the lady behind the table, and she quoted him a price. Billy
turned to his guides, Hank, Buck, the twins, Archie and Edith. “Is it a
good price?” he asked them.
“Yes, Master
Billy. It’s a very good price. We have seen less craftsmanship for many
more credits,” they agreed.
“We will take
them,” Billy told the proprietress. She handed the one Roz liked to
Billy, and he placed it on Roz’s wrist. She gave him a big hug and a
kiss. Billy got an erection, but no one said a word. The other two
bracelets the lady boxed and carefully wrapped separately, then handed
them to Billy. With Cass’s help Billy passed his hand over the scanner
and paid for them, he thanked the lady, and they were off to see and
enjoy more sights.
“For Mistresses
Kate and Zelma?” Roz asked about the other two bracelets.
“Exactly. You
think they’ll like them?” Billy asked.
“I can assure
you they will, Master. There’s nothing on Earth like them at any
price,” Roz replied, “I will treasure mine forever, sir, and I think
the extra added weight to my bow arm will increase the intensity of my
tone,” she added and smiled.
“You’re worth
it, little sister, glad you agreed to come with us,” Billy said.
“It’s an honor
and a thrill to be here, sir,” she replied.
They took their
time to take in the sights. They didn’t hurry and moved from place to
place and saw wonderful things they could never imagine. The more they
saw and did, the less self-conscious everyone became about their
nudity. The boys adjusted quicker than the men and led their protectors
around like they were one big family -- and, that’s exactly what they
were. They were the Billy Daniels family from a place called Texas on
an insignificant planet the natives named ‘Earth’ in the Sol system in
a galaxy known as the Milky Way.
End of Chapter
27 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~
© ~ 2012 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
E-mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
09/17/2012
WC = 13286