WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
70
It
was a nice day. All the days had been nice. There had been rather more
than seven of them so far, and rain hadn't been invented yet. But
clouds massing east of Eden suggested that the first thunderstorm was
on its way, and it was going to be a big one. "Kids! Bringing about
Armageddon can be dangerous. Do not attempt it in your own home, and
remember, all tapes left in a car for more than about a fortnight
metamorphose into Best of Queen albums." (1)
The month of
June passed quickly. Dexter was getting used to his new body and
was noticeably proud of himself. He seemed to work twice as hard
to be Bobby’s big brother and teacher. Bobby was soaking up
information at an amazing rate. The lummox milk he had available
to him seemed to increase his IQ and learning potential by a large
factor. Dexter began to copy Shane’s mannerisms and speech
patterns until, people who didn’t know him when introduced for the
first time, were convinced he was Shane’s son. Their assumption
would make Dexter quite proud. He felt like he was being included
and was being taken more seriously. The men would ask his
opinion more often about things. Dexter and Rocky bonded and
became close friends.
Monty and Maxine
practiced their flying one afternoon in the meadow that conjoined the
back part of the ranch to the newer portion of the Crandall
ranch. Shane declared the afternoon a holiday. Many of the
newer cowboys didn’t know of Monty’s other talents, and when they were
told he and his buddy Maxine were going to fly, they thought they were
having smoke blown up their butts; they thought they were the brunt of
the new-guys initiations; but, when Monty walked from his quarters
wearing only his handsome buckaroo boots with a beautiful pair of wings
on his back and Maxine followed close behind with a beautiful
pair of black wings with white tips, they began to wonder. Monty
added the white tips as an accent to the rest of Maxine’s
markings. It gave her wings a special touch, sort of like racing
stipes on
a fast car or airplane. Monty remembered a set of old leather
flying caps someone left in the antique double-winged airplane in the
barn and a couple of pair of goggles. One set, which Dexter used
to play with must have been made for a child because they were much
smaller than the set which fit Monty. They were so old, some of
the straps were broken. Monty made new ones in his leather shop
and restored everything to mint condition.
Maxine’s little cap and goggles fit her perfectly, and they wore
matching forest green silk scarves Estelle Potter made and gave them
for their
first official flight. The dark-brown leather aviator caps and
brass goggles added a delightfully retro-steampunk realism to their new
hobby which was given the cognomen "The Full Monty Polaris and Lady
Maxine
Flying
Circus." Boss Potter and Angus Goodnight thought it was all very
amusing and laughed a lot. Together, Monty and Maxine looked like
something
out of a super heroes' comic book: The Birdman of Mars and his faithful
companion, Maxine, the Super Bird-dog. They took off
together. Monty was worried Maxine might not remember how to
fly. It had been sometime, but she did fine. She took off a
little ahead of Monty and was airborne before he could caution her
about a few things. He ran behind her unfolding his wings and
with two large flaps he was sailing right behind her into the warm
currents and updrafts. The cowboys were speechless.
Maxine wasn't sure she was going to like the goggles at first, but now
she was in the air, they made
a lot of sense. Her eyes weren’t watering like they were
before. She sent a message to her companion.
<< Thank’s
for the eye-wear, big brother. They keep my eyes from crying.
>>
<< I
thought you might like them once you got going. You look quite
lovely with your cap and scarf, dearheart. >> Monty sent
to her.
They sailed and
sailed around the meadow. They weren’t in any hurry, they were
just practicing for the following weekend when they were to be special
guests of Darryl, the major impresario of three worlds, at the Mars
Port
Lodge. Captain Shane was taking Dexter, Rocky, Cody and Pearl to
meet professor Wankle. Monty already had his workers working on
six more smaller bodies. Secret request began to come in from
friends, they would be willing and proud to host a couple of young
bio-droids. Shane always stressed they were to be treated as
freemen and ladies. They were not servants or work slaves.
Everyone seemed to understand. Cody and Pearl were good
advertisement’s for the program. They were welcomed and loved
everywhere they went. Monty and Maxine flew several loops and
they could hear the men on the ground responding with applause.
Monty didn’t want to fly too much the first day and overly tire
themselves. He instructed Maxine to come in for a landing.
He
thought she might have trouble, but once again, she surprised
him.
Monty quickly learned, it’s easier to land on four legs than two.
Everyone was full of compliments and pats on the back.
Shane gave them both a big hug and a kiss.
“I’ve got to try
that, Son. Do you think you can give me a pair of wings for a
while?” he asked.
“I’d be happy
to, Master Shane, but I must have your genetic information on
file. Unfortunately, we’ve not been close enough since I came to
the ranch.” he smiled. Shane grinned at him.
“I guess I been
neglecting my duties as yore’ master, ain’t I?” he smiled.
“Not a bit,
Captain. I know you been busy, and you got yore’ pa to take
care of.”
“What’s the best
way to get my information, Son?”
“Body fluids,
sweat, urine, semen or blood. Even a good wet kiss would do fine,
Sir.”
“In the interest
of saving time, how’s ‘bout a big ole sloppy buckaroo kiss from yore’
master?” Shane took Monty into his massive arms and planted a kiss on
him that had the cowboy slaves wetting their Wranglers. They
kissed for a couple of minutes.
“That ought a’
do it, Sir.” said Monty trying to get his breath. It was a moving
experience for him. It certainly made his cock want to
crow. Jimmy
Joe Russell laughed at him.
“How do you know
that was good enough to get my info, Son?” Shane asked. Monty
looked at him, grinned, then morphed into a perfect copy of
Shane. Everyone standing around began to laugh and applaud.
“I’d say you got
it all.” Shane laughed. “What do I do now?”
“Come, let me
help you off with your clothes.” Monty took Shane by the hand and
led him into his quarters. He paid a quick homage to his master’s
boots and helped him off with them. He helped Shane undress and
helped him back on with his big boots. Shane was wearing his new
pair Monty gave him. He wore them a lot lately. Monty had
him stand and went around behind him. He passed his hands over
Shane’s back and instantly a huge pair of beautiful wings grew from his
back. They felt strong but
lightweight. For an extra
added
touch Monty made them a beautiful golden color. They were
stunningly beautiful. When the two walked
out everyone went crazy.”
“My little
brother, from slave to angel.” Angus muttered to himself. He
didn’t think anyone heard him.
“You jes’ now
realizing that, Son?” Boss Potter laughed. “Thank God, I was the
first to know him for what he really is. I wouldn’t be alive
today
if I hadn’t.” he told Angus. Angus never heard the story of Shane
healing Boss Potter’s prostate cancer. He was
impressed. Everyone went crazy trying to get close to Shane,
touch his wings and still show him respect.
“What about you,
Foreman Jenkins? You wanna’ fly with yore' master?” Monty asked.
“Thanks, Son,
but if God wanted man to fly he would a’ given him wings.” Said
the older stoic cowboy.
“God’s busy,
Sir, he sent me to gift you with a pair if you want.” Monty said
respectfully.
“I’d love to fly
with you, Scout?” spoke Ramrod Russell.
“Come, master
let’s us git chore’ clothes off.” Monty took him by the hand and
returned a few minutes later with a bewinged ramrod. To show his
ramrod his affection for him he made Jimmy Joe's wings a bright silver
color. He looked like a cowboy archangel. Jimmy Joe
looked better than he ever did in his life. He looked resplendent
with his wings. Shane was already running, trying out his wings
and doing some short lifts and landings. Jimmy Joe joined
him. They looked like two fledglings learning to fly.
Suddenly Shane decided he had to make an attempt. He began to do
some hard flapping of his wings like he saw Monty and Maxine.
Monty took off right behind him to encourage him. Pretty soon
Maxine joined them and they taught him how to save his strength and
rest by using the upward lift of the warm air currents. Monty
returned for his ramrod. Jimmy Joe was just about to get
the hang of it.
“Take my hand,
Master, and I will take you up for your first time.” Monty looked
directly into Jimmy Joe’s eyes which asked his mate to trust him.
Ramrod Russell would follow the young man off the highest cliff and
never look back. Jimmy Joe took Monty’s hand and began to pump
his wings. Monty tugged and pulled like a larger plane lifting a
glider into the air and Jimmy Joe began to flap his wings. They
were airborne in no time. Monty taught his ramrod how to sail the
updrafts of warm air. They sailed together for an hour or
more. The men were flabbergasted their bosses were in the air
flying around like a flock of angels. A flock of angels?
Was that right? Monty wondered. He knew about a murder of
crows, a parliament of owls, an ostentation of peacocks, an unkindness
of ravens, a covey of quail, a gaggle of geese, a fall of woodcock, a
pitying of turtle doves, a cast of hawks, a racket of Jays, a glee of
Canaries, a nattering of grackles, a tart of black birds, a full moon
of Mockers, a parade of Penguins, a parley of Parrots, a scantling of
Sparrows, a stand of Eagles— oh, yes— and a stomping of Bigfeet, but
what was a gathering of angels to be called? Was the old
spiritual right? ‘I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
A band of angels come’n after me.’ Somehow, Monty didn’t see
himself as a member of a band. The men and
Maxine came in for a landing. They were better at it than Monty
his first time up that day. Maxine landed a little beyond them
and came running back to Monty.
“That was so
great, Monty. We’re gonna’ wow them folks at Mars Port.” she
wiggled all over from her excitement.
“I hope so,
little Sister. I’m looking forward to it.” he said
enthusiastically.
They were booked
into the Mars Port Lodge the following weekend which would be the last
weekend in June. Word leaked out the amazing Montana and his
companion, Lady Maxine the wonder dog, would be flying with the winged
horses
for four shows in two days. The Lodge and the new Hotel were
booked solid. A room or suite was not to be had at any
price. Darryl made sure a good share of the suites and rooms were
made available for members of the Grange. It would be the Ongs
first trip to Mars and they were excited. They were shown videos
of Monty’s rescue of Maxine on Mars, but they never saw them fly in
person. Everyone in the Ong family wanted to go including the
elder Ongs. They were beginning to feel the positive effects of
the longshot and were acting like two young lovers. Their
children were amused but pleased. The family was warned, while
visiting among the animals, nudity was a necessary tradition and in
keeping with that tradition Monty would be flying in the raw.
They seemed to have no problem with it.
* * * * * * *
The big day came
and arrangements were made for Jimmy Joe to get away for the weekend
with his partner. Cody and Pearl invited their Uncle Angus and
Auntie Jean to go along with them to meet professor Wankle. Angus
was just going to let them go with Shane, but they seemed wary about
meeting the professor and insisted Angus and Jean be with them.
Shane thought it was a good idea and urged them to come along.
The young bio-droids bonded with their new family and were
comfortable with Angus and Jean. They looked upon them as
surrogate parents. If they had a problem or wanted to talk about
something personal they knew they could discuss anything with
them. Shane loaned Phil Pie and Eli Stone to Angus to keep watch
on his ranch and cowboy slaves for the weekend. Shane left his
slave daddies, Bart and Telly, in charge of their ranch. Monty
wanted to take them with him and Jimmy Joe, but Shane needed them at
the ranch. He promised Monty he would let them go another weekend
with him and Jimmy Joe.
Monty and Maxine
had great fun flying with the winged horses, and they looked wonderful
with their flying caps, goggles and green scarves trailing behind them
in the wake of their flight. They flew in the mornings after
breakfast and in the early evenings before supper. Their flights
were videoed and a feed was sent all over Mars and Venus. Sales
of their action figures went off the charts. They became the
toast of Mars and couldn’t go anywhere without being mobbed by well
wishers and autograph seekers. Ramrod Russell, Rocky and Dexter
became bodyguards for Monty and Maxine to keep them from being crushed
by rabid fans.
The first
afternoon Captain Shane, Cole, Angus, Jean, Monty, Jimmy Joe, Admiral
Long, Captain Waco, Captain Vinceeth, the Coyote Cowboys, Gil Morris
and Bobby took Dexter, Cody, Pearl and Rocky to visit professor
Wankle. He had no clue the two young children, one young adult,
and one mature man were bio-droids, within which, housed three of the
brains of the bladder whales. He was dumbfounded. He
couldn’t
get over the perfection of the four bio-droids. Monty had to
explain about Dexter being his childhood companion but wasn’t sure
Wankle was comprehending what he was telling him. He couldn’t get
past how much Dexter looked like a young Captain Shane. He
thought they had to be related. Monty couldn’t quite explain to
him he designed Dexter to look like his master. Wankle was
further preoccupied with Cody, Pearl and Rocky; particularly,
Rocky. Rocky took to dressing like his celluloid look alike
and namesake. He looked for all the world like Rocky Lane, the
cowboy, and sounded like him, too. Wankle remembered the names of
the three bladder whales and kept calling them by their whale
names. Rocky gently reminded him they decided to take on new
names, and while he couldn’t speak for Cody and Pearl, he would
appreciate it if professor Wankle would call him ‘Rocky.’
“Of course, of
course! I meant no harm or disrespect. Sorry.” he said then
asked, “May I examine you?”
“Shore.’” Rocky
said, “But let’s do it later when there ain’t so many folks around and
Monty and Ramrod Russell can come with me. You don’t need to
examine Cody and Pearl. They’s just like me to the last detail;
only their appearance is different.” Rocky sounded firm in his
comment. Shane looked at Angus
and grinned. They noticed Cody and Pearl looked at Rocky like he
was their hero. It was plain to see they didn’t look forward to
being examined by the professor. It was the first time Shane
could remember Rocky asserting himself to any degree about
anything. He was the most accommodating, gentle, genteel, and
unassuming of the three whale brain bio-droids, but always ready to
learn and to do his job of protection for his small group. They
noticed Cody and Pearl moved to Rocky’s side and each took a hand in
solidarity.
“We’ll come with
you if you like, big brother.” Cody told him. It
was like they didn’t want him to go through a Wankle inspection by
himself.
“If your parents
don’t mind, I’d be happy for you to come with me.” Rocky replied.
As Cody, Pearl,
Rocky and Dexter went to visit the rest of the whale brains, Shane and
Monty explained they had six more children’s bodies ready to accept
whale brains. Wankle couldn’t understand why they would bother
with children’s bodies. Shane patiently explained how he thought
it might be best if they had adjustment periods just like humans or
whales as they grew up and matured. Cody and Pearl would spend
several years as children learning slowly to live as any human child
and then be transferred to bodies more like Dexter’s to live several
years as adolescents. Then they would graduate to mature
bodies.
“What about
Rocky?” Wankle challenged.
“I think we got
lucky. We already had his body ready when you released the three
brains to us. Rocky is a special case, but we may find others who
are
like him and can comfortably adjust to an adult body; however, for
right now, we’re going with our plan.” Shane explained. He and
Angus could see the professor was withdrawing his cooperation.
When Shane told him the number of brains they would like to take back
with them he balked.
“No, that won’t
be possible. I don’t have that many ready.” he complained.
Everyone was dumbfounded by his statement. There was a great
silence. Delfee McNair, his niece was shocked by her
uncle. Darryl was noticeably embarrassed. Shane didn’t know
what to say. Monty kept his mouth shut. Admiral Long walked
over and put his arm around the professor.
“Come,
professor, walk with me. Show me the rest of your lab.” he smiled
to him. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind they would get the
brains they wanted. Dexter, Cody, Pearl and Rocky were noticeably
depressed. Wankle did nothing to hook the brains up to
outside stimulus. He had plenty of equipment provided for
him. Lazarus and Charlie outfitted his lab handsomely. He
had all the latest equipment, he just didn’t understand how to use it
to
interface with the brains to get them up and running. The
bio-droids could communicate with their brothers and sister
mentally, and they knew they were miserable. They all wanted to
go with
Monty and Captain Shane. They begged Dexter, Cody, Pearl and
Rocky not to leave anyone behind. They were about to go
crazy.
At least on the surface of Venus they could occasionally
sing with their relatives as they passed over them, but here they only
had each other and needed more stimulus. Monty could hear
and could communicate with them. He told them he felt he could
work with Delfee McNair and Darryl and perhaps even teach the professor
how to interface with them. He wasn’t sure Admiral Long was going
to be able to get more than the rest of the young whale brains and
maybe a couple of mature ones. That would probably only amount
to about eight, but he would do his best to see they got hooked up
to the intelligence on Mars and had free access to all
resources of robo-cams and feeds through Kyron and several other of the
intelligences on the Bandersnatch. They could be in constant
contact with
their brothers and sisters. A great cheer went up for Monty among
the remaining brains.
<< I
promise you, I will not let you go another week without some
intervention. I know my master to be a good and kind man.
He will want me to see to your well being. >> Monty reassured
them.
Lazarus
was a silver tongued devil. If there really was such a thing as
the Devil, Shane was quite sure Lazarus could con Old Nick into selling
him
his soul. He confided in Angus, Cole and Monty, he would give the
Admiral thirty minutes alone with the lord of darkness and Lazarus
would not only own the Devil’s soul, he would have him paying homage to
his boots and thanking him for buying it. So it was with the
professor. In about thirty minutes time, Lazarus had Wankle
eating out of his hand. No one knew what they talked about, what
was agreed upon, what concessions were made, but it really wasn’t
important. The details didn’t matter. Wankle seemed happy
and placated. What was important was the rescue of the poor,
stagnant brains. Monty was able to project to them mental images
of Dexter, Cody, Pearl and Rocky. They ‘ooohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ at
the perfection and capabilities of the bio-droids. Many made
weeping sounds like they were crying from joy for their brothers and
little sister. Cody, Pearl and Rocky couldn’t stress how happy
and comfortable they were in their new bodies and knew they would be
pleased with theirs.
At the end of
their rescue operations on the surface of Venus, Lazarus and his crew
took twenty-five brains. Monty took three and that left
twenty-two. Somehow, Lazarus talked Wankle into letting go of
half the remaining brains. Wankle would only have eleven brains
left in his care, but Lazarus promised he would become a processing
depot and pre-learning center for the new brains. Lazarus foresaw
a large colony of bio-droids doing many task ordinary Venusian or
humans would find monotonous or repetitious. He also foresaw a
self-sustaining work force that could create a world for themselves if
they wished. He saw it as a beginning of a new race of people in
the universe. A new race who would have no appeal to the grays or
reptiles unless they evolved and developed a taste for silicon and
bio-synthetics. The only problem he foresaw was losing several to
the Daleks who might try to back engineer them. He saw that as a
futile task. Monty’s lab critters and workers were so much
further advanced it would be like the first day of school for “them
infernal machines” as Lazarus referred to them. He only hoped
they wouldn’t become unbalanced again, begin to feel threatened, allow
their hatred to grow and develop the idea if they ‘exterminated’ the
new kids on the block, it would do away with the competition.
(Lazarus saw them as the human equivalent of corporate Republican elite
with
their sprawlmarts.) The
bio-droids were not their concern. Monty was their
competition. As special as he was, they would surely see him as
an evil Time Lord whom they must EX-TER-MI-NATE with extreme
prejudice. Lazarus pledged to himself he would protect Monty with
his last breath. Lazarus spoke privately with Rocky, Shane and
Monty later.
“You don’t have
to go through his inspection if you don’t want to, Son.” he told Rocky.
“I will if you
think it will help, Admiral, but I’d rather my little brother and
sister not be subjected to his inspection.”
“We noticed a
feeling of resentment toward professor Wankle. Would you care to
share
your feelings with us, Rocky?” Captain Shane asked him.
“We lost faith
in him. He would tell us he was doing something for us when in
reality he would do nothing. He hasn’t done anything for our
brothers and sisters who remained with him. We think he doesn’t
know how to use the technology he’s been provided. There’s
computers he was provided that have never been removed from their
boxes. He couldn’t communicate with our brothers and sisters like
you men can and they were kept in the dark, so to speak. They
only had themselves and since they could see nothing, they lived in
blindness and fear. They needed reassurance he never gave
them. Yes, we feel fear and a certain amount of resentment toward
him.”
“We plan to
change that. We will bring in several technicians who will assist
him. They will get the program running as we hoped it would from
the beginning. We never meant to cut off access to the outside
world for any of you. The equipment is here. It just ain’t
being utilized. He don’t know how to use it. He’s from a
different era. We’ll see to it he retains his position, but he
will become more of a figure head in a managerial position. We
will also bring Miss McNair along to take over the main
management. She’s bright and can keep him in check. In the
meantime, I’d rather you not submit to his inspection. I’ll take
care of it. Not to worry, Son.”
“Thank you,
Admiral. I know Cody and Pearl will be pleased. We’re also
pleased to know eleven more of our brothers and sisters will be coming
with us, but what about those left behind?”
“They will be
connected before we leave. We have the Coyote Cowboys who are
prodigies when it comes to interfacing computers. Monty can show
them what he wants. Ping, Pong, Jack and Jill are with us and can
supervise them and help connect them. We plan to apprentice a
number of the resident Langerian on Mars to work in the labs
here. We think they can be of great help and learn as they
go. It won’t take long to have
the other eleven wired and surfing our intelligences and the nets
as they
please. There will be a few restrictions about communicating
within our public webs, but we trust them to not expose
themselves. Ping will make sure their surfing won’t be detected
or traced. They will also be able to see their surroundings and
what’s going on in our world. They will be able to see Monty and
Maxine fly tomorrow.”
“Thank you,
Admiral. You have no idea how much your help will be
appreciated.” Rocky said with appreciation.
“I think I do,
Son. I wouldn’t like to be trapped in a dark place even if I
could converse with my fellow prisoners.”
The rest of the
weekend went quickly and by their last flight Sunday afternoon, there
were throngs of people from the colonies, Mars Port and Venus who came
through the gates for Monty and Maxine’s final flight. They
developed a wonderful relationship with the winged horses. Monty
was unable to hear and speak with them his previous trip, but now he
could, and they became close friends. Everyone could tell they
bonded and flew as one large group with affection and respect for each
other. It was spectacular to behold and no one wanted to see them
stop. They flew around and around the basin to the cheers of
their fans. Monty had a tendency to be somewhat of a daredevil
showoff and would end his flight by flying almost to the apex of the
ceiling of the cave, then stalling in flight, allowing himself to
tumble over and over like he saw a flock of pigeons called ‘rollers’
do. Just before he reached the floor of the savanna he would
spread his wings and soar out of his death roll to the yells and
applause of the audience.
“He sure knows
how to milk a crowd.” Darryl said to Shane and Cole then grinned
real big like he could count the money rolling in. He was
right. The visit by Monty and Maxine to Mars Port pumped in
millions for both of them. Darryl was not a selfish man. He
made sure his entertainment properties, as he called them, were
handsomely paid and shared in the wealth. It also increased his
personal fortune considerably. Not surprisingly, he did many
wonderful, charitable things with his money. He was wise in many
ways. He could see the end coming on Earth and when it did, he
had every intentions of throwing his lot in with the humans who gave
him such a wonderful opportunity. He and Delfee were very
much in love, and she agreed to go with him. At supper that
evening on the balcony at the Mars Port Lodge restaurant, in the
dimming light, a delegation of flying horses flew up to the landing
area to say goodbye and wish Monty and Maxine well. Among them
was their old friend Brilliante, his mate and their new colt. He
was just barely flying, and he was so cute everyone stopped to
watch. The big stallion bowed to Monty and sent him a message.
<< Most
honorable and respected friend, my mate and I ask your permission to
name our first born after you. We would be proud to call him
Montana. >> Monty was so moved he got tears in his eyes.
<< I would
be proud and pleased, good friend. Thank you for such a great
honor.
>> Monty went to the colt, got down to his level and gave
him a hug and a kiss. The crowd went crazy. They turned and
flew off into the mist of evening to their nesting grounds high on an
opposite cliff.
Monty and Maxine
were physically tired as they made their way back to the gate to return
to the Bandersnatch and home. Last minute fans wanted
autographs. Someone had a stamp pad for Maxine to put her paw on
and then make a print on a card or piece of paper. She did it
several times, but it was a hassle to clean her little paw each time,
Monty drew the line and started adding her name with his to his
autographs. They managed to get back through the gates and
home. Monty and Maxine were exhausted. They said their
goodbyes to each other, Maxine ran for her house and Ramrod Russell
walked his partner back to his quarters. He was going to stay the
night with Monty. Angus, Jean and the kids were going back to
their ranch. Jimmy Joe and Monty were alone as they walked
through the meadows. They watched a female coyote with her four
pups following her. She was out teaching them to hunt.
Monty send a message.
<< They
grow so fast, little sister. >> the coyote stopped and looked
right at Monty and Jimmy Joe.
<< Faster
and stronger every day. Is that you, Monty? >> she returned.
<< Yes,
Criga. You look well. I hope you’re staying away from
traps. >> he said with a smile.
<< Won’t
go near one. Teaching young four-legs not to go near them no
matter how hungry they might be. >>
<< Wise
mother. >> Monty said as he waved goodnight to her. Jimmy
Joe looked at him and grinned.
“Friend of
yours, Son?” he smiled.
“It’s Criga, the
female coyote I saved from the trap. She’s out teaching her pups
to hunt.”
“My, God, I
never counted on you being so...” Jimmy Joe stopped.
“Unusual?” Monty
tried to help him.
“No, that ain’t
it. Complex, maybe, multi-talented.”
While they
walked a Mockingbird flew down and landed on Monty’s shoulder.
“An how are you
this fine evening, Percival?” he asked out loud.
<<
Tolerable, Monty. Right tolerable. Thanks for asking, and
you? >> the bird projected to him.
“Better than
fine, little pal, I got my love to feather my nest with me
tonight.” Monty smiled, took Jimmy Joe’s hand and gently squeezed
it, “Tonight’s a full moon. You out singing for a mate?” he
smiled at the bird.
<< Yeah, I
got me a nice one lined up. I’m in fine voice, tonight. She
won’t be able to resist me. >> he bragged puffing his little
chest out and giving forth with a couple of impossible mellifluous
melismas. He was really quite good...and very loud.
“Do me a favor,
old friend, and sing in them trees down yonder by the other barn or the
large
stand South of my quarters. While I truly love your songs, and
you have such a fine voice, the power of your singing kept me awake for
hours the last full moon.”
<< Sorry,
brother. You should have said something. Will do. The
old barn it is. I’ll let you know how it goes. Peace and
love to you, friend. >> he flew off toward the other old barn.
Lastly, a small
squirrel ran up to Monty, climbed his leg to his shoulder, then
scurried inside and down the front of his western shirt.
“Now this it
getting to be too much.” laughed Jimmy Joe. “You git out a’
there. He’s mine tonight, and I ain’t share’n him with no fuzzy
tailed Disney reject.” Jimmy Joe laughed. About that time a red
tail hawk flew over their heads and perched on a tall fence post.
<< Get me
to cover, big brother. He wants me for his supper. >> Monty
heard in his head.
“Okay, but stay
still. Your little claws tickle.” he spoke to Jasper the
squirrel. Monty told Jimmy Joe what he said and they
laughed. When they got to the barn Monty gave Jasper the all
clear sign. He poked his head out the front of Monty’s shirt,
looked both ways and ran down the front of Monty’s clothes.
<< Thanks,
big bro! Won’t forget your kindness. >> he sent as he
scurried off to the protection of some bushes.
“Is this the way
it's gonna' be between us, slave?” Jimmy Joe smiled at him.
“Damn, it’s like I’m dating Snow White and I have to share you with all
of nature. You make yore’ own dwarfs and always got a chorus of
cute critters crawling all over you. I’m surprised they don’t fly
in and help you dress in the mornings.” he grinned.
“They do when
you
ain’t here.” Monty laughed, “Sorry, Master. They’s just
friends of mine. I promise, I’m all yours for the rest of the
evening.” Monty assured him. Jimmy Joe threw back his handsome
head and laughed.
“I can’t imagine
you any other way, boy. A man what’s loved by so many critters
can’t be all bad.” he chuckled.
“Would you like
something special this evening, Ramrod?” Monty teased.
“If you feel
like giving it to me.”
“Yes, this
evening, more than ever. Sort of a celebration. ‘Sides
you’s s’damn good, I dream about you sleeping inside me when we’s
apart.” Monty confided.
“Gees, we been
together, what, three months, and I sometimes wonder how I ever lived
so long without you, Son. I’d enjoy sleeping inside you
tonight. When you told me you made yourself something extra what
was you talking about?”
“I positioned my
clit almost inside my cunt so’s yore’ fine cowboy shaft rubs against it
with ever’ stroke, and I increased my internal nerve endings by a third
more than a regular female has. I can reach a climax either
way. I can reach multiple orgasms when you’s fuck’n me what are
as powerful as the one’s what come out ma’ dick. I’m so sensitive
inside I can feel your come as it flows. It’s like I got a hot
volcano erupting inside me, and I climax ever’ damn time.”
“Damnation,
boy! You got me all hot and bothered jes’ talk’n about it.
I think we could both use a little relaxation.”
Monty and Jimmy
Joe spent a wonderful night making love and enjoying each other's
company. They were up early the next morning as nurse Jenny had
several patients for Doc Monty to see. Monty got up, got him and
his master a cup of coffee and began his day. It was going to be
a busy Monday because the eleven whale brains would be delivered that
morning and Monty would be busy with them almost half the day.
There were only four patients to see that morning and their health
problems were small. One large terrapin came up from the
creek. She somehow managed to get an old fish hook lodged in her
neck. Monty quickly removed it, healed her, and sent her on her
way. She was very grateful. Monty closed up his quarters
and he and Jimmy Joe started their long walk up through the two
meadows. It was a repeat of the previous evening. Critters
came from all around to wish him and Jimmy Joe a good morning.
Jimmy Joe thought it was hilarious. They had a great
breakfast. Everyone was in a good mood and refreshed from their
weekend away from the ranch. After breakfast Monty and Jimmy Joe
said their goodbyes and walked down to the other barn so Monty could
see his partner off through the gate. Monty was going through the
gate to sickbay. The delivery of the brains were to be left with
Cable and his men to check out before Monty took charge. He was
to meet Master Waco and Lucas there. They would help him
transport them back to his workrooms. Jimmy Joe took Monty into
his arms and gently kissed him.
“I’m proud of
you, boy. I had one of the finest weekends of my life with
you. For all your talents and popularity you never let it come
before your love for me. I appreciate that. H’it’s hard not
to love you, Monty.”
“That’s good to
hear, Ramrod. I wan’t you to love me, because I love you, Master
Jimmy Joe.”
“My age don’t
bother you none?” he asked.
“Yes, Sir, it
bothers me a whole hell of a’ lot. Ever’ damn time I think on you
and how mature and experienced a lover you are the harder ma’ dick
gits. When I think on yore' fine, mature, chiseled, cowboy body,
lying
next to mine with your prime, aged buckaroo beef inside me, I have ta’
drop ever’ thing I’m doing and go jack off; sometimes two or three
times
a day. Yes, it bothers me a lot, but I wouldn't have it no other
way. I look forward to many more good times together. I’ll
just tell them critters we’s family; love me love my master.” he
smiled, they stole another quick kiss, Jimmy Joe stepped through the
gate and was gone. Monty’s heart didn’t sink quite as far
as before. He knew he would see his ramrod again soon.
Angus was being very generous with them, and he faithfully made another
payment on his boots once a month. Monty reset the gate to
sickbay on the Bandersnatch and stepped through.
* * * * * * *
Boss Potter,
Shane, Cole, Gil Morris, Bobby, Rocky and Dexter were still sitting
around talking. School was out for Bobby and he and Dexter
wouldn’t take up daily lessons again until the fall, but Dexter planned
to make sure Bobby learned a lot of other things. Shane began to
take him and Rocky more into his confidence. Since he got his new
body, Dexter and Shane grew much closer. He went with Shane
and Cole everywhere. Shane knew he could tell Dexter anything,
and he would never betray his trust. Dexter was growing up and
became a big help to everyone. Before the men discussed anything
about Monty they made sure they were all on the same page. Shane
discussed with Dexter and Rocky Shanna Ruggles was pregnant with
Monty’s son. Dexter wasn’t surprised. Rocky was just
beginning to understand human reproduction and saw it as a natural
discourse of their having sex. The men discussed it that morning
after Monty left.
“We ain’t
resolved nothing about what we’re gonna’ do about Monty’s son,
bossman.” said Shane. “Shanna’s only got about four weeks left on her
pregnancy. Ping’s approached her by computer. She’s tried
to talk sense with her without telling her too much. She even
asked Shanna to join us, but she didn’t feel like she can turn her
back on her religious upbringing. Ping is certain her old man
plans to sell her baby to that phony genius baby program the government
is using to get more food for their reptilian overlords.”
“I won’t let
that happen.” said Boss Potter, “We got an injunction ready to go to
protect your property rights, Son. There’s always the chance he
might try to hide her, but we got robo-cams on her. They’ll give
us an exact readout on where she is at all times. He’d have a
difficult time getting away with it. I could talk to Anderson and
have her ordered into custody the last two weeks of her pregnancy, but
you never know what might happen. Because she’s under a good deal
of stress, she could have the baby prematurely. I think the best
thing to do would be to serve her and her daddy with the injunction
which states the baby is to be taken away from her at birth and becomes
your property. We could have the process server warn him if he
tries anything funny, he might be looking at slavery himself. Of
course, with his money he might think he can buffalo his way around
anything.”
Everyone thought
the last idea would be best, so that week, Boss Potter paid Deputy
Douglas Tin Penny and his younger brother Brody to serve the papers to
Shanna Ruggles. Old man Ruggles was hopping mad, but he didn’t
challenge the deputies. It was obvious he didn’t know about slave
laws and didn’t see this one coming. The officers explained it to
him. It made sense, but he didn’t like it one bit. He
didn’t like anyone telling him what to do. He told others what to
do all his sorry life, and he just couldn’t understand how this was
happening to him. Douglas spoke for both the deputies and warned
Ruggles if he tried to hide his daughter he could be facing kidnaping
charges of Master Shane Goodnight’s slave and theft of his
property. He would be facing no less than a thirty years sentence
which would make him a mandatory slave for life. They explained
these things to Shanna as well so her daddy couldn’t put a spin on it
to make her do what he wanted.
“Does that mean
my baby will be with his father?” she asked.
“We can’t tell
you, ma’am, we jes’ don’t know, but there’s every likelihood he
probably will be. While Master Goodnight is a strict and
demanding business man, we also know him to be kind hearted,
compassionate, and
generous.” Doug said.
“Like hell he
is!” exclaimed Charlie Ruggles. “What kind of a monster would take a
mother’s baby away from her to be a slave for life.”
“The same kind
of monster what would sell the baby to the government’s phony baby
genius program; the same kind of monster what would prosecute a young
man on spurious charges for loving his daughter and having her baby's
father sold into
slavery.” Brodey said to him without
nuance. Ruggles just snorted.
“How do you know
the government’s program is phony?” he challenged.
“We’re lawmen,
Mr. Ruggles, we know a lot of things regular citizens don’t.” confirmed
Douglas.
“He’s right,
Daddy, I been reading about it on the Internet. I won’t let
you sell my baby to the government. I’d rather Master Goodnight
have him, and he can grow up near his father. It’s the least I
can do for Monty to repay him for what you done to him.”
“Hesh, up,
girl! We done been over it a hun'nert times or more. You
know'd I
done it for your best interest. I done it 'cause I love you.” he
insisted.
“No, you
didn't. Love or caring about what I wanted had nothing to do with
it. You did it to control me like you've done all my life.
I'm old enough to make my own decisions, but obviously you don't think
so. When it’s all
over, I’m leaving here, Dad. I don’t care where I have to go or
what I have to do to survive, but you will never see me again.
What you did to me and Monty was wrong. I don’t care what you
say. You didn’t do it for me. You did it for
yourself. You use your religion to hurt people. You’re full
of darkness and lies and all your praying won't make you a better
man. I will never forgive you for what you’ve
done.”
Ruggles looked
defeated. Deputies Doug and Brodey Tin Penny were gracious
enough, said their farewells and left. Shanna went to her room
and shut the door. She refused to answer when her dad came to
tell her why she was wrong and how things were going to be. She
didn’t care to hear another
word from him. She didn’t come out until her mother came to get
her for supper. She refused and said she would never sit at a
table with her father again. Her mother brought her a tray
later. The next day Charlie Ruggles phoned the Potter/Goodnight
ranch and insisted on talking with Shane Goodnight himself. Boss
Potter took the call and told him he represented Mr. Goodnight, and he
could talk with him. Mr. Goodnight was busy at the moment and
couldn’t drop what he was doing just to talk with him. Ruggles
was silent for a moment and figured Potter was as far as he was going
to get.
“What the hell
does he think he’s doing, taking my grandson away from his mother and
his grandparents?” Ruggles demanded.
“He’s exercising
his legal rights. You should have thought about it before you
insisted Montana Dundee be made a slave because of your narrowminded
religious beliefs. Be sure your sins will find you out, Mr.
Ruggles. Ain’t that one of you Christianist favorite scriptures
you go ‘round spouting? Thanks to you, Monty Dundee is now a
slave, but by law that automatically makes his son a slave for life
even if his father is later granted manumission. So your
action has
condemned an innocent child to a lifetime of slavery even though his
dad may someday become a freeman again.”
“I’ll contest
it. You ain’t got no proof that Dundee boy is his daddy.” Ruggles
challenged.
“I can have a
test
ordered before the week is out, if you like, but your daughter’s
already signed a statement Monty Dundee is the father of her
baby. It’s in the court records. Unless you have some other
information that your daughter slept around and want to challenge the
current records, I’ll be happy to order a parental DNA test for the
child.”
“No, no, that
won’t be necessary. I concede, the baby is Dundee’s. I know
my daughter. She ain’t a loose woman. Is there a deal we
could make? I’ll buy the baby’s freedom. I got money.
Tell him to name his price. I’m in danger of losing my whole
family over this, Potter. I hear’d tell Shane Goodnight is a
respected slave owner; he’s a kind, generous and good hearted
man. Surely he can understand my position.”
“I assure you,
Mr. Ruggles, he understands your position better than anyone. He
was a slave himself for ten years. He has his own reasons for
wanting the baby which I’m not at liberty to discuss. I’m sorry
for you and your daughter, Mr. Ruggles, but I’ve discussed this matter
at length with my foreman, and I’m afraid you don’t have enough money
to buy the child’s freedom. He won’t consider selling the baby at
any price. The baby is to be brought up within our ranch family,
and because of your regrettable actions, will be a slave all his
life. Now, Mr. Goodnight may agree to sell the
boy to his father if and when he’s emancipated, but that’s between him
and his
slave. It hasn’t been discussed yet.”
Ruggles flew off
the handle, started cursing and calling Judge Potter all manner of
names. Potter hung up on him. Ruggles called back in a few
minutes, ate a major portion of humble pie and apologized. Boss
Potter forgave him and told him he understood why he might be
upset. He tried to assure him the boy would probably have as good
a life as a slave under Shane Goodnight as he would with an unwed
mother in Ruggles’ narrowminded religious world. His mother would
always be looked upon as a scarlet woman, and the boy would be
considered a bastard. Potter reminded Ruggles, as a slave, the
boy wouldn’t have to live with such social and mental abuse.
Potter could
hear Ruggles grinding his teeth in anger, but he knew the old Judge was
right. The boy would always live with a stigma of being a pariah
or social outcast from his church group.
* * * * * * *
Waco, Lucas, Ox
and Trey Vinceeth helped Monty get the new whale brains to his
lab. His workers were thrilled. They had more work to
do. The six new children’s bodies had been completed for sometime
and
they were waiting for brains. Shane and Monty decided the six
new bodies would be given to the three remaining young whales and the
remaining bodies to the three young adults. Shane didn’t think it
would hurt to have them learn to use smaller bodies and adapt to their
new surroundings. He wanted Monty’s workers to get started on
four more adult bodies and the rest would be childrens’ bodies.
He wanted Monty to interact with the older brains to determine which
should get the mature bodies. Lucas and Waco spent most of the
morning helping Monty hook up the five remaining brains to computers
until they could
be placed directly into bodies. They worked for hours getting
them on-line and
able to see what was going on around them. They seemed thrilled
to be able to communicate with each other more freely and surf
the Internet as they pleased to learn as much as they could about
humans.
The four
remaining young brains and two middle aged brains were placed
immediately into the children sized bodies and were slowly learning to
use their functions. The workers fussed over them and helped them
hour after hour with exercises, physically moving all parts of their
bodies until they got the hang of it. Naturally, the four younger
brains learned quicker than the two older, but they were all in good
spirits and took the task on as a team effort as they encouraged each
other. Of the four young brains, two were male and two were
female. The two older brains were a male and female. So
they were equally divided three males and three females. It
really didn’t matter too much their age difference in whale years, but
the younger brains made a much quicker adjustment to their new bodies
than the two older ones. What to do with them became a
problem. Shane and Boss Potter really didn’t have any place to
put them, and they needed supervision. They decided to
temporarily put them in one wing of the slave quarters. The
three
boys would bunk together in one room and the girls in another.
They had one whole wing of the quarters to themselves and shared the
bath facilities. The two older cowboy’s who previously belonged
to Gil Morris, Jack Hamil and Spence Gaether became their new Earth
daddies. They were two of Shane’s most trusted and unflappable
lead cowboy slaves, and knew they would be like two mother hens for the
new kids. He was right. He couldn’t have picked two better
men to ride herd on the six new children. They came to love and
be loved by all the cowboys. They became a part of the greater
ranch family and had their chores to do just like everyone else.
* * * * * * *
There was much
joking and razing of Monty and his following of critters who would
follow him everywhere around the ranch. He made it a habit of
carrying around a pocket full of peanuts and several various
treats. He got Bobby, Dexter, and Gil Morris to order him some
meal worms and learned how to start growing them for food for certain
birds. He healed a male humming bird and another female
hummer. They were constantly riding on his shoulder
somewhere. When he set out under the large oak trees with his
cowboy slave buddies and daddies for an evening, they would brazenly
fly
up to him to get treats. The men were fascinated and soon the
birds began to trust them as well. Evenings outside the slave
quarters looked like Blazing Saddles meets Bambi and Thumper.
One
afternoon Shane, Cole, Boss Potter, and Gil joined the men for supper
and walked out to sit and jaw with each other under the trees.
The critters were all upset because Monty wasn’t there to give them
treats. Some of the cowboys brought out some and they graciously
accepted them. They looked down into the lower pasture past Gil
and Bobby’s house and there was Monty wearing only his buckaroo boots
covered from head to knees with bees.
“What the
fuck?!”
exclaimed Shane.
“He’s been down
there for a couple of hours. He missed supper, but the cooks
saved
him some.” said Bart
Swinson, “He says he’s giving them immunity against hive collapse
disease microbactum and teaching their systems to produce toxins
against the varroa mite. They’re in love with him and wanna'
make him their queen.” the men broke up laughing. Nothing
was sacred among the cowboys. Bart realized what he said,
but didn’t mean it the way they took it. He grinned real big and
added, “Come to think on it, Telly and me’s been talk’n ‘bout doing the
same damn thing.” that really got the men laughing. Gil was
amazed. He started walking down toward Monty.
“You be careful,
Mr. Morris.” laughed Shane, “Monty’s got special healing powers, but
you don’t.”
“They won’t hurt
me. I been working with them bees for ten years now.”
Gil got close
enough to Monty to speak with him. Monty told the bees to move
away from his mouth so he could speak with Mr. Morris.
“How long you
gotta’ let them crawl on you, Son?” he asked.
“Just a little
longer. They all hate the mites so they’re sucking up as much of
the toxin from me as they can. It won’t hurt 'em none, and it
really ain't toxic to the varroa mite, but it makes them so weak they
drop off the bees and die. The toxin has a genetic component to
teach their systems to produce the mite irritant. It will make
them happier and more comfortable. Happy, comfortable bees make
more and better honey. Also their royal jelly will be twice as
potent. It will actually cure many diseases of the joints and
skin in humans and mammals of all kinds.”
“I lost several
hives from microbactum. It would be so great for them to get rid
of it. I know they appreciate it, and so do I.” Gil assured him.
“I been meaning
to git down here before now. Several of them came looking for me
and asked me kindly to come to the hives to see what I could do.
They promised they wouldn’t sting me and so far, not a one has.” Monty
smiled and winked at Gil. The bees started shifting to
Gil. It didn’t bother him. He was used to them swarming on
him. They recognized him as their keeper and they respected
him. He didn’t rob them of all their hard work, and they didn’t
mind sharing with the man who looked after and cared for them.
Before long he had almost as many bees on him as Monty. He wiped
some away from his mouth.
“I could swear
they’re happier. They’re buzzing at a slightly higher
frequency. I can tell how happy or healthy they are by the sound
of their buzzing.”
“They are
happier. Notice they’re just a mite lighter?” Monty laughed at
his pun. Gil laughed with him.
“That was really
bad, slave. I ain’t never punished a slave before, but that
demands a reprimand at least; at worst ma’ belt.” Gil
grinned.
“Can I have
both, Master Morris?” Monty giggled. Gil roared with
laughter.
The men up the hill wondered what they could be talking about.
Telly bet they was up to no good. He was right. Soon the
bees thanked both men enough and began to return to their hives, but
like humans there was a few stragglers who just had to say one last
‘goodbye.’ Gil walked up the hill next to his naked partner with
his big cowboy arm loosely draped around Monty’s shoulder. It was
obvious to the men they shared a wonderful experience.
“What was all
that fall-de-rall about down there?” Shane pressed.
“I told yore’
slave I’s gonna’ have to take my belt to him.” Gil grinned.
“What the hell's
he done now?” Shane went along.
“Just a
god–awful pun.” Gil stressed ‘god-awful.’
“You got my
permission.” Shane laughed, “Ain’t no excuse for a bad pun.”
“H’it ain’t
‘cause it was bad. It was damn good and funny, too, but he should
be punished ‘cause he laughed at his own pun.” Gil laughed, then added,
“Ain’t there a rule no slave can laugh at his own pun?”
“Absolutely,
it’s a cardinal rule. A slave what laughs at his own pun
automatically git’s the belt.” said Shane in his best straight-faced
cowboy bullshit persona, and the other cowboys agreed with him.
One of the cooks
hollered at Monty. “We save you a plate, brother.”
“Thanks.
I’ll be right there.” Monty acknowledged. He no sooner said
that when Angus walked up to the crowd of men standing around Monty.
“What the hell’s
going on here? Why’s this slave naked? He ain’t being
punished. You’s all laughing ‘bout something when I walked up.”
“Well, yes and
no, brother.” laughed Shane. He’s being punished with our
bullshit." Angus walked up to Monty and shooed a blue bird off
one shoulder and a hummer off the other.
“Damnation,
boy! You’s the only salve I ever done see'd what had to be
de-critterized before I could give him a hug and a kiss.” Everyone
laughed at the big cowboy. “What they gonna’ do, Son,
lynch you?”
“Naw, Sir,
Master Angus, I hope not. Come sit with me while I eat, and
I’ll tell you about it.”
Monty led Angus
by the hand to the slave quarters and set with him while he ate his
supper. The cowboys drew the line with critters in the bunkhouse,
and they knew it. They lined up outside to wait for their
hero. Angus came to make another installment payment on his
boots. He decided how he wanted them finished and brought Monty a
picture of the official Goodnight cattle brand to use on each
boot. That night as they lay together talking quietly Monty asked
about Coyote John. It was the first time he asked anyone about
him since the night Angus sent Monty to visit Coyote. It was the
second week in July and Monty knew his and Coyote’s baby slave period
would be coming to an end in another two weeks.
“He’s doing
better’n any of us expected, he learned real quick to control his
bowels and piss and only had to have a handful of diaper changes.
Git chore’ master to tell you about the last time him and his pa come
to shoe our ponies. Coyote thought because Shane was with Cole
he’s just another slave and asked him to change his diaper for
him.” Angus laughed.
“My God!
What happened, Sir?” Monty grinned from ear to ear.
“What do you
think?” Angus grinned.
“Knowing my
master like I do, he let Coyote think he was a slave, took him off to
clean him up and changed his diaper for him.”
“You know your
master pert-damn well, slave. That’s exactly what Shane done, but
when Coyote found out he was your master, I think it really brought him
down a notch. He felt bad for a couple of days. Anyway,
he’s been servicing his cowboy slave brothers and been performing
satisfactorily for me and ma’ ramrod, but it’s like his heart ain’t in
it. Maybe we’re reading too much into it because it’s Coyote, but
it’s like I done told you before, it’s like he’s jes’ going through the
motions wait’n for his chance. I hope he don’t plan to run.
It would mean automatic castration when we catch him. Some slave
owners go one step further, but I won’t do that. We don’t do
it to animals, and we shouldn’t do it to no slave neither. Jimmy
Joe reminds Coyote all the time he’s got a chip in him. My
foreman checks regularly, at least once a week, with his monitoring
device to make sure ever’ slave’s chip is functioning properly. I
know he checks Coyote’s. If he tries to run, shore’ as my dick’s
love’n yore' butt, I know the first place he’ll run to.” Angus took
another long, deep stroke into Monty’s ass.
“Me, Sir?” Monty
sounded a little surprised.
“Yeah. The
ramrod and me think he’s still got a hard-on for you. Whether
it’s that, or you’re the last bit of family he’s got, whatever his
reasons, I know damn well he’ll come here directly to you. Bonds
between men, no matter how they occur, can be the strongest on
Earth. I think that’s a lesson Coyote ain’t never learned, or
don’t wanna’ admit.”
“What for?
Why would he come to me? I can’t do him no good.” said Monty
almost perturbed as he pushed his ass further back onto Angus’ beer can
of a cock.
“You represent
something good to him. He’s heard stories about what you can do,
and he’s hoping you’ll save him from slavery.”
“Why would I
wanna’ go and do a stupid thing like that? I don’t owe him
nothing. As far as I’m concerned, I think slavery is the best
thing what could happen to the man. I keep hoping it will make
him grow up and teach him to accept responsibility for himself and his
actions. I ain’t never lied to you Master Angus, and I ain’t
gonna’ start now. I still love Coyote, but he ain’t got no claim
on me. I gave a hell of a lot more’n I ever got from him.
Well, that ain’t the god’s gospel truth neither. I got what I
wanted and needed from Coyote. It’s just he goes about it
different from other men. I come to love my master, you and ma’
ramrod a hell of a lot more’n I ever loved Coyote. Why in the
hell would I wanna’ go’n jeopardized that? I imagine aiding and
abetting an escaped slave is about as bad as running myself, and I
ain’t about to do that. Hell, I got me a better life as a slave
with Master Shane than I ever had over to ma’ grandpap’s place.
What the fuck? Why would he wanna’ put me in that position?
No, wait! Don’t answer that. I know damn well why.
It’s ‘cause he don’t think on nobody but his’self. Whatever he
think’s best for Coyote is what he's gonna' do and goddamn ever’ body
else.” Monty said
with considerable disgust. Angus couldn’t remember ever seeing
the young man so agitated.
“Look, don’t
fret so, boy. I ain’t gonna’ let chu’ git caught up in this
mess. I know what you feel for me. I can feel it when you
give yourself to me. If you give that old cowboy what works for
me, half a’ what you gimme,’ and I know you give him yore’ very best,
he’s
one lucky son-of-a-bitch. By the same token, I know you would
never
jeopardize yore' place on this ranch or the trust we have in you; but
if, by chance, you git chore’self caught up with Coyote, I got me a
feeling you’re ready to handle him. We both know he can’t make
you do nothing. I don’t care if you give him a little comfort,
and I basically don’t care how you handle the situation, but send him
on his way. Don’t you set one foot off this here ranch.
Neither one of you would git very far. You might, but he shore’
as hell wouldn’t. As you said, h’it don’t make no sense for you
to run no how. I know you got the smarts and the talent to handle
him. I trust you, and all I will ever ask you is if I was
right, did he come to you? All I expect from you is a 'yes' or
'no' answer. I won't ask no more.”
“I hope he don’t
come here. I done my part, Master Angus. I told him not to
go and do some’um stupid.” Monty was almost in tears. Angus
held him tight and fucked him ‘til it went away.
“Feeling better,
boy?” Angus asked softly as he stole another kiss.
“I can’t think
about Coyote when you’s fuck’n me, Master. You jes’ feel too damn
good.”
“That’s the
idea, slave.” Angus smiled.
* * * * * * *
“Ping? Are
you there?” Shanna Ruggles said out loud.
“I’m here,
Shanna, darling.” came across her computer.
“I’m having
problems.”
“What kind of
problems, dear?” Ping inquired.
“Pains, and it
isn’t from my baby kicking. It’s... well, it’s different.
It’s sharp stabbing pains, and it’s beginning to hurt pretty
bad.” she groaned.
“Don’t you think
you should tell your parents?”
“They flew to
Houston to be with my aunt and uncle. He’s dying of cancer.
They’ll be away for at least the weekend, maybe longer depending on
when he passes. They could be gone for a week, and daddy made
sure I don’t have any transportation. He even told the cowboy
slaves not to take me any place. They wouldn’t go against his
orders if I had a rock drop out of the sky and broke both my legs.”
“Maybe you
should call an emergency service to come get you and take you to a
hospital.” Ping typed.
“Okay.
I’ll try that, but they’ll want some kind of payment guarantee. I
don’t have any money or credit cards. All health insurance
coverage is in my parent’s names. My dad took every means of
escape away from me. I’m being held prisoner against my
wishes. Trouble is, I don’t know what my wishes are at this
point. I just want to have my baby and get away from here.”
“Do your best,
dear. I’ll be watching over you. I won’t let any harm come
to you.” Ping typed.
“You’ve been
like a guardian angel to me these past few weeks, Ping. I want
you to know how much I appreciate our chats and your patience with
me. I know you aren’t an evil spirit. We may not agree on
some things, but I think you have me and my baby’s best interest at
heart.” All of a sudden a pain hit Shanna, and she thought she
was going to pass out. It was the worst pain she ever felt in
her life. “Oh, God!” she cried and fell across her bed. She
felt something wet, looked down and saw she was bleeding from her
vagina. “Oh, God! Oh, Ping! I’m bleeding. Oh,
dear God in heaven, I’m so scared!” she wailed.
“Shanna!” Ping
typed furiously, “Speak to me, Shanna!” she typed, but Shanna
couldn’t see her computer. “Kyron, speak to her. Tell her
we will come for her.” Ping typed.
“Shanna?” Kyron
softly boomed.
“Who’s there?”
she groaned.
“I am
Kyron. I am an evolved intelligence. Ping does not speak so
I must speak for her since you can’t get to your computer. Are
you still in pain, my child?”
“The worst pain
I’ve ever felt in my life.” Shanna was double up into a fetal position.
“Help is on the
way. We’ll be there in a few minutes to get you. Are you
ready to go with us?”
“Yes, anything
would be better than this pain, but what about my baby?”
“The baby’s
chances are better with us than your father’s hospital. Trust us,
Shanna, and we will help you.”
“I will, but I
don’t think I can get up to meet you. I’m bleeding very fast now
and growing weaker.”
“We will be
there. Hold on!” Kyron boomed.
Waco, Lucas, the
Admiral, Cable, Trey and Charlie all rushed into sickbay.
“We don’t have
time to go get her. Thank goodness we put them robo-cams on
her.
Let’s just beam her here to sickbay. Kyron, if you would be so
kind.” Lazarus said.
“Shanna?
Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you to.” Kyron ordered.
“They’re
closed. Oh, God, please tell them to hurry.”
There was a
bright flash of light in Shanna’s bedroom, and she was gone. She
appeared on a comfortable bed in a dimly lit room off the main
operations area of sickbay. Ping took her hand.
“You can open
your eyes now, Shanna.” Cable spoke softly to her. Shanna
opened her eyes to the most handsome man she ever saw, but he was naked
and so were the two standing by either side.
“Where am
I? Ping? Who are these men?”
“They’re
bio-mechanical men who are also doctors, Shanna.” said the tall
cowboy who came into the room. She recognized the man as Ramrod
Lazarus Long and his boss Mr. Charlie Goodnight. “They will take good
care of you.” There were other men gathering in the main room of
sickbay. Some of them Shanna recognized as members of the Grange;
a group of men her dad hated because he tried to join many times, but
they refused him. They made no apologies for their reason.
It was because of his religious beliefs and practices. Charlie
Ruggles was sure they were a satanic cult and worshiped the
Devil. How dare they disapprove of his religion and
beliefs? His was the only one true faith. Ever’ body knew
that.
The place was
strange, but it looked and smelled like a surgery. Suddenly
another pain hit her, and she passed out. Cable rushed her into
the examination room where all the electronics devices were.
Lazarus sent for Arlen Jones, and he got there as soon as
possible. They found out quickly she was hemorrhaging and would
surely lose the baby when the strangest thing happened. The baby
acted like he knew what was going on and the men watched as he took his
small hand and gently rubbed it over the area, from which, his mother
was bleeding. A bright blue light emanated from his tiny
hand. Her internal rupture healed itself immediately. The
baby looked up at the men and smiled like he knew they were watching
him through the electronics. He tried sending a message and was
pleasantly surprised to feel several minds could hear him.
<< Can you
help me
out? I don’t wish to hurt my mother and cause her further
harm. Is my father with you? >>
<< No,
young
one. He can’t be here right now, but you may see him
later. >> Lazarus sent to him. << It’s complicated, but
we’re
here to welcome you. Are you ready to come out? >>
<< I think
I 'm a mite early. Will it harm me to come out now? >>
<< We have
a
surrogate womb for you to crawl into until you’re more developed and
ready to come out on your own, and it comes complete with its own
snack bar. >>
<< Sounds
good to
me. Get me out a’ here. >> they could see a big smile cross
his
face. Shanna was still passed out. Cable used the
opportunity to cut the cord, secure it, and the baby was beamed out
without a cut, a stretch or discomfort to Shanna. The baby wasn’t
breathing when he came out. Cable rolled him on his side and
gently patted his back. He coughed up amniotic fluid and took his
first deep breath.
“Air!” he
exclaimed. “Ah, but it tastes good.” he spoke. “Thank you, Doctor
Cable.”
“No thanks
necessary, young one, but it’s appreciated.” Cable smile as he bathed
him with a soft cloth
and toweled him dry. Lazarus walked in and peaked over Cable’s
shoulder and smiled.
“Welcome to
Earth, young man?” he said like he was greeting an old friend.
“Are you my
father’s master, Sir?” he asked.
“No, but he’s on
his way. We sent for him, and he’ll be here in a moment.” Ox came
from behind Lazarus and peaked.
“Is he my
incubator?” the baby asked.
“He is, and see
them big teats? Best damn eat'n you ever had, Son. Best
tasting, most nutritious milk in the universe. I drink it ma’self
when I can talk my boy, here, into letting me have a little.
Keeps me fit and in good shape. He’s got two names. His
parents named him Garron, but his master calls him Ox. He’s got a
right-nice cozy, single, crawl-up pouch for you to call home for a
couple of weeks, but before you take up residence, we need to weigh
you,
take a blood sample, do a few test, and git chu’ fed. You hungry,
young man?”
“I’m a mite
peckish, Sir. You say them big teats is full of sweet milk?” he
mused licking his lips.
“The very
sweetest.” Lazarus assured him.
“They sure look
good. Can I get me a little, Mr. Ox, Sir. Please.” he
started drooling just thinking about sucking one of Ox’s big
teats. Ox gently picked him up, blanket and all and hooked him up
to his left teat. The kid went crazy. He was sucking like a
West Texas cyclone. Shane arrived in sickbay accompanied by his
pa and Boss Potter. Gil Morris, Bobby, Dexter, Rocky and Maxine
were with him. About that time Shanna woke up. She was
amazed she wasn’t in pain anymore, but she knew her baby was
gone. She didn’t remember giving birth. How could this
be? She looked up and saw a huge, hairy monster with a baby in
his arms feeding him from his teat.
“Is that my
baby?” she asked.
“It is,
Shanna. He’s a fine looking baby boy.” Shane came to her
side.
“You’re Shane
Goodnight?”
“Yes, I
am. I think you know several of these men.”
“Why am I not
hurting anymore? How did my baby get born without me knowing
it? Am I still bleeding?” she asked.
“You passed out
from the pain. We looked inside you with special machines and
watched your son heal your hemorrhage. He is a very special
child, Shanna. He will be a great healer and become a great
leader. He asked for us to remove him so he wouldn’t
have to hurt you by being born. He was worried you weren’t strong
enough and might die, so we helped him out. You didn’t have to go
through the labor and pain of parturition.”
“How could he
ask you to remove him? He’s just a baby.” she seemed perplexed.
“He’s a special
little boy, Shanna. There were things about his father you never
knew; things, he didn’t even know himself at the time.” Shane tried to
reassure her.
“But he’s
premature by almost three weeks.”
“That big
monster what’s feeding him is like a kangaroo. He has a large
pouch, a secondary womb, where he will stay until he’s ready to come
out on his own. In the meantime, it’s only a short stroll to the
cafeteria.” Shane smiled at her.
“Can I see
him? May I hold him?” she asked.
“Do you think
that’s wise?” Shane asked. “You know he’s mine.”
“I know. I
also know if you hadn’t brought me here, we both would be dead right
now. I just want to see him and hold him once, then you may take
him away. Will he be with his father?”
“Later, but not
right away. Monty has gone through a lot and we’re being very
protective of him. He didn’t even know you were pregnant. I
got your letters you sent to him, but I didn’t give them to him.
I kept them and put them away. Some day, when he’s a freeman, I
may give them to him. I’m sorry. It was my choice to
make, and I think I made the right decision. I’m his owner, and
I’m responsible for his life for the next four years. Your son is
now my slave, but in name only. He will be more like a son to a
small community of good, loving folks, and he will be raised and
protected by me and my family. He will grow up without the hate,
guilt and anger your narrow minded version of religion teaches.
He will be taught science and humanistic arts. He will learn to
treat his fellow man like he would want to be treated, but with no
hypocrisy. Furthermore, I plan to see Monty don’t have problems
he can do nothing about. Your letters would only stir him
up and make him hope for something he can’t have. You can’t have
him either, but h’it ain’t your fault, Shanna. You gotta’ go on
with your life. You gotta’ learn to be independent and make your
own decisions for yourself. If you don’t, this will be just the
first of many things your parents will do to keep you under their
control. You will become their defacto slave.”
The baby’s
little stomach ballooned up until he couldn’t drink anymore. He
pulled away.
“Thanks, Mr.
Ox. That was delicious.” he said quietly.
<< You’re
welcome, my handsome little bairn. >>
<< I can
hear you, big man. >> he smiled up at Ox.
“Bring him over
here so his mother might hold him, Ox.” Shane asked.
Ox brought the
bundle over and laid it in Shanna’s arms. The baby looked up at
her and smiled the sweetest smile.
“Hi, mom.” he
said. Shanna almost fainted.
“You can talk
already?”
“I been able to
talk for several weeks. I been trying to get your attention, but
you just thought it was gas.”
“You were right,
Mr. Goodnight, he is a special boy.”
“Mom, I love you
and all, but I’m awful sleepy right now. I just had the best
dinner, and it’s making me drowsy. I can barely keep my eyes
open. I need a warm, dry place to climb into and sleep for a
while. I’m ready, big guy.” he held his arms up for
Ox. Shanna kissed him and gave him to the big monster. She
watched as Ox opened his pouch, leaned back a little and placed the
baby inside. She watched as the pouch closed around her
baby. She was amazed.
“Will he be all
right in there?”
“He’ll be
fine. Ox is better than an incubator. When he’s hungry
he’ll let Ox know, he’ll lie down and allow him to come out and crawl
to one of his feeding stations. We’ll be giving you some lummox
milk a little later. Right now we need to stabilize you and get
your fluid pumped out of you. This evening we’ll move you to a
small country hospital in the town of Parsons, Arizona until you’re
better. Then we’ll return you to your home and parents.”
“They should be
notified where I am and how I’m doing?” she said without nuance like
she wasn’t sure.
“Why? They
didn’t seem to care enough about you to provide for you in case of an
emergency. If we didn’t act swiftly, we wouldn’t be having this
conversation right now.” Shane challenged.
“You’re
right. Let them worry for a change. I can take charge of my
life. I don’t have to live by their rules. I’m a grown
woman. I’m twenty-two years old. I should’ve left home long
ago. I just thought I was being a good and dutiful daughter
staying home to help my mother. It was all my dad’s idea.
He just didn’t wanna’ let go of me. I won’t allow them to run my
life from now on.”
Cable gave
Shanna a sedative which put her in a twilight sleep. He drained
her amniotic fluid, and her belly went down even more. He was
worried she might begin to go into postpartum depression. When
she awoke she wasn’t in the same hospital anymore. She was in a
comfortable bed in a small clinic. A beautiful dog was sleeping
soundly on a throw rug next to her bed. The dog raised her head
when she was aware Shanna was awake.
“Hello.
My, aren’t you pretty.” Shanna commented.
“Thanks, Ms.
Shanna. I think you’re pretty, too.” replied Patty. Shanna
got a look of horror on her face that changed to one of bemusement.
“You can talk?”
she asked rhetorically.
“Of course I can
talk. I been talking all my life. I’m Patty. My
sister Maxine asked me to stay with you and get our nurse when you
awaken. Maxine is Monty’s best buddy. She would’ve watched
over you herself, but she had to get back to work. Just a minute,
and I’ll get Arnie for you.” Patty was away before Shanna could
say anything. The next thing she knew, a good looking young man
came into her room carrying a tray of food. He placed a standard
bed table next to her bed and arranged the tray for her. He
uncovered the plate. It was a chicken dish and smelled
delightful.
“Hello, Miss
Ruggles. I’m Arnie Lewis, and I will be your nurse. You are
in Parsons, Arizona in a small clinic and your doctor is Randy
Stevens. We hope your stay with us will be pleasant, and we’ll do
everything we can to make you comfortable and help you with a
speedy recovery.”
“How did I get
to Arizona from Texas? I don’t remember any trip.” she asked
befuddled.
“All your
questions will be answered, but right now, enjoy your meal. What
can I get you to drink? We have coffee, tea or cow’s milk.
We also have some nice chilled lummox milk for you if you’d like to try
it.” Arnie smiled, then added, “It’s delicious and quite
nutritious. I often drink it myself.”
“No,
thanks. I think I’ll just have some hot tea, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at
all. If you need me, Patty is like a call button in a regular
hospital, but a lot nicer. Just send her for me, and I’ll be with
you in a jiffy.”
“Thank you,
Arnie.” Shanna began to eat her meal and was amazed. It was
the best food she ever ate. It was wonderful. She
couldn’t get over it. Arnie returned with her pot of hot tea and
placed
it on her tray. He brought sugar, a tin of milk and a lemon wedge.
“Arnie, this
food
is delicious.” she gushed.
“Thanks, Ms.
Ruggles, I made it for our lunch. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“Please, Arnie,
call me Shanna.” she insisted.
“Thank you,
Shanna. I will.” he smiled and turned to leave. “I’ll check
back with you in a few to see if you need anything else. In the
meantime, Patty will keep you company.”
“Thanks, I’ll be
fine, Arnie.” Shanna was too busy eating the delicious food. She
didn’t realized how hungry she was.
“Have you eaten,
Patty? I hate to eat in front of you without offering you some.”
“No, no, Ms.
Shanna. That's kind of you, but I done had my lunch
already. Beside, I don’t eat people
food. My masters keep me on a strict died to make sure I don’t
lose my school girl figure.” she laughed. She got a chuckle
out of Shanna.
Patty went to
get Arnie when Shanna finished her meal. They returned and Arnie
was carrying a big dish of ice cream.
“And for your
dessert, fresh, homemade, vanilla ice cream.” Arnie presented with a
decided flourish.
“My
goodness. I haven’t had ice cream in a while.” she tried a
taste, and it was heavenly. She was already full, but she ate the
whole thing.
“More?” Arnie
asked when he returned to remove her tray.
“Later,
perhaps. I can’t eat another bite, but that was the best
ice cream I ever tasted, Arnie.”
“Good!
Glad you enjoyed it.” he smiled to himself as he left the room.
He didn’t bother to tell her it was little more than soft-frozen lummox
milk.
Arnie got Shanna
up and walking shortly after her meal. He insisted she must
exercise to get her strength back. He let her lean on him as they
walked down the short hallway into a beautiful garden. It was
lovely and everything was immaculate. There were flowers of all
kinds, but the sky looked funny. There were clouds, the sky was
blue but the light didn’t seem to have the same intensity. They
talked as they walked.
“Why were those
men who took care of me naked, Arnie?”
“Ah, you must be
referring to Cable, David and Jonathan. They aren’t human like
you and me, Shanna. Ramrod Long had them created many years ago
by an advanced race of machines to be his sons and companions. He
thinks they’re beautiful and likes to see them in their natural
state. They’ve never been taught their nakedness is something to
be ashamed of. They’ve been that way all their lives, and they’re
used to it. It’s the way they live. They rarely go out of
the hospital, but when they do, they have clothes to wear. They
understand societies on Earth wouldn’t understand their nudity.
They can walk around Parsons in the nude. Many people do.
They are accepted here as they are because they take care of the
medical problems for many of us.”
“Then Lazarus
Long is like their creator? He would be their God?”
“Well, if you
put it in religious terms, yes, I suppose he would be, but they don’t
worship Ramrod Long. They love him very much and would do
anything to please him, but they don’t look upon him as a god.
I’ve seen Cable respectfully let his dad know some idea he has is not
good and back him down with reason and logic. Mr. Long isn’t a
tyrant. He makes mistakes just like we do. He laughs and
tells Cable he’s right and that’s why he had him made so smart, to keep
him from doing stupid things.” Arnie explained. They set in the
garden for a while. Doctor Stevens joined them and Arnie
introduced him.
“Shanna, I’d
like you to meet my husband, Dr. Randy Stevens.” Shanna almost
took his hand and then quickly withdrew it. Randy got a grin on
his face. Arnie felt uneasy. He knew his mate too well.
“Your
husband? You mean...?” Shanna grimaced.
“My, my!
Is it my week to be husband, sweet heart?” Randy Stevens smiled at
Arnie and stole a kiss. “How time flies. I think it was
only last week I introduced you to someone as ‘my’ husband.” he
chuckled.
“Yes, Shanna’
we’re married. Don’t be alarmed, dear. You’re not here for
us to convert you to our way of thinking.” Arnie assured
her. Patty spoke up.
“We have several
colonies here of same sex men and women. They are the discards
and outcast from your society. Here they live peacefully and are
allowed to create and develop their natural talents. My masters'
are married, too. Of course, I really have two sets of
masters. The other is a lummox and his mate who is the father of
Sonny Steele the champion rodeo cowboy.”
“My God, what
have I gotten myself into.” Shanna moaned.
“Into a society
that doesn’t practice hate or intolerance.” Randy Stevens spoke
quietly.
“I’ve been
taught a man should not lie with another man as with a woman. The
bible teaches us it is an abomination in the eyes of God.”
“Yes, well I can
assure you, Miss Ruggles, we look upon your religion as an
abomination. Look where it’s gotten us so far. Our world is
on
the verge of collapsing. It’s in shambles due to your religion
and belief in an imaginary big daddy who either can’t or won’t step in
to make a pronouncement one way or the other. Quoting a book
filled with myths, which has no basis in truth or reality, is hardly an
argument
for intolerance of any sort. Before I offend you further, Ms.
Ruggle, let me say, I hope you enjoy your stay with us. In the
next couple of days you will be exposed to a lot of new ideas and
people you could never imagine; wonderful folks who live and work
together for the betterment of all and not just a favored few. Do
try to keep an open mind, my dear. It may one day save your
life... again.” Randy admonished her.
Arnie walked
Shanna back to her room and helped her to bed. Patty stayed by
her side the whole time and would get Arnie whenever she needed
him. She watched the video screen some but couldn’t believe some
of the things she was seeing. She stayed a week in the clinic and
had a steady stream of visitors and well wishers. Her room was
filled with flowers. In the garden one afternoon she was visited
by Keekepata and her court. They came flying into the garden and
all around. At first she was frightened but after Keeke set and
talked with her for over an hour, she was no longer fearful. She
met huge giant lummox men and a couple of female lummox. She met
big muscular men she was told were from another planet in another
solar system. Nothing was held back from her. Lazarus’ felt
sure no one would believe her if she told everything she
saw and learned about.
* * * * * * *
Her parents
returned home after the funeral of her uncle only to find her bed
covered in blood with no sign of a struggle. They panicked and
called the sheriff. Sheriff Lassiter and several of his deputies
knew what happened and where their daughter was. He dutifully
took the information and told Ruggles not to worry, he had a feeling
she would show up soon. Lassiter send Doug and Brody out to
pretend they were investigating. Ruggles was pissed because
Lassiter didn’t come himself, but he knew the last person in the
community he wanted to offend was Don Lassiter. Don was
unquestionably the strongest man in the community
politically. Two days later, in the late afternoon, Shanna was
returned to her room. She didn’t bother to rush out and see
her parents. She set quietly in her room and fired up her
computer.
“Are you there,
Ping?” she spoke softly.
“I am here, dear
one.” came the reply across her computer.
“Thanks,
Ping, for everything.” she said.
“You’re welcome,
sweet heart. I only hope you change your mind and decide to join
us.”
Her mother
thought she heard a voice in her daughter’s room and opened the door.
“Hi, mom.” she
said as she shut down her computer. She never told her parents
about the miraculous journey she made and having her baby. She
told them he was now with Mr. Goodnight and his family. She said
she thought it was for the best. She explained to them about
hemorrhaging in the bed and she called Mr. Goodnight. He came for
her and took her to a small hospital in another town which had
excellent doctors who managed to save her and the baby’s life.
She didn’t bother to tell them how she returned. She knew they
would think she was lying. She was playing her cards close to her
breast, the same breasts, from which, she was allowed to feed her son
so he might collect her natural immunities. They had several long
talks, and he assured her he would be okay. He told her he would
come to her in her dreams, and they could be together for a while.
* * * * *
* *
Dexter was
growing in all directions. His new body provided him with so many
new and wonderful advantages. Shane didn’t try to hide Shanna
from him. In fact, he never once mentioned to Dexter to keep it a
secret. Dexter just understood it was sensitive information, but
he did discuss it with Rocky. For a former whale, Rocky had a lot
of common sense and also understood they were not to say anything to
Monty. They didn’t. He didn’t have a clue he had a new
son. Everyone understood that was the way Captain Shane wanted it
and most agreed with him. The few who didn’t respected his
judgment.
The days began
to pass quickly and things were beginning to go from bad to
worse. Lazarus ordered more pickups of failing folks from the
Cheney death camps and the rescue of the remaining healers who stayed
behind to give of themselves and help others. He started
approving mercy ‘raptures’ of folks who couldn’t make it in the outside
world and were all but starving to death. He ordered more land
grabs. The federal government was so preoccupied with the alien
threat, they didn’t have time to be checking out the strange phenomenon
of missing land. He stepped up Monty’s activities on his
ship. He wanted Monty and his posse to find out all they could
about the Gopher Bay and how it could best be utilized if push came to
shove.
There was a big
celebration for Monty’s final evening as a baby slave. The
cowboys got together and held sort of a roast for him. They
invited all his friends. Angus came with Jimmy Joe and everyone
who Monty helped or worked with in the past three months were
included. Anyone could get up and say a few words. Most
were good things, some were touching remarks of gratitude for Monty’s
healing talents, but a few were side splitting funny. Phil Pie
had a few choice words for him and certainly big Bart and Telly, his
slave daddies, had some funny things to say. Angus told everyone
he was still paying for them damn boots. They all laughed.
It was a great
evening and everyone had a good time. Everyone wished Monty
well. He spent a wonderful evening with his ramrod and couldn’t
have been happier. He remarked to Jimmy Joe, other than the Ongs,
he never felt like he had family before, but now he had a huge family
who loved him. He loved them in return.
“I guess that’s
one of the unexpected blessings from being a slave, Son. You have
to readjust yore’ way a’ think’n about life and family. It opened
the door to a new life and acceptance for me of the greater
possibilities the world has to offer. Most folks grow up in
little boxes made of ticky-tacky and never leave their small boxed-in
world. Look what we have before us. The world and the
universe ain’t just our oyster, it’s our very own personal ocean to
swim in and explore. I’m proud of you, boy. If I had
another son, Monty, I’d want him to be jes’ like you.”
“I love
you so much, Ramrod. You’re the only man I’d ever want to call
ma’ pa.” Monty said quietly
* * * * * * *
There was no
celebration for Coyote John ending his baby slave period. He
passed muster, and not just by the skin of his teeth. He made a
strong finish and proved to Jimmy Joe and Angus he could perform as
they wanted. He was given his clothes the next morning and in two
days he disappeared. Angus didn’t worry about it, he just called
the sheriff and gave him their locator. A posse of men were sent
out following the trail, but every time they got close they would lose
the signal. It seemed like Coyote was living up to his name, he
was wiley and swift. Doug and Brody told the men the Navajo
called the coyote “God’s dog” because he’s so sly and
resourceful. While other predators are on the decline, the coyote
has learned to live and adapt to man and his urban sprawl. They
spent several days trying to track down the ever moving source of
Coyote John’s signal. One thing they were certain of, he was
moving fast for the border of Mexico. They had to find him
quickly or he would be gone for good.
They finally
zeroed in on the signal in a small arroyo. There were six men in
the party. Three took their time and circled around to box him
in. The signal told them he was hiding in a small cave in the
bank of the dried up creek. They approached the cave and called
for him to come out, but there was no answer. They slowly
approached on foot. Doug told the men not to draw or fire their
guns unless John was armed and then shoot to wound him, not to
kill. One of the men got the bright idea to pick up a big rock
and chunk it into the cave. Doug gave his consent and the big
deputy lobbed one deep into the darkness. It caused a big squeal
of a complaint and a flurry of commotion. Suddenly, in a cloud of
dust and a blur of action, an enormous javelina emerged and charged the
men. Brody already had his gun out, took dead aim, shot and
killed the giant peccary just before it almost took his older brother’s
leg off.
“Good shot,
bro!” Doug breathed a sigh of relief. The other men complimented
Brody and laughed nervously. “Where the hell is Coyote
John? He must still be in there. C’mon out, John! We
got chu’ cornered!” Doug hollered into the cave.
“Maybe the pig
ate him.” one of the men laughed.
“Uh, Doug.”
Brody grunted, “You might wanna’ come take a look at this. This,
here, pig is the source of the signal. This is what we been
tracking for a week.”
“What?
Naw! Yore’ shit’n me!” exclaimed Doug with a big grin crossing his
face. The men walked over to look at the detector. “Damned
if you ain’t right, little brother. Let’s throw the son of a
bitch in the back of the truck and take him back with us. You
know how our folks love they’s-selves some pig. The sheriff ain’t
gonna’ believe this shit unless he see’s it for his’self.” Doug shook
his head. Brody knew his brother was worried Sheriff Lassiter
might think they had something to do with it. The sheriff never
questioned them. He knew they weren’t responsible. They cut
the round, oblong device out of the beast’s right rear flank. It
was deeply embedded like it was placed there professionally, but the
strangest thing was, there was no entry scar; not even a
scratch. The
sheriff reported back to Angus what they found and the men mutually
agreed they should stop looking for Coyote John. They figured he
was way down in Mexico by now; after all, he had a full week’s head
start. Doug and Brody secretly held a new respect for their big
brother. He played the white man’s game and won.
End of Chapter
70 ~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2008 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 11/30/09
(1.) From:
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
(1990) a novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, a satire of
prophecies of the Apocalypse and Armageddon.