Him Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 6

"The most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured." ~ Kurt Vonnegut


Nick finally got himself together. “Clyde, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“I live here,” Clyde replied, without giving him much. He didn’t know how much Nick knew or how much Billy wanted him to know.

“What’s going on?” Nick pleaded.

“I’m a gift to Master Billy from the supreme leader of the Irin. I’m his slave. I live here, now,” Clyde said proudly.
 
“You’re a messenger for the Irin?” Nick asked.

“I was. I’m Master Billy’s messenger now,” Clyde corrected him.

“I don’t understand,” Nick said, “Billy left to meet the Grigori, and he met the Irin, too?” Nick asked.

“E’aup, I heard a lot about Master Billy, and wanted to meet him in person. My master sent me to Earth to observe Master Billy for a while, but neither to contact, nor interact with him. I followed him closely, watched him for several days, and I was impressed. To tell the truth, I developed a brotherly crush on him. I reported back to my masters, I thought Master Billy was one of the finest young humans I ever run across, and I was quite taken with him. From my report, they wanted to meet him, and sent me to Retikki Prime to gather him and his family to spend an evening with them.

“I flew them to the artificially created Irin world of Fort Adam Lear, a duplicate of Earth and its satellite, in the Andromeda galaxy for a Western cookout under the stars. We had a great time. When my master asked if I wanted to become Master Billy’s slave and serve him, I jumped at the chance,” Clyde replied, “I told him,‘Hell, yes, I wanna’ be Master Billy’s slave,’” Clyde said with the bravado of a buckaroo.
 
Billy heard a couple of cows outside, looked at Clyde, and winked. Clyde nodded and grinned.

“I know Boomer is a watcher, but who are these other people?” Nick asked.

“Easy, Tonto, give us some time. We’ll explain everything. These two fine looking mature buckaroos, Hank Renfrow, and his mate, Buck Appleby, are two cowboys kidnapped from Earth sixty-two years ago by the grays, sold to the greens for food, and rescued by the watchers. With them, when they were taken on board the watcher’s ship, were the two beautiful winged folks you see before you. The cowboys named them ‘Archie’ and ‘Edith.’ They became close friends and family because of their shared experience, and later, the four of them became close friends with the smaller cowboys, Castor and Pollux.

“Cass and Poly ain’t midgets or dwarfs, Nick. They’s two grown men what asked to become my slaves and come with their older cowboy brother’s family to Earth and become a part of my slave family. Boomer and I met these good folks on the watcher’s home world of Retikki Prime, and we fell in love with them. They were given to me by the watcher high council to be my slaves to help me get started to save Earth from advancing further into total chaos and tyranny,” Billy explained.

“They don’t look like much to me. For a job that big, you need a lot of bodies,” Nick said.

“How many?” Billy asked.

“At least fifty -- maybe a hun’nert, to start,” Nick replied, using cowboy lingo.

“How ‘bout five hun’nert and eight, including Boomer, with five hun’nert more waiting back on Fort Adam Lear?” Billy asked and winked at Clyde.

“No!” exclaimed Nick, “Where are they?” he asked.

“Look out the window, bird-man,” Billy said and grinned. Everyone else but Nick laughed.

Nick walked to the window and looked out. As far as he could see was brown shaggy cows who looked like they were wearing heavy coats. “Holy shit! They’s a bunch of woolly cows standing around out there!” Nick exclaimed.

“Don’t let appearances fool you, brother,” Clyde said, “Them cows can morph like you and me. It’s an occupation. The best young men and women the Irin have to offer. They volunteered to come on this mission, to become Master Billy’s slaves, and help him with his project,” he said.

Clyde smiled at the stunned look on Billy’s face. Obviously, Ramrod Matt didn’t tell Clyde’s young master they would be his slaves, but Billy took it in stride. After what he saw and the marvels he experienced while he was away, Billy didn’t think much could surprise him anymore. Besides, he was beginning to think the word ‘slave’ in his own personal world was synonymous with 'family.’ Since he never had much family the prospects of a larger family were not unattractive to him.  

“What about Boomer?” Nick asked.

“It just so happens them knights what say 'Nee’ turned out to be old Boomer’s uncles. Because I saved Boomer’s life they decided to give him to me to be my slave, or at least that’s what they told me,” Billy said, “and since he was my first slave, I made him my number one. Old Boomer and me -- we bonded while we’s on Retikki Prime. We done made the beast with two backs. He’s also my mate, which makes me an in-law to his uncles on the high council,” Billy added.

“See, I told you they set me up to become yore’ slave,” Nick said.

“We’ll talk about that later,” Billy said, but didn’t give Nick anymore. “Right now we gotta’ get these folks settled and figure out what to do with the herd outside the door. Ain’t gonna’ be long afore they need to be fed. While we got a good bit of hay in the barn and some up to the ranch, we’re gonna’ need more,” he said, “but first, I need a cup of coffee to warm up. Damnation, it’s cold, and it’s still snowing out. I hope it lets up soon,” Billy said, “But with all the shit what’s going on, and our lives moving so fast, I done thought of you, Tonto. I brought you some Hosanna cakes to have with yore’ coffee and sweeten your world a bit. You’re gonna’ love ‘em and them two younger cowboys right there are responsible for the delicious filling inside ‘em,” he added and grinned. Everyone laughed but Nick.

Hank handed Nick the box of Hosanna cakes, took his coffee cup to refill, shook his hand, and introduced himself, his mate Buck, the twins, Archie, and Edith to him. Hank headed for the coffee pot and poured Billy and Nick a cup of coffee, and brought it to them. He found several more mugs and asked who else wanted coffee. Buck and Clyde held up their hands, but the twins and the Psyches declined. They decided coffee was an acquired taste, and they weren’t yet taken with it.

“Number One, what’s first on our priority list of things to get done?” Billy asked Boomer.

“We need heat in the barn so’s we can spread out, and won’t be stepping on each other. You need to call your uncle and pass them numbers Madam Spartza give you on to him so’s he can drive into town and buy a ticket for the Lotto. We probably should find the leader of them folks outside, have him and his cowboys morph to give us a hand taking care of the rest. We can’t take care of them cows by ourselves without help -- and there’s the small matter of Billy Junior,” Boomer said.

“Good report, Boom, we should ask the lead cowboy’s help with that little matter. Maybe he can find a volunteer mother. If not we can search for my favorite old heifer Nelly Belle when the weather gets a little better. Can they speak in animal form, Clyde?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, but they been instructed never to speak unless it’s to someone trusted. Do you have room for them, if you have a few of them morph into humans?” Clyde asked.

“Yeah, we got a bunkhouse up to the ranch which once housed thirty hands and a foreman. It ain’t been used in years, but it’s still in pretty good shape. With the workforce we’re gonna’ have we should be able to fix it up right nice,” Billy said.

“Once they morph, they’ll need clothes. I can provide the cowboys with one outfit like I done you men, but we’ll have to think about getting more clothes. You’re gonna’ need supplies and material for building or remodeling the old bunkhouse. We’re gonna’ need money, boss,” Clyde said.

“All right. I need to call the gold broker the watchers referred us to, set up an appointment, and make a trip to Houston; however, that’s gonna’ take a whole day or more,” Billy mused.

“Not on angel flight, Kemosabe,” Nick said, “Me, Clyde, or both can get you there and back in a matter of minutes -- a couple of hours at the most,” Nick said.

“How would you know where to go to avoid discovery?” Billy asked.

“You got his phone number?” Nick asked.

“Yes, sir,” Billy replied.

“Get the amount of gold you want exchanged. Call the broker and set up an appointment. Ask him if he can do business with you today. If he ain’t busy, tell him we’ll be right there. While you talk with him, me and Clyde can triangulate his coordinates, and take you directly to his office. No sweat,” Nick said. Clyde nodded his head in agreement.

The men sat and drank their coffee while Nick and Clyde caught up on what they were doing for the last several hundred years. Billy finished his coffee and got his heavy fleece-lined jacket out of the hall closet to wear into the cold barn. “Well, I guess I’ll go and start a fire in the stove and the old fifty-five gallon drums we sometimes use for barbecue. It’ll take a while to warm up, but I don’t want anybody in there until it gets warmer,” he started for the barn door and Archie took one of his hands and Edith took the other.

They smiled up at him, “We go with you, Master Billy, we earn our keep,” Archie said.

“I really appreciate you folks wanting to help, but it’s damn cold in there, and it won’t take me long to get a fire going to warm it up for us; then, we can all go in there,” Billy said.

“We go with you, sir,” Edith said firmly and smiled sweetly, “Trust us to take care of you, Master Billy,” she added.

Billy shook his head and smiled, “All right, I will trust you. Come then, but if’n it gets too cold for you, let me know,” he said. Archie and Edith didn’t answer, but led him to the door; almost pulling him. The others smiled at them. Billy undid the huge door, opened it to let them pass, followed them in, and turned to close the door. He watched Archie and Edith quickly move to opposite ends of the huge barn.

When they got where they were going, they looked at each other smiled, nodded their little heads, held up their right arms, pointed their index finger at a forty-five degree angle, and stomped their right foot in unison. A solid beam of light shot out from their pointed fingers and the light converged just a bit below the tin roof of the barn, but not close to a rafter. It coalesced into a ball about the size of a basket ball, and began to radiate the most wonderful heat.

When the psyches were certain their creation would continue on its own, they nodded, stomped their foot again, and broke the beam at the same time. The ball of soft radiant energy stayed where it was, and before they could rejoin their master, the barn was comfortable enough Billy began to feel too warm in his heavy jacket. He fell to his knees, and opened his arms to them. Without a word they ran to him for a hug and a well deserved kiss.

“Thank you, my friends, my wonderful companions. I promise, I will never question you again. I love you very much, and I’m proud to call you my slaves and my family,” he said sincerely.

“We grow together, Master Billy,” Archie said, “You learn us. We learn you. You good man. You make fine master. Edith and me, we take good care of you, and the rest of our family,” he said.  
 
“How long will it last?” Billy said looking up at the brightly shining ball of plasma.

“Until we stop it, sir,” Edith said and smiled, “It is like a tiny sun. It is self-regenerating and self-regulating,”she added.

“Any chance of setting the barn on fire?” Billy asked.

“None, Master Billy,” Edith replied.

“It’s a wonderful gift. Thank you, and I thank you for the others as well,” Billy complimented them. They got big smiles on their faces. They were happy they pleased their master.

“Would you mind answering a personal question for me?” he asked.

“You are our master, sir; as your slaves, we can have no secrets from you,” Archie said quietly.

“Have you been unable to have young because of a nutritional deficiency in your diet? You ain’t been get’n the proper foods to eat?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir. Our diet requires more fruits and vegetables than meat, starches, and sugars. Not much fruit on Retikki Prime,” Archie said.

“I noticed. I promise we will see to it you get the right foods and proper nourishment. Then, the rest is up to you,” Billy grinned.

“We understand, Master,” Edith put her small hand on his arm, “We knew before we came from Retikki Prime you would see to our needs. We are most grateful,” she said and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Billy hugged her to him, took the tip of his bandanna, and wiped her tear away. “There, there, sweet lady, there’s no more need for tears. We share a bond of care, one for the other,” Billy said like a sacred oath.

The door to the barn opened. Hank and Buck walked in followed by the twins. They didn’t hear anything and were worried about their master and family. They were followed by Boomer and the messengers. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Billy kneeling on the floor of the barn with Archie and Edith in his arms with a huge plasma ball of radiant energy glowing brightly over their heads. The men were struck by the image of the three of them bathing in the radiant light. It looked like something from an Albrecht Dürer etching of a holy scene.

“My God in heaven -- where did that damn thing come from?” Hank said in awe.

“From our two beautiful family members. It’s their gift to us. I have a feeling it’s only one of many,” Billy said quietly.

Then all hell broke loose with the cowboys and twins, thanking the psyches with handshakes, pats on the back, hugs, and kisses. They were joined by Boomer and the angels. Even Samson and Ms. Maybelle joined them. The barn was a comfortable seventy-eight degrees and held steady.

Billy’s phone rang in his jacket pocket. He could see from the number it was his Uncle Nathan calling him. He checked his jacket pocket to make sure he had Madam Spartza’s note with him. “Tonto, you and Clyde triangulate this call from my uncle. We need to visit the main ranch house. Boomer come stand next to me,” Billy said before he answered. They nodded.

Billy answered, “Hey, Uncle Nate, how ya’ doing?” he asked.

“Pretty good, Son.  How are you?” he asked.

“I’m good. What can I do for you this cold and snowy morning?” he asked.

“Billy, would you happen to know anything about a bunch of woolly brown cows?” he asked like he was frustrated.

Billy couldn’t help chuckle. “How many, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked and grinned.

“I lost track at about two hun’nert. They keep milling about, so it’s hard to get an accurate count,” he said.

“That many? I guess we could rule out strays, huh, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked and chuckled, “I got about two hun’nert and fifty down here, sir. There should be five hun’nert total,” Billy said.

“You know where they come from, Son?” Nathan asked almost like he was afraid to hear the answer.

“Yes, sir, Uncle Nathan. I know exactly where they come from. They come from a planet in the Andromeda galaxy, but the breed originated here on Earth. They’s called Highland Cattle. They’re a rare breed suited for colder climes and weather like we got right now,” Billy explained.

“Does this have anything to do with your Bigfoot friend, Son?” Nathan asked.

“Yes, sir. It has everything to do with Boomer, his race of people called the Watchers, and another race of aliens we met yesterday called the Irin,” Billy replied.

“I’s afraid of that,” Nate said quietly.

“They ain’t nothing to be afraid of, Uncle Nathan. They’s different, but I think they got our best interest at heart. Say -- can we come up to the ranch house to visit for a few minutes, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked.

“Shore,’ but it’s mighty cold out, Son, it’s still snowing,” Nate replied.

“Are you dressed, Uncle Nathan?” Billy asked.

“Yeah, I’m sitting here in the living room in front of the fire,” Nate replied.

“Cover your eyes, Uncle Nate, we’s travel’n with a couple of angels, and there will be a bright flash of light,” Billy said.

Before his uncle could answer, Nick and Clyde transported themselves, Billy, and Boomer to the living room of the Daniel’s ranch house. Nathan still had his cell phone to his ear.

“Woah!” Nathan exclaimed and recoiled when he saw his nephew surrounded by a huge Bigfoot and two large angels; one dressed in some of his old clothes, and the other in cowboy gear.

Billy went to his uncle, and took him into his arms. He hugged him, and kissed Nate on his cheek. “Been want’n to do that for too many years, Uncle. Some things is gonna’ change around here -- hopefully, for the better,” Billy said, “Uncle Nathan, I’m gonna’ jes’ shoot from the hip and tell you what all’s happened to me in the last couple of days. You seen me talking with Boomer before. Boomer is my slave and my bonded mate as of yesterday. He’s my first slave. He was given to me by his two watcher uncles called the Grigori on a planet called Retikki Prime. They’s big critters -- ten to fifteen feet tall, but friendly and lovable.

“This bird-man in yore’ clothes is a creature Samson and I rescued from his spacecraft when it crashed into the James river during that god-awful rain storm. That was the tall tale I was talk’n about night before last. He’s been my guest and patient at the line cabin for the last two days. He was hurt in the crash, and we brought him back to the cabin to tend his wounds. His left wing was torn away from his body. We managed to bind it, and it healed pert-damn quick. He ain’t human and heals faster than we do. He was naked, and I loaned him a pair of yore’ old overalls, a flannel shirt, and your muckabouts. His name is ‘Samu’el,’ but I jes’ call him ‘Tonto.’ He thinks, 'cause I saved his life, he has to become my slave. I ain’t agin it, but we gotta’ talk about it.

“The other bird-man or angel’s name is Clyde. He was owned by an advanced race called the Irin. At their request, Boomer and I visited them good folks on their planet in the Andromeda galaxy. His master and owner give him to me to be my slave as a messenger between his people and mine; but that ain’t all, Uncle Nate. They’s six more folks we met on Retikki Prime back at the line cabin what begged to be my slaves and come to Earth with Boomer and me. They’s wonderful folks,” Billy said. Now, for the strangest part -- them cows out there ain’t real cows. They’s people morphed to look like cattle,” Billy said.

“What’s this all about, Billy?” Nathan asked shaking his head like he was having a hard time understanding. What his nephew was telling him sounded like the myths and legends from biblical times with a little Lewis Carroll and Kurt Vonnegut thrown in for good measure. For Billy and his crew it all seemed perfectly normal, but Nathan was finding it a little tough to chew let alone swallow.

Billy’s Grandma Kate walked into the room and got a big smile on her face when she saw two rather rough looking angels dressed in Western clothes and a Bigfoot standing over them. Billy introduced them to her. His Grandma Kate surprised Billy. She didn’t seem the least taken aback or nervous. She smiled and nodded graciously to the big strangers. She was the picture of a perfect hostess; calm, cool, and collected. “Welcome to our humble home, gentlemen.  Won’t you come with me while Billy talks with his uncle. I just took a fresh apple pie out of the oven and made a big pot of hot chocolate. Won’t you join me in the kitchen,” she invited. They readily agreed, and followed her down the long hallway to the kitchen.

Billy talked with his uncle for an hour or more and invited him to transport to the line cabin with them to meet the others, but Nathan didn’t think he was ready for that. Billy told him everything. He started with the story of him and Samson rescuing Nick to the final trip back through the gates to the line cabin. He didn’t leave anything out, as fantastic as his story might seem.

Billy was a little surprised, once he got to telling his story, step-by-step, his uncle settled down and didn’t seem to be bothered or overly concerned by what he was telling him, nor did he challenge Billy he might not be telling him the truth. When Billy ran out of things to tell his uncle, they sat quietly for a moment.

“I been expecting something like ‘iss, Son. I knew it was coming, but just didn’t know when. I’ll be honest with you, Billy, I’m a selfish old man, and I kept hope’n yore’ grandma and me would have you to ourselves for another couple of years -- at least till you’s twenty-one,” his uncle said and broke into tears. He reached for his bandanna in his back pocket and wiped his eyes.

Billy put his arms around him and held him. “Why ain’t we never shared a closer walk with thee, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked quietly and stole a kiss from his uncle.

“Several reasons. Yore’ granddaddy was your main man and hero until he past away. I could never fill his boots. The only thing I’m good at is being me; but mostly, ‘cause I never wanted to become looked upon as a lecherous old uncle lusting after or taking advantage of his innocent, parent-less young nephew,” Nate said.

“Woah! That’s understandable, but wait a minute -- what about the lecherous young cowboy with raging adolescent hormones what grow’d up lusting after his studly rancher uncle?” Billy asked.

Billy got his uncle laughing. “Damn it, Billy! After yore’ granddaddy died, it become my responsibility to raise you, Son. ‘Course, I weren’t alone. Don’t know what I would a done if’n I didn’t have your grandma to help me. I didn’t know nothing about raising no kid. I knew I weren’t never gonna’ have none. I done the best a confirmed old bachelor cowboy could I suppose, but sometimes I get me a feel’n deep in ma’gut like I failed you. Like I was a pinch hitter what couldn’t hit the ball when he stepped up to the plate at the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded.

Cain’t tell you the number of times I wanted to tell you what you come to mean to me, take you in ma’ arms, steal a kiss, and tell you how much I loved you. You’s a top athlete in secondary and high school and led our team to district champs three years in a row. I’s so damn proud of you my boots didn’t touch the ground during that time. Then, after you started rope’n with Moss Garrett and the two of you started winning every rodeo you entered, I know’d you’s gonna’ be like me. I seen the way you look at him when you thought nobody’s watch’n like he’s the last piece of brisket on the plate and ever’body’s done had some but you, and I could feel it to the bottom of ma’ dark soul, it was more’n hero worship,” Nathan said and smiled.

“What, the hell, you talk’n ‘bout, Uncle Nate? Ain’t a damn thing wrong with yore’ soul. Ain’t nothing dark about it, neither. It’s one of the brightest lights in my heaven. Just tell me one thing true -- j’ever catch me drool’n in me Wranglers?” Billy asked quietly and grinned.

“More’n a few times,” Nate replied and they shared another laugh.

“I ain’t gonna’ deny it. I think I might need me a new gasket for ma’ plumbing. I get a leaky faucet ever’ time I’m around that cowboy,” Billy confessed and grinned.

“So y’ain’t a virgin no more?” Nathan asked.

“Naw, sir -- at least I ain’t to no angel or a long-leggedy beastie -- technically, I guess you could say I’s still a virgin to a man or woman of our species, but what the hell, I don’t look on it that way. Sharing love is, or should be, universal,” Billy said, “Some bible humpers might stretch a point and say I’s practicing bestiality by bed’n old Boomer and bond’n with him to make him ma’ mate. Don’t think you or I ever let what them crazy bastards think bother us none too much,” Billy said.

“No, you’re right, Son, but I jes’ hope your grandma can separate reality from myth and superstition,” Nathan said.

“She’ll be all right, Uncle Nate. I think grandma’s a lot tougher than we give her credit,” Billy consoled his uncle.

Billy told his uncle about the seer, Madam Spartza, and how she gave him some numbers he thought were for the Mega-Lotto. He carefully copied the numbers and gave them to his uncle who said he had to travel into town for some things for his mother anyway. Nate promised he would play the numbers at the Super 'S’ store while he was there. Nathan and Billy would usually play a dollar per week on the Lotto as a fun thing. They never won, but it was a dream they shared of one time hitting it big.

“If they’s the slightest doubt in yore’ mine, let this be the test, Uncle Nate, of ever’ thing I done told you today. If’n we win, we’ll know all this is playing out as it’s meant to be, and we’re where we should be at this moment in time, in a much bigger universe than can be imagined by them fanatical religious fundamentalist yahoos out there,” Billy said.

“I believe you now, Billy, but four-hun’nert and tweny-five million bucks would certainly go a long way toward ironing out the kinks and make life around here a little more comfortable for us,” Nathan said and grinned, “What the hell, it’s only a buck,” he added, “I think maybe I’ll play four more sets of numbers so’s they don’t get the idea we had us an inside edge,” he added.

“Good idea, Uncle Nate,” Billy agreed.

“What’ll we do with the money?” Nathan asked.

“I plan to start our own bank so’s our money can’t be easily traced. We’ll call it the “Hill Country Rancher’s Credit Union Co-op,” Billy said. We’ll put some of our herd to work managing it, and you, grandma, and me will be figure heads what draws a comfortable but not extravagant salary.

“You don’t think small, do you, Son?” Nathan said and grinned.

“All you gotta’ do is look at my chosen mate to know that, Uncle Nate,” Billy replied.
      
“Will Boomer get any bigger,” Nathan asked like he was worried for Billy.

“Oh, dear God, I certainly hope so,” Billy said wickedly. They fell into each other’s arms laughing. “I heard it said, ‘Once a cowboy rides Bigfoot he’ll never be satisfied with another mount.’ I think they’s some truth to it. I plan to measure him and check him again in six months. If’n I don’t see noticeable growth, I’s gonna’ get me one a’ them goose stuff’n machines, and force feed old Boomer three times a day till I do. To hell with more cow-bell, this cowboy wants more Bigfoot bull to ride!” Billy exclaimed, and had his uncle rolling on the sofa from laughter.

“While we’s on the subject of thinking large, Uncle Nate, they’s suppose to be a delivery to the ranch here, of several ranch vehicles which is already been paid for by the Grigori and been written off on other ventures so’s it won’t draw no attention to us or our operations. Don’t know what all they bought us, but according to Boomer our uncles never think small. Expect anything,” Billy said firmly, and shook his head, “You never know what them big critters is libel to do. Whatever they bring, just sign for it,” Billy said and laughed.

“You sound like you’s taken with them,” Nate observed.

“A little more’n just taken with them big clowns. I love them to the depths and heights they’s arms can reach. They’s part of our family, and I hope you get to meet ‘em. One of 'em -- our Uncle Gregor -- is eighteen foot if’n he’s an inch, and his mate -- our Uncle Albrecht -- is a tiny little thing at fifteen feet. Why, you gotta' bend yore’ knees, shade your eyes with yore’ hand a bit, and sort a’ squint to see him stand’n next to Uncle Gregor, or you’s libel to miss him altogether,” Billy said using cowboy hyperbole and got his uncle laughing again. Nate couldn’t imagine a fifteen foot Bigfoot being difficult to see.

Billy’s comportment squeezed Nathan’s heart like a mechanical wringer you fed the clothes through on an old time washing machine. It was almost like he could see his big brother, Gus, looking back at him through Billy’s bright blue eyes. They were so full of honest mischief and the joy of life, anybody who met the young cowboy and was around him for more than fifteen minutes, couldn’t help be taken with his simple, unassuming charm.

Nathan thought, t’weren’t nothing artificial about his nephew. Billy had the same gift of bullshit and cowboy hyperbole his daddy did, except Nathan began to wonder if Billy didn’t have a leg up on his sire in that department. When Nathan was at his lowest, Billy would zero in on his heart and have him laughing in ten minutes or less. It was with mixed emotions Nathan watched his beloved nephew begin to take his first major steps on the sometimes perilous path to growing up.

“Uncle Nathan, I don’t know how much you know about Bigfoot or Watchers, but Boomer and me, we’s gonna’ have us a wee bairn in about nine months,” Billy said proudly, “A little Billy Junior,” he added.

“I’m afraid to ask,” Nathan said.

“You don’t have to, I’ll explain, but it ain’t as bad as you might think. When it come my turn to crawl into Boomer’s saddle, we talked about it, and he allowed my semen to fertilize one of his proto-embryos. I done named him, Billy Augustus Junior. He’s warm and healthy inside my mate’s big body, but we need to get him into a host’s body -- a surrogate mother -- pert-damn quick. Don’t matter the sex. It could attach itself to my lower colon, and in four and a half months he would come out and crawl into Boomer’s pouch like a kangaroo or panda and finish baking. Boomer would feed him from his teats which are filled with the best damn milk you ever tasted.

“The only problem is, what with all that’s going on, I ain’t got time to get pregnant right now. Maybe later, if we decide to have a bairn for Boomer, but not right now. So we decided to put him in a heifer where he can stay full term for nine months. I’s think’n on Nelly Belle, but Ramrod Quigley, the head honcho of the Irin, told us one of his female cows would make a fine mother for little Billy Junior. What do you think?” Billy asked.

“Couldn’t you ask me something I know about?” Nathan asked, and broke up laughing, “All I know is a bull fucks a heifer, she gets pregnant, swells up, and calves. I don’t know nothing ‘bout no human/Bigfoot babies. Will he be human?” he asked.

“A perfect copy of me with a possible seven percent variance due to two percent Bigfoot and another five percent bovine DNA, mostly from blood,” Billy said.

“Just think, he’ll be a real cow-boy,” said Nathan, and roared with laughter.

“You’s all the time accusing me of being part cow, Uncle Nate,” Billy said.

“It’s true. Sometimes I swear you think like them damn cows. Out of thousands of acres on this ranch, you always know just where they’s at,” Nate agreed, and shook his head, “Of course you could use old Nelly Belle. Just have Boomer knock her up. She’s gentle enough and always makes a good mother, but I’d say if’n the ramrod what give you them other cows thinks one a’ them would be a better host for my grand-nephew, then follow his advice. If she can communicate with you, all the better,” Nathan said.

“They all can. You can go out there right now, and talk with them. They know you’re okay to talk with, but they won’t around somebody they don’t know,” Billy said, “You said something earlier about expecting something like this, what did you mean?” Billy asked.

“Something what happened many years ago when you were born. Trust me to tell you about it, but it wouldn’t be proper right now. When I tell you, you’ll understand why. It ain’t nothing bad, but it was something what gave me a brief glimpse into the future,” Nathan said.

“How much hay we got up here, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked.

“Enough to keep a couple hun’nert head of cattle fed for several days, but we’ll need to buy more. We got some money in our operations budget -- about thirty thousand. We can use it until we get more. You said the Grigori gave you gold?” he asked.

“Yes, sir. A lot of it in the form of unstamped pure gold coins, each weighing twenty ounces. They gimme’ the phone number of a gold broker in Houston who will exchange it for cash and won’t cheat us. Do you know what gold prices are now, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked.

“Approximately,” Nathan repied, “After the theocrats, or fundie-fascist, took over the government they decided to screw the people one last time and reenacted the Gold Act of 1933 in which president Roosevelt confiscated all the gold in the U.S. paying only $45 dollars per Troy ounce. It was meant to break up the large monopolies and centralize the wealth of the nation so the government could get the country on its feet again after almost a decade of decline and depression.

“When the theocrats came to power, backed by the one percent monopolies, they hit upon the idea to get everyone else’s piece of the pie using the same Act. They ordered another mass gold confiscation paying only the same amount per ounce. It was not to redistribute the wealth, but to steal what was left of the middle class’s money by putting an even tighter choke hold on them and the poor. It became common knowledge. Having no sense of shame or decorum, Fox news laughed about it and called it the “Revenge of the Milking the Cash Cows Act of 1933." Everyone’s gold went to the one percent with a hefty percentage to the fundamentalist politician and the religions what keep them in power.

“Now it’s against the law for an individual to own gold, but it’s difficult for them to enforce. Once the initial harvest was over, all the gold dried up. They knew to get more from those who prospected or came into wealth they didn’t expect, they had to turn their heads the other way and allow restricted trading. Therefore, as you might expect, gold prices skyrocketed. Last I checked, it was holding steady at ten thousand an ounce with the threat of moving up. Old folks is willing the gold in they’s teeth to their family to be removed before burial. Greed knows no ceiling on the price of precious commodities. They keep raising the price to milk every ounce they can get. It may have gone up since I last checked. How many of them coins you got, Son?” Nate asked.

“They’s a hun’nert per box, and they’s fifty boxes, with another hun’nert boxes waiting for us back on Retikki Prime. They wanted me to bring it all, but I thought fifty might be enough to get us started,” Billy replied.

“Sweet Jesus, Son, minus the broker’s commission, that’s damn near a billion dollars. I’d say that should certainly be enough to get you started on a good solid footing, but I wouldn’t trade it all in at once. Hold some back and keep it in your bank or store it somewhere safe where only one or two people know where it is,” Nathan advised.

“Good idea, if we can rely on you to buy hay for several days, I won’t have to rush to get more cash right away. I can devote more time to getting my family housed and settled, and pay you back in a couple of days when I visit the gold dealer. Is Moss and his dad, Tron, still selling hay, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked.

“Last time I run into them in town, they said they still got quite a bit. Tron don’t never talk much about his finances, but I know him so well, he ain’t doing real good right now. A good chunk of change for some hay just might help them men out of a tight spot right now,” Nathan replied.

“Well, we’s gonna’ have the cash. Let’s buy what we can within reason. By the way, Moss told me his dad’s parents named him after an old movie they saw by the same name,” Billy said.

“Yeah, he hates the name. He never liked either one a them movies, but I think it fits him well enough. He’s a one-of-a-kind buckaroo with a unique name, but when it come to naming his boy, he named him after his granddad, Moss Bradley Garrett. I always told Tron I like his name; he brings more class to the name than them two movies. Most folks don’t know his middle name is ‘Wesley.’ I ask him why he don’t go by ‘Wes’? He said his momma liked to call him Tron, and he never wanted to go agin her memory. When we’s alone together, talk’n serious-like ‘bout personal matters between us, I call him ‘Wes’ like it’s my secret name for him, and it seems to make him happy -- that is, if’n you consider a hard rancher’s cock a happy thing. It usually gits me what I want, and that makes me a happy buckaroo,” Nate said and smiled.

“Humm, I always wondered why you and Tron would go deer hunt’n, but most times, wouldn’t never take me and Moss,” Billy said, “And you rarely come home with a deer,” he added.

“You know the cowboy code, Son,” Nathan said without nuance.

“Yeah, I know, cowboys don’t never kiss and tell, but since we done let our hair down with one another, tell me anyway. How is old Tron?” Billy asked and grinned.

“I’ll tell you like I done told Tron, he’s a credit to his name. ‘Tron’ is a strong and proud name, and Tron Wesley Garrett certainly lives up to it,” Nathan said and grinned. “He did tell me he shared some sage words with his boy about you,” Nathan added.

“Yeah, you care to share with me?” Billy asked.

“He said he told Moss, he’d be a durn fool if’n he didn’t drop his lasso around you and not let you go until you agreed to be his mate,” Nathan said and grinned.

“Hell, Moss wouldn’t have ta’ use no rope. His big arms could hold me jes’ fine, and I wouldn’t even struggle,” Billy muttered, “But I already done took Boomer for my mate, Uncle Nate,” he added.

“That’s the best part of being a cowboy. You don’t expect nothing, but you learn to accept goodness when it comes yore’ way. That way, you know how to best appreciate the good times spent with somebody you care about,” Nate said, “Love is like gold, Son, you can spend it frivolously and have little to show for it when you run out and the good times are gone, but if you invest it, a little here, a little there, in some good men you truly care about, it will pay benefits the rest of yore’ life,” Nathan said.

“How’s your investment in old Tron paying off, Uncle Nate?” Billy asked with a grin.

“Handsomely, Son -- right handsomely. Old Tron is the only one-armed bandit what ever paid off for me. He drops a quarter in ma’ear, ma’teeth fold back, and I drop to ma’knees to pray like a Jew at the wail’n wall. I suck hard on his big crank, and hit the jackpot, ever damn time,” Nate replied with his own colorful hyperbole and grinned. They shared a laugh.

“I can’t wait for you to try my pint size buckaroos, Uncle Nate. You’re in for a treat,” Billy said shaking his head, “Betcha’ cain’t eat just one,” Billy challenged and laughed.

“I’ll call Tron when you leave and have him and Moss bring over eight of those hay round roll-ups. We might have some problem getting them down to the line cabin, but we’ll work it out. If nothing else, we can put some on the wagon and hitch up Samson and Luther to cart a load. We already got a lot stored down ‘nere. I know the cabin’s got the barn, but it’s old and drafty. You’s welcome to house some of your new family in the bunk house up here. Or, we got plenty of rooms upstairs in the main house what ain’t been used in years, and they’s a couple extra bedrooms off your rooms in the tower. The stove in the bunkhouse is old but it still works, and the beds are in pretty good condition. They ain’t great, but they’ll do in a pinch. You may wanna’ get new ones later.”

“Thanks, Uncle Nate, you may see us again real soon. We got us two beautiful winged primate critters -- they look like large multicolored gibbon apes with butterfly wings. They’s wonderful folks, and I wanna’ make sure they’s cared for and looked after. They got some amazing gifts. Grandma’s gonna’ love 'em,” Billy said.

“Speaking of which. . .” Nathan said standing, “lets us join your men in the kitchen with your grandma. I want me a piece of that apple pie, afore it’s all gone,” Nate invited his nephew. Billy followed his uncle down the long hall to the kitchen. When they arrived, Boomer, Clyde, and Nick stood in respect as the men came into the room. “Sit down, gentlemen, we ain’t formal around here,” Nate said.

“Beg’n your pardon, sir,” Clyde said, “you’re master of this house and your nephew is Boomer and my owner, our personal master. We been taught to show respect.”

“And I stood for the same reason, Master Daniels, out of respect for you, your nephew who saved my life, and your gracious and generous mother whose apple pie and hot chocolate is so good it made the angels cry,” said Nick with a hint of cowboy hyperbole.   

“Oh, you. . .” Kate said with a big grin on her face.

“It’s true. I shed a tear the first bite I took,” Clyde said.

“Me, too,” declared Boomer.

Nick pretended to wipe his eyes, “I’m still cry’n,” he said.

“You must a’ got a good scald on ‘nat one, ma,” Nathan said to his mother, “How’s ‘bout a piece for me and our young cowboy master, here?” Nathan asked his mother.

“Certainly, you men take a seat,” Kate replied.

“By the way, Uncle, I brought back a fine Morgan palomino filly from the Irin world for Samson. She’s in the stall next to his down to the line cabin. He seems happy with her,” Billy said and grinned.

“I’ll just bet he is,” Nate said and grinned.

“Billy, these three gentlemen have been telling me about the rest of your family. They sound fascinating. I’m traveling into town with your uncle today to do some shopping. Why don’t you bring your family back with you for supper around six o’clock? I have a feeling you haven’t had time or a chance to provide for them, and cooking for that many at the line cabin would be a real challenge. Maybe the promise of a good meal will help,” Kate said.

“That’s very good of you, Grandma. We will gladly accept your kind invitation. My pint size cowboys are trained cook’s helpers, could you use a couple extra hands in the kitchen?” Billy offered.

“Of course, they will be welcome. It always helps to have more hands, and it’s a bit more pleasant for me to have someone to chat with,” she said, “Are they the young men who are musicians?” Kate asked.

“They are, indeed, Grandma. I’ll have them bring their new fiddles the supreme buckaroo on the planet Fort Adam Lear gave them, because they played them so beautifully. They have a remarkable talent for music,” Billy said.

“Good, I’ll look forward to hearing them play,” Kate said.

Billy’s grandmother was a well educated woman, and knew about literature and fine arts. She attended Mary-Hardin Baylor University as a music major and graduated with a degree in music education with a minor in piano and organ. While she was a student, she began dating a  handsome cowboy, Daws Butler Daniels, who was working toward a degree in business with emphasis on ranch management. He was working his way through school as a farrier. They fell in love and married shortly after they graduated from college.

Daws convinced her his old four story ranch home left to him by his great granddaddy was originally built with a musician in mind. On the third floor was a huge ball room with a pipe organ, and a fine Steinway concert grand piano. Kate kept up her music over the years and would play each year with her local students in a recital she would host in the ballroom every spring and fall. Billy was her star pupil and always made her proud. She also had a wonderful old upright grand in the parlor she played.

Through her influence she got Billy interested in classical music, and encouraged him to watch some of the more intellectual programs on public television with her over the years. She had one room off the kitchen devoted to an ancient stereo system which housed her precious collection of vinyl recordings of classical music; some dating back before Billy was born.

She played the old piano in the parlor and gave Billy lessons until he got so good she told him she didn’t have much more she could teach him. She secretly would have liked for Billy to pursue his music further. She was convinced he had a natural talent, but she never pushed. She finally came to see there was more of her beloved cowboy husband, Daws, in Billy than either of her two sons.

Kate Daniels knew Billy had a more natural outlook to ranching and management than his dad or uncle. Like so many things about Billy, she noticed he excelled in most anything he undertook. Ranch work and management were no exceptions. She overheard Nathan asked his nephew’s opinion on important matters before he made a decision. Most times he would decide in favor of Billy’s suggestions. If he didn’t, Nathan would carefully explain why, then never speak of it again when his plan failed miserably.

Daws Daniels was a cowboy to the core of his being and Billy was heir to his granddad’s deep love for ranching and the cowboy way. Daws lived until Billy was ten years old and died quite suddenly in his sleep one night from a stroke. Billy remembered that day and week as one of the most painful times of his young life.

Nathan and Kate worried about the boy because he seemed to withdraw into himself. He just seemed to lose interest in life. He stopped being a cowboy for a while, and threw himself into his music. It was the only place he could go and not dwell on the loss of his granddad. Daws Butler Daniels was Billy’s rock, his grandson’s faithful companion, and lived only long enough to see the boy to the threshold of puberty.

The adolescent confusion brought about by hormonal changes can be a bear for any kid, let alone one who doesn’t have a strong father figure to answer some pointed questions -- questions Billy knew he’d only feel comfortable asking one man to answer for him, or to explain things he didn’t understand, but he lost him. Billy didn’t think he could go to his uncle with his questions. Instead, he learned to rely on the Internet.

Billy’s uncled, Nathan Tyler Daniels, was a man’s man. While Nathan was a good man and a dedicated cowboy, he weren’t much of a talker. He was quiet, stoic, and suffered the loss of his dad in silence, but it tore him up to see what the sudden passing of Billy’s cowboy granddad, the young boy’s hero, did to him. Nathan could only sit, watch, and wait, as his mother wisely advised him.

As time went on, Billy slowly began to transfer his affections from his granddad to his admiration for the quiet, unassuming, strong man who was his cowboy uncle. One day, Billy decided he was tired of grieving, closed the score of the music he was working on, shut the cover to the piano keys, got up from the Steinway, and went to find his uncle to see what he was doing. From that day forward, Nathan and Billy became a team. His granddad taught Billy how to be a cowboy, and his Uncle Nathan taught him how to become a good man.

Kate’s favorite saying was: “As we grow and mature in life, we become the sum of our parts. Even a man who chooses to live close to the Earth may be touched and enriched by culture and recognized works of great beauty and genius, be they from the past or contemporary. Art, good literature, and fine music are not just condiments brought to the banquet of life. Once introduced to one’s intellectual diet, they become as nourishing a part of life as a good meal.”

Billy believed his grandmother. His music helped him through one of his worst periods. He spent hours at the piano and worked his way through the first book of the Well-Tempered Clavier. Kate’s other favorite saying was: “There’s only one man who has ever looked upon the face of God, and his name was Johann Sebastian Bach.” Billy never doubted.
 
Billy spied some bananas and oranges on the counter and asked his grandmother it he might have a couple of each for his pair of psyches, or butterfly people, as he explained them. Kate gave him a plastic bag and Billy helped himself. She promised she would get more and several other kinds of fruits for them while at the market. Billy thanked her graciously. He didn’t remember seeing bananas or citrus among the fruit they brought back from Retikki Prime.  

“We need to get back to the cabin to the rest of our family,” Billy said, “We got some things to take care of and them cattle to feed. As soon as we can get away, I’ll bring my four cowboy slaves up. Maybe we can give you a hand feeding the critters up here. Afterward, we can take a look at the old bunkhouse together,” Billy said, thinking out loud like a ranch foreman. It was all right with Nathan. He was glad to see Billy was taking control of his life, and if it spilled over onto Nathan and his mother, so be it. Billy was looking out for a number of folks and trying to pull it all together like an orchestral conductor facing performing a difficult score for the first time.

Billy and his men said their goodbyes, and promised they would see them again soon. Clyde, Nick, and Boomer were perfect gentlemen, and thanked their gracious hosts for the visit and the nice treats. They stood together and disappeared within a bright flash of light, and in an instant, reappeared in the barn at the line cabin.

Kate looked at her son, and put her hands to her face to cover her grin. “I never thought I’d live to see real angels,” she said in awe, “and they acted just like they were ordinary folks. I caught a glimpse of Boomer before, but never knew he could speak or was intelligent. I’ve seen programs which speculated about Bigfoot on television and read articles on the Internet, but they were wrong about them. They’re highly intelligent and remarkable creatures. Are these creatures the ones the visitor told us about many years ago, Nathan?” Kate asked.

“Apparently so, ma,” Nathan replied, “I don’t know’s them two with the wings think on theys’selves as no angels, though.”

“Themselves,” Kate corrected her son’s cowboy lingo.

“Yes, ma’am, that’s what I meant, ma. According to Billy they think on ‘themselves’ as 'messengers,’” Nathan said, cleaning up his cowboy talk.

“That’s what it says in the bible -- they were messengers,” Kate said in awe.

“Yes, ma’am,” Nathan said and smiled. He wasn’t convinced they were of divine origin, but didn’t care to pursue the matter further.

* * * * * * *
When Billy, his watcher, and two messengers returned to the barn the rest of his family were sitting on bales of hay having more coffee and enjoying the warm glow from the ball of energy provided by the psyches. Billy walked over to his pets, as he came to think on Archie and Edith, knelt before them, reached into his bag and pulled out two beautiful bananas. He didn’t say anything, but pointed to the glowing ball near the ceiling of the barn, slowly pealed the first banana, and handed it to Edith. He did the same for Archie. They smelled it first. They looked at each other and big smiles spread across their faces. They took a bite and were in heaven. The look on their faces was transcendent. They actually glowed. Billy was amazed. So little effort on his part meant so much to them. He handed them the bag to let them discover the oranges for themselves.  

They men were impressed by the thoughtfulness of their master and quietly applauded the psyche’s good fortune. Everyone seemed to be in great spirits, but there was one extra with them. A remarkably handsome man who was naked, but had a older, clean horse blanket thrown around him to keep him warm. Billy could tell from the faces of his four cowboys the man was the foreman from the herd outside.

Hank stood and motioned to their extra man, “This here fine looking gentleman is the foreman for them cows outside, Master Billy. We took the liberty to have him morph for us so’s we could talk with him about how best we might help you with their needs. May I introduce Andreeson Oleogardenia. We been call’n him ‘Andy’ for short,” Hank said.

The large, muscular beefy man stood, let his blanket slip from him to present his full nakedness to Billy like a sign of humility to show his new master he would hide nothing from him. Andy bowed deeply, walked a few paces toward his new master, dropped to his knees, and kissed each of Billy’s boots. “Rise, my handsome slave and share your love with your master,” Billy said in a commanding, yet welcoming voice.

Andy didn’t hesitate, threw his big arms around Billy in a full embrace, and they shared a goodly kiss. “Thank you, Master Billy, it’s good to meet, and be with you. Thank you for accepting me as your slave, sir,” Andy said.

“Glad to meet you, Andy, and it’s good to have you join our family. I’d be a damn fool not to accept such a fine looking Irin for my slave, and my granddaddy didn’t raise no fool, Son. Welcome to Earth and your new home," Billy said, “Clyde can you outfit this man with some cowboy gear and a heavy jacket,” Billy asked.

“Certainly, but you must release him first, Master,” Clyde replied.

“I ain’t in no hurry, are you, slave?” Billy shot back at Clyde as he winked at Andy and gently fondled his new slave’s handsome tackle causing him to become aroused. Everyone laughed.

“At my master’s leisure, sir,” Clyde said humbly with a grin.

Billy broke up laughing, hugged Andy to him again, and engaged him in another kiss. “As much as I hate to, I guess I’ll have to let you go, Andy, to get you properly clothed,” Billy lamented, “I think the people of Retikki Prime got the right idea -- the less clothing, the better. Someday soon, I plan to have a ‘commons’ area which will be climate controlled with an average comfortable temperature where we may gather and clothing is forbidden; except for boots. There, I may enjoy the natural beauty of my slaves and friends who choose to join us,” he added.
 
Billy moved away and nodded for Clyde to do his thing. Instantly, Andy was transformed to look like the rest of Billy’s buckaroos, complete with a heavy fleece lined waist length jacket. Billy thought Andy made a especially fine looking buckaroo and caused his leaky faucet to drip.
“How many trained cowboys do you have available?” Billy asked.

“Ten for every hundred head so that’s fifty-one including me, sir,” Andy reported.

“Okay, fine, but we won’t activate all at once. We have to make sure we have room. We currently have an older but serviceable bunkhouse which will accommodate thirty cowboys. I don’t want that many morphed until we get a few things done, and one, is to build a remuda. Are your men trained on horseback to ride Western saddles?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, they’re all seasoned cowboys, but they have several other talents and skills as well,” Andy replied.

“We have extra rooms in the ranch house, but I’m reserving them for my immediate family.  We’ll see about other accommodations as they present themselves or we have time and materials to build larger and better facilities. In the meantime, we need to concern ourselves with getting them fed. For today, I think we have enough man power we can manage to take care of them, then tomorrow we’ll have several more men of your choosing morph,” Billy said trying to get organized and think ahead. “I don’t think we’re gonna’ have time to make a trip to the gold exchange today, but tomorrow for sure. We can feed from this barn today and the barn up to the ranch house. It seems half the herd is here, and the other half up near the main ranch house. Has the weather let up any?” Billy asked.

“It stopped snow’n about an hour ago, and the clouds seem to be breaking up. It might even be clear by e’nin,” Hank said, “Ya’ jes’ never know about Texas weather. It could be eighty degrees by sundown,” he added, shaking his head. He was obviously happy to be home.

“Okay, let’s do what we can here, then we’ll transport up to the main house. Everyone has been invited to dinner at the ranch house. Now, until we get everything underway, I may have to asked some of you to take on chores you might not enjoy, but I ain’t trying to be mean spirited by assigning you a menial task. Whatever I ask you to do means that’s where I need you at the moment. Besides, when we’s talk’n ‘bout ranch work it’s all ‘menial.’ Ain’t nothing grand about hard work, but it will make your body stronger and set your spirit free when you know you done a good job,” Billy waxed poetic.

“Cass and Poly, have yore’ fiddles ready to go when we transport. I told my grandma about your musical talents. She’s a fine musician herself, and would enjoy hearing you play. It will help pay for our suppers. When we arrive, the rest of us men will tend to the cattle, but I want you to help Grandma Kate in the kitchen like you done on Retikki Prime. Understand?” Billy asked the twins.

“Yes, sir, Master Billy. We’ll be glad to help any way we can. We’ll make you proud of us, sir.  You won’t be sorry you brought us along, Master,” Cass said and Poly agreed.

“I know, but I won’t always ask those tasks of you; however, until we get this operation underway, you may find yourselves doing these kinds of jobs until I can get you ponies of your own and train you to be buckaroos,” Billy said with concern.

“We understand, Master Billy. It’s enough for us being here with you, Hank, Buck, Archie, Edith, Boomer, and the rest of our family we’re gathering. There’s great excitement in it for us to see an idea being born and take shape,” Poly said and everyone agreed with him.

“Now, my good family -- and until you decide what you want to do, Tonto, I’m including you as part of my family -- since we’re all going to be away to the ranch house for the afternoon and evening, we got a large amount of gold on that small cart we have to do something with to insure it will be here when we return. This cabin is secluded, and there ain’t a lot of folks who know it’s here; nevertheless, there are a few. Occasionally, we get illegal aliens who use the thickets for cover what come up this way and try to break in. Once in a great while, a hunter what gets lost or in trouble will stop by, but most of them know where we hide the key. I’d rather be safe than sorry. The gold not only represents our future as a family, but the combined wealth of six of my closest family members and my mate. Any suggestions?” Billy asked.

“We could instruct the herd to keep anyone away from the cabin, and not allow anyone near it. They will guard it with their lives, Master Billy,” Andy said, “They not only can morph into humanoids like me, they can morph into ferocious beasts that could easily tear the largest man apart, limb from limb. They wouldn’t allow anyone close to the cabin, sir,” Andy assured his master.

“Me and Clyde can make the cart disappear into the next dimension. In case anyone should just happen to get in, they wouldn’t find nothing but the two personal belonging bins,” Nick said.   

“I like that idea, plus the extra added security of two-hun’nert and fifty ferocious beasties standing guard outside. Can I see a show of hands? Who thinks it’s a good idea?” Billy asked.
Everyone held up their hand. “Anybody got a better idea or any suggestions?” Billy asked.

Hank held up his hand. “Yes, Hank?” Billy asked.

“Let’s just make damn sure we feed them cows real good,” he said and grinned.

“Excellent suggestion, buckaroo. I fully agree,” Billy complimented him and laughed.

The men got busy and once again Archie and Edith wanted to help. Billy told them he was worried about them getting too cold. “We different from you, Master Billy,” Edith said, as she took his hand and held it about three inches from her little chest. She started radiating a heat that caused Billy to quickly withdraw his hand.

“Wow!” he exclaimed, “You can adjust your internal body heat?” he asked.

“Yes, sir, we won’t be cold. Besides you need someone to carry portions over the herd. We can fly them over like the messengers, but we use same gift to make small star to levitate large chunks of hay. We show you. You be happy with us,” Archie said and smiled.

Billy just shook his head in amazement. “Come then, let’s show them men what you can do,” Billy said as he took each one’s hand and walked toward the outside barn door. Billy started to climb the ladder to the loft to throw bales of hay down when Hank touched him on the shoulder.

“Y’ain’t had no time to discover your new enhancements the Irin blessed us with, Master Billy.  Watch this,” Hank said. He and Buck raised their right arms and pointed to a large bale of hay. It lifted into the air and easily floated to the ground in front of them. They did it again and again until they had about eight large bales. Then, they lifted one and floated it out the door.

Archie and Edith did the same. Next were the twins who easily lifted their bale, to be followed by Andy and Clyde. Nick motioned for Billy to try, and he did. His first time wasn’t perfect, but Nick helped him until he got the hang of it. Boomer levitated one by himself and carried it outside. They carefully flew or levitated the bales throughout the herd. Billy went from one to the other with a pair of wire cutters and removed the baling wire from each.

“Damnation!” Billy exclaimed, “That sure beats a sore back from lifting them bales and takes the ‘work’ out of ‘ranch work,’” he said and grinned.

As he was standing with Nick, Clyde, and Andy a fine looking young heifer came up to Billy. “Master Billy?” she asked quietly.  

Billy was a bit stunned to hear a cow speak to him but remembered what Andy told him. “Yes, dear?” he asked, and put out his hand to pet her.

“Cowboy Hank, Buck, and our lead cowboy Andy said you were looking for a heifer to carry your son. I’d be proud to be Billy Junior’s surrogate mother, sir. I’m young, healthy, and wise enough to know it comes with certain perks,” she said and laughed, “However, that isn’t the only reason I’d like to do it. I think it would be a great honor, sir,” she said sincerely.

“While I’m flattered you might consider it an honor, the job does come with perks, dear heart. You would stay in the barn, be walked several times a day, and be fed all you want including some special foods and treats. What’s your name?” Billy asked.

“Rozelynn Q. Cumber,” she said, “Cumber is my last name. The ‘Q’ is my middle initial and stands for Que, but you can call me Roz,” she added.

Billy covered his mouth with his hand. He couldn’t help laugh. “Well, Roz, I would be proud for you to carry and bear me and my mate’s bairn. Did you get a good look at him? He’s pretty big, you know. Have you been told what it entails? Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, I understand. I would have to be impregnated by your mate, and yes, I realize he’s quite large. In humanoid form, I’m small for our species, and I wouldn’t be able to accept him; however, while I’m the size of this cow, it will be a piece of cake,” she said.

Billy could swear she winked and grinned at him. “Do you, also, understand you will be pregnant for a full nine months?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, Master Billy. I’m not worried about the time. Just provide me with some distractions in the form of entertainment, educational videos, or music,” she said.

“I promise, it will be done. You will never be left alone for very long. You will be visited and groomed regularly. All right, if you’re sure, follow us back to the barn, and we’ll get you settled in for the night. We won’t impregnate you until we return from the main ranch house later this evening. There will only be three of us here,” Billy said.

“That’s fine, and I’m sure about my decision, sir,” Roz said and started to follow Billy through the herd. She didn’t bother to eat much as she figured she would be fed in the barn. Roz was right.    

The new family returned to the cabin accompanied by the pretty young heifer. Everyone was in good spirits. Archie and Edith got in some flight time spreading hay among the herd. Many raised their heads to watch the beautiful creatures fly overhead, and said a word of thanks to them. The twins made a good accounting for themselves and worked as hard as the other men.

The clouds were breaking up, and the sun began to shine through. It looked like it was going to be a pleasant evening. The cowboys made a place for Roz in the barn and got her some hay and fresh water. She seemed content with her new home. Everyone got busy cleaning up the place and removing personal things from the carts. The twins made sure they brought their fiddles into the cabin to have at the ready.

Billy went through some of his things and ran across the leather picture folder Madam Spartza sent him along with her message by way of her black slave. He opened it, and once again admired her beauty. Billy didn’t show it to Nick. He thought he would set the picture on the mantle of the fireplace in a prominent place for everyone to admire. When Billy was through, Clyde and Nick made the cart disappear into a close dimension.   

It was mid-afternoon and Billy called everyone together.  “I’m proud of what we got done this morning and look forward to getting more done this afternoon with the herd around the main ranch house. While we were working, I got an idea I want to put into action. I cain’t coordinate every last detail of our lives together, so I’m gonna’ have to rely on you good folks to help me. I’m going to delegate certain responsibilities to different people.

“First, I’m assigning Hank Renfrow and Buck Appleby as my cowboy facilitators or executives in charge of the day to day operations of the ranch. Their jobs will be to figure out what we’re gonna’ need in space and materials to run a successful ranch. They can ask anyone of you for help or advice because they’re going to need it, and after we get rolling, they may have a staff under them to help get things done.

They will become responsible for the cowboys and the herd. That includes everything from setting up a chow hall with cooking utensils, to bunk beds, and clothing for the men. They will also be responsible for creating a remuda of good cow ponies for the men to ride. Andy will report to them, and he will be the ramrod of the Irin cowboys. He will work closely with Hank,  Buck, and myself,” Billy said.

“How closely will our handsome studly ramrod cowboy slave be work’n with the three of us, you might ask yourself?” Billy asked like Ed McMahon, and continued, “Don’t!” he exclaimed emphatically.  Just remember: Cowboys don’t never kiss and tell,” Billy said, and everyone laughed. Andy laughed the hardest. He felt comfortable with a master who had a sense of humor and could enjoy a laugh, but Andy was secretly hoping Billy’s comment wasn’t just for fun -- depending on the way you look at it.
 
It was getting on in the afternoon and Billy wanted to get up to the main ranch house to take care of the cows and deliver the twins to his grandmother to help with supper. He asked Hank, Buck, and Andy to check out Roz to make sure she would be all right while they were gone, while he went to feed Samson and Maybelle.

Samson was being a gentleman, but Billy could feel his frustration. He let the big stallion know his needs were on his list of things to take care of during the next several days. Maybelle sensed Billy wanted to speak privately with Samson, and after pleasantries, she excused herself to join the others in the barn. Billy and Sam were alone in the cabin. He decided to feed Samson and Maybelle early and set about getting the chore done.
 
<< They’s something I need to tell you, Billy, >> Sam sent to his young rider.

<< What’s ‘zat, Sam? >> Billy asked.

<< Clyde didn’t tell you the whole truth about him visiting you, >> Samson sent to his young rider.

<< What do you mean?>> Billy asked.

<< He didn’t lie. He visited all right, but it was much later than he let on. He had his reasons and they were sound. He was with us when Nick’s ship was blasted out of the sky by lightening -- only, it weren’t weather made. Nick was right, he was set up, >> Samson said.

<< Oh, dear, are you sure, Sam? >> Billy asked.

<< Trust me, horses are notorious gossips no matter what galaxy they come from, but that ain’t all, >> Sam said.

<< There’s more? >> Billy asked.

<< The Irin done it, not to jeopardize Nick, but to see if you were ready for leadership. It was sort of a dual thing. They wanted you two to be together for mutual support, but they want you to be in control. Nick’s been through a lot. He’s matured and mellowed some, but he’s like an old soldier what’s battle weary. He has a tendency to shoot from the hip without much forethought. That can be good sometimes, and bad at other times. They’s hoping you’ll smooth out his rough edges. Personally, I think you can.

<< I think you’re ready for what’s coming, and I think Nick is just the man, messenger, angel, demon, or whatever you wanna’ call him to inspire you. Personally, I’m fond of ‘Tonto’ and ‘Kemosabe.' Sometime, I’ll share with you what them names really mean. I think they fit you pretty well. Separately, you’re both good, but together you’re like nothing the universe has ever seen before. According to what Maybelle overheard, neither one of you has any idea the power you have at your disposal. Power you will use for good and the final evolution of mankind on this planet so he will be allowed to go out among the stars to join the rest of the inhabited worlds in our vast universe,” Sam said.

<< Neither of you should ever underestimate your new messenger. Clyde watched over you every step of the way when you rescued Nick, but he didn’t interfere. He was told not to unless worse come to worse. He would have, if things got bad enough, but you passed their test with no sweat. You done your job like it was a cakewalk on a warm day in June and you stopped on the magic square at the right moment to win the grand prize. I didn’t know it was a test at the time. I about worried myself to death, but I was damn proud of you, >> Sam said and put his head against Billy’s. Billy patted him and gave him a kiss.

<< Thanks, you’re words of confidence mean a lot to me, pod’na. I ain’t gonna’ lie to Nick, Sam, but neither am I going to betray Clyde, >> Billy said.

<< You don’t have to, Son. Clyde told you the truth about jump’n at the chance to become your slave. He fell in love with you, and has carried a secret crush in his heart for Nick for centuries. He wanted a chance to be with you men. He would never hurt you or Nick. He would give his life to protect both of you, >> Samson said.

<< Besides, >> he continued, << since Nick’s last master, the evil alien, the so called god of the dessert tribes, he’s never given himself to anyone -- let alone a human; but you’re different, and he senses it. His love for you grows by the minute, and he see’s what you’re capable of getting done. He desperately wants to become a part of your family. He’s just about ripe for the pick’n, Son. Maybelle said something will happen this evening what will blow old jaded Nick out of the water, shake him to his core, and his artificially created soul will melt and run down into yore’ uncle’s muckabouts, >> Samson said using cowboy hyperbole and snorted.

<< I’m going to have Nick bunk it in with me this evening. I’m bringing Boomer back so’s he can place our son in the little heifer in the barn. I’ll have him stay the night out there with her. Boomer and I are tight. He knows I have to spend some time with Nick. His uncles done told him, and so did the ramrod of the Irin. He knows he’s my number one, >> Billy said.

<< I don’t foresee any problems. Just be yourself, and everything will work out fine. Oh, yes, Billy, and before I forget, thanks for my gift. She’s everything I could hope for in a mate. Damn, Son, I couldn’t a picked one no purdier. I’ll be a gentleman until you can make proper arrangements, >> Sam said.

One final hug, a quick kiss, and Billy left Samson alone in his stall to finish his supper. Billy returned to the barn to join the others and told Maybelle her supper was waiting for her in her stall. She thanked Billy, and returned to the cabin. Billy called everyone together and explained his plans for the afternoon and evening, and who would be staying where for the night. He explained everything was just a rough guess and plans could change depending on his uncle and grandmother’s wishes or suggestions.

Billy’s young family gathered together and Clyde and Nick transported them to the front porch of the ranch house. Nathan met them at the door and graciously ushered them into the parlor out of the still brisk afternoon air. Billy’s grandmother Kate joined them and Billy introduced the other members of his growing family to them. After introductions, the twins went off to the kitchen to help Kate, while the cowboys and psyches headed for the barn to help Nathan feed the other half of the Irin herd. Nathan was going to take charge, but Billy held him back. “Stand with me uncle, relax, watch, and prepare to be amazed,” Billy said and grinned.

Billy’s crew went into the barn, but Billy and Nathan waited outside. Nathan gasped when he saw the first bale of hay float out of the barn controlled by the beautiful winged creatures his nephew introduced to him as Archie and Edith. He thought to himself, while they didn’t resemble the ‘Bunkers,’ somehow, their names seemed to fit. Archie and Edith took to the air and flew the large bale of hay over the heads of the milling cattle. Andy followed them on foot through the cows with a pair of wire cutters to undo the bindings so the hay could be evenly distributed among the herd.

In the meantime, the other cowboys were floating the bales out and stacking them where Archie and Edith could more easily get to them to be airlifted among the cows. It took the group about an hour to feed the herd. They learned from their previous feeding, earlier in the day, what worked best, and applied their skills to work together to accomplish the task in considerably less time than before. Billy was justifiably proud of his young family, and Nathan was amazed. He foresaw an afternoon of hard work, but they were finished within an hour.

They made a quick tour and the cowboys were impressed the old bunkhouse, with a little spit and polish, could be made to be comfortable for a bunch of cowhands. There was even a small one bedroom apartment off the back that was meant to be used by the foreman. It had a small living area with its own stove and small kitchenette; a large bedroom with a huge bed with a private bath. Andy called dibs on the apartment.

“Where we suppose to stay, ramrod?” Buck asked Andy.

“You men done got a large bedroom with private bath already reserved for you in the big house. You’s upper management. Later, if you like we’ll build you a separate small house to live and work out of,” Billy said.     

Hank and Buck were happy with that arrangement. The family returned to the main house, took off their heavy jackets, hung them up, and laid their hats on a table in the hall for that purpose. Billy told them to go into the parlor or the living room while he checked on his grandmother and her helpers. They made themselves comfortable.

Billy and Nathan walked down the long hallway to the kitchen and paused at the door to look upon a scene straight out of Dickens. Kate was busy checking the oven and the twins were working about like Santa’s helpers chopping, dicing, and mixing. In the background came wonderful music from the adjoining room. Kate had her stereo cranked up playing Bach’s third Brandenburg Concerto. The 'Jig' of the last movement was playing and the twins were transfixed from the music. They never heard anything so wonderful, and Kate was obviously thrilled she had two more converts to the near religious ecstasy of Bach’s music. She turned and saw Billy and Nathan standing in the doorway. She pointed a big wooden spoon at Billy and spoke, “Y’ain’t get’n them boys back, Billy! Don’t even think about it!” she declared in cowboy lingo to insure her grandson understood the seriousness of her words, threw back her pretty head, and laughed.

“When she uses Texas speak, you know you’s in big trouble, Son,” Nathan said and laughed.


End of Chapter 6 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright  © ~ Waddie Greywolf 2012
All Rights Reserved ~
03/23/2012