WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
12
Lucas
slept. He was vaguely aware of the trip to the ranch. He
remembered being held by a huge giant and being cradled in his
arms. Lucas remembered the haunting, soothing song the beast sang
to him. It took his hurt away, it took his anguish away, it gave
him comfort, but best of all it gave him unconditional love. He
thought those things only came from angels. What does a beast
know of love? For that matter, what did he know of love? When did
anyone love him?
Lucas felt comfortable in Ox’s arms, his soul was
at peace for the first time in a very long while. He couldn’t
remember a time his soul felt so at ease.
Lucas started to
awaken and saw a couple of people around him, but he had a difficult
time focusing. Someone said he was awake. He was
immediately given another shot, and he was
instantly adrift in a comfortable nether region. Once in a while,
he was conscious of people doing things to him, but he wasn’t really
sure they were people. Every time he tried to communicate or see,
he couldn’t. His mouth felt funny, and he could no longer see;
however, before he could panic, he was given another shot, and he was
once again asleep. Drifting. There was no current to the
stream. He
was barely afloat. Comfortable. Suspended in time and
space. No pain. No panic. Nothing to do but drift.
He didn’t think
whoever was attending him was evil. They did things for him like
exercise his limbs. Some wonderfully soft, big, masculine hands
would exercise his arms and legs three times a day for about an hour
each time; one on his right and the other on his left. Sometimes
he could hear them talk and they called each other David and
Jonathan. Another male voice, the one who seemed to be in charge,
they called Cable. They were thorough and exact in their therapy,
but they were also gentle and caring. They spoke of empathy for
him. They spoke of belonging. Surely they weren't talking
about him.
Once he woke up
without anyone around him, but he wasn’t frightened. His face had
the bandages removed. He attempted to open his eyes.
Surprisingly, he could see perfectly out of both eyes. He looked
upon the most beautiful crystals that were radiating brilliant light
of all colors. He could feel their rays penetrating his skin and
body, but it wasn’t like the rays from the sun. He wasn’t getting
hot from them, but he could feel them doing things to his body.
Where was
he? This wasn’t a regular slave veterinarian hospital. He
was getting much better care and treatment than any slave-vet hospital
would provide. Then he began to hear them,— faintly at first, but
then their voices became stronger and louder in his mind. The
crystals were alive, and they were singing to him. He
quickly
learned their words and knew what they were singing. They
were
singing of harmony, peace, healing, repair, strength, courage and
love. They sang to
him personally and called him 'Lucas.' He tried to tell them his
name was Caleb, but they insisted on calling him Lucas. Oh,
well,— he was enjoying the feeling too much to argue with them.
It was even effecting his penis, but he couldn’t touch himself because
his hands were strapped to his sides.
Lucas was
embarrassed because his member was misbehaving and growing erect.
He couldn’t see it, but it felt different. It felt heavier,— like
his dick had gained weight. He could feel something tight but
soft wrapped snugly around the head of his dick. It was almost
sensual. No, he decided it was very sensual. The crystals
told him not to worry about it. It was a natural function of his
new body. His new body? What happened to his old
body? ‘New and improved older body’ the crystals sang to
him. He lay unattended for what seemed hours. All his
pain and hurt seemed to melt away. Finally three beautiful, naked
men came into the room to surround his Gurney.
“Ah, good, he’s
awake.” said the one called Cable. The other two looked
down on him and smiled. They were so perfect, they looked like
angels, but very attractive, masculine, angels. Lucas was
amazed. “Don’t try to speak, little brother,” Cable spoke to him,
“Your mouth is wired shut. You won’t be able to use it for a
couple more days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have visitors.
I’ll notify Father immediately you’re awake.”
Father?
What was he talking about? Whose father? Theirs?
His? His new Master? He accepted he couldn’t ask questions
and decided to relax and see what unfolded. The crystals told him
he would have some wonderful new experiences and was in good
hands. They also told him he was healing more rapidly than anyone
expected. They told him something else that seemed strange to
him. They said for a male of his species he was now most
comely. What did comely mean? Had he lost control and
ejaculated on himself?
The beautiful
naked men fed him for the first time. They put a drinking straw
into his mouth and told him to suck gently. Suddenly his mouth
was filled with the best tasting warm soup broth. It was
delicious. He downed the whole cup. They asked if he wanted
more, and he nodded his head. They brought him more. They
told him they had diapers on him. If he had to urinate or void to
let it go. They would check him often to take care of him.
Not to worry, it was only temporary until they could get him up and
walking.
He was now in a
room by himself in a hospital bed that was very comfortable.
Later, he heard men talking and laughter. Then, his room was
filled with men and the giant who held him all the way to the
ranch. The big, tall man who seemed to be in charge was dressed
in cowboy clothes with a large, wide brimmed cowboy hat on. He
walked over to the bed and looked at him.
<< Can you
hear me, Lucas? >> he heard in his mind, but why was he calling
him ‘Lucas?’ << I heard that question, young man.
‘Lucas’ is your new name. Caleb Stamper is no more. You are
now my slave, and your name is officially Lucas Long. >>
<< Ain’t
‘Long’ yore’ name, Sir? >>
<< You
remembered. Yes, it is, Son. I've had you rebuilt.
You no longer look like Caleb Stamper. The sheriff and slave
dealer, Mr. Tennent, told Caleb's daddy they couldn’t find a buyer for
him, and he was sent to the dog food plant for rendering. Caleb's
family didn't want him no more. For all they know, Caleb is dead
to them. Since I recreated you from Caleb, gave you a new
chance in life and since you're now my slave and I own you, I thought
it was only fair I be the
one to rename you and give you my last name for your
own. These men around you are part of my family. Your new
family wants you, Lucas, but more than that, we need you.
Caleb Stamper is dead, Son. You are now my slave and a member of
my family. You will live your new life as Lucas Long.
>> Lazarus took his hand, << You
have some thinking to do,— some things to sort out in your mind, but
you’ll have plenty of time and help to come to grips with your new
situation and feelings. >> Lazarus smiled at him. <<
Let me introduced you to these good men who will help you and be a part
of your new family. Then Lazarus spoke out loud to him.
“This find
looking gentleman is owner of the ranch where you'll be living.
His
name is Mr. Charlie Goodnight, but you will call him ‘Master Goodnight’
or ‘Master Charlie.’”
Charlie took
Lucas’ hand and smiled at him.
“Welcome to the
Goodnight ranch, Lucas. I hope you become a good and faithful
slave to my ramrod, here. He needs a good slave to take care of
him and his house.” Lucas nodded he understood.
“I’m Master
Goodnight’s foreman on his ranch, Son.” Lazarus added, “You
already know my Godson, Ox.”
Ox walked over
to Lucas in his fine looking outfit and took his other hand.
Lucas heard in his head,
<< It’s
good to meet you under better circumstances, little one. You look
better,— you will be fine. My father is a firm but good
man. You will come to love, respect and honor him as much as we
do. You will be his slave, but you will, also, be part of his
family. >>
<< Thank
you, Sir, for holding me in the truck and singing to me. I heard
everything, but I couldn’t respond. >> Lucas told him.
Ox smiled at him
and nodded. Waco came and stood by Ox and took Lucas’ hand.
<< Howdy,
brother! >> he exclaimed, << You’re look’n good. How
are you feeling? >>
<< I’m
feeling fine, and who are you? >>
<< My name
is Waco Goodnight. I’m the son of the other big cowboy you just
met, Master Charlie Goodnight. I’m a freeman, too, so you must
call me ‘Master Waco.’ >>
<< I
understand, Master Waco. Do all you men speak with your minds?
>>
<< My dad
ain’t learned yet, but we’re trying to teach him. My three
slaves and my little brother over there by our dad all can hear our
conversation. >> The three boys waved to him they could
hear.
<< That’s
amazing. I don’t need my mouth to speak to you. I was so
worried I’d go crazy by myself. >>
<< No, we
wouldn’t let that happen to you. We’re here to see you
through. My little brother’s name is ‘JR,’ but you must refer to
him as ‘Master JR.’ The fine looking young man next to our Ox is
named ‘Travis,’ and he’s one of my slaves. >> Travis waved to
him,
<< The other fine looking young man is my other slave, ‘Rabbit’
or as my dad likes to call him ‘Chief.’ I’ll let you figure out
why. >> Waco laughed.
The men stayed
quite a while with Lucas and promised to visit him again the following
afternoon. The boys said they might see him in the morning to
spend some time with him if he wanted them to. Lucas assured them
he did.
Waco and his
posse got Lazarus permission to visit Lucas the next morning after they
got their work done for the day, but they could only stay with him for
an hour. Lucas was glad to see them, and he got to know Travis,
Rabbit and Master JR better. They didn’t seem at all like his
brothers who most times wouldn’t even look at his face. These
boys looked right at him. They didn’t seem to be bothered he was
an ugly, misshapen monster. Lazarus made sure there were no
mirrors in the sickbay after Lucas’ operations. He wanted to be
the first to show Lucas his new appearance.
Waco and his
posse were in awe of the transformation of Lucas. Lazarus showed
them the composite work-up of the picture he and Charlie created of
what he wanted Lucas to look like, and he turned out to look exactly
like the photograph,— only they all allowed he was better looking in
person. He was almost as good looking as Cable, David and
Jonathan. His body and skin were perfect, without blemish.
They even took a peak at his penis and they were impressed. He
looked like his new father. Now the boys understood why the
androids would want to refer to Lazarus as ‘father.’
Lazarus would
come every evening, but most times he would come alone to sit with
Lucas. Lucas was growing more and more fond of Lazarus and began
to open up to him.
<< Thank
you for saving my life, Master Long. I know I’m fearful ugly, but
I meant what I promised you. I will be a good slave for
you. I’ll work hard and try to make you proud of me, Sir. >>
<< I know
you will, Son. I trust you. I told you when I first met you
looks weren’t important to me. I’ve sort of become accustom to
yore’ face, and h’it don’t bother me none. As long as you’re a
good slave and keep yore’ Master happy then you’ll be happy. How
far along in school did you git, Son? >>
<< Ain’t
never had me no school’n, Master Long. Ma’ daddy said I’s too
ugly to go to school and too dumb to learn anything. Said I never
would amount to nothing no how. I learned my letters and teached
myself to read and write on my own. I ain’t real good at writin,’
but I can read purdy good. >>
<< That
ain’t no problem. I ain’t so good at write’n myself. We’ll
have you up and learning in no time. I got a group of men and
critters who will be happy to help a young man like you. Then,
when you git caught up, maybe we’ll see about sending you to school
with Waco and his slaves. >>
<< I
couldn’t do that, Master Long. The kids would make fun a’ me and
throw rocks at me. I’d be too afraid to go to school.
Please, Sir, I jes’ wanna’ be yore’ slave. Don’t make me go to
school. >>
<< Okay, I
won’t if you feel that way about it, but you will learn if I have to
teach you myself. You might come to feel different about going to
school after you git comfortable at the ranch. >>
<< Is this
hospital part of the ranch, Master Long? >>
<< It is,
and it isn’t, Son. It’s hard to explain, but you don’t need to
know about that right now. All your questions will be answered in
time. After all, you’re part of my family now. >>
Lazarus hoped to
have Lucas up and around and going to school with Waco and his
slaves in September; however, it took the med-bots all of August and
most of September to get everything right. Lazarus guessed about
three months, and it took almost to the end of October to complete
everything. For all that time, they kept his face wrapped in
bandages. They didn’t want him feeling his face or seeing it
before Lazarus showed it to him.
He knew his
mouth and cleft palate was surgically corrected. He could
feel it with his tongue. He came to love his time with the
Kryscellians and knew them each by name. There was close to a
thousand of them, but he had a phenomenal memory and managed to
remember all their names. He would call to them by name as he
sang their songs with them. He became quite expert at their
songs, and they told Ox he had a wonderful voice. They were
pleased to have him sing with them. They were exposed to two full
weeks in the hot West Texas Sun to revitalize them. The more they
fed from the energy of our Sun the stronger they became, and the
quicker
they were able to heal Lucas.
Finally, the day
came when Lazarus planned to let Lucas see himself. It was
October thirty-first, Halloween eve. The boys got their heads
together and told Lazarus they would like to be there; however, Lazarus
chose to err on the side of caution. He told the boys they
would have to wait for
another time to be with Lucas. Lazarus was afraid his new
appearance might cause a shock to him. Something as dramatic as a
complete change of appearance might be traumatic for the boy.
Lazarus didn’t want an audience to
embarrass him.
They asked if
they could have a Halloween party and have Lazarus and Lucas come to
their party after he was shown his new persona by his Master?
Lazarus told them he would ask Lucas if he felt up to it. If not,
he would just take him to his new foreman’s house and get him
settled. It was planned for him to be going to Hoot and Cotton’s
ranch the first of the following week. The boys began to plan a
party anyway.
That evening
after work, Lazarus cleaned up and shaved. He put on his best
cowboy clothes and went to the old barn to use the portal. He
arrived at sickbay a few minutes later and saw Lucas sitting up in bed
playing a game with David and Jonathan. He saw Lazarus walk in
and a big smile crossed his bandaged face.
“Master Long,
I’m glad you’re here. These men are beating the crap out of
me. I’m losing right and left. I’m going down for the third
time. I need help.”
“Don’t look at
me for help, young’un. I ain’t never beat them boys at
games. They’s jes’ too damn fast and good for me.” he
laughed and winked at Lucas. “Besides, ya’ll are gonna’ have to quit
the game. You’re not a patient anymore. All the staff agree
you’re properly corrected and healed. It’s time you came with me
into your new world. We’ve been invited to a Halloween party in
Master Waco and Master Goodnight’s barn. Would you like to
go?”
“I’d love to go,
but I don’t want to spoil their party having to look on me.”
“Do you think
them boys would’ve come here day after day to keep you company if’n
they’s bothered by yore’ looks, Son?”
“But my face has
been bandaged most of the time. They couldn’t really see me,
Master Long.”
“I tell you
what,— it’s time you took a look at who you are as Lucas Long.
Come with me, Son.”
Lazarus took him
by the hand and led him down a narrow hallway into a large examination
room. At the far end was a self-standing mirror that was turned
toward the wall. In the room was Cable, David and Jonathan and a
couple of the cowboy androids Lucas became fond of. Lazarus
patted a small bench for Lucas to sit on. He hopped upon it and
sat there. Cable came to him and started removing his
bandages. When he was done, the men seemed to back away from
him,— they were so stunned by his beauty it was a natural
reaction.
Lucas took it as a response to his ugliness. He hid his face in
his hands and wept.
“There,
there,--- ain't no need for tears. You have to
face yourself sooner or later, Son. Be brave. Walk over
there to the mirror and take a look.”
“I don’t think I
can by myself, Sir. Will you hold my hand, Master?”
“I’d be proud
to, Son. Just remember, you're
my slave, I own you, I am yore' Master. H'it
don't make me no never mind what chu' look like 'cause you're mine,
boy. I love you jes' the way you are.” Lazarus put out his
hand for Lucas to take.
“Come! David, will you and Jonathan please turn the mirror
around.”
“Certainly,
Father.” the androids rushed to the full length mirror and slowly
turned it around.
Lazarus and
Lucas stood in front of it as Lucas took the first look at his new,
improved body and face. The boy took a look and then
another. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He raised
his hand to his face and felt it gently. He started to
take a step toward the mirror.
“Go ahead on,
Son. Get closer. You deserve a closer look at your new
self.” Lazarus urged him gently.
Lucas walked
closer and stared into the mirror. Lazarus sat on the bench and
motioned for Cable to help him with his boots. When they were
off, he took off his shirt and removed his wranglers. He walked
up
beside Lucas and stood nude next to him. He put his arm around
him.
“My, God!”
said Lucas quietly in awe, “we look enough alike to be related.”
“Master
Goodnight told me he thought you might like that. What’da ya’
think, boy?”
Lucas placed his
face in his hands and turned into Lazarus sobbing his heart out.
“Thank you,
Master. I will always be your good slave, Sir. No one has
ever done anything so wonderful for me. Waco and his slaves told
me I
must learn to pay homage to your boots, and at first, it sounded like
something I never wanted to do. Now, it don’t seem too great a
price to pay, to show a man I’ve come to love, how much I appreciate
him
being my Master. I will gladly pay homage to your boots any time
or any place, Master Long.”
“Well, said,
young slave.” allowed Cable, and the other androids started applauding
for him. "We ain't slaves, but we've all paid homage to our Father's
boots from time to time. When we do, it ain't because we're
required by protocol, but because we love and honor him. You will
come to look upon it the same way."
“That’s what I
like to hear. When a slave decides to give himself to his
Master. It was all worth it, Son. Now, do you think we
should reconsider that invitation to Master Waco’s Halloween party?”
“I’d be honored
and proud to attend his party with you, Master Long.”
“Fine, then you
may start by helping your Master dress, and I brought some clothes for
you to wear.”
The androids
wished Lucas well and had a hug and a kiss for him. Cable left
the room and returned in a minute with a pair of new Wranglers, a fine
looking Western shirt, an undershirt, socks, a nice Western belt with a
handsome buckle and a brand new pair of cowboy boots. They fit
Lucas like they were made for him. He stood in front of the
mirror again and admired himself. Lastly, Cable handed him a big
felt cowboy hat just like the one Lazarus was wearing. He tried
it on and had to admit, the young man looking back at him was a drop
dead, good looking cowboy. His heart leapt to his throat.
“I understand,
now,
why you gimme' a new name, Master Long. I am a new person.
I ain't Caleb no more. I thank you for that, and I’ll try my best
to bring honor to the name
‘Long,' Sir.’”
“You take good
care of your Master, and that will be honorable enough for me, Son.”
“Will I ever get
to call you ‘father,’ Master Long?” Lucas asked quietly.
Lazarus
hesitated only for a moment.
“Do you wish to
call me ‘father’?”
“Your other
servants call you ‘father’ and you had them made to take care of
you. You said yourself you remade me, and you done a wonderful
job of it. I would only call you ‘father’ in private, Sir.
In public, you will still be my Master. I owe you that
consideration, Sir.”
Lazarus took the
boy in his arms and gently kissed him on his forehead.
“That was the
sweetest thing a slave has ever said to me, Son. You make a good
point. I think I would like for you to call me ‘father’ in
private, but you must never call me ‘dad’ or ‘daddy.’ If you
accept me as your creator, then you may call me ‘father.’”
“That’s all I
ask for, Sir. It would mean a lot to me. Would you teach me
to pay homage to your boots, Sir, so I won’t embarrass you before
Master Waco and Master Goodnight? If you teach me, I’ll know how
to pay homage to their boots.”
“Humm, I don’t
know how much training you’re really gonna’ need, boy. That
remains to be seen, but I’ll be happy to teach you how to pay homage to
a Master’s boots.”
Lazarus went
though the ritual a couple of times with Lucas until he was sure the
boy was comfortable. Lucas wondered where his apprehension about
paying homage to a Master’s boots came from. His new dick never
got
soft the whole time he was making love to his Master’s boots. He
not only thought it was hot,— he was hooked.
* * * * * * *
The Halloween
party wasn't called a Halloween party. The extreme right wing
religious loonies
had the holiday all but outlawed in the New Theocratic Republic.
It was not yet a law
on the books and thus it was not considered a crime for those who
thought it was harmless for their children to participate in;
however, those who did were subject to persecution by the rabid
fundamentalist.
Waco and his crew decided to call it a ‘Fall Harvest Barn Dance.’
They thought that was an innocuous enough title to invite their
neighbors and family. It was private and intended only for a
select group of people. Waco decided there would be no pictures
of witches, black cats, ghosts or jack-o-lanterns; however, the boys
thought they would keep the traditional colors of orange and black for
decorations around the new barn.
They made up a
guest list and had it approved by Charlie. He was pleased with it
as the boys wanted to invite the sheriff and his family. Others
invited were Angus and his family including his foreman and his
slave. Waco invited his other two uncles from the city, but
they graciously declined. Hoot Austin and Cotton Daniels were
invited and accepted immediately. The boys wanted to invite the
Tennents, but Charlie expressed some doubts; however, after talking
with Lazarus, they decided it would be good P.R. for them. Of
course, Waco invited Ranger Gibbons, his much improved wife, Mary, and
the Jessups. There were two other families, neighbors of
Charlie’s who had children the same age as the boys who went to school
with them, the Hubbards and the Bairds. Ida Mae, Hank, Curley and
the Goodnight ranch slaves were all invited.
Lazarus was a
bit paranoid and talked it over with Charlie to have two slaves with
walkie-talkies act as lookouts at the front gate for any uninvited
guest. The Jesus Patrol was well known to try to break into
private community Halloween parties and cause much disruption and
embarrassment, yelling and screaming about Devil worshipers, Satan
lovers and worse. They would actually try to haul people off to
jail for some trumped up charge that was usually thrown out. The
real horror was, sometimes the charges weren’t thrown out. More
than one family had been burned by their vicious and insane
tactics.
The boys hired
an old time country band and square-dance caller for the evening and
since there were going to be a number of kids under drinking age,
Charlie decided not to serve alcohol. All the men knew to bring
their own hip flask if a group of them wanted to get off too themselves
for a ‘private’ conversation. Several were Episcopalians who
practiced everything in moderation. Their standing joke was
wherever you find four Episcopals gathered you will always find a
‘fifth.’ It was just as well, most of the folks were used to
attending dry functions since the Theocratic Republic was founded.
It was early
evening and the boys were still putting up decorations when Lazarus led
Lucas though the portal. Lazarus placed the portal
down in the old barn away from everything and had Ping and Pong arrange
bails of extra hay in front of it so no one, who just
happened to walk into the barn, could see the open gate. It was
well hidden from plain
view. After they walked though the portal, Lazarus turned and
closed the gate with his remote. Lucas turned to Lazarus and
smiled.
“All of these
wonders I've seen in the last few months, the Kryscellains, Cable,
David and Jonathan, the work done on me,--- ain't
technology from Earth, Father.” he stated as fact.
Lazarus smiled
at Lucas, grabbed him and kissed him again on his forehead. “No,
Son, h’it ain’t, but you’re my slave, my possession, my family, you
will accept it as part of your new role in our greater family. I
don’t think you’re gonna’ have no problem with it. Furthermore,
Caleb's daddy was so wrong about him. Y’ain’t dumb or retarded
a’ tall. You’re highly intelligent, but chu’ ain’t never been
given a chance to bloom.”
“I won’t have no
problem with it, Father. Whatever the explanation, I trust you
completely. It only makes my life more interesting and
exciting. I know you’ll explain things to me, but first I must
find my path to become the best servant for you I can be. I love
you, Father, and I want to make you proud of me.”
“I love you too,
Son. You will make me proud of you, Lucas,— I have no
doubt. Your name is written in the book. It will blaze
across the stars.” Lazarus tenderly kissed Lucas again.
“Now, come, take my hand and walk by your Master’s side.”
Lucas slipped
his hand in Lazarus’ and they walked down the way to the new
barn. Waco had a portable radio playing CDs of country music and
saw Lazarus and Lucas approach. He motioned for Rabbit to cut the
music. All the men in the barn watched in stunned silence as hand
in hand the ramrod of the Goodnight Ranch let his new slave to meet his
family. They looked like father and son. They looked as
much alike as Waco and Charlie. They walked up in front of
Charlie whose mouth was open. Lazarus smiled and winked at him.
“Mr. Goodnight,
may I present my new slave and houseboy, Lucas Long. Son,—
.” Lucas handed his hat to Lazarus and hit his knees.
“Permission to
pay homage to your boots, Master Goodnight.”
“Permission
granted, handsome young slave.” Charlie said with sincerity.
Lucas went
throught the ritual perfectly with Charlie and ended up in a goodly
kiss with the boss of the Goodnight Ranch.
“You are so
welcome here, Lucas. May your heart be at peace and may you find
love and fulfilment serving your new Master.”
“Thank you,
Master Goodnight. I only hope I can live up to his expectations,
Sir.”
“Don’t chu’
worry none about that. Take it one day at a time, Son.
You’ll do fine.”
Lucas moved to
Waco next and went through the ritual with him. Lazarus was proud
of the boy. He seemed like a natural slave. He needed
another opinion. Waco could feel the handsome young man growing
strong in his Wranglers as they pressed their bodies together.
Waco couldn’t help popping a boner either.
“Welcome,
brother Lucas, to our family. Fate couldn’t have brought you a
finer Master. That is, if’n it was fate. I’m beginning to
believe things are being planned and worked out somewhere other than in
our realm of consciousness. If I ever lost my freedom, I would
ask Master Long to become his slave.”
“Thank you,
Master Waco. Thank you for offering me support and encouraging me
during my stay in the hospital. I will never forget you and your
slave’s kindness to me.”
Next Lucas was
mobbed by Travis and Rabbit each trying to get to him first.
Travis won and hugged Lucas and gave him a big kiss right on the
mouth. Lucas returned it in kind.
“So glad to see
you healthy and out of that darn hospital. Whatever comes next
for you has to be better than laying around in there no matter how well
they treated you.”
“Thanks for all
your help, Travis. They were very good to me in the
hospital. I have no complaints. Look at me. Master
Long did a wonderful job putting me back together again. I think
he should’ve named me Humpty-Dumpty.” The boys shared a
laugh.
Rabbit was next
and took his good time even though Ox was breathing down his neck for
his turn. He gave Lucas a good kiss and a big hug.
“Damn, you be a
fine looking paleface, brother. I’d volunteer to sit on yore’
totem pole if’n Master Long will let me.” everyone roared at
Rabbit.
“Thank you,
Chief. I’ll keep that in mind and take it up with my Master
later. Thank you so much for your encouragement and funny things
you had to talk about when you came to visit me. You always
cheered me up. I looked forward to everyone of your, Travis and
Master Waco’s visits.”
Ox finally got
his turn and Lucas broke down in his arms. He swore to himself he
wasn’t going to, but sometimes a man’s heart doesn’t listen to his
brain. Ox held him and sang to him again. They didn’t want
to let each other go, until Waco commented they had to finish the
decorations and Ox was their ladder.
Lazarus told
Lucas to join the boys and see if he could lend a hand getting things
done for the party. Lucas joined right in.
“Lord, Master
Long, can I book myself into your clinic for a few improvements.
What chu’ done for that boy goes far beyond what chore’ average body
and fender shop can do.” Charlie laughed.
“You don’t need
nothing done to you, Boss. You’re unique and fine the way you
is. You’re welcome to bunk it in with yore’ ramrod anytime.”
“That’s a
comfort to know.” Charlie laughed, “Do you think the boy has any
idea
how good looking he is now?”
“I don’t think
the full impact’s hit him yet. It will soon enough. I just
hope he stays as untouched and simple as his is now. I mean no
puns by that.”
“I know what you
mean. He’s basic and honest.”
“I think he’s
far more intelligent than I first thought. I jes’ have a
feeling he’s gonna’ surprise a number of folks, but first I want to git
him trained. I’ll be curious to see what Cotton and Hoot have to
say about him.”
“You jes’ may
not git him back from them two.” Charlie laughed.
“I don’t think
so. I’m impressed them men are thorough professionals. I
think they’ll be the perfect trainers for him. I doubt he’ll need
much training at all. He told me his brothers kept him as their
personal slave for years. They locked him up in a chainlink cage
ever’ night and would only let him out to clean for them or suck their
dicks. He said he never got fucked, ‘cause they thought he was
too ugly.”
“Poor kid, being
your slave should be like heaven to him.”
“You don’t think
I’d be that easy on him, do you?”
“No, not
necessarily easy. You’ll treat him the way you treat all your
servants, like a benevolent monarch. You’ll rule over him with an
iron fist in a velvet glove. I’ll bet chu’ a new pair of boots
he’s already calling you ‘father.’” Charlie laughed.
“I won’t take
that bet, Boss. You know me too damn well.” Lazarus winked
at him and laughed. Charlie slapped his knee and laughed harder.
The band arrived
and Waco showed them where to set up. He had the slaves put down
the dais they used for the slave ceremony. The place was coming
together and looking great. There were uncarved pumpkins placed
all around and corn strung up to most of the main post. The
slaves brought in several picnic tables, and they put them end to end
for food and drink. It was beginning to look like a party.
Folks began to
arrive, and the party got underway. First to arrive was Angus,
his
family, his foreman and his body slave, Shane. Angus hadn’t met
Lucas, but he was following his progress through Charlie. He knew
it would be Lucas’ first introduction to his new circle of friends and
family. Lucas finished working and helping Waco and his
crew. He took his place beside his Master.
Angus came
directly to Lazarus followed closely by his ramrod, Bill
Birdsall. The men had the biggest grins on their
faces. They shook hands, hugged and kissed. Angus stepped
back to get a good look at Lucas as did Bill.
“Dayamn, Lazarus
couldn’t chu’ made him jes’ a little better look’n?” Angus asked
and roared with laugher. Bill just shook his head in
wonder. Angus continued, “I want the name of yore’ slave-vet,
Son. He does
damn good work. Fuck me in the butt if’n he ain’t about the
purdiest damn slave-boy I ever did seen.”
“Mr. Goodnight,
may I present my new slave and housekeeper, Lucas Long. Son,— ”
Lazarus softly snapped his fingers and pointed to Angus’ big cowboy
boots. Lucas handed Lazarus his hat and fell to his knees.
“Permission to
pay homage to your boots, Master Goodnight?”
“Permission
granted, good slave.” Angus said with sincerity.
They completed
the ritual and Lucas was no more immune to Angus’ bullshit charms than
Waco, Travis or Rabbit. He was as impressed as they were with the
big man.
“Welcome to the
family, Lucas. I know you’ll make a fine slave for my brother’s
ramrod.”
“Thank you,
Master Goodnight. I’ll work hard to be a good slave for my
Master, Sir.”
“I’m sure you
will. You lucked out, Son. You got chore’self one a’ the
best,— the pick a’ the litter.”
Lucas completed
the ritual with Bill Birdsall and was impressed by his body and that of
his slave. Shane hugged and kissed the boy and told him he was
jes’ a wee bit jealous of Lucas getting to serve such a fine man and
cowboy as Master Long.
Lucas even
attracted Angus’ two son’s attention who usually never much cared what
their dad was interested in, let alone slaves; however Lucas caught
their eye, and he had to go through the ritual with each of them.
They were as impressed as the other men with his gentility and
sincerity.
The first thing
guests wanted to know from Charlie was where was his ramrod and his new
slave? Ranger Gibbons was no exception. He was twitching
like a five year old in church who had to go to the bathroom. He
had Mary on his arm, and she looked radiant. They were followed
by Bobby and Elsie Jessup. Ranger came over and pumped Lazarus’
hand like a pump handle on a well that was almost dry, grabbed him in a
bear hug, kissed him and exclaimed,
“I can’t believe
this, ramrod. You outdone yourself, Sir. I don’t wonder you
give him yore’ name.”
Lazarus
introduced Lucas to Ranger and Mrs. Gibbons. Lucas went through
the ritual with Ranger and found him as appealing as Angus. Mary
gave Lazarus a hug and a kiss on his cheek. She whispered another
word of thanks. Then she turned to Lucas, gave him a hug and a
peck on his cheek. Lucas blushed and everyone laughed.
“You are a
fortunate young man, Lucas Long. Your Master is much loved in
this community. Serve him well. You will never serve a
better man, Son.”
“Thank you,
ma’am. I appreciate your kind words.” Lucas bowed slightly
to Mary Gibbons.
Bobby Jessup
dropped to his knees in front of Lazarus and paid homage to his
boots. Lazarus completed the ritual with Bobby and laughed.
“You’re too damn
old to be doing that ritual, Son.” Lazarus chastised him.
“Not in yore’
case, Master Long. I done what I done out of respect and to show
your handsome, young slave us older slaves got us a high regard and
love for his Master.” Bobby hugged and kissed Lucas. Lucas
almost lost it in Bobby’s arms. Bobby Jessup was the ultimate,
fine looking older male slave in Lucas’ opinion. Elsie hugged and
kissed Lazarus and did the same for Lucas. They each told Lucas
he had a wonderful new Master. It wasn’t until later Lucas made
the connection, Bobby and Elsie were Travis’ parents.
The sheriff
arrived and sought out Lazarus. No one told him about the
transformation of Caleb Stamper into Lucas Long. He shook
Lazarus’ hand but couldn’t take his eyes off Lucas. Lucas was a
bit nervous. Lazarus sensed his nervousness and put his big arm
around his shoulder and pulled him close.
“Sheriff
Lassiter may I present to you my new slave, Lucas Long.” Lazarus
snapped his fingers and Lucas, once again, fell to his knees. He
went through the ritual with the sheriff, but the sheriff was
confused. Lucas could see it in his face.
“He’s a fine
looking slave, Master Long, but what happened to the Stamper boy?”
“He ain’t here
tonight, Sheriff.” Lazarus didn’t elaborate. Lucas knew
what his Master was doing, but said nothing. He was right, Caleb
Stamper wasn’t there.
The sheriff was
more confused than ever. He didn’t want to be rude by asking what
happened to the Stamper boy, but he knew Lazarus called the boy ‘Lucas
Long.’ ‘Could this boy be Lazarus’ son? He looked a lot
like
him. Did he decide to make a slave of his own son instead?
Wow, that’s hot!’ he thought to himself. Then, he chastised
himself for being a perverted old man.
If Sheriff
Lassiter was confused, George Tennent was flabbergasted. He
couldn’t get over Lucas and kept trying to get Lazarus to tell him how
much he paid for his new slave. He even asked Lazarus if Lucas
was a relation of his. Lazarus didn’t lie to him when he put his
arm around Lucas and told him he was, indeed, a relation of his; but,
much to George Tennent’s dismay, Lazarus didn’t elaborate
further. They could see the wheels spinning in Tennent’s eyes.
“Did you buy him
from out of state?” Tennent pried.
“Naw, Sir,—
local.”
Lazarus’ reply
was even worse for Tennent. He thought he had his finger in every
pie and his ear to the ground. Lucas almost laughed out loud, but
he wasn’t about to give his Master away. Tennent finally moved on
muttering to himself. Lucas heard his Master laughing under his
breath.
“You’re wicked,
Master. I like that in a man.” Lucas looked up and grinned
at Lazarus. Lazarus really did laugh then. “Do you think they’ll
figure it out, Sir?”
“I’m bet’n they
don’t. I got me a ten spot ride’n with my boss they don’t put two
and two together, but we agreed he can tell ‘em after a while.
Maybe they’ll overhear something. Either way, I wasn’t trying to
deceive ‘em. I’d a’ told ‘em myself,— eventually. I jes’
wanted to have a little fun.” Lazarus smiled and winked at
Lucas. “Now do you believe me, you’re a fine looking young man?”
“Yes, Sir,
Master. I’ve never been the center of attention before, ‘cep’n
when ma’ brothers stood in line for a blow job. Ain’t never had
no one kiss me until you kissed me earlier this evening in the
hospital. I’m wondering if I didn’t get ground up for dog food
and this is heaven.”
Lazarus didn’t
comment, but he pulled the boy closer with his arm.
Cotton Daniels
and Hoot Austin were the next to arrive. They, too, had been
keeping close tabs on the progress of Lazarus’ new slave. They
weren’t told the extent of his medical care or how it was accomplished,
but Lazarus told Charlie it was only a matter of time before he would
reveal all to them as well. Charlie was pleased two of the
men he was fond of were to be chosen. It made him feel like
he picked some winners in life to befriend. He already knew it in
his heart, but it was nice to have it confirmed.
Lazarus briefly
mentioned to Lucas about training and told him about Cotton and Hoot
when they walked though the barn doors to be welcomed by Charlie, Waco
and his posse.
“They’re
attractive men, Master.” Lucas said quietly.
“I’m glad you
think so. I think they’re rather fine looking men myself. I
could imagine myself laying between them for an evening.” Lazarus
said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Lucas put
his hand to his mouth and coughed instead of laughing.
“We must be
related, Sir. I was having the same thought.” Lucas allowed.
“We are related,
Son. Don’t chu’ never forgit it, neither.”
Charlie pointed
out where Lazarus and Lucas were standing, and the men headed directly
for them. Of course they went to Lazarus first and exchanged
greetings. They were cowboys and would only settle for
full body contact and a kiss on the cheek, but neither man could take
his eyes off Lucas. Lucas took his hat off and threw it on a
nearby bail of hay. He waited for his Master to present him.
“So this is your
new slave, Master Lazarus? Fine looking piece of slave flesh,
Sir, if’n I do say so myself.” allowed Hoot Austin.
“Thank you,
Master Austin, coming from you that’s quite a compliment.
Gentlemen, may I present my new slave and houseboy, Lucas Long.
Son,—.” Lazarus spoke gently to Lucas. He responded
immediately and lavished great attention and much love on Hoot Austin’s
boots. Lucas was not wrong in his assumption his new potential
trainers would be watching closely and judging his willingness and
sincerity to become a good slave. He completed the ritual and
when Hoot wanted to kiss him full on the mouth he responded in kind and
returned the cowboy’s kiss with good intent.
“Welcome to the
fold, young slave. I don’t often compliment a new slave I might
have some interest in training, but I’ll make an exception with
you. I know of your background, and think you probably need all
the encouragement you can git right now. This is all so new and
maybe a bit frightening to you. Never fear, young one.
You’re in the best of hands. All you have to do is accept your
position and learn to love it. The rest will come easy for you.”
“Thank you,
Master Austin, I’m flattered and pleased you care enough to express
yourself to me. I’ll remember your words and take them to heart,
Sir. I’ve been given a second chance in life, and I feel as if
I’ve been reborn to a new and wonderful family. What little you
or my Master might require of me will be pleasure compared to my last
life.”
“Well said,
slave.” commented Cotton Daniels.
Lucas did the
same with Cotton Daniels he did with Hoot Austin. He was as open
and giving with him. Cotton didn’t have much to say, but Lucas
could tell he was as impressed as his partner. Lucas didn’t have
to ask his Master, he instinctively knew Cotton and Hoot were bonded
mates. He also realized they were ex-slaves. It made sense
to him, if he must be trained, his Master couldn’t have picked two
finer
men who themselves had been slaves. Who better to know the heart
of a slave and get out of him the finest for his Master than he who was
himself once a slave. Lucas
wasn’t threatened by them in the least. In fact, he kept a
roaring hard-on the entire time the men were talking with him and
Lazarus. Of course, it wasn't missed by Cotton or Hoot.
“I think that’s
all the Masters and guest what you need to be introduced to,
Lucas. If you’d like to join Master Waco and the other boys, that
will be fine. I need to speak with Masters Hoot and Cotton for a
few minutes. Don’t wander too far without letting me know where
you’re going, Son.”
“I won’t,
Master.” Lucas grabbed his hat and spoke to Cotton and Hoot.
“It’s been a pleasure to meet you gentlemen, Master Hoot and Master
Cotton. I’ll look forward to talking with you again later this
evening.”
“Count on it,
Son.” said Cotton with affection in his voice.
Lucas
walked
away to join Waco. Once a slave made obeisance to a Master during
a period of time together he didn’t have to keep repeating the ritual
every time he returned to his presence. Many times one slave from
a group would be chosen to represent them all to pay obeisance to their
Master. It may sound silly in our scheme of things, but in their
world it kept a balance between the separation of their
positions. It was a constant and powerful reminder of their place.
“We knew that
boy before, Master Lazarus.” Hoot told him. “We visited out to
the Stamper farm many times. We saw what was going on with the
boy, but we couldn’t do nothing about it. His brothers treated
him worse than a hated farm animal. His daddy didn’t care nothing
about him. The old man would git drunk and threaten to sell ever’
damn one a them boys. Of course, you know our ears would perk up
ever’ time he mentioned so we kept purdy close contact with him.
You know the old saying, ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies
closer.’ We wanted to be the first slavers what popped in his
mind if and when he decided to sell ‘em. He didn’t call
Tennent for the sale of this boy. The sheriff did. We ain’t
‘in’ as tight with the sheriff as Tennent. They go back a long
ways. and we suspect Lassiter might have some’um stuck in his craw
about
ex-slaves being slavers. We’ll eventually win him over.
H’it’s only and matter of time.” Hoot smiled.
“We would a’
never sold the boy for dog food no matter how bad he was. There’s
always some’um you can find for a young slave to do what’s not gonna’
require him to be good looking.” added Cotton. “I don’t know how
you done it, Master, but he don’t look nothing like he did before.”
“You gentlemen
will learn my secrets soon enough,— trust me. You’re part of
Master Goodnight’s extended family, and I consider you part of mine as
well.”
“We’re pleased
and flattered you feel that way, Master Lazarus, we feel the same about
you. We feel like you's kind of a brother being an ex-slave and
all. We know Master Charlie couldn’t be happier with his new
ramrod.”
“We are
brothers, Hoot. We know the secrets of a slave's heart most men
don't have no clue about. You can't ever fully know a man until
you done walked a mile in his boots. Knowing that, I'm wondering
what you men think of Lucas? Am I doing the right thing by
sending him immediately to you for training? He just got out of
the hospital this afternoon. He ain’t had no time to adjust to
his new body
and face.”
“My honest
opinion,” said Hoot, “is to git a new slave into training with a third
party trainer as soon as possible. Don’t never try to train him
yore’self. A lot a’ new Masters what think they’re gonna’ save a
few bucks make that mistake and eventually end up sending the slave to
us for ‘retraining.’ Then we train him the proper way, and they
won’t have no more problems with ‘em; however, there are exceptions to
every rule. I think Lucas is one of ‘em.” Hoot stopped for
a moment, rubbed his chin and smiled at his partner. Cotton
nodded for him to go on.
“What we jes’
done seen is a natural born slave. Even if’n he weren’t born a
slave, his brothers made pert-damn sure they made him one. The
kid ain’t never had no chance at being nothing else. We saw him
cater to their every whim and never give him so much as a crumb of
reward or encouragement. There was no love on that farm or in
their house, only a dog eat
dog environment and a never ending contest to see who could wolf
down the most the fastest. To see what them boys was doing to
that kid was unbelievable. Cinderella had it easy compared to
that boy. The kid was overwhelmed with jes’ trying to stay alive
let alone satisfy them five assholes with raging hormones.
He was like one
a’ them little baby birds you see on them nature programs on T.V. where
the biggest baby birds get all the parent’s attention and the most
food, only to leave the little one to grow weaker and finally
die. I think that’s where the kid was when Sheriff Lassiter
called you and Master Charlie.”
“No doubt about
it, he was laying across the threshold of death’s door.” Lazarus
said grimly.
“Didn’t I tell
you I didn’t think the kid would survive another year, brother?”
Hoot ask Cotton.
“You shore’ did,
partner.” Cotton shook his head.
“The boy said it
all
when he told me what little we might require of him will be a cakewalk
from what he already had to put up with. I don’t know the boy is
gonna’ need that much training. My suggestion would be to keep
him through the holidays. We can’t do much with him until after
the first of the year no ways. We got enough on our plate right
now, and we don’t take on a heavy load this time of year ‘cause we
enjoy the holidays
with friends and neighbors. We have folks to our place and go to
a lot of
Christmas functions in the community so we’d jes’ be neglecting him at
a happy time of year. We was gonna' take him jes' as a favor to
you. Keep him and enjoy him through the first of
the year, then let’s talk. Besides ‘at, you
ain’t ready to let go of him jes’ yet, and even when you are, I don’t
see us keep’n him three full months. I’d rather have him come to
us for a couple of weeks at first and then a couple of weekends per
month for three months. I think that’s all he’s gonna’
require. A lot depends on how intelligent he is, and from what we
jes’ witnessed, he’s got plenty smarts.”
“I think you’re
right, Hoot. He’s even smarter than I thought. He’s
surprised me a couple of times with his observations and once he’s got
a concept in his head, he don’t never forgit it.”
“There you
go. That’s your answer, ramrod. This is the season for
folks to grow close to one another where family means the most.
Don’t
send the kid away when you can form a stronger bond by showing him a
little love right now. He’s still got raw areas. He’s sit’n
on top of ‘em hold’n ‘em down, but h'it won’t be long before they’ll
come
spill’n over. You’re just beginning to form a bond. Being
there for
him when it gits bad is only gonna’ strengthen yore’ bond.
Sending him away right now is sort of like abandoning him jes’ after he
left his mother’s womb. You need to take him to your breast and
suckle him.” Hoot laughed at his analogy, but the meaning wasn’t
lost on Lazarus.
“Jes’ leave room
between the two of you for separation. Make sure he understands
he will eventually be sent for
training. You don’t have to tell him how much or how little, jes’
it’s some’um he will have to go through,— like a kid facing
kindergarten. Be honest with him, h’it’s always best for a slave
to be trained by a third party than by his Master. Don’t build it
up to be some’um that will be hard for him to git though. We
wouldn’t put a kid though the same thing we would an adult. We
all might be surprised by this boy. He might not need much
training at all. It’s hard to say, but go slow and take it one
day at a
time with him.”
“I couldn’t ask
for better advice, Master Hoot. Send me your bill.” Lazarus
smiled at him.
“Are you
kidding? Ain’t no charge for a family member’s advice, Master
Long.” Hoot said sincerely sticking out his hand to shake
Lazarus.’ The men shook and Lucas’ fate was sealed. The boy
couldn’t have had better men watching over him and planning for his
future.
* * * * * * *
Sheriff Lassiter
was talking with Charlie, Waco and his men.
“Rabbit you know
I done told you the last time I saw you your granddad told me to tell
you he
was so ashamed and disheartened your dad sold you into slavery.
He sent him away from him in a ceremony which, in effect, told the
world he had no more son. He only had a grandson. Remember
you told me to tell him you wanted him to forgive your dad and accept
him as his son again. I told him you were happy and doing fine
with your new family. He said he knows of the Goodnight family,
and he agreed you would be well taken care of here. I saw him again
not long ago, and he told me to tell you he would like to see you if
your Master could arrange a visit some time soon. He wants you to
know, you are ten times the man your father is and he's sorry but
compassion and goodness sometimes skips a generation. He said you
should not be called ‘Rabbit’ no more. He said that was the name
yore daddy give you, but since he's Chief of your tribe, he declared
you should be known as
‘Little Bear’ because you have the courage of your convictions,
great compassion and the heart of
a bear.”
“Chief Little
Bear. I like that, Chief!” said Charlie. Angus heard
it and raised his glass of spiced cider.
“To Chief Little
Bear!” Exclaimed Agnus, and all the other men standing around
echoed his sentiment.
“To Chief Little
Bear!”
Rabbit blushed and thanked the men. Waco gave him a
hug and a kiss.
“From this day
forth you will be known as ‘Little Bear.’”
There went up a
cheer from everyone.
“We can make a
trip to see his granddad sometime soon, Sheriff. I think all the
men would enjoy that.”
“That would be
great, Dad.” added Waco.
Little Bear went
to Charlie and knelt at his feet. He asked permission to pay
homage to Charlie’s boots. Charlie was somewhat bemused but
granted him permission. They went though the ritual and Little
Bear broke up in Charlie’s arms. Everyone was touched.
“There, there,
Little Bear,— a man with a name like ‘Littler Bear’ don’t need to cry
in his Master’s arms.”
“Beg’n yore’
pardon, Sir,— he does if’n his Master’s as good a man as you and Master
Waco.”
Charlie blushed
a deep red color and all the men laughed. George Tennent and his
son heard it all and were impressed. Little Bear all but ignored
the Tennent boy after he went through the ritual with him.
“He’s got you
there, brother!” Angus bellowed, “Good one, Chief!” he took
Little Bear away from Charlie and gave him a hug.
* * * * * * *
The sheriff and
Mr. Tennent were gathered around Charlie and his boys.
“Did Mr. Long
enslave his own son, Mr. Goodnight?” the sheriff asked
seriously. All the men standing around broke up. Angus spit
his cider halfway across the room. Waco and his boys were
laughing their ass’s off. The sheriff didn’t know what
could be so funny. Neither could Mr. Tennent.”
“I can see how
you might think so.” Charlie said smiling. “After all, the boy
looks jes’ like a younger version of him and has his last name.”
“That’s what we
thought.” chimed in Tennent. “He wouldn’t tell me nothing
about what he paid for him or where he bought him. Said he bought
him local, but unless he bought him from Hoot Austin I don’t know
nothing about it.”
Charlie
laughed. “He did buy him locally, Mr. Tennent,— he bought him
from you for little more than the price per pound for dog food.
You’re looking at the ex-Stamper boy.”
“My, God, in
heaven!” exclaimed the sheriff softly. “Then Mr. Long didn’t lie
to me. The Stamper boy didn’t make it to the party. He
ain’t the Stamper boy no more. Ain’t no doubt in my mind he’s
Lucas Long.”
“Damnation!
How’d that man do it? Talk about silk purses from sow’s
ears! Holy crap! He must have one hell of a vet staff.”
“The very best,
Sir. We ain’t never seen nothing like it. We couldn’t
believe what they did for that boy. Lazarus and I made a
bet. I bet you would recognize the boy, and he bet me you
wouldn't. I lost the bet. Thanks for costing me an extra
ten spot,
gentlemen.” Charlie laughed.
Lazarus knew the
minute Charlie told the sheriff and Mr. Tennent. He laughed and
told Lucas to prepare himself. The sheriff made a beeline back
over to them with Tennent hot on his heels. Sheriff Lassiter
stopped and looked Lucas up and down. He threw his arms around
him and
held him tight. His eyes got glassy as he looked the boy in his
eyes.
“God bless your
soul, Lucas. I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Caleb
Stamper, but praise God he has been reborn as the slave of one of the
finest men in our community. All them bible thumpers talk about
miracles, but I’ve lived to see one today. Welcome to our
family, Son.”
Lucas broke down
in the sheriff’s arms as George Tennent could only look on with wonder
and curiosity.
“Thank you
sheriff. Master Long told me you called him about me. I
have you to thank for my life, Sir. I will forever be in your
debt.”
“Seeing you look
so good is payment enough, Son. All debts are paid between us.”
* * * * * * *
The party was in
full swing and everyone was having a great time enjoying themselves and
square dancing. They weren’t good at it, but they put their all
into it. There was a slave square where some of the slaves danced
the female part. No one thought anything about it. They
were all just having fun and acting silly. Charlie came
walking over with his walkie-talkie in his hand. He had a frown
on his face. Lazarus knew before he got there what was up.
“Sheriff, a van
of Jesus Patrol members have pulled into the drive to the ranch.
Several of my slaves have stopped them by standing in the road to block
their access, but they’re threatening to run over them if they don’t
clear the way. They already done told 'em they weren’t invited
and we’re told by their Master to turn away anyone not invited.”
“Okay, Mr.
Goodnight,— you, Mr. Long and you, Mr. Goodnight,— the sheriff motioned
to Angus, come with me. The rest of you men stay behind and try
to keep the party going without any trouble. Let me take care of
them.”
The men quickly
walked out to the road and heard the loud voices of the angry men from
the Jesus Patrol yelling at the slaves.
“Either you dumb
slaves move out of the road or we’re gonna’ run over you. Don’t
you know who we are? We’re the Jesus Patrol. We’re here in
the name of Jesus and the Lord God Almighty to see if Devil worship and
Satanism is going on at this ranch in the guise of a Halloween
party. It’s our right to check things out.”
“No it
ain’t!” shouted the sheriff. “This ain’t no Halloween party,
it’s a ‘Fall Harvest Barn Dance’ you idiots. Now, turn your van
around and get the hell out of here.”
“Sheriff
Lassiter? What the hell you doing here? You must be one of
them sinners!”
“I was invited
to this party, and there ain’t nothing going on here you got any
business stick’n yore’ noses into. Now, do what I tell you or I’m
gonna’ call a couple of patrol cars to take you men to jail for
trespassing and disturbing the peace.”
“You wouldn’t
dare.” said one of the men boldly, turned to his buddy still in
the middle seat of the van and called his name.
“Luther, we go
us some non-believers here.”
Luther got out
of the truck carrying a thirty-thirty rifle and joined the other two
men in the middle. He aimed it right at the sheriff. The
sheriff saw a blur out of the corner of his right eye of a huge form
moving swiftly in the dark. He recognized it as Ox circling
around behind the van.
“You better drop
that rifle right now, Luther, or you may find yourself looking at a
lifetime as a hard labor slave.”
“Don’t listen to
him, Luther. He’s of the Devil. We should a’ done away with
him a long time ago. We’s fight’n a holy war against the evils of
Satan, and Sheriff Lassiter’s long been a prime suspect!” said
the short, fat squat man.
“I don’t know,
Smitty,— I don’t wanna’ be no slave for life.” complained Luther,
“Maybe we better do what he says. We can take the sheriff’s word
h’it ain’t no Halloween party.”
“Like hell it
ain’t. I ain't take'n his word. He's one of 'em. I
can
see the orange and black decorations from here.”
The sheriff
smiled as he watched the huge form of Ox slowly walk up behind the
three men. He was so quiet they didn’t have a clue.
“You men are
surrounded. You better turn around and look behind you.”
“Aww, that’s the
oldest damn trick in the book, Sheriff. Luther, if’n you
ain’t
got the balls to stand up for the Lord and rid the world of Devil
worshipers, I shore’ as hell do!” Shouted the fat little man as
he reached inside his jacket and whipped out a thirty-eight
special. He aimed it at the sheriff and fired.
There was a blur
and someone yelled, “Nooooo!” as he jumped in front of Sheriff Lassiter
and
took the bullet meant to kill the sheriff. It all happened so
fast no one could do anything. The sheriff caught the small man
on his way down and held him in his arms. They all heard a scream
that would have curdled any man’s blood as Ox took the fat man who shot
the gun, picked him up and threw him as far as he could away from the
others to land in a patch of prickly pear and choya cactus. The
other two men, he simply knocked their heads together, and they were
out cold.
The sheriff
turned the young cowboy over only to see Lucas Long bleeding from his
shoulder.
“Lucas!
Oh, no! Oh, God, Son! No!” cried the sheriff.
“I couldn’t let
him kill you, Sheriff.” Lucas whispered, “You’re important to our
family.” Then Lucas passed out. Ox was at the sheriff’s
side to take Lucas from him.
“Let Ox have
him, Sheriff. There’s time to save him. You know what to
do, Son.” Lazarus spoke to Ox.
Ox was away to
the old barn faster than any man could and carried Lucas. There
he hit his fist against the post next to the portal button three times,
and the portal sprang up. He carried Lucas directly to sickbay
and was met by Cable and the med-bots. They started work on Lucas
immediately. The boy lost a lot of blood and needed a
transfusion. Ox knew his blood was interchangeable with
humans. He gave blood to Lazarus and Arlen several times, and
they
had given him theirs. He motioned for the med-bots to use his
blood.
Meanwhile, back
at the ranch, the sheriff handcuffed the three men and left them
sitting up against the van waiting for his men to arrive to take
them to jail. The fat one was yelling about how much he
hurt from the cactus in him. The sheriff sneered at him and
kicked him in the nuts with his big cowboy boot. It shut him up
pretty quick.
“I have to be
with Lucas, Sheriff.” said Lazarus, “Can you leave them men with
Charlie and Angus to turn over to your men.”
“Sure, I wanna’
go to the boy. He saved my life, Mr. Long.”
“Cotton,— you
and Hoot come with us. We may need you. Time some of your
questions were answered anyway. Waco, you and the boys go back to
the party and tell everyone everything is okay. Make sure the
party continues. We can’t let them bastards get the better of us
or they win.”
“Yes, Sir, Cap,—
I mean Master Long.” Waco cringed.
“Come with me,
gentlemen.” Lazarus spoke to the sheriff, Cotton and Hoot.
As the men
passed the new barn, Ranger came out and ask where they were
going. Lazarus told him to join them if he wanted, they were
going to sickbay. Lucas was shot, but he’ll be okay. Ranger
fell in with the men and knew they were going to the portal in the old
barn.
They reached the
barn and walked behind the stacked hay. Lazarus pulled his remote
from his pocket and hit a button. The portal sprang up
instantly.
The three men gasped, but Ranger chuckled at their reaction.
“Just walk
through, gentlemen.” Lazarus instructed, but they
hesitated.
Ranger pushed them aside and walked through. They watched as
Ranger’s arm reappeared and motioned them to come. Lazarus
laughed as the men follow him through. They arrived at sickbay,
and the three naked androids, Cable, David and Jonathan were
assisting the med-bots give Lucas a transfusion of Ox’s blood.
They had tears in their eyes.
“Oh,
Father,—.” David went to Lazarus and put his arms around him.
“There, there,
Son,— not to worry. He’s gonna’ be jes’ fine.”
“We know, but
the
poor kid just left here today. It must be a violent world out
there.”
“It is,
Son. It ain’t a place for one as beautiful as you.”
“Welcome to
Captain Long’s star-ship, gentlemen.” said Ranger smiling at the
sheriff, Cotton and Hoot.
“Woah, dogies!”
exclaimed Cotton. “Brother, we done landed smack dab in the
middle of a Star Trek episode.”
“No, you
ain’t!” said Lazarus, “Hell, they were centuries behind the
technology on this ship. Don’t insult the Bandersnatch, cowboy.”
Lazarus chuckled as he walked around to hold Ox’s hand. How’s
Lucas doing, Son?” he spoke to Cable who was obviously in charge and
very busy.
“His vitals are
stable and his blood pressure is getting back to normal. We
removed the
bullet. There wasn’t much internal damage. It’s all been
sealed. With a couple of days rest, he’ll be good as he was when
he left the ship a little earlier.”
“Can he be moved
tonight?” Lazarus ask.
“As soon as he
comes to, we can give him some pain killers, a mild stimulant, and he
should be able to walk back with you.”
“That’s what I
like to hear. I knew there was a reason I put you in charge,
Son.” Lazarus patted the beautiful android on his back. He
smiled and thanked Lazarus.
“Thank you for
your confidence in me, Father. I will always do my best for you.”
“I know you
will, Son, you always do.”
The sheriff had
been quiet just observing what was going on.
“Why me?” he ask
Lazarus quietly.
“Why not
you?” Lazarus answered.
“Why have you
chosen me to share this with?”
“I didn’t.
You were chosen thousands of years ago before you were even
created. You’re a part of the greater whole. All you men
have a part to play in the great escape in the final days. It’s
better you know up front than try to deceive you for several
years. You can handle it;
otherwise, your names wouldn’t be on my list of those to be saved.”
“My God, is
there really something to end time prophecy?”
“Yes and
no. It’s gonna’ happen, Sheriff, but it ain’t gonna’ be like them
bible thumpers preach it. You’re gonna’ know the truth, because
you’re gonna’ live it. Them folks don’t have no clue, and they
will perish. You and your families will survive and populate a
new world and a new Earth.”
“Is this the
ship we saw pass over the Goodnight ranch in early June at Waco’s
birthday party?”
“The
same.” said Lazarus.
“Where could you
hide a ship that large?”
“In the blue
granite mountains on the Northern part of Mr. Goodnight’s property.”
“And that door,
goes from the barn,— .”
“Directly to any
place I want it to go. In this case, to sickbay.”
“By the
way,
Captain Long. Since this is sickbay, can I git my shot while I’m
here?” asked Ranger.
“Sure, Son,—
drop yore’ Wranglers. David give Mr. Gibbons the longevity serum.”
“What’s that,
Captain Long?” asked Hoot.
You wanna’ take
this one, Mr. Gibbons.
“It’s a shot to
rearrange or add some genetic information to your DNA what will allow
you to live for several thousand years,— right, Captain?” Ranger
asked.
“Right,
Son. If you’re gonna’ have to populate another planet and a new
Earth you have to live longer than a normal life span.”
“Can we git one,
Captain Long?” asked Hoot.
“Shore, Son,
drop yore'
pants.” Ranger already got his shot, and David moved behind
Cotton and Hoot to give them theirs.
“You got one
more, Captain Long?” asked the sheriff.
“Thought you’d
never ask.” Lazarus winked at him and smiled, “Drop your pants,
Son.” The sheriff follow suit and dropped his pants. David
gave him the shot.
“Can I tell them
how old you are, Captain Long?” asked Ranger.
“I don’t mind,
but it makes me feel s’damn old when I hear it.”
“Captain Long is
two-thousand, two-hundred and nineteen years old, gentlemen.”
There was a
stunned silence in the room.
“You’re one hell
of a buckaroo to be that old, Captain Long.” allowed Hoot.
“Thank you,
Son. I been told I don't look a day over two thousand.”
Lazarus grinned and winked at him.
Lucas was coming
around. Everything was repaired and bandaged. Lazarus
leaned over and kissed Lucas gently on his lips.
“That’s for
being a hero, but when you’re better I’m turning you over my knee and
giving that little ass of yore’n a good spank’n with my hand,
boy. You liked to have stopped this old man’s heart,— to say
nothing of your own.” Lazarus grinned at him.
“I’m sorry,— .”
“You can call me
‘father’ here. These men understand.”
“Thank you,
Father. I’m sorry I made you worry, Sir, but it wasn’t all my
fault. The Kryscellians called to me. They told me there
was a ninety-six point eight percent chance Sheriff Lassiter would be
killed by an assassin’s bullet. They gave me a sixty-three point
six percent chance of not being killed if I took the bullet. My
odds were better than his, Father. What would you have done?”
“The same damn
thing you did, Son. I’m proud of you, Lucas. Ain’t no doubt
in my mind you saved the sheriff’s life.”
“I knew it
before that, Son.” added the sheriff. “Thank you, Lucas. Now, I’m
in your debt.”
“Let’s call it
even, Sheriff.” Lucas offered him his hand and the sheriff took
it.
“Agreed, Son.”
“So this is
where you performed the miracle of creating Lucas Long?” Hoot
asked.
“I didn’t do
it. I just told them what I wanted, and they did the magic.
Cable is my main man, here. He saw to every detail.”
“Are these men
like us, Captain Long?” asked the sheriff. “They look so
perfect and handsome.”
“They are
bio-mechanical men, Sheriff. They’re sentient beings like you and
me, but they don’t require food. They’re fully anatomically
correct, as you can see, and capable of any sexual function you might
imagine. They have emotions and they can reason. They
understand anger and are capable of great love. They feel pain
and can be hurt just like us. I had them created several hundred
years ago to take care of me and my partner. They look upon me as
their progenitor. That’s why I allow them to call me
‘father.’ Lucas pointed out to me, since I recreated him, he
should be allowed to call me ‘father.’ I agree with him, but he
may only call me that in private and never ‘dad’ or ‘daddy.’ That
wouldn’t be appropriate.
“Amazing.” said
the sheriff.
Cable assisted
Lucas and had him sitting up. He helped him put on his cleaned
and repaired Western shirt and put his arm in a sling. He looked
every bit the hero.
“Nice repair
job, brothers.” Lucas said to David and Jonathan.
“Thank you,
little brother. Glad to be of service.” said Jonathan.
“Do you think
God would look upon it as a sin to lust after a bio-mechanical
man?” Sheriff Lassiter asked Lazarus with a big grin.
“If’n he does, I
done already got me a foot and a leg in the door!” Laughed Ranger
Gibbons.
“Move
over! Make room for two more, brother.” Laughed Cotton and
Hoot. “Damnation! I ain’t never seen me no purdier men than them
in my life!” allowed Hoot.
“I hear ya,’
brother.” agreed the sheriff. “By the way, will our families be able to
git the shot we done jes’ got, Captain?”
“Anytime you
want ‘em to have it. You can tell ‘em it’s a vaccination against
aging. You won’t be lying. Men in the butt, but ladies in
the arm.”
“Any reason for
that?” asked Ranger.
“Naw,— I jes'
like
to see men’s butts.” Laughed Lazarus. They all broke up
laughing.
“I should a’
know’d better’n to ask.” Ranger shook his head.
“You think you
can walk with us men back to the party for a while, Son?”
“I think so,
Father.” Lucas hugged and kissed Ox. “Thank you again, my
beautiful beast. I love you, Ox.”
<< I love
you, too, little brother. Make our father happy. >>
Lucas smiled and
nodded.
“We won’t stay
long, Son. We’ll just make an appearance to let everyone know
you’re okay. Then I’ll walk you home and put you to bed.”
The men walked
back through the portal and to the party. They walked in and the
music stopped. The sheriff held up his hand to speak.
“Friends and
neighbors, this young man, Master Lazarus’ new slave, Lucas, saved my
life this evening. He took a bullet in his shoulder meant for
me. Thank God he’s all right and will be fine. I can’t
forget to mention our friend and Master Waco’s right hand man, Ox,
saved the day by disarming the religious extremist terrorists.
Remember Ox, Lucas and me in your prayers this evening. The
culprits are on their way to jail and are looking at lifetime
enslavement at hard labor. Let’s give the young man and Ox a
round of applause for their bravery.”
Everyone
applauded for Lucas and Ox. Lucas stood next to Lazarus as close
as he could get and blushed. Lazarus put his arm around him and
held him close.
“If you’ll
excuse us, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve had a full day.” spoke Lazarus,
“I’m taking the boy
home and putting him to bed. Please, go on with your party.”
The music
started again and Lazarus escorted Lucas to the door. Waco and
his men were there with Charlie. They wanted to hug and touch
Lucas, but Lazarus insisted he was still sore. They could see him
tomorrow. He would be spending some time back in sickbay
tomorrow,
and they could visit him there.
Lazarus walked
Lucas slowly across the compound. He held his arm around the boy
for support and never let him go.
“Home.” Lucas
said quietly. “Ain’t never had me no home before,
Father. I won’t know how to act.”
“I have a
feeling you’ll take to it like a duck to water, Lucas. You
surprised the shit out of me tonight. I didn’t know whether it
was too soon to expose you to a lot of people, but you handled yourself
like a gentleman-slave. I was impressed and proud of you, boy.”
“I was scared to
death, Sir. The only thing what got me though it was your
strength and knowing I didn’t wanna’ embarrass you. I wanted to
make you proud of me, Father. After a while it got easier ‘cause
I didn’t
have to worry about people looking at me or making fun of me. I
felt like I was as good looking as anyone else.”
“Better looking
than most.” Lazarus allowed.
They reached the
foreman’s house and Lazarus held the door for Lucas to walk in.
It was his first glimpse of the big house, and he was in awe of
it. He took his hat off, walked a few steps and stood looking
around at everything.
“What’da’ ya’
think, Son?”
“It’s like
something out of a dream, Father. A dream I’ve had for so
long. It’s like I’ve been here before, and I’m comfortable
here. It’s like this house calls to me,— like it needs me.
It wants me to take care of it.”
“That’s a good
sign. That’s what I bought you for. There were other
reasons, but that was the main one.”
“I’ll show you
the downstairs tomorrow. Let’s go upstairs, I’ll get you
undressed, and we’ll go to bed. I’m tired, and I know you must
be.”
“I am kinda
tired. I’m glad we didn’t stay at the party. I wanted a
chance to be alone with you.”
“You’re gonna’
get chore’ wish. I’m gonna’ have you sleep with me,
tonight. I’m worried you might wake up in a strange place and be
frightened. Having someone next to you might make you feel
safer. I know having you next to me will make me feel a hell of a
lot safer.” Lazarus chuckled.
“I was hoping I
might get to sleep with you. I understand it’s just
temporary. After tonight I probably will be okay on my own, Sir.”
Lazarus had him
sit on the bed while he removed his boots and socks.
“I should be
doing that for you, Father.”
“You’ll have
plenty of time for that. Tonight, you’re the hero who needs
tending to. I ain’t too proud a man to take care of my slave and
nurse him back to health.”
Lazarus gently
removed his shirt and hung it over the back of a chair. Cable had
to cut his undershirt off, so he had no undergarments on. Lazarus
undid his belt buckle, opened his Wranglers, had Lucas lay back on the
bed and pulled them off of him. The boy was completely naked.
Lazarus couldn’t
help admiring the beauty of Lucas’ youthful body. He was proud of
his med staff’s handiwork. They created a masterpiece.
Lazarus pulled
down the covers and had Lucas scoot up into the bed and covered him
up. He stood, yawned and stretched. He slowly
undressed as Lucas watched his every move. It was like the boy’s
eyes were worshiping him. He got his clothes off and stood so
Lucas could get a good look at him.
“Are you really
as old as Mr. Gibbons told those men, Father?”
“Every year,
Son. Does it make a difference?”
“Lord, no,
Master. You’re in much better shape than Caleb Stamper’s dad.”
Lazarus thought
it was healthy the way Lucas referred to himself in the past as ‘Caleb
Stamper.’
“Will I get the
longevity shot, too, Father.”
“You already
did, Son. When I bought you,— you became my slave and my
property. A Master has a right to have any medical treatment done
to his slave he wants. I wanted you to have the longevity
gene. I plan on keeping you around for,— oh, at least a couple of
thousand years. I may not keep you as my slave for all that
time. I may give you your freedom after serving me faithfully for
several hundred years,— that is, if you want your freedom. You
may be very happy as my slave and wish to continue on a year to year
basis.” Lazarus came to the other side of the bed, pulled down
the covers and got in.
“Would you like
for me to hold you for a while, Son?”
“Yes, Sir, I’d
like that very much.”
Lucas rolled
into Lazarus’ big cowboy arms and let out a deep sigh.
“What was that
for?” he asked curiously.
“Contentment.
Like an old cow what’s jes’ been milked and fed.”
“That good, huh?”
“The best
feeling I ever had, Father.”
“You feel
pert-damn good to me, too, Son.”
“Thanks for my
foreskin, Father. I been want’n to tell you that all evening, but
I was afraid it might embarrass you.”
“As old as I am,
Son, I doubt anything you could ever tell me would embarrass me.
I’m glad you like it. I wanted my slave boy to have a penis
similar to mine. I wanted you to have a foreskin. It’s far
more enjoyable than having a bald penis. It’s barbaric what
parents do to their children in the name of religion. Have you
tried it out yet?”
“Naw, Sir.
I got hard a number of times, but I ain’t never played with it.
It’s bigger than Caleb’s was. I didn’t wanna’ play with myself
until I asked you about it.”
“Well, don’t
then. Wait for a couple of nights, and I’ll take you for your
first time. By that, I mean I’ll take your come and swallow it.”
“You’d do that
for me?”
“Shore,’ if'n I
had my way I’d make it a law every father has to take his son’s first
load. It should be a right of passage for the boy and his
father. Then, on his eighteenth birthday the son should pay
homage to the man what made him and take his load to complete the
cycle.”
“Will I be
required to take care of you, Father?”
“Not until
you're
older. While it would be my right as a Master to take a male
slave sexually after his twelfth birthday, I don’t believe in
that. I think you should be older,— at least sixteen or maybe
eighteen. It would depend on how fast a slave matures.”
“In the
meantime, at least for a while, I want you to come to me and ask my
permission before you jack-off. I may want to be a dirty old man
and watch or maybe jack-off with you. I may just wanna’ keep
track of how much you’re playing with yourself. There ain’t
nothing wrong with it and most times I’ll probably jes’ tell you to go
on ahead, but until I tell you different, I want you to show me that
respect by asking permission.”
“I will,
Father. I won’t have no problem with it, Sir. Caleb was
never allowed to jack-off. He was punished badly if’n one of his
brothers caught him. As good as it feels, it jes’ weren’t worth
it.”
“Tomorrow’s
Saturday. I’m taking you back to the ship in the morning for
another
healing session with the Kryscellians. Then, we’ll have some time
to spend together getting to know each other better. Now, give
your father a kiss and let’s us git some sleep.”
Lucas turned and
kissed Lazarus gently on the lips, and Lazuras returned it with the
gentleness of a saint.
“Goodnight,
Father,— I love you.”
“I love you,
too, Son.”
Lucas drifted
off to an exhausted sleep held in the arms of his savior. He felt
safer than he ever felt before. It was as relaxing as it was
exhilarating. He slept the peaceful dreams of a man-child, who
was on the brink of discovery. He dreamed he was standing on the
top of a mountain looking down into a wonderfully lush green valley
where everything was natural and perfect. He turned to look
behind him to a scene of chaos. He saw Caleb's family
living in a
garbage dump rummaging through refuse, shoving it into their mouths
as fast as they could pick through the piles of waste. There was
no end to it, and for them there was no escape. He didn’t feel
sad or sympathetic for them. He didn’t feel anything. He
didn’t even feel any guilt for having left them to their squalor.
He heard his new family in the valley below calling his name, “Lucas,—
come, join us. Come live, work, learn, love and grow with
us. We want you to be with us, brother. We need you.
Your father needs you.” Lucas smiled and
waved to them as he turned away from his past and began his journey
down into the peaceful, green valley. Lucas slept.
End Chapter 12 ~
Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2006 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com