WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
10
As the ship
orbited Mars a couple of times there was mostly silence from the
men. The ship didn’t just orbit the planet, it sailed over its
surface so they could see some of the more spectacular aspects of the
surface features. The men were overwhelmed. There was an
occasional comment, but not much was said. As they were leaving
the orbit of Mars and headed for Venus, Angus spoke.
“Captain Long,
where is this planet you plan to relocate people to and how do you plan
to chose those who will be saved? I thought all that sort of
thing was to be decided by God at the end of time.”
“A planet in
another solar system in your galaxy will become your new home. It
has been given the name ‘Haven.’ It is a class ‘M’ planet a bit
larger than Earth but has similar geophysical characteristics of your
planet. It will take several months to get there. You will
live there and colonize the planet and in several hundred years,
depending on the amount of destruction, the Earth will be re-terra
formed and those wishing to return may. Some may chose to remain
on Haven.
To answer the
second part of your question, Mr. Goodnight, if you want to consider an
advanced race of people who do altruistic things in the universe as
Gods, then yes, it has been decided by them. I have computer
lists of people to save who have no idea they will be saved at the
last. In your area alone, my ship will be responsible for a
hundred and forty-four thousand folks and their livestock.
Livestock includes your slaves. They will all be saved along with
your families; however, adjustments will have to be made for their
increased longevity if they choose to accept the genetic
enhancement. A life sentence as a slave will take on new meaning
when you’re looking at a couple of thousand years. Since new
slaves are a possibility, it seems only fair limits be set for those
who would serve faithfully for a period of time; otherwise, why would
they consider living a longer life span if all they had to took forward
to was a life of slavery. Remember, not all slave owners treat
their slaves as well as you and Master Charlie, Mr.
Goodnight.”
“How will you
convince them to go with you?” Angus continued.
“I won’t have
to. All I need is a genetic marker, some article they’ve
touched. Their information will be loaded into our computers, and
they’ll be lifted into the sky into our ship automatically.
Besides, things will git so bad in the last days, folks will gather to
discuss their options and fears. Some will consider leaving the
country, but the final disaster will be worldwide. Once it
begins, it won’t end until there is great devastation. There will
be small pockets of people who were not chosen who will survive;
however, ultimately,— there will be no one left alive on the
planet. Those of great wealth and power who have sought refuge in
caves or bunkers underground will have nothing to return to.
After a hundred years or so, for all their obscene wealth, they will
have nowhere to go nor anything to spend it on. Even a bar of
pure gold bullion won’t buy them so much as a crust of bread.
Many slaves of
bad slave owners will be taken without their masters. In that
case, each slave will be judged according to their time served as a
slave and their sentence. If they opt for the longevity
enhancement, a new sentence will be set accordingly and they will be
either reassigned a master or sold again. Before you fear there
will be more slaves than freemen consider, Australia was founded by
social rejects and prisoners from the jails of England. A man
can’t be judged by his innate goodness from a couple of bad choices in
life. Many, like Travis and Rabbit are slaves through no fault of
their own. You both have examples of slaves who you know to be
good, trustworthy men in spite of the reason they were enslaved.”
Lazarus looked at Shane. Shane looked down and blushed.
“These are all minor problems that can be taken care of without much
concern.” Lazarus added.
In a few minutes
the ship was approaching Venus. The planet grew larger and larger
in the viewing area. The men were beginning to move about. They
got more to eat from the buffet and Cable fixed them another
drink. Lazarus told them he had something very special to show
them below the clouds of Venus. They took their seats again as
the huge ship stopped, and slowly lowered itself into the swirling gas
clouds of the planet. After sailing in some pretty violent winds
the ship came upon a patch of calmer gasses. The men could see
out the viewing port what looked like large bags or balloons of gas
floating and moving in the Venusian atmosphere.
“What is that,
Captain Long?” asked Shane.
“Wow, they’re
beautiful. Are they alive, Captain Long?” asked Travis.
“They’re very
much alive, young man. You’re looking at Venusian Atmospheric
Bladder Whales. They’re highly intelligent and can communicate
telepathically with humans. They swim the gas currents of the
calmer areas of the Venusian atmosphere harvesting silicon particles
swept up from the surface, strained through large baleens which they
digest. They’re one of the few natural silicon life forms in the
universe. We have one other example on board our ship who reside
temporarily in my boy’s cabin.” Everyone looked at Ox and
he smiled.
“What is that
sound? Is that them singing?”
“Why, yes,
Shane. Few people can hear their song in a ship like ours;
however, I can amplify their songs and thoughts. We can even talk
with them if you like. Sometime there’s a problem with
translation, but you’ll get the idea.” Lazarus walked over
to the wall and ran his hand over a control panel which came alive and
looked like a computer terminal.
“Orion, let us
hear and speak with the whales.”
“Of course,
Captain.” A deep masculine voice replied. “Ready, Sir.”
“Greetings,
Chuchulack,— is that you and your fine family?”
“Ahh, is that
our old friend, Captain Long?”
“It is, indeed,
old friend. I’ve brought along some folks from Earth where your
cousins swim the seas.”
“How nice.
Welcome to Venus. We’ve been listening to you as you
approached. Let’s see, there’s your Godson, Garron, with you this
time, and his young wards, Waco, JR, Travis, and Rabbit. Then the
adults are Mr. Birdsall, his slave, Shane, who is the brother to the
other two Goodnight gentlemen, Charlie and Angus,— correct?”
“You are
correct, Chuchulack. I knew you’d be listening.” Lazarus
chuckled.
“And thank you,
Travis, for thinking we’re beautiful. All creatures in the
universe have their own beauty. We even think Captain Long and
his kind are quite handsome.”
“Thank you,
Sir.” Travis replied. He heard a small laugh.
“We have no sex,
young man. Each of us is capable of reproducing our own kind
which we nurture until they are about half the size of us adults.
To my left is my latest offspring, Chacheelian. Do they know we
communicate with our whale cousins on Earth, Captain?”
There was a gasp
went through the men and they looked at each other.
“No, I thought
I’d let you tell them that little known fact, Chu.”
“We taught them
to sing hundreds of thousands of years ago and for centuries we have
held contests between our planets as to who could sing the sweetest
song. When they were numerous your oceans were filled with their
beautiful songs. One song could carry around the perimeter of
your planet within a matter of hours. If it was good, it would
become very popular and each voice would add and refine it until it
returned as a splendid gift and award to its creator. By then it
was a masterpiece and every whale on the planet would join their voices
together at the same time to sing it in one grand
performance. Ah, what rapture they could create.
They won many
contest with their brilliant and moving songs. They were a prime
example of a students becoming better than their teachers; however, I’m
afraid their talent base is shrinking. They’ve become so
depressed they haven’t wanted to compete for the last twenty of your
years or so. A faction of humans on your planet insist on wiping
them out as a food source only to bring in a couple more dollars for
their selfish pockets. Cruel! Barbaric!
Unnecessary! It makes us sad. We have cried and sung many
requiems for our beautiful cousins we have lost. We miss them and
their fine songs tremendously, but their songs live on in us and those
of their kind who are left.”
“We agree,
Chuchulack. Many are being relocated as we speak. They are
being taken to a planet similar to Earth in the Pollux system. A
place the galactic counsel has named ‘Haven.’”
“It is good to
hear our beloved cousins are being saved from sure destruction.
We know you would do the same for us, were we threatened.”
“Absolutely,
Chuchulack, you and your kind have always been generous and gracious to
our kind.”
“And so we shall
continue to be. When your species began to help the Orcas, they
decided to stop eating man, so have we decided to give you another
chance for the many kindnesses you have shown us. Peace and a
good, strong song be forever in your heart, Captain Long.”
“We wish the
same for you and yours, Chuchulack. We must be on our way, but
we’ve enjoyed our visit. We hope to see you again soon.
Until then, my friends, sail the peaceful winds and partake of the
bounty. Farewell for now, dear friends.”
“Farewell, to
you all, and to you Cable.”
“Thank you for
remembering me, Chuchulack. It is an honor.” Cable said to
the giant beast.
The ship banked
and took off slowly so as not to disturb the currents of the
winds. Once free of the atmosphere, the ship left the orbit of
Venus and began its return trip to Earth.
“Unbelievable.”
muttered Charlie.
“Incredible.”
agreed Angus, “Why do I feel like I’ve just seen the face of God
himself?”
“Perhaps you
have, Angus.” Lazarus consoled him.
“It expands the
mind to be introduced to another species not from Earth. One who
has grown and evolved on their own in what would be a hostile
environment for us. They have sailed the atmosphere of Venus for
thousands of years and are quite knowledgeable of our world. They
even know all the different races and tribes. They can
communicate in most all the major languages of Earth,— even a few of
the lesser languages and dialects. They have amazing intellects
and have been called upon to settle disputes as neutral judges between
worlds. They are deeply aggrieved by what they see going on with
our planet.”
“Are they part
of the winds of consciousness, Captain Long?” Shane asked him.
“Excellent
observation, Son. Of course they are. It has been suggested
they are the repository for the voices of the ancients. It has
been thought the intelligence and goodness of most advanced races dwell
within their memories; but like our whales, they do not initiate the
stream or flow of consciousness, the voices that dwell within them do
that. They are, in effect, containers or vessels for such
knowledge, just as your souls, that part of you that is you, is
contained in the temporary vessel of your carbon based bodies.”
“Why do I get
the feeling this brings to question a much larger picture of the
universe than the one we’ve been taught from birth about our small
world and our relationship to a creator?” asked Bill Birdsall.
“Because, I
think you all innately realize it’s one of the things you must come to
grips with before you will be allowed to venture out into the universe,
even as refugees. You must come to realize what worked or didn’t
work must be reexamined. You will have to ask yourself what
has brought you to the place where you must accept the offer of rescue
and escape from your dying world or perish with it. You must
realize ideas and concepts must be radically altered and changed or as
a species, you will be doomed to repeat it again and again. The
decision is yours, gentlemen. No one will force anything on you.”
“So if we accept
there is a God, we must also accept we ain’t his only creations.”
mused Angus.
“Not by a long
shot, Mr. Goodnight. Ox or Garron as we know him and his kind
originally came from the world of Volgoron in the Betelgeuse
system. In fact, that’s where my partner and I rescued Ox.
His parents were close friends of ours and made me and my partner his
Godparents when he was born. We heard of the destruction of their
world and returned too late to save them, but we managed to find him
barely alive among the rubble. Another couple of hours and he
wouldn’t have survived.
Many of his kind
were relocated to Earth thousands of years ago and have existed in
limited numbers for centuries. We brought him here to live among
his own kind in safety. They have been the watchers of the world
and up until about a hundred years ago were able to keep mankind from
slaughtering their own rich and diverse races. Now, there are too
many evil men who through great corruption have seized a strangle hold
on power on the Earth. Their obsession with greed and wealth have
short sighted them into believing their money and power will protect
them. They have built their houses upon the sand.”
“Have we been
chosen to survive, Captain Long?” Waco asked quietly.
“Of course,
young man, if you wish to go. All you gentlemen, your families
and slaves will be rescued.”
“But, why
us? I ain’t never been no staunch believer in religion.”
said Charlie, “My brother is a better man than me in that
department. I go through the motions, but I’m afraid I ain’t what
you might call ‘born again’ or any of the other terms I hear them
church people use.”
“That’s
precisely why you’ve been chosen. Believe me, Mr. Goodnight, most
of them folks ain’t on the list. They’ll all be left
behind. They are the major contributors to feeding the corrupt
beasts that are devouring your world. You and men like you are
capable of thinking for yourselves and you’ve taught your children to
do the same. More of these things will be discussed as time goes
on. We don’t have to go into all of it right now. For now,
let’s return to Earth, stay the night in the ship, have breakfast and
return to the ranch tomorrow morning.”
It was getting
late by the time the ship returned to the ranch; however, no one was
interested in being shown to guest staterooms right away. Cable
gave the men their choice. They could stay in the ranch house
where they stabled their ponies or they could have staterooms.
The choice was up to them. Surprisingly, they all opted for
staterooms. They wanted to see what accommodations on the ship
was like. They knew what a ranch house was like.
Rabbit held
Master Angus to his promise to bunk it in with him. It was just a
given that Master Bill would stay with his slave; however, his slave
was quite happy with that arrangement. Lazarus already invited
Charlie to the desert and gently reminded him he would be staying with
him in the Captain’s quarters. Charlie grinned at him and nodded
his consent.
Waco
decided he, JR and Travis would bunk it in with their lummox in his
private stateroom that was assigned to him when the Bandersnatch was
built several hundred years ago. It was a fascinatingly new
experience for Waco and Travis because it contained some of Ox’s
personal treasures he collected from many trips with his
Godfathers. There wasn’t enough time to show the boys everything,
but there was a couple he shared with them.
There was a
tank, like an aquarium tank, embedded in the wall. In it were
beautiful crystal rocks of all kinds and colors placed in geometric
patterns that were more than random. As Ox approached the tank
the crystals became excited. They began to glow and give off
enough light to comfortably see in the room. It seemed they were
happy to see Ox and have visitors. There was no need for
artificial lighting. They were like the warming rays from our sun
and seemed to penetrate the boys' skin.
<<
Oh, my, God! How beautiful. >> Thought JR
<<
What are they? >> Waco asked in awe.
<<
They are known as Kryscells or Kryscellians. >> Ox replied.
<< Ain’t they wonderful? >>
<<
They’re indescribably beautiful, Ox. >> allowed Travis
quietly.
<<
Wonderful. >> agreed Waco.
<<
They’re the last of their kind. Their world was impacted by a
huge comet and blown apart. They were adrift in the darkness of
space and had been for several centuries. They were dying and
sent out a weak distress call on the winds of consciousness. I
heard them faintly calling for help. With Ping and Pong’s help we
got a fix on their position and rescued them. They’ve been living
in my stateroom ever since. They are, also, one of the few highly
intelligent silicone creatures in the universe. They multiply
very
slowly. It takes them over a hundred years to produce a young
one. Then it must mature for three hundred years before it may
reproduce. It took them a million years to cover less than an
acre of their planet’s surface; however, the totality and depth of
their intelligence and knowledge base is unknown. They are, quite
possibly, the most intelligent life forms in the universe.
They’ve more than repaid us our kindness to them. We’ve offered
to relocate them to several worlds, but they say they’re happy on the
Bandersnatch for now and will know when it’s time to settle down.
For now, they’re content to roam the universe with the crew of the
Bandersnatch.
Every time the
Bandersnatch has been threatened or it seems all is lost, the Kryscells
have come to our rescue and saved the day. Ping figured out a
direct link with them and sometimes they act as a living computer
system backup when power to our main system is unavailable. The
Kryscells generate their own power and have no need for backup energy;
however, they must have periodic exposure to a class ‘M’ sun to feed
and restore their strength. It is during those periods they mate
and reproduce.
The last time
they helped us out of a tight spot resulted in the death of one of
their young. He nobly gave his life for us and them.
Everyone on the ship was devastated. Ping and Pong had an idea
and requested permission from Captain Lazarus to fly as near to the sun
in your solar system as he could without damaging the ship. They
asked the Kryscells for the body of the young Kryscell, and they
reluctantly gave it up. Ping and Pong managed to expose the
lifeless body of the young crystal to the full energy of the sun’s rays
for about an hour, and miraculously, it brought the young cell back to
life. Other than being a bit shaken, it was fine. We
returned it to the joyful family, and it’s been there ever since.
It’s the one adding the rare blue light spectrum to their gift.
It’s the most healing of all the light spectrums for carbon based life
forms. Their light upon your bodies is correcting and adjusting
any blemish or flaw you might have. Take off your clothes, young
master, JR and Travis. Let them give you their gift. They
are wonderfully giving, peaceful and loving creatures. >>
The boys quickly
took off their clothes and stood in the warm glow of the crystal’s
light. The more they took in the more they could hear their
voices singing to them. It didn’t seem like a language as it was
more like a higher pitched version of the songs Ox sang to comfort
them. Then the boys began to pick up a word or a phrase every now
and then, until they could hear all the words and meanings in their
songs. It wasn’t English or any language they ever heard before,
but the
boys could understand every word. They even conjoined their minds
to sing on a repeated chorus.
When they were
done, the Kryscells complemented the boys on learning to join them in
their songs. They were welcome to sing with them again when they
could spare the time. Travis and Waco thanked them for their
gifts as their lummox smiled down at his boys with love in his
heart. He could see the slight tell-tale signs their young bodies
were beginning to respond to his careful guidance and
encouragement. It wouldn’t be long before others and the boys
themselves began to notice as well. He knew JR and Travis’
conditions were fully corrected after exposure to the Kryscells.
* * * * * * *
Lazarus and
Charlie retired to his cabin. It was like they lived a lifetime
together in one day,— so much had happened. Charlie was just
about exhausted,— just about; however, his fascination with Lazarus had
dumped more adrenalin into his system, and while he was tired, he was
mellow. He was unprepared for the luxurious opulence of the
Captain’s cabin. Lazarus had two fantastically good looking male
androids to look after his ever whim. They were naked and had no
need for clothing as Lazarus’ personal servants. They were so
perfect, clothes would have ruined their beauty.
“Mr. Goodnight,
may I introduce you to David and Jonathan.”
“Good to meet
you, Master Goodnight.” said David. It’s a pleasure to
finally meet you, Sir. We’ve been allowed to see you on our
robo-cams, but it’s not like meeting you in person. You’re much
better looking in person, Sir.” Jonathan allowed. Lazarus
chucked at his enthusiasm.
“It’s good to
meet you gentlemen. Are you like Cable?”
The two androids
looked at Lazarus like they didn’t quite understand Charlie’s question,
but didn’t want to be rude by asking him what he meant. With a
nod of his head Lazarus told them to be truthful with him.
“Yes and no, Mr.
Goodnight. Father gave Cable far more duties than us; however,
over the years we’ve helped and learned from Cable to back him up or
perform his tasks when he’s not here. We can do everything he
can, but we don’t because that’s not our assigned tasks. Our
purpose, unless Father wishes otherwise, or Cable needs us, is to care
for his cabin, him and his guest. We’re fully sexually functional
and many times provide company and comfort for both our fathers.
When Father is away, we are assigned other tasks. We miss
him terribly, but we know he will return to us.”
“May I,—
?” Charlie asked Charlie indicating he’d like to feel their
genitals.
“Of course, I
play with them all the time. That’s why they ain’t got no clothes
on. They understand the meaning of modesty, but I never allowed
them to have any thoughts about it. Cable only wears clothing
because we have guests. Most of the time he’s naked. He
hates to wear clothes.
“I think I can
understand why.” Charlie said as he took David’s big penis in his
hand and skinned back his foreskin to see it completely. David
winced.
“I’m sorry,
David, I had no idea you would be so sensitive.”
“Sorry, Mr.
Goodnight.” David replied like he was horrified he might’ve
offended his father’s guest.
“Not at all,
young man, it was my fault. Your father told me you were perfect
in every way. I just didn’t realize how perfect you are.”’
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Is his rear as
sensitive?” Charlie asked Lazarus.
“Try him and
see.” smiled Lazarus at Charlie. David immediately turned,
spread his feet, bent over and grabbed his ankles. Lazarus smiled
as he handed Charlie a tube of lubricant.
Charlie lubed up
his index finger and deftly slipped it into David’s asshole.
David grunted just like a human might and Charlie could feel the warmth
and pulsing feeling of David’s anus. He worked his finger in and
out and David began to work his ass back to meet Charlie’s thrusts.
“Can you make it
tighter, David.” Charlie felt David’s sphincter tighten
considerably and it didn’t loosen from repeated probing.
“How tight can
he make it, Captain?”
“So tight you
won’t be able to get your finger out,— trust me.” Lazarus laughed.
“That’s
amazing.” said Charlie. He ordered David to stand, turn
around and thanked him for the demonstration.
“Glad to be of
service, Master Goodnight.” David said happily.
“You better show
Jonathan a little attention; otherwise, you might hurt his
feelings.” smiled Lazarus.
Charlie fondled
Jonathan to erection and played with him until he climaxed.
Charlie caught it in his hand and smelled it. It smelled like the
real thing. Lazarus stuck his finger in Jonathan’s load and put
it to his mouth. Charlie tried it and it was delicious. It
was just a bit sweeter than organic-human come.
“You have
delicious come, Jonathan.”
“Thank you,
Master Goodnight. Glad you like it, Sir.” he smiled,
pleased with himself.
“I notice
they’re both uncircumcised. Is there a reason for that?”
“It’s a matter
of taste and belief. I personally believe it to be a barbaric
custom to mutilate the male genitals. Any God who demands that of
his followers should never have given it to them in the first place.”
“Humm, I think
you’re right, Captain Long. That’s why my daddy never had us boys
circumcised. ‘At’s why I never allowed my boy nor Ida’s boy to be
circumcised. Hank asked me not to let ‘em do it, and I agreed
with him. You never cease to amaze me, Sir. After all
this,— what do you do for an encore, Captain Long.”
“The best
encores come from the heart, Mr. Goodnight. My idea of the end
of a perfect day is to be close to someone I admire and care about.”
“But, I believe
I heard your android say you have a mate,— his other father.”
“He’s
correct. I’ve had a mate for several hundred years. He’s in
the Amazon collecting plants and species before it’s completely
destroyed. I’ll request a weekend off from the ranch once a month
or so to come to the ship to be with him. We have two portals in
sync with each other, one on his ship and one here on the
Bandersnatch. All he has to do is step through, like you’ve been
going from place to place on my ship, and he’s here. I have him
up from the jungle, and he returns after we’ve spent some quality time
together. In the meantime, he has a young protegee to keep him
occupied. When you live for long periods of time, relationships
take on new meanings. In some ways they become more meaningful
the older they get. They become like rare old wines.
They’re best drunk only after ten years of mellowing and careful
tending to. Besides, I ain’t brought you here to take advantage
of you. We’ve had a full day. You must be tired. To
lay naked with you and hold you in my arms would be a great treat for
me.”
“I think I would
enjoy that, Captain Long. For a more mature gentleman you
maintain the body of an active thirty-five to forty year old man.
I can’t say I ain’t impressed. Were I to avail myself of your
longevity gene would I remain about the age I am now?”
“Yes, Sir,
without any noticeable deterioration for close to a thousand years.”
“Is it an
injection?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“When can I get
it?”
“I can give it
to you in the morning if you like; however, are you sure you want to
this soon? I thought you might wanna’ think on it awhile.”
“Naw, if there’s
any chance in the world to be with my family and my boy longer than the
average life span,— I want to try. Furthermore, I don’t think a
man who has humbled himself to work along side my slaves for over a
month and not complained about anything, then took me and my family on
a journey through our solar system would lie to me about this.
Besides, like you said earlier,— there’s just a trust you form with a
man you rope with.”
* * * * * * *
David and
Jonathan assisted the Captain and his guest with their clothes.
Lazarus offered Charlie the use of his shower and he accepted if the
Captain would shower with him. Lazarus consented and the men got
into the shower together. Lazarus usually took a sonic shower
when he was alone on the ship; however, in deference to his
guest, they took a shower with water. They stood under the warm
water and held each other. Lazarus brushed his bushy mustache
against Charlie’s lips as an offer. It was one Charlie couldn’t
refuse and kissed Lazarus as passionately as they did the night of the
slave ceremony. They both got erections.
“I can see why
your androids refer to you as father, Captain Long. I almost feel
the same way about you. After seeing how you handle my slaves,
your ship and personnel I feel safe with you. I feel like I’ve
known you all my life.”
“I don’t mind
that at all, Charlie. It wouldn’t be difficult for me to think on
you as one of ma’boys. I already think that way about yore’ baby
brother, Shane. I’d certainly like to feel that way about your
older brother, Angus. They’re both fine men. Shane is a
late bloomer. He will come into his own and take his place beside
his brothers.”
“I’m almost
afraid to ask, but are my two younger brothers on your list?”
“I’ll be honest
with you, Charlie. They’re on an alternate list. In other
words, if something should happen to someone on the “A” list, like you
and yore’ three brothers are on, then those from the “B” or even “C”
list might be chosen. A lot will depend on you, Angus and Shane’s
thoughts and recommendations. I’m afraid their fate is in your
hands. Somehow, I don’t think it’s gonna’ be that difficult a
call for the three of you. You each have a generosity and
compassion they seem to be lacking. Fortunate for them they have
three such fine brothers.”
“What did your
servant mean about watching us on ‘robo-cams’?”
“They’re
invisible robotic cameras which have an intelligence programed into
them to follow me, my boy Ox, and Ping and Pong at all times.
There’s a set of three of them for each person that go everywhere
we go to record our actions and let my staff on the ship know if one of
us is in trouble. They see everyone we come in contact
with. Here, I’ll show you. Screen and robo-cams,
Son.” Lazarus spoke to Jonathan.
“At once,
Father.” He waved his hand and an enormous screen descended from
the ceiling of the bedroom. On the screen was three angle
shots of Charlie and Lazarus naked as the day they were born.
Charlie smiled. Jonathan handed Lazarus a remote, he pressed a
button and they saw Ox, Waco, JR and Travis all laying together on Ox’s
huge bed in his quarters. Ox had JR hooked to one tit and Travis
to the other. He had his arm around Waco and he was cuddled up to
his big beast as close as he could get. Charlie sighed.
Lazarus clicked
the button one more time and they watched Shane getting the b’jesus
fucked out of him. There was no doubt in either man’s mind Shane
was enjoying riding every inch of his Master’s big cock. Lazarus
didn’t linger and clicked again. They saw Angus and Rabbit
cuddled up close together. Rabbit had himself a big old handful
of cowboy Master dick in his hand and was laying on Angus’ big, beefy,
hairy arm. Angus would steal a kiss from the young slave from
time to time.
“This is cruel
and unusual punishment, Master Goodnight.” Rabbit
complained. The men listened as Angus let out a laugh.
“How so, Chief?”
“So close, yet
so far. I done what you told me and got fucked royally by my
master, Sir. You were right. Ain’t gonna’ sit around pining
my heart away for the Tennent boy no more. I got me too much
where I’m at. Master Charlie watched us fuck and that was really
hot. Ox linked our minds so we could feel what the other
was feeling and well as feel’n it for ourselves. I know it sounds
crazy, but it was the hottest fuck’n thing what ever happened to me,
Sir. Ain’t never shot like I done that night. You sure you
wouldn’t like me to pleasure you, Master Angus?”
“Naw, now, you
agreed. You gimme’ yore’ word,— I’m gonna’ hold you to
it. ‘Sides, the way you’s start’n to grow you’ll turn around
three times and before you know it, you’ll be jes’ ripe for
pick’n. Then we’ll both enjoy it to the max.”
“I know, but you
can’t fault a kid for trying.” Rabbit grinned and got another
laugh out of Angus.
Lazarus clicked
off the screen, and it receded back into the ceiling.
“See, Charlie,—
‘at’s why you and your brothers were chosen,— you know right from
wrong,
and h’it don’t have to be based on no religious beliefs. It comes
from the goodness in your hearts,— from you being good people.”
Lazarus commented on the conversation they just heard. “Come,— ”
Lazarus gestured to Charlie to take his hand.
Charlie
responded and Lazarus led him to his huge bed that was carefully
turned down for him by his servants. They stood at attention in
their alcoves in the wall. A pale blue light shown down
upon them giving them an otherworldly hue about them. Lazarus lay
down and Charlie lay down with him. They embraced and
kissed again. When they finished Charlie lay there with his head
being cradled by Lazarus’ big arm.
“Are you tired,
Captain?” Charlie asked quietly.
“A bit, but I’m
not exhausted. It’s been a full day. Why, do you ask?
Do you have needs you’d like me to take care of for you.”
“You have a way
of cutting to the chase, Captain Long. The thought crossed my
mind. I’ve long been the big dog, the boss man, in my world,— the
Master. I rarely get to lay back and enjoy someone taking care of
me.”
“It was my
impression you and Ranger Gibbons were pert-damn tight.” Lazarus
comment softly.
“We are.
We have been all our lives,— even after we got married, but it’s been a
while now. I lost my wife and couldn’t do anything with anyone
for a good while,— now his wife’s terminally ill and it saps all the
life out of him. He can’t git an erection no more. I
know that’ll pass when wife dies, and he recovers, but I love Ranger so
much I don’t want him to lose her. I’d do anything in the world
if I could to keep her from dying. In the mean time you can see
where that leaves me.”
“I
understand. To be honest, I wondered about that a couple of
times. You having to be the big boss man in charge all the time
must be difficult for several reasons, not the least of which you have
a highly intelligent, sensitive young boy who looks up to you like
you’s his personal God. Now you got three more with his
slaves, and one big lummox who adores you and Waco. You ain’t got
nobody to let chore’ hair down with,— so to speak.”
“Exactly.
You don’t know how many times I’ve almost ordered Hank Morgen to make
love to me, but it would be putting him in an awkward position. I
know Hank wouldn’t never say a word to anyone about it. It would
be jes’ between us. That’s the kind of man Hank Morgan is.
Besides, I don’t want no competition with Ida. Lord knows I love
and respect that woman. She works her ass off for what little
she gits, and she’s as devoted as they come. I would never ask
Curley. He gits paranoid at the least little change. I’m
surprised he was the first one to come to me with the idea of make’n
you my foreman.”
“Well, h’it
probably ain’t the smartest thing to do to make a lover out of one of
yore’ slaves. It could have bad or perhaps even disastrous
consequences you never planned on; not from the act itself, mind you,
but from the leverage and pressure what might be brought to bear on you
as an owner. To be honest I thought you might be git’n yore’ itch
scratched a few times by yore’ big brother. I can certainly see
what Rabbit and Bill Birdsall sees in him. He’s the ultimate
man’s man or Master, if you will. Big, masculine to the nines,
hard charging, rugged, yet he has an incredibly tender and
compassionate side to him,--- just like we witnessed a minute ago in
his cabin.”
“Would you
believe we’ve only done it once, but it was fantastic. I’ll never
forgit it as long as I live. It was the night ma’boy was
born. Angus followed me home ‘cause it’s on the way to his
ranch. I told him to drop by for a drink ‘cause I had a couple of
fine cigars I bought jes’ for him and me. We had a couple of
drinks, I looked at him, he looked at me and we both knew what we
needed to end a perfect day. Damned, if my big bubba didn’t put
the period at the end of my sentence. Fucked me ‘til I
could swear I hear’d the angels sing’n.”
“That good,
huh?” Laughed Lazarus.
“Unbelievably
good!” Charlie joined Lazarus in a laugh. “Don’t know why
we ain’t never got around to it again. I told him later how much
I enjoyed it, how fine I thought he was, and how much I appreciated his
love’n. I’ve mentioned it to him several times since then, but we
jes’
ain’t never had time to pursue it.”
“He probably
feels bad because of the religious thing. You said he was a bit
more devout than you. Besides, the sodomy laws are pert-damn
strict. If’n the sex hounds could prove it they could make you
and your brother slaves for life; however, what two brothers is gonna’
rat each other out? Jes’ ain’t gonna’ happen. I know I
don’t need to tell you to be careful who you tell.”
“Ain’t never
told nobody but you. I don’t think I got me no worries with you;
otherwise, you wouldn’t be holding me in yore’ arms right now.”
“You’re right,
you’re safe in these arms. The secrets of your soul are safe with
me. So,— making me yore’ foreman might have fringe benefits I
ain’t never considered?”
“Could be,
cowboy.”
“Would you like
me to start my job take’n care of my boss a little early, Mr.
Goodnight?”
“I think I’d
like that, Captain Long. I know this is probably a foolish
question, but do you have facilities for cleaning myself?”
“Of
course. David and Jonathan will assist you. They’ll prepare
you.”
Lazarus spoke to
the both of them.
“David,—
Jonathan, take Mr. Goodnight to the facilities and prepare him.
Be as gentle with him as you would me, gentlemen.”
“Absolutely,
Father,— we’ll take good care of him. Please, Mr. Goodnight,— if
you will follow us, Sir.”
Charlie returned
a while later and David and Jonathan returned to their alcoves.
Lazarus ordered them to turn around and face the wall. They did
so
instantly.
“You didn’t have
to do that, Captain,— I ain’t shy about that sort of thing. I
watched ma’ boy fuck his Indian slave for the first time the night of
the slave ceremony. It was incredible. Somehow, Waco
managed to link our minds with his lummox’s and I felt every sensation
they were feeling. I came hard in Blake Tindell’s ass, but I
ain’t never come so hard as I did jes’ watching them boys and feel’n
what they was feeling.”
“We can do that
if you like. I can let you feel what I feel as I penetrate you.”
“I’d like that
very much, Captain. I feel bad about David and Jonathan.
They were so good and gentle with me. You should be proud of
them. Have them turn back around, Captain.”
“David,—
Jonathan,— resume your normal resting position. Master
Goodnight said you may watch if you like.”
“Thank you,
Father, and thank you, Master Goodnight. It will be an honor,
Sir, and will bring us great pleasure. If we get excited, may we
have permission to pleasure each other, Father.”
“All right,— but
just this once. I don’t want you and David wearing each other out
when you should be doing other things. You know I trust you, but
if’n I find out you’ve disobeyed me, you know what will happen.”
“Yes, Sir,
Father. We promise, we won’t. We don’t wanna’ have to wear
those chastity belts again.”
Charlie
laughed. He never considered you might have to control android’s
sexual habits. He made a mental note to talk with Lazarus about
that.
Lazarus made
slow and gentle love to Charlie that only a lover with a couple
thousand years experience could. It was just what Charlie
needed. It was a total relaxation for him and only until the end
when he spurred Lazarus on with his comments did Lazarus ride him
hard. He let Charlie feel every nuance he was feeling from the
very start of his penetration to his ejaculation. Charlie
couldn’t hold his orgasm back a moment longer and came the same time as
his
lover. It’s about as close as two men can get to seeing the face
of God when they orgasm together after a long, hot sexual
session. It left both men spent and exhausted.
“Thank you,
Captain. That was wonderful.” Charlie whispered to Lazarus
as he kissed him gently. Lazarus was still inside of Charlie.
“Shall I
withdraw?” he ask as he returned Charlie’s kiss.
“No,— you feel
so good. I could sleep with you like this all night.”
“And so you
shall.” Lazarus kissed him again.
The men fell
asleep in each others’ arms basking in the afterglow of their
sex. It can be the most peaceful sleep to lay with your lover
inside you all night. At least, Charlie Goodnight thought
so. He was looking forward to his new ranch foreman working for
him. Who would have guessed it would be a man from another time
and outer space? Charlie doubted any other rancher could boast
such an employee.
* * * * * * *
Lazarus’ servant
androids were busy about the cabin doing their early morning chores
before they dared to wake their father. For the most part they
were silent and made little noise; however, Lazarus was used to them
and knew their habits. He smiled to himself thinking how like
children they could be sometimes, and at other times could floor him
with their sound thinking about some things. He liked for them to
call him "Father." It seemed to develop a slightly different
relationship with them than simple Captain and crew. He thought
of them as family. They were, for all practical purposes, his
sons.
He yawned and
stretched as he felt his new improved cock still docked in his new
boss’s ass. Lazarus began to grow strong again and his stretching
awakened his partner. Charlie moved his ass down onto Lazarus’
dick as far as he could get it.
“Is that an
invitation for an eyeopener, boss man?” Lazarus asked softly.
“I was a’ hoping
you might see it that way, ramrod.” Charlie chuckled.
“Hang on, Boss,
this one will wake you up for sure.”
“Yee-haw!
Cowboy up, ramrod!” exclaimed Charlie.
Charlie couldn’t
believe Lazarus’ proficiency in fucking. The man left little
doubt in Charlie’s mind he was a cowboy, in more ways than one.
Once again Lazarus linked minds with Charlie and he could feel
both. Lazarus could feel exactly the way Charlie liked to get
fucked and made sure he got it that way. It didn’t take them long
before Lazarus yelled he was riding Charlie to the barn. Charlie
told him to slap leather and spur his pony hard in the flank.
Lazarus took him at his word and rode Charlie down hard. Again
they erupted at the same time with Lazarus as far up Charlie’s butt as
his could get his big, cowboy dick.
“Woah,—
dogies!” exclaimed Charlie. “‘At damn sure got my eyes wide open,
Cowboy. Thanks for that, ramrod! I shore’ ‘nuff appreciate
last night and this morning. I wonder if’n you realize what you
done for me?”
“I think I have
a good idea, Boss man. I hope I can be a good ramrod for you.”
“I don’t think
it’s gonna’ be a problem, Captain.” Charlie smiled and kissed
Lazarus one last time.
They got into
the shower and this time they allowed David and Jonathan to bath
them. Charlie thought he could get used to being pampered like
this and complemented Jonathan.
“That’s what
we’re here for, Mr. Goodnight. Glad to be of service, Sir.”
As they were
putting on their fresh clothes (David and Jonathan took their cowboy
clothes and cleaned them while they slept) a knock came at the door.
“Come!”
Lazarus said. The door parted and in walked a troubled Cable.
“Father,— Ping
and Pong have reported ‘suits’ are at the Goodnight ranch asking for
Mr. Goodnight.”
“Don’t
panic. Is breakfast ready for my guests?”
“All is prepared
and ready. It’s waiting for you, Father.”
“Good.
We’ll have breakfast and then I’ll decide what to do. You know I
don’t like to think before coffee, Son. At my age, I need that
stimulus to get my neural circuits firing on all eight cylinders in the
morning.”
“Sorry, Father,—
I just thought you might like to know.”
“I do, and I’m
pleased you came to me immediately with it. You’re doing a find
job, Son, I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you,
Father. I try to do the best I can for you.”
“You always do,
Son, you always do. Now, lead the way to the galley.”
Cable lead
Charlie and Lazarus to the galley were the rest of the men were
gathered. They all stood and the Captain and his guest joined
them. Lazarus had them join hands and surprised Charlie by giving
thanks for the food and for the fellowship. Everyone said
‘amen’ afterwards and sat down to a hearty breakfast of bacon, ham,
eggs and cereal for the boys if they wanted it. There was hot
coffee and milk for the boys. It was one of the few times their
lummox joined them. He had his own special chair and there was
loads of extra food for him. Lazarus asked his guest about their
evening and all seemed rested and content. They were looking
forward to seeing more of the ship.
“I’m afraid we
may have to call an early halt to this visit. There are some
military or government men at the ranch looking for Mr.
Goodnight. I have an idea they detected some anomaly in their
instruments that alerted them to a UFO being in the area. It’s
nothing to worry about. We’ll just tell them the truth,— we went
camping in the desert and didn’t see anything unusual. Even if
they wish to ride out to our campsite they won’t find anything.
Sorry for the
interruption, gentlemen; however, we’ll have lots more time we can come
out here, and I can show you more of the ship. There’s a lot more
to see, but I’m afraid this will be the last trip we can make for a
while. While the Bandersnatch is invisible to their sensors, it
will cause some anomalous readings on their equipment. Just let
Master Charlie, Master Angus and me handle them. They don’t need
to talk with the rest of you. If they try just tell them you let
your Master or in your case, Waco, your dad speak for you.”
“What about Ox,
Captain Long?” Waco asked.
“They won’t see
him. Show them, Son.” Lazarus ordered Ox. Ox
looked sheepish at the boys and the rest of the men. Then
he wasn’t there. They gasped and Waco dropped his fork in his
plate.
“Lummy?”
Waco cried.
He’s there, Son,
you just can’t see him. He’s fazed himself out of sight.
It’s a trick he and his kind discovered thousands of years ago.
It’s what keeps them from getting shot or caught. In Ox’s case
they shot him with a tranquilizer gun and threw a net over him before
he had a chance to faze out. You can return, now, Son.” All
of a sudden Ox was there again. Waco got up and hugged him.
<<
Can you
teach me to do that, Lummy? >>
<< Of
course I can, young Master. It would be my pleasure. >>
“On second
thought, Ox, maybe it might be better if you didn’t return to the ranch
until I notify Ping and Pong it’s safe for them. It would just be
less questions to answer.”
Ox looked sad
but shook his head he understood.
“Yeah, I don’t
want them taking our big buddy away from us.” Waco smiled at
him. He returned Waco’s smile.
Lazarus told the
men to eat a leisurely breakfast. The government men were
salaried. They weren’t on any time clock, so let them wait.
The men would saddle up and return at a decent time. They quickly
forgot about the government men. They had much more interesting
things to talk about.
“Will we still
have time for me to get the longevity shot, Captain?” Charlie
asked Lazarus quietly. Everyone shut up immediately and looked at
Charlie.
“Certainly, Mr.
Goodnight, we’ll take you by the med center on the way to get the
ponies. It will only take a minute.”
“You got enough
for three more, Captain Long?” Angus asked. “Me and my
foreman talked it over last night, and we decided if’n we’re gonna’ be
a
part of all this I don’t wanna’ grow any older than I am now. I
don’t usually give my slaves a choice about vaccinations and such, but
I gave my slave a choice last night, and he decided he wants one, too.”
“I’m glad for
you, Mr. Goodnight, you Mr. Birdsall and you Shane. Of course we
have plenty,— there’s no problem.”
“Have you boys
given thought to Captain Long’s offer of the longevity shots?”
“Yes, Sir, we
done discussed it with our handsome lummox last evening. We
decided this is too great an adventure not to take advantage of
it. If we’re to play a major role in helping you, my uncle,
Captain Long and his crew, we’re gonna’ need to be as young and strong
as possible. Besides, the thought of being left behind is too
awful to think about. So I’m speaking for me and ma’brothers,
Dad, when I say we all want the shot.” Waco said to his father.
“Somehow I knew
there wouldn’t be a problem with you men; however, I was going to let
you wait if you had any doubts.” Charlie replied.
“We ain’t.
Look at our beast, here, Dad. He’s had the shot, and he’s over
six
hundred years old. So you gotta’ know it works. I don’t
want him growing old without me and my brothers by his side. I
don’t want you or my beloved uncles to be by yourselves. You may
need us.” Waco explained.
“We will always
need you and your brothers, Son.”
“Amen to
that. You jes’ don’t know yet how much we’ll need you.” allowed
Lazarus, “Cable,— Son,— notify the med center bots we’ll need eight
longevity shots. Tell them we’ll be there within the hour.”
“Gladly,
Father.” Cable left the room for a moment.
Lazarus had a
screen lowered in the Captain’s mess area where the men were eating
breakfast so they could watch what the government men were doing.
They were all shocked by their boldness. They proceeded to go
through everything including Charlie’s main house, all the barns and
out building. If there was a lock on a door they couldn’t get a
key to right away they cut it off and went in. They didn’t find
anything, but the mere fact they were so bold was unbelievable.
They were acting like Nazi storm troopers.
Since the new
theocratic regime had taken over, Charlie and Angus knew there was
little they could do about it. The government usually left
farmers and small ranchers alone because they contributed greatly to
the economic stability and well being of the country by producing what
the nation needed to survive. They did have some weight when it
came to county and local government officials who could bring pressure
to bear against outrageous searches. Everyone had to live their
lives like they had absolutely nothing to hide and make damn sure they
didn’t.
If the
government men tried to plant something, Lazarus would’ve had a
recorded image of it. He and Charlie could install a hidden
camera later and claim it took the picture of the government agent
planting evidence. The new regime wouldn’t tolerate someone
getting caught planting evidence. They would turn their heads the
other way if there was no proof; however, if they were caught they
would throw the book at the offender. They would be enslaved for
life. Lazarus made damn sure he sent out enough bot-cams to cover
each agent’s actions. There was a camera on each man.
The boys got a
big laugh when one agent stepped in a huge meadow muffin, slipped, lost
his footing, fell and sat right down on the fresh cow pie. It was
a laugh everyone needed.
The men finished
breakfast and sat around talking while they finished their
coffee. They left the table and Lazarus took them through another
portal directly into the sick bay or med center. Charlie was
beginning to understand how the portals worked. Certain ones were
for going from room to room and others were for going anywhere else you
wanted to be on the ship in an instant. You could be all the way
across the ship through only one portal.
There were a
couple androids in the med center. They were ready and had a
handheld injection device that was small and painless. It shot
the correct amount of the longevity formula into a person with only a
tiny hole that barely bled. The best place to inject it was the
buttocks. The men laughed, but no one had a problem dropping his
pants.
The robots in
the med center were different from Cable, David, and Jonathan.
They didn’t have as great a range of social skills as they did.
They were sort of matter-of-fact robots that knew their jobs and acted
like they were aloof or above it all,— much like most regular doctors
and nurses relate to their patients. The men were pleasantly
surprised the shot didn’t hurt a bit, in fact, there was little or no
blood.
“How long before
this takes effect, Captain?” Angus asked.
“You should be
able to notice something before the day is out. You may notice
your energy level may be slightly increased as will your mental acuity,
but then for a while, all your body functions will be stimulated
somewhat until your bodies adjust to a normal level. That should
take about a week.”
“ALL body
functions will be heightened?” asked Charlie.
“Yes, Sir, All
body function,— that, too.” Lazarus winked at him.
“Damn glad I got
me a new foreman.” Charlie said under his breath winking at
Lazarus. Angus heard him and almost fell on the floor laughing at
his brother. The boys thought it was pretty damn funny,
too. Cable even laughed.
“Now, if any of
you gentlemen have the slightest problem notify me immediately. I
ain’t never heard of anyone having any noticeable reaction to the
injection aside from the things I all ready mentioned. One
possible rare side effect is a slight rise in temperature or blood
pressure. The other is a temporary headache.”
JR kind of
sighed.
“I don’t think
you’re gonna’ have a problem, Son.” Lazarus told JR, “I think Ox’s milk
has helped you boys, and I know you were exposed to the Kryscellians
last evening. They would’ve corrected anything Ox’s milk might
not have. They can cure almost any disease a carbon based entity
might have.”
“Best you let me
tell yore’ mother about you get’n the shot, Son.” Charlie put his arm
around JR and gave him a quick hug.
“I will, Master
Charlie. I don’t know what I’d tell her no ways. She’d
think I’s daft or some’um if’n I’s to tell her the truth.”
Everyone laughed with JR. He continued, “I know Hank would
believe me, but I ain’t gonna’ tell him until Captain Long tells me I
can.” They all agreed with him.
“I have no
problem with you sharing your experience with Hank Morgan, Son.
He’s a damn good man, and can be trusted with anything we tell him.”
“I agree with
Captain Long, Son, if’n you wanna’ tell Hank, go on ahead. I’ll
back you up. In fact if you wanna’ tell him let me have a minute
with him, and I’ll set him up for you. I’ll just tell him you got
something to share with him, and only him, and what you’re gonna’ tell
him is not fantasy but God’s gospel truth.”
“I’d appreciate
that, Master Charlie, ‘cause I would like to tell Hank. He’s real
special to me.”
“I know, and
that’s all the more reason why you should be honest with him. He
cares about you like you was his own boy.” Charlie assured JR.
“Don’t mean no
disrespect, Master Charlie, but I love him so much I sometimes wish’t
he was ma’dad. I know he’s a slave and all, but that don’t matter
none to me. He’s been s’damn good to me and my ma.”
“I certainly
don’t take no disrespect from that, young man. I only admire you
more for what you jes’ said. You’re right, Hank Morgan is a fine
man and a good slave. He deserves your love no matter his status
in life.” Charlie gave JR a big hug and a kiss.
“Okay,
gentlemen, I’ll let you decide over the coming weeks and months about
your family and slaves,— if and when you might want them to have the
injection. They won’t have to come to the ship, I can administer
the injections myself. The fewer people know about the ship the
better. With government men sitting around the ranch waiting for
us to return I don’t need to impress on you the necessity to keep what
you’ve seen, and witnessed to yourselves. We don’t have to lie to
them. If’n they ask if we seen an unidentified flying object we
can tell them truthfully we ain’t seen one; after all, you all
recognize my ship as the ‘Bandersnatch.’ It ain’t
unidentified. We all know it’s name,— right?” The men
laughed and agreed with the Captain.
Lazarus nodded
to Cable.
“Gentlemen, if
you’ll be so kind as to step through this portal we’ll get your horses
and you can be on your way. The stable bots have them saddled and
waiting for you.” Cable said.
The men stepped
through the portal and could smell the fresh odor of growing plants
with
a higher oxygen exchange rate than was in the rest of the ship.
The ship was comfortable but had a sterile smell to it, especially in
the sick bay. This air had familiar smells of new mown hay and
animal dung. To some it may sound repugnant, but to a country boy
it’s the smell of all things good and wonderful,— it’s the smell of
home.
* * * * * * *
The horses were
ready as Cable told them. Cable made an adjustment to the portal
they just came through and they were told to lead their ponies through
the portal again. Charlie knew instinctively they would be back
in the desert outside the ship and that’s exactly where they were.
Ox hugged and
kissed his wards goodbye, but Lazarus promised them he would be along
as soon as the government men left and Ping and Pong would come with
him. They waved goodbye as he turned and walked back through the
portal. The men thanked Cable, wished him goodbye and were on
their way.
On the leisurely
ride back Lazarus briefed Angus, Charlie, and Bill on how to react to
the government men. He wasn’t worried about Shane because most
government men thought themselves too far above a slave to even speak
to one. They had it drilled in their heads all slaves were
notorious liars.
Charlie rode
along with the boys for a while and they asked him intelligent
questions about what they should say. He told them just to play
dumb. He stressed the government type look upon country folks as
ignorant bumpkins anyways so just reenforce their beliefs. Travis
and Rabbit didn’t have to worry, but if they ask Waco anything just
tell them to talk with yore’ dad,— you didn’t see or hear nothing.
As the men rode
into the compound, Hank Morgan and Curley Jones came to greet them and
tell them about the government men. Waco told his dad he and his
slaves would take the horses to the barn and take care of them.
He could’ve easily given them to a couple of the slaves standing
around, but he wanted to make himself and his posse scarce.
The men had on
all their cowboy clothes including chaps and spurs and jingled in
unison as they walked toward the government men. They sounded
like they were headed for the last shoot out at the OK Corral.
Lazarus thought how apropos that thought was at that moment.
“Who’s the owner
of this ranch?” The head suit asked gruffly like he was the man
in charge.
“I’m owner of
this ranch, this is my brother, his foreman, his foreman’s slave, and
this tall gentleman is my ranch foreman. What can we do for you
gentlemen?”
“What were you
men doing out there in the desert?”
“Camping out
overnight. We heard there was gonna’ be a massive meteor shower
and we wanted to git away from the ranch and any ambient light so’s we
could see. It was a wonderful display,— almost as good as fourth
of July fireworks.” Charlie laid it on thick. The head suit
spoke into his handheld communicator.
“Base,— check
out meteor showers last night.”
There was a
squawk on the small box and a masculine voice said, “Roger.”
“We detected
some anomalous reading in this area last night. We’re looking for
anything unusual, and if you men know anything you better tell us right
now, or if we find out you’re hiding anything from us you’ll find
yourselves in prison without a trial, no lawyer, and no chance for
bail. You’ll rot in prison until you're sold as slaves. So
don’t fuck with me or my men!”
“What the hell
are you looking for?” spoke up Angus. “You ain’t even told
us what you’re here for. Let me have your name and the department
you’re from, Sir.”
“I don’t have to
give you my name, cowboy. Now keep your mouth shut unless I ask
you a question. Got that!”
Angus just shook
his head like he’d been defeated.
“Did you men see
anything unusual out there in the desert?”
“Who are you
speaking to, Sir?” Charlie asked him.
“You! You
said you’re the owner of the ranch.”
“I didn’t know,
you just told my brother to shut up. We didn’t see anything
unusual but the meteor shower. It was pretty spectacular.”
“We’ve searched
your ranch and didn’t find nothing. Who are those young boys with
you?”
“One’s my son,
Waco, and the other two are his slaves.”
“A kid has his
own slaves? You must be a wealthy man, Mister Goodnight.”
“They were both
gifts to him for his birthday last month. Have you asked my
slaves if’n they saw anything?”
“We don’t
interrogate slaves. Can’t trust a damn thing a slave says.”
“Well, do you
want me to ask them?”
“They wouldn’t
be any more truthful with you than they are with us. Don’t
bother. We done asked your cook, and she was in her house in bed
all evening with one a’ yore’ slaves. That’s disgusting. A
freewoman sleeping with a damn filthy slave.”
“Sir, this is
the country. I know about it. They asked my permission, and
I didn’t see no harm if they wanted to share something. Ain’t
chu’ never availed yourself of a slave before?”
“‘At’s
different! I’m a freeman, it’s my right to demand anything of a
slave I want!”
“And she’s a
freewoman. I gave her permission to demand my slave to take care
of her. What difference is there? She’s a woman and you’re
a man? Some folks might say you’re being sexist. That
wouldn’t set well with a lot of people.”
“Are you
threatening me, Mister?” The suit said in a menacing tone.
“How could I,
you won’t even give me your name. How could I threaten you?”
“This ain’t
git’n us nowhere.” said the suit. There came a squawk on
his communicator again.
“Giant meteor
shower confirmed.” said the voice with no emotion.
“You sure you
men didn’t see nothing last night?”
“Only the
meteors, and that’s it. What are you looking for?”
“If you need to
know we’ll tell you. This interrogation is finished. These
dumb cowboys don’t know shit! I figured this was a waste of
time,— another one of central’s wild goose chases. How many we
had over the last six months? Hundreds of ‘em and no one sees a
damn thing. This ain’t no different. I think them egghead
scientist's instruments are off. There ain’t nothing here.
Let’s get out a’ here!”
The head suit
made a whistle and his men came from all areas of the ranch to get into
the black limos. The suit didn’t bother to shake hands or say
goodbye he just jumped into the front passenger seat of the lead limo
and they took off in a hurry spraying the men with rocks and gravel
from their tires.”
Charlie started
to say something but Lazarus poked him gently in his back. He
whispered to the men so only they could hear him.
“Don’t say
anything. They’re listening to us to hear what we say as they
leave. Your conversations may be monitored for several weeks
until they get tired. Your phone conversations will be monitored
as well. Yours, too, Angus.”
“They could a’
told us what they’s looking for.” said Angus.
“That’s the way
they are. They don’t have to be polite or show us
identification. That’s part and parcel of the new Theocratic
Republic. There are no more personal freedoms. Our great
leader said the Constitution was just a got-damn piece of paper and he
proved it. Just be grateful they didn’t get angry and take one of
us. Once you disappear into the system you’re never heard from
again.” Lazarus told them.
He motioned for
the men to follow him. He lead them to an old RV Charlie had
parked out behind one of his barns. He told Charlie to open it
and for everyone to get in. They picked up the boys on the way
and Lazarus asked them to join them.
“Gentlemen, for
the next couple of weeks, be very careful what you say. If you
men have anything to discuss of a confidential nature get inside a
metal shed or something like your horse trailer, Angus. This
metal RV is perfect. They can’t hear through metal. To make
sure it’s soundproof, you boys might wanna’ consider covering the
windows with aluminum foil. They may have planted bugs in your
house, Charlie, and even in the barns. I can check it out and
disable any you might have. JR be sure you and Hank are in here
or a metal shed when you tell him what you wanna’ tell him. It’s
important.”
“I understand,
Captain Long.”
“And no more
calling me, Captain Long. Only on the Bandersnatch am I ‘Captain
Long.’ I’m foreman, ramrod or straw boss of this ranch as of
tomorrow, right, boss?”
“Indeed, you
are, Mr. Long.” he smiled at Lazarus.
“Any question,
gentlemen?”
“All I can say
is, I’m glad you’re here, Lazarus.” spoke Angus resigned, like
his brothers never heard him before. It was obvious he was deeply
concerned and troubled about the confrontation they just went through
with the suits. “We live so far removed from the regular world we
don’t realize what’s going on out there. I ain’t from now
on. I’m gonna’ git my ramrod to teach me how to use the internet
to find out what’s going on.”
“It’s only
gonna’ git worse, gentlemen.” Lazarus assured them, “Thanks for
your vote of confidence, Angus and you Charlie,— well, all you
gentlemen. We won’t let you down, but you needed to know why
we’re here, and you just witnessed why. I’m gonna’ tell Ox and
Ping and Pong not to come back until the cool of the evening. I
don’t want them traveling in the desert in this heat. Let’s git
out of hear, I’m burning up.” The men agreed with Lazarus and
exited the RV. Charlie showed JR how to turn on the
air-conditioning unit for the RV when he brought Hank out.
Charlie decided to leave the RV unlocked.
Angus, Bill and
Shane said their goodbyes and promised to be in touch soon. Angus
shed a few tears as he hugged and kissed his brother and nephew
goodbye. He even had a couple for his little buddy. Rabbit
didn’t want him to go, but he knew he’d see Master Angus again
soon. Angus drove out of the property to the main road. The
five men were left behind waving as they watched Angus’ big truck turn
and head back on the main road. Lazarus warned them not to talk
about anything sensitive in the truck unless they had the windows
rolled up and the air-conditioning going.
“Why do I feel
like I’ve been reborn to life?” Charlie asked Lazarus.
“You have in a
way, Mr. Goodnight. There’s another life awaits you and your
family,— away from the craziness that’s taken over your world.
It’s only a matter of time.”
* * * * * * *
The afternoon
moved slowly along. Waco and his crew got busy helping Ida
Wallace and her staff get out Sunday dinner for everyone. Some of
the slaves didn’t get to go to the fourth of July party at Angus
Goodnight’s ranch. It was regular as clockwork at Charlie’s
ranch,— Sunday afternoon dinner was shared by all. Even Lazarus
and Charlie pitched in to help. Lazarus claimed it made the fried
chicken all the more sweet.
Hank Morgan was
helping out, too. Charlie was working next to him.
“JR’s got
some’um to tell you about his night in the desert, Hank.” he told
him quietly so Ida couldn’t overhear.
“Good, I’ll look
forward to it. He told me he had a really good time and wanted to
talk with me later to tell me all about it.” Hank seemed pleased
JR wanted to share his experience with him.
“A word of
warning, Hank. What JR is gonna’ tell you ain’t from the boy’s
imagination. It’s the God’s gospel truth. One thing I come
to find out about that boy, he don’t lie and I don’t think he’s old
enough to understand all Texans enlarge on a story to make it more
interesting.” Charlie laughed.
“Humm, is it
anything like the discovery of the healing powers of lummox
milk?” Hank asked.
“You might say
that. That’s a good guess, but no cigar. What JR will tell
you will change all our lives. It already has changed our
lives. You’ll understand when he tells you. Just don’t let
him think you don’t believe him.”
“I won’t, Master
Charlie. I’m glad you warned me.” Hank allowed.
Nothing more was
said, but Charlie noticed JR sitting with Hank Morgan and Ida Wallace
at a picnic table with a couple of slaves. Waco and his crew were
sitting with Charlie and Lazarus.
“You looking
forward to tomorrow, ramrod.” Charlie smiled at Lazarus.
“I’m looking
forward to settling down into a quiet routine. Yes, I guess I am
looking forward to tomorrow. I don’t plan no drastic changes in
crews or work schedule. I’m satisfied Curley and Hank pretty much
take care of the day to day things. I see my job as seeing yore’
orders or wishes are carried out and we keep on a schedule. I
also see my job as bringing things to you and presenting options you
might want to consider. Sort of running interference between you
and the slaves.”
“Sounds good to
me.” said Charlie, “I’m looking forward to spending a little more
quality time with my boy.”
“You should,— he
ain’t gonna’ be this young all his life and these are the years you two
should enjoy each other the most. After he’s grown he’s gonna’
develop his own set of responsibilities and the two of you won’t have
as much time to share together. Take advantage of it while you
can.”
All the slaves
wanted to know were Ox, and Ping and Pong were. Charlie told them
they stayed behind in the desert to take care of some personal
business, but they would be back around sundown. Sure enough,
just as the sun was setting in the West, Ox strolled into the compound
holding Pong’s hand with Ping riding comfortably on Ox’s big
shoulder. The boys ran to them and made over them.
They were glad they were with them again. Ping and Pong seemed
moved by the boys sincerity. Of course they saved the lions share
for their beast. Ox was once again reunited with his boys,— his
men. Everyone agreed he really looked good in his new outfit the
boys got him for the slave ceremony and the fourth of July. Ox
never wanted to take it off.
Lazarus and
Charlie were sitting alone as they watched the boys climb all over
their hero.
“Ramrod,—
?” Charlie started to ask Lazarus a question but stopped like he
thought better of it.
“You know I’ll
answer any question you have, Charlie.”
“Is there any
chance you could do something for Ranger Gibbon’s wife?”
“I wondered why
you didn’t ask me last night.” Lazarus smiled at him.
“I wanted to,
but I didn’t think it was the right time.” Charlie dropped his
eyes.
“Look, Boss,—
let’s agree on one thing,— you can ask me anything or you can tell me
anything, and it will never go beyond you and me. I’ve lived too
damn many years not to know how to be a friend and companion. In
the coming years, you and I are gonna’ have to depend on each other
more and more. I will always be here for you and your
family.
No matter how bad things git, I got chore’ back. I will never let
anything happen to you or Waco. We will never let you down.
We’re gonna’ need each other, Charlie, to git through what’s
ahead. It ain’t gonna’ be no easy trip through the tulip patch.
To answer your
question, it depends on how bad Ranger’s wife is,— how far her body has
deteriorated. If, as you say, she has a particularly invasive
form of Cancer, she may be well past the point of our help. Ox’s
milk would only postpone the inevitable. I don’t wanna’ git
chore’ hopes up, but I’ve seen the Kryscellians perform some pretty
miraculous healings. We would have to take Ox to her, he would
have to hold her hand to diagnose what’s wrong with her and advise
us. He knows more about the Kryscellians than anyone in the
universe. They think on him as their savior. They almost
made him their God. He’ll know whether the Kryscells can help her
or not.”
“Whether we’re
successful or not is not the only issue.” said Charlie, “I couldn’t
live with myself if I thought there was the slightest chance she could
be saved and I did nothing. Just to know we made the effort, I
tried to do what I could to help, would go a long way toward putting my
heart as ease and maybe show my friend my love for him is greater than
my selfish needs. Sometimes those things are as important as a
miracle or actually healing someone.”
“You’re right,
they are important. We can go over tomorrow afternoon if you
like. If
she can be saved, we can ask the Kryscellians for their help. We
might have to take them out of their environment for a while to get
them to her, but I don’t see any problem. They would be returned
immediately afterward. I can set up a portal at Mr. Gibbon’s
ranch and all we have to do is step through it."
“After
explaining to me how they work, I figured the portals are the means
of moving about the planet rather than risking a ship being detected,
and all those anomalies the government man said their instruments
picked up were other arks landing all over the world.”
“Smart man,
Boss.” Lazarus complemented him. “That’s only the surface
though,— there’s a lot more you don’t know, but you will. You’ve
trusted me this far,— trust me to tell you the rest.”
“I trust you
completely, ramrod.”
* * * * * * *
It was early
evening. The sun had set and things were beginning to cool
down. Hank, Ida and JR were sitting in Ida’s living area
talking about different things. JR told his mom what a great time
he had camping out under the stars with Master Goodnight and his big
brother. Ida was pleased Charlie and Waco included JR in most
everything they did. Sometimes they wanted to be by themselves,
but she could understand that.
“Ma, would you
mind if Mr. Morgan and I took a little walk by ourselves for a few
minutes. I got me some man things I need to talk over with him.”
Ida looked at JR
and smiled. She realized her little boy was growing up and would
soon become a young man. She was thrilled for Hank their boy
wanted to talk about these things with him. She knew how much it
would mean to Hank.
“Sure, I don’t
mind a’ tall. You men go on ahead. I got plenty to do
around here. Have a good walk and talk.”
“Thanks,
ma.” JR hugged and kissed her.
Hank stood and
gave Ida a hug and a peck on the cheek. He turned to follow JR
out of the small house. JR led the way to the RV Charlie said he
could use. About halfway across the compound, without asking, JR
slipped his small hand in Hank’s like it was the most natural thing in
the world for him to do and he just expected Hank to understand.
Hank was
devastated. That simple action from his son damn near ripped his
big heart out. He couldn’t hold back a couple of big hawking
tears that came to his eyes without invitation. He held his head
up high and hoped JR wouldn’t notice as they ran down his ruggedly
handsome face. Too late! He was busted! A boy like JR
never missed much. JR smiled to himself. He knew what his
action meant to Hank, and he was pleased his message got through.
They reached the
RV and JR opened the door for them to go in.
“You sure this
is all right with Mr. Goodnight, Son?” Hank asked the boy.
“It was his
idea, Hank.” They walked in and JR turned on the air-conditioner
like Charlie showed him and motioned for Hank to sit down on the small
sofa. JR joined him and sat close to Hank so they were
touching. Touching Hank brought JR a sense of well being, almost
like he was a part of the big man. Hank didn’t move away or jump
when JR wanted to sit close to him. JR reached up, took Hank’s
big arm and put it around his shoulders. He looked up and smiled
at Hank. Hank pulled him close.
JR looked deeply
into Hank’s eyes and spoke to him without taking his eyes away.
“Mr. Morgan, you
know you being a slave don’t mean nothing to me. You know I love
you. I don’t love you the same way my ma loves you, but I do love
you. Now, before I tell you what I got to tell you, I want a kiss
from you. As a freeman, it’s my right to order you to kiss me,
but I don’t wanna’ do that. I want you to kiss me because you
love me and care about me. Please, Hank,— gimme’ a quick kiss.”
Hank got tears
in his eyes again, but this time so did JR. They moved slowly to
each other and joined their mouths in a gentle kiss. JR could
feel the rough, sunburned, cracked lips of the man he loved so much and
Hank could feel the soft unblemished youthfulness of his son’s
lips. They didn’t exchange tongue,— a gentle kiss was all JR
wanted. He didn’t want a passionate kiss from Hank. He
wanted a kiss of brotherhood and understanding. Hank read him
loud and clear and was moved to his core by his boy’s actions. He
couldn’t have been more proud or loved JR more than at that
moment. JR took out his bandana, wiped the tears from his eyes
and handed it to Hank. Hank smiled at him, nodded and wiped the
tears from his eyes.
“Thanks, Mr.
Morgan, I needed that.”
“To be honest, I
think I did, too, Son. You can order this old slave to give you a
kiss anytime you need one, young Master. It’s true, you know I
love you and yore’ ma with all my heart. I’m also downright proud
and honored you love me enough to wanna’ share some’um with me like
‘at. You can’t know what it means to this old slave, Son.”
“I got some’um I
wanna’ tell you, Mr. Morgan, what ain’t got nothing to do with my camp
out last night. All these years when I done wrong and ma turned
me over to you to take yore’ belt to me, I never understood why she’d
ask a slave to punish me. I always wondered why she didn’t take
me to Master Charlie and have him do it. I always reckoned it was
because Master Charlie didn’t care enough about me to correct me, but
it was more’n ‘nat. I cain’t fault Master Charlie’s love for me
and ma. He ain’t never been nothing but good and kind to
us. He goes out of his way to see to our needs and comfort.
Him and Waco include me in most ever’ damn thing they do. I
couldn’t love him and ma’ big brother more.
You ain’t never
gimme’ a lick’n but a handful of times, but when you did, they was good
ones.” JR chuckled. “I cain’t say’s I didn’t deserved ‘em none
neither, Mr. Morgan, but the last time you gimme’ a lick’n I come to
understand I wouldn’t want no other man correcting me. You always
talked with me first so’s I’d understand what I was being punished for
and why. I guess it was the last time you whupped me I lost all
fear of you and came to accept you as someone more important to me than
just my ma’s boyfriend. Truth is, Hank, I come to think on you as
ma’ pa. I couldn’t be more proud of you if’n you was my old man,
Mr. Morgan. I wouldn’t have me no shame being the son of a slave,
especially as fine a man as you are, Hank.”
Hank Morgan sat
there stunned. He didn’t know what to say. How was he going
to handle this? He squeezed JR’s shoulder, but he didn’t dare
look in his eyes. He just continued to stare off into space
praying for a miracle.
“Now, before you
go off protesting and tell’n me it cain’t be so, ‘cause if’n I was the
son of a slave that would make me a slave, too. I ain’t asking to
call you pa or dad. All I’m say’n is I love you like you was my
dad, Mr. Morgan, and I’m proud to have a man like you in my life.”
Hank breathed
deeply and let out a sigh. His prayer was answered. His own
boy provided him with his miracle.
“As a slave, I
guess I shouldn’t have such feelings for a young freeman Master, Son,
but I cain’t help feeling the same way about you. If’n I was a
freeman, I’d be the proudest most lucky man in the world to have a boy
like you. You gotta’ know I love you and yore’ ma more than life
itself. The times I had to punish you liked to have ripped my
damn heart out. I know h’it ain’t right, but I come to think on
you as ma’boy, Master JR.”
“Then,— do we
understand each other, Mr. Morgan?”
“We do, Son.”
“One more,
Hank?” JR asked looking up into Hank’s deep brown eyes.
The two men
sealed their bond with another gentle kiss. This time there was a
great deal more passed between them; however, it was a natural flow,—
as right as a river flowing to the sea,— as right as a cooling shower
on the hottest day of summer while laying with a beloved friend in the
hayloft,— as right as the love of a father for his son.
End Chapter 10 ~
Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2006 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com