WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
7
<< It’s
really good to be with you again, Garron. >> said Lazarus
to Ox as they lay near each other in the loft.
<< I’m
known as Ox here, Dad. Good to be reunited with you. >>
<< You be
careful calling me ‘dad’ around them kids, Son. They’s gonna’ git
suspicious real quick-like. ‘Sides, I ain’t chore’ birth dad no
ways. I’m yore’ Godfather. I found you under a pile of
rubble after yore’ village was ransacked and your parents killed on
your home world of Volgoron. You couldn’t a been more’n a year
old at the most. I wouldn’t have found you, but I heard you
moaning from hunger and pain. You couldn’t move. You must
a’ laid there for two days. You were hurt pretty bad. Both
yore’ little arms were broken, your left leg had a bone sticking out of
it, and you had a major concussion. Arlen didn’t think you’d make
it, but we made a pledge to your parents, we had to try. We got
you back to the ship and let the medical droids patch you up.
As yore’
Godfathers, me and Arlen took care of you ‘til you’s old enough to be
adopted and brought you here to live safely among your own kind.
We checked back on you ever’ couple of years or so. You had a
hard time adjusting at first, ‘cause we kept you clean, and you didn’t
like the way they smelled. It didn’t take you long to
adjust. After our friends Strom and his mate Pangle agreed to
look after you, you done pretty damn good. I’m as proud of you as
I would be my own son, Garron. >>
<< Thanks,
Lazarus. I remember it broke my heart when you and Arlen left me
here, but I slowly come to love Strom and Pangle. They were good
to me. They treated me as their own. Strom and I are still
close. I love Strom, but my first memories were of you and
Arlen. You know you’re the only father I’ve ever known. By
the way, did anyone say anything about Ping and Pong recognizing me?
>>
<< No, I
don’t think so. Only the boys could hear your exchange, but they
ain’t asked no questions I know of. The rest of ‘em probably
thought they were just curious. Ping and Pong let go with a major
lackadaisical pheromone that minimized questions. There was one
young slave who seemed unaffected by their charms. He figured out
I was a traveler. >>
<< Were
you honest with him? >>
<<
Sure. Why not? We’re gonna’ have to lay our cards on the
table with several folks in this community to gain their trust.
Besides, his name is in the records as being a prime contact and
helper. By coincidence he found a book buried in a metal box and
read about me and my family. He said something about having found
some papers along with the book in an odd looking, unknown
language. They may be the documents Arlen told us about.
I’m surprised they were found; however, I have a feeling his brother’s
ranch, where he’s a slave, is part of the old Howard land
holdings. How did you come to be here? >> Lazarus asked Ox.
<< I came
to find the boy. We been listening to him speak to his ponies for
sometime now. You know how fast word gets around on the winds of
consciousness. Them great whales, Orcas, dolphins and porpoises
can carry a conversation around the world in seconds. They love
to listen in and gossip. Other than horses, they’s the second
biggest gossips on the planet. The winds are decreasing with
everyone what’s slaughtered. Soon there may not be anymore winds
to carry our consciousness.
I came to watch
over Master Waco and protect him. I didn’t count on getting
caught by slavers. They thought I was a wild man who was a
runaway slave. When they couldn’t find any record on me the
bastards enslaved me anyway. It worked out for the best
though. A guiding hand brought him and his dad to me. They
sold me before they could find out anything about me. Now I’m the
Goodnight’s slave. Couldn’t ask for a better job or cover.
>>
<< Yeah,
well,— you better stop messing with them T-birds or word is gonna’ get
around. You know Grok’s a troublemaker. >>
<< I know,
but I didn’t hurt him. I just robbed him of his meal. He
didn’t have no business mess’n ‘round here anyway. I told him so
the day before, but he didn’t listen to me. He deserved it.
>>
<< Good
for you. I never liked them damn birds. They shit like a
water buffalo. >>
<< Are we
gonna’ have ta’ save ‘em bastards? >> Ox asked in
frustration.
<< Afeard
so, Son. Says so in the book, but if’n we can’t talk ‘em into
going of their own accord,— they git left behind. I ain’t git’n
on my knees to beg the likes of Grok and Kragga to save their lousy
hides. >>
Ox
laughed. He knew Lazarus sometimes bent the rules to suit
himself, but he always covered his butt. Ox also knew he had
enough ‘seniority’ in over a hundred galaxies his judgement or any
decision he made in a crisis situation would never be questioned.
<< Is it
my imagination or . . .? No, by God, your breast are bigger this
evening. >> Lazarus observed.
<< Awww,
come on, Lazarus, don’t! >> Ox made a groaning sound.
Lazarus was
quietly laughing at his friend.
<< Happens
ever’ damn time, don’t it? >>
<< You
know I can’t help it. You’s the one what took me aside when I’s
going through the change,— becoming an adult,— you explained it to
me. I thought I’s some kinda freak when it started
happening. I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two
together. Strom fed me his milk for years. Once I got past
his smell, and he gimme’ a taste, I was hooked. I didn’t wanna’
stay here, but I knew I couldn’t live without Strom’s milk. I
used to suck his tits by the hour when I’s younger. I still do
when I’m home. How do you think I got s’damn big? Pangle
don’t like it much, but Strom don’t care. He loves it. We
git off on our own so’s she won’t know.
Strom helped
feed my kids and he’s now feeding my grand kids. He helped
me understand. It wasn’t ‘til he talked to me about the facts of
life I put the connection together,— I was just like him. He
explained ever’ thing to me. It’s just part of my nature.
Ever’ time I’m around young’uns for any length of time my body goes
into paternal protection mode, and I start producing milk. It’s
part of the survival of the species thing. Ain’t nothing
new. You’ve seen me do it before. >>
<< Not
like this, I ain’t. Is it because you got three now? >>
<<
Four! I don’t think you met Waco’s little brother JR. He
mentally conjoined with Waco and Travis this morning to give Waco the
strength he needed to communicate with the little boy I was trying to
save. Waco even managed to control Grok for a time; long enough
for me to escape his clutches with the boy. The kid’s
powerful. He taught me a new trick. He don’t know his own
strength yet, but his little brother sort of shorted out some neural
circuits. Nothing bad, he’s jes’ got a chemical imbalance in him
they don’t know about. As a result, he had too much excitement
for one day, got a migraine and his mother put him to bed. I felt
sorry for him, he was so disappointed. You know me, I can’t stand
to see a young’un hurt’n. I wanted to go to him and make it all
better, but these folks don’t know me yet. What would his momma
think if I’s to offer him some lummox teat for his headache?
>> Ox laughed.
<< Hell,
you know I wouldn’t say no. >> teased Lazarus.
<< You’ll
meet him tomorrow morning at breakfast. He’s a good kid. He
idolizes his big brother. >>
<< Is he
really Waco’s brother? >>
<< Naw,
Waco explained he was their cook’s, the free woman’s boy by the big
slave you met, Hank Morgan. It seems like ever’body knows but the
boy. Mr. Goodnight’s a generous man and allowed Ms. Wallace and
Hank to put his name on JR’s birth certificate so’s he wouldn’t grow up
to be a slave. JR carries the Goodnight name, but he don’t have
no inheritance rights. >>
<< I see,—
born out of wedlock. Humm,--- still, the stigma of being a
bastard is a hell of a lot better'n grow'n up to be a slave. The
more I hear about Charlie Goodnight, the
more I admire the man. >>
<< He’s
been good to me. He paid the slave trader too much for me.
Not that I ain’t worth it, you understand. >> Ox smiled
real big at Lazarus. << He felt guilty and brought Waco the
Indian boy for a slave to make up for it. The poor kid’s been
kept in a small cage for months and wasn’t fed enough. He’s got
major bone problems and he’s malnourished. Then there’s Waco’s
new colt. He was just a mite young to be weaned from his
mother. He’s gonna’ need some a’ my milk. >>
Lazarus was
laughing at the look on his big friend’s face. He knew his buddy,
Garron, or Ox, was one of the most caring and loving creatures in the
universe despite his huge ferocious look. He was also one of the
most fiercely protective creatures of anyone he loved or cared
about. Lazarus and Garron fought back to back many times and
Lazarus always swore the only critter he ever wanted covering his back
was Garron. Lazarus had seen the restorative and healing powers
his friend’s milk could produce in animals of all species.
Lazarus credited Garron’s milk for giving him the well defined, strong
body he had today. Rejuvenation could only do so much.
Lazarus
continued.
<< To say
nothing of Waco’s young asthmatic slave and building the young master
into a physical God. >> Lazarus laughed at him, then added.
<< You done fell in love with the kid,— ain’t chu, big’un.
>>
<< Awwh,
Lazarus, come on now, he’s just a boy. >>
<< Boy’s
have a way of grow’n into men pert-damn quick, Son. If’n he grows
up look’n anything like his daddy, I’d say he’ll be a keeper. You
know you ain’t gonna’ throw that one back. >> he chuckled at his
own joke, << ‘Sides, you won’t have to watch him grow old and die
like you done a couple others you fell for. H’it damn near ripped
yore’ heart out when they passed away. We had to stand guard over
you for months until we was sure you wouldn’t do some’um rash,—
remember? >>
<< Yeah,
and I’m grateful to you, Ping and Pong, Arlen, Strom and Pangle, and my
kids. I wouldn’t a’ made it if’n it hadn’t a’ been for you good
folks, but I got me no regrets, Lazarus. I loved Jones and Bronc
with all my heart. The only son I got is by Bronc. Jones
gimme’ two beautiful daughters. I can’t complain, Dad. I’m
a rich beast for having shared their lives with them and honored they
chose me to do so. >>
<< Yes,
you’re a fortunate beast, Son, for having loved them. You know
they’ll always be a part of you. They don’t make ‘em no better’n
Jones or Bronc. They were fine men. You did your best for
them. You gave them men two life times the average
human male lives. Because of yore’ milk, you managed to extend
both their lives to twice what it would’ve been otherwise. Both
of ‘em were still strong, fine looking men ‘til about a hundred and
seventy years. The last ten years was a little rough on ‘em, but
they were going strong up ‘til the time they died. The went
quick. They didn’t have no prolonged illnesses. Their big
hearts jes’ give out on ‘em.
Knowing Jones
and Bronc like I did, they’d want you to go on and share your love with
another. It’s what you do best, big’un. I’m sorry they
didn’t have the longevity gene perfected in time to help Jones and
Bronc, but jes’ think, Garron,— what I’m talk’n about. Waco,—
once I give him the longevity genes,— he’ll live almost as long a life
as you will,— maybe longer. He jes’ may outlive you. Hell,
you ain’t no spring chicken, ya’ know. You got a good six
hunnert’ years on ‘em. Why, you’s old enough to be his,— >>
<< That’s
enough, Lazarus! You know I ain’t got no comeback. Okay,
I’ll admit it,— I’m fond of the boy. When I was in that awful
place, he heard me, came to me when I was in distress, took one look
and made up his mind to help me. As ugly as I am, he never had
the slightest fear of me. He told me he loved me. I believe
him. Ya’ gotta’ love a boy like that, brother,— but he’s just a
kid. He needs experience, but I think he’s gonna’ git it with his
new slaves. He’ll be a fine master for them two as well as me.
>> he smiled at his friend.
<< So
how’s young Bron? >> Lazarus asked to change the subject.
<< He’s
fine. Ma’ boy, his mate Loulook and their two kids are still with
Strom and Pangle’s clan. Strom loves Bron. He won’t let him
stray a hundred yards away from him. >> Ox chuckled.
<< He
certainly grew up to be a handsome beast. He got the best of both
his parents,— your size and Bronc’s good looks. >>
<< Yeah, I
look at him sometimes and swear I can see Bronc looking back at me
though his eyes. >>
<< Of
course you can, Son. Don’t never doubt it. A big part of
Bronc lives on in Bron. His personality is almost jes’ like
Bronc’s. He’s good natured, easy going, giving, compassionate and
he knows how to give and receive love from others, but then again,— so
do you. >>
Ox got a little
misty eyed. To change the subject Ox continued, << It’s so
good to be with Ping and Pong again. >>
<< Yeah, I
told ‘em I thought you might be here. I see they made themselves
to home in the far corner. You help ‘em stack them bails up for
that condo? >> Lazarus laughed.
<< Yeah,
they could a’ done it in nothing flat. I jes’ wanted to give ‘em
a hand. They’re like that. They know when someone wants to
be helpful and giving. They placated me. >> Ox
chuckled, << They’re very gracious in giving and receiving.
It came out pretty good, I think. >> Ox smiled.
<< They
asked me how long we’s gonna’ be here and I told them I didn’t know for
sure, but maybe ten years or more. They wanted to know if things
was gonna’ be quiet could they start a family? Since we won’t be
in space for any length of time, and I won’t need ‘em right away, I
don’t see why not. I’ll have to git Mr. Goodnight’s approval if’n
we’s to stay here. They usually have two to four at a time.
Fortunately, they don’t develop their powers until adulthood. >>
<< How
many in this area are we responsible for collecting? >> Ox
inquired.
<< Our
ship? A hundred and forty-four thousand give or take, not
including livestock. They consider their slaves as livestock so
we take all livestock as well. Of course, that’s just a rough
figure. We may pick up a few others what stray into the
area. As long as we have their bio-parameters we won’t have no
problems. >>
<< When’s
it all gonna’ start? >>
<< Best
guesstimate is twenty thirty-five give or take. I wanna’ be ready
by twenty thirty-three at the latest and out of here by early twenty
thirty-four. I don’t want a repeat of what happened on Agrippa
Prime. We got out by the skin of our teeth. You know me,— I
don’t like close calls. I always like to bet on a sure
thing. I don’t like any loose ends. I like ever’ thing
wrapped up neat and tight. ‘Sides, I’m jes’ too damn old to play
swashbuckling space-dog anymore. I’ll leave that shit to them
younger men what are gonna’ be gather’n folks in other areas. >>
<< Good
luck! There’s always some’um comes up at the last minute that
jes’ has to git done. You always bring it right down to the wire,
with the big guns a’ blazing as we head off into the blue.
>> Ox laughed.
<< I know,
but this time I want it to be different. I wanna’ head start and
a safe journey for these folks. >>
<< What
about animals and my folks? >> Ox asked Lazarus with
concern.
<< Well,
there’s others what’ll be responsible for your family’s area; but hell,
we got us damn near a decade, maybe more, to work things out.
Maybe Strom, Pangle, yore’ son and daughters could migrate down this
way. I’d shore’ feel a lot more comfortable if’n they was in our
area. If necessary, they could live in the ship for a while until
we finished up details.
Other animals
we’s suppose to take with us will be those indigenous to the area and
maybe some zoo critters what find their way here. I seen it
happen before. Somehow they find out and come a’ running.
We got plenty a’ room for ‘em. Some’um’s got me puzzled
though. They got some animals listed what don’t exist no more, or
maybe they’re gonna’ exist again in the near future. Remember
the stories of them chimera critters them mad Anunnaki scientists made
your people
produce after they got here and enslaved everyone? >>
<< I only
heard about ‘em. They's whispered about on the winds of
consciousness. Ancient voices tell of them. Most of ‘em was
gone over five thousand years
ago, but they still live on in history and legends. I think a few
lived to around three hundred B. C. Oh, shit! I just felt a
connection to the time-line. A shiver ran up my spine. We
got something to do with them critters,— ain’t we, Lazarus? >>
<< Maybe,—
only one species is capable of doing that, Son. >>
<< I
know. Jones and Bronc couldn’t a’ had my kids if’n it weren’t for
my special talents. ‘At’s how humans was created in the first
place. They don’t know it, but we’re their parents. >>
<< This
crush you got on the Goodnight boy,— does that mean you don’t love
yore’ old dad no more? >> Lazarus smiled and teased his big
friend.
<<
Lazarus, you know that ain’t fair. You know you’ll always come
first in my life. You and Arlen were the only dads I knew for the
first five years of my life. Then you came back for me, and we
become buddies after I grow’d up. God, how could I quit
you? You’re like a bad penny what keeps circulating in my life,
but I wouldn’t trade you for nobody. But be honest, you love
others as much as me. You got whole clans of folks out there what
lay claim to you as part of their family. You’re welcome on
hundreds of worlds to drop in anytime, pull up a chair and have supper
with ‘em. Take Ping and Pong for example. You three’s
joined at the hip. You’d never consider leaving them behind.
>>
<< Yeah,
you’re right, big fella. I’s jes’ fun’n wit’cha.’ You know
I love you. Always will. I’d like to see you have some’um
with this kid, maybe a couple of little Oxs or Goodnights scamper’n
around. Now, wouldn’t that be fun? >>
<< ‘At’s a
long time off, if ever. >>
<< But the
thought has crossed your mind. >> Lazarus said like it was a fact.
<< Don’t,
Lazarus! You know I won’t lie to you. >> Ox smiled at
him.
<<
Speaking of yore’ teats, son, you think you could share some of yore’
fine milk with yore’ needy dad. It’s been a while and this old
bod is start’n to sag in places. I need it firmed up a bit.
I got me a feel’n I’m gonna’ be need’n to look ma’ best. I may
have to bed me a few folks in this community to gain their trust and
acceptance. Besides, you know what it does to me. >>
<< Yeah,
it puts you out like a light, and for weeks afterward, it makes you
randy as a billy goat what pissed his beard. Sure, you know I’d
never say no to my old man. You can have all you want. In a
couple of days I’m gonna’ have to git me a breast pump or have one a’
them boys suck it out of me. >>
<< Bet
chu’ wouldn’t mind that too much. >> Lazarus chuckled. <<
Lemme’ guess which one,— >> Lazarus roared with laughter.
<< You
want some tit or not? >> Ox asked perturbed, grinning at
him.
<< I’d
love some, Son. >>
Ox took Lazarus
into his huge arms and pulled him to him. Lazarus didn’t have to
move away much fur. The handlers at the auction house did their
jobs pretty well and managed to denude Ox’s huge pectoral
muscles. Lazarus went for his right teat. He gently placed
his mouth to it and slowly began to suck. When he tasted the
first few squirts of lummox milk he groaned in ecstacy. He forgot
just how wonderful his giant friend’s milk tasted. It was mild
but thick and sweet almost like sweetened evaporated milk or melted
vanilla ice cream.
Lazarus also got
roaring hard. He always slept commando style, so his considerable
boner was poking Ox in his belly. Lazarus was too busy sucking
and drinking his treat at his buddy’s huge chest to pay much
attention. Ox reached down with his big paw and gently brought
Lazarus’ dick to the vertical between them. Feeding anyone from
his breast was always sexually exciting for Ox and he laughed. He
gently place his hand on Lazarus’ butt and pulled him closer to his big
body. He mischievously began to play with Lazarus’ hole. He
brought his huge paw to his mouth, slathered up his finger with his
saliva, returned to Lazarus’ hole and gently began to insert his big
index finger. Ox’s index finger was larger than many men’s
penis. He felt Lazarus push back to receive more. Ox
chuckled to himself.
<< Of
course you know what my milk’s gonna’ cost you,— don’t chu’? >>
<< ‘At’s
fine. Won’t be the first time I’ve ridden my boy’s big cayuse;
however, by the time I finish helping you out here, I won’t feel a
thing. >>
<< Yeah,
you sleep right though it. You’re worse than a drunken husband.
>> Ox laughed at him.
<< Admit
it, chu’ ain’t never had yore’self no sweeter piece of ass than yore’
daddy’s. >>
<< Oh,
yes, I have! I ain’t denying yours is damn good, but Jones and
Bronc were special. There was just some’um about ‘em that made me
feel at home when I’s inside ‘em. Ain’t got me no hole to call
ma’ home no more, Dad.” Ox said sadly.
<< Mmmm,—
I hope it works out for you and the Goodnight boy, Son, if’n he’s what
you want. >> Lazarus allowed.
<< I’m
work’n on it. >> Ox smiled, rubbed Lazarus’ back and held
him closer. He started his deep rumbling song, singing to his
dad. It was a song that could calm and touch a human’s
soul. It was a healing song that bound up the raveled sleeves of
care, but most of all it was hypnotically relaxing.
Lazarus sucked
on Ox’s teats for an hour or more and was wasted by the time he pulled
off. He was so limp he could barely roll over before he was fast
asleep. Ox took a look at the perfectly formed body of his
surrogate dad and wish he’d noticed something sooner. Lazarus had
some enhancement done to his penis. Ox could swear it was a
couple of inches longer and much bigger in circumference. He
reached over and picked it up and let it drop. Indeed, it was
considerably weightier. Lazarus was so out of it he didn’t notice
anything. It was heavier than Ox remembered and the foreskin
barely allowed the head of his penis and piss slit to show. It
was very handsome. Whoever did the work was an expert. Ox
always admired Lazarus’ tackle, but now it was breathtaking.
He thought about
sucking him off for old time’s sake. It had been a long time and
Ox enjoyed his buddy’s spunk, but what would be the point if Lazarus
wasn’t aware to enjoy his climax. Half the fun of sex was
pleasing the other person, and Lazarus was one man whose approval he
always wanted. Pleasuring Lazarus was only a small part of his
need for the man. Ox lived his life like he knew what Lazarus
would expect of him to make him proud. Ox looked at him and ran
his huge paw over Lazarus’ well muscled ass, gently fingered his hole
again and sighed deeply. As much as he wanted it, he couldn’t do
it; however, he reminded himself it wouldn’t be the first time he took
his dear old dad while knocked out on his milk. He pulled
Lazarus’ sleeping bag up and covered him, rolled over and went to
sleep. His tits did feel a lot lighter. It was a good
feeling to be freshly milked.
* * * * * * *
The next morning
Lazarus was up at the crack of dawn, bright eyed and bushy
tailed. That was another one of the many perks of lummox
milk. You sleep so soundly, you wake up totally refreshed the
next morning. Lazarus saw one big eye from his buddy open, and he
smiled at him.
“Thanks for the
treat last night, Son.” Lazarus spoke aloud, “I feel like a new man
this morning.” He reached behind him like he was feeling his
butt. “I ain’t tender back there, so I guess you didn’t tear
yore’self off a piece last night.”
<< No, you
weren’t clean and you was the one what taught me to be
considerate. >>
“Indeed, I
did. Glad to see you listen to yore’ old man. I’ve decided
I like the name ‘Ox’ for you. It fits. I’m gonna’ tell Ping
and Pong to start calling you that. The more we blend in the less
questions we’re gonna’ have to answer. I gotta’ get cleaned up
and up to the front house for chow. Mr. Goodnight invited me to
have breakfast with him and the boys.”
<< You
didn’t say an anything about having your tackle worked on, Dad.>>
“You
noticed. Like it?”
<< What’s
not to like? >> Ox smiled. << I’d like me a big taste of it
one a’ these nights. >>
<< It’s
yours when you want it, Son. Yeah, remember them nasty robot
creatures that were out to wipe out all intelligent carbon based life
forms for a while? >>
<< Yeah,
the Daleks,--- I
remember them. I never liked 'em. They didn’t get too
far. Weren’t they all destroyed? >>
<<
Everyone thought so, but it was discovered a few escaped to another
dimension and time and started rebuilding with a new philosophy
defeated critters all over the galaxy finally come to understand.
If’n you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. They saw and understood their
vulnerability, and decided to clean up their act. They started
learning about the medicine and healing arts of most of the carbon
based life forms and started opening hospitals on a couple of their
worlds. They had a
difficult time getting accepted, but with endorsements from some high
ranking members of other worlds, word got around they were miracle
workers. They became so profitable they expanded and are making a
lot of money. Their reproduction and expansion is carefully
controlled. If’n they wanna’ continue to exist they play by the
same rules ever’body else does.
I went to their
main enhancement clinic, and they did the work from computer graphics
Arlen created for me. It’s Arlen’s design. It’s what he
wanted for me, for him to love and me love him,— with. >>
Lazarus mused for a moment, << I think I said that right.
After all, he’s the one what’s taking care of it. He’s my main
man. I wanna’ keep him happy. He tells me he’s very pleased
with the results. I told him I was gonna’ send him to them bots
to have them wipe that stupid grin off’n his face. >>
<< Good
for my other dad! He always did have better taste than you.
Obviously, he must like the taste of it, too. >> Ox laughed.
<< He does
go on about it a bit. >> Lazarus winked and laughed.
<< When’s
he gonna’ join us? >> Ox asked.
<< Not for
a while. I need some time to get established here and that may
mean being intimate with some folks. We thought it might be best
if we see each other separately for a while. So, I’ll go back to
the ship when I can get away and beam him in for a night or two.
You know I can’t go too long without my buddy; however, any time we’re
apart for a while it only seems to make us more aware of how much we
care for one another. He’s currently with another ship in the
Amazon collecting species and plants to save. I told him after
this job we’re done! We’re retiring! This is it! No
more! We’re gonna’ come back here and settle down with these good
folks and raise us some kids. Arlen wanted me to talk with
you. With yore’ help, he wants to have a couple of sons for
me. A man needs roots. Hell, if’n my relatives won’t let me
die, I’m gonna’ plant ma’ ass in one place and become a damn
tree. I ain’t never gonna’ leave! >> Lazarus projected with
some frustration.
Lazarus got up
and started putting on his clothes. He saw Ping and Pong
beginning to stir from their condo. About that time the boys
walked into the barn to start their morning chores of feeding the
livestock.
“You boys start
awful early, Son.” Lazarus spoke to Waco and his posse.
“Actually, we’s
a bit late this morning, Mr. Long. Good morning, my handsome
Ox.” Waco said aloud and hugged his big lummox. “Good
morning Ping and Pong.” Waco greeted the beautiful creatures.
<< Good
morning, young master. Good morning, Rabbit. >> projected
Ox.
Everyone
exchanged greetings and the boys started in to feed. They fed Ox,
Ping and Pong first and then the livestock. Ping and Pong thanked
him graciously.
“Dad said to
tell you, you can use the downstairs bathroom off the service porch if
you like, Mr. Long. Just go in the back door on the screen porch
and turn left. It’s the first door on the right. I left a
couple of clean towels and warsh cloth out for you.”
“Thank you,
young man. I appreciate it. I’ll see you gentlemen at
breakfast.” Lazarus left to head to the house.
* * * * * * * *
When Waco got up
he went to wake his dad and Rabbit. He was surprised to find them
in his bed together. He didn’t say anything. He knew
without a doubt nothing went on between them. He knew his dad too
well. While it was Charlie’s right to have taken Rabbit, Waco
knew he wouldn’t take a slave so young. He figured correctly
Rabbit was afraid or uncomfortable being by himself. He knew
Charlie was a thoughtful man. He was proud of his dad.
When Charlie got
up he winked at Waco and went off to his bathroom. He didn’t try
to hide himself. He and Waco got over being shy around each other
many years ago. Waco followed him and stood at the door as his
dad got rid of his morning erection.
“Dad, what am I
gonna’ do about feed’n my slaves? Should I just feed ‘em slave
chow and biscuits like all the other slaves? Or do I invite them
to our table? What should I do?”
“Well, I’m
gonna’ leave it up to you, Son. That’s why I got chu’ a
slave. We jes’ didn’t figure on two more.” Charlie looked
over his shoulder and smiled at his son. “I want this to be a
learning experience for you, and I want you to make your own decisions
about your slaves. Don’t worry, I realize you may make a few bad
judgements, but when things don’t go the way you planned we can talk
about it. That’s the way you learn to be a good master and slave
owner is by making your own mistakes. Lord knows I done made my
fair share.
I have a feeling
you’ll do the right thing. Just remember, we have Hank sit at our
table more times than not, but we don’t have none of the other slaves
sit with us. Sometimes Hank eats slave chow and biscuits like the
other slaves and sometimes he shares our table. What I’m try’n to
say is, you’re the Master with yore’ slaves and whatever decision you
make either way, I’ll go along with. The only time I’d step in is
if’n I think you’re abusing one of yore’ slaves or being too tough on
him; however, I don’t think I have ta’ worry. I know you’ll be
good to your slaves.”
“Thanks, Dad,—
know’n you, I had a feel’n you were gonna’ say some’um like ‘at.
I’ll do me some think’n on it.” Waco said, turned and walked away.
Waco went back
and woke Rabbit. He got Rabbit a clean change of clothes and told
him they’d go though his stuff later to make room for him on a shelf in
one of the closets to keep his clothes. Rabbit was thrilled he
was going to have his own clothes. He didn’t care they were
Waco’s hand-me-downs. They were good, comfortable clothes.
Waco left Rabbit with instructions to meet him and Travis on the back
porch. Travis was dressed by the time Waco came back to the big
bedroom. He took Travis in his arms and gently kissed him.
“Good morning,
my beautiful slave. I’m so proud to own you, Travis. You
served your new master well last night. I couldn’t a’ wish’t for
a better partner for my first time. Yore’ daddy done taught chu’
good how to please a man. Remind me to thank him and yore’ ma
again.”
“Thank you,
Master Waco. I’m so happy to be your slave, Sir. I’m glad I
pleased you. I love you so much.” Travis stole a
kiss. Waco grinned at him.
Waco gathered
his posse and headed out to the barn for morning chores. The
slaves were already up and going about their morning chores and
duties. When they finished they would go to their chow hall and
eat their breakfast.
Before Waco took
Travis and Rabbit back to the house he sat them down on a bail of hay
in the barn and talked with them.
“Look guys, this
is my first experience owning and handling slaves. Most slaves
don’t eat at the table with my dad and I. Only one is invited
sometimes and that’s Hank Morgan because he and Ms. Wallace,— well,
they’re good friends.” Waco smiled. “Since you’re my
personal slaves it’s my choice to invite you to our table; however, I
won’t always be able to do it. When we have freemen guest, you’ll
have to eat in the small slave room off the back porch. Then
you’ll have to eat slave chow and biscuits with water.
But for right
now, I want you to come with me, and we’ll all sit down together at the
table and have breakfast. I already done check with Ms. Wallace and
told her to plan on you two for breakfast. I’m concerned for both
of you and your health. You each need to gain some weight.
Rabbit, you’re nothing but skin and bones. Why, a strong dust
devil could blow you away, and Travis because of your condition you
can’t seem to gain much weight. Also yore’ daddy told me he ate
slave chow and biscuits with you some meals for the extra added
nutrients you don’t get from regular food. So I’ll figure a
schedule out, but for today, let’s go wash up and have breakfast.
I don’t need to tell each of you to mind your manners and only speak
when spoke to.”
Rabbit and
Travis didn’t have any questions or problems with Waco’s talk. Neither
knew what to expect, but they were satisfied Waco had their best
interest at heart. The boys washed up, and Waco was dutiful to
check his slaves to make sure they washed properly. He was
satisfied, and they went into kitchen to gather around the table.
Lazarus and JR
were already there standing behind their seats Charlie motioned for
them to take. Lazarus was on his right and JR on his left.
Waco sat at the other end of the table with Travis on his right side
and Rabbit on his left. They all joined hands, Charlie said a
short blessing and they sat down. The table was filled with
food. It wasn’t gourmet but it was basic and there was lots of it.
Waco noticed
Rabbit took only small amounts and he raised an eyebrow.
“You ain’t
gonna’ gain no weight and strength eat’n only that much, Rabbit.
Is that really all you want or are you jes’ being shy?”
“I didn’t wanna’
be a hog and take too much, Master Waco.”
“Gimme’ them
bowls, JR.” Waco quietly asked his little brother. JR
passed them to him one by one and he filled Rabbit’s plate. He
didn’t overdo but he put as much or a little more than he and Travis
took on their plates. Rabbit’s eyes got real big and a big smile
came across his face.
“Now, eat as
much as you can, then eat a little more and I’ll be a happy master.”
“Thank, you,
Master Waco.” Rabbit replied digging into the good food.
“Today is Sunday
and tomorrow is Memorial Day.” Charlie started taking to Lazarus,
“Sunday, here at the ranch, is a day of rest for everyone. The
slaves have a day of rest, too. I don’t believe in work’n
ma’slaves seven days a week. If God said men should take a day of
rest it includes slaves as far as I’m concerned. We do have a
couple of men out on the range keeping watch, but it’s done on a
rotating schedule so every man only has to ride on a Sunday once ever’
other month or so.” Charlie explained to Lazarus.
“You sound like
an enlightened master, Mr. Goodnight. I could tell that yesterday
with all yore’ slaves eat’n and joining in the festivities at Waco’s
birthday party. You probably get more respect and work out of
your hands than a lot of the more conservative owners.”
“I’d like
to think so, Lazarus; however, I don’t judge myself by other owner’s
practices. I try not to judge ‘em at all. I jes’ believe in
treating my slaves differently. They’s all the time having slaves
runaway. Like ma’ big brother pointed out yesterday we ain’t
never had us no slave what runaway from a Goodnight ranch, and I’m
hoping we never do.” Charlie said looking directly at
Rabbit. Rabbit caught Charlie’s eye between bites and started
blushing. Charlie smiled and winked at him. “You planning
on running away any time soon, Chief?” Charlie teased Rabbit.
“Naw, Sir,
Master Goodnight. After yesterday, last night, and the good food
this morning, I’m awful tempted to stay for a while, Sir.”
Charlie and
Lazarus broke up laughing.
“Okay, that
sounds good, give us a chance, but if’n you do decide to run, jes’ let
me know so’s we can pack a couple of day’s food for ya’ and make sure
you have a clean change of clothes to take with ya.’ We don’t
want chu’ running away and embarrassing us ‘cause you look like we
didn’t take good care of you.” Charlie smiled at him. “And,
if’n you change yore’ mind, call us collect and we’ll come git chu,— no
questions asked, and no punishment. We’ll jes’ be glad to have
you back.”
“I’s jes’ fool’n
wit’cha, Master Goodnight. I ain’t think’n on running.
There’s too much going on ‘round here and Master Waco said I might git
to go to school with him and Travis.”
“‘At’s
right! If’n yore’ master wants you to go to school with him, you
will. I’m leaving all decisions for you, Travis and Ox in his
hands. What he decides,— goes! That’s why you be sit’n here
at our breakfast table this morning, because he wanted you here.
‘At’s why the slaves participated equally in ever’ thing yesterday, was
because of his wishes for his birthday party. I jes’ happen to
agree with him. He’s also right to want you to go to
school. We don’t want us no dumb slaves around here, Son.
The more you learn,— the more you know, the greater asset you become to
us as yore’ owners. So come this fall you’ll be on ‘nat bus going
to the same school they go to.”
Rabbit looked
pleased and Waco nodded his approval. Charlie turned his
attention back to Lazarus who was blown away by Charlie Goodnight’s
tact, humanity and his strong but sensible manner in talking with the
young slave. He put more responsibility on Rabbit’s shoulders in
a few minutes than the boy was ever asked to handle in his life, but it
wasn’t done in a threatening manner. It was with humor and a
considerable degree of charm Charlie brought the boy into his family,
and without making him feel belittled, explained how things were going
to be.
“We always have
Sunday dinner for everyone, Lazarus. Ms. Wallace and her helpers
make fried chicken and the slaves get to eat real food once a
week. Of course, they got to eat yesterday at the party, so they
get an extra treat this week. We usually travel to Church the
last Sunday of the month. We take all the slaves what wanna’
go. Of course we go Easter and Christmas eve as well. On
Sundays one of the slaves can read some from the bible if they like and
those what wanna’ listen can. We don’t make believing or church
mandatory. It’s up to each man to make his peace with God.”
Lazarus was
beginning to like Charlie Goodnight more and more.
“I’ll have some
time to show you around the place today if’n you like and we can talk
about your skills and how you might best fit in here at the ranch.”
“I’d appreciate
that, Mr. Goodnight. I mostly cowboy. I try to be a modest
man, but you can’t let a man yore’ look’n to work for know you’re a
good hand less’n you tell him. I’d set my skills against any hand
you have on the ranch, Sir.”
“Good, you’ll
git chore’ chance today. Later in the day the hands saddle up
some horses and they rodeo in the corral most of the afternoon.
They usually have all the events a regular rodeo has. We even got
us a couple of mean Brahma bulls around here they try to ride. No
one’s rode either one of ‘em yet.” Charlie chuckled.
“I’ll look
forward to it, Mr. Goodnight.” Lazarus told him boldly without
seeming to boast. “Since I’m new, I’m willing to work under your
slave boss, Mr. Goodnight. I ain’t a cowboy what thinks he’s
above take’n orders from a slave. A boss is a boss no matter if’n
he’s a freeman or a slave and should be respected as such. As I
told you yesterday, I was a slave myself once.”
The four boy’s
ears perked up. Surprised looks crossed their faces, but they
didn’t ask any questions.
“That’s
good. Most freemen would refuse to work with slaves. I
don’t really have a foreman or a ramrod, Lazarus. I’ve been doing
most of that work myself, but I have two, good, trust worthy slaves who
act as crew leaders for two equal crews of men. Curley Jones is
one crew leader and Hank Morgan is the other. Curley has been the
slave I give most of the orders to about things I wanna’ git
done. Him and Hank work good together. If’n you ain’t
opposed to working along with the salves as a hand for a while, I could
put you under one of my crew leaders, Hank Morgan. He’s firm but
fair in what he expects from his crew.”
“The only perk
I’d ask, Mr. Goodnight, is to take my morning and evening meals here
with you. I ain’t opposed to eat’n slave chow and a biscuit with
the slaves for lunch. I don’t even mind bunk’n it in with yore’
slaves, Sir.”
“If’n yore’
working for yore’ keep, Lazarus, you may take all your meals here, but
I’ll leave that up to you. Also ‘keep’ includes a decent place to
stay worthy of a freeman. I’m sorry I didn’t think on it last
night, but you can have that room next to the downstairs
bathroom. It’s furnished and ain’t being used for nothing.
Set chore’self up in there.”
“Thanks, Mr.
Goodnight, that’s mighty nice of ya.’ ”
“That’s all
right. I hope your stay here is a good one for both of us,
Lazarus.”
“I think it will
be, Mr. Goodnight.”
“Mr. Long, do
you know how yore’ companions Ping and Pong knew my lummox?” Waco
asked him. Travis, JR, and Rabbit were looking at him to answer
the question.
Lazarus
froze. He didn’t expected such a straight forward question, but
it was an honest one. He couldn’t lie to the boy. Rabbit
had the gift, but not nearly as strong as Waco’s, but together they
were even stronger.
<< Can I
give you boys details later? For now, I’ll tell you what I know.
>>
<< We
understand, Sir. >> Waco projected.
“They’ve known
each other through the winds of consciousness, Son. There’s a
great expanse of collective minds, men and animals, what can act as
transmitters for other minds who can’t project over long
distances. Even the great whales, Orcas and dolphins listen in on
the winds. They also act as supportive carriers. It’s sort
of like an amplifier what gets a small signal fed into it. It amplifies
the small signal until it’s strong enough to carry it a great
distance. The winds act like a constant drone like the drone of a
bagpipe that a melody is played over. It’s like a signal riding
on the back of a lot of signals, only it becomes unique to the sender
and the receiver. The noise of consciousness sometimes sounds
like winds. Some describe it as white noise. That’s what
happens when you learn to tap into the winds of consciousness.
Those who are trained to whisper to the wind and listen can hear
anyone, anywhere, by only listening for their voice. Ox will
teach you how. H’it ain’t difficult.”
“I take it you
share their gift, Lazarus.”
“Yes, Sir, Mr.
Goodnight. I have for years. It’s the way I communicate
with Ping and Pong. That’s what directed us to the ranch.
We heard Waco, Ox and Rabbit talking with each other. Together
their voices are much louder than if they were separate.”
“Interesting.”
commented Charlie smiling as he took a sip of his coffee. “How is it a
cowboy knows about such things, Lazarus.”
“When you got a
couple of unusual companions, Mr. Goodnight, you learn a lot of new
things real fast. Ping and Pong taught me about the winds.
I ain’t too good at it.” Lazarus smiled at him.
“Why can’t
Travis hear Waco, Rabbit and you?”
“He will soon
enough, Sir,— Ping and Pong tell me they’ve heard on the winds that
most of Waco’s generation and every generation to follow will have the
gift. Travis is still a mite young, and he has some health
problems that keep his focus on his body rather than his mind.
That will soon change for him. Besides with Ping and Pong’s help,
Waco and Rabbit will teach him.”
“Did you bring
any other clothes with you, Mr. Long.” Waco asked.
“No, Son, I left
ma’bedroll and a change of clothes near where I had to put down my
pony. I’ll ride out and get ‘em later if’n Mr. Goodnight would be
kind enough to loan me a horse for about an hour.”
“Sure, take the
boys with you. Waco and Travis are fine horsemen. Rabbit
can ride along with his master. Think you’d like that,
Chief?” Charlie smiled at Rabbit.
“Shore’ would,
Master Goodnight. I ain’t been on a horse in a while,— since my
granddaddy and me went riding together.”
“You know how to
ride, Son?”
“Yes, Sir.
My granddad taught me. I been riding bareback since I was six.”
“What du’ ya’
think, Son?” Charlie asked Waco.
“I say we saddle
up a pony for the Chief.” Waco laughed and Rabbit smiled real big.
* * * * * * *
That afternoon
after a big Sunday dinner of fried chicken with all the fixings the
slave-hands went to the corral to rodeo. They wanted to see what
the new hombre could do. They challenged Lazarus to ride a saddle
bronc who was one of the meanest broncs on the ranch no one was able to
ride. To their surprise he accepted. Lazarus knew to gain the
men’s respect he had to out-cowboy them. Rodeoing wasn’t new to
Lazarus and since he knew he was coming, he sat in front of an educator
bot for hours each evening reviewing all the top performances by rodeo
cowboys over the past hundred years. Each was complete with
virtual simulation and tapped into the part of the brain that
controlled muscle coordination.
Once hooked up
to the machine and the program started, the person in the chair would
find themselves on the back of a heavy breathing Saddle Bronc and
experience the exact same ride as the rodeo rider. It was the
ultimate sports education machine. Lazarus practiced riding
Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Bulls, team roping, and calf roping until it
was burned into his cerebral cortex like a second nature. Not
only were the skills implanted in his brain, it taught his muscles to
react swiftly and with perfectly honed timing like a concert pianist
might learn a difficult piece of music. He could rope header or
heeler as a team roper. He had no problem with calf roping.
He had no worries about this bronc; however, it never hurt to be on
friendly speaking terms with the critter.
<< They
want me to git up there on yore’ back and ride you, Dun. >>
<< Who are
you? Where are you? Who speaks to Dun? >> It asked
haughtily.
<< Right
in front of you, boy. >> Lazarus waved his hat to get its
attention.
<< You
don’t look like you can ride me. No man has ever ridden me.
I won’t allow it. >>
<< Yes,
you will. Wouldn’t chu’ like to have a good buddy what brought
you treats? Good things to eat you don’t usually get?
Wouldn’t you like someone you can count on to take care of you, rub you
down and pamper you? >>
<< Naw,
never,— not of your kind. You’ll hurt me jes’ like they be
doing right now, hat-waver? >>
<< Hurt
you? How, Dun? What have they done to you? Tell me?
>> Lazarus demanded.
<< They
put a sticker,— a burr under my saddle blanket to hurt me real bad so’s
I’ll be sure and buck you off. It hurts, hat-waver. That’s
why I’m moving around so much in the stocks. >>
<< Hang
on! I’ll take care of that pert-damn quick, Dun. >>
The men were
waiting for Lazarus to mount the big horse, but he turned and walked to
the tack room in the barn and returned with his saddle.
“You men don’t
mind if’n I use ma’ own saddle to ride this cayuse, do you?”
“Naw, Sir, but
we done already got him saddled up fer ya.’”
“I appreciate
that men, I really do, but I think I’ll use my own.”
Lazarus was
undoing the belly cinch on the horse and got the other saddle off as
quickly as possible. The big dun settled right down.
Lazarus felt up under the blanket and found the bullhead sticker they
planted.
“Damn!
Would ju’ look at that! Somehow one a’ them bullhead sticker got
up under that poor pony’s saddle blanket. How do think that got
there? Shame on you men. Oldest damn trick in the book.”
None of the men
said anything. They knew they’d been found out. Lazarus
threw his saddle and blanket across the horse’s back and cinched him up
tight.
<< Thanks,
stranger. I owe you one. >> said the Dun.
<< Name’s
Lazarus Long. You can call me Lazarus. What’s yore’ name?
>>
<< Just
call me Dun. >>
<< Okay,
let’s you and me form a partnership. You be good to me, and I’ll
be good to you. You take care of me, treat me good, and I’ll take
care of you and treat you better. Let’s us start out by you
giving me a good ride. I ain’t asking you to hold back
none. Gimme’ all you got. I can ride you, but after the
buzzer sounds, you gotta’ agree you lost, and you gotta’ let me ride
you around the arena. You gotta’ show ‘em you accept me as yore’
partner. >>
<< You
sure you can ride me, old man? I’ve got me some moves you ain’t
never thought about. >> the dun challenged.
<< We’ll
see ‘bout that, flea bag. Gimme’ all ya’ got! If I
ride you, will you take me on as yore’ pardner,— then you can own me.
>>
<< Deal!
>> Replied the Dun.
Every eye was on
Lazarus as he sat down easy in his saddle. Charlie, Waco, Travis,
Rabbit, JR and Ox were watching intently. Ping and Pong were
sitting on the fence next to Ox. Ping had her head behind Pong’s
back. She couldn’t watch. Curley Jones and Hank
Morgan were transfixed.
“Let ‘em buck,
boys!”
Lazarus motioned
for the cowboys to release the gate to the chute and the Dun was
away. He did three huge hops, one right after another, after he
left the gate. Then he did a turn to he left with a high flying
kick in the back trying to dislodge Lazarus over his head. Then
he went straight down the center of the arena bucking, and hoping for
all he was worth, but Lazarus stuck to him like he was glued into his
saddle. The cowboy’s mouths were hanging open.
“He’s gonna’
ride ‘dat som’bitch!” Shouted one of them as the eight second
buzzer sounded. Lazarus pulled up hard on the reins.
<< You
lost, big’un. Now let’s see if’n you’re a pony what keeps his
word? >>
The dun settled
right down and started a comfortable trot around the perimeter of the
arena. He was breathing heavy and snorting, but the men could
tell he was broken.
<< I’ll
keep my word , pardner. Are you a rider what keeps his word?
>>
<< I am,
indeed. Glad to have me a new pardner. >>
<< I
ain’t, but if I have to have one, I’m glad it’s you. >>
<< You
won’t be sorry, Dun. You made the right decision. >>
Lazarus ached all over after that ride, but he was so thankful he had
some lummox milk the night before. He looked at Ox and tipped his
hat. Ox smiled back as he put his huge arm around Waco and pulled
him close.
Waco, Charlie,
Travis, JR, Rabbit and Ox were applauding and so were all the
slave-cowboys. Even old Curley and Hank were impressed.
Lazarus continued to ride Dun, performing figure eights and going in
the opposite direction around the arena. He couldn’t help ham it
up by taking off his hat to the crowd. Ox looked on in
awe. Lazarus never failed to amaze him. He was proud of his
old man. Not bad for a twenty-two hundred year old cowboy.
Ox didn’t think he looked a day for fifteen hundred.
The rest of the
afternoon went well for Lazarus. He and Charlie got the best
recorded time in team roping, and Lazarus had the fastest time in calf
roping. A new arena record. By the end of the day all the
hands were convinced Mr. Lazarus Long was the cowboy he said he
was. There would be no more pranks or practical jokes. He
was accepted as one of them. They asked what they should call
him.
“Since I’m
gonna’ be work’n right along side of you men just call me Long or
Lazarus. You don’t have to call me ‘Master’ or ‘Mister.’
I’ll know you mean it.” They all thought he was wonderful.
Curley and Hank didn’t know what to think.
Waco and Travis
saddled up their ponies and gave Rabbit a fine looking Morgan. He
didn’t want a saddle. He said he wanted to ride bareback.
Waco took him at his word. Ox asked if he could come along.
<< I don’t
know if you can keep up with us, Lummy. I wouldn’t want you to
get cactus in your feet. >>
<< Not to
worry, young master. Ox not step on cactus. I keep
up. I take care of Master and his slaves. >>
Waco was touched
by Ox’s need to protect.
<< Okay,
come on then. >>
From the barn
came Charlie all saddled up.
“You don’t mind
if I ride with you and the boys, do you, Lazarus?”
“Naw, Sir, Mr.
Goodnight. Be down right proud to have you ride along.”
They started out
with Charlie and Lazarus taking the lead. Lazarus was on his new
partner, and Dun seemed to be doing fine. Ox surprised
Waco. He was quite nimble and stepped quickly along side Waco’s
pony. JR, Travis and Rabbit were doing fine. They
rode for miles into the back country of the ranch to the base of
several large blue granite mountains where there were huge bolders of
granite that must have been broken off during the last ice age.
Ox and the
horses were the first to smell the rotting flesh. Then the men
smelled it.
“We’re close,
Mr. Goodnight. I imagine the vultures, buzzards and them two
thunderbirds have pretty much taken care of the carcass.”
Finally they
came upon the remains of a pony. There wasn’t much
left. The scavengers had done their work and carried off
what they couldn’t consume. It was a pony Lazarus had on the ship
for years who died naturally of old age, but he kept her frozen for
just such an emergency. He beamed her out of the ship to lay in
the warm sun to thaw. She was his good partner for many years,
and she was helping him one last time. Lazarus was sad as he had
to tell her goodbye one more time.
He quickly got
his bedroll and change of clothes he hid among the rocks and they were
ready to start back. Before they did they all dismounted and the
boys passed their canteens around for everyone to drink. Waco
brought along one especially for Ox. He seemed to appreciate a
cool drink of water. Waco was standing near the granite
mountain. He stopped and listened.
“Do ya’ll hear
that?”
“What,
Son?” Charlie asked.
“It sounds like
the drone of machinery. Like someone was running a John Deere
tractor inside this rock mountain.”
“I hear it,
too.” said JR.
“Yeah, me,
too.” confirmed Rabbit.
“I don’t hear
nothing.” said Charlie.
“I hear
it.” said Travis. “It’s like a low droning sound.”
<< Do you
know what is it, Lazarus? >> Waco asked the big
cowboy. Ox heard him ask and winced.
<< It’s a
John Deere tractor inside the mountain, Son. >> He
chuckled. Lazarus didn’t lie. That’s exactly what it
was. That section of the ship was closest to the skin of the rock
and one of his drones was plowing the lower forty inside.
“It’s probably
some harmonic vibration cause by air movement on the rocks. I’ve
heard people say they can come up here and the rocks will sing to
them. It’s getting cooler and they may be contracting after
expanding from the heat. We better head back to the ranch.
Ms. Wallace with have dinner waiting for us. I asked Hank to join
us.” said Charlie.
The boys started
walking to their horses when Travis doubled over with an asthma
attack. Waco grabbed him and sat on a bolder with Travis in his
arms gasping for breath.
“Where’s yore’
inhaler, Travis?” Waco spoke to him.
Travis pointed
to his shirt pocket. Waco looked and it wasn’t there. Waco
looked through all his pockets, but it wasn’t to be found. Travis
either left it at the ranch or lost it along the way. He couldn’t
breathe. He was wheezing and his small, skinny chest was heaving
like he was trying to suck in more air but couldn’t. He began
choking and started to turn blue. Ox jumped in front of Waco and
sat on the rock next to him. He opened his arms for Waco to give
him Travis.
“Let Ox have
him, Son. He can help him.” said Lazarus.
Waco let go of
Travis. He was beside himself with worry. Ox gently took
Travis in his arms and held his mouth to his teat.
“Suck,
Travis!” Ordered Lazarus. “Suck on Ox’s teat, Son!
Drink his milk.”
It was like a
voice out of a fog came to the lost boy as Travis heard someone tell
him to suck on the lummox’s teat. It was a strange request, but
he would do almost anything to keep from dying. He started
sucking. He was amazed when he tasted the sweetest milk he ever
had in his mouth. It was unbelievably good. He would gasp
in a lung full of air and then suck some more. He sucked
harder. More flowed into his mouth. He wanted more.
The more he drank the easier it became for him to breathe until he was
calm and breathing normally.
“‘At’s it,
Son. Suck on that big lummox teat. It will heal you,
Travis.” Lazarus told him. Charlie was looking on in awe
and disbelief. What did he have on his hands? What was
going on? Yesterday, Waco and Ox saved the sheriff’s boy and
today Ox is saving Travis’ life.
‘This beast
ain’t no beast a’ tall. He’s here to watch over these boy and
protect them. My son included. He would never hurt one of
them. Waco was right. He was sent to us for a reason.
Tennent didn’t have no idea what he had. Ox is worth far more
than we paid for him, but how can you put a value on something as good
hearted as this giant beast.’ Charlie thought to himself.
‘And how does Lazarus know Ox’s milk will heal Travis?’
After a little
while Travis was breathing normally, but he didn’t want to stop
sucking. It was like having his on warm ice cream factory.
He was gulping Ox’s milk down as quickly as he could suck it out of
him. He reminded the boys of a greedy little shoat who couldn’t
get his momma’s milk out fast enough.
<< Tell
him he can have more later, Master Waco, when we return to the
ranch. It’s getting late and the horses ain’t as sure footed at
night. Snakes come out after the sun goes down. >> Ox
projected to Waco.
<< I hear
you, Ox. >> Travis told him still sucking away. Waco
smiled. He knew it was only a matter of time. Ox’s milk
must have switched on the gene in his slave. Travis reluctantly
stopped sucking and threw his arms around Ox and started sobbing.
<< There,
there, little slave-brother. You feel better, now? >>
“Thank you,
Ox.” Travis spoke aloud, “How can I ever repay you. You
saved my life. I’m gonna’ be well, ain’t I?”
<< Yes,
you will be, but you have more lummox milk to drink before you’re
completely repaired. It will happen. Be patient.
You’ll see. >>
“Come, Travis,
do you think you can ride, Son?” Charlie asked him.
“I never felt
better in my life, Master Goodnight. I can breathe freely; more
freely than I ever have before.” Travis took a deep breath to
show him.
The men rode
back at a leisurely pace. Ox kept pace with them with no
problems. Waco watched him closely to make sure he wasn’t
overheating or looking distressed. It seem nothing more to Ox
than a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park. Lazarus didn’t try to
engage Charlie in conversation. He figured Charlie was working
some things out in his mind. Finally, Charlie looked at Lazarus
and spoke.
“The day I
bought Ox for Waco he told me in the truck on the way back to the
ranch, Ox was sent to us. He didn’t just appear out of nowhere
for no reason. He has a purpose. It suddenly come to me as
Ox was feeding Travis his milk, he was sent to find my boy and protect
him. He would’ve found him and come to live with us anyway, but
he was caught by slavers and his journey interrupted. You didn’t
just show up because you had to put yore’ horse down. That horse
had been dead a long time before yesterday. You’re here for a
reason,— ain’t chu?”
Lazarus smiled
at him.
“You’re a sharp
man, Mr. Goodnight. I promise, I won’t never lie to you,
Sir. I believe in and live my life by the code of the cowboy
way. Yes, Sir, I’m here for a purpose. H’it ain’t nothing
bad, Mr. Goodnight, but h’it ain’t time for me to tell you yet. I
will in time, Sir, when I think you’re ready. Until then,— like
you told Rabbit this morning,— gimme’ a chance, Mr. Goodnight.
Trust me to be a good cowhand for you.”
“Fair
enough.” Charlie Goodnight allowed. Charlie didn’t get the
feeling Lazarus was there for hostile reasons. Beside, he felt
certain Waco would’ve picked up on it right away. Charlie began
to look upon Lazarus in a new light. He saw a man bigger than
life itself, who had a strength and appeal he only found in two other
men in his life,— his big brother, and Ranger Gibbons. His big,
fat, Goodnight penis began to get fatter and longer in his
Wranglers. He thought some wicked thoughts about the cowboy
riding by his side. It felt too right; too perfect to be
chance. Was he being seduced? He didn’t think so. He
had to admit to himself he found the big, handsome cowboy very
attractive.
* * * * * * *
When the men
took the horses to the barn to rub them down and feed them, they found
Travis’ inhaler setting on the hay bail where he sat it down to do
something else and forgot to pick it up again. He was embarrassed
and quietly put it in his pocket.
“You gotta’ be
more careful, little brother. I damn near lost my treasure before
I got me much of a chance to enjoy it.”
“I’m hoping I
won’t have to use it much anymore, Master Waco.” said Travis.
Everyone went in
to clean up and Ms. Wallace had supper on the table. Hank was
there and shook Lazarus’ hand complimenting him on his cowboying.
“Thank you, Mr.
Morgan. Coming from you it’s quite a compliment.”
“Jes’ call me
‘Hank’ Sir.”
“Jes’ call me
‘Lazarus,’ Hank.”
Hank looked at
his Master and got a smile and an affirmative nod from Charlie.
He wasn’t about to be familiar with a freeman unless he got approval
from his master.
“I’m putting
Lazarus on yore’ crew, Hank. Don’t be afraid to work him like any
of your other hands. Lazarus ain’t uptight about slave/freeman
protocol. He was a slave himself once.”
“Yes, Sir,
Master Goodnight. It’ll take some git’n use to, but we can do
it. Welcome to the Goodnight ranch, Lazarus. Glad to have
you on my crew.” The men shook hands again.
“The pleasure’s
mine, Hank. I’ll look forward to tomorrow.”
The men joined
hands, Charlie said a brief thanks and they sat down to their evening
meal. Ida Wallace brought the rest of the food. There was
much to talk about around the table that evening. Travis was the
center of attention. Everyone was concerned about how he was
feeling.
“I’m feeling
fine. I can’t ever remember being able to breath so freely, and
the greatest part is, it ain’t going away. When I use my inhaler
it’s effect work for only a short period of time. Lately the time
between having to use it has gotten shorter and shorter. I was
beginning to worry I might have to use it all the time to keep me
alive. I’ve been hours without it, and I hope I don’t have to use
it again. It would be so wonderful to be able to live without
it. I thank God Ox was there. He saved my life.”
“Two boy’s lives
saved in two days,— ain’t many heroes can claim that.” said
Charlie Goodnight shaking his head. “I think ma’ boy picked a
winner when he rescued his lummox from the auction house. I’ll
admit, I had my doubts, Son, but I don’t no more. I agree
with you, I don’t think Mr. Tennent knew what a treasure he had.”
“Thanks,
Dad. Dad, if you ain’t too tired later, I need to talk with you
tonight about some’um before we go to bed. It can wait ‘til
tomorrow if’n you’re a bit tuckered.”
“No, I’m find,
Son. I’ll be in the livingroom later reading or talking with
Lazarus. Come in and find me.”
“Thanks,
Dad.” Waco said.
Charlie didn’t
look right at Lazarus, but he could see him smile. He must have
some idea what Waco was going to talk with him about.
“You done good
today, Chief. You’re a good horseman.” Charlie complimented
Rabbit.
“Thanks, Master
Goodnight. I enjoyed riding with you men.”
“I want you to
start learning to ride Western, Son. I have a feeling you four
boys are gonna’ be four fine horsemen.”
“I can ride
Western, Master Charlie, but I’ll start using a saddle. It’s a
little more comfortable. I’s jes’ show’n off today, Sir.”
Rabbit grinned. Charlie couldn’t fault the boy for being honest.
Dinner was over
and Waco and the boys helped Ms. Wallace clear the table. Hank
thanked Ida and his Master for the fine meal and took his leave to
return to the slave quarters. He gave Ida a quick peck on the
cheek. Charlie invited Lazarus into the living room for an after
dinner drink. Lazarus went with him but declined the drink.
Charlie looked pensive. He smiled at Lazarus as he poured himself
a drink.
“You and your
companions knew Ox before you came here,— is that right?” He
looked at Lazarus.
“Yes, Sir,”
Lazarus answered, “but it was a pleasant surprise for us to find him
here. We had no idea he was in the area. We were pleased to
be reunited with him again. He’s important to us. We love
him very much.”
“Will you tell
me how you know him?”
“Yes, Sir, he’s
my son, Mr. Goodnight.”
Charlie almost
spit out his drink, but he swallowed hard, choking on a piece of ice.
“What? Ox
is your son? How? Are you an abolitionist? Are you
here to free him from slavery?”
“No, Mr.
Goodnight, we ain’t no abolitionist. He’s perfectly happy with
his position as your and Waco’s slave, and I couldn’t be prouder of
him. I’m counting on him remaining Waco’s slave for a long
time. He’s more comfortable and happy here than I’ve seen him in
a good while. When Ox was born, me and my partner witnessed his
birth. We were named his God fathers in an ancient complex ritual
his people perform to signify to anyone he’s my Godson and I’m his
Godfather. It’s a great honor to have such a trust bestowed on
someone not of their species. See this tattoo on my wrist, Sir?”
Lazarus showed
Charlie a small but ornate black tattoo on the underside of his wrist
that was unlike any he ever saw. It was perfect and had a sheen
about it that looked like it floated above the skin on Lazarus’ arm.
“Ox has the same
tattoo at the same place on his right wrist. It was placed there
when he was one week old. My partner has the same tattoo on his
wrist. If anything happened to his parents, it’s to identify us
as members of the same family clan,— as his God parents and protectors.
His mother and
father’s village was ransacked by invading marauders. They were
killed within months after he was born. Me and my partner got
there too late to save his parents, but somehow he survived,— just
barely. He was near death, broken arms, a bone sticking out of
his little leg, almost in shock, dehydrated, and starving. He was
just a baby less than a year old. We took him with us, patched
him up, nursed him back to health, and took care of him for the first
five years of his life. He became our son. After he was old
enough to understand, we took him to live among his own kind. He
was adopted by some friends of mine, and they raised him as their
own. I was the only dad he knew for the first five years of his
life. I checked back on him every couple of years and he did
well. I love him, and I’m very proud of him. Your son
couldn’t have no better friend or slave.”
“I’m beginning
to believe that, Lazarus. So that’s how you knew his milk would
help Travis’ condition?”
“Yes, Sir.
It has almost miraculous healing powers for most animals. It will
heal Travis of his asthma. It will straighten out Rabbit’s
rickets and will heal the chemical imbalance in JR that causes him such
pain from his migraines. Over time it will transform all four of
them boys into young Gods. It will adjust their bodies and
protect them from all invasive illnesses. It’s capable of
prolonging human life to twice the normal life span. It will
provide Waco’s young pony with the nourishment he’s lacking from being
removed from his mother too soon and will immunize him from all
diseases. Last but not least, it’s delicious. It tastes
like warm liquid vanilla ice cream. I had some last night before
I went to sleep.” Lazarus chuckled. “Oh, and did I mention, there
are no negative side effects?”
“That’s
amazing. I wouldn’t believe you if’n I hadn’t seen it with my own
eyes. Dare I ask more questions, Lazarus?”
“I’d rather you
not right now, Mr. Goodnight. Accept what I’ve told you, think
about it, and I promise, before much longer I’ll be able to reveal more
to you.”
“So you ain’t
jes’ no average cowboy?”
“On the
contrary, Mr. Goodnight,— I’m very much a cowboy. It’s what I do
best. I was raised in this part of the country. The land
your brother’s ranch is on was once owned by my family. Didn’t I
prove myself to you and yore’ slave hands today?”
“Yes, you
certainly did. Hank said it’s all they can talk about. They
can’t wait to work with you.”
“Good, I’m
looking forward to working with them. Speaking, of which, if
you’ll excuse me, Mr. Goodnight, I’ve had a busy day, and I’d like to
get an early start to bed if you don’t mind, Sir.”
“Of course,
Lazarus, go on ahead. Have a good evening and Lazarus,— ”
“Yes, Mr.
Goodnight?”
“Thanks for
being honest with me. You could’ve lied or given me
half-truths. It was an amazing story about Ox, but somehow, I
know what you told me is true. No matter your purpose here, I
won’t push no more. H’it ain’t the cowboy way to ask a man you
don’t know a lot of questions. I got my boy to think about and
you have to admit the last couple of days ain’t been exactly
run-of-the-mill.”
“Naw, Sir, Mr.
Goodnight, I suppose it ain’t at that. Goodnight, Sir.”
“Goodnight,
Lazarus.”
Waco and Lazarus
passed and wished each other a good evening. Waco couldn’t resist
and hugged Lazarus.
“I’m glad you’re
here, Mr. Long. I’m glad you found your son again.” he said
to Lazarus. Lazarus was a bit taken aback by his statement.
“You been
listening in, Son?” Lazarus asked in a stern tone.
“Naw, Sir.
I saw the same tattoo on my lummox you got on your wrist. I don’t
know how, but I know what the symbol means. It means he’s your
son and you’re his dad, but you ain’t his birth father. I don’t
know how it could be, but I know it’s true.” Lazarus didn’t know
what to say. Ox warned him about Waco’s abilities. Charlie
came to his rescue.
“You’re right,
Son, it is true. With Lazarus’ permission, I’ll explain it to
you.”
“You certainly
have my permission, Mr. Goodnight. Now, goodnight to both you
Goodnights.” Lazarus bowed slightly, turned and walked away.
Charlie told
Waco of the amazing conversation he had with Lazarus and how Ox was his
son. Waco was as amazed as his dad but seemed to be taking it a
lot better than Charlie. Charlie still had some
apprehensions. Waco calmed him.
“Dad, they ain’t
here to do us no harm. Ox, Lazarus, and Ping and Pong are here to
live with us, protect us and prepare us for the future. I git the
feeling things are gonna’ get really bad in our world in the next ten
years. Again, I don’t know why, but I need to talk with my Lummy
tonight. Travis and Rabbit are drying him now from his shower.
Dad, we need a
bigger bathroom. There jes’ ain’t enough room for all of us in
there. We need a bigger shower where we can all get in together
and take care of Ox.
I need a bigger
bed. One that will hold Ox and me. I’ve decided we can git
by with the two separate bedrooms, but I’d like them joined with a
door. H’it don’t have to be done overnight. We can live
with it like it is for a while, but when us men start git’n our growth
spurts, it’s gonna’ seem like we’s sardines packed in a can.”
Waco smiled at his analogy.
“I wondered
about that. Okay, here’s what I want you to do. I want you
to either draw or use your computer to show me what you want, where you
want it and the dimensions. It’s gonna’ be your space and I want
it to be like you want. I don’t want you coming back to me later
and telling me h’it ain’t big enough. It’s gonna’ be part of
yore’ learning experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if’n
you need it. Don’t forget your slaves and what input they might
have. They might think of something you ain’t.”
“Okay,
Dad. I can do that. Can I ask John Taylor and Howard Leek,
our carpenter slaves for some advice?”
“Ask anyone you
like. Lazarus might have some suggestions. Hank might have
a couple. Since you can communicate with ‘em ask Ping and Pong if
they might have any suggestions. When you get it all together
I’ll get John, Howard and our plumber Frank Swenson and get started on
it.”
“Thanks,
Dad.” Waco hugged his dad.
“Do I have to
ask where you’ll be spending the night tonight?” he smiled.
“Naw, Sir, I
think you know. He deserves my attentions tonight.”
“I agree.
You gonna’ try his milk.”
“Do you mind,
Dad?”
“Not at
all. I seen what it can do, and Lazarus told me it has some
pretty remarkable properties.”
“Travis and
Rabbit are git’n some now. He’s got one hooked up to each teat
with a big smile on his face. I jes’ hope there’s some left for
me.”
“Somehow I have
a feeling there will be.” Charlie laughed.
They said
goodnight and told each other they loved one another. Waco
returned to find Travis and Rabbit still hooked up to Ox.
“Okay, you two,
time for bed. You sleep together in my bedroom. No
hanky-panky between you tonight. I want you to git a good nights
sleep and be ready for tomorrow. We might have a busy day.
We’re gonna’ start to figure out how we want these two rooms
remodeled. I expect you to have some good ideas. Tonight
I’ll be in the barn with Ox.”
Travis and
Rabbit were just happy they didn’t have to sleep alone and obeyed their
master; however, they did curl up with each other and slept close all
night. Waco took his Lummy’s hand and walked him out to the
barn. Ox picked his young master up and set him in the
loft. He climbed the ladder himself to join him.
<< I’m
pleased you wish to stay the night in my arms, Master Waco. >>
<< You
deserve my attention, Lummy. I’m glad I listened to you today and
let you come along. If’n I hadn’t, Travis might be dead
now. How would I ever have been able to face his parents or
Ranger Gibbons. It frightens me to think about it. Besides
I wanted a taste of your milk as well; that is, if’n them two slaves
ain’t drained you. >>
<< It
would be an honor, young master. I have plenty left for you and
I’ll have some for your colt tomorrow. >>
<< He can
drink yore’ milk, too? >>
<< Yes,
but you must dilute it with cow’s milk. One cup of my milk to a
gallon of cow. >>
Ox helped Waco
off with his boots and clothes. Waco noticed Ping and Pong were
already curled up in their hay-condo in the other corner. He
thought to tell them goodnight, but he didn’t want to bother them.
<<
Goodnight to you, young master. >> he heard in his mind
from them.
<<
Goodnight to you, Ping and Pong. Rest well. >>
Waco lay down on
the quilt pallet he gave Ox to use in the loft. Ox pulled the
other soft quilt up over them as Waco moved into his lummox’s huge
arms. As big as he was Ox was so gentle with Waco it almost
brought tears to his eyes. He enfolded him in his giant’s arm and
pulled him close.
<< Oh,
Lummy, I love you. No matter what other responsibilities I have
with my other slaves, I always want you to know you come first in my
heart. >>
<< I love
you, too, Master Waco. It’s been a long time since I felt this
way about someone else. I will be yours as long as you need me.
>>
<< Would
forever be too long, Lummy? >>
<< It
wouldn’t be long enough for me, Master. >> Ox kissed
his young master on his small head. << Please,— try some of my
milk. I must warn you, it will make you drowsy. It knocks
my dad out for the count, so if you want me to pleasure you, it must be
before you drink. >>
<< Naw,
you don’t have to do that, Lummy. I jes’ love being held by
you. I’m content. >>
<< What
about yore’ lummox, Master Waco? He needs to taste his young
master’s love from time to time. >>
<< I’m
sorry, Lummy, I wasn’t think’n right. Of course you may if you
like. I would never deny you. I will always appreciate your
attentions. >>
Ox threw back
the blanket, picked up Waco in his huge arms and cradled him in his
right arm like a baby. He moved his huge right paw to Waco’s
mid-section to tickle his tummy and got him giggling. He moved to
his Goodnight cock which was growing solid under his attention.
He leaned over and blew on it. It was like a warm summer’s zephyr
blowing across his cock and Waco’s dick got roaring hard in
anticipation.
Ox put his huge
hand behind Waco’s head, turned him slightly and Waco found a huge
lummox teat staring him in the face. Ox slowly moved his mouth
toward it.
<< Drink
from me, my beloved young master, as your humble and devoted slave
drinks from you. >>
Waco started
sucking and was instantly transported to another realm. It was
the most wonderful stuff he ever tasted, and to think, it was all
his. He felt Ox take his entire genitals in his mouth and started
a warm sensual sucking. It had the effect Waco experienced when
he dreamed of piss in his sleep. It was a warm feeling that
surrounded him. In his fog of lummox milk he knew he had to take
a leak. He projected to Ox.
<< Lummy,
you must stop. We have to unhook. I have to relieve
myself. I have to take a piss. >>
<< I’m
your total slave, Master Waco. Many masters require their slave
take their piss. It would be an honor and an act of love for you
to share yours with me, Sir. >> What Ox didn't share
with his young master was, it also provided his body with much needed
nutrients he couldn't get anywhere else.
<< You
sure, Lummy? >>
<< I’m
sure, Master. >>
With that Waco
let loose. There didn’t seem to be any problem. Ox didn’t
spill a drop and had no problem taking Waco’s flow, but the weirdest
damn thing happened. As Waco was relieving himself, Ox was
sucking away like a vacuum cleaner and sucking his piss away from him
as fast as Waco could release it. It was such a sensual feeling
Waco climaxed and shot his load at the same time. He was reduced
to a limp biscuit. It was the most fantastic orgasm he ever
experienced.
<< Oh,
God, Lummy! That was fantastic! Thank you. >>
<< My
pleasure, young master. >> he projected as he continued to suck
gently. He knew Waco’s dick was very sensitive. Waco
continued to suck on Ox’s teat. Ox laid him out next to him so
Waco would be more comfortable and pulled the blanket up over them
again. All the while Waco never became unhooked from his lummox’s
teat. Waco sucked and drank until he passed out in Ox’s
arms. He finally released from Ox’s big teat only when he drifted
off into a deep, lummox milk induced sleep. Ox smiled at the
beauty of his beloved young master and gently licked the milk from his
face with his huge tongue. Then he licked and cleaned the rest of
Waco’s young, strong body like he would his very own child. The
giant held the boy close to him all through the night.
End Of Chapter 7
~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2006 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All rights
reserved ~
E-mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com