Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
By Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter 27
"Fortune is guiding our affairs better than we ourselves
could have wished. Do you see over yonder, friend Sancho,
thirty or forty hulking giants? I intend to do battle with
them and slay them. With their spoils we shall begin to be
rich for this is a righteous war and the removal of so foul a
brood from off the face of the earth is a service God will
bless." ~ From 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes
Billy was looking right at Orville’s face and caught his eye when
the Judge read the verdict. Billy smiled at Orville and winked,
then grinned like the cat what was just about to eat the canary.
The look on Billy’s face was a mixture of revenge and
satisfaction: schadenfreude du jour. The look on Orville
Higginbothem’s face was one of pure horror like he looked upon the
countenance of Cthulhu and his own face was about to melt and run
down into his lap. Poor Orville’s worst nightmare came true. He
was hoping against all odds, whatever the outcome, Billy Daniels
would not carry through with his threat to buy him. The blood
rushed from Orville’s face leaving him pasty white. Clarence
Womack didn’t miss Orville’s reaction when he heard the news he
would become Billy Daniels slave and it clicked in the preacher’s
small mind the accused knew something which terrified him and
shook him to his core.
Womack saw the eye contact between Billy and Orville and the
unspoken exchange which passed between them. No one missed it. The
courtroom was suddenly filled with the stench from Orville losing
control of his bowels and bladder. The Judge banged his gavel,
gave the order to clear the courtroom, and take the prisoner back
to the jail where he would be turned over to his new master. As
folks gathered outside in the fresh air, Womack rushed up to the
Sheriff and demanded to see Orville Higginbothem before he was
released to Billy Daniels. “Whatever for?” Will Tate asked the
short, fat, little preacher and laughed. “Orville Higginbothem is
no concern of yours,” he added.
“All men, no matter their crime, must be offered the way to the
cross. He must be given one last chance to repent and give his
soul to Jay-sus,” Womack said dramatically in his best evangelical
tone.
“Hell-far! We ain’t gonna’ execute him, Preacher. He’s just gonna’
spend what life he's got left as Billy Daniels' slave. He’s got
the rest of his life to find Jesus. Beside, h’it ain’t up to me.
You heard the Judge. He’s now Mr. Daniels' property. You gotta’
ask him, but I warn you, he ain’t unaware of your attempts to
invade his privacy what boarders on the criminal. To say nothing
of your slick little trick to try’n make a lot of money off’n him
if you managed to con him into being interviewed by them two major
networks. Fortunately for you, it backfired or you might have been
brought up on fraud charges. If Billy wanted to push it, you still
could be charged with attempted fraud. If you keep stick’n your
nose into other peoples’ business where it ain’t wanted, you might
find yourself being sold to the highest bidder. Preacher or no,
country folks are private people unless you happen to be lucky
enough to win their friendship, and prove yourself worthy of their
trust; then, they might come to accept you as family. Somehow, I
don’t see that happening for you,” Will said firmly.
“Well, it’s obvious where your loyalties lie, Sheriff, and after
all I’ve done for you,” Womack said shaking his head in disgust.
“Tell you what, Preacher, you come by my office tomorrow morning,
and I’ll give you back yore' hun'nert dollars you gimme’ for my
election campaign three years ago. Then we’ll be even. That way,
you won’t have to feel like I owe you anything. I won’t ever make
the mistake of accepting a contribution from you again because it
ain’t given freely; it comes with strings attached to become your
puppet. You should know by now, I won’t be bought by you or any
man,” Will said quietly with controlled anger in his voice.
Clarence Womack knew he stepped over the line, but rather than
leave it be, he pushed on. “I don't suppose Billy Daniels work’n a
miracle on your daddy could be looked upon as exchanging favors?”
Womack asked in a nasty tone, “Too bad you decided to sell your
soul to the devil, Sheriff,” he added.
“There ain’t no such thing as the devil or miracles, Womack, but
there is such a thing as a disease going into remission. My daddy
still ain’t what he was, but I contracted with a cousin of mine to
come live with us and be his wrangler. However, my personal life
ain’t none of yore’ business, and I suggest you keep your warped
and twisted opinions to yourself. As for your request for me to go
out there and look around, I did. There ain’t a goddamn thing
going on out to the Daniels Ranch what ain’t going on at thousands
of other ranches all over this country, and if you don’t let go of
your loony-tunes belief in demons and devils, I promise, you will
find yourself in a larger Hell than whatever you might imagine is
going on out there. People don’t take kindly to you making
accusations agin them what you can’t back up with facts. You ain’t
lived in this community all your life. You’s tilt’n at windmills,
Womack. The Daniels family’s been pillars of this town since the
early eighteen hundreds. They’re the first to offer a help’n hand
to their neighbors in need.
“Furthermore, it ain’t your job to investigate anybody in this
county. That’s my job and when you start crossing the line by
put’n two ignorant cowboy’s lives in jeopardy, that’s also my job.
You try another stunt like that in this community, and I’ll slap
yore’ fat worthless ass in jail faster than you can call out the
name of whatever god you believe in at the moment. I’m warning
you, Womack, I won’t put up with your shit no more,” Will said
within inches of Womack’s face.
“We’ll just see about that,” Womack said and spun on his heel to
walk away from the Sheriff. He saw Billy was alone for a minute
and walked up to him, “Daniels, I will have a word with you!” he
demanded.
“Who the Hell are you?” Billy exclaimed. He knew full-well who the
rotund little preacher was.
“I’m Pastor Clarence Womack, of the ‘Deep River’ charismatic
congregation, the spiritual leader of this community, and I demand
you allow me to talk with Orville Higginbothem in private before
you take him out to your ranch,” Womack replied like the pushy
little weasel he was.
“You don't mean shit to me, and I won't bother to listen to any
loudmouthed mother-fucker what don't have the common courtesy to
address me as, Mister Daniels. If them good folks in your church
is stupid enough to let you be their leader, their river c'ain’t
run too gotdamn deep. Ain’t chu’ that loony sum’bitch what was
harassing me and my family several weeks ago threatening us with
eternal damnation if’n we didn’t step to your tune?” Billy asked.
“I resent that! Why should I show you such courtesy? You ain't
even a grown man yet, and you and your family certainly haven't
shown me the proper respect my position demands. I’m the spiritual
leader of our community; the only true man of God in this here
county. I was trying to do the work of the Lord, but you and your
haughty family ignored and rebuked me. I would be careful what you
say to me. The Lord sent forth two vicious female bears to kill
forty-two children of Bethel who mocked and teased the prophet
Elisha for being bald. He called upon the name of the Lord to
punish them and the bears tore them to pieces,” Womack replied.
“And you worship a vile piece of shit what would do such an unjust
thing to children? Whatever happened to ‘Suffer the little
children come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven’? That
little story tells me all I need to know about your character,
Womack. H’it ain’t nothing but superstitious bullshit you pull out
yore’ ass to argue a point or scare folks when some’um ain’t going
your way. Judge’n by the volume of shit what comes out your mouth,
I’m guess’n somebody reversed the polarity on your colostomy bag.
They’s seven other churches in this community and you’s little
more than a bottom feeder where religion is concerned.
Fortunately, very few people take you seriously. We go to the
biggest church in town, and I’m pretty sure our pastor would have
something to say about chore’ claim to being spiritual leader. Oh,
and by the way, you's a bald-faced liar, how much of that fifty
thousand was you plan’n on sharing with me what you was gonna’
make from arranging an interview with them major TV networks?”
Billy asked.
“Nobody lied to you. My arrangement with the Networks was none of
your business, you blasphemous godless sinner, but if you must
know, the money weren’t for me. It would a’ been a donation for
our church to further the work of the Lord,” he replied.
“More lies and bullshit! A donation to your church is a donation
to you. And folks claim cowboys are the biggest producers of
bullshit. I just don’t understand it. You lazy sum’bitches what
ain’t never done an honest day’s work in yore’ life, you do
nothing all day but interfere in other people’s lives, suck money
from them poor bastards what barely got enough to live on, you
drive around in a hun’nert thousand dollar car, and you got the
unmitigated gall to tell folks you’s do’n god’s work? What a
laugh. Besides, you don’t give a rat’s ass about saving Orville
Higginbothem’s soul. You wanna’ get him by his’self so’s you can
pump him for any piece of information you think might be used
against me and my family. You got some demonic bug up your
unholy-ass what thinks they’s something go’n on out to our ranch
you don’t approve of.
"Well, you’re right. They’s a lot of love, fun, good music, and
community spirit what binds us together into a large happy family,
but we don’t live in fear of no jealous gods or a devil what’s
gonna’ torture us forever ‘cause we didn’t live as perfect a life
as your imaginary dictator thought we should; to say nothing of
not giving you the money you think you should be get’n from us;
howsomever, we pay an unjust tax required by the government to a
religious fund ever’ year. Whatever portion of that money you get
is a Hell of a lot more’n you deserve. I wouldn’t pay that if’n it
weren’t a law forced on us by an immoral majority. I’m sure you
wouldn’t approve of what goes on out to our ranch no ways. You
worship hate, fear, and an authority created from pure bullshit,
and ‘no’ I won’t allow you to speak with Orville Higginbothem
under any circumstances. Sorry, you petty little bible bang’n
huckster, you almost fooled me once, but you won’t get the second
chance,” Billy said firmly.
“Why – why, you can’t talk to me like that! I’m a man of the cloth
– a man of God! I demand you show me the respect my office
deserves! If you don’t, I can promise you, you’re going to Hell,
Billy Daniels; you and every soul out to that ranch will burn
forever in a lake of fire – sha-ha-lam-alack-a boo-boo!”
Womack shouted at him waving his hands like a witchdoctor laying
on a curse.
“That may be, you self-righteous little soul sucking piece of
filth, but until that time, I’m going home to my ranch, I’m taking
my new slave with me, I’m gonna’ kick back, put my boots up, and
use old Orville for my footstool whilst I enjoy me a nice tall
cold glass of iced tea,” Billy said and smiled sweetly. Billy
walked away with a big grin on his face.
“Flying saucer, my ass!” shouted Womack behind him. Billy just
kept walking. “I know what you’re doing out there at that ranch,
and I won’t rest until I either bring you devil worshipers to
Jay-sus or expose your evil sickness to the world and see you
punished,” Womack threatened, “Then we’ll see who has the last
word, you heathen,” he added.
“Blow it out chore’ ass, Womack! It’ll do you more good. Maybe you
can let loose a big one like poor Orville done in the court room.
Your ranting and raving ain’t nothing more than empty accusations.
Opinions without proof are as useless as your prayers, and as
lonesome as the nine button on my microwave,” Billy yelled over
his shoulder.
Billy and his people walked across the street to the jail. The
Sheriff and his men just finished installing a slave ID chip deep
into the muscle tissue of Orville’s left shoulder on his back. It
was placed so it would be almost impossible for him to remove. It
could only be done by someone skilled in surgery. Orville was
wearing a pair of cotton pants with the typical black and white
stripes. He wasn’t wearing a top because of the recent
implantation of his chip. His face turned white when Billy, Tom,
Enoch, Moss, Nathan, and Tron walked into the room accompanied by
the Sheriff.
“I don’t think I need to tell you, Orville, you’re now Billy
Daniels' slave. You will do as he tells you,” the Sheriff said.
Orville didn’t reply.
“Take off your pants, Orville, and kick off them canvas slip-ons.
We’ll leave them behind for another unfortunate criminal what can
wear them. Besides, I bought a couple of slave devices to put on
you what will control you and help teach you some manners,” Billy
said.
“You mean I gotta’ be naked?” he asked.
“Of course, you old fool! Ya' ain’t a man no more. You’re listed
on my bill of sale as a slave – more precisely defined as a piece
of livestock. J’ever see a cow wearing clothes?” Billy asked.
Orville got a sick look on his face, but did as he was told. Billy
was surprised. Old Orville had a big fat, uncut cock which hung
loose at nine and a half to ten inches. Billy pulled out a pair of
throw-away examination gloves from a small leather kit-bag and put
them on. He reached inside the bag again and brought out what
looked like a chrome doughnut what came apart into two halves.
“Pull your cock up with one hand and pull your balls down as far
as you can to stretch your sack,” Billy ordered.
“What are you, some kind of pre-vert?” Orville asked trying to
sound ornery and brave.
“Not at all, Orville. Besides, the sexual appetite of your master
ain’t none of your business no-how, Slave, but if you don’t
cooperate with me, I’ll have my cowboy bothers Moss Garrett and
Enoch Redbone give you a lesson in manners. You wouldn’t mind,
would you, Mr. Redbone?” Billy asked Enoch.
“Say the word, Master Billy. I’m your man. I’ll hold him while
Moss stretches his balls so tight his eyeballs will roll back into
his head so far he’ll get a good long look at that tiny brain of
his,” Enoch replied.
“No, I’ll do as you asked,” Orville said, grabbed his big cock,
wrapped his other hand around his balls, and allowed Billy to fit
the two chrome halves of the heavy ring together around his sack
and secure them with a special key-wrench designed for the purpose
of locking it tight so it couldn’t be removed. It was made of a
titanium chrome steel, a metal alloy which could neither be burned
off with a torch without frying Orville’s balls nor could it be
hack-sawed. Without the proper removal tool with which Billy
locked it, for all practical purposes, it was permanently attached
to Orville’s ball sack and would ride on top of his testicles. It
was quite heavy and made Orville wince when Billy dropped his
balls after checking his work. Billy reached into his bag again
and pulled out a medium sized butt plug made of the the same
metallic alloy and proceeded to grease it up with a glob of Bag
Balm from a small tin he brought along for the purpose. “You ain’t
gonna’ stick that damn thing up my ass?” Orville asked.
“That’s exactly what I plan to do until you can learn to control
your bowels, become a humbled slave, and a more gentle critter. As
you are now, y’aint nothing but a wild piece of livestock. Beef on
the hoof. I don’t want some wild animal shit’n all over my horse
trailer. I make allowances for my ponies 'cause it's their natural
way and I love 'em, but I won’t for you. Now bend over, reach
behind you, grab your ass, spread your cheeks for me, and smile
real big,” Billy ordered his new slave.
“Like Hell I will!” Orville exclaimed.
Billy took out the small remote control for the metal doughnut
ring around Orville’s ball sack, punched the first button to set
the intensity of the charge and pressed the red button. Orville
double over in pain. “Oh my God! Don’t do it again! No! Please!
Not again! I’ll do as you asked,” he hollered. He slowly got up,
turned around, bent over, reached behind him, and pulled his ass
cheeks apart. Billy began to work the plug into Orville’s ass. He
wasn’t out to hurt his new slave, but he was firm and worked
Orville’s ass like he was sure he would be able to insert it with
no problem. It was the ultimate embarrassment for Orville to have
his ass fucked before the men he so despised for their social
status. After several minutes of fucking Orville’s ass with the
plug, his sphincter suddenly dilated. Billy took advantage of the
window of opportunity and sank the plug into his slave like the
final gulp of the ocean as it closed over the Titanic when it
departed for a dark watery grave. Orville grunted and once again
cried out. Billy was firm and pushed it all the way to the flared
seat so it would ride easily within his new slave’s ass. He
pressed further and harder to seat it properly. He took a paper
towel and cleaned the excess grease from his slave’s ass, gently
slapped him on his butt, and told him to stand. Orville did as he
was told.
“How does it feel, Slave?” Billy asked without nuance.
“Full – like I gotta’ take a shit,” Orville moaned.
“Good! That’s the way it’s suppose to feel. You’ll get use to it.
You’ll become so use to the feeling, you won’t be comfortable
without it. You will come to look upon it as a pacifier for your
second mouth,” Billy said, “It will keep your hole satisfied when
you’re not being fucked by the rest of my slaves,” Billy said.
Billy reached into his leather bag and pulled out a full leather
harness which looked like something one might attach to a plow
horse. He placed it over Orville’s head and the two main straps
rode on his shoulder. Billy let the front and back drop. There was
a heavy strap that fit across Orville’s chest.
It was broken by two large metal rings which surrounded the
slave’s tits then ran to the back were it was secured with buckles
to the main strap running down his back. The two straps from his
shoulders continue down his front to another belt which went
around his waist and buckled in the back like the one across his
chest. From the center of the belt one wide strap ran to a ring
which Billy shoved his slave’s cock and balls through, and it in
turn, was attached to another smaller, more narrow strap that ran
from his crotch along his ass crack to come up behind and be
secured with another adjustable buckle. Billy cinched it up firmly
locking the butt plug tight in this new slave’s ass. Orville
groaned again.
“Now, Slave, allow your master to demonstrate your new additions
to your body,” Billy said. “From now on you will address me as
Master Daniels,” Billy said. Orville didn’t respond. Billy took
out his little remote, activated the electronics in the base of
the butt plug and pressed the red button. A small charge of
electricity ran from the tip of the plug through Orville’s
prostate and down to the ground within the ring around his ball
sack. It had the effect of making his sphincter muscle clamp down
hard on the butt plug sending it momentarily deep into his ass
like it was fucking him. Billy hit the button repeatedly and
Orville was doing a buck and wing trying to get away from the
fucking going on in his ass. “I didn’t hear an answer from you,
Slave. You will always answer your master when he asks you a
question, understand?” Billy asked firmly.
“I understand, Master Daniels, I will comply. Just don’t make that
thing fuck me in the butt no more, sir,” he yelled.
“Good enough, Slave, for the time being. Now you will kneel and
pay homage to your master’s boots,” Billy demanded.
Orville looked at him with a look of hatred but didn’t dare refuse
what Billy ordered him to do. He was beginning to think there was
no limit to what this young cowboy could put him through. He
kissed each of Billy’s boots and waited for further instructions.
“You will have to do better than that, but it will do for now. You
will be trained to clean my boots with your tongue no matter what
I stepped in,” Billy said firmly.
“You said you still have his clothes he was wearing when you
brought him to jail, Sheriff?” Billy asked Will.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Daniels. They’s in that box just outside the cell
sitting on my deputy’s desk ready for you,” the Sheriff replied.
“Would you grab his boots for me, Moss?” Billy asked his brother.
Moss didn’t answer, walked over to the desk where the box was,
took out a decent pair of western boots, and handed them to Billy.
“Here, put these on, Slave,” Billy handed them to Orville. He sat
cautiously on the bed, felt the huge plug adjust itself deep
inside him, and pulled his boots on. Billy reached into his bag
one last time and pulled out a leather codpiece which snapped onto
the front of Orville’s slave harness to hide his nakedness from
the public. Billy told him to put it on. There would be a few
times he would be required to wear it when the family entertained
and didn’t want the ladies to look upon him. It took him a minute,
but Orville managed to get the codpiece into place.
It was unusually cool with overcast skies for an early April
morning as Billy and his posse led Orville Higginbothem out of the
jail by a stout chain attached to a leather collar around his neck
and escorted him to the rear of a small one-horse trailer. Billy
was a bit more considerate than Orville imagined and included a
bale of hay covered by a horse blanket for him to sit on and
another to wrap around him if he got chilled. As they walked to
the trailer, Billy made a mental note how out of shape and
proportion Orville was for good health. He was carrying about a
hundred pounds of excess body fat which, if left on his own, very
probably would result in major health problems if not an early
death. Eustace Barger was right, Orville was in no shape to become
a slave, but Billy was confident within six months no one would
recognize Orville for the man he was that day.
* * * * * * *
Sheriff Tate promised, he and his dad would be out to the Daniels
Ranch for supper as soon as he got off duty. There were no other
inmates in the jail to worry about and Will was anticipating an
easy weekend. Driving back to the ranch, Billy asked Tom McMartin
to send his family along with his nephew, Enoch, and their
grandmother, Zelma Jane. He wanted to talk with Tom in private.
“Tom, I got an idea in my head shortly after you folks left last
weekend. I ain’t said nothing about it before now ‘cause we ain’t
had a chance to be alone since ya’ll got here, but last evening I
got a special delivery message from my celestial uncles on my
husband’s side of the family telling me to offer you and the boys
a trip across the universe to meet them and them Irin folks. The
only problem might be, I’m think’n on taking Roz with us and them
folks on Retikki Prime don’t wear no clothes,” Billy said.
“That’s no problem. Lemme’ put it this way, it will be less
problem for my wife and boys than me,” Tom said and laughed,
“however, I think you know us well enough to know we strive for
good mental health for our kids and answer any questions they
might have about sex with honesty. We leave out books on human
reproduction for them to look at or refer to if they have
questions. We make it a point to take any question they might have
about sex seriously and try to answer in a manner which is as
educational as we can present the subject without using base
idiomatic language; although, those words do come up from time to
time, but hopefully we explain them in the same manner,” Tom
replied, “And, 'yes,’ we would love to join you. Anywhere you,
Nick, and Boomer go is where the boys want to be, and I have to
admit, I share their enthusiasm,” he added and laughed.
“Good, then you won’t have a problem with nudity?” Billy asked and
smiled.
“I’m a ‘Redbone’ man, Son,” Tom said with masculine confidence,
and they shared a laugh.
* * * * * * *
After Billy and his company returned to the ranch, they took some
time to get Orville settled in. For the time being, he would be
assigned two large Irin guards who would see to him around the
clock. After Nathan and Tron had a talk with him, Billy decided it
might prove to be impractical to keep Orville all gussied up like
a plow horse out of a bad Hollywood S&M porn leather movie.
After all, they reasoned, if Orville is to be a slave, they wanted
to make sure he earns his keep. Billy would have Orville simply
absorbed into the everyday slave routines without some of the
perks the regular Irin slaves enjoy. Taking away two other slaves
to tend him would be defeating the purpose of his slavery. Did
Billy really have the time to devote to becoming Orville’s
personal tormentor? Billy agreed but decided Orville would spend
the evening in discomfort wondering about his future, and Billy
would tend to him after his party returned from Retikki Prime.
Billy left him in the hands of two of his most trusted Irin
cowboys with explicit instructions about his care for the first
day and night he would spend on the ranch.
Billy also had another thought he discussed with Hank and Buck.
“When you men were called back to Retikki Prime with Boomer to
learn about Orville’s plot to kill our big brother, did you have
to undress before you returned or did they receive you fully
clothed?” he asked.
“Naw, sir, Master Billy, we stayed for a day and night and
returned the next morning, but we wore our cowboy clothes the
whole time when we weren’t in our rooms to rest. We didn’t go no
wheres but around the castle. If’n we had, we would’ve stripped to
go into town as is the custom. They told us we didn’t have to be
nude in the castle if we were more comfortable. They looked on us
as family. You remember when we returned from Fort Adam Lear after
our visit with the Irin nobody said nothing about us wearing our
western clothes,” Hank said.
“Yeah, I wondered about that. Do you think we’d be disrespectful
if we wore our clothes to transport and undressed there if they
have some official welcoming or we should decide to go into town?”
Billy asked, “It might be a bit more comfortable for all
concerned. What do you think, Number One,” he asked Boomer.
“I don’t see no problem with it, Master Billy. We can always ask
when we get there. It might be a nice gesture to request we be
shown to our rooms so we might make ourselves and them more
comfortable by removing our clothes. There’s always the
possibility we might be called upon to visit with the Irin as
well, and remember, we were outfitted by Clyde the last time. By
wearing clothes through the gate would insure we have them should
they call upon us,” Boomer said.
“Excellent idea, Number One! Thanks for reminding me why I made
you my number one slave and took you for my mate,” Billy said as
he gave his monster husband a big hug and a kiss.
Billy had Boomer activate a gate so he could send Balthazar back
to his mistress Madam Spartza on Retikki Prime. He knew his black
angel would have many details to tend to and preparations made to
transport the magnificent lady Shedu to Nick’s ship. Preparations
were almost finished to accommodate her. The village workers were
busy putting the finishing touches on her new living space. Billy
and Nick made several trips to observe their progress and were
impressed they created a wonderful and comfortable place for her
to dwell while she and the great Shedu bull, Beauford, became
acquainted with each other. Strangely enough, no one considered
they might not be compatible.
It was too horrible a thought to contemplate. Everyone on both
worlds wanted it to be a success for them, to find happiness with
each other. After all, as far as anyone could tell they were the
last of their kind in the universe and where there is life there
is hope for the future. Their kind were hunted and destroyed for
centuries because of their powers. They were most powerful when a
mated pair conjoined and formed an alliance with a third party or
protector, but that protector must be someone very special;
someone who was given great gifts of patience, organization, and
compassion. Over the centuries many men tried to ascend to the
most exalted position, but none ever attained the greatest secret
to power and always failed miserably from personal ambition and
greed. Centuries past and those who tried and failed were
forgotten. It was time to try one last time. In his most early
days, Billy Daniels was chosen for that honor.
* * * * * * *
The slaves went about their business and saw to Orville’s needs.
They assigned him a bed in their bunkhouse along with the rest of
them. He thought sure he would be sleeping in the barn with the
cattle. He was fed only a cup of slave chow and one nutritional
biscuit with a cold cup of fresh water. He ate slowly and was
surprised the chow didn’t taste as bad as he thought it might and
the biscuit was filling. If he was a bit more comfortable, he
thought he might almost feel like one of the other slaves.
Orville observed them closely, and although they seemed different,
they were intelligent and seemed happy with their lot in life.
They talked endlessly about the different projects going on at the
ranch, and their hopes for the future. He was amazed slaves were
talking like they were a part of Billy Daniels' empire he was
building for himself, but where did he get them? To buy quality
slaves like these men and several fine looking young women
represented high dollars. Orville surmised they would cost a
fortune. Where would a young cowboy just starting out in life get
that kind of money? Inheritance? A business venture from several
rich benefactors? For all his questions and confusion, Orville
said little, but he listened a lot.
Billy’s guests began to arrive for the evening. They brought with
them their enthusiasm and anticipation for another adventurous
evening at the ranch. They created joy and brought much happiness
to the ranch and Billy’s family in particular. The Sheriff and his
dad stopped by the local store and Will bought a huge sack of
carrots and threw it onto the back of his big flat bed Dodge Ram
diesel truck for the guard cows at the front gate. After he
hollered at them they parted and he drove in among them.
“C’moan, Dad, gimme’ a hand with them carrots. They’s for ma'
buddies here at the front gate,” Will said. The men climbed up on
the back, Will split open the sack with his knife, and he started
throwing handfuls out over the sea of surrounding cows. Buster got
into the spirit of the moment and did the same on his side. The
cows were going after them like kids looking for Easter eggs. They
were having a ball and enjoying the sweet treats. “I hope everyone
gets one this time,” he called out to the cows.
“We’ll make sure everyone shares,” one of the bulls replied and
several thanked Will and Buster for their thoughtfulness. Buster
beamed like a little boy what just done a good thing. Will hugged
his dad and stole a kiss. “Life is so much better with you by my
side, Dad. It’s good to have you back,” Will said.
“It’s good to be back. Will it last, Son?” he asked.
“I think so, Dad. Billy and his crew don’t do nothing half-ass. I
think we’re both in for the evening of our lives. I ain’t told ju’
yet about the places we might visit this e’nin. Wonderful places
we can only dream about,” Will said after they got back into the
truck and headed on up to the ranch.
The Rutherfords arrived right after the Sheriff and his dad. Randy
just hollered to his cow buddies. They called back to him to enjoy
himself on Retikki Prime as they enjoyed another carrot. It was
like a family reunion once again and everyone had to know how baby
Clara was doing and amazed at how alert and happy she was. She was
a healthy baby in love with the world and anyone who would smile
at her. Her face would glow, and she would return their smile with
one of equal joy.
“Are you ready, Buckaroo?” Billy asked in a whisper as he stole a
kiss from his little buddy.
“I ain’t thought of nothing else since I learned ma would let me
go with you, Cowboy Billy,” Randy replied. “I sat with my new
friend this morning and told him I would be going with you to his
home world for an audience with his ancestors. Ludo didn’t say
nothing, but he did let me bath him and comb out his fur for him.
I think I love him, Master Billy, almost as much as I do you,”
Randy whispered.
“Just as long as you give me the edge in the 'love’ department,
it’s all right for you to love Ludo, too, and for him to love you,
Pod’na,’ but you will always be my little brother, my saddle
buddy, and my wing-man – right?” Billy asked
“Always and a day, Cowboy Billy,” Randy replied.
* * * * * * *
Talk was certainly lively around the supper table that evening.
Billy encouraged everyone to eat hearty because with the
difference in time dilation between galaxies you never knew when
you might arrive, and it might be a while before they shared
another meal. Randy, Rory, and Calhoun were beside themselves and
wanted to know when they could ‘get naked’?
“There’s been a change of plans. With the helpful advice from my
main cowboys and number one slave, I decided we will go through
the gate to Retikki Prime in our best cowboy clothes. We might
need them in case we get a request for an audience before the Irin
elders,” Billy said, “So be sure to wear your very best cowboy
duds and shine your boots,” he added and laughed.
“Would you like to go with us, Roz?” Billy asked.
Poor Roz dropped her fork onto her plate and looked at Billy with
great admiration, “More than you can imagine, Master Billy. From
what my little brothers tell me, Retikki Prime is a wonderful
world to visit. I would love to go. It would be a great honor,
sir,” Roz replied.
“Then you will be our mistress of music. Carry a small shoulder
bag with the music you gathered for our quartets, your own solo
pieces, and don't forget to bring your viola along," Billy said
and grinned like he knew she wouldn't forget, "Likewise, my
faithful little brothers, you will bring a violin in one hand, and
one of our larger bothers will carry your keyboards for you. Roz,
I want you to wear your blue jumpsuit – the outfit Clyde made for
you to visit Nick’s ship. It will be good for an exploring
expedition, and you look wonderful wearing it,” Billy complimented
her.
“I shall, Master Billy. I’m rather fond of it myself,” she replied
and smiled.
After coffee and dessert it was time for Billy and his posse to
depart for Retikki Prime. They were going to transport to the line
cabin and Boomer would open a gate in the barn. Kate recruited
several lady Irin slaves to help her and Zelma with clean up, so
there would be no delay for Billy’s group. He gathered everyone in
the front hallway; then, Billy, Nick, and Clyde transported them
to the line cabin. Buster was becoming an old hand at
transportation, and it didn’t seem to bother him at all. They
walked into the barn and there was a gate ready and waiting for
them. Boomer looked at Billy and grinned. “They heard you were
coming, Master,” Boomer said and everyone shared a laugh.
“Randy, you’re with me. Boomer, you carry Rory; and Tom, you carry
Cal. The rest form a single line or you may choose a partner to
walk through with you. Tom, Nick, Boomer and me will bring up the
rear. Ready? Head ‘em up and move ‘em out, Pilgrim. Let’s take
these dogies to Abilene,” Billy said in his best John Wayne
imitation. Roz and Clyde went through together, followed by Will
and Buster, Tron and Nathan, Buck and Hank, Cass and Poly, Andy
and Vox, Archie and Edith, Tom with Cal and Nick, and finally
Boomer with Rory and Billy with Randy. They walked directly into
the beautiful garden of the palace and there was everyone waiting
for them. Gregor and his mate Albrecht, the Shedu lady, Madam
Spartza, with Balthazar who had a big grin on his face. Billy
walked to the front of his group and spoke. “Ladies, and
gentlemen, please bow to honor our gracious hosts – the two
highest ranking members of the council on Retikki Prime who just
happen to be the uncles of my number one slave and my
uncles-in-law by bond – the great Gregor and his equally great and
much better looking bonded mate Albrecht,” Billy commanded and
everyone proceeded to bow.
“Oh, cut the crap, Cowboy, and come to my arms, we gave up them
knights what say 'nee’ routines shortly after you left the last
time,” Gregor commanded, “And you tiny one,” he said pointing to
Randy, “to my partner’s arms, and be quick about it!” he exclaimed
and bellowed. “Better looking my ass – !” he added as an
afterthought and laughed.
Billy looked at Randy, grinned, and winked. They both ran full out
to the huge Watchers and were smothered in fur and love. The rest
of the group could only watch and smile. Billy caught a glimpse of
Nick watching him and Randy wallow in the love of the two giant
creatures and for a fallen angel who lived for centuries he could
feel Nick was impressed. After many hugs and several stolen
kisses, Billy introduced each person to his and Boomer's Uncles
Gregor and Albrecht. The giants knew everyone from watching them
on holographic-vids. No sooner was a new person introduced into
Billy’s family when he had his own set of invisible robo-cams set
in place to record every moment of his life. They could switch
from person to person to check on them, to visit for a while to
see how they were getting along.
Of course their nephew, Boomer, was one of their favorites and
they showered him with their love and compliments. They were
particularly taken with the young bairns, Randy, Rory, and Cal and
the boys climbed on them like they were jungle gyms. Of equal
interest was the petite, beautiful young woman Billy brought with
them. “I’m sure you already know about our dear Roz, Uncles, but
this lovely lady has captured our hearts in several ways. She is
carrying Boomer and my son, Billy Junior, but aside from that she
has developed a talent for music which has made the angels weep
from her playing, and ‘at ain’t no bullshit neither. I just happen
to own a couple of fine angels what I watched shed tears of joy
when Roz played for us,” Billy said as Roz bowed to the giant
creatures.
“We have not missed one of your performances, Dear Roz. You have
hundreds of thousands of faithful followers who are so die-hard
they would not miss one of your practice sessions in the barn. You
are never alone. You have the love and encouragement of untold
numbers in our galaxy. Your music progression has become a
world-wide addiction and we cherish your playing like children
feasting on sweet meats,” Albrecht said to Roz as he took her hand
and gently kissed it.
Roz blushed but rose to the occasion in her usual charming and
funny manner, “With such large fans I could hardly wish for more,
kind sir,” she said and curtsied. Everyone laughed including
Albrecht and Gregor. The rest of the men came forward and received
their love and compliments. Tron Garrett and Nathan Daniels were
of considerable interest to them and garnered many compliments.
They called Nick forward and showered him with their affection and
kind words. Billy never saw Nick so overwhelmed by any situation.
He fell to his knees and and bowed from his waist to them.
“Come to us, Bright Angel. Here, you neither represent darkness
nor terror. You are recognized for your good works, compassion,
faithfulness, and a history filled with good deeds to those less
fortunate in the universe. Rise, come to us, Captain Nick Samuels
– as your young master has appropriately named you,” Gregor
commanded. Nick went to the giant and cried his heart out in the
monster’s arms as Gregor and Albrecht consoled and comforted him.
“You’ve seen too much, been chastised and maligned unjustly for
centuries, Bright Angel, but through Billy Daniels you will regain
your respect and rightful place in the pantheon of history. Your
chance has come to set things right, not only on Earth but
throughout the universe,” Gregor said firmly.
They took a special interest in Vox Humana, and to Billy’s
surprise, announced himself as the dual human entity from Earth
known as Vox and Roxanne Humana. “We are two persons sharing one
body, Sires,” he said.
“Ah, yes, a chimera. I noticed Master Billy used the plural
'ladies'; however, I could see no other female but Roz. Now I
understand. Your female half is within you. Master Billy is an
astute young man. You are, indeed, a rare treasure in the
universe. You're most welcome here. We hope you find your visit to
our world one of joy, and with our help, use it as a chance to
find yourselves. We stand ready to help or fortify you with any
adjustments you might consider,” Gregor offered kindly, "We will
also further correct your memory loss and enhance your physical
body and appearance until you are about half you current age."
“Thank you, Great Sir, it is our wish to learn to coexist in peace
and harmony. Any boon you might provide us will be greatly
appreciated,” Vox and Rox replied.
They welcomed everyone, but saved the best reunion for last with
their old friends and attendants; Hank and Buck; Castor and
Pollux; and Archie and Edith. There were many hugs, kisses, and
tears while reaffirming their love for one another. Edith and
Archie couldn’t thank Gregor and Albrecht enough for giving them
the opportunity to become a part of Master Billy’s family. They
assured their giant hosts they couldn’t be happier. The twins told
them the same and swore Master Billy increased their musical
abilities and taught them so much their old masters wouldn’t
recognize their playing. Hank and Buck didn’t have to say a word.
The two giants could see the change in them. They radiated their
good mental and physical health and stood proud to be considered
two of Master Billy’s most highly valued and important slaves.
Hank and Buck were his right-hand men and proud of their station
in life.
Everyone turned to watch Billy shed his clothing until he was
completely naked. He slowly approached the giant lady beast, Madam
Spartza, and bowed deeply to her. “It is with complete humility I
stand before you, my lady, unadorned as the day I left my mother’s
womb to offer you my respect, my love, my friendship, and my
protection,” he said.
“Your offer is gratefully accepted, Master Billy. Enough
formality, come to me Billy Daniels and share your love,” the
giant Shedu beast commanded.
Billy slowly walked to her, placed his hand upon her back, and
gently stroked her like a lover might stroke his mate. He
immediately became erect, but didn’t try to hide himself, “I can’t
tell you how good it is to see you again, ma’am, and to be given
the honor to become your protector has filled my heart with a
purpose far greater than anything I might ever have hoped to
accomplish,” Billy said.
“Pshaw,” she rebuked him, “you had me with your offer of love and
friendship. I can see for myself how happy you are to see me, and
I might add, it is a fine display of masculine joy,” she said
wickedly and giggled, “Never underestimate yourself, Young Man,
nor be ashamed of your natural physical impulses. It is a strong
statement and a great compliment for me. You have not yet tapped
your depths of power, but you will soon. Together we will adjust
the sordid course of your world and prevent it from cascading into
an evil so dark from which there may be no escape if we do not
join forces to rewrite the future. It won’t be easy, but with
patience and hard work, it can be done,” she said humbly.
Albrecht stood and made an announcement in response to Billy’s
actions with Madam Spartza, “We no longer enforce nakedness of our
guest within the palace; however, until Madam Spartza is installed
on Earth with Master Daniels as her protector, those who wish to
approach her here must be unclothed to assure her protection,” the
smaller giant said, “However, if you leave the palace to visit our
world, you must go native, and that means without clothing,” he
added.
The boys couldn’t stand it and followed their hero’s lead. Clothes
were flying in all directions. They couldn’t get them off fast
enough. Even Madam Spartza laughed at their enthusiasm. Tom
laughed at the boys and their sudden loss of modesty. He thought
it was a healthy sign. For all their bravado, the boys approached
the giant Shedu lady with awe and respect. She thought they were
priceless, and the boys won her heart with their humility,
manners, and sincere interest. She saw great things for the future
for the three young men and later confided to Billy she was amazed
at what she saw in young Randy Rutherford’s future. Billy didn’t
ask. Some things he wanted to unfold in a natural manner; others,
with which he was not so comfortable, he would seek her guidance.
“Dearest Uncles,” Billy addressed Gregor and Albrecht, “What time
of day have we arrived? I see the second sun has not yet peaked
over the gorge, the third moon is still at the first position, and
would venture a guess it is early morning,” Billy ventured.
“And you would be correct, Master Billy. We are preparing, what
you call, breakfast, the meal which breaks the fast of night and
begins each new day; however, we’re aware you just finished your
supper and have not had time for your meal to digest nor a rest
period. We would not expect you to eat another meal, but we will
be serving Hosanna cakes and our version of your coffee,” Gregor
said.
“If the Irin can grow Arabian coffee on their world, why can’t you
grow it here?” Billy asked.
“We probably could. We’ve just never thought to acquire the plants
to start cultivation. Perhaps on one of your future visits, your
six month vacation to Retikki Prime, you might bring us some,”
Gregor said.
“Your wish is our command, Uncle,” Billy replied and grinned.
Gregor bellowed with laughter. “And how many guests will be
arriving for breakfast, Uncles?” Billy asked.
“The High Council, the leaders of our town, and those dignitaries
highest in our society including many of Hank and Buck’s clients –
the usual. Oh, yes, and one entertainment mogul or as you might
call him a “Czar” managed to oil his way into an invitation via
some favors from a most influential ally to the supreme council
and a staunch supporter of your family’s excellent work on planet
Earth in the Sol system. He wants to arrange a one-time-only
performance by your group in the center of the town square for
tomorrow afternoon if you could find it in your big cowboy heart
to grant him and us such a boon,” Gregor teased.
There was a silence around the garden. “In the name of some
unknown god, I love you, Uncle Gregor. You’s so full of shit,”
Billy said and everyone laughed, “Of course we will oblige your
friend. It’s the least we can do for your generosity and
hospitality. We’re ready to play this morning for your guests, if
you like,” Billy said.
“That would be lovely. We were hoping you might,” Albrecht replied
for his mate.
The arrival of the party from Earth was an ‘event’ on Retikki
Prime, and only the elite of the social order, those of power and
influence, who represented people and wealth were invited to
attend; but they, in turn, extended invitations to the more common
folks who volunteered to represent the classes and were chosen by
the people. All in all, it was a healthy blend of interesting
folks.
Most remembered Master Billy and his small band of slaves and his
chosen mate, Boomer, who originally went with him to Earth. Others
tuned into the exciting reality show which stared Master Billy,
the cow-person, and his group of people who were working to bring
change to their planet. There was much talk, catching up,
questions about how things were progressing and everyone
participated. The boys were treated like stars, and they wallowed
in their new found fame. Randy was asked many questions and so
were Rory and Calhoun. Billy was impressed, they were young
gentleman and answered intelligently.
The morning was a great success and after the catering slaves
removed the food and cleaned up, seats were brought out for Master
Billy’s quartet. Billy pulled on his pants to play. He didn’t want
to look like he was copulating with his cello; although, he was
sure several of the climaxes in the Ravel quartet could probably
make him ejaculate. They got out their instruments, music, and
read through the Ravel string quartet. The audience was
mesmerized, but after the completion of the second movement
involving much pizzicato, the audience refused to allow the
musicians to go on until they repeated it. Billy nodded his
approval, and his musicians were happy to comply. After they
finished the quartet, there was thunderous applause from the
gathered crowd.
The entertainment Czar, Moewhotoo Gabberdean was beside himself
with superlatively flattering compliments and begged Master Billy
to appear with his musicians under his auspice in the town square
the following afternoon at two past the second sun. Billy agreed
and said he planned to spend some time in the square before hand
with his group and could arrangements be made to transport their
instruments from the Palace to the square? Mr. Gabberdean assured
him he would see to it personally, and their precious instruments
would be guarded with their lives.
The crowd asked for an encore and Billy decided, since the twins
were so popular on Retikki Prime, he would let them shine. Roz
took over the cello to play the basso continuo part to Billy’s
synth-harpsichord accompaniment for the Bach double violin
concerto. And how did Billy power his instrument on a world with
totally different electro-mechanical system, the more nit-picking
technical among you may ask? Simple. He had his own living
electro-idiosyncratic creatures with him; Archie and Edith. Along
with Hank and Buck, two of Billy’s gifted Irin slaves, they
created a power supply about the size of a shoe box for just such
an occasion.
Archie and Edith sat in two chairs, held hands, and in their other
hand held an electromagnetic coil which they allowed to rest
comfortably in their laps. They raised their beautiful wings to
absorb the ambient electrical energy around them and channeled it
into the coils. They completed an electrical circuit with the
power supply.
Billy could plug in as many instruments to the small box as he
needed. It took little or no effort from his beautiful Psyches,
and they were thrilled and proud to be a part of the musical
moment. Billy always remembered them and gave them credit their
talents provided for the concert.
Billy and Roz spoke later of the performance, and they agreed
their halfling brothers never played with more verve or passion.
They wanted to project their joy at being back on Retikki Prime,
but they also wanted everyone to know how far they had come with
their musical abilities, and their new found happiness living and
working with their new master. They saw their performance as a
reflection, not only of themselves, but their master and fellow
musician, Roz.
The audience was stunned. There was complete and utter silence
after the last note sounded. Suddenly, someone yelled at the top
of his booming voice, “Hosanna!” and the gathered crowd echoed his
exclamation with a resounding, “Hosanna, in the highest!” They
repeated the call and response three times which was the highest
possible compliment an artist could garner on Retikki Prime. Then
the audience broke into raucous and uproarious applause, shouts,
whistles, and further shouts of 'Hosanna.’
“We have a request,” Albrecht said.
“Name it, Dear Uncle?” Billy replied.
“We would like to hear Roz play the Heinrich Biber Passacaglia for
solo Viola she’s been practicing on the sly,” Albrecht said.
“Have you been holding out on me, Roz?” Billy asked and grinned.
“She goes down to the river and plays for the deer who gather to
listen. We’ve counted as many as twenty at one time,” Gregor said.
Roz blushed. “It’s true. I was afraid my playing in the barn might
be disturbing some folks, so I walk down to river. The deer have
become my practice audience, and they are my musical gauge. If the
deer stay and listen, I know I’m playing well. If they become
disinterested and start to wander off, I know I must play better.
I even have an audience of several Bigfoot and a couple of Daddy
Long-legs who come to listen. They show their appreciation by
leaving me offerings of wildflowers and fresh catfish they catch
by hand from the river. They carefully arrange them on the rock
next to the water where I stand to play. I would be thrilled and
honored to play it for you, sirs,” Roz said.
Billy winked at her and gave her the stage. Her playing was
masterful and there were several big monsters who shed tears at
the beautiful sounds and variations she pulled out of her
instrument all played over a ground base melody which gave the
effect of two violas playing together. There was no doubt in
anyone’s mind Roz was a major talent. They applauded and chanted
her name amid ‘Hosannas’ and whistling. Audiences are pretty much
the same all over the universe when they have been so richly
entertained as Roz did for them.
Billy took her into his big cowboy arms, held her to him, and
gently kissed her on her forehead. “That was outstanding,
Dear-Heart. Ain’t never heard it played better,” he said and the
crowd went crazy again. Billy held up his hand. “You will get
another chance to hear Roz play tomorrow afternoon if you come to
the town square. I promise, we have a lovely piece for you to hear
what will showcase our young talented viola player. You won’t want
to miss it,” Billy said and they applauded again. The morning
concert was over and Billy hugged, kissed, and graciously thanked
his power suppliers. Archie and Edith beamed with pride.
The crowd politely broke up, said their goodbyes, wished everyone
well, and urged them to enjoy their visit to Retikki Prime.
Billy’s posse was left alone with his and Boomer’s giant uncles as
well as some attendants. Madam Spartza decided to retire to her
temporary quarters in the palace and Balthazar saw to her but soon
rejoined Master Billy and his group. He left early and was on
Retikki Prime for a couple of weeks making final arrangements so
when they were ready to go back through the gate to the line
cabin, and transport her to Nick’s ship, everything would be
ready.
Gregor and Albrecht insisted on moving her to the palace soon
after Billy’s first visit because they were afraid for her. Word
got out assassins were looking for her. They made a lucky guess a
Shedu might be dwelling among the vast cosmopolitan civilization
on Retikki Prime. There was no word there was still a male Shedu
left alive, or they would have turned every stone in the cluster
of the Seven Sisters to find her.
“Thank you, Master Billy, for performing for us and our guests;
also, for agreeing to perform tomorrow afternoon at the square,”
Albrecht said, “What would you like to do for the rest of the
day?” he asked.
“I would like to take my family into town for them to get a taste
of what living on another world is like,” Billy replied, “Do my
halflings, and my husband still have credits available for them in
case we need them?” he asked.
“Most certainly. Castor and Pollox Daniels have an account, and
Boomer Daniels still has his. The last we checked the amount was
several hundred thousand credits, but I’m sure there’s more by now
– enough to royally entertain your family for a couple of years.
You have no idea your own self-worth on our planet, Young Master.
You have an account which rivals some of our top ten wealthiest
families combined fortunes. All you have to do is wave your hand
over a scanner and anything you purchase will be paid for. Cass
and Poly will show you,” Gregor replied.
“Any word from the Irin?” Billy asked.
“Yes, they have been quite generous with friendly relations, and
we are slowly building confidence with each other, thanks to you
and their interest in your world. Of course, they know you’re
coming and have requested an audience for tomorrow evening for
dinner with you and your family to attend. We know you’re looking
forward to having your special people you brought with you
enhanced. We will do our part this evening, and they will add the
finishing touches tomorrow evening. In the meantime, you will need
additional protectors for your family. While we’re quite proud of
our nephew and his developing abilities, and how well he’s working
out with your family, you must have at least a couple more
protectors,” Albrecht said.
“I was hope’n you might consider a couple. Maybe three if you see
fit to grace us with another. I’m sure you’re aware, we got
several wild ones on our planet,” Billy said.
“We’re well aware of every Watcher on Earth and have become quite
familiar with their adopted brothers you call the Daddy Long-legs.
We have never brought a Daddy Long-leg to our planet, but we know
them all and how they fit into our Watcher society – such as it
is. They were shunned at first, but we came to take pity on them
and began to help them. They are strong of purpose and loyal to a
fault to their Watcher brothers. Many have given their lives for
one of our kind without a second thought. You don’t turn your back
on dedication like that.
We encouraged our Earthly Watchers to selectively include them
among them, but maintain an open door policy for them should they
feel the need to roam alone. Most are mentally and spiritually
broken and downtrodden because of the lack of empathy in your
society. Some are physically scared and maimed by war. Many have
served honorably in the armed services of their county and are
valiant heroes. We humbly urge you to offer them sanctuary and
succor, Master Billy. Madam Spartza has seen several in your area
with great talents who would be a great boon for you,” Gregor
explained.
“I have already put the word out to a combined group of Watchers
and Long-leggers on my little brothers ranch we accidentally ran
across the other day. I told them they are welcome to live and
forage on several ranches in the area, and they will neither be
bothered nor harmed. I stressed we would try to assist those daddy
long-legs who wished to return to society. When did you have in
mind for us to choose, and with whom are they intended to be
bonded?” Billy asked.
“Your Sheriff needs a protector for him and his family. He’s
wanted one for several years. He’s been bonded in his dreams for
sometime now with one who lives on his and his dad’s ranch. The
McMartin brothers and family also need a protector,” Gregor said.
“I agree,” Billy said, “I realized last week Tom’s family needs a
protector, but I’ve not said anything to him. My first step was to
get him and his boys to Retikki Prime,” Billy added.
“Oh, Dad, can we have our very own Bigfoot?” Rory and Calhoun
pleaded.
“In three months you’re going to have a pup to take care of. Do
you boys think you could learn to groom one of them big monsters?
It ain’t like having a hamster, you know?” Tom asked like he was
overwhelmed at the thought, “Besides, we live in the city, and he
wouldn’t have the country to roam. It just wouldn’t be fair to
him,” Tom added.
“Master Billy would you let us keep him at the ranch? We could
come on weekends and learn to groom and take care of him –
please!” they wailed.
“Of course you can. You don’t have to ask. We can milk him just
like we do Boomer and the rest of us when we morph into Watchers
so’s we can have an adequate supply of Watcher’s milk for wee
bairns, the sick, injured, and the recovering,” Billy replied.
Gregor and Albrecht almost fell down laughing. “You men morph into
Watchers to make more milk? Why didn’t you say something or have
Boomer contact us? We would send them to your back door or the
cave where Captain Nick’s ship is docked. There’s lots of Watcher
milk going to waste out there,” Gregor said. “And while we’re on
the subject, the most needy of your family for a protector is your
little cowboy brother, Randy Rutherford,” he added.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Billy replied.
The boys didn’t bother to put their clothes back on. Everyone who
came to breakfast was naked, and they felt comfortable. Randy ran
to Gregor’s big arms and gave him a kiss and a hug. “Bring in the
available Watchers from Earth,” the giant commanded. Slowly, and
very shyly a group of about twenty-five Watchers of varying sizes
walked into the far end of the garden all bunched up together.
“Sheriff Tate, you know your Watcher. You have already named him,
and you have accepted him by bond in your dreams. Call out his
name,” Gregor said.
“No need, your honor, I see him,” Will Tate stood and without
thinking found himself shedding his clothes until he was naked. He
slowly walked toward the gathered, huddled group of wild Bigfoot
from Earth and held out his hand for his chosen one. “Come, take
my hand, my handsome brother, I have already chosen you in my
heart to be my protector, and your name shall be ‘Bear,’” the
Sheriff said. The Watcher came to Will with a smile on his face,
took his hand in his big paw and dropped to his knees in front of
him. “Rise, and show your master your love, my faithful Bear,”
Will said. The giant monster did as he was told and shared his
first kiss with his new master. “My God, I’ve been wanting to do
that ever since I laid eyes on you years ago, Bear,” he said,
“Welcome to my family, Brother,” he added.
“I’m glad to belong to you and your family, Sheriff. Bear love you
for many years. I hope you be happy with me,” Bear said.
“There ain’t no doubt in my mind,” Will replied.
“You sure it’s all right with you to keep our protector at the
ranch, Billy?” Tom asked.
“You got my word as a cowboy, Brother,” Billy replied.
“Good enough! You boys got any idea which one you want?” Tom
asked. He could see the Watcher they were looking at and
whispering back an forth.
“We want ‘Caesar,’” Rory said.
“The albino?” Tom asked.
“He’s the one, Dad,” Cal confirmed, “He wants to be our
protector,” he added.
“He’ll stick out like a sore thumb,” Tom mused.
“Which one won’t?” Billy asked and laughed. “I think the boys
picked a good’un. He’s certainly big enough to protect the whole
damn family, including yore' grandma. And as an added bonus, we
could color him for Easter like one a’ them little chicks,” Billy
added wickedly and everyone laughed. “Where did they get the name,
'Caesar’?” Billy asked.
“They’re big fans of the 'Planet of the Apes’ series and ga-ga
crazy for the latest one. The poor thing. He’s lucky they didn’t
name him after their favorite character,” Tom allowed dryly.
“Who’s their favorite character?” Billy bit.
“Dr. Zaius,” Tom replied and everyone laughed.
“That is a relief," Billy agreed and everyone laughed again. “That
only leaves one Watcher-protector to pick. Which one of them
handsome beasts shall it be, Pod’na’?” Billy asked his little
buddy.
There were big tears running down Randy’s handsome face like his
heart was broken. Gregor petted him and tried to soothe the boy.
“There, there, what’s the matter little one? Are you frightened of
them? There’s nothing to be afraid of. Anyone of them would be
proud to be your protector,” the giant said softly.
“My heart is not among them, Uncle Gregor,” Randy managed to get
out through his tears.
“He had his heart set on a huge Watcher he already befriended whom
he named ‘Ludo,’ and he don’t see him among the group,” Billy
explained.
“Are you sure, Son?” Gregor asked.
“Yes, sir, he ain’t there. I’d know it if’n he was,” Randy said
like his heart was breaking.
“Look a little closer – behind that big bush over there – to the
right of the group,” Gregor said, and he stood to his full height
of fifteen feet. Randy got a bird’s eye view of the group and sure
enough there was a big, ugly, grinning Bigfoot face peaking out
from behind the bush he recognized. He saw the black rim of fur
that outlined his monster’s reddish-brown facial hair like a
picture frame. Ludo wasn’t the best looking Watcher of the bunch,
but to one little boy, his ugly face was the picture of love and
belonged to a source of masculine power he so longed to call his
own. Fortunately, Ludo shared Randy’s heart. He desperately needed
to be needed, and he thought young Randy Rutherford just might
fill his lonely journey.
“Ludo!” Randy hollered at the top of his lungs and wiggled to get
loose from the huge giant. Gregor almost dropped him and laughed
as he lowered Randy to the ground. His legs were already running
as he hit the ground, and he covered the distance like a pony
express rider late with the mail. Ludo moved out from behind the
bush, knelt on one knee, and opened his big arms for his little
friend. Randy jumped the last few feet to be caught in the huge
beast’s arms. Ludo lifted him high above his head and turned
slowly as if to show the world his trophy, his little buddy who
loved him enough to shed tears for him. “I don’t want no other
protector but you, Ludo. You’s my bonded brother. I love you,
Ludo,” Randy said loud enough everyone could hear.
“Nice one, Uncle Gregor,” Billy complimented his uncle-in-law on
his clever surprise for Randy.
“Don’t get much chance to see such joy and happiness. We thought
we’d just milk it a little,” the huge giant said sheepishly, and
they shared a laugh.
“Why didn’t you tell me you would be here?” Randy asked his
protector.
“I didn’t know, Master Randy. I was called after you left,” Ludo
replied honestly.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here to share this time with me,” Randy
said.
“I knew you were special when I first saw you several years ago,
but being such an ugly beast, I never imagined I’d be assigned as
your protector. I hope you’ll be happy with me, Young Master,”
Ludo said sincerely.
“I hope you’re comfortable and happy with me, Ludo – and y’ain’t
ugly,” Randy replied, hugged Ludo, and gave him another kiss.
* * * * * * *
Billy and his family were shown to their rooms. Billy was given a
suite of rooms for him, Nick, Boomer, the twins, Randy and Ludo,
and Clyde. The Sheriff and his dad were given two rooms with an
adjoining bath – an extra room for their new family addition.
Billy’s Irin cowboy foreman, Andy, and Vox were given a room
together with two enormous beds. Tom and his boys were given two
rooms with four beds. Tom laughed. He knew only two beds would be
occupied – his and Caesars. Roz was given a smaller room to
herself with a handmaiden who stayed in a small anteroom off the
entry way available to her at all times who also acted as a guard
for her privacy and protection. Tron and Nathan were given one
large sumptuous room with two huge beds and laughed at the idea
both would be used. The same went for Enoch and Moss. Hank and
Buck were given a room next to the big cowboys. Last but not least
Archie and Edith were given their own room next to their master’s
suite of rooms.
Billy instructed them to get comfortable, and he carefully
explained the rules again. Men could wear their boots and hats and
Roz could wear a scarf and her canvas sneakers, but that was all.
They wouldn’t be chilled because the year round temperature on
Retikki Prime only varied one or two degrees from 75 degrees
Fahrenheit. When they were ready, they would meet in the large
foyer at the entrance to their wing of the castle. It didn’t take
them long. Everyone was excited to explore a new world with Master
Billy and his family as their guides. Billy put Hank and Buck in
charge with the twins as their ready assistants. They knew as much
or more about the town than any guide the palace might provide.
Billy asked how long they thought it might take for everyone to
‘get comfortable’ and all agreed to thirty minutes. They met in
the foyer and once they got over the initial shock of everyone
being nude they proceeded to the exit of the palace. Billy agreed
to let Boomer and the twins take care of any charges they might
incur as anything spent was for the benefit of their whole family.
Boomer, Cass, and Poly looked upon it as an honor. They boarded an
electric trolley at the base of the huge stairs up to the entryway
of the Palace and traveled to the mag-amp-antigrav shuttle line
going into the city. Billy’s family boarded the mag-lift carriage
and almost completely filled one by themselves. There were only
two other passengers. They smiled and introduced themselves. They
were thrilled to be traveling into the city with such well-known
figures as Master Billy and his family.
Billy escorted Roz everywhere they went and she was constantly
surrounded by the family’s huge Watcher-protectors and Billy’s big
cowboy brothers. Even the twins were looking out for her and
treated her like their dearest sister. Roz was having a ball. She
wasn’t the least nervous by her nakedness nor that of her male
companions. “Not meaning to stare, but are you beginning to show,
Dear-heart?” Billy asked.
“I think so, Master. I asked Mistress Kate and Zelma before we
left, and they seemed to agree; however, I haven’t felt him kick
yet. I know he’s there. He watches everything through my eyes like
it’s a dreamworld to him. He loves music. He loves my playing.
He’s most at ease when he hears me singing to him with my viola.
It is for him I play my best. He doesn’t fully comprehend, but
he’s learning fast,” Roz said.
Billy’s family were agog at the sumptuousness of the mag-lift car
and the comfort of the seats. They were so posh the men commented
they were glad they were naked to enjoy the sensuality of the soft
velvety seats which seemed to mold themselves perfectly to all
parts of their bodies. It was an incredible feeling. There was no
graffiti or dirt. The carriages were spotlessly clean and the ride
was so smooth you couldn’t feel movement other than acceleration
and slowing. Since they paid a bit more and took the luxury
express there were no other stops along the way. They arrived at
the heart of the large city and the huge town square shortly
before midday. When they disembarked they were recognized
immediately. Throngs of people came to gather around and applaud
for them to show their approval. Billy’s family were overwhelmed.
“You think it’s the boots and hats what give us away?” Billy asked
his uncle and his mate.
“More likely the “Billy Daniels’ Show,” Tron said dryly, “On the
other hand, ever’body loves cowboys,” he said. They shared a
laugh.
They came to the arts and performer’s area. Roz was enchanted by a
hand worked platinum gold bracelet with inlaid rubies, emeralds,
diamonds, delicately arranged within a field of pink amethyst.
There was a set of three, but each one was slightly different. Roz
was holding the one she liked best.
“Would you like to have it, Dear-heart?” Billy asked.
“I would never presume, Master. I was just looking and admiring,”
she replied.
“Would you like it for a souvenir of your first trip to Retikki
Prime?” Billy asked.
“It’s probably far too expensive, Master Billy,” she replied.
“Sometimes not, if you buy in volume,” Billy said, “How much for
the three bracelets?” he asked the lady behind the table, and she
quoted him a price. Billy turned to his guides, Hank, Buck, the
twins, Archie and Edith. “Is it a good price?” he asked them.
“Yes, Master Billy. It’s a very good price. We have seen less
craftsmanship for many more credits,” they agreed.
“We will take them,” Billy told the proprietress. She handed the
one Roz liked to Billy, and he placed it on Roz’s wrist. She gave
him a big hug and a kiss. Billy got an erection, but no one said a
word. The other two bracelets the lady boxed and carefully wrapped
separately, then handed them to Billy. With Cass’s help Billy
passed his hand over the scanner and paid for them, he thanked the
lady, and they were off to see and enjoy more sights.
“For Mistresses Kate and Zelma?” Roz asked about the other two
bracelets.
“Exactly. You think they’ll like them?” Billy asked.
“I can assure you they will, Master. There’s nothing on Earth like
them at any price,” Roz replied, “I will treasure mine forever,
sir, and I think the extra added weight to my bow arm will
increase the intensity of my tone,” she added and smiled.
“You’re worth it, Little Sister, glad you agreed to come with us,”
Billy said.
“It’s an honor and a thrill to be here, sir,” she
replied.
They took their time to take in the sights. They didn’t hurry and
moved from place to place and saw wonderful things they could
never imagine. The more they saw and did, the less self-conscious
everyone became about their nudity. The boys adjusted quicker than
the men and led their protectors around like they were one big
family – and, that’s exactly what they were. They were the Billy
Daniels family from a place called Texas on an insignificant
planet the natives named ‘Earth’ in the Sol system in a galaxy
known as the Milky Way.
End of Chapter 27 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
Copyright ~ © ~ 2012 ~ 2017 ~ Waddie Greywolf ~ All Rights
Reserved
WC = 13,198
09/17/2012
01/02/2017