WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
67
After Monty
morphed his body to a normal state, returned Jimmy Joe’s boots to his
makeshift altar, and doused the votive candles, he cleaned himself and
went to bed. He was not sorry he decided to spend the night by
himself. He was with people so much from the time he was
sent to jail until this night. He realized he hadn’t been alone
in over six months. He thought he might panic, but he
didn’t. He found it quite peaceful to be by himself with his own
thoughts, and only himself to worry about. He lay in bed thinking
about Jimmy Joe, but not in the same way he seemed to obsess about
Shanna or Coyote John. His thoughts about his ramrod were like
the words to an old country/Western song he heard one time, gentle on
his mind. He didn’t think about Ramrod Russell’s relationship
with Burt Stamper. It just never occurred to Monty to be the
jealous type. Jealously is born of
self-doubt, insecurities and selfishness. Monty had none of
those. Monty was secure in his innate abilities and was soaking
up the possibilities of his newly discovered talents like a sponge
morphed into a super computer.
He was so different all his life, he would adjust to anyone’s needs or
try to become anything to please them, just to have them like
him. In essence, Monty became the bad boy lover Shanna Ruggles
needed to rebel against the strict, unbending, draconian prison to
which her fundamentalist parents subjected her. In the darkest
moments of any form of psychological repression, be it political
tyranny or severe pressure from religious conformity, often comes
a subconscious desire for freedom of the soul to shed the bonds of
submission. Shanna’s spark was not well thought out, and before
it could burst forth into a flame of passion, it was quickly doused by
her much more powerful father’s insane need to control all things in
his world. Like the worm attached to the head of an angler fish,
child abuse hides behind the facade of religious goodness like a steal
trap. It was a good thing they weren’t Muslims. She would
have fared far worse.
Growing up by
himself, Monty had few role models, other than Dexter for a companion,
to help him form a heathy give and take concept of love. He came
to see most people as rejecting. His mother, for whatever
reasons, left him without explanation. His grandfather never
accepted him. If it were not for the Ongs, he never would
have developed a concept of affection for others. They
established within him the hope not all people are users and some
could be counted on to help him without expecting anything in
return. With guarded reason, they became the ones, on which, he
showered his
affections. It wasn’t that he tried to buy people’s love or
friendship, but with the Ong’s influence he developed into a giving
person.
He thought about
Kuklacon and how his rebirth and transformation was coming along.
He gave instructions to his workers to regrow parts of the Scarecrow to
change his appearance from looking like himself to one of his cowboy
heroes. For that, they simply returned Scarecrow's bio-body to
the growing
tanks before they made an attempt to connect the whale’s brain to the
body. Monty smiled to himself wondering if Captain Shane would
approve his choice of appearance for the bio-droid. He gave his
workers five
DVDs of old Republic “B” Westerns staring one of his favorite cowboy
stars from the forties and fifties, Allen “Rocky” Lane.* Lane was
a
larger man than Monty, but a size adjustment was no problem for his
team. They
slapped him back into the tank, beefed him up a bit and rearranged his
facial features. What Monty saw pleased him. The new image
of the Scarecrow was sitting in a specially designed chair for working
on bio-droids, and even though he was wearing a diaper, it was like
Rocky Lane stepped off the silver screen and left his faithful
companion ‘Blackjack’ behind.
He was
physically larger and a more maturely developed man than Monty.
Monty made certain he had a fine set of male genitalia to reflect his
maturity, of which, any cowboy would be proud. He instructed his
workers to show Kuklacon the movies from which his image was
created and he noticed the bio-droid absorbed the same speech patterns
and dialect of Lane’s persona. If Monty didn’t know better, he
would swear he was speaking with Rocky Lane. While the big
bio-droid got the cowboy’s vocal inflections down pat— Monty had to
hide a smile— he sounded a lot like ‘Mr. Ed’ the talking horse.
He wondered, at the time, if ‘Rocky’ might not be a good name for his
new bio-droid. While he was talking with Kuklacon he was mentally
measuring the bio-droid’s foot. When he used his other workshop
to polish up his ramrod’s boots he visited his five leather working
buddies. He gave them Kuklacon’s size and told them to make a
pair of buckaroo boots. He knew they would be ready by morning.
* * * * * * *
Monty’s dreams.
Monty was tired
after his busy day and quickly fell asleep. He experienced
several strange
dreams. He was working hard trying to live up to the standards he
set for himself to become the best, most productive slave for Captain
Shane he could. Along with the good dreams there were several
that made no sense to him whatsoever. Two were particularly
outstanding in his mind and left him wondering about them when he awoke
the next morning. The first began when he found himself working
with Maxine and a couple of other dogs he didn’t recognize bringing
some sheep
down from the high pasture on the adjacent ranch Boss Potter recently
bought. It was a hot afternoon, and he was sweating
profusely. Off in the distance he could see a cowboy riding
bareback on one of the ranch horses. Hoot and Cotton sent their
trusted cowboy slave crew leaders through the gate to the ranch to find
Monty.
They had an emergency situation. One of their best cow dogs tried
to fight off a mountain lion and lost. He was dying. Monty
sent Maxine to tell Phil Pie where he would be. He knew Maxine
and the other dogs could handle the sheep without him. He sent
the cowboy slave back through the gate. Monty told him he would
meet him
there. The cowboy didn’t understand Monty’s gifts and insisted he
come with him through the gate. Monty didn’t have time to
explain, winked at Maxine and disappeared in front of the man.
Maxine told the slave trustee Monty didn’t need gates, he would find
Monty
waiting for him when he got to Hoot and Cotton’s ranch.
Monty reappeared
where Hoot, Cotton and their cowboy slaves were gathered around the
back of an old pickup truck. Laid out on the tailgate was the
bloody body of a large dog. It was an older, handsome Australian
cow dog. The cowboys were startled to see him suddenly appear
among them. They moved aside as he walked to the wounded
animal. He wasted no time in explanations, threw off his shirt,
plunged his hands into the blood of the poor thing, rubbed some up and
down his arms, some across his forehead and a bit across his bare chest
for his body to record the animal’s genetic information. He put
his bloody hand on the dog’s head to sooth him and take away his
pain. He could hear it crying in his brain. He told it to
trust him, he would take away his pain. The dog relaxed,
stretched out and its breathing seemed to slow like it was dying.
It wasn’t, Monty placed it into a deep, relaxed state where it
was aware of everything but felt no pain. Then he began to work
on the animal. He repaired and healed one section at a time until
the animal was whole and sound again. The men watched in utter
disbelief at what they were witnessing. Hoot and Cotton knew of
Monty’s unusual talents, but never failed to be amazed by
him.
If the young
man's healing of the animal wasn't impressibe enough, Monty threw off
the rest of his clothes and his boots until
he was naked in front of the men. In his conscious mind he
marveled at his total lack of modesty. He was simply doing what
he knew he must. He instructed the cowboys to
stand back away from him. When they were far enough, they
watched as he slowly morphed into one of the biggest lummox they ever
saw. He knelt next to the dog and his huge chest came to the
height of the tailgate. He gently woke the sleeping animal and
offered
him his teat. The dog began to lick and then suck the rich milk
from Monty’s huge lummox breast. He drank more and more.
The men watched as the cow dog’s stomach ballooned up in size. He
drank until he couldn’t drink anymore and passed out. Monty
morphed back into himself. One cowboy in the back started
clapping and the rest picked it up until all were applauding and
stomping their boots on the ground in appreciation for what Monty did
for their friend, their working buddy. Monty pulled his clothes
back on.
A cowboy handed him his bandana he dipped in warm water for him to
clean the blood off him.
“How can
we ever
thank you, Son?” Hoot put his big hand on his shoulder. Cotton
was so moved he was in tears.
“No, need.
You men do the same ever’ damn day, just in different ways. You
came through for me when I needed you. You always do. He
can’t have no food but lummox milk for three days. Get Cable to
loan you an anit-grav Gurney from sickbay. Bring him to my
quarters with his main cowboy buddy. He’ll need someone with him
‘round the clock, but I ain’t got time to be his nurse. I’ll put
‘em both up for several days in our big barn next to my quarters and
feed him lummox milk until he can eat solid food. He should be
fine in three or four days. He can’t return to work for couple of
weeks maybe more. He needs time to gain his strength back.
He’ll let you know when he’s ready. You won’t be able to keep him
down for long.” Monty smiled. He learned most of the animal’s
personality traits through his genetic material.
In his next
dream, one of the cowboy slaves shot and killed a coyote. It was
unclear what prompted Monty to do what he saw himself do in the dream,
but after the cowboys walked away to leave the carcass to be picked
over by scavengers, he went to it, picked it up and carried it back to
his quarters. He carefully removed the bullet, repaired the
wound, and brought it back to life. He hid it in a large cage in
the barn and fed it until it was strong enough to be released into the
wild. One evening he transported himself and the coyote to an
area far away from the ranch. He carefully explained to the
animal it must never be seen in the vicinity of the ranch again
or it would be shot, but when it came time to collect wild animals for
exit from the planet he would come for him. He told it he must be
careful because Monty couldn’t bring it back to life a second time and
left it to fend for itself. It took several months, the
animal had to cross four states, but the coyote eventually found its
way back to the ranch.
It was so
grateful to Monty for giving it back its life, it began to hang around
his quarters more and more. Monty wouldn’t feed it or acknowledge
it and tried to shoo it away any number of times, but it was drawn to
Monty. It just wanted to be near him. He even threatened it
by throwing rocks at it, but it could tell Monty’s heart wasn’t in
it. He never aimed at the animal. He knew Monty would never
hurt him. It just wasn’t in his nature. It formed an
unhealthy and dangerous attachment to Monty. In desperation,
Monty made a decision. He changed his tactic and allowed the
animal to approach him. Soon it felt comfortable enough to let
Monty pet him. With his first touch, Monty used the genetic
information from the wounded cow dog to change the coyote into another
cow dog with minor tweaks to his information to make him a different
color and with different eyes. He allowed the morphed coyote to
start living with him and taught him to live among humans and other
dogs. He quickly learned to adapt and became one of the finest
cow dogs on the ranch. Because of conflicts between Maxine and
the cow dog for Monty’s affections, Monty ultimately gave him to Ramrod
Russell to become his personal dog and protector.
* * * * * * *
Monty was up
early the next morning. Other than his strange dreams, Monty had
a good night of restful
sleep, but he couldn't help wondered about the lifelike dreams he
had. He
quickly took care of his morning duties, had a cup of instant
coffee as he threw on his clothes. He was invited to the big
house for breakfast. Master Goodnight probably had something for
him to
do. He thought he would surprise his master. He went into
his lab and flipped the inter-dimensional switch to be in the same time
dilation as his workers and their world. They met him and pulled
him over to the new body. A little over five months passed in
their dimension since it was decided another body should be grown for
Dexter and there was no mistaking the form of a smaller Captain Shane
was developing. It appeared to be an adolescent version of the
older man but would have proportionately the same muscle mass.
Monty smiled and mentally complimented his workers. They were
happy he was pleased. Monty thought it would be the perfect
intermediate body for Dexter. He could already imagine Dexter’s
personality inside it. He had to admit it was a better idea for
Dexter than to plunge him into an adult body. They led him to
the upstairs lab, and he was pleasantly surprised to see Kuklacon up
and walking around in the nude. He was no longer wearing a
diaper. He was stunningly handsome. He smiled when he saw
Monty.
“Howdy, Monty,
good to see ya’ again.” he said in a thick drawl.
“You been
watching them videos again, Scarecrow?” he asked.
“Yes, Sir, I
have. I shore’ like Mr. Lane. I understand those videos
were not real stories, but I like the kind of man Mr. Lane
represents. I’d like to pretend I’m a good man like him.”
“You don’t have
to pretend. You should be able to be a good man with no problem.”
Monty replied.
“You told me to
think of a name for myself. I think a new body needs a new
name. I want to be known as ‘Rocky.’”
“I don’t think
that will be a problem, Rocky.” Monty smiled at him, “Tell me, Rocky,
have
you learned to control your solid waste?”
“Yes, Sir, I’m
doing much better. They took my diaper off shortly after your
last visit. I only had one accident since that time, but they
took care of it and cleaned me. Ain't had me one since.
They never scold me or punish me
for improper behavior. They tell me they know I’m trying to do my
best. I sometimes don’t clean myself well enough afterward, but
I’m getting better. They check me every time.”
Monty wondered
what it might be like to potty train an adult. He didn’t want to
think about it, but knew if he was called on to do it, he would rise to
the occasion. His heart went out to all the dedicated nurses out
there in the world or children taking care of elderly parents who had
to provide that service. It’s those who care enough to do such
work who elevate mankind from mere mortals to the realm of spiritual
beings.
“Would you like
to visit my world today, Rocky?” he smiled at the big, naked, handsome
bio-droid.
“I would be
pleased, Monty. I’ve been shown many videos of your world, and it
appears to be quite beautiful. I’d very much like to visit it in
person. Do you think I’m ready, Sir?”
“Well, you may
need more development, but I think I might be able to take care of you
for a day. Later, I can return you to your caretakers for more
education and maturation.”
“I think it
would be wonderful to visit your world, Sir.”
All the critters
gathered to say ‘goodbye’ to Rocky. They knew they wouldn’t be
seeing him for a while. Since they were responsible for his
conception, growth, development and transferring his intelligence to
him, Rocky was their baby. It caused them some trauma to let him
go. Monty realized this and promised he would bring him
back. Monty switched off the dimensional barrier, and he and
Rocky stepped out into his quarters. Rocky was stunned by the
beauty of Monty’s home. Monty guesstimated Rocky’s size and asked
big Bart for the loan of an older pair of his Wranglers and an old
denim Western shirt. Monty got a couple of diapers from his
workers before he left the lab. He explained to Rocky they were
for insurance. He had Rocky lie on his bed, got some baby powder,
powered his butt and his genitals. Monty smiled to himself as he
took great liberties fondling Rocky’s ample penis until it began to
swell. He grinned.
“Does that feel
good, Rocky?” he smiled.
“Very good, Sir,
is that a sexual response to having my penis fondled?”
“It is.
Have you ejaculated yet?” Monty asked like a doctor.
“Yes, Sir, a
couple of times. It was wonderful, but short lived. As a
bladder whale, when we unloaded our sperm into a female sometimes
took hours
to complete. It would cause us to break into song and the couple
would sing great songs of love together for hours. I had the same
feeling when I ejaculate with this body, but it was over so fast I
didn’t have time to sing. I don’t know any short
songs. I sang a long one afterward.”
“I often do that
myself.” Monty chuckled thinking about the song in his heart after his
ramrod fucked him for the first time, “There will be differences,
Rocky.” he added. “You’ll learn to enjoy the short ones as much
as the long ones from your past. You’ll just have to have more of
the short ones to make up for a long one.” he grinned, knowing he was
being silly and wicked.
Big Bart’s
Wranglers were about a half size too large for Rocky, but with the
diaper, they fit perfectly. Monty helped him on with his shirt.
“Why do you
cover your bodies, Monty? Are they not beautiful to look upon?”
he asked.
“They are,
indeed, beautiful, Rocky. Not all humans feel it necessary to
clothe themselves all the time. You will meet those who
don’t. When you’re here with me, in my quarters, you may be naked
if you prefer. I find you most handsome to look upon, but in my
world there are those who look upon nudity as wrong and have strict
rules because of false modesty. It’s just easier to move about
and get
along within my world if you follow the rules.”
“I understand,
Monty, but I feel sorrow for your people.” he said sincerely.
“I never thought
about it that way, Rocky, but now you mention it, so do I.” he patted
Rocky on his back. “Wait here for a minute, and I will return
with coverings for your feet.”
Rocky was still
sitting in the same place on Monty’s bed when he returned with a brand
new, fine looking pair of buckaroo boots. He helped Rocky on with
them and had him walk about. He obviously transferred memories of
the movie cowboy to his walking and was instantly turned into a
cowboy. Monty was amazed at his fast transformation.
“How do they
feel, Rocky?”
“Fine. Is
it so dangerous in your world you must wear such heavy protective
footwear?” he asked.
“It can be, but
mostly boots are worn as a tradition among men who raise cattle or live
in rural areas.”
“What are cattle
raised for, Monty?” he asked.
“I’ll tell you
about it later. You don’t need to know about that right now.”
Monty found himself wondering how he would explain exploiting an
innocent, defenseless biological life form for food. He suddenly
felt like a monster.
“Okay.” Rocky
replied innocently.
Monty looked at
Rocky and thought all he needed was a hat to look like the perfect
buckaroo, but he knew the bio-droid’s head was larger than his.
He would have to take care of that later. He could have Cable
replicate a nice buckaroo hat for Rocky in his size. One of
the greatest strokes of genius his workers came up with was to make the
bio-droids strands of hair a collective net for absorbing electrical
energy from the sun. Only a few minutes a day would supply Rocky
the energy he needed to keep his brain well fed and happily active for
months. His brain was much like the structure of the
Krysallians. Monty led him to the door and they walked out into
the beautiful, warm light of the rising sun. It was a magic time
of morning. Unfortunately, the peace was broken by Ms. Jenny as
she came around the corner of the barn braying at the top of her
voice. Rocky got a look of horror on his face and started to run
for the protection of Monty’s quarters.
“Easy, Rocky,
she’s a friend. She just wants her morning carrots.” Monty
walked over to a shelf by the door and got two carrots from the sack he
left there the night before. Jenny followed him every step of the
way. Monty gave her the carrots and she stopped yelling long
enough to enjoy them but called after them as they crossed the bridge.
“She makes a big
sound for such a small creature.” Rocky said. Monty laughed.
“It’s her way of
thanking me for her treats, but also complaining it wasn’t enough to
please her. The other cowboy slaves will be down here soon to
feed her along with the other critters.”
“Are you a
cowboy slave, Monty?”
“Yes, I
am,
Rocky. I’m owned by your hero, Captain Shane Goodnight.”
“You are a lucky
man, Monty.”
“I like to think
so, Rocky. You’ll be meeting him in a few minutes.”
“Really? I
won’t know how to act. What if I have an accident?”
“Captain Shane
ain’t a complicated man, Rocky. He’s intelligent, honest and good
hearted. If you have an accident, no one will embarrass you;
least of all, my master. Master Goodnight will be just as pleased
to
meet you, I’m sure. Just be yourself. Don’t worry, if you
should have an accident, I will take care of you.” Monty
reassured him.
They walked over
the beautiful valley, over the hill and down through the second valley
filled with all kinds of flowers. It was a breathtaking
sight. Rocky stopped at the crest of the hill and looked out over
the sea of color. Tears started running down his handsome
cheeks. Monty could tell he was deeply moved by what he
saw. Monty went to him and took his hand and stood with him for a
moment.
“I see it
everyday, but I get in such a hurry; sometimes, I forget to be thankful
for its beauty.” Monty said softly.
“I could see it
for the rest of my life, and never forget to be grateful for its
beauty, Monty. Such songs this sight inspires. It is the
most incredible sight I’ve ever seen
with either set of eyes.” he said quietly. In the distance Monty
could see Maxine being let out the screen door of the big house by Ms.
Biddle. She made a beeline for the fence, scooted beneath it and
started running full out toward Monty. She was barking and
yelling at the same time.
“Monty!
Monty! Monty! Who is the new handsome cowboy you have with
you? Oh, Monty, he’s like Dexter and Cable, but he’s so big and
handsome.” In her enthusiasm she was jumping all about and making
Rocky a bit nervous.
“Another friend
of yours, Monty?” he asked.
“A very special
friend, Rocky.” he replied. He introduced Maxine to Rocky.
She held her paw up for him. He didn’t know what to do.
“Very gently
take her paw with your hand, slowly move it up and down a couple of
times. It’s a ritual greeting.” Monty explained. Rocky
leaned over and did as instructed.
“Good to meet
you, Rocky.” Maxine said.
“It’s good to
meet you, Maxine.” he replied without prompting from Monty.
“Good.
That’s the proper response, Rocky. See, you’ve already learned
something this morning.”
Maxine escorted
them back to the house. She and Monty chit-chatted on the way,
and she assured him he was in no trouble with her master. Rocky
marveled at how well Maxine and Monty seemed to get along. They
didn’t seem like separate species to Rocky. They acted like
brother and sister; in fact, he heard them call each other that several
times. He decided he liked Maxine’s species. They reached
the screen door to the back porch. Monty knocked and heard Boss
Potter holler for him to come in. He held the door for Maxine and
Rocky. Maxine ran ahead and Monty and the new bio-droid cowboy
followed
her. All the men were gathered having coffee in the
kitchen. Monty walked in with Rocky towering behind him.
Several mouths dropped open. The men were stunned by the sight of
Rocky. He was an imposing size and looked like a buckaroo with
his big square jaw and easy smile.
“Gentlemen, I’d
like you to meet our new bio-mechanical cowboy who has decided he wants
to
be known as ‘Rocky.’ He is the former ‘Scarecrow’ and the former
‘Kuklacon’ of Venus.” Monty took the time to introduce Rocky to
each man, Bobby and Dexter. Dexter was unusually reserved, but he
politely shook the big bio-droid’s hand. It was like he was
looking at the man he was meant to be. Monty saw a look in
Dexter’s eye he never saw before. It was a look of
betrayal. Monty didn’t know what to do. It was a social
setting, so he pretended to overlook it. He introduced Rocky to
Ms. Biddle who nodded to him and smiled. When he introduced him
to Captain Shane, and Shane took his hand, the big bio-droid got tears
in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Sir,
my eyes are leaking. I’m so honored to meet you. You and
your brothers are such revered heroes to my former race. You
saved my father and my grandfather’s lives. Monty told me leaking
eyes is a sign of deep emotions. I guess it’s true. I’m
deeply moved to be in your presence, Captain Shane.”
“Welcome, to
Earth— son of Chacheelian and grandson of the great father Chuchulack—
you are welcome among us.” said Shane sincerely. Then he spoke to
Monty while still holding Rocky’s hand, “He’s magnificent, Monty.
Who did you fashioned him after?”
“He was a cowboy hero before your time, Son.” Boss Potter said, “He was
a big Republic Western star in the thirties, forties and fifties.
He was the voice for the talking horse on the T.V. show ‘Mr. Ed’ in the
sixties. He’s Allen ‘Rocky’ Lane.” Potter then turned and
spoke to Monty, “An incredible likeness, Son.
Congratulations! Excellent choice!” Potter said.
“What did you
have planned for him today, Monty?” Shane asked.
“I thought I’d
let him tag along with us whatever you had in mind for me to do,
Captain. I’ll be responsible for him. He’s still getting
his sea legs, but he’s got to start sometime. He’ll make
mistakes, but I’ll be there to help him. I thought you might want
me to take him to Cable, David and Jonathan and let them check him
out. This evening I’ll have him bunk it in with me in the
bunkhouse, or if you prefer, return him to the lab. I hate to do
that, because with the difference in time, it will be two of our weeks
or more before I get back to him. I would like for him to begin
adjusting to our time and world as soon as possible.”
“Am I to become
Captain Shane’s slave, Monty?” Rocky asked.
“I’m not sure,
Rocky, but we can asked Captain Shane anything as long as we're
respectful. He’s a
disciplined man, but he’s easy to relate to.” Monty smiled at him.
“No, you ain’t a
slave, Rocky. You weren’t created for that purpose. You
were created to learn to live among us as a freeman or a free
bio-droid. We have hopes of returning some of your brothers and
sisters
to Venus to care for your former relatives and in some cases,
ancestors. If you should stay with Monty and his cowboy slave
brothers for a while to learn our ways, it don’t mean you’re a
slave. Don’t worry about your designation for now. You’ll
understand more about these things in our society as you learn
more. Everything will become more clear the longer you live among
us. We are like any race, we have good things about us, and we
have bad things. I like your idea of letting him tag along and
observe, Monty, and by all means, take him by sickbay and introduce him
to his brothers. They will be thrilled to meet him.”
The men set down
to breakfast. Monty wasn’t ready to let Rocky eat human food
yet. He didn’t want to have to explain eating the scrambled
embryos of unborn chickens that come from the same hole they shit from,
the fried slab of a dead pig, or a meat patty made of ground hog
parts. He probably could’ve gotten by with toast, but butter
might be difficult to explain, to say nothing of drinking the
chalky-white colloidal solution which was sucked from a cow’s
udder. He started to get Rocky a bowl of dried slave chow and
perhaps a biscuit, but Ms. Biddle asked if he might like a small bowl
of oatmeal with butter and honey. Monty didn’t think it would
hurt him, and it would be something new and interesting for
him. Rocky slowly ate the oatmeal and thought it was the best
thing he ever tasted. Monty asked if he’d like some more, and he
eagerly agreed. Conversation was lively around the table.
Bobby was blown away by Rocky and thought he was the best looking
buckaroo he’d seen in a while. Rocky was so perfect in ever
detail he could easily pass for a normal human in public. The
only thing that might stand out was he was just a little too
perfect. He was stunningly good looking. Shane laughed and
complimented Monty on his choice of cowboy heros, but for the next
male, he wanted him to try for ruggedly handsome. Monty said he
would let Shane pick the next model.
“Where’s my
slave-boy?” Shane bellowed.
“He was sitting
on a chair on the front porch a while ago, Captain Shane.” replied
Essmee Fay. “He looked like he wasn’t feel’n well. It
looked to me like he’d been crying. I told him we had enough help
if he wanted to go back to the Morris’ house and wait for Bobby and Mr.
Morris. He done left a while ago.”
“He’s hurt,
Master. I saw it in his eyes.” Monty looked
devastated. “He questioned me last night. Somehow, he knew
about the Scarecrow. He knew before we came to the ranch. I
don’t know how. I never told him. I guess he figured out
Scarecrow was suppose to be for him. I didn’t say much. I
didn’t think it was my place to discuss it with him. I told him
if he was worried or concerned to talk with you. I was going to
ask if he could go with me today to show him the Gopher Bay. I’m
afraid he thinks I betrayed him to gain your favor.” Monty said.
Shane could tell Monty felt awful.
“I didn’t
consider that, Son. You’re probably right. His feelings are
hurt, and he don’t know how to react to Rocky.”
“Should I go to
him, Sir?”
“No, you got
your work cut out for you today. I got things for you to
do. You ain’t gonna’ have such a hectic day today, but it will be
full. He’s gotta’ learn you’re both my slaves and for the moment
it's
necessary for you to lead separate lives. When I accepted his
offer to become my slave, I took on responsibility for him. He
needs his master
right now, not
his brother. You done the right thing by telling him to talk with
me. I’ll walk down there after breakfast and take care
of it. The Ongs are coming tomorrow, and I got things for you to
do to get ready. I ain’t told Dexter they’s coming yet.
Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, relaxation, and an introduction for
the Ongs to our world and the Grange. I want them to feel at home
among us.”
“I checked on
Dexter’s new body this morning, and it’s coming along great,
Captain.
They’re almost through with it.” Monty said.
“I get confused
with the time difference. What are we
looking at in time here, Son?” Shane asked.
“Rule of thumb,
Captain, one twenty-four hour period of our time is approximately one
month their time. Since we dropped off the brains yesterday
afternoon they had several weeks to beef up and change the
Scarecrow’s appearance, install Kuklacon’s brain and work with him to
create the fine looking bio-droid cowboy you see before you. All
they do is work. When you take into consideration they don’t take
breaks, they never sleep, and they don’t have to stop to eat or pass
waste you can add to that time period in productivity.”
“So when you
said Dexter’s new body would be ready in six months was it our time or
theirs?”
“Theirs,
Master. That’s the beauty of working with the Hommynids.
Tasks that would take us months can be done my them in a fraction of
the time. Rocky needed a pair of boots. I gave my workers
his size last night before I went to bed, and they were ready this
morning.”
“So we’re
looking at a few more of our days before Dexter’s body will be ready?”
“Yes, Sir.
From the looks of him last night, it will only be a couple more
days. Maybe even later today. Monday at the latest.” Monty
confirmed.
The men sitting
around the table were stunned by the implication. They were like
Shane, they thought it would take months and months of waiting for more
bio-droid bodies to be ready.
“How long can
his new body survive without a brain, Son?” Shane asked.
“Indefinitely.
Rocky’s body was in a suspended state for almost three years. I
just couldn’t bring myself to let go of my little brother. To be
honest, I’m glad I didn’t. I don’t mean that to sound spiteful,
it’s just I think you got a better idea about having Dex grow up in
stages. I jes' know in my heart, the body growing in my lab will
be the perfect body for
him. I only hope you and he will
be pleased.”
“Will he look
like you, Son?” Shane asked.
“Naw, Sir.
I loaned my workers my Captain Shane action figure. That's why I
asked Mr. Darryl for one.” Monty grinned.
“He’s gonna’ look like your son, Captain Shane.” Monty didn’t look
Shane in the eye. They heard Ms. Biddle in the kitchen drop a pot
on her work table, let out a Cajun exclamation, then she broke up in
uncontrolled laughter. The men around the table started
laughing. Stoic Cole was laughing. Gil Morris and Bobby
were holding each other. Boss Potter almost choked on his
coffee. Even Rocky laughed at the men. He learned another
human response. Laughter is contagious. Shane got a big
grin on his face.
“You were right
to do that, boy.” he grinned shaking his finger at Monty, “I know
he’s your little brother and you grew up with him, but that boy needs a
daddy. Ain’t a lot a difference between a daddy and a good
master, and I just happen to know about both.” Shane grinned at Cole,
“I think he needs a mite stronger bond with us as family, and I’m a’
hoping what you done for him and me will make him realize how much we
all want
him. I ain’t gonna’ let his pouting rush me into a
decision. Today will determine when I let him have his new
body. I don’t think I’m gonna’ keep it a secret from him no
more. I want him to know he’s working toward a goal. If he
wants to be part of my family, more than just my slave, he’s gotta’
earn the right.” Shane said in a determined tone.
“I told him the
same thing last night, Sir.” Monty agreed.
“Don’t git me
wrong, I don’t know how long I can wait myself. I’d love to have
a mini-me running around here.” Shane laughed. “Certainly would be a
good way to hide Dexter from outsiders to tell ‘em he’s ma’ boy.”
“‘At was my way
a’ think’n, Master.” Monty agreed.
“So the young
boy I met earlier was a bio-mechanical like me?” Rocky asked shyly.
“Yes, but not
nearly as advanced as you.” confirmed Monty.
“And he was
suppose to have my body?” Rocky asked.
“That was my
original plan, Rocky, but things happened you don’t know about. I
became a slave to Captain Shane and Dexter wanted to be near me so he
gave himself to Captain Shane as his slave to be a part of his greater
family.”
“Can I give
myself to Captain Shane to be his slave? It’s the least I can do
for what he did for my species. Will that make me a part of
your family? Does being a freeman mean I won’t be a part of your
family, Sir.” he asked Shane directly.
“No, certainly
not. You have been born into this family as a free bio-droid,
Rocky. You are a member of my family by right of birth, just like
you were previously a part of your family on Venus. There’s no
difference, only you’re more lucky than most. You have memories
and ties to both families now. You can go back to Venus speak and
sing
with your mother, father, grandfather and the rest of your family, but
here you will belong to us and we belong to you by being reborn into
our family.”
“I feel bad for
Dexter.” Rocky said.
“I do, too,
Rocky,” Monty said, “but if there’s anyone who can handle my little
brother, it’s Captain Shane. He’ll come around. Dexter and
I have too many memories invested in each other to drift apart.”
“How soon can
your workers begin another body, Son?” Shane asked.
“As soon as I
instruct them to. We’re running low on raw materials. We
may need to order some things, but we have enough for at least another
two smaller bodies. Maxine came up with a brilliant idea
yesterday. We can create a Tesseract within the skull of any
bio-droid and fit a brain of any size to a smaller body. We won’t
need to do that with the smaller brains. Do you want a boy and a
girl the size Dexter is currently for the two young brains, Captain?”
“That would be
perfect, but this time I’d like to have a say in their designs.”
“Of
course,
Master, I would appreciate your input.” Monty said sincerely.
Breakfast came
to an end. Monty offered to help Ms. Biddle since Dexter
left. Captain Shane wanted him to take Rocky to sickbay on the
Bandersnatch and introduce him to Cable, David and Jonathan. From
there Shane wanted him to proceed to his ship and see what more he
could learn about it and from it. Bobby asked if he might go with
Monty since Maxine begged her master to tag along. Monty said he
would be glad
to have him and Gil gave his consent. After they finished helping
Ms. Biddle, the four of them set off through the flowers to the gate in
the barn. Monty, Bobby and Maxine told Rocky about it on the
way. He walked through with no problem.
* * * * * * *
Shane, Cole and
Gil
walked over the hill together. Cole went to the bunkhouse to give
the cowboys their jobs for the day. Shane asked Gil to go with
Cole so
he could be alone with Dexter. They parted and Shane went to the
Morris' cottage. He didn’t bother knocking, he just let himself
in. He walked into Bobby’s room. Dexter was lying on
Bobby’s bed with his face to the wall. He didn’t turn to see who
came into the room. He didn’t have to, he could tell from the
sound of Shane’s boots. He memorized the rhythm of his master’s
walk, and he recognized his heartbeat. Blindfolded, Dexter could
pick out any human with whom he was familiar from only their
heartbeat. Shane lay down beside him and put his arms around
him. He pulled him close and stole a kiss. Shane didn’t say
a word, he just lay there and held the small bio-droid. Soon,
Dexter turned into his master's big arms and shed a few tears.
Shane
petted him and stole another kiss, but he didn’t say anything.
They lay together for a good while.
“I’m sorry,
Master Shane.” Dexter said quietly after getting himself together.
“I think your
reaction was understandable, Dex. I might have done the same damn
thing were I in your position. Why didn’t you
come to me last evening instead of your brother if you were
troubled? I thought we was tight with each other. If you
knew about Scarecrow and you needed an
explanation you should’ve come to me. You’re brother ain’t chore’
master, I am.” he said softly.
“I didn’t wanna’
bother you. You’re always so busy. Besides, I didn’t think
you wanted me to know about Scarecrow. Monty never told me.
I learned how to let myself into his labs and how to turn on the time
dilation. I know all his workers on a first name basis; after
all, they created me. They tell me everything. I
figured out a long time ago who the Scarecrow was meant for.”
“Okay, you’re
right, I am busy most of the time, but I ain’t never too busy to sit
down and have a chat with you if you got something bothering you.
Have
you been in the lab since we brought the barn here?” Shane asked.
“No, Sir, I
ain’t had time. I ain’t even been invited down there. It
ain’t my home no more. My home is here with Bobby and Mr.
Morris.” Dexter said quietly.
“Your brother
didn’t betray you, Dex. It weren’t his idea to use the
Scarecrow’s body for one of the mature whale brains. It was my
idea. A master don’t need to discuss his decisions with his
slaves. They’s suppose to understand and for better or worse
accept his judgment. In your case, it’s a little different since
you be a volunteer slave, but make no mistake, a volunteer slave is
bound by the same rules and regulations as a regular slave. There
were several reasons I made my decision. The first was, it’s been
a long time since we got them brains and the man responsible for
developing a use for them has done almost nothing to improve their
lot. I had to do something and the Scarecrow was available.
Secondly, but foremost in my decision was, I don’t think you’re ready
for a fully developed human body. Besides, I don’t want you
growing up over night. As a matter of fact, if certain things
hadn’t come to light recently, I was going to leave you small for a
good while longer. Why? Just because I damn well enjoy you
the size your are and didn’t wanna’ give you up right away. Yore'
brother had you to love for damn near fifteen years. I jes'
wanted a little longer to love you like you are. Can you
understand that, Son?”
“You think
that’s why Monty left me small as long as he did, Captain Shane?”
“It’s exactly
why. He couldn’t bring himself to give you up like you is.
Think about it, Dex. It was a hell of a lot easier for him to
explain you away as his little brother. How could he explain his
little brother grew to the size of the Scarecrow over night? It
would’ve created a whole new set of problems for him, to say nothing of
having to cope with your adjustment problems. It would’ve been
damn near impossible for him to shift you to the Scarecrow
overnight. It would be too unusual. God knows, around this,
here, ranch the
unusual has become common place.” Shane grinned and Dexter
smiled. Shane got a smile out of him. That was a good sign.
“Monty wanted to take you with him this morning. Gil let Bobby go
with them and Boss Potter let his little girl go along. Hell,
Monty might not be able to git onboard his ship without Maxine.”
Shane laughed and got another smile out of Dexter. “Come take a
walk with me, ma’ pa, and Mr. Morris. I got something to show
you.” Shane said. Shane didn’t wait for Dexter’s answer. He
scooped him up in his huge, muscular arms and carried him to the front
door. He set him down on his feet after they were on the
porch. They walked hand in hand together to the bunkhouse.
“Relax, men,
we’re coming in.” Shane hollered for his slaves not to come to
attention. Most were already gone to their jobs, but the lead
cowboys were still sitting, having a last cup of coffee with Gil and
Cole. One of the cooks offered Shane a cup, and he
accepted.
He and Dexter set down at the large table.
“Mr. Morris I’d
like you and ma’ pa to take a walk with us this morning. Won’t
take long, then we can git going with our day. You got a lot on
yore’ plate today, Gil?” Shane asked.
“Not a
lot. Living and working here, I’ve learned to leave slots open
for the unusual, and I got me a feeling today is one a’ them days.” Gil
grinned.
“It just may be,
Sir.” Shane grinned and patted him on his back. The men finished
their coffee and took Dexter for a walk down through the pasture to
Monty’s barn and quarters. The horses in the remuda who weren’t
being used for the day by the cowboys followed them down. Jenny
was with them and ran to take her place with the men. Dexter
petted her and made over her. She had hopes of another
carrot. They arrived and went inside. Dexter felt like he
was invading his big brother’s privacy. It was a new feeling for
him. Before, he always felt like the shack was his home. He
didn’t feel that way anymore and knew he would only be welcome when he
was invited. To his surprise Shane led the men to Monty’s lab.
“Okay, I know
you know how to turn on the time dilation, so do it.” he told
Dexter. Dexter rubbed his hand behind the post and instantly
there were critters everywhere. They rushed to Dexter and
Shane. Some took Cole and Gil’s hands. Shane could
communicate with them.
<< Good
day to you, gentlefolk. You already know me, but these two
gentlemen with me are my close associates, Cole and Gil. Of
course you know Dexter. I would like to show him the new body you
are creating for him. >>
They bowed at
Shane’s eloquence and ability to communicate.
<< We
would be honored, Captain Shane. Kuklacon or Rocky has told us
about you and your heroic efforts to save his people. We are
honored to have you in our presence. >> the main Noldier Hommynid
responded. << Since Dexter’s new body was so much
smaller it took less time to mature. We already have him out of
the growing vat, and he’s in our upstairs lab. Come, Sir, we will
show you the way. >> he said graciously.
Shane took
Dexter’s hand and led him up the stairs. Sitting in the
adjustable chair was an adolescent sized exact duplicate of
Shane. It was breathtakingly accurate in every detail. The
body was just a little taller than Bobby but considerably more
buffed. Cole and Gil looked at each other and just shook their
heads. There was no need for words. Dexter took one look at
the smaller Shane and his mouth dropped open.
“Is he
for me,
Captain Shane?” Dexter asked.
“He is, Dex.”
Shane said quietly. “No more secrets, okay?” Shane insisted.
“No more
secrets, Master.” Dex smiled at him. “May I inspect him?”
“Sure, it’s
yore’ new body, Son.” Shane like calling Dexter his ‘son.’
Dexter slowly
went to the handsome young man and ran his hand over him. There
was no response. He took his large penis in his hand and smiled
to see it engorge with blood.
“He has some
responses.” Dexter stated.
“He has a
primitive reptilian brain stem that keeps his autonomic function
working and one of those just happens to be his sexual stimulation.”
explained Shane.
“He’s very
handsome, Master. He looks like your son. Was this your
idea, Sir?” Dexter asked.
“No, before this
morning, I had no idea what he would look like. I left that
decision to your brother. He thought you needed a daddy, and it
might be easier to hide your growth spurt if you look like my
son. I agreed with him. He also thought it would give the
two of you a better definition of yourselves as brothers. I
agreed with him on that part as well. Any questions?”
“When do I get
my new body, Captain Shane, and what will happen to this body?”
“If you do your
job well and Mr. Morris is satisfied with your work and dedication, you
can have your new body the first of June. Your old body won't go
to waste. We’ll make some modifications to it so it won’t look
like the old you. It will become home for a young whale brain
until we’re satisfied he can progress to an adolescent body like this
one. Eventually, I hope to replace your body with a more advanced
model. Even then, I won’t destroy your old body. I’ll keep
it in a
safe place for sentimental reasons or perhaps emergency purposes.”
Shane explained. It was the
first weekend of March. That meant Dexter had less than three
months to wait. He was thrilled. He grabbed Shane and
hugged him.
“I’ll do the
best job I can for you, Bobby and Master Morris, Captain Shane.”
“I know you
will, but there’s one more thing. You have to forgive your
brother and accept Rocky as your new brother. I want you to go to
Monty and tell him you love him and will always be his little brother
no matter how large your master lets you grow.” Shane smiled at him.
“I will, Captain
Shane. You want me to go to him today?” Dexter asked.
“Yes, I
do. We’ll leave here and go directly to the gate. They’re
probably still in sickbay. You’re brother invited you to spend
the day with him, and I think you should. He wants to show you
his new ship his parents left for him. I want you, Bobby, and
Maxine to become actively involved with the new bodies for the whale
brains, helping with their adjustments to their new bodies and teaching
them the ways of our world. I just may hold on to Rocky as a
bodyguard for the four of you.”
“Thank you,
Master. I feel like Pinocchio and you’re my blue angel.
He’s a lot more advanced than I am. I’ll almost become a real
boy.” said Dexter. Shane picked him up and stole a kiss.
“He’s more
advanced than Rocky, Dex. Rocky’s an old model, and as far as I’m
concerned, you are a real boy. You’re my slave-boy, right?” he
asked. Dexter nodded his head in agreement. “You gonna’
call me ‘dad’ when you look like my boy?” Shane asked.
“If you
want me
to, Sir. Don’t see why not. I already think on you that
way.” Dexter admitted. “Does that mean I get to call Ramrod Jenkins
‘gram-pa’?” he grinned.
“I’m sure
he’d jes' LOVE that, Dex.” Shane said with enthusiasm. Gil Morris
laughed. Cole grinned but sent Shane a look that was intended to
cut off his oxygen supply.
* * * * * * *
Gil Morris went
back to his office to do some work. Shane and Cole accompanied
Dexter to sickbay on the Bandersnatch. Rocky was completely
naked, sitting on an examination table when they walked in. He
appeared calm and relaxed. He seemed to relate easily with Cable,
David and Jonathan because they were nude. He thought it was
quite exciting being around three beautiful naked men who didn’t seem
the least shy about their nudity. He found them sexually
stimulating. He became aroused from their inspection of him and
maintained an erection most of the time he was around them.
Cable, David and Jonathan were quite flattered and told him he could
come visit anytime, they would see to his needs. He decided he
would like to be naked when he was with Monty in his quarters. He
secretly hoped Monty wouldn’t return him to the lab with the
Hommynids. While he appreciated them, Monty’s world was so much
more to
his liking.
Dexter ran to
Monty and gave him a hug. He didn’t need to say anything.
Monty knew Captain Shane took him to see his new body.
“Glad you could
join us, little brother.” said Monty.
“Rocky’s quite
handsome, Monty.” Dexter complimented him.
“I thought you
might approve. You watched all his movies with me. Remember
how good looking we thought he was?” Monty said.
“Yeah, they
really did a good job on him. He’s perfect.”
“You think
you’ll like your new body?” Monty asked.
“I couldn’t be
more pleased, Monty. Thank you. I should have taken your
advice. I let my emotions cloud my reason.”
“It’s all right,
just as long as I have my little brother back. It don’t make me
no difference what ma’ little brother looks like as long as he still
loves me.” said Monty.
“I hope my new
body will be pleasing to you.” Dexter grinned.
“I had reasons
of my own for making him look like our master, but one was
selfish. I like the way Captain Shane looks. I think he’s
very handsome.” he said quietly to his little brother so the others
couldn’t hear.
“I couldn’t
agree more, big brother.” Dexter giggled.
Shane took
advantage of Rocky being nude to inspect him himself. He was
taught as a slave he could have no false modesty, and now, as a slave
owner and master he wasn’t the least shy about inspecting any man’s
body. He felt like, since he had some responsibility for Rocky’s
creation, he had the right to do so. Rocky didn’t seem to be
bothered at all. In fact, he seemed flattered Captain Shane would
show him such attention. He thought of it as an honor to have his
second birth father be concerned about him. Rocky didn’t have the
sense of shame for his new body which was so prevalent in humans.
A child is brainwashed from birth his or her body is a nasty, shameful
thing to be kept covered at all times. If original sin began with
Adam and Eve eating fruit from the tree of knowledge, is it any
wonder religious loons are trying to repress the knowledge of
science and evolution in schools today? Growing up in West Texas,
kids are taught God loves them; however, sex is the dirtiest, nastiest
thing in the world, and you should only share it with someone you
love. Cole grinned as Shane carefully inspected
Rocky. He wondered if Shane
realized how near perfect a copy Rocky’s penis and balls were to
Shane’s. They were stunningly accurate down to his foreskin, but
there was a major difference. They were noticeably bigger than
Shane’s. Cole grinned and wondered to himself how long it would
be before they were a matched
set.
Kyron alerted
the Admiral, Monty brought the new bio-droid to sickbay.
Lazarus appeared with Charlie, Waco, Trey, Lucas, J.R., Travis, Little
Bear and the coyote kids. Sickbay was almost full to
capacity. They wanted a look at their new family
member. Everyone was impressed with him, especially his
genitals. Cable had Rocky stand and walk around for them.
He
looked like a cowboy even in the nude. Charlie recognized him
immediately. So did Waco, Lucas and the coyote cowboys.
Waco and Lucas introduced them to the old Republic movies some time
ago. They were wowed to see a copy of one of their favorite
cowboy heroes standing before them in the nude with a roaring hard-on
to boot. It was every little boy's dream come true.
“My God, he
looks
just like Allen Lane. He was always one of my favorites.” said
Charlie.
Rocky was
inspected another time by the Admiral who seemed quite pleased.
“Excellent work,
Son.” he complimented Monty. “How soon can you begin work on the two
younger bodies for the younger brains?”
“I instructed
his workers to begin when we visited a little earlier this morning,
Admiral. They won’t add the final touches until later, but I had
them begin the basics.” said Shane. If all goes well, our boy
Dexter, here, will be getting his new body the first of June.
It’s
finished and is undergoing fine tuning.” Reported Shane.
Everyone
congratulated Dexter and wished him well. The coyotes gave him
hugs. Bobby was happy for him.
“And what of the
quiet brain, Son? Have they been able to do anything for it?” he
asked in a concerned voice.
“No, Sir,
Admiral, not yet, but I’d like your permission to try something
different.” Monty said.
“What’s ‘zat?”
asked Lazarus.
“I’d like to
expose it to our sun for several days.”
“Try it.
Couldn’t hurt. I can’t tell you how pleased and impressed I am
with your work and that of your lab workers. When we get the two
younger whale brains into bodies, we will take them with Rocky to
Mars. I don’t see how the professor could deny us the rest of
them
brains. We will find another job for him. He’s a good man
and won’t be put aside. He’ll be an excellent front man for
selecting brains and processing them.” Lazarus turned to Shane,
“What plans do you have for Rocky, Son?” he asked.
“None for the
present. He was just born to our world today. As I
understand from my slave he may not have certain body functions down
pat yet.” Shane grinned.
“No, problem,
Son. I have accidents from time to time.” he smiled and winked at
Rocky. Rocky decided he liked the Admiral.
“I have in mind
keeping Rocky as a member of our family, Admiral." Shane continued,
"He’s sort of
like our first born on our ranch. I’d like him to become a
bodyguard for Monty, Dexter, Maxine, Bobby and our Coyote Cowboys here.”
“I like that
idea. He’s certainly big enough for the job. What du’ ya’
think, Bossman?” he asked Charlie.
“I ain’t got me
no problem with it. Sounds like a good plan to me.” replied
Charlie.
“Ramrod Jenkins
and I got some things to do.” said Shane, I’m gonna’ leave you
folks and let you go on to the Gopher Bay. You have until noon to
investigate then I want you back to the ranch. We got things to
do to get ready for the Ongs coming tomorrow. Are you and your
posse still planning on coming, Admiral.”
“Yes, we’ll be
there. We’re going to accompany Monty and his family to his
new ship. I promised the coyotes they could take a look, but
that’s all. We’ll be departing as soon as we take a small
tour. They’ve heard about Monty’s barn and quarters.
They’re dying to see that, and I told them if they were good today they
could join us tomorrow.”
“Of course, our
little brothers are welcome.” Shane said.
“Are these four
small men the same heroes who helped save my family on Venus?” Rocky
asked.
“They are,
Rocky. We’re proud of them.”
“To whom do they
belong?” he asked.
“Them two next
to me are from my loins, Rocky. My mate gave birth to them.
The other two belong to one of our closest friends and his ramrod on
his ranch. Together they belong to the Grange. It would be
unfair of me to say they belonged to any one person. They belong
to a community of good people who love and care for them. They
now belong to you.”
The big
bio-droid was overwhelmed with feelings. As a whale he was
capable of great love and affection, but nothing like he was feeling at
the moment. He wanted to encompass the small cowboys who stood
before him. He raised his arms and opened them in a gesture he
didn’t understand, but they seemed to. The four coyotes went to
him and embraced him in all his naked glory. They weren’t the
least shy with their arms around a mature naked bio-droid cowboy.
On the contrary, they thought it was the most natural thing in the
world to be doing. Didn’t everyone? Rocky shed more tears
and the coyotes comforted him and wiped them away.
“Okay, you guys,
enough of the coyote-bio lovefest. Rocky needs to get
dressed. Give him a hand, gentlemen.” the voice of authority came
from their main coyote wrangler Lucas Long.
“Aww, does he
have to git dressed?” complained Jubal.
“Yeah, we like
looking at him like he is, all natural like.” agreed Ranger Jr.
“I’m sure you
do, so do I, but he’s Master Shane’s family member.” Lucas
insisted.
“I don’t give a
big rat’s ass if he’s clothed or naked as long as he’s on the ship or
in Monty’s quarters.” allowed Shane, “Cable, David and Jonathan are
rarely in clothes. It’s up to his keeper for the moment.
What do you think, Son?” Shane deferred to Monty.
“I think it
would be better if he wore clothes, at least for a while, Master
Shane. He ain’t a hundred percent housebroken yet. He’s
worried about being embarrassed. I promised him I’ll be
responsible for him if he has an accident. I’ll see to him, I’ll
help him and take care of him, but I want him contained.” Monty
insisted.
“Sounds
reasonable to me. He wears clothes until further notice.” Shane
declared.
“We didn’t know
about that.” said Cable the coyote. “I can still remember Jubal
and Bo having to clean and change me and Ranger when we’s kids.
It took us longer than them to learn to git to a toilet when we got
potty pangs. T’weren’t pretty. It was one of the more
forgettable parts of our youth. I agree with our brother Monty,
for Rocky’s mental health and Monty’s convenience we should help him
dress, brothers.” he concluded. They took over and did
everything. They had him lie on the exam table, they powered him,
fit his diaper on him, secured it and helped him with his
clothes. Rocky had a look of pampered pleasure on his face.
He was amazed these young humans were so attentive and caring. He
didn’t yet understand ulterior motives or hidden agendas. He
couldn’t believe the young heroes who worked tirelessly for days to
help his family were standing before him, and he was now a part of
their greater family. He was deeply moved.
Shane and Cole
departed and Admiral Long and his men accompanied Monty to his
ship. Maxine did the honors and communicated with the ship to
lower the wall. Monty and Maxine gave them a brief tour of the
parts of the ship they explored so far. There was more to be
discovered, but they didn’t have time the previous day. That’s
why they were back again to do more exploring and to run more education
programs from the ships library of tutorials. After an hour
Lazarus figured they were taking up enough of Monty’s time, and he and
his men departed. Monty was left with the core of his new family,
Bobby, Dexter, Maxine and Rocky. He was growing more attached to
each of them for different reasons and learning to relate with Dexter
in a totally new way. The tour Monty gave the Admiral and his men
was only a small portion of the ship yet to be discovered. Monty
gathered with his posse and through discussion was decided they would
explore a different part of the ship each time they returned.
Rocky was thrilled to be included as a part of the discovery
team. He never saw anything like it. He realized how
much he had to learn. Maxine understood his frustration and took
him into her confidence.
“My specie
wasn’t originally designed for what I’m doing with my brother
Monty. Look at me, Rocky, I don’t have hands like
you. I can’t do the things you can physically. You’re way
ahead of me in that department, but you have a fine brain. You
are capable of learning far more than sailing through the yellow-acid
skies of Venus feasting on silicon dust and singing endless
songs. I suspect whale brains are depositories of far more
information than you allow within your consciousness. Don’t
become overwhelmed. Take knowledge in small chunks and digest it
as you would the food you eat. Some things are learned through
repetition. After so many times of disposing of your waste, it
will
become second nature to you. So it will be with many other
things. They will become as natural to you as floating on the
atmospheric currents of Venus.”
“You speak from
your heart, Maxine. Is your heart larger than your brain?” he
asked innocently.
“I’d like to
think so, Rocky, but it ain’t. Monty tells me I have a good
brain, and he encourages me to speak up more often. I ain’t
afraid to use my brain when I’m with him. Monty always listens to
any idea I might have, and he don’t make me feel dumb if I ask about
something I don’t understand. He will be the same with you,
Rocky. Don’t be afraid to ask him anything. It’s the only
way you’ll learn.”
The five of them
hooked up to the headband stimulus learning modules. Monty helped
Maxine and Rocky, and Bobby helped Dexter. Maxine activated the
lesson, with which, they wanted to interact, and the room was filled
with
examples and holographic images of what they were being taught.
They didn’t have to sit still to observe and learn. They could
move about the room with their headbands on and get different
perspectives of what they were seeing. They could converse with
each other. The lesson master was a humanoid of a species unknown
to them but pleasant enough in appearance not be frightening or
intimidating. It introduced itself and ask each participant’s
name. It immediately knew Monty and Bobby were human, Dexter was
a bio-mechanical humanoid, Maxine was a quadruped of the genus Canine
who had been genetically enhanced, but it was stumped by Rocky.
It recognized him as an artificially grown humanoid, but failed to
recognize his intelligence type. When Monty explained, the lesson
master seemed excited.
“This is
truly remarkable. When we explored this galaxy several hundred
thousand of your years ago, the bladder whales of Venus had not yet
evolved to the state of intelligence you seemed to be displaying.
Venus still had an atmosphere and the primates were of four separate
species.” he flashed four creatures in the middle of the room that
seemed very much alive. One was obviously the forefathers of
Monty’s ‘Rarebits’ and another the forefathers of the current Venerian
underground people.* They looked a lot like early man on
Earth. The other two looked similar to Monty’s Minniots and
Hommynids. The lesson master explained the latter two ultimately
became extinct. The lesson master took great pains to explain to
Rocky his necessity to leave behind his thinking as a bladder whale and
begin to fully embrace his new persona. It was not suggesting
Rocky forget his heritage, but he must strive to think of himself as a
butterfly who metamorphosed into a smaller, more agile creature.
It displayed a caterpillar, a larval form of a member of the order
Lepidoptera and in time-lapse sequences and showed Rocky the unfolding
life
of its metaphor. It was a new beginning for Rocky, a new
understanding of his place in the universe. He was greatly moved.
Monty carefully
watched the time and allowed travel time through the gates to arrive
back at the ranch in time for lunch. They carefully closed up the
ship and return through the first gate to sickbay, paid their respects
to Cable and his men, passed through the second gate and walked up
through the pasture to the bunkhouse. Maxine accompanied
them. She knew she could sweet talk a handful of slave chow from
the cowboy slave cooks for her lunch. It was the cowboy’s first
meeting
with Rocky and they were impressed. Several of the older cowboys
recognized his likeness immediately. Since most knew about Dexter
and Monty’s lab they figured Rocky was a bio-driod but they couldn’t
help be impressed with his human quality. Monty thanked
Bart for the loan of his Wranglers and told him he would return them as
soon as Master Morris received another order.
Gil was there to
have lunch with the men and said he expected them by Monday or
Tuesday. Monty went further and told Bart he owed him one, and he
could collect it tonight or tomorrow night, whichever was most
convenient for him. (Shane limited Monty’s entertaining his slave
brothers to weekends) The cowboys laughed at big Bart when he
blushed. He told Monty tonight would be just fine with him.
The cowboy
slaves were surprised when their foreman and ramrod joined them for a
lunch
of slave chow. Shane told Monty he wanted him to tidy up his
place and get ready for some leather work the following week. Mr.
Ong hinted to him they had several things which needed his attention
and
Shane told them to bring them. Monty said he would be glad to
take care of their repairs.
“How ya’ doing, Cowboy?” Shane asked Rocky.
“I think I’m
doing okay, Sir. I’m enjoying being out of the lab. I’ve
learned a lot today and met some interesting people. I’m glad to
meet these men.” Rocky motioned to the cowboys.
“You got a place
for him in your quarters, Son?” Shane asked Monty.
“Yes, Sir, I got
an extra room downstairs off my office area. It’s part of the
downstairs lab area, but it has a separate entry, and it’s sealed off
from the lab. We originally built it for Dexter, but he never
used it very much. It’s been closed off for several years.
We put a small bed in there for Dex, and I wired the place for twelve
volts. It’s a cozy little room, but we’ll need a bigger bed for
Rocky. The one in there now is a kid’s bed. There’s a
downstairs restroom right off my office for him to use. I’d like
to keep some privacy for myself in case I need to entertain one of my
lead cowboys. I invited Mr. Swinson down for the evening for
loaning me a pair of his old Wranglers and the shirt Rocky’s
wearing. Mr. Morris is ordering some clothes for Rocky, and if
it’s all right with you I’ll just replace Bart’s loan with a new pair
for him. Rocky can do with the older pair for a while.”
“Fine with
me. Bart looks like he could use a couple of new pair.” Shane
smiled. “A bed ain’t no problem. We got plenty around here
what ain’t being used. After lunch,— Loud, you and Fuzzy throw
one of them bunks in the back of ma’ truck and Cole will drive you down
to Monty’s quarters. He’ll show you were he wants it.”
“Yes, Sir, Master Goodnight.” Loud replied.
“Monty, I’m
thinking you got most of your responsibilities down to the big barn,
and for a while, I don’t want Rocky left alone. He don’t have to
sleep with you, but I jes’ want you to be near if he needs help.
If you think he’s capable of making it outside the lab, let’s not put
him back there. Your workers got enough to do with the three new
containers they be work’n on. I know we got rules around here
about baby slaves, but I say what goes on around here and what
don’t. Monty, I want you to stay down there in your quarters, but
you’ll still be expected to entertain your slave brothers from time to
time. I don’t wanna’ hear no talk about Master Shane
show’n no favoritism to our new slave. I got my reasons.”
“I think Rocky
can make it outside the lab. I don’t think he’s gonna’ be much
problem. I’ll stay near in case he gets lonely or needs my help.”
Monty created a
comfortable small room for Rocky, and he seemed grateful. He
confided in Monty he didn’t want to return to the lab unless he felt it
absolutely necessary. He learned to use the downstairs toilet and
became adept at it. He asked Monty to check him a couple of
times. Monty was gracious about it and after finding Rocky took
care of himself well enough he didn’t worry about him anymore.
Sleep was not something that came natural to the ex-whales. They
had to learn to put their brains in a neutral state in order to relax
and maintain a healthy balance with their bodies. He was learning
to
quiet his brain and let it reach a state of rest. Even then it
wasn’t like a human might sleep and dream. Rocky’s was more like
reviewing past memories and things learned from the day before.
He would lie in his rest position with his eyes closed aware of
everything around him, but he could feel his bio-body responding from
the day’s exercise and repairing itself. He was growing stronger
and bigger by the day. Bart Swinson
spent the evening with Monty and had a good time. Monty treated
him like he was special and kept no secrets from Bart or Telly.
They knew more about him than the other lead cowboys. Bart
noticed the large pair of boots sitting on Monty’s makeshift altar in
his bedroom.
“Them’s Ramrod
Russell’s boots, ain’t they?” he grinned.
“Yes, Sir, they
sure are.”
“Is it true the
rumors we been hear'n about you being able to change shape, Monty?”
“It’s true, Mr.
Swinson. After I moved here I discovered I have a talent for
mimicking anyone or any animal who’s genetic material I been exposed
to.”
“Like
how...?” Bart asked.
“By absorbing
anyone’s blood, come, sweat, or urine and probably saliva from swapping
spit.”
“You mean you
could change to look like Telly, me or Ramrod Russell?”
“Nothing to it.”
“Lemme’s
see! Do Telly for me.” Bart challenged like a kid.
Monty lay in bed
next to him and morphed into an exact duplicate of his mate.
“Son of a
bitch! You look jes’ like my mate. That’s amazing.
That sends all sorts of perverted ideas through my head.”
Monty changed
back. “Yeah, it did mine, too, Sir. My brain ain’t stopped
yet. I’m still git’n hard-ons when I think about some of the
things I might be able to try. I don’t need me no porn pictures
to jack off to, I can change myself into you, Telly, Poppa Pie, or my
ramrod and stand in front of my mirror and pretend. Have you ever
considered having sex with yourself?” Monty grinned wickedly at
him.
“You know, I
have thought about it a couple of times.”
“Now’s yore’
chance, cowboy.” Monty laughed.
“Let’s do it,
boy.” he said and Monty morphed into another Bart Swinson.
“Hoe-lee
she-it! That’s too damn much.” Bart grabbed his double and
planted a big kiss on him. Monty kissed him back with equal
verve. They broke off.
“Wait a minute,
hoss!” Monty stopped him. I gotta’ git me some'um from my store
room. Don’t go nowheres. Be right back.” Bart’s
double jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. In a minute he was
back carrying a box. Bart moved the boxes from the Dundee place
and recognized it immediately as a box of Monty’s buckaroo boots.
Monty set on the edge of the bed and opened it. He had a big
shit-eating grin on his face. He took one of the boots out and
pulled it on
and then the other.
“What are you
doing, Son?” Bart asked him. Monty was stomping around in the big
boots and grinning.
“They feel
good. I jes’ wanted to see if these pair of boots I made for you
fit good.”
“Them boots is
for me? You be kidding me, right?” Bart grinned but looked
at the boots longingly.
“Naw, Sir, I
ain't kidding. I
made ‘em for you. Why you think they fit me so well?” Monty
razzed him.
“Don’t you mean
fit me so well?” he asked.
“You ain’t the
one what’s wear’n ‘em, cowboy.” Monty yanked his chain.
Bart laughed.
“Damn yore'
hide,
Monty! Don’t do that to an old cowboy slave brother what loves
you.” he grinned.
“They’s yours,
cowboy, but you gotta’ earn ‘em.” Monty gigged him.
“How’s ‘zat?” he
grinned knowing his double was up to no good.
“You gotta’ fuck
me in ‘em ‘til you make me holler ‘calf rope.’” Monty laughed
“What if I
always wondered how it’ud feel git'n fucked by ma’self?” Bart asked
shyly.
“I got me a big
ole belly cinch what would strap me in yore’ saddle for a good long
ride, cowboy. I’ll fuck you ‘til you holler ‘calf rope’ or
whistle ‘happy trails.’” Bart's double grinned at him.
“Would I still
git them fine look'n boots that a’ way?” Bart wanted to know.
“You only git
one. To git the other one you gotta’ do the same for me.” Monty
roared with laughter. They rolled on Monty’s bed laughing.
“You got
chore’self a deal, buckaroo. Cowboy up!” yelled Bart as his
booted double greased up his big cock and slowly sank it deep within
the big man’s ass. Monty memorized Bart’s fucking techniques and
gave him all the strength, goodness and consideration he always showed
Monty when he was fucking him. After about an hour of his double
huffing and puffing in the saddle,
Bart hollered ‘calf rope.’
“I can’t go on
much longer, or I’m gonna’ shoot my wad. I wanna’ shoot it up my
butt...or your butt.... what the fuck, you know what I mean.” he
laughed.
“Fine, by
me. I get to take your load either way. Tell you what, you
help me off with these boots and pull ‘em on. The cowboy what
does
the ride’n wears the boots. How ‘bout that?” Monty told
him. Bart grinned.
“Once I git them
boots on, they ain’t coming off until I walk out a’ here with ‘em.”
Bart declared. Monty howled with laughter.
“I can live with
that.” Bart’s double smiled at him. Bart thought it was
like having sex with your identical twin brother. He thought it
was one of the hottest evenings he ever spent with anyone. He
couldn’t wait to tell Telly he got fucked by himself and then fucked
himself. He was sure Telly would have some drop dead funny, smart
ass comment. He did. He told Bart he could believe
it. He always suspected Bart could never tell whether he was
coming or going. Bart’s double helped him with his boots and
after allowing Monty to pay a little homage to them Bart stood and
stomped around in them like he’d seen his double do.
“Damn, these
boots do
feel mighty fine, Son. I’m a cowboy what appreciates a fine pair
of
buckaroo boots. Git in that bed and reach for the sky with them
legs, hombre, there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s about to pay for
these fine boots. Y'ain’t never been fucked like you’s gonna’
be tonight.”
“You wouldn’t
cheat me none, now would you, Sheriff?” his double teased.
“No way! I
wear a white hat, boy. I’m one a’ them good guys. I’m a
straight shooter. I plan to make ma’ payment in full.” Bart
bragged, and he was good to his word. He filled Monty’s ass with
his hot, thick, ropey cowboy cream and got him off at the same
time. While they were making love in the afterglow of their
coupling, Monty changed back.
“Thank’s, boy, I
knew you was different when you come to this ranch. I just didn’t
realize how wonderfully different you was. Did I earn them boots
I be wear’n?”
“I think I owe
you some change, Sir.” Monty smiled at him.
“You don’t owe
me nothing, my sweet buckaroo. You know they’s been some talk
around the bunkhouse about Phil not having time to see to you as yore’
slave daddy. We’s git’n us six new slaves come next week,
and ole Phil’s gonna’ be busier’n a one legged man at a butt kick’n
contest. Me and Telly was wondering...?”
“Yes!
Absolutely! Yes! I’d love for you and Mr. Ferguson to be my
slave daddies.” Monty told him as he hugged and kissed Bart
again. “Don't get me wrong, Bart, I love Phil and Eli, but they’s
jes’ a little too much a
couple if you know what I mean. I love taking care of ‘em
separately, more Mr. Pie than Mr. Stone, but together they’s awkward
for me. H’it ain’t that a way with you and Mr. Ferguson.
Will being my slave daddies conflict with you and Telly riding herd on
Loud and Fuzzy?”
“No, we can
handle both. We won’t git to spend that much time with you no
ways. Maybe one night a week. Besides, yore’ three months
is gonna’ be behind you ‘afore you know it. Then you can do
pretty much as you please. I got me a feeling you’re gonna’ be
seeing a lot more of Jimmy Joe Russell.”
“I don’t think
so, Mr. Swinson. He’s all wrapped up in Burt and that’s
fine. I told him I’d take what I can git.” Monty said.
“Trust me, Son,
us slaves got us an underground. It ain’t for conspiring agin’
our masters. It’s jes’ some’um what started years ago for
survival. We know what’s going on at lots of other ranches.
We know things ain’t going well between Ramrod Russell and Burt.
We
hear’d Burt blew up when he discovered Jimmy Joe’s rodeo scar was gone
and his balls was noticeably bigger, to say nothing of them fine new
pair of buckaroo boots he brought home with him. Jimmy Joe
Russell ain’t a man to lie. He jes’ refused to tell Burt
anything. He’s a master, for cries sake, he don’t have to tell
his slave nothing. Since Burt’s been working for Admiral Long, he
thinks he’s above us cowboy slaves, and his shit don’t stink.
Take it from me, things ain’t real good over to the Angus Goodnight
spread right now.”
“I don’t wanna’
be no home wrecker, Mr. Swinson. ‘At’s why I find it easier
to relate with you and Mr. Ferguson. You men are comfortable with
each other and your sexuality. I ain’t afraid of that sort of
thing with you. I ain’t so sure about Mr. Stone. He goes
through the motions, but I know his heart ain’t in it. He don’t
want nobody but his partner. I ain’t
against that sort of thing if both men enjoy it with one another, but
it becomes awkward in situations like slave daddies.”
“Telly and me
been together so long we can read each other's minds. Whoever
goes first will die in the other's arms. ‘At’s jes’ the way it is
with us. We love each other. We have us some wild old times
in the hay, but what we do outside our relationship or in the
performance of our jobs we can enjoy on a different level. What
we do in the sack with someone else stays in the sack. It don’t
affect the love Telly and me got for one another. I take that
back. You can bet I’m gonna’ tell him about git’n fucked and
fuck’n ma’self.” Bart laughed. “Listen to me, boy! You
ain’t gonna’ be no home wrecker. They’s lots of men what would
like to see Burt Stamper taken down a notch and would like to see
Ramrod Jimmy Joe Russell have a little happiness. Jimmy Joe
Russell is a legend and highly respected cowboy among cowboy
slaves.
His slaves will tell you, to a man, they’s proud to call
him ‘master’ and their ‘ramrod.’ They don’t like the way Burt’s
been treat’n their master neither. We know he ain’t happy with
Burt, but he’s loyal as an old hound dog. Happiness to a man like
Jimmy Joe is much like it is with me and Telly. He’s learned to
be a free spirit and knows when to accept good when it comes.
Your offer of being happy with what you can get from him will
probably git you more in the long run than Burt ever got from
him. Burt don’t allow nobody to give to him. He wants to
suck it out of ‘em; literally and figuratively. You won’t have no
problems. If you need help, come to us. We got big ears,
bigger arms and open hearts for you.” Bart stole another kiss as
he slowly withdrew from Monty’s ass. “Shall I stay the night or
walk back to the bunkhouse.” he asked as Monty cleaned him up
with a warm, damp hand towel.
“My invitation
was for the night, but if you gotta’ get back to yore’ mate I’ll
understand.”
“Naw, he’s
spending the night with Loud. He spent last night with
Fuzzy. It’s his weekend to fuck the kids.” Bart chuckled.
“Do they
have sex with each other?” Monty asked innocently.
“They didn’t at
first, but we made ‘em watch when we fucked either one of them or made
‘em suck us off. It was like watching porn for them. They’d
git hard and play with themselves. They swear they don’t service
each other, but they don’t fool us none. We can hear the
bedsprings with them moaning, groaning and carrying on. They’s
always real
quiet the next morning.” he laughed.
“What made you
ask if I wanted you to stay the night?” Monty asked, “If I invite you
down, Mr. Ferguson
or both, it’s for the night.” he explained.
“I didn’t know
if you wanted me to sleep in yore’ bed with ma’ boots on? I told
you I weren’t take’n ‘em off, and I meant it.” Bart said and then
laughed. Monty laughed with him.
“I don’t give a
shit. We’ll jes’ sleep on the rawhide cover. I got a
blanket what I can throw over us.” Monty went to his closet and
got a big comforter and threw it over Bart. It was luxurious and
warm. He turned out the lights and crawled in next to him.
Bart held Monty in his arms and stole another kiss.
“Glad you’re
here, Mr. Swinson.” Monty whispered.
“Glad to be
here, Son.” he replied.
* * * * * * *
Monty told Rocky
not to be concerned about any noises he might hear from him
entertaining his cowboy slave daddy. He told him he would
explain later. He was a bit concerned Rocky might be curious
about sex and ultimately want to experience it for himself. He
didn’t know whether imprinting him with male sex might be
appropriate. He would have to talk with his master about
it. He didn’t ask, but he imagined his workers managed to
stimulate Rocky to climax someway, or maybe he underestimated
Rocky’s ability to explore his new body for himself. Perhaps he
discovered, like any young boy, if he kept stroking it enough he would
soon find out it was good for something besides relieving
himself. Maybe he applied one situation to another; an abstract
of his species mating with his new body and figured it out for
himself. Fuck the warm puppy theory. Monty wondered if
happiness might be as simple as an opposable thumb?
* * * * * * *
Monty and Rocky
joined the cowboys for breakfast the next morning. Bart wore his
new boots to the bunkhouse and casually carried his old boots in his
right hand. All the cowboys were gathered and saw him carrying
his old ones to his and Telly’s room. Nothing was said, at least
not right away. Telly grinned, winked and nodded his
approval. The men set down to breakfast. Monty still didn’t
want Rocky eating regular food. He asked the cooks to give him a
small
bowl of slave chow and a biscuit. He explained he wasn’t
being mean to Rocky. His biology was a little different than
theirs, and if Master Shane wants him to eat regular food, his system
has to slowly adjust to it by ingesting small amounts at a time.
They accepted his explanation. It sounded reasonable. The
men accepted Rocky pretty quick. They understood he was a
freeman among them, a somewhat alien one, but they treated him
with respect. Even Loud and Fuzzy were pleasant to him. He
didn’t talk much unless asked a direct question. He seemed to be
taking in information at an accelerated rate and was fascinated to
learn more about the men he was living among. The more he was
around the cowboys the more he picked up and practiced the cowboy
lingo. After a month you couldn't tell the difference between
them.
* * * * * * *
The day
began and Monty was ready. He spent sometime tidying up his
quarters. Captain Shane told him he might want to show his family
where he was living. He told Monty they had no secrets from the
Ongs, and he could tell them anything he wanted them to know. He
especially urged him to tell the two elder males and his older Ong
brothers some of the wonders of the Grange. Shane invited the
major players in the Grange and a few families, but it was an
invitation only affair. They didn’t want it to get too
large. He made it a point to invite some of the more strange
components. The Kryscellians slowly floated from place to place
to visit with everyone. Shane invited several families of
human-lummox mixed matings. The Trong-Fielding family came with
their mixed bag of lummox and human children. So did Strom and
Lyle Chambers and their three male bairns. The smallest, little
Storm, was very active and running around loving everyone. Warren
Steel and Horse came with Jack and Buck Hall. Their little one
was still in Horses’ pouch and amazed everyone when it would come out
to nurse at Horses’ big chest. Of course, Ox came with his
master,
Waco, and his mate, Captain Vinceeth. Shane invited Ping and Pong
and Jack and Jill and several of their new family. The place was
alive with bio-diversity. Many of the cowboys never were
exposed to the unusual creatures. As the Grange grew, the
unusual creatures stayed more in the colonies on the ships.
Loud and Fuzzy were stunned most of the day. They complained to
their older brothers Hoot and Cotton.
“Why ain’t
nobody told us about all this? What are we living
among? Is Master Goodnight an alien? We hear’d he can do
some strange things. And what’s with Monty, we done hear’d all
manner of strange things about him. Where’d all these huge
Bigfoot creatures come from? Are you friends with them?” they
wanted to know.
“Welcome to the
world of tomorrow, brothers. Of course we’re friends with them,
close friends. They’s part of our family. Get used to
it. Why the hell do you think we went to such trouble to have you
two yahoos become Master Shane’s slaves? It was so’s you could
learn something and become a part of something greater than you ever
imagined. You ain’t got no idea what you’ve fallen into.
We’s hoping it might shock you into straightening up yore’ acts and
become good, responsible citizens of the Grange.” Hoot told them.
“But what’s the
purpose of all this? Are they here to take over our world?
Are we being invaded?” Fuzzy questioned.
“Don’t be
stupid. They don’t need our world. They got worlds of their
own. Some live on Venus, some on Mars. Them big, huge men
with Captain Waco, Lucas and Travis are from another world in
another solar system. They’s helping us when the time comes for leaving
this world. The rapture is coming, boys, but it ain’t like what
them crazy Jesus freaks preach. You men got a front row
seat. Me and your brother wanted to give you this opportunity,
but if’n you don’t want it, you don’t wanna’ become a part of it, you
will be left behind to throw in your lot with them religious
wackaloons.” Cotton said. Loud and Fuzzy didn’t know what to
think. As they became more and more involved with the alien
creatures during the day, they began to relax and see it as the
opportunity their brother’s were trying to explain.
Rocky stayed
close to Monty all day while taking in the wonders of the Grange.
Bart loaned him one of his older buckaroo hats and Rocky looked like
the consummate, handsome cowboy hero. Monty was surprised to see
his ramrod arrive with Master Angus and his wife, but he was
alone. Burt wasn’t with him. Monty wanted to run to him,
but he restrained himself. He settled for smiling and
nodding. Monty could almost swear he saw concern in Jimmy Joe’s
eyes when he saw Monty being attentive to his new bio-droid.
Monty could see Jimmy Joe was busy meeting other folks and speaking
with Captain Shane and Cole. He disappeared with them for a
while. Monty and Dexter were busy all day. Monty had his
new posse around him most of the morning along with the Ong kids, the
Coyote cowboys and
the elder Ong men. Maxine wanted to be with them, but her sister
Patty came with Jack and Buck Hall to visit. Maxine spent most of
her time entertaining her sister, but they were around Monty and his
crew most of the day.
The day was a
great success. Admiral Long gave a short speech before lunch was
served welcoming the Ong family to the Grange. He wished the
Ongs, Monty and Dexter well. He hoped they would be become great
friends and a greater part of the Grange’s family. Cable, David
and Jonathan made one of their rare appearances in their cowboy clothes
to administer the Longshot to anyone who wanted it. Since
learning Admiral Long was over two thousand years old, it was too much
of a temptation for the elder Ongs, Mr. and Mrs. Ong and their older
sons. They decided they would get the shot first, and if there
was
no side effects, they would later have their wives and children take
the
shot. It seemed reasonable to Cable. The Ongs seemed to be
really enjoying themselves. In his speech, the Admiral invited
the Ongs to join them in a celebration trip to Mars port the first
weekend in June. If all goes well, they expected Dexter to
have his new body, and it was to celebrate his transformation from a
small child to an adolescent male bio-droid. They seemed excited
by the prospects. It wasn’t until lunch was served when Jimmy Joe
and Monty got a chance to be near one another. They set together
with the
Ongs, but didn’t get much chance to talk personally. Monty’s
first priority
was to his oriental family, and he gave them his full attention.
He could tell Jimmy Joe wanted to talk with him, but he understood
Monty had responsibilities. They did get in a couple of exchanges
after
lunch when most of the Ong family drifted away or went to get dessert.
“How you been,
Son?” Jimmy Joe asked quietly.
“Rushed.
Busy every minute of the day, from sunup to well past sundown.
One day melds into the next until they become a blur, but it’s strange,
Master, I’m happier than I been in a long time. I feel more
wanted, needed and comfortable than I ever have in my life. I
know I
got it easier than most slaves, but I ain’t afraid or ashamed of being
Captain Shane’s slave. He needs me, and I need him. I need
everyone on this ranch.”
“I thought a lot
about you, boy. I missed you.” Jimmy Joe cautiously
admitted. Monty smiled but didn’t reply. Jimmy Joe looked a
little frustrated. “Did you miss me, slave?” he asked guardedly.
“It’s only been
a week. ‘Sides, I been waaay too busy to think about much of
anything. Can’t say’s I recall so much as a single thought about
you, Sir. Lemme’ think. No, no, I’m almost sure I didn’t
miss you a' tall." he shook his head, "Un-uh, not a bit, Sir.” Monty
got a wicked grin on his face. Jimmy Joe’s face fell, then he
grinned.
“I’m gonna’ ask
Ramrond Cole if'n I can borrow his razor strop.” Jimmy Joe said with a
growl. Monty chuckled.
“Of course I
missed you!" Monty said emphatically, "It was like my heart left my
body and walked through that damn gate
with you Friday morning, and it took the willpower of ever’ fiber in
ma’ body to keep from running after you. I was shaking all
over. My muscles ached for
an hour after you left. They still hurt when I recall it.
Ain’t been able to think of nothing else since. S’wonder I got
anything done a’ tall this last week. My mind drifts off,
and I imagine myself lying in your arms, and for hours you’s jes’
gentle on ma’ mind.” Monty said quietly so no one else could hear.
“‘At’s better,
slave. ‘At’s what I’s hope’n to hear.” Jimmy Joe grinned.
“Mind if I stay for a while after everyone’s gone? I can go home
through the gate.”
“Of course I
won’t mind. I’d like that, Master Russell. ‘Sides, them
new buckaroo boots you's a’ wear'n need my attention. Y’ain’t had
them damn
things off since you left, have you?” Monty grinned.
“You’re right.”
he laughed, “I worn ‘em for over a week now. I sleep in ‘em
to make sure nobody sneaks into ma’ closet and makes off with
‘em. I got others, but none fit me like these do. They jes’
sort a’ wrap theys’selves around my feet and legs like they’s making
love to me. Can’t tell you the number of times I dropped my
Wranglers and ordered some slave to suck me off while I’s wear’n
‘em. Them slaves been through a tin of Bag Balm for their
lips. My bossman made me show ‘em to him. He tried to buy
‘em off’n me, but I done told him they weren’t for sale at no
price. He jokingly offered me the deed to his ranch, but I told
him I meant what I said.”
“They wouldn’t
a’ fit him no ways.” Monty grinned, “He wears a size larger than
you. ‘Side’s I got a pair for him what’ll fit him good, but he’s
gotta’ pay the same price you done paid me, but I want you to tell him,
I don’t want him cheat’n me none neither. I wanna’ be paid in
full.” Monty laughed.
“He’ll fill you
up, all right. He’s got more to pay you with, slave.” Jimmy Joe
looked a little dejected.
“What? Are
you kidding? You got plenty to satisfy my deepest itch,
Ramrod. It’s quality what count’s, Master, not quantity.
Have you forgotten my gift to you? If you’re worried about it, I
can give you all you want and more. I can make you the size of a
bull elephant.” he grinned. Jimmy Joe laughed.
“You’re right,
slave, I guess I jes’ had me a twinge of the green-eyed monster for a
second.” Jimmy Joe lamented.
“Don’t give it
an inch! I’m a slave what’s got responsibilities to my cowboy
slave daddies and brothers; jes’ like you got responsibilities to yore’
slaves. If Master Angus is gonna’ start taking over your weaning
he can damn-well spend a night plow’n ma’ lower forty for a fine pair
of boots.”
“You’re
right. I been visited one too many times by that green-eyed
monster lately, and believe me, he ain’t no fun.” Jimmy Joe
allowed. Monty didn’t ask about Burt. He figured if Jimmy
Joe wanted him to know he’d tell him.
The day came to
an end. The Ong’s couldn’t thank Shane and Admiral Long
enough. They had a wonderful day. They learned a lot and
there was no doubt in any of their minds they wanted to be a part of
the family of which Monty and Dexter became a part. They
were very grateful and looking forward to more wonders. They left
and the rest of the Grange members drifted back to their
communities. Patty paid her respects to her sister and told
Maxine she was happy for her having such an interesting life.
Maxine shared with Patty her desire for her big brother to drink some
lummox milk. Patty promised she would speak with Mr. Hall, Warren
and Horse. Patty bragged she thought she was somewhat of a
connoisseur of lummox milk and to her way of thinking, Horse’s milk was
the cream-de-la-cream. Angus said ‘goodbye’ to his ramrod and got
ready to drive his wife back to the ranch.
“If you wanna’
stay the night, I’ll cover for you this evening.” he grinned, “Ain’t
much happening over to the ranch no how. We ain’t going no
place.
I know 'd the last couple of days has been rough on you.”
“Thanks, Boss, I
might be a little late, but I’ll be back.” Jimmy Joe assured him.
“No problem,
take yore’ time, cowboy. If you should change your mind I’ll
understand.” he patted Jimmy Joe on the shoulder.
Shane and Cole
were planning on showing a new movie on their new big screen video that
evening. They invited Boss Potter, Gil, Bobby, Maxine and made a
special point of inviting Rocky to join them. Shane told Rocky,
Monty would be entertaining a special friend for the evening, and he
wanted to give him some privacy. Rocky understood and spent the
evening with his new friends. Monty and Jimmy Joe walked down to
his quarters through the meadows. The sun was going down in the
West and the evening began to cool down. They didn’t talk
much. Monty was telling him about Rocky, Dexter’s new body, and
his new, growing relationship with Maxine. He told him about
exploring his new spaceship, and how much he’d like to show it to Jimmy
Joe if he could get away some afternoon. Monty never asked about
Burt. They got to the bridge and waiting on the other side for
them was the small, self-appointed keeper of Monty’s hold. Jenny
was like a guard dog without the severe threat of teeth, but her voice
alone was enough to stop the strongest heart at fifty paces. She
was like the single voice of a siren who had been transformed to
a comic parody in an alternate Odyssian universe. When she didn’t
get what she wanted, she decided she was going to enrapture their
minds to do her bidding with her soulful crying. When that didn't
work she sulked away into
her space grumbling under her breath like a retreating storm.
Jimmy Joe
stopped and looked over the railing down into the fast flowing stream
under the bridge. Monty stopped and moved closer to him so their
shoulders were touching. Jimmy Joe looked at his friend, put his
arm around him and pulled him close. They stood silently watching
the sun go down with the soft bubbling sounds of the creek creating a
ground bass like a drone in some minimalist composition while bobwhites
and whippoorwills created a soothing counter melody; a sound of hope; a
promise of better things to come.
“I used to see
something like this and give a passing nod to the moment.” Jimmy Joe
sighed deeply, “I suppose, if there’s any solace to be found in aging
it slows you down just enough to let the message get through.”
“What message
would that be, Ramrod?” Monty asked quietly.
“Love will find
a way.” said the stoic old cowboy.
Jimmy Joe took
Monty into his arms and kissed him gently. Monty melted into his
ramrod’s arms. They held the kiss through sixteen bars of
nature’s minimalist vamp until a lonely and very horny Mockingbird
began an insane melismatic cadenza of mellifluous improvisation as a
prelude for the night to come and his aria of availability for a
mate. It was like some crazy stunt a composer, with more brains
than talent could account for, might attempt like Hindemith’s J.S. Bach
chorale discant above the thundering climax of Mathis der Maler.
Monty took Jimmy Joe’s rough, calloused hand in his.
“Come, Sir, I
have new things to share with you.” Monty spoke softly.
“What kind of
things, slave?” Jimmy Joe asked quizzically.
“Wonderful
things for my ramrod-master, Sir.”
They walked hand
in hand through the door to Monty’s lair and closed it behind them.
End of Chapter
67 ~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2008 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
* http://home.att.net/~bwesterns/cobtk.jpg
*The term
“Venerian” and “Venusian” are both correct.