WACO’S LUMMOX
Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter 36
“If I should ever die, God forbid, I wish for my epitaph to
read: I could never believe in a God if it were not for
music.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut 1922 ~ 2007
Everyone gathered on the bridge to watch their arrival at Saturn,
one of the most beautiful and magnificent of the Jovian worlds.
Captain Waco was ready with another of his brief, but informative,
talks about what his passenger’s would be seeing. Kuluke stood
beside his little brother. David and the med-bots got T’kan out of
bed, and he was walking with the aid of crutches. The cast on his
leg was a full leg cast. It ran from just below his butt to his
foot. Only his heel and toes were exposed. They attached a hard
rubber stop to the very bottom, beneath his foot, for him to rest
his weight on without damaging the cast.
After they adjusted his crutches to his proper height, T’kan
quickly learned to use them almost as easily as walking naturally.
He was a natural little athlete and his crutches provided him with
a new form of locomotion to master. He saw it as a challenge and
worked hard to get the hang of it. He soon became adept at using
them. He could go anywhere his brother could. After being
cleaned up and being on board the Buttercup for a while, Kuluke
wasn’t real sure he wanted to return to the cave. Besides, they
were going for walks in the woods several times a day. It wasn’t
like they were cooped up in the confines of the ship around the
clock. The critter walks became as important to them as the other
guests.
Everything they were experiencing was like magic to the bairns,
but they stayed close to Strom and Lyle while they took it all in
with wide-eyed fascination. The young of any species will adapt
quicker and easier to a new situation than adults. Kuluke and
T’kan felt like they had family for the first time in their lives,
and they had to admit to each other, it was appealing to them.
Their dad rarely let them have any of his teat. He acted like they
were too old to be nursing on him. They got all they wanted from
Strom and Ox. Everyone treated them as honored guests and special
friends. T’kan especially loved the attention his crutches brought
him. They set him apart and made him feel special.
“May I have your attention, please?” Captain Waco spoke to the
assembled guests. He started speaking after he had everyone’s
attention.
“Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest.
In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of agriculture. The
associated Greek god, Cronus, was the son of Uranus and Gaia* and
the father of Zeus or Jupiter. Saturn is the root of the English
word 'Saturday.' When it is in the nighttime sky, as seen from
Earth, Saturn is easily visible to the unaided eye. Though it is
not nearly as bright as Jupiter, it is easy to identify as a
planet because it doesn't twinkle like the stars do. The rings and
the larger satellites are visible with a small astronomical
telescope. Like the other Jovian planets, Saturn has a significant
magnetic field. Saturn has thirty-four named satellites. Of those
moons, for which rotation rates are known, all but Phoebe and
Hyperion rotate synchronously.
"Saturn is visibly flattened or oblate at its poles; its
equatorial and polar diameters vary by almost ten percent. This
flattening is the result of its rapid rotation and fluid state.
The other gas planets are also oblate, but not so much so. Saturn
is the least dense of the planets; its specific gravity, of only
0.7, is less than that of water. Like Jupiter, Saturn is
about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium with traces of water, methane,
ammonia and rock, similar to the composition of the primordial
Solar Nebula from which the solar system was formed. Saturn's
interior is similar to Jupiter's, consisting of a rocky core, a
liquid metallic hydrogen layer and a molecular hydrogen layer.
"Saturn's interior is hot,12000 Kelvin at the core, and Saturn
radiates more energy into space than it receives from the Sun.
Most of the extra energy, in the form of heat, is generated by the
Kelvin-Helmholtz mechanism as in Jupiter, but this may not be
sufficient to explain Saturn's luminosity; some additional
mechanism, as yet unknown, may be at work. The heat is generated
by the Kelvin-Helmholtz mechanism through the slow gravitational
compression of the planet. Saturn and Jupiter do NOT produce
energy by nuclear fusion as in the Sun; they are much too small
and hence interiors are too cool to ignite nuclear reactions.
Interior heat probably causes convection deep within Jupiter's
liquid layers and is probably responsible for the complex motions
we see in the cloud tops. Saturn and Neptune are similar to
Jupiter in this respect, but oddly, Uranus is not.
"Two prominent rings, labeled A and B and one faint ring, called
C, can be seen from the Earth. The gap between the A and B rings
is known as the Cassini division. The much fainter gap in the
outer part of the A ring is known as the Encke Division. Saturn's
rings, unlike the rings of the other planets, are very bright.
Though they look continuous from the Earth, the rings are actually
composed of innumerable small particles each in an independent
orbit.They range in size from a centimeter or so to several
meters. A few kilometer-sized objects are also likely. Saturn's
rings are extraordinarily thin: though they're 250,000 kilometer
or more in diameter they're less than one kilometer thick. Despite
their impressive appearance, there's really very little material
in the rings. If the rings were compressed into a single body it
would be no more than 100 kilometer across. The ring particles
seem to be composed primarily of water ice, but they may also
include rocky particles with icy coatings. Voyager confirmed the
existence of puzzling radial inhomogeneities in the rings called
'spokes' which were first reported by amateur astronomers. Their
nature remains a mystery, but may have something to do with
Saturn's magnetic field.
"There are complex tidal resonances between some of Saturn's moons
and the ring system: some of the moons, the so-called 'shepherding
satellites' called Atlas, Prometheus, and Pandora are clearly
important in keeping the rings in place; Mimas seems to be
responsible for the paucity of material in the Cassini division,
which seems to be similar to the Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid
belt; Pan is located inside the Encke Division and S/2005 S1 is in
the center of the Keeler Gap. The whole system is very complex and
as yet poorly understood. The origin of the rings of Saturn and
the other Jovian planets is unknown. Though they may have had
rings since their formation, the ring systems are not stable and
must be regenerated by ongoing processes, perhaps the breakup of
larger satellites. The current set of rings may be only a few
hundred million years old. Does anyone have any questions?” Waco
asked his guests. No one knew enough about what Waco was talking
about to ask an intelligent question.
<< You mean we come from a place like that? The place we
call Earth? >> Waco overheard Kuluke ask Strom and
Lyle.
“Yes, Kuluke, but our world is much smaller than the world you’re
looking at. Myra, Sweetheart, would you project Earth next to our
current picture of Saturn on the center screen so our passengers
can get an idea the difference in size between them?”
“Be happy to, my handsome captain,” Myra replied.
Instantly the Earth was on the bottom left of the huge holo-vid
screen. It looked like a large blue marble next to the huge size
of the ringed gas giant.
“There, everyone, that’s what our planet would look like next to
Saturn. When you’re viewing something as large Saturn or Jupiter
from the deck of a spaceship it’s hard to keep in perspective just
how enormous the gas giants are,” Waco said.
Everyone had to agree it made their home world look insignificant
by comparison. Kuluke and T’kan were impressed. Waco then asked
Myra to show a full screen view of the Earth from the Clark orbit
and everyone seemed to reconnect with their personal sense of
perspective.
“Our world is beautiful,” whispered T’kan.
“It is, indeed, Little Brother,” Waco came and stood by the two
young lummox, “By the way, welcome to the Buttercup. That’s the
name of our ship. Glad to have you aboard.”
“Thank, you, Captain Waco,” replied Kuluke for him and his little
brother.
Waco made another announcement. “Folks, enjoy your evening meal
while we orbit Saturn. When we finish we will be leaving orbit and
heading for Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System. If
you think Saturn is spectacular, y'ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s a
shorter hop from Saturn to Jupiter because of the way the planets
are aligned right now, so we should be coming into sight of the
big planet shortly before our bosun pipes ‘lights out.’ Of course,
you’re all welcome to join us for a late night hot chocolate party
here on the bridge and we will orbit the planet several times. We
will then leave orbit and head back into the direction of our home
world. We hope to arrive within sight of Venus by early morning.
Those of you who haven’t met our newest guests, Kuluke and his
younger brother T’kan, please stop by and introduce yourselves,”
Waco urged his guests.
Some of the cowboys already introduced themselves, but the rest of
the folks slowly strolled over to meet them. Kuluke stayed close
to Strom and Lyle, but T’Kan was more outgoing showing off his new
leg cast to everyone. He was the center of attention and loving
it. He was adventurous enough to pet all the dogs, and they talked
freely with him. He was fascinated with Keekepata, and she became
quite fond of the young bairn. Folks moved on to have supper. Lyle
left Kuluke and T’kan with Strom and went to the main mess hall on
the galley deck. He told Strom he would eat quickly and join him
and the boys in the critter feeding area. Strom nodded his
understanding.
“We don’t eat with them?” T’kan asked sort of disappointed.
“No, Son, they eat different foods. Our diet is more basic and
simple than theirs. We are closer to the land than they are. They
have more formal eating rituals than we do. It’s just more
comfortable for us to eat separately. If you want to eat with
them, they will gladly make a place for you at their table without
question. My boy Ox and I have eaten with them many times, but we
are never really comfortable. You’ll have a chance one of these
days, and then you let me know what you think about it.”
<< Trust me, their food and eating habits are overrated,
>> Jill projected to them. I just want my cup of chow, some
clean water, and to be left alone while I eat.
“Me, too, Sister Jill,” echoed Patty.
“Couldn’t agree more,” Moe said.
“Yeah, eating should be for eating, not for chit-chat,” Shep
added.
“Utah, eats with them,” Larry said.
“That’s because he’s like his master. He eats special food that
only his master can make for him out of the same chow we eat, but
he does something to it to rearrange its nutritional values
especially for Utah. He never stays. His master gives him
permission to come find us. I think he’d rather be with us
anyway.”
“Is he really a dog, like us?” Shep asked.
“I think so, he sniffed my butt,” Moe said.
“You’re just awful, Brother,” Patty said indignantly.
“Don’t go get'n all high and mighty with us, Little Sister, I saw
him sniff your butt, and I watched you return the favor,” Shep
laughed at her. Poor Patty looked at her brother like she could
kill him. The critters laughed at their exchange. Kuluke and T’kan
thought it was funny. They laughed out loud. Strom smiled at his
son, Garron. Ox winked back at him. It was good to see the boys
find humor in something. It seemed like Kuluke and T’kan were
becoming comfortable with their new life. The four legged critters
and their friends finished their meal a lot quicker than their
human friends.
They sat around and talked to one another until Jack Hall whistled
for them it was time for their walk. He and Warren Steele were the
unofficial critter walkabout captains and were responsible for
accounting for everyone. Warren carried a clipboard with
everyone’s name who was going on the walk and checked off their
names before they could go through the portal. Before they
returned he’d call out everyone’s name and check them off before
anyone was allowed to return from the forest. It was well
organized and they made sure no one was left behind.
It was still dusk as they went through the portal onto the dirt
road they usually took up and over the hill. It was T’kan’s first
attempt at going any distance on his crutches. David said he could
go as long as he didn’t overdo. Jack and Warren watched him
closely. Strom, Lyle, Ox, and Waco were along to back them up. The
animals were pretty well trained not to go too far into the brush
to relieve themselves. Agreement or no agreement, no one was
anxious to run into a full grown mountain lioness. Kuluke walked
slowly along side his little brother and offered him
encouragement. He enjoyed their outings in the forest as it made
him feel less captive and enclosed. T’kan was adapting much faster
than Kuluke.
Later that evening, Kuluke and T’kan watched a Disney movie with
the cowboys and the critters. Captain Waco promised the critters a
special movie just for them even the pups would enjoy. It was
Disney’s original version of “The Shaggy Dog.” There was much
laughter, cheering, and talking to the characters on the screen as
the young boy would turn into a dog and then back into a human.
The audience participation made the film much better than it
really was and everyone had a ball. Everyone agreed it was
one of the best movies they ever saw. Kuluke and T’kan were
enchanted by it. They didn’t understand how a human could change
into a dog and back again. Kuluke thought it must be some kind of
magic.
“Ah, it’s just a story, Kuluke. Ain’t no magic to it,” explained
Moe, “It ain’t real. They make it look like it’s really happening,
but it’s all done with special effects. He don’t really change
into a dog and when he becomes a dog, it’s a real dog what plays
the part. It’s all make believe. Anything you can imagine they can
make into a story and make it look real.”
Kuluke wasn’t sure he understood, but his little brother came to
his rescue. “Later this evening I’ll show you a video I ran across
while lying in bed that explains it all. I wondered how they do
it, and I asked Myra about it. She’s real helpful. She told me
there weren’t no magic to it. She showed me this wonderful video
that explains it all. Once you see how they do it, you’ll
understand,” he said like a knowing sage. Warren and Jack found
T’kan’s self-assurance amusing. Less than a day out of the wild
and the little one knew about special effects. A number of the
adults watched the movie with them, but Charlie, Lazarus, Strom,
and Lyle were in the canteen drinking coffee with Sonny and Vivian
Steele, and several other adults. They were discussing the trip
and the chance finding of the young bairns.
“Thank God we found them when we did,” Lazarus said, “David told
me T’kan was close to having major infection set in, and he
could’ve been dead within a day.”
“I just can’t understand a father leaving his bairns alone to find
another place for them to live. I’d never leave one of my bairns
behind even when hunting. They were always within sight of me or
Pangle. Ask Garron, in all the years he lived with us, we never
left him alone for a minute. I don’t know of any other lummox
parents who would do that either. Our children are everything to
us. They are our past and our future,” said Strom almost angrily.
His booming voice rose in volume toward the end of his impassioned
speech. Everyone was silent. Lazarus got a funny grin on his face.
“Oh, my God! You’re becoming attached to them,” Lazarus laughed
and gently slapped Strom on his back, “I should’ve seen this
coming. Why am I not surprised?” Lazarus asked.
“You just realized it? I’ve known it from the time Strom and Ox
brought Kuluke back to the ship,” Lyle grinned.
“I could a’ told you!” exclaimed Vivian, “I can see the way he
looks at them when he thinks nobody’s looking,” she laughed and
grabbed her husband’s arm. Sonny laughed with her.
“Now, maybe ya’ll understand why I fell in love with him?” Lyle
said laughing and putting his arm around his mate.
“Of course! No doubt in my mind!” Charlie said, “I think we’ve all
fallen under their spell, especially the little one – Mr.
Personality plus.”
“What are you gonna’ do about it, Big’un?" Lazarus put to Strom,
“What if they want us to find their dad? He shouldn’t be hard to
find. We can find him with their DNA.”
“I wanna’ check him out first. I wanna’ ask him why he left them
in that cave all alone," Strom said.
“And if you don’t like his answer?” Lazarus asked.
“He won’t find out we got ‘em, and I tell the boys we couldn’t
find him,” Strom said like it was the most natural solution to the
problem.
Everyone was quiet again. Vivian Steele broke the silence with a
sigh. “I suppose there are good and bad lummox just like every
other race of people. If it came to a vote, I’d be more likely to
vote in favor of Strom and Lyle than a father who would abandon
his boys unless he had one Hell of a good reason. I think Strom’s
idea to check him out sounds reasonable,” she said.
“I agree with Vivian,” Charlie said quietly.
“Me, too,” Sonny added.
“I agree with my mate,” Lyle grinned.
“Smart man!” Lazarus said with quiet strength and laughed at Lyle,
“I think it’s a good idea, too. I have to say, Strom, you never
cease to amaze me. I’m proud you were the second birth father for
our twins. Does that mean you and Lyle would be willing to take
them in and raise them as your own?” Lazarus asked.
“My husband speaks for us,” Lyle smiled and winked at Lazarus.
“Once again, you’re a wise young man. You won’t never go wrong
throwing your lot in with a magnificent beast like Strom,” he
encouraged Lyle.
“Of course we’ll accept them as our own. We’ll just start off with
a little larger family than we planned. These are unusual times
we’re living in and they call for creative solutions to difficult
situations. We’ll just have to have three human bairns to make up
the difference,” Strom laughed and hugged Lyle to him.
“Only three?” Lyle complained. Everyone laughed.
“All right. It all sounds good, but you have to promise you’ll
take Garron along with you when you check out their dad. Not
because I wouldn’t trust your word, but because I want someone
covering your back. Also, we have no idea what kind of lummox
we’re dealing with. Like Vivian said, there are some bad one’s out
there. I know your husband would feel better if you were
accompanied by one of your kin,” Lazarus said.
“He’s right, Strom, I would feel better,” Lyle said to his mate.
“Garron will go with me, if nothing else, to keep me from killing
a brother,” Strom said more quietly.
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind Strom might be capable of such
a thing in the heat of anger if he thought the bairns were
mistreated. Nothing more was said, but everyone watched with
amusement as the four grew closer to each other. Kuluke and T’kan
came to accept Lyle as a second dad as readily as they accepted
Strom as their primary father. They even came to look upon Ox as
their big brother, because they knew he was one of Strom’s adopted
sons. They didn’t talk about their other dad a lot. The boys were
promised the men would try to find their dad when they returned to
Earth, and they seemed satisfied Strom and his friends would keep
their word.
* * * * * * *
After the movie, Jack and Warren took everyone for another walk.
It was the last one for the evening. It was getting late. They no
sooner returned when Little Bear blew his bosun’s pipe to announce
the Buttercup’s arrival at the planet Jupiter. David and Jonathan
and the service bots served hot chocolate on the bridge. The
critters got other treats, but after one taste of Lyle and Strom’s
hot chocolate Kuluke and T’kan knew they found a home. They
couldn’t get such strange and wonderful things in a cold damp
cave.
The Captain began his talk about Jupiter. “Jupiter is the fifth
planet from the Sun and by far the largest. Jupiter is more than
twice as massive as all the other planets combined. The mass of
Jupiter is three hundred and eighteen times that of Earth.
Jupiter, or Zeus in Greek, was the King of the Gods, the ruler of
Olympus and the patron of the Roman state. Zeus was the son of
Cronus, the Roman Saturn. It is the fourth brightest object in the
sky after the Sun, the Moon, and Venus. It has been known since
prehistoric times as a bright 'wandering star.' In 1610 when
Galileo first pointed a telescope at the sky, he discovered
Jupiter's four large moons Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto,
which is why today they're known as the Galilean moons, and
recorded their motions back and forth around Jupiter. This was the
first discovery of a center of motion not centered on the Earth.
It was a major point in favor of Copernicus' heliocentric theory
of the motions of the planets. Galileo's outspoken support of the
Copernican theory got him in trouble with the Holy Inquisition.
You remember them folks, don't you? If it ain't in the bible, it
ain't so. What a pity religion and belief systems have progressed
very little in four hundred years.
"The gas planets don't have solid surfaces. Their gaseous material
simply gets denser with depth. What we see when looking at these
planets is the tops of clouds high in their atmospheres. Jupiter
is about 90% hydrogen and 10% helium with traces of methane,
water, ammonia, and rock. This is very close to the composition of
the primordial Solar Nebula from which the entire solar system was
formed. Saturn has a similar composition, but Uranus and Neptune
have much less hydrogen and helium.
"Our knowledge of the interior of Jupiter and the other gas
planets is highly speculative and likely to remain so for some
time; however, some scientists' best guess is Jupiter
probably has a core of rocky material amounting to something like
ten to fifteen Earth-masses. Above the core lies the main bulk of
the planet in the form of liquid metallic hydrogen. This exotic
form of the most common of elements is possible only at pressures
exceeding four million bars, as is the case in the interior of
Jupiter and Saturn. Liquid metallic hydrogen consists of ionized
protons and electrons like the interior of the Sun but at a far
lower temperature. At the temperature and pressure of Jupiter's
interior hydrogen is a liquid, not a gas. It is an electrical
conductor and the source of Jupiter's magnetic field. This layer
probably also contains some helium and traces of various ices. The
outermost layer is composed primarily of ordinary molecular
hydrogen and helium which is liquid in the interior and gaseous
further out. The atmosphere we see is just the very top of this
deep layer. Water, carbon dioxide, methane and other simple
molecules are also present in tiny amounts.
"Jupiter and the other gas planets have high velocity winds which
are confined in wide bands of latitude.The winds blow in opposite
directions in adjacent bands. Slight chemical and
temperature differences between these bands are responsible for
the colored bands that dominate the planet's appearance. The light
colored bands are called zones; the dark ones belts. The bands
have been known for some time on Jupiter, but the complex vortices
in the boundary regions between the bands were first seen by
Voyager. The data from the Galileo probe indicate that the winds
are even faster than expected; more than 400 miles per hour.
Jupiter's atmosphere is quite turbulent. Jupiter's winds are
driven in large part by its internal heat rather than from solar
input as on Earth. The vivid colors seen in Jupiter's clouds are
probably the result of subtle chemical reactions of the trace
elements in Jupiter's atmosphere, perhaps involving sulfur whose
compounds take on a wide variety of colors, but the details are
unknown.
"The Great Red Spot, or GRS, has been seen by Earthly observers
for more than 300 years. The GRS is an oval about 12,000 by 25,000
kilometers, big enough to hold two Earths. Other smaller but
similar spots have been known for decades. Infrared observations
and the direction of its rotation indicate that the GRS is a
high-pressure region whose cloud tops are significantly higher and
colder than the surrounding regions. Similar structures have been
seen on Saturn and Neptune. It is not known how such structures
can persist for so long.
"Jupiter radiates more energy into space than it receives from the
Sun. The interior of Jupiter is hot. The core is probably about
20,000 Kelvin. The heat is generated by the Kelvin-Helmholtz
mechanism, the slow gravitational compression of the planet.
Jupiter does not produce energy by nuclear fusion as in the Sun;
it is much too small and hence its interior is too cool to ignite
nuclear reactions. This interior heat probably causes convection
deep within Jupiter's liquid layers and is probably responsible
for the complex motions we see in the cloud tops. Saturn and
Neptune are similar to Jupiter in this respect, but oddly enough,
Uranus is not. Jupiter is just about as large in diameter as a gas
planet can be. If more material were to be added, it would be
compressed by gravity such that the overall radius would increase
only slightly. A star can be larger only because of its internal
nuclear heat source; however, Jupiter would have to be at least 80
times more massive to become a star.
"Jupiter has a huge magnetic field, much stronger than Earth's.
Its magnetosphere extends more than 650 million kilometers past
the orbit of Saturn. Jupiter's moons lie within its magnetosphere,
a fact which may partially explain some of the activity on one of
its moons, Io. Jupiter has sixty-three known satellites: the four
large Galilean moons plus many more small ones. Jupiter is very
gradually slowing down due to the tidal drag produced by the
Galilean satellites. Also, the same tidal forces are changing the
orbits of the moons, very slowly forcing them farther from
Jupiter. Jupiter's satellites are named for other figures in the
life of Zeus; mostly, his numerous lovers.”
Captain Waco’s discourse on Jupiter was the longest and most
complete for all the planets. He explained there were more
mysteries than answers about such an imposing giant in our Solar
System. For all our technology there are questions about the
planet that may never be answered. Because of the planet’s size,
it took sometime to orbit Jupiter; however, by the time Waco gave
the command to leave orbit and continue on their journey to Venus,
most of the guest said their ‘goodnights’ and drifted of to their
individual cabins. Kuluke and T’kan were sharing a huge bed in the
same cabin where Strom and Lyle were staying. It was another
double cabin that had a water-tight door between them as found on
most ships at sea, spaceships, and Mormon Temples.
Before they could go to bed they were required to join Lyle and
Strom in the bath where they were both subjected to sonic showers
and water. They were careful with T’kan’s cast so it didn’t get
wet. It became a major family moment. The young bairns were
embarrassed the first time they saw Lyle naked. They had plenty of
fur to cover their genitals and so did Strom. They didn’t have any
problem with Strom, but seeing a nude human was something
altogether different for them. They tried not to look at Lyle and
kept their backs to him most of the time.
Strom laughed at them. “Come on, guys, you’re going to make Lyle
feel bad. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Just think on
him as family. He’s my family and as long as you two are under my
care he’s your family, too. Once you get used to the fact he has
no fur to speak of, you began to see the beauty of the human race.
And, as humans go, I picked me the very best looking one I could
find,” Strom boomed with laughter as he hugged Lyle’s nude body
against his. The boys blushed. It took them several evenings, but
they slowly began to loosen up.
Kuluke’s problem was not that Lyle was nude, it was because he
found him so attractive. It didn’t take his little brother long to
figure it out and made his big brother’s life even worse. Lyle
would bathe the boys just like he would Strom. Strom would take
one and Lyle would take the other. Kuluke always managed to be
with Strom. T’kan told Strom what was going on, and they
roared with laughter. It became their secret. T’kan got Strom’s
permission to show his brother the video Myra put up for him to
watch while he was in sickbay. That night, after Strom and Lyle
tucked them in, T’kan showed Kuluke what he discovered. He taught
him how to speak to Myra.
“Are you there, Myra?” T’kan spoke softly.
A soft female voice came back. “I’m always here, Sweet-bairn. All
you gotta’ do is speak my name or give a whistle; you do know how
to whistle, don’t you?” she asked and giggled.
“No, ma’am. I don’t know how to whistle,” T'kan replied.
“No, problem, I’ll have one of the cowboys teach you. Now, what
can I do for you this evening? It’s late, shouldn’t you men be
going to sleep?” she asked.
“I got permission from Strom,” T’kan replied.
“I know you did; I heard. What do you need from Myra?" she asked.
“Could you play that video you showed me in sickbay about how they
make videos and special effects?” T'kan asked.
“Sure. Get comfy, and I’ll start it in a minute. Enjoy,” she
replied and the video started.
They watched it all the way through and Kuluke was impressed. It
was very logical how they did it. It was an art or a craft. There
was no magic to it, but when he stopped to think about it, it came
off looking like magic, and after all, wasn’t that what magic was
all about? Myra spoke to them again.
“Anything else I can do for you this evening, Handsome?” she asked
T’kan.
“No, ma’am, but thanks a lot, Myra, you’re a good friend.”
“Why, thank you, little one, I try to be. You take good care of
your leg and get well soon,” she signed off.
Somewhere in the wee hours of the morning, Kuluke rolled over to
throw his arm over his little brother, but he wasn’t there. He sat
up in the bed, but he didn’t panic. He saw the door open between
the bedrooms and went to look. There was T’kan fast asleep in
Lyle’s arms. Kuluke silently walked around their big bed and
gently crawled in next to Strom. It was just enough to wake the
big beast. Strom saw it was Kuluke, smiled at him, and opened his
huge arms for him. Kuluke snuggle up to Strom and the big lummox
embraced him. Kuluke felt safer in Strom’s arms than he ever did
in his young life. There was just something about the huge lummox
that made him feel comfortable and wanted.
<< Would a little warm milk help you sleep? >>
Strom projected.
<< It jes' might, sir, >> Kuluke replied.
<< Help yourself, Son, >> Strom offered.
Kuluke fell fast asleep after only a few minutes of drinking
Strom’s warm sweet milk. He slept peacefully the rest of the night
in his big lummox friend’s arms.
* * * * * * *
The morning pipe was blown early. The Buttercup was approaching
Venus. Lyle and Strom lay in bed with their two new wards. Lyle
got everyone up. He knew the first walk of the day started early.
They needed to get up and out to go for a walk in the woods. After
their walk, everyone ate breakfast. The Captain announced things
would be different that morning, because there would be a lot more
to see on Venus. After breakfast the guests gathered on the
bridge. Everyone was excited to get the first glimpse of the
Venerean Bladder Whales, Cetacea Balaena Cythereinsis. Waco told
Burt to take the control seat next to his left where Jill was
sitting. She simply crawled up into Burt’s lap and smiled at him.
She weighed almost nothing so it wasn’t uncomfortable for him. “I
wanted you to get the feel of operating one of these ships, Burt,”
Waco told him, “When things begin to get worse back on Earth the
Admiral is going to need more command pilots. We have a fleet of
about three hundred of these small ships on board the Mighty Bee.
You interested?”
“Hell, yes, I’m interested. Ever’ time I see you, Little Bear,
Travis, and Lucas take your seats up here, I damn near cream ma'
Wranglers. I want to experience this for myself,” Burt replied
with enthusiasm.
“Well, just sit and observe for right now and when we get back
I’ll make arrangements for Ping and Pong to start a formal
training program for you and Phil,” Waco said.
“Hot damn! That’s great, Captain Waco. I’ll do my damnedest to
make you, the Admiral, and Master Charlie proud of me,” Burt said.
“Okay, strap yourself in and hold onto your partner. We’re heading
into the atmosphere of Venus. There may be a small amount of
turbulence.”
Waco’s second in command, Lucas, already instructed the passengers
to get into their assigned seats and fasten their seat belts. They
didn’t know exactly how turbulent the cloud cover might be in the
upper atmosphere. Once they were inside and had a better idea they
probably could walk about more freely. They were no more than a
few minutes in when the ship had to take a sudden turn to miss a
huge bladder whale. Waco pulled along side.
“Myra, Sweetheart, could you activate ship to creature
communications, please?" Captain Waco asked the ship's evolved
intelligence.
“Happy to, Captain. Done,” she replied.
Immediately there came over the speakers strange sounds.
Intelligent sounds. Rumblings. Great groans. Pops and squeaks,
followed by high-pitched vocal sounds that resembled singing. The
sounds repeated then several voices joined the solo voice adding
an even richer blend to the mix.
“It sounds like singing!” exclaimed Johauk Kodaly.
“It is singing, Brother,” Shane Goodnight confirmed. He was
sitting next to Johauk. "It’s the songs of the Venerean
Atmospheric Bladder Whales. I recognize that voice. I think it’s
the leader’s son, Chacheellian,” Shane said.
“My God, look at them. There must be fifty to a hundred of them.
How beautiful! What are those long ropes attached to their
fronts?” Blake Tindell asked with awe. Everyone else was
speechless.
“Those ain’t ropes, Son,” Lazarus replied, “They’re like arms or
legs. Some have incorrectly called them tentacles or tendrils.
They are hundreds of miles long and continue to grow all their
lives. They have eight of them and they rotate forward as new ones
are produced from their underbellies. They cast them out before
them to secure them to something solid on the surface and anchor
themselves to pull them along even in the most severe wind storms.
It steadies them and keeps them from blowing away. It also
produces a more even flow of food for them.”
“Amazing,” Vivian Steele said, “God, I’m so glad we turned down
that Mexican cruise,” she whispered to Sonny. They shared a laugh.
The Buttercup came up along side a particularly spectacular
specimen. Waco decided to hail it. “Hello! Greetings! I’m Captain
Waco Goodnight of the Earth ship Buttercup,” Waco sent out into
the atmosphere. Everyone was amused and chuckled at Waco’s call.
They were even more amused but shocked when he got a response.
“Ah, yes, young Master Goodnight. You’re now captain of your own
ship. We heard you were assigned your own ship. Congratulations,
Young Man, it’s a handsome ship, indeed. I remember meeting you
with my father on your last visit to Venus some time ago with
Admiral Long and your father. They are with you this trip as well,
I believe?”
“They are, indeed, sir. Are you Chacheellian?”
“Indeed, I am. You remembered my name. How gracious of you.”
“Yes, sir, it's a pleasure to see you again, and how is your
handsome father, Chuchulack?” Waco asked.
“He’s well. He’s a bit ahead of me. I’ve been put in the rear to
assist the elderly stragglers and new calves who have lost their
mother, but I’m slowly catching up with him. As you can see I have
a couple of young calves in tow who haven’t learned to use their
wind legs yet. They are still using my legs for support until they
get the hang of it. Welcome, Captain Waco and all your guests to
Venus. I know you have some unusual new folks with you. You have
one of the Ancients, Jesse Watkins, in corporeal form aboard your
ship and his companion, Utah. What a delight to feel their
presence. And what a delight to get to meet a quartet of the
singing quadrupeds Patty, Moe, Larry, and Shep. We hope to hear
them sing while you visit. We bid welcome to the guests of honor,
the Stamper brothers, their bossman Mr. Blake Tindell, and their
masters Mr. Hoot Austin and Mr. Cotton Daniels.
"Welcome young Jimmy-Bob Dodge and his companion Stan Edmunds. Mr.
and Mrs. Sonny Steele and Mr. Steele’s handsome father Warren. Mr.
Jack Hall still recovering from a dreadful near death experience.
Also a fine musician, young Johauk Kodaly and his shipmate Leon
Olsen. Not to forget stalwart and brave Garron, strong and
faithful Strom and his fine looking new mate, Lyle Chambers and
their two new wards, Kuluke and T’gan. Congratulation Strom and
Lyle on the success of your coupling. May your new infant bairn
bring you much happiness. And welcome to your men Captain Waco,
Little Bear, and his grandfather Chief Adam White Crow Tin Penny,
Travis, and your handsome brothers JR, Blue, and Lucas.
"Welcome Dame Keekepata and her collaborator, Mr. Arnie Lewis and
his handsome mate Dr. Randall Stevens. Welcome Admiral Long,
Master Charlie and the hard working cowboy, Mr. Hank Morgan. It’s
good to hear your thoughts again. It’s so good to have you all
visit Venus. Go on up ahead a ways and you will find my father.
You can’t miss him. He’s the biggest bull at the front. He’s also
in full mating colors so I do hope you’re all wearing eye
protection,” Chacheellian said with humor and made everyone laugh.
“I know my father is anxious to greet you. We’ve been expecting
you.”
“Thank you, Chacheellian. It’s good to speak with you again.
You’re certainly taking on some of your father’s good looks.
You’re much larger than our last visit.”
“Why, thank you, young Captain. So good of you to notice. I’m
afraid I will never be such a fine looking Cytherian as my father,
but I struggle on,” Chacheellian responded and laughed again.
Everyone was in love with the Bladder Whales. Lucas gave their
passengers permission to release their seat-belts. The ship’s
stabilizers were functioning to full capacity and it would be
smooth sailing through the Venerean atmosphere. Waco explained
there were two adjectival usages to describe aspects of Venus, one
was Venusian and the other was Venerean. Both were correct but
Captain Waco preferred the latter.
Waco turned the controls over to Lucas and went to stand along
side his dad and Admiral Long. Lucas expertly guided the ship
slowly to the front of the pod of Whales. It took them sometime,
because there was over a hundred of them. They were all sizes and
shapes. They were beautiful and the adults were in full mating
colors. It was spring on Venus or as close to it as a planet that
only rotates once in two hundred and forty-three Earth days can
claim. As it was the beginning of a new sidereal day, it was their
spring. Venus rotates in the opposite direction from Earth. The
sun rises in the West and sets in the East. Lucas had no problem
identifying the lead bull, Chuchulack. As they came upon him, Burt
pointed him out.
“Is that him? Is he their leader, Captain Waco?” he asked with
considerable enthusiasm.
“‘At’s him, all right. ‘At’s the mighty Chuchulack. Magnificent,
ain’nee?” Waco replied.
“Unbelievable,” whispered Burt, “Magnificent don't do it.
He's far more than that. He's fantastically handsome for such a
large creature.”
They could hear the whales calling and singing to each other. Some
of the young ones were singing to their leader. He was bellowing
to them in his native song. He halted his song with an admonition
to his young, he must take care of protocol with their visitors.
No one on the ship could understand the words, but there was no
doubting his intent. “Ah, the Buttercup has arrived and Admiral
Long’s young slave-son Lucas is at the helm. Welcome all and thank
you Burt Stamper for your kind words about my person. They are
greatly appreciated.”
Burt laughed he was so stunned the big creature might have heard
him and was so personable. Lazarus decided it was his turn to
communicate. “Chuchulack, our old friend. It looks like your kind
are prospering and feeding well. I must say we’re all thrilled to
see you and your family in such fine shape. Have things been well
with you?” he asked.
“They have, Admiral. We were so happy when we received word you
and your extended family were planning a pleasure excursion and
including Venus as one of your destinations. Welcome one and all,
but particularly your honored guests, the Stamper brothers, their
boss Blake Tindell, their Masters Hoot Austin and Cotton Daniels
and the young men’s suitors. Also we’re pleased to welcome Master
Jesse Watkins and Utah. What an honor. It’s been several centuries
since we were honored by a visit from them.”
“Hello, Chuchulack, our old friend. You don’t look a day older
than the last time we met,” Jesse said.
“Ah, you are too kind, Master Watkins. We’re so glad you took a
name for yourself,” the big creature said and laughed, “I
understand it was given to you by the other masters.”
“You’re correct. They chose a fine bearer to give it to me in the
form of Mr. Goodnight’s son and new captain of this ship, young
Waco.”
“Ah, yes, I was saving my welcome for him and his father for last,
but now is appropriate. Welcome to Venus Mr. Goodnight and Captain
Waco. Your generosity and exploits have been carefully noted since
your last visit to us, and you have accomplished much. We are
particularly interested in your sharing your body’s information
for the formation of a clone to house another species of silicon
based life form, one of the delicate and beautiful Kryscellians.
Never before in the history of the universe has anyone attempted
to conjoin two life forms like this. It is remarkable to say the
least; however, we foresee some minor problems on the horizon.
Your new brother will tell you about it later, but for now I must
tell you you’ve captured the hearts and imagination of the entire
Venerean world. You have been given the honor of landing on Venus
and a requested audience with some of the Venusian
dignitaries.”
“My, that is an honor,” said Lazarus nodding to Waco, “In all my
years and visits to this planet I’ve never been honored with such
a request.”
“You were in military vessels and not simply on a pleasure cruise
of our system, Admiral. They were not allowed to socially receive
you by their binding treaty with their overlords, the reptilian
race. They forced them to accept a reticent neutrality toward all
other races who either exist within or frequently visit our solar
system. Like other civilizations, the Venusian’s have evolved in
their technology, attitudes, and politics and have thrown off the
strict protocols the reptilian race has imposed on them for
centuries. They have announced their independence and now
functioning as an autonomous people. They also have our full
support in their decision.
"We were never fond of the reptilian race which evolved on your
planet. Their logic and methods were looked upon as flawed,
self-serving, crude, and thoughtless, sometimes bordering on the
barbaric. Their civilization has very little to consider as lofty
or striving to attain higher degrees of thought. They seem to
exist simply for the purpose of survival and reproduction of their
kind. They express no art in their living and therefore find no
grace in dying. It is our humble opinion, life without beauty and
the freedom to strive for pure thought is not a life worth living
and of as little import or necessity as a dreaded disease.
"Furthermore, the Venusians are fascinated by your successful
attempts to gift your quadrupedal friends with speech. They can’t
wait to meet Patty, Moe, Larry, Shep, and of course, Utah. What
does it say in one of your sacred texts: The least among you shall
be first? By your consideration for a humble species, who have
given so much to mankind over the years, it is only right that you
begin to be noticed and respected as a species who are beginning
to take your rightful place in the universe. If that weren’t
enough, Captain Waco, they have an enormous and unplanned surprise
for you and your men. By the way, we all saw and experienced Dame
Pata and Blue’s dance the other night and found it to be of the
highest quality. We can’t tell you how much we enjoyed it. The
Venerean clouds resounded with songs of such beauty afterward you
would have been stunned by their brilliance.
"Great art inspires greater art. Flawless beauty is the breeding
ground for perfection. I’ve never heard such singing from my kind
since the Song Wars we held with the whales from you planet for
centuries. They weren’t really wars as you think of them, but they
were as important to us and every bit as glorious. Afterward,
instead of the defeated being vanquished, we all rose together
more proud than ever to join with the triumphant to sing their
song of victory. Ah, those were the times that elevated our
species and worlds to new heights of existence. Together the
victors and the vanquished became the envy of the spheres. Our
hearts conjoined with the victor’s song to become so much more
than we were. Can you relate to that, young Johauk Kodaly?”
Chuchulack asked with his booming voice. All faces turned to look
at the young man who had tears streaming down his face. Blake put
his arm around his shoulder and pulled him close.
“I’m afraid our brother cannot speak right now, Father Chuchulack.
He is so moved by your words,” Waco said.
“My words were meant for one as beautiful as he. He reached to the
bottom of his soul, pulled his dormant, latent talent up by its
bootstraps, and sang his own mother back from death’s door.
Neither Orfeo nor Faust could do that for their beloved. In every
man and creature’s heart, there is a song that only they know, and
as many as they sing or create within their lifetime, they will
never be as sweet as the song they alone can hear.”
“How can we land in one of their cities without coordinates,
Chuchulack? From our observations of the planet there are no
visible structures on the surface,” Lazarus inquired.
“You’re correct, Admiral Long. It is much too warm for their
species on the surface. Everything is underground and their
entries or space docks are phased out so as not to be seen by any
means. If you give your on-board computer, Ms. Myra, permission,
they will take over the landing for you. Just sit back and enjoy
the ride. Once again, it is a great pleasure and a decided honor
to be the first to welcome you to Venus. We have become unofficial
welcoming ambassadors for our planet for sometime now, but we
don’t extend our hospitality to all species.”
“We are honored, Chuchulack. Long may you live and may you have
many fine looking, healthy, intelligent, song filled calves,”
Lazarus wished him.
“The same to you, Admiral. You just had two new bairns with your
partner. Give him our best and tell him he only grows more
handsome as the years pass.”
“I will, my friend, and we will speak again before we depart.”
“We will look forward to it, Admiral.”
Waco told Myra to look for a signal from the surface and respond
accordingly.
“Already done, my handsome Captain. We’re on our way.”
Chuchulack’s words generated great excitement and speculation.
Lucas instructed everyone to take their assigned seats for
landing. They didn’t expect any difficulties out of the ordinary,
but it was better to be safe than sorry. Everyone buckled up and
Captain Waco resumed his seat. There was really nothing for the
crew to do but watch and wait. Myra and the Venusians were
directing the Buttercup to the landing spot. All the holo-grids
were active and it looked like you could reach out and touch the
surface as they glided smoothly to the base of a large crater. A
large round platform rose up to meet them to dock with the base of
the Buttercup. Everyone felt a slight thump as it engaged.
Myra cut her engines and the ship was at rest on the docking
platform. The platform was slowly lowered and began to move in the
direction of the wall of the crater. The wall began to shimmer and
then it simply opened onto a huge underground base for all kinds
of different spacecraft. The platform moved in the same direction
and went past numerous crafts. Waco caught sight of a huge ship
where men were working. There were work crews all over it. He
thought he recognized it. No, it wasn’t possible. He leaned over
to Lucas. “I know it can’t be, but that big rusty looking battle
cruiser what looks like it’s seen better days reminds me of..." he
didn't finish his sentence.
“You better take a closer look, Brother. I think it’s what you
think it is. Keekepata, front and center!" Lucas shouted. Keeke
unfastened her seat belt and flew to Lucas and Waco’s side. "Are
we seeing what we think we’re seeing, Darlin'?” Lucas asked Keeke.
“Yes, Brother Lucas, Master Waco, it is the Banshee. I’d recognize
her anywhere. Brother Lucas is right, she’s seen better days. It
looks like she’s been in several major battles,” Keeke replied
like she was excited but worried.
“That must be the surprise Chuchulack spoke about,” Waco declared
grinning from ear to ear. Waco and Lucas expressed their joy by
high-fiveing each other. Keekepata giggled. Several folks
laughed at the captain and his first mate. Some of the passengers
didn’t have a clue what they were so joyful about.
“From the looks of the cruiser, I hope they’re all right,”
Keekepata said.
“They are, three are in sickbay off the dock. Your captain is one
of them, Captain Waco. He has a broken leg like young T’kan,”
confirmed Myra from information she was receiving, "He can’t wait
to see you. One of the other injured crewmen, Commander Trapeeth
Newsong Maddragon (Maddra-gone), keeps asking for you, First Mate
Lucas.”
“Oh, my God!” Lucas exclaimed with concern, “Is he all right,
Myra?”
“He’s fine, Son. He banged his head against a bulkhead. It
resulted in a deep cut, but it’s been fixed. He’s doing fine. He’s
much better now he knows he’ll be seeing you in a while. They
can’t keep him in bed.”
“Please send him a message, Ms. Myra. That’s where I expect to
find him,” Lucas blurted out and everyone chuckled.
Lazarus’ attention perked up as he watched his boy’s face turned a
deep red color. He saw Lucas cover the huge grin on his handsome
young face with his hand. He watched as Waco patted his
slave-brother on the back and whispered something to him that sent
them both into spasms of laughter. At that moment, Lazarus knew
who Lucas was considering for his first time. Lazarus saw
holo-vids of Commander Maddragon and if he had to pick anyone for
his son, he couldn’t imagine a finer warrior than the commander.
He breathed a deep sigh of relief. He would have kept his promise
to Lucas, but he was glad he might not have to.
Lazarus felt it should be someone else; someone his boy could love
and relate to as a mate or master; someone who would be strong,
but gentle, kind and loving. Commander Maddragon met all those
qualities in Lazarus’ mind and was a drop-dead handsome warrior.
The platform moved swiftly enough, but it wasn’t moving fast
enough for the cowboys on board. They grew to love and appreciate
Captain Vinceeth and his men. They felt like they knew them
personally and were about to see family. Most of the rest of the
passengers felt the same. They were anxious and looking
forward to seeing the fine looking warriors of the Banshee; but
first, they had to go through the protocol of meeting the
Venusians.
Lazarus warned them, “Now, Gentlemen, Slaves, Lummox, Critters,
and Freemen, you will all have time to see your friends, but there
is business to attend to first. We must remember we are first and
foremost invited guests of the Venusians and their world. Our
friends, no matter how our hearts may yearn to see them, will
appreciate our necessity to follow protocol and be gracious to our
hosts. After all, it’s the first time in my long history in this
system I know of anyone being invited to their world. The
Venusians are a very solitary people and rarely mix with other
societies. It is a great honor to be invited to their world. Each
of us must conduct ourselves like we are ambassadors of our world.
One day we may need their assistance and the hope and possibility
of an alliance with them could very well be based on the way we
conduct ourselves while we’re here. Any questions?” the admiral
asked.
“Does that mean we ain’t suppose to nip at them if they step on
our tails, Admiral?” Shep asked innocently.
Everyone broke up laughing. Even Lazarus had a hard time keeping a
straight face. He thought to himself, perhaps he was being a bit
over-the-top with his comments. “Yes, Shep, it does. You may yelp
as loud as you want, but no nipping.”
“Yes, sir,” Shep replied sheepishly.
They were met on the docks by a reception committee. The Venusians
were a beautiful race of people. The were tall, had blond hair and
light blue eyes. There was very little variation in their people,
except one young male was an albino and had pure white hair and
pink eyes. He was unusual to look at, but once you got to know
him, he was easier to relate to than most of the Venusians. He
seemed to fit in very well with the humans, lummox, and critters.
He particularly liked Jack and Jill. They responded to him in
kind.
There were formal introductions. The dignitaries made speeches and
welcomed everyone personally. Everyone tried to keep smiles on
their faces but Waco and the cowboys were twitching in their seats
to see their warrior buddies; their heroes. Waco kept pulling on
his ear in case the captain was watching a holo-vid broadcast of
their arrival. It just so happened he was, and the men standing
around his bed went crazy when they saw Waco’s personal signal to
him. As subtly as possible, Lucas did the same, and Commander
Trapeeth Maddragon was the center of much good natured teasing.
Lazarus and Charlie were proud of the boys.
They managed to keep their composure and dignity during the
ceremony and acted like young gentlemen through it all. They
responded properly and graciously to the Venusians. Even the
Stamper men were the very models of manners and integrity. The
Venusians were greatly impressed and were looking forward to
seeing more of their guests. Their arrival was being broadcast
worldwide, and they would be the center of attention for the rest
of their visit to Venus. None of that mattered to the cowboys. All
they wanted was to see their friends. Finally, it was mentioned,
they might wish to visit the warriors of the Banshee who had been
asking endlessly about them. Waco, spoke as calmly as he could for
himself and his brothers.
“We would greatly appreciate it if we might be allowed to visit
with them at you and your staff’s earliest convenience, your
Honor,” Waco spoke to the head of the Venus world confederation.
“No time like the present,” he heard the head honcho say. There
went up a cheer from the cowboys that was unexpected, but the
Venusians found amusing. “This way, Gentlemen,” one of the tall
male officials directed the men. They graciously thanked the head
man and told him they appreciated the fine welcome they provided
for them. They looked forward to seeing more of them and their
world. They couldn’t wait to be off to the hospital and barracks.
What set out to be an orderly get together turned into chaos when
the warriors and the cowboys caught sight of each other. It was
utter confusion. Even stoic Sonny and Warren Steele were taken
aback by the shear powerful masculine beauty of the Visallian
warriors.
They saw holo-vids of them, but to see them up close and personal
was altogether something different. Vivian Steele was stunned by
their physical attractiveness. Waco and Lucas were physically
lifted onto the massive shoulders of several as if they were
lightweight sacks of flour and carried into the hospital room,
where their captain and commanders were, in a triumphal march to
rival the second act of Aida. They set Waco down and he ran to his
suitor Captain Vinceeth and Lucas ran to Commander Maddragon. They
were all over each other. Travis was all over the other injured
man in his bed, Sergeant Major Sallient Leashman Doggoral. He was,
perhaps, the largest of all the Visallian warriors.
All of this was being broadcast to the entire world of the
Venusian people and the Venerean Atmospheric Bladder Whales were
tuned into the joy as well. No one was left out. It was a great
historic moment on Venus. As stoic and unemotional as the
Venusian’s were, there were many who felt deeply touched by the
reunion of the two separate but distinct humanoid species. Add to
that a third species with the lummox, and a fourth with Jack and
Jill and they were overwhelmed at the expressions of joy they were
witnessing.
“Oh, God, it’s so good to see you again, Captain Vinceeth,” Waco
spoke with tears in his eyes, “What an unexpected pleasure to find
you here.” Blue and Ox were standing looking over Waco’s shoulder
as the men hugged and kissed.
“I’m the one blessed to see you again, Young Man. How well you
look, and your brother is just as fine looking. Hello, Son, and
hello Ox, you strong, handsome lummox. Welcome to Venus,” Trey
Vinceeth greeted them.
“Are you all right, Captain?" Waco asked.
“I’m fine, Captain Goodnight. We had several skirmishes, but we
managed to escape by the skin of our teeth and were invited here
for the three ‘R’s’: repairs, rest, and recuperation. Little did
we know we’d run into you, but we knew we were in your
neighborhood. Do you think the Ancients, or Elders had something
to do with this happening?” he asked.
“I have a feeling they just may have, my good Captain,” Waco
replied, laughed, and hugged him again. Hogarth Treygor Vinceeth
was the most handsome masculine male humanoid Waco Goodnight every
laid eyes on. Everything about the man was perfect. He was
breathtakingly good-looking. Even Vivian Steele later confided in
Waco she was just a little envious of his catch. Waco took it as a
supreme compliment. He knew there was only one cowboy for Vivian
Steele, and to Waco's way of thinking, she did pretty damn well
for herself.
Sonny Steele was a stunningly handsome cowboy and each of his sons
were equally attractive. Waco wanted to see what the Venusians did
for Trey’s leg, but he wasn’t sure about protocol. As Keekepata
was lovingly renewing her relationship with her Lordship, Waco
checked with his Admiral. “Admiral, I’m concerned for Captain
Trey. He doesn’t seem to have a cast on his leg. Unless there’s
another healing process we’re unfamiliar with, I want him checked
out by you and our medical staff on the Buttercup.”
“Sounds reasonable. Let’s get the captain to our ship where we can
have some privacy, and we can check him out. Even though the
Venusians are humanoid, and some of our Nordic races actually
sprang from them, I’m not sure they have the same medical
expertise we do. It certainly couldn’t hurt to examine the three
injured men,” Lazarus told Waco.
The men were only too willing to go aboard the Buttercup for a
private gathering. The Venusians didn’t have a wheelchair, but
they did have an anti-grav gurney they lifted the captain onto.
Once on the Buttercup, Waco explained to Trey his concerns. “I’ve
wondered myself,” he replied, “they scanned me and put some
healing rays on my leg, but I’ve been told I can’t stand or move
about for almost twelve weeks Earth time. I need to get on my
feet. I appreciate what they’ve done. I’m not in any pain, but I
would appreciate your staff taking a look at what they’ve done.”
When Trey met T’kan in his leg cast and crutches and saw how well
he was getting around on his own power, he told Waco and Lazarus
that’s exactly what he needed. He never saw anything like it. Even
on his home world people with broken bones had to remain immobile
for many weeks. Keekepata confirmed his words and insisted
Lazarus’ and his medical staff’s knowledge was much greater than
theirs. Keeke was overjoyed to see her people again. The warriors
and crew of the Banshee treated her like a Goddess. They were so
in love with her and held her in such awe.
Keekepata forgot how it felt to be so adored, and she wallowed in
the feeling for all of thirty minutes. Then, it hit her, how much
more she relished and adored her rough and rowdy cowboys. She
worked so hard to become a part of them and their world, to gain
their affection, and the slightest inclusion into their hearts
became of great importance to her. They loved and respected her
because of her talents and work she did to win their appreciation
and not because of her birth status. Now, she might be faced with
making a difficult choice.
After scanning Captain Vinceeth’s leg, Lazarus and David were
pleased the Venusians managed to set the bone and it showed
definite signs of healing. Jesse Watkins was with them and
interested in the captain’s progress. He suggested Blue have a go
with his healing techniques and then cast the Captain’s leg like
T’kan’s. Trey was thrilled there might be a chance he could become
more mobile. He agreed and told them that’s what he wanted. He
consulted with Dr. T’kan about his own cast. “How does it feel,
Son,” Trey asked him.
“It itches some'um awful sometimes, Captain, but David tells me
mine is from my fur growing back. You don’t have fur like I do,
but you’re pretty hairy,” T’kan smiled. He wasn’t sure he said the
right thing.
Trey winked and smiled at him, “I think I can put up with itching
as long as I can get about. Will you teach me how to use
crutches?” Trey asked.
“Sure, Captain. Ain’t nothing to it,” T’kan bubbled with
enthusiasm.
Trey Vinceeth fell in love with the young lummox. It wasn’t hard
to do. The bairn was not as retiring and suspicious as his older
brother and tried hard to make the best of every situation. He was
full of the joy of life and wanted to please those he found worthy
of his attentions and affection. That was just about anyone who
showed him any interest with a modicum of kindness. T’kan faced
the world with an unassuming innocence and innate stolid bravery.
Everyone fell in love with him. It didn’t take him long to capture
the hearts of the Visallian warriors and the entire Venusian
world. They even coined a name for him. Since he and their captain
had the same leg broken they began to refer to him as "Schipperke"
or the “Little Skipper.”
After Blue applied his therapy and David and Lazarus looked at
more scans of the captain’s broken leg they could see the healing
process was accelerated, and he would benefit greatly from a cast.
David gave Waco and Blue the job of denuding his leg of all hair.
It became very sensual to the brave captain and try as he might,
he couldn’t help get an erection. He lay propped up with some
large pillows with a huge grin on his face. Waco and Blue blushed
and giggled a lot. Finally, David took over and provided him with
a fine cast just like T’kan’s. David also fitted the captain with
a pair of crutches like T’kan’s and true to his word, the young
lummox taught the big Visallian warrior how to use them most
effectively. They even took a walk in the forest with the
critters, and everyone encouraged the captain. He was thrilled he
could be up and around and be somewhat mobile. It was certainly
better than lying in a bed for weeks.
He was stunned by the forest on board the Buttercup. His people
didn’t have the miniaturization technology Lazarus possessed and
he couldn’t believe it was a real forest with enormous trees. On
their walk it was the first time anyone saw Ah-ne-purrna. Everyone
stopped in their tracks. Jack and Jill ran for the safety of Jack
Hall and Warren Steele and the pups fell in behind Utah, Jesse,
and the lummox. Waco urged Captain Trey to stand still. Trey never
saw an animal like her before, and he was fascinated. She saw the
entourage of critters and folks and turned to avoid them. She was
simply out for a stroll with her kittens. As she turned to
disappear into the forest, everyone got a good look at her kits.
They looked well fed and healthy.
At the halfway point in their walk Jack and Warren called a halt
so everyone could take a breather and rest for a few minutes. Most
of the cowboys brought bottles of water with them and shared with
their critter buddies. The men sat around Captain Vinceeth and his
new little partner, T’kan. They managed to find a rock of just the
right height to sit upon. Trey brought along his Commander
Maddragon and the other wounded man, Sergeant Major Doggoral.
Almost the entire passenger list of the Buttercup was on the walk.
They wanted to be where the action was. They gathered around to
hear their conversation.
“It’s such a pleasure to run into you men on Venus. We had no idea
you would be out and about,” Captain Vinceeth said for the
umpteenth time.
Lazarus explained the purpose of their brief journey. Trey and his
men knew who the Stamper boys were. They knew all their names and
the positions they played on the football team. They were great
fans of the boys. Lazarus asked Trey about his ship and what
happened to them.
“To be honest, Admiral and honored guests of the Buttercup, we
were on our way to your planet with a precious cargo, when we were
viciously attacked by a reptilian dreadnaught battle cruiser. We
managed to out-run them, but they left our ship in such bad shape
we weren’t sure we would make it. We made it to your smaller
planet Mars, and there we unloaded our cargo. Our thought was, if
we could contact you, we would return later with you to retrieve
it and then repair our ship in the safety of Mars or one of your
hidden ships. But as we began our journey, we found ourselves
under attack again and the snakes took out our engines. They left
us dead in the water, so to speak, probably thinking we would meet
slow deaths by starvation or depletion of our oxygen supply.
"Fortunately for us, the Venusians saw it all and came to our
rescue after the snakes departed. They were very kind and
gracious. They towed us to Venus and have been busy working with
my mechanical crew to repair the Banshee. Some of their upgrades
are better than our technology; others, not so much." Trey used
the universal hand movement, showing one side then the other, to
indicate comme ci, comme ca, "We don’t know what changed their
political attitude about helping those who are against the snakes,
but we’re grateful they came to our rescue. We couldn’t contact
you. Our communications were gone. I tried to mentally contact
Keeke or my young cowboy here to no avail.
"We have to get back to Mars as soon as possible. We left live
critters and folks there. The snakes were in the process of
destroying their world and we got out as many as we could before
the whole planet collapsed. We discovered something wonderful on
Mars we thought was only myth. It is the last remnants of a vast
system of artificially created caverns by an advanced
civilization. We managed to get just enough of the systems working
to provide a temporary atmosphere in a huge underground cavern
designed especially for the purpose of preserving life on the
planet.
"Unfortunately, we only have a portion of the key which will
unlock the contents of the vault of knowledge stored there which
could begin a chain reaction to restore the enormous caverns to
their original intent. We did figure out the remaining key to the
puzzle is stored in an ancient book, not of this time line, on one
of the terrestrial worlds in the Sol system. We’re not sure what
it means. Is it stored out of sync with our time line, or was it
created in another time line and hidden in this one? We're not
sure. What we could make of it says, only one man who was blessed
and sent by the Ancients would be able to access the key. I
immediately thought of you, your Lordship,” Trey spoke to Lazarus.
“What language is it written in, Son, and how did you manage to
translate as much as you did?” Lazarus asked.
“We’re not real sure about that either, Admiral. As you know, all
our warriors are carefully schooled in multiple disciplines and
become quite expert in several different subjects so if we lose a
man in battle, someone’s knowledge base will cover the lost man’s.
Of our four language experts, Sergeant Major Doggoral here is
probably the most accomplished. I’ll let him tell you about it,”
Trey nodded to his crewman.
The Sergeant Major had his big arm around Travis holding him
close. He removed it, formed a fist with his huge hand and coughed
into it like he was clearing his throat. “It was written in an
ancient language of the Volgorons, Admiral. It was a golden
metallic ink embossed upon a strange parchment. I could barely
make out the runes. I studied them for hours and when I was just
about to give up from frustration and anger, I took a deep breath
and tried once more. I cleared my mind and thought I wouldn’t try
to conjure a translation so much as let the runes speak to me of
their purpose. As I did, to my amazement, the runes began to rise
from the old parchment and rearrange themselves into an
understandable message. I was able to translate it without
referring to a translation index. It was right there before me,
hanging in the air. As soon as I understood its message, the runes
returned to the page in their original order.”
Waco got a big smile on his face and looked at his cousin. He knew
Shane brought along his copy of the history of the Long family
including the parchments he found. Lazarus saw their exchange and
knew in an instant what and where the ancient texts were. They
were on the Buttercup carefully hidden under the mattress of Shane
and his master’s bed. “I think we just may be able to help,
Gentlemen. If I may suggest a plan?” Lazarus asked Trey Vinceeth.
“We’re at your command, Admiral. My father, grandfather, and great
grandfather would tie me to an Adoromacious root and beat me
within an inch of my life or until the sympathetic root began to
bleed in empathy for my plight if I were to deny you anything,
sir,” Trey said using the most outrageous hyperbole he could
muster. He later learned what 'hyperbole' meant in cowboy lingo.
“I’ll have to speak with them about that, Trey, when next we meet.
It might be fun,” Lazarus laughed and winked at Trey, “I suggest
you and your officers travel with us to Mars. Let’s see what we
can arrange. I understand the full complement of your crew is
about three hundred men, is that right?” Lazarus asked.
“Yes, sir, and we have twenty Shushonni with us,” Trey said.
“Leave half here to supervise and protect your ship and the rest
come with us to Earth for a vacation and relaxation. After a
couple of weeks we can rotate your crew so all will have a chance
to stretch their space-legs and visit with us. Even with Blue and
his family’s help it will take several weeks for your leg to heal
properly before the cast may be removed. I know Captain Waco and
his crew will be happy to shuttle you back and forth to either
Venus or Mars. We need to start breaking-in some more of our men
into shuttle flying. They can use the practice and flight time. We
plan to begin a program when we return.”
“That’s a most generous offer, Admiral. We will certainly be
honored and thrilled to accept. I think you will be most pleased
with the treasures we managed to save from several worlds being
destroyed by the snakes because they refused to submit to slavery
and domination. Some day they must be defeated and strict controls
placed on their further expansion in our universe.”
“I couldn’t agree more. The Reptilians have had far too much
unchecked freedom in our universe. It’s time they were confronted
for the eons of pain and suffering they’ve caused others in the
galaxies. It will begin with the fall of Earth and its
government,” Lazarus said strongly.
That evening Captain Waco decided to show Captain Vinceeth and his
crew the video of Keekepata and Blue’s dance they performed the
evening they started their journey. Since the auditorium of the
Buttercup wasn’t large enough they used the auditorium on the
Banshee. It was in a central part of the ship and was unharmed by
any of the battle skirmishes the ship suffered. Captain Vinceeth
offered to share the holo-vid with the Venusians and it was sent
out to every home in the Venusian world. Trey knew how interested
in the singing pups from Earth the Venusian’s were and asked
Waco’s permission to show the video Waco sent him and his crew a
number of months earlier of the pups singing at the Parsons Rodeo.
Waco agreed.
Everyone gathered to see both videos, and although Patty, Moe,
Larry and Shep were older they were proud of themselves and sang
along with the video. Their participation made it all the more fun
for the crew of the Banshee. When they watched the video of
Keekepata’s last dance the crowd was silent. It was one of the
most moving moments any of them experienced and they reacted the
same as the cowboys when they first saw it. There was a prolonged,
stunned silence and then utter chaos erupted. The Venusians didn’t
know what to expect but were bowled over by both videos. The first
with pups was wonderful and silly, but the dance of Keekepata and
Blue they recognized as great art. The pups, Keekepata, Blue, and
Arnie became the darlings of Venus.
“You better have your captain ask his girlfriend, Ms Myra, to send
a message back to the Mighty Bee we might be delayed a couple of
nights,” Charlie spoke in Lazarus’ ear. Lazarus grinned and
agreed.
“I don’t anticipate being delayed more than one evening, Boss. It
depends on what we find on Mars and what we’re able to do about
it. I have no idea what Trey is talking about. Right now we're
still on schedule,” Lazarus replied.
The Venusians were happy and pleased to see Captain Vinceeth up
and around. They never used casts before. It seemed like such a
simple thing, but sometimes, even with the most advanced
civilizations, simple things are overlooked for more difficult
solutions, making both impossible. They quickly learned and
adopted such practices. Many Venusians with broken bones were
spared the long convalescence previously imposed by lack of
mobility.
Trey Vinceeth agreed to stay over on the Buttercup with his young
captain. They were accompanied at all times by Waco’s huge lummox
slave, who acted as an escort or chaperon for them. Neither
Charlie nor Lazarus had the least worry about Waco’s chastity with
Ox around. Besides, the two captains had much to catch up with
each other. Lazarus was more concerned for his son-slave's
chastity, but since Lucas was a slave, Lazarus considered it
appropriate and fully within Lucas' duty description to provide
pleasure for a man he considered his temporary master.
Lazarus spoke with him, “Have you forgotten I am your master,
Son?” Lazarus asked.
“Not at all, Dad. Why would you even ask? Don’t let my attraction
to the commander confuse you. I have been honest with him. I told
him about our relationship. While I’m your son, I am also your
slave and your wishes and orders for me must have first
consideration and be obeyed unquestioned. My first allegiance to
you is as my master and my second is to you as my dad. The
commander fully understands that,” Lucas defended himself.
“I knew before I asked, that would be your answer, but I didn’t
ask my question for a loyalty check. I know without a doubt where
your loyalties lie. I asked because I know as your master, if it
is my wish for you to give yourself to pleasure that big fine
looking Visallian warrior, you will obey me without question,”
Lazarus grinned like the cat who ate the canary.
Lucas got a big grin on his face, but looked down at his boots
trying to hide it from Lazarus. He saw a trap. He knew what his
dad was up to. “Yes, Master, you are correct, I would follow your
order without question,” he answered quietly.
“Is it an order you would like to hear from me, Son?” Lazarus
asked tenderly.
By such a subtle thing as adding the world ‘son’ to the end of his
question, Lucas knew his dad wanted to know if he was ready to
lose his virginity and was this the man he wanted to lose it to?
“You sure you won’t be hurt or offended if I don’t share it with
you, Dad? After all, I owe you my life, Master," Lucas asked.
“Not at all. Your first time should be with someone special;
someone who captures your heart and imagination so greatly there’s
no doubt in your mind you want to give it up to him. You do plan
to save some for your old master, don’t chu’?” Lazarus chuckled as
he hugged and stole a kiss from his handsome son.
“More than you can handle, Old Man,” Lucas shot back.
“‘At better be two more bushels than a wagon load, Boy!” Lazarus
exclaimed with a laugh.
“I promise, It’ll be enough to haul your ashes,” Lucas joked with
his dad, “I have a feeling, after the commander breaks me to his
saddle, you can ride yore’ tame slave-pony anywhere with no
problem.”
“I agree. Sounds like a plan to me. All right then, Slave-boy, I
order you to pleasure that hot Visallian warrior any way he needs
it, you understand?" Lazarus ordered his slave like there was no
question he would be obeyed.
“I understand, Master, and I will humbly obey,” Lucas replied.
“Make me proud of you, Son,” Lazarus added as his dad.
“I promise, I will, Dad. Oh, yes, and tell my master I said,
‘thank you,’” Lucas replied and grinned.
“Not to worry, he heard you, loud and clear. He hopes you enjoy
your first time.”
“I have to ask, Master, was this your idea?” Lucas asked and
raised an eyebrow.
“What do you think?” Lazarus asked in reply.
“I think someone politely asked my master if he could take me for
my first time,” Lucas grinned at Lazarus.
“You would be correct, Slave. You wanna’ tell him or you want me
to?” Lazarus asked.
“If it's all the same to you, sir, I can take it from here,” Lucas
grinned.
“I had a feeling you might like to,” Lazarus smiled and stole a
kiss.
* * * * * * *
Lucas shared with his cabin mate, Blake Tindell, the order he was
given by his master. Blake knew Lazarus wouldn’t order his son to
give himself to the lusty commander if he didn’t asked Lucas
first.
“Would you like for me to get another cabin assignment, Brother?”
Blake smiled at him.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I already got another cabin
assignment. After all, it was my job to assign everyone in the
first place. The captain just reviewed my list and approved it. I
took one well away from all the others on ‘C’ deck.”
“C'ain’t say’s I blame you none. I’m envious of you in two ways,
Llittle Brother,” Blake grinned at him.
“How’s that, Brother Blake?” Lucas asked.
“I won’t be your first, and you get to be taken by one a’ them
Visallian hunks. Lord hep’ me! Ever’ time I’m around them men my
prick loses its mind. It starts drool’n like an idiot and my
asshole loses its pucker,” Blake moaned. The men shared a good
laugh.
“I know what chu’ mean. Y’ain’t the only one. I can’t stand it no
longer. I jes’ gotta’ feel that big warrior-buck inside me. I met
him when we went to pickup our brother Blue, and I seen him on all
the videos they send us. We been sending each other personal
videos for over a year now, and well, you know the rest.”
Blake declared, “I’m gonna’ beg Master Charlie and Admiral Long to
take pity on me this evening and mercy-fuck their loyal slave to
death,” Blake laughed and Lucas laughed, too.
* * * * * * *
Commander Maddragon took Lucas for his first time. It was
everything Lucas hoped it would be and more. Lucas heard what
fantastic lovers Visallian warriors could be, but he had no idea
the heights of passion the commander could take him to. Lucas was
glad he placed him and his warrior away from the rest of the
guests. As it turned out, neither were quiet lovers. Lucas found
the commander’s need to revert to some almost primal form of
animal involved in a near spiritual quest for his rut infected his
partner to respond to his call. The commander would grunt his
urgency, his need, his hunger and Lucas would answer to let him
know he was with him in his rut until the very moment his passion
burst forth and flooded his young partner’s bowels with his
massive quantity of warrior seed.
Commander Maddragon took Lucas with strength and consideration.
Every movement he made was calculated to be the best he could
bring to their rut for both of them with the most care. He made
damn sure his mate got his own reward. He continued to fuck Lucas
until the young man could no longer hold back his orgasm. The
commander was surely taking his virginity from him. Lucas
consented to give it to him, and the large Visallian warrior took
what was rightfully his. Lucas’ back arched as the commander hit
the same spot deep within him repeatedly with the massive mushroom
head of his large Visallian male penis. Lucas yelled at the top of
his voice as he erupted all over his partner’s stomach and his own
chest.
Maddragon was unprepared for the muscle spasms of Lucas’ sphincter
muscle as he ejaculated. The sensation was too sensual for him and
the Commander began to climax more into his partner. He joined
Lucas in his cry of release. The Commander collapsed on top of
Lucas and became the consummate lover. He had nothing but praise
for the young man amid volumes of kisses and petting. He remained
inside Lucas for sometime as they enjoyed the afterglow of their
coupling. Lucas lay beneath the big warrior trying to get his
breath. He could smell the wonderful odors of their love making.
He was adrift on an ocean of sexual stimulation. Lucas wanted to
go on this ride again as soon as possible. His mind was racing
with many thoughts. ‘How lucky am I to be the son of such a fine
man? How lucky am I to be the slave of such a fine man?’ He
considered he had much to be grateful for. Had it not been for
Master Long he would be sitting on a shelf in someone’s home in a
tin labeled ‘Choice Cuts with gravy.’ He shed a couple of tears of
thanks for his dad and his understanding of his need to be with
Commander Maddragon. His partner duly kissed his tears away.
“Did I hurt you, Son?” Commander Maddragon asked quietly in a
concerned voice.
“Not at all, Commander. My tears are tears of joy and contentment.
I couldn’t have wished for a better partner for my first time.”
“It was special for me, too, Lucas. If you were not a slave and
the property of someone else, I would ask to become your suitor.
You also just happen to be the son of a man who is a supreme hero
to my world. My people don’t believe in slavery, but if I could
one day buy you, I would set you free. Then I would be free to
court you properly.”
“You don’t know all there is to know about me, Commander. I’m not
sure I’m ready to consider giving up the security of being my
father’s slave. I know that may sound strange to you, but you
don’t know how I came to be in this position. If I were not a
slave, I would not have been able to have sex with you due to the
restrictive laws on our planet. Speak to my father, Commander. Ask
the Admiral to tell you the story about how I became his son and
slave. Then after you know my story, we can talk again.”
“I will, Lucas. I have a feeling there is something special about
you I want to share. Do you think you could ever love a Visallian
warrior?” Commander Maddragon humbly asked with love in his eyes.
The commander let a little of his massive shaft slip from Lucas’
well filled ass. Lucas wiggled his ass back down on it until he
felt the commander’s massive balls slap against his butt. He
sighed deeply. “I think I just might be able to love you,
Commander Maddragon,” Lucas said tenderly and smiled at his mad
dragon.
End Chapter 36 ~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright ~ © ~ 2007 ~ 2017 ~ Waddie Greywolf ~ All rights
reserved
Mail to: Waddie Greywolf <waddiebear@yahoo.com>
WC = 15,249
11/01/2007
02/10/2017
*It is important to note the name Gaia, Greek Earth Goddess,
mother of the Gods, became associated with an important scientific
hypothesis. The Gaia Principle is an ecological hypothesis which
proposes living and nonliving parts of the Earth are viewed as a
complex interacting system which might be thought of as a single
organism. It postulates all living things have a regulatory effect
on the Earth's environment which promotes life overall. It was
first scientifically formulated in the 1960s by the independent
research scientist Dr. James Lovelock, as a consequence of his
work for NASA on methods of detecting life on Mars. He wrote an
article in the science journal Nature, before publishing the
concept in the 1979 book "Gaia: A new look at life on Earth." He
named this self-regulating living system after the Greek goddess
Gaia, using a suggestion from the novelist William Golding, who
was living in the same village as Lovelock at the time. The Gaia
Hypothesis has since been supported by a number of scientific
experiments and has provided a number of useful predictions, and
hence, it is properly referred to as the Gaia Principle or Gaia
Theory.