“I take it y'ain’t from around here, Mr. Long,” Charlie Goodnight
said smiling at Lazarus.
“Naw, sir, I’m a drifter, but once't I find a place I’m welcome,
and I feel comfortable, I been known to stay for a good spell,”
Lazarus replied.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Long?” Charlie asked.
“Well, sir, me and my companions need a place to stay for a while
until I can git me some transportation. What I need is a good
horse, but I’m willing to work for it and our keep. My partners
ain’t slaves, but they’s comfortable with slave chow. They don’t
eat much. We don’t expect no salary,” Lazarus replied.
“Where are your companions, sir?” Charlie asked.
“They’s jes’ over the hill a ways. They’s waiting for me to signal
to ‘em if'n it’ll be all right for ‘em to come meet you, sir,” the
tall cowboy said.
“My daddy taught me to be kind to strangers and hospitable to
travelers, so I think it would be all right for you and yore’
companions to stay a while. Why didn’t they come with you?”
Charlie asked.
“Well, you see, Mr. Goodnight, they’s kind a’ different. J'ever
see a Coatimundi, or a Gibbon ape, sir?” Lazarus asked.
“Humm, I could make a bad joke right now, but I won't," Charlie
chuckled and winked at his cowboy brother. Ranger Gibbons roared
with laughter, "Yeah, we see Coatimundies ever’ now and then.
They’s harmless and good vermin catchers. We leave ‘em alone on
the ranch,” he replied.
“My companions are first cousins to them, but much larger. Sort of
like the big furry man over there next to yore’ boy is first
cousin to us. They’s about the same size as a mountain lion only
they ain’t the least bit dangerous. They’re the last of their
species, Mr. Goodnight. Their land was invaded and their natural
habitat was completely destroyed overnight. They only narrowly
escaped because, by chance, I offered them a lift in my old
jalopy. They been with me ever since. They’s highly evolved,
sensitive, intelligent, and lovable creatures. As a matter of
fact, they’s sometimes awful damn handy to have around, sir.”
“How’d ju’ know Waco was my boy, Mr. Long?” Charlie asked.
“Why, he’s the spit’n image of his fine look’n daddy, Mr.
Goodnight. Was I wrong, sir?” Lazarus smiled.
That got a couple of chuckles from the men in the crowd.
“Naw, sir, he be my son, all right. When do we git to meet chore’
friends, sir?" Charlie asked.
“I can whistle to ‘em if’n you'd like, Mr. Goodnight,” Lazarus
replied.
“That’ll be fine, Mr. Long – go ahead-on,” Charlie said shaking
his head and rolling his eyes like, ‘I know it’s strange, but this
ain’t been a normal day from the start.' Ranger was laughing his
ass off at his cowboy brother.
Lazarus stuck two fingers to his mouth and made a loud whistle.
Everyone’s eyes were focused on the same hill Lazarus came over
and soon two small expressive heads popped up followed by the
bodies of two of the most beautiful animals Charlie Goodnight ever
saw. He sucked in a quick gulp of air into his lungs he was so
taken by their beauty. Lazarus was right. They looked similar to
the Coatimundi, but they were considerably larger. They looked
like they also might be kin to the Raccoon or the Red Ringtail
Panda. They had more of a simian face than simply an
expressionless animal snout. They walked on all fours, but for a
while, they stood and walked upright like any human, swinging
their long arms gracefully as they more or less glided than
walked.
They were incredibly graceful. Their long, bushy tails were
multicolored in four inch rings, beautiful bright colors; red,
fuchsia, blue, green, magenta, purple, gold, violet, pink, brown,
and yellow. They were arranged in the same order on each animal.
They used their tails for balance when they chose to walk upright,
but when they ran on all fours it was held up and over their backs
in a gentle, graceful curve. They were stunningly beautiful
creatures. Around their intelligent eyes were huge rings that made
them look like they were wearing big glasses. One, slightly larger
than the other, had black rings around his eyes, and the other had
dark violet rings that gave it the look of having a black eye
which was not quite healed.
They weren’t the least bit shy, ran right up to Lazarus and each
slipped one of their small hands into his. They looked up into
Lazarus’ eyes, he looked down at each of them and no one watching
could doubt the trust and affection the three held for each other.
There was no question in anyone’s mind they were a team of bonded
companions. Charlie noticed they had what looked like four fingers
and an opposable thumb. They stood upright, looking at Charlie
blinking their eyes at him from time to time with eyelashes that
looked like they might belong to a Hollywood beauty queen, and
smiled. Charlie was stunned. They actually smiled at him.
“Mr. Goodnight, I’d like you to meet Pong, here, on my right.
Pong, this fine gentleman is Mr. Goodnight. He’s the owner of
this, here, ranch.”
The creature moved a step away from Lazarus, clasped his two small
hands together and bowed deeply to Charlie.
“It’s considered polite to return their bow, Mr. Goodnight,”
Lazarus whispered.
Charlie put his hands together, bowed, and spoke to the creature.
“Welcome to the Goodnight ranch, Mr. Pong.”
“Just ‘Pong,’ Mr. Goodnight. They don’t use honorifics, sir.”
“Do they speak?” Charlie asked.
“No, sir, but they understand our language perfectly. They have
other talents. They communicate in other ways,” Lazarus explained.
Pong moved back and took Lazarus’ hand again.
“Mr. Goodnight, may I present Pong’s mate, and may I say, the
better looking of the two, Ping.” The other animal looked up at
Lazarus, blinked her beautiful eyes as any human woman might
responding to his flattery, her pink nose began to turn bright
red. Lazarus winked at her and smiled, “I embarrassed her, Mr.
Goodnight, she’s blushing.”
Charlie couldn’t help chuckle. Ping moved slightly away from
Lazarus, put her hands together and made a much more graceful bow
than her mate. Charlie followed suit and returned Ping’s bow.
Charlie was captivated by her and got the biggest grin on his
face. “Welcome to the Goodnight ranch, Ping. I think Mr. Long is
correct. While your mate, Pong, is a handsome feller, you're the
better looking of the two.” Ping got a huge grin on her face and
again her nose turned bright red.
“I don’t think that reaction needs any explanation, Mr. Goodnight,
do you?” Lazarus asked rhetorically, “You won her heart, sir,”
Lazarus chuckled.
“You mentioned they have certain other talents, Mr. Long?” Charlie
asked.
“Please, Mr. Goodnight, call me Lazarus, sir,” Lazarus Replied.
“Thank you, Lazarus,” Lazarus noted Mr. Goodnight didn’t offer him
the same courtesy, neither did he expect it. Lazarus was well
aware of Western customs and protocol, Charlie Goodnight was the
owner of the ranch and should be shown the respect he deserved.
Lazarus would gladly pay him the tribute for as long as he
remained at the ranch or until he was told otherwise.
“Please, allow my companions to demonstrate for you good folks.
Ping! Pong! The white truck and horse trailer, turn them around so
they’re headed out of the property.”
Angus started to say something, but Ping walked up to him and
simply stroked his arm in a comforting gesture. She smiled at him,
and the big cowboy nodded for her to do what she wanted. Angus was
as curious as the rest of the folks. The two animals scurried over
toward Angus’ truck and horse trailer. They stopped about twenty
feet from them, stood on their hind legs and using their hands,
cupped them and looked like they were scooping something up that
was invisible to the folks. All of a sudden, Angus’ truck and
trailer began to rise off the ground to the stunned gasps from the
crowd. Ping and Pong didn’t stop until the vehicles were about
four feet in the air.
Pong stood still with his arms extended. Ping ran over to the
front of the truck and with one tiny hand began to push the side
of the truck. The people watched as the huge trailer and truck
slowly turned a hundred and eighty degrees so it was heading out
of the property. Ping rushed back over next to her mate, extended
her arms and the two slowly lowered the two vehicles to the ground
without so much as a grain of dust arising from the landing. They
turned to the crowd, put their hands together and bowed again.
This time, Angus bowed to them and thanked them for turning his
truck and trailer around. They saved him the trouble of having to
do it.
“So, as you can see, Mr. Goodnight, they would be a great help
during haying season, or for any other project you may have that
might require a lot of lifting.”
“How did they do that?” Charlie asked not really expecting an
answer.
“I assure you, Mr. Goodnight, I have no idea. They tried to
explain it to me one evening, and I had a headache for two days
afterward. It has something to do with the physical amplification
of applied mental processes. All I know is they can do it, and
it’s a handy talent to have.”
“I have to agree, Lazarus," Charlie said in awe. Everyone gathered
agreed with him.
Ping and Pong spied Ox. They looked first at Lazarus to gain his
approval, he nodded to them, and they were away. They were all
over Ox like they were so glad to see him. Pong was perched on his
big shoulder while Ox caught up Ping and cradled her in his huge
arm tickling her tummy with his other big paw. They were tickling
him, hugging him, and generally making over him like anyone would
an old friend. Waco and Rabbit could hear their small, high
pitched voices.
<< Garron! Garron! I told Pong I thought it was you, but
he told me ‘no’ you have more fur than that. It is you! It’s
wonderful to see you again. I’ve been so worried. Pong told me
you would be all right, but I was afraid for you, >>
Ping sent to the great beast.
<< I’m fine, Ping. It’s so good to see you two again.
I’m with people who are loving and caring folks. They rescued me
from a terrible place, and I’ve become their slave. I’m well and
enjoying myself. I have three wonderful young men to own, work
with, teach, take care of, and protect. Two of which are
listening to our conversation at this moment. >> They
looked over to Waco, Rabbit, Travis, and smiled. They
immediately ran to Waco and Rabbit.
<< You who-mons hear Ping? >> the pretty
female asked looking deep into Waco’s eyes.
<< Yes, Rabbit and I hear you very well, Ping. My dad
was right, you are the better looking one, but I think Pong is
right handsome, too. >> Waco flattered her.
<< I agree with my master, Ping. You are beautiful, >>
Rabbit allowed and smiled at her. The boys heard a definite female
giggle and her nose lit up like a light bulb. The next thing the
boys knew the two critters were all over them hugging and kissing.
Pong was just as affectionate as Ping. The boys fell in love with
them and they could hear Lazarus and Ox laughing in their minds.
Poor Travis didn’t have a clue about the exchange going on before
him, but he was aware of Waco and now Rabbit’s abilities. Travis
followed Waco and Rabbit’s lead.
<< One you call ‘Travis,’ him no hear Ping or Pong?
>> Ping asked looking deeply into Travis’ beautiful eyes.
She looked concerned or troubled for him.
<< Not yet, but I think it’s only because he’s young and
hasn’t learned. Rabbit is a bit older than Travis, but he’s of a
different race of humans. He comes from a people who have talked
with spirits and animals for hundreds of years, >>
Waco explained.
<< No worry. Not take long. We teach silent Travis to
speak and hear, >> Pong said.
<< I’m sure he’d love that, Pong, >> Waco
said.
<< It makes you feel like you ain’t so much alone no more
– don’t it, Master Waco? >> Rabbit asked and smiled.
<< It shore’ does, Rabbit. You ain’t alone no more,
neither, Little Buddy, >> Waco replied.
Ping and Pong understood the loving exchange between the boys,
clasped their hands together, tilted their heads slightly and
sighed like any human might. Suddenly Waco had an uncontrollable
urge to kiss Rabbit, and Rabbit shared the same desire. As if in a
dream the two boys moved slowly to each other in an embrace and
began a kiss that surpassed anything either ever experienced
before. It was like they were removed from time and space and were
floating in their own vortex of gentle understanding for each
other. Waco allowed his goodness, his lust for life, his strength,
intelligence, and compassion to flow into Rabbit. Rabbit returned
what he could of his own innate strengths, hard learned truths
about life, and his raw courage to Waco. Waco was stunned by the
smaller boy's depth of spirit and delved into him like a mystical
tome which held the secrets of the known universe.
Their cocks got roaring hard for each other – harder even than
either could ever remember them being before – so hard, it was
borderline painful. There was no doubt in Rabbit’s mind he would
lay his body and soul at this young cowboy’s boots and beg him to
take him. He fell to Waco’s feet in the West Texas dust and
lovingly kissed each of his fine looking boots. Rabbit seemed in
no hurry to complete his quest, he was participating not in an
obeisance but a communion much deeper than can ever be fathomed by
mere ritual. He rose to a sitting position before Waco and found
his waiting hand. The small boy took it, lovingly kissed the back,
and slowly but purposely brought it to his forehead. Waco didn't
seem to be in a rush to complete their moment of bonding between
them. He looked down at Rabbit and smiled. << Come to my
arms, Brother, and show me your love, >> Waco lovingly urged
his smaller slave.
Their spirits were engulfed in another passionate kiss for which
neither felt embarrassed. They didn’t care if God himself came to
Earth at that moment to watch. (While, unknown to them, the
Ancients were watching. ) It was obvious to everyone, the two boys
bonded in that moment. They communicated with each other as their
kiss grew more passionate. << You will never be alone
again, My Brother. The Great Father as my witness, I promise
you, >> Waco reassured the boy in his arms.
<< I never wanted to be no man’s slave, Master Waco. An
Indian is born to be free, sir. What’s happening to me? Why do I
feel this way? You and your dad? Your uncle, Master Angus? Mr.
Gibbons? Travis? JR? Na-tonk-ka-wee-ka? I want so much to
belong; yet, I want to be free. I truly want to become a good
slave for you and Master Goodnight, but I know I can’t have it
both ways. >>
<< Why not, Brother? Why can’t you have it both ways?
Give us a chance. ‘At’s all we ask, >> Waco said
firmly.
“So much for any thoughts of Rabbit running away,” bellowed Angus
laughing, “I’m taking odds on the kid making this ranch his home,”
Angus said. He had a big grin on his face as wide as Texas.
“Yeah, h’it’s good to see – ain’t it, Brother?” Ranger asked.
“Damn good! ‘At boy needs family. He needs a home,” Angus added.
“All right, Ping! Enough, Pong!” Lazarus yelled at the creatures.
“You’ve just seen one of their other talents or means of
communication my companions are blessed with, Gentlemen. I was a’
fix’n to tell you about it, but you jes’ witnessed it happen. They
can produce any type of pheromone – that’s a strong scent – to
enhance or strengthen any emotional bond between two humans or any
other animals for that matter. Ping and Pong witnessed a wonderful
moment between the young master and his new slave. They were
impressed and deeply touched by their sentiment to one another and
sent the corresponding pheromones out to the boys.
"While it strengthens the bond, it also acts like an aphrodisiac.
No, that ain’t quite right neither. H’it ain’t so much a sexual
stimulant as it is a deep gut-felt need to share love. With them
two around, you don’t never need no pill to keep yore’ soldier
saluting, Gentlemen. You will stand more proud than you ever have
in yore’ life for as long as you need it. I don’t much let ’em do
it to me no more. I damn near screwed myself to death one evening,
but that's a story for another time. While it was a wonderful
experience, ‘at’s not the way I wanna’ go,” Lazarus confided
confidentially to the men and laughed. There were several nervous
giggles and Angus laughed out loud, but there wasn’t a man who
wasn’t curious.
“Were they responsible for me making the decision to be hospitable
to you and them, Lazarus?” Charlie asked him.
“‘At’s a fair question, Mr. Goodnight, and certainly one you have
a right to ask; but, the answer is ‘no.’ I would never allow them
to do something like 'at. That’s deceitful and underhanded. H’it
jes’ ain’t the Cowboy Way. I taught 'em better’n ‘nat. You
graciously and generously offered your hospitality to us because
it’s the kind of man you are, sir. You are, indeed, yore’ father’s
son, Mr. Goodnight,” Lazarus said with respect.
“Although our dad was a good man, Lazarus, I didn’t learn it from
him. I learned it from the big cowboy standing to your immediate
right, my big brother, Angus. I have him to thank for anything I
am as a man today. I have always strived to be as good a man as
Angus, but I’m afraid I fall far short of the mark. Nevertheless,
the one thing my daddy did teach me was to set my goals a little
higher than I might ever be able to achieve. Trying to be as fine
a man as ma’ brother has always been jes’ out ‘a ma’ reach;
however, it’s a goal, for which, I keep striving.”
“Then I would say it’s a noble ambition, Mr. Goodnight, and you’re
a very lucky man, sir, to have such a wonderful brother as a role
model,” Lazarus allowed.
“I am, indeed, sir. I thank God for him ever’ day of my life,”
Charlie agreed.
Angus walked over to Charlie, stood in front of him and looked
deep into his eyes. The big cowboy threw his arms around his
brother and almost squeezed the life out of him in a huge bear
hug. “You’re ever’ bit as good a man as I am, Brother, and don’t
chu’ never forget it,” Angus spoke softly as he bussed a kiss
behind his brother’s ear, “All these years you been my strong
right arm. You’re the one person I can always count on through
good times and bad. I would lay down my life for you and Waco, I
love you that gotdamn much, Charlie.”
“That ain’t half as much as I love you, Bubba. I meant ever damn
word I said,” Charlie replied quietly but forcefully, “You will
always be my hero.”
Lazarus made a mental note to have a good talk with his
companions.
* * * * * * *
“Forgive my lack of manners, Lazarus, have you and your companions
eaten lately?" Charlie asked, "We have plenty food and drink
available if you're hungry. I think Ms. Wallace and her staff are
about to serve a simple meal of leftovers from my boy’s birthday
party today. As usual, I told them prepare more food than
necessary. It’s always nice to have a bit for later. Do Ping and
Pong eat human food?” Charlie asked.
“Naw, sir, they pretty much stick to slave chow. It meets their
dietary requirements, and they ain’t developed more sophisticated
taste. A cup of slave chow and a biscuit will make them happy.
I’ve lived on slave chow for long periods of time when other food
wasn’t available. It’s monotonous, but it ain’t so bad. I’ve seen
some rough times I would a’ sold my soul for a cup of slave chow,
Mr. Goodnight,” Lazarus declared.
“Meaning no disrespect, Lazarus, but have you ever been a slave?”
Charlie asked.
“Yes, sir, many years ago, Mr. Goodnight, when I was a much
younger man; however, that was a different time and a different
society. I was rescued from slavery and set free by another race
of people when my master’s country was invaded, and he was killed.
He was a good master, Mr. Goodnight. He was a good man. I remember
him to this day with a great deal of fondness. He was like you and
your brother, Mr. Goodnight. He treated his slaves like family.
His immediate family came first, but he was deeply concerned and
took good care of his slaves. I fought for his life, but I lost. I
was proud to be his slave, sir. I ain't ashamed to tell you I’m
still proud to have served him,” Lazarus said with feeling.
“That’s pretty remarkable, Lazarus. You must have an interesting
past,” Charlie said.
“I’ve done a few things in my life, Mister Goodnight. Some I’m
proud of and some I ain’t so proud of, but I’ve always tried to
err on the side of goodness. It’s kept me going so far,” Lazarus
replied.
“Come, I’ll have my son feed and water your friends. You and your
companions may have to bunk it in the barn for a couple of nights
until we can make other arrangements. My son was blessed with two
unexpected slaves today, and we ain’t discussed where we’re gonna'
put 'em. I bought the giant for him only yesterday. Waco heard him
calling to him in distress at the auction center. We rescued him
from there. I probably paid too much for him but the dealer
brought my son the Indian boy to make up for him. The other boy
was living with his parents on my cowboy brother’s ranch next to
ours. He and Waco have been buddies since before they started
school. Waco and Travis love each other very much. He was one of
Waco’s birthday gifts today.”
Lazarus was aboard his ship for a long time and while the food
from the replicators was good, and he tweaked them to his taste,
it was still lacking in the taste and fineness of human prepared
food. The left over food for Waco’s birthday was like ambrosia to
him. Ms. Wallace and her crew set out food for the remaining
family and close friends. A few picked at the food, but most were
too full from earlier. Lazarus ate hardy, but only drank iced tea.
Charlie reminded Waco it was chore time and would he please feed
their guests, Ping and Pong, a scoop of slave chow and a biscuit.
Waco led his posse off to do the chores. He also fed his ‘Lummy’
while he was taking care of the other animals.
Lazarus took his plate of food to sit down at a table with a young
slave he admired when he first came upon the group of ranchers.
Before he could sit down the slave stopped eating his food, got
out of his chair, took Lazarus’ plate and drink from him and set
it on the table across from his. He turned and knelt in the dust
at Lazarus' feet. “Permission to pay homage to your boots,
Master?” Shane asked him.
“Permission granted, Slave,” Lazarus replied.
Shane kissed each of Lazarus' boots and set back on his heels, he
took Lazarus’ hand and kissed the back and placed it to his
forehead.
“I’m sorry, Slave, I’m new around these, here, parts. I don’t know
the proper response a freeman is suppose to give a slave at this
moment. Please, can you help me out here?” Lazarus asked quietly.
“Certainly, Master, you’re supposed to say, ‘Rise, Slave, and show
me your love,’” Shane said quietly.
“So let it be done, Slave,” Lazarus smiled at him. Shane got to
his feet, threw his arms around Lazarus and kissed him right on
the mouth. Lazarus didn’t hesitate to return the fine looking
slave’s kiss. He could feel Shane’s rock-hard, highly developed
body against his and Lazarus's two thousand, two hundred and
nineteen year old cock suddenly found new life. The young slave
was stunning. They finally broke off their kiss.
“Thank you for that, Young Man. Now may we sit down and eat our
food?” Lazarus asked.
Shane smiled at him and nodded. He pulled Lazarus’ chair out from
the table and motioned for him to sit. When Lazarus sat down,
Shane pushed his chair closer to the table for him.
“Thank you again, slave,” Lazarus said.
“It’s an honor to serve you, Master,” Shane replied.
“You seem to be a very well trained slave, Young Man. What’s yore’
name, Son?” Lazarus asked.
No one called Shane ‘son’ in a long time and it made Shane feel
good for the handsome cowboy to refer to him as such. “My name’s
Shane, Master Long. Shane Goodnight. I know your name because I
overheard your conversation with my older brother, Master
Goodnight,” Shane replied.
“Mr. Goodnight is your brother?” Lazarus asked in a surprised
voice.
Shane nodded as he was chewing some food.
“So, who owns you, Shane?” Lazarus asked.
“My oldest brother, Master Angus,” Shane replied.
“That must be tough,” Lazarus allowed.
“Not at all, Master. It was powerful bad the first three months of
my enslavement, but since that time it’s been smooth sailing. I
look back on it now, and I remember hating them for what they put
me through, but today I can say I’m glad they done it. I
understand now why they done it. I thank God ma’ brothers loved me
enough to buy me and treat me like any other slave rather than in
name only. I’s so lost and hardheaded I couldn’t see what I'd
become. I couldn’t see what they’s try’n to do for me. I think
about the person I was back then, and I wanna’ crawl in a hole
from embarrassment. I cost my family a lot, Master Lazarus. It
took almost three full months to break me, but once they done it,
I didn’t have me no more problems,” Shane said.
“Yeah, it was the same with me. I guess that period of time for a
slave is standard throughout the universe. It can be pert-damn
bad," Lazarus lamented.
“You been a slave, Master?” Shane asked.
“Yes, I have, Son, when I's a young man about your age,” Lazarus
replied.
“Was it on this world, Master Long?” Shane asked and smiled at
Lazarus.
Lazarus looked up from his food into Shane’s eyes. He saw
only goodness and trust. “How did you know, Son?” he asked.
“I know yore’ companions ain’t from this world. You come walk’n up
after that huge spaceship done flew over. You don’t know the
proper response for a master, and yore’ boots ain’t made of real
leather. They look real enough nobody else can tell the
difference, but I can. A slave learns the smell and taste of a
man’s boots better’n anybody. Each man’s boots smells and tastes
different. I can identify every man’s boots here today while
blindfolded. I made my masters a couple hundred bucks on a bet
once, but don’t worry none, Master, if you been a slave you know
another thing a slave learns is to keep his mouth shut.”
“I’d appreciate it, Shane. You’re right, Son, it wasn’t on this
planet. You’re very observant. I remember my time as a slave, my
senses of observation became highly developed, and you're also
right, a slave knows how to keep things to himself. It never
leaves you, even when you become a freeman again,” Lazarus assure
him.
“Was it bad for you, sir?” Shane asked.
“Like you, the first three months were pert-damn rough, but once I
settled into the idea I was a slave and there weren’t much I could
do about it, things got a lot better almost immediately. Once I
learned what was expected of me to survive, I done it. I came to
love my master. He was a good man. He was concerned and took good
care of his slaves. I just told Mr. Goodnight I ain’t ashamed to
say I’m proud to have been his slave. How ‘bout you?” Lazarus
asked.
“I love my brother with all ma’ heart, sir. After I realized what
he was trying to do for me, things got easier for me,” Shane
replied.
“I know he didn’t have you enslaved,” Lazarus declared.
“Naw, sir, I done a pert-damn good job of that myself. I was
sentenced ten to fifteen for petty theft, destruction of property,
and drug possession. I’m jes’ about to finish up my fifth year in
one more week. H’it’s gone by so fast I’m afraid the other five’s
gonna’ go at the same speed. I’ll turn around twice and be looking
at having to be a freeman again,” Shane said almost with remorse.
“You don’t sound like a man what’s looking forward to becoming a
freeman, Son,” Lazarus observed.
“Naw, sir. Scares the shit out a’ me. I have a horrible fear of
going back to being the asshole I was before, always blaming
ever’body else for my problems and the trouble I got myself into.
I don’t never wanna’ be that way again, Master Long. I didn’t like
who I was. I didn’t like me. I still got a long way to go, but I
like myself as a slave. I’m comfortable being a slave, sir. Can
you understand that?” Shane asked.
“Of course I can, Shane. I was comfortable being a slave. I still
have fond memories of those days as some of the best of my life. I
didn’t have a care in the world other than to please my master. He
was a fine man and didn’t overwork his slaves. He provided for us
and saw to our needs. H’it ain’t like you’re in a prison or a
cage. You’re out in the fresh air, you know what you’re supposed
to do everyday, you feel secure and needed. You don’t have to face
all the problems freemen do. You’re sort of living in a cocoon,”
Lazarus concluded.
“Only someone what's been a slave would understand what you jes’
said, Master Lazarus. I done me a lot a’ think’n about it. If’n
I’s to become a freeman, I’d have to go out into the world and
fend for myself. Being a slave, I’m taken care of. I have to work
hard, but my masters work right along side of us slaves. At the
end of the day, they’s as dirty as we are. I ain’t got me no
personal possessions. A slave ain’t allowed to own nothing, but I
look back on all the stuff my brother bought me over the years,
and it didn’t bring me happiness. I was still miserable.
“Even though Master Angus don’t show me no special favors, I know
he loves me. He ain’t never said he loves me since I become his
slave, but I know he’s proud of me. It’s the little things he does
he don’t think I notice. Like sometimes we’ll be walk’n along
together talk’n, and he’ll put his big hand on ma’ shoulder like
they’s something special between us and walk along for a while
that a’ way. He don’t do it to none of the other slaves. I get fed
good. I get a lot of exercise, I’m loved, and appreciated by my
family. What more could I want, Master Long?” Shane asked.
“You got a point, Son. Does he take special privileges with
you?” Lazarus asked.
“You mean does he order me to suck his dick and does he fuck my
butt, sir?” Shane grinned mischievously at his crudeness.
“I apologize, I guess it was rude of me to ask, Shane. You don’t
have to answer if you don’t want to, Son,” Lazarus said.
“I’s jes’ fun’n wit’cha, Master Long. Of course he does. I ain’t
ashamed of it. I’m a slave. It’s jes’ expected a master’s gonna’
use his slaves anyway he chooses, and that includes taking care of
his old pony. I was straight when I’s first enslaved, but I guess
I ain’t no more. Wouldn’t wanna’ be now. I hated it at first and
thought it was powerful mean spirited of ma’ brother to take
advantage of me like 'at. Then I got to think’n he told me he
weren’t gonna’ show me no special privileges. He fucks his other
slaves, why shouldn’t he fuck me? Now I can’t git enough of him.
If’n he don’t let me suck him off ever’ other day or so or fucks
me real good a couple of times a week I git depressed. He don’t
allow nobody else to have me except his foreman you met, Master
Birdsall.”
“Ah, yes, the buffed out cowboy sitting over there with your
brother. I’m beginning to see a pattern here. He’s responsible for
your remarkable body. He’s in love with you and has made you into
the cowboy slave-partner he wants. Sort of reminds me of the story
of Pygmalion,” Lazarus said.
“Yes, sir, I guess he has at that. Although he don’t never tell me
he loves me, I guess I have become his love pig. I grunt a lot
when he fucks me good and suck on his big cock like I's a newborn
shoat," Shane grinned. It wasn't the analogy Lazarus was trying to
make, but he was so charmed by the young cowboy's selflessness and
candor, he didn't feel it necessary to explain further.
“Do you love him, Son?” Lazarus asked.
“I think so, Master Long. It's hard to know when you been forced
to pleasure someone. J'ever hear of some'um called the Stockholm
Syndrome?" Shane asked.
"Yeah, I know about it. It's when an abductee or a slave is forced
to submit to his masters he becomes used to their ways and falls
in love with 'em," Lazarus replied.
"Yes, sir, some'um like 'at. ‘At’s another reason I ain’t looking
forward to my freedom. I might have to leave the ranch and him. I
don’t think I could do that, Master Long. I’m so used to
pleasuring the man, I don't know's I could do without him. I been
think’n a lot lately about give’n ma’self to my brother for life,”
Shane said.
“‘Sounds like you got it pert-damn bad, Son, but I know what you
mean. I been there ma’self a couple a’ times. I had me a lot of
loves in my years and for all the women I had and loved I ain’t
never loved me one like I loved a couple of ma’ buddies. There’s
jes’ some’um about male bonding what wraps yore’ guts around yore’
heart and yore’ cock.” Lazarus got a far away look in his eyes as
he recalled his partner whom he hadn't seen for sometime.
“Can I ask where you’re from, Master Long, and what chore’
business is here?" Shane asked.
“Sure, I’ll tell you. I hope it’s between us for now. I don’t
think nobody would believe you if’n you's to tell ‘em anyway, but
as long as you don’t, I know I got me a friend I can talk with
whom I can trust. I originally came from Texas many years ago
before I escaped from the Earth and went out into the universe to
find myself. It’s been a long journey. Not just space hopping but
going traveling in time as well. I was the product of a breeding
program, what bred people for longevity. In other words they were
looking for a longevity gene. I was a member of a carefully bred,
genetically engineered family who lived incredibly long lives.
I’ve lived so long you probably wouldn’t believe me if’n I’s to
tell you,” Lazarus said.
“Please, try me, sir, since I never paid attention in school I
read a lot since I was enslaved and by accident found me some
obscure books on the science of eugenics. I read about a family
named Howard. Among them was the mention of a Woodrow Wilson Smith
who reportedly lived a very long life. It weren’t clear when this
man started his journey or if he’s still alive. They’s no way to
judge how old he might be by today’s calendar,” Shane replied.
“Where did you find this book, Son?” Lazarus asked with interest.
“Buried under a chicken roost on our ranch in an old brooder house
what got struck by lightening and burned down. It was me'n my
cowboy slave buddy's job to clean it up and git rid of the
remaining charred wood and stuff. Master Angus wanted his slaves
to build another, only bigger and better than the old one. My
partner got called away for a while. As I was preparing the ground
for laying out the foundation, my rake uncovered the top of a
metal box. I got a shovel and dug it up.
“I quickly hid it so's no one would know I found it and got back
to my work. I came back to it later. It had an old rusted lock on
it I managed to knock off with a hammer in the workshop. In it was
some papers and a book. The papers were in the form of heavy
parchment with some strange writings what looked a little like
hieroglyphics, but the book was in English. I didn’t understand
all of it, because I didn’t have no point of reference for the
technology discussed or for the life of Mr. Smith,” Shane said.
“That’s amazing. In all my years I’ve experienced things like this
where I’ll start talking with someone and be serendipitously
linked to them somehow. I’ve always felt it was a lot more’n just
fate. I was a part of the Howard family, Son. I am Woodrow Wilson
Smith. I changed my name many years ago to Lazarus Long for
obvious reasons and have gone by that name ever since, because of
the hatred that arose for the Howard family in later centuries to
yours. Have you ever heard an old county Western tune, ‘I’m My Own
Grandpaw’? Lazarus asked.
Shane shook his head in the affirmative indicating he'd heard the
song.
“It’s a bit of a whimsical paradox, but it’s almost exactly what
happened to me. Many centuries from now mankind discovers time
travel is only a simple matter of shifting dimensions, but until
recently it’s been a one way trip. I traveled back in time to the
early nineteen hundreds, fell in love with a woman with whom I
wanted to live my life and became a successful rancher. Our only
child was me. I brought back with me the longevity genes I
acquired over two thousand years in the future to inject into
myself, which naturally, I inherited.
“I’ve lived so long and thought I’d done everything there was to
do. I’ve been an actor, musician, beggar, farmer, priest, pilot,
politician, con artist, gambler, doctor, lawyer, banker, merchant,
soldier, electronics technician, mechanic, restaurateur, investor,
and slave. I was once the manager of a whorehouse on Mars. After
living all these lives, I became bored with living. I felt like
I’d done it all. I convinced myself I didn’t wanna’ live no more.
"I was on my deathbed, contemplating the wonders of the afterlife,
the final frontier, the ultimate graduation. I was standing on the
bank looking into the sea of forever. I was longing for it, I
could hear it calling to me, my ancestors and loved ones were
reaching out to take my hand, and at the last moment, before the
big hand on that eternal clock reached ‘eternity,’ my damn family
had me rejuvenated another time against my will.
“They promised me they had something else for me to do what would
be interesting and this is it; to come back in time to live among
the folks I came from, who only exist in this particular dimension
or time dilation, and rescue them from the final apocalypse that’s
to occur on Earth in the early to mid twenty-first century; sort
of a Noah’s ark of the future. I’m twenty-two hundred and nineteen
years old, son,” Lazarus said quietly.
Shane sat looking at Lazarus for a minute. “Who was your
mother, sir?” he asked.
“Ah, a test. Good for you, Shane. My mother’s name was Maureen
Johnson. She's the woman I came back in time for, fell in love
with, and had a child by her,” Lazarus said.
“Where was she born, sir?” Shane asked.
“Still not convinced? I probably wouldn’t be either. She was born
in Thebes, Lyle County, Missouri on July 4, 1882. She later
married Brian Smith in 1898 and moved with him to Kansas City, but
he divorced her to marry their daughter-in-law, Marian Hardy
Smith. My mother kept the Smith name. She would have died in a
traffic accident in 1982 had she not been rescued by myself and
the crew of the ‘Gay Deceiver’ ship. She became a rejuvenator, and
it was my own blessed mother and lover who insisted on having me
rejuvenated another time.
“I been sent back to Earth to live here among you people for a
number of years until the final apocalypse occurs, to gather the
good folks of this world and relocate them until the fighting is
over. Them self-righteous bible thumpers what's left behind will
shore' be a' wonder'n why, but they'll be exterminated like
vermin. Then later, we’ll return the folks who wanna' return so’s
they can start a new Earth,” Lazarus explained.
Shane’s mouth dropped open. “Close your mouth, Son. Somebody might
get suspicious,” Lazarus spoke softly and grinned at Shane.
“My God in heaven,” Shane said quietly.
“I’ve often thought he might be, but I been proven wrong before,”
Lazarus tossed off as he took another bite of his supper.
“I won’t ask no more questions, Master Long, but I do have one
thing what’s bothering me, sir,” Shane trailed off his words
quietly like he was afraid to hear the answer.
“Yes, you will be saved, Son. You will come with me along with
your beloved brother and all his family. Your names are in my
book. I’ve come back for you. You will go on to establish a
dynasty of good, strong, solid, hardworking people who will
become, in every sense of the word, the salt of the new Earth. You
will live far longer than you ever imagined possible,” Lazarus
said.
“Then you coming to this ranch today ain’t no accident,” Shane
said.
“No, Son, it’s been carefully planned for well over six thousand
years. You see the future ain’t set like some might think. There
are an unbelievable number of parallel universes out there, all
rolling along side by side, just slightly out of sync with one
another so’s they don’t get all tangled up. We can chart and keep
track of at least eleven on either side of the time spectrum where
we exist. Beyond that it gets fuzzy.
“Once in a while they do get tangled up and people get lost in the
shift, but as a general rule what might or might not happen today
will be the outcome of another possible future. It all comes down
to the basic idea of pantheistic solipsism, whatever future you
might imagine is possibly out there somewhere rolling along next
to this one, or several removed like a distant cousin. And that
ain’t just the reality of day to day things like us sitting here
eating and talking to one another, it’s anything you can create
with your mind. Like old Bucky Fuller used to tell me, you make
the future happen,” Lazarus further explained.
“Am I dreaming this, Master Long? Is it a dream I’ve had? Or is it
a dream I’d like to be living?” Shane asked.
“I won’t say ‘no’ to any of those questions, because there’s a
different answer to each one, but only one answer for them all.
There ain't no certainties in any dimension of any parallel
universe, some more or less than others. This one we’re living in
is pretty good, but there’s several much better; others, not so
good. It’s like if some fool were writing a story about you and me
sitting here talking with each other under what might seem to the
rest of the world like the product of someone’s fertile
imagination depending upon the reader’s mood at the moment or what
he had for lunch. They might easily chalk it up to science fiction
hogwash. It’s only someone’s fantasy. It couldn’t really happen;
but, here we are talking, eating, and enjoying each other's
company, but that person who picks up the story and reads it, he
or she can enter our universe for a while to ride along with us
and experience some of the things we see and feel, all the while
living a life apart from ours we don’t know about; one we can’t
imagine.
"It’s like our lives would be the ocean, but they’re on a
surfboard riding the crest of our wave, experiencing the power and
the wonder of another universe they can’t imagine, but they can
only see the wave. They have no idea the depth that lies under
their surfboard, but by the same token, their existence would be
unfathomable to us; yet, the author of our story has created a
tiny window they can look in on us and watch our lives unfold.
Only a surfboard separates us when they want to ride; to say
nothing of their vicarious response to us having sex with one
another.
“Unfortunately, some only want to watch us do the nasty and don’t
really care much about our lives. The question remains, what would
we like them to see of our world? What would we like for them to
know about us? What can we offer them they don’t have in their
world to keep them interested in finding out more about us? Even,
how much do we want them to know about our world? Why should we
care? But most of all, what makes them want to live in our world
vicariously through us? None, of which, have easy answers. Perhaps
no answer is necessary. Perhaps the question is the answer. Could
it be, a point in every direction is better than no point at all?”
"Certain tribes of aborigines believe this existence is a dream
and what we dream is the real world; we’re only dreaming this
existence. Never underestimate the wisdom, knowledge or
comprehension of what might seem to us less highly developed
cultures. Many times they have far greater understanding of the
cosmos than technologically advanced modern man. There is a world
which exists within the heart of every man what no other man may
touch. It is the world he wants to live in, but can’t because of
the one he’s traveling in; however, by his mere belief that it
could be, will make it so.
“It ain't the dreams of gods what creates universes, Son, it’s the
dreams of any common man who creates any world what will fulfill
his desire, his need for bliss. After all, ain’t that the reason
man created his gods, to have an excuse to blame someone when
things go bad for them. How many times have you heard someone say,
“It’s God’s will”? You and me, Son, we are the alpha and omega of
our own universes. What we dream can become reality somewhere
else, or it can become reality for us here," Lazarus said as he
sporked a tender piece of brisket.
"Late twentieth and twenty-first century scientists tried to find
a unifying theory what would explain everything in the universe.
The closest they ever got was string theory, and it was so
complicated few understood it. When they did, it created more
questions than it answered and little of a concrete nature came of
it. What they didn’t know at the time is the universe acts
differently in each dimension. Different laws apply while some
remained the same. The faster they ran the behinder they got;
something like that.
“It wasn’t until they fully understood chaos theory that bits and
pieces began to come together into a greater picture of the
binding stuff that forms the glue that holds it all together. A
paradox wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a conundrum. I’m not sure
I understand it all to this day, and I’ve set in front of
educator-bots for days. Probably Lewis Carroll came closest, and
he wasn’t even a scientist. He was an addled brain writer who
smoked opium. A bit of a mathematical genius, though. I named my
ship “The Bandersnatch” in his memory."
“Then you ain’t no alien what’s gonna’ rip away yore’ flesh and
eat my face off with one a’ yore’ tentacles?” Shane grinned at him
mischievously.
“Naw, but if’n yore’ master’s a generous man, I’d be downright
proud to have you to sit on my face for an hour or so,” Lazarus
grinned real big at Shane.
Shane sat dumbfounded, with a blank look on his face. It took him
a moment to realize what Lazarus said. When it came to him, he let
out a buckaroo whoop you could’ve heard for miles. He started
laughing and almost fell off his chair. His two masters were
looking over at the table where he and Lazarus were sitting and
wondered about the men’s intense conversation.
Angus couldn’t remember hearing his little brother laugh like that
in the five years he owned him. Once he was broken, Shane was
always a very quiet, well mannered slave not prone to outbursts of
emotion. It did Angus’ heart good to hear his little brother
enjoying himself with the handsome stranger. He thought about the
day and how he was a bit hard-nosed to his slave-brother that
morning. He began to question himself whether he should let up a
little on Shane.
‘Hell, no!’ Angus thought to himself, ‘What chu’ been doing all
this time is working. You have a little brother who's controlled,
sensitive to other's needs, a hard worker, honest, clean, and
loves his family. To say nothing of the sexual fulfillment his
mouth and ass have brought you more times than you can count. You
also love him more than words can convey, but you can’t never let
chore’ guard down. It would only confuse him. You would be sending
him mixed signals. That ain’t what that boy needs, and you know
it. You been there, done that. H’it didn’t work then, and it won’t
work now. As much as you hate to admit it, you finally became the
daddy the kid needed all along.
'He needs this. He needs you to be strong for him, Angus. Shane
needs your control. You can’t back down now. At least, not for
five more years.' Angus' reassured himself; but then, the same old
panic came over him and sent chills up his strong back, 'Oh, Dear
God above! What in heaven’s name will I do without him should he
choose to go? Have I been wrong about them other slave owners I
thought were unscrupulous by having their slave’s indenturement
changed to life? Did they come to love their slave so much they
couldn’t imagine a life without them? Will I be tempted? Please,
dear God, help me. I ain’t as strong as others think I am,' he
lamented to himself.
Angus would be tempted. It would be so easy; such a simple thing.
All he had to do was have a heart-to-heart talk with the old judge
whose son was an old school chum, a rodeo buddy of his, and it
would be done. He would never question Angus’ word Shane was
completely incorrigible and couldn’t be trusted back into society
as a freeman. There would be no court hearing. Nothing. It would
be done overnight. His little brother would be his slave for life.
It would be all Angus could do to keep from having his little
brother become his slave for life, but he knew in his heart he
wouldn’t do it. He knew he’d do the right thing. That’s just the
kind of man Angus Goodnight was. His love for his little brother
was far greater than his own selfish need.
* * * * * * *
Charlie’s two younger brothers left with much hugs, kisses, and
handshakes with sincere promises to get together sooner and more
often. Charlie knew they wouldn’t. Jessie and Dermont lived their
own lives apart from Charlie and Angus. They were more close to
each other than with Charlie, Angus, and Shane. They took on the
ways of city folks and just didn’t seem to fit in the country way
of life any more. They wore Western clothes, but their attitudes
and manners were different. Ranger didn’t want to leave. He sent
his slaves home earlier.
If he didn’t have responsibilities he would’ve stayed the night
with his cowboy brother. Charlie invited him, but didn’t push. It
had been many moons since they spent a night in each other's arms.
God how Ranger wanted Charlie, but he knew he couldn’t. They got
off to themselves behind closed doors to say goodbye. They kissed
a passionate cowboy kiss. Charlie would have taken Ranger right
there, but they didn’t have time. Guest were leaving and
Charlie needed to be there when they did.
“One day, Brother, one day, soon,” Ranger said as he gently
pounded his closed fist on Charlie's strong back as he held him
tight.
“I’m always here for you, Bubba,” Charlie responded with a break
in his voice.
“I know you are, and I love you for it, Charlie. You's my only
brother.”
“I love you, too, Ranger – always have – always will.”
* * * * * * *
Waco was busy saying his goodbyes to Ranger and relatives. He was
in tears when he hugged, kissed Shane goodbye, and told him again
how much Shane’s gift meant to him. He bawled like a baby in
Angus’ arms and got the old cowboy shedding a few. “‘At ain’t the
way a cowboy what’s jes’ come of age is suppose to act, Young’un,”
Angus lightheartedly chastised him.
“You’s still so full a’ shit, Uncle,” Waco said though his tears,
“you’s cry’n, too!” he said pointing a finger at Angus. “Ya’ll
come see us more often – ya' hear?” Waco chastised him back.
“We will. We’s gonna’ have y’all over for the fourth. We’ll have a
big time then. Bring yore’ slaves. I wanna’ see how yore’ Rabbit’s
doing,” Angus invited.
“I’ll be count’n the days, Uncle Angus, and thank you so much for
the colt. He’s s’damn purdy. I been down there looking at him four
or five times today. He’s wonderful”
“Hope you enjoy him, Son.”
Angus sent his slaves home about the same time Ranger sent his,
but he ordered Shane to stay behind and ride back with his family.
It wasn’t missed by Waco and Charlie. Lazarus noticed, too, and
smiled at Shane.
* * * * * * *
Ranger asked Bobby and Elsie Jessup to ride back with him. Bobby’s
second in charge drove the slave van back to Ranger’s ranch. Bobby
and Elsie were used to riding with Ranger. They went a lot of
places with Ranger and his Mary when they went socializing or to
visit sick folks in the community. Elise was trying to keep up a
brave face, but Ranger could see her daub her eyes now and then.
Bobby was his usual stoic cowboy self. “I know a master ain’t
suppose to ask his slaves what they think, but since Mary’s been
sick I done come to rely on the two of you more and more. Did we
do the right thing today?” Ranger asked quietly.
“Hell, yes, Master Gibbons!” Bobby replied emphatically, “Ain’t
never seen ma’ boy so happy as he was today. Now, don’t chu’ go
fret'n none and feel’n bad, Master. You left the decision up to
us. We didn’t have to let him go. You didn’t order us to do it,
and we didn't decide to let him go because we thought you wanted
us to. We left it up to our boy. Travis wanted to go. He worships
Waco and Charlie Goodnight.”
“Bobby’s right, Master Gibbons. It was Travis' decision, but we
agreed with him. We done the right thing. I think he’s gonna’ be
so happy with Master Waco and Master Charlie. Master Waco’s one of
the finest freemen young boys we know. I cain't tell you how many
times Travis come home from school in tears telling us what Waco
done to protect him and look after him. Master Waco didn’t have to
do that. Now he’s Waco’s slave he’ll have even more reason to look
after Travis,” said Elsie.
“Ya’ll think you might ever wanna' have another kid?” Ranger
tossed out.
“You were gracious enough to let us have Travis, Master. We ain't
never considered ask'n for more, sir. Besides, you done had the
vet clip me," Bobby said.
“No, I didn't. You jes' thought he did, 'cause I ain't never told
ju' no different. I told the vet not to clip you. I had him jes’
tie it off. I stood 'dere and watched him do it to make damn-sure
he didn't cut you,” Ranger grinned at Bobby like he just pulled a
rabbit out of a hat.
They rode along in silence for a while. Bobby looked at Elsie and
smiled at the tears in her eyes. “Can we talk about it, Master,
and let you know later?" Elsie asked.
“Sure. It’s just a thought. If’n it’ud make y’all happy, I
certainly wouldn’t mind.”
“Thanks, Master Gibbons. We’re lucky to have you for our master,
sir,” Bobby told him with all sincerity.
“I think I’m a fortunate man to have you two for slaves, Bobby. I
have to agree with ya’ll, I think we done the right thing by
Travis. God, I love them two boys,” he sighed deeply and shook his
head.
* * * * * * *
Everyone left and only the Goodnight family and slaves remained,
including various critters. It was Waco’s job to figure out who
was going to sleep where. Mr. Long brought his bedroll and was
more than happy to bunk it in the loft. Ping and Pong would sleep
in the loft. They retired early and made a nest for themselves in
the corner for privacy. Lazarus was looking forward to staying the
night with his old buddy. Waco got Travis and Rabbit naked and the
three of them made quick work of showering and pampering their
lummox. Ox loved it. He was the center of attention. He now had
two boys to chatter away with, but he was like Ping and Pong. He
felt sorry for Travis. He was being left out. Ox would say
something to Waco and Rabbit and they would laugh. Travis didn’t
have a clue, but one would always tell him.
<< Master Waco, you and Rabbit are gonna’ have to be extra
special to Travis. How are you planning on sleeping tonight? I
know Travis has been looking forward to this night for a while,
>> Ox inquired.
<< You done asked me if you could sleep in the loft again
tonight, and that’s fine. Rabbit is gonna’ sleep in my room.
Travis and I are gonna’ sleep in the big room at the end of the
hall, >> Waco sent to his giant beast.
<< How you feel about that, Rabbit? >> Ox asked him.
<< I’m the new man here. I’ll be all right. At least I git
to sleep in a bed rather than a chain-link cage. This place is
like heaven to staying at the auction house, >> Rabbit
responded with a smile.
<< I agree, >> Ox thought quietly shaking his head.
Waco got everybody settled down for the evening, and he was
beginning to feel tired. While he was taking care of everyone and
seeing to their comfort, Travis stayed behind to clean himself in
the shower. His daddy taught him how to prepare himself for his
master. He walked back into the huge bedroom and found Waco lying
naked on the bed. The lights were out, but it was a warm, early
summer’s night and a full moon was shining brightly. Waco opened
his arms to Travis. Travis smiled, bolted to the bed and flew into
Waco’s waiting arms. Waco was holding and kissing him. Travis shed
a tear or two. “There, there, Sweet-baby, ain’t nothing to go on
about. You’re safe in yore’ master’s arms," Waco assured him.
“I know I am. Them was tears of happiness, at how handsome you are
and how lucky I am to become yore’ slave. That sounds so good,
Master Waco – in my master’s arms. I been dreaming of this night
for a long time. I was proud to wear your collar today, and a
couple of our friends ask me if’n I’d grown taller. I told ‘em
‘no,’ I’s jes’ walk’n taller. They were happy for me. I suspect a
couple of the guys were jealous of me.”
“I’m proud of you, Travis. I’ve always loved you, but today, I’s
'specially proud of you. You acted more mature than I ever seen
you. You made me proud you was my slave. I don’t want chu’ to
worry none about Rabbit or Ox. We ain’t gonna’ have no competition
or jealousy ‘round here. I’ll devote time to Rabbit, but I promise
I’ll keep you satisfied.”
“I ain’t worried none, Master. You’re the master and what you
chose to do is all right with me. Dad and Mom made me understand,
I can’t have room for feelings like 'at. I’ll be all right when
you wanna’ take Rabbit to your bed. I don’t expect to sleep with
you ever’ night. I’m here to serve you, to make you happy when I
can.”
Waco ran his hand over Travis’ smaller body and found him as
exciting as he always was to him. He caressed his already hard
cock, felt his balls in their sack and moved his hand to Travis’
ass. He began teasing it and slowly inserted one finger. Travis’
body tensed and then relaxed. Waco covered Travis with his larger
body but continued to work his single finger in and out of his
slave’s hole. He began to kiss Travis on the mouth and opened
Travis’ mouth with his tongue. They kissed for a while as Waco
kept playing with his new slave's hole.
“You already lubricated yourself for me? Are you clean?” Waco
asked quietly.
“Yes, sir, Master Waco. My daddy taught me all about it, and my
momma done told me how to please a man.”
“How was it with your dad? Do you mind talking about it?” Waco was
curious. He secretly admired Bobby Jessup as a cowboy stud.
“No, Master, I don’t mind. After dad got me broken in, it was
wonderful. My daddy’s a good man. He did what you’re doing now to
loosen me up, but when he took me he was so gentle I hardly felt
him until he kissed me and told me he was all the way inside me.
Then he started fuck’n me, and it was the best feeling I ever had.
He didn’t fuck me very long, ‘cause I couldn’t hold it no more.
“I shot all over him and me. He gimme’ to Master Gibbons after he
fucked me five or six different times. After the last time he said
he thought I was ready. He told me he was proud of me and
satisfied I’d do a passable job of pleasuring Master Ranger. I
guess I was ready, ‘cause Master Gibbons was pleased with me, and
he fucked me just as good as my daddy. I didn’t never want him to
stop fuck’n me, he was so good.”
“I wanna’ be that good for you, my Handsome Slave. I wanna’ take
care of my need for you and yore’ need for me. You ain’t afraid
for me to take you, are you?”
“Lord no, Master Waco, I can’t wait to feel you inside me.”
Waco worked up to his second finger and now was inserting three.
His cock was leaking pre-come by the bucketful. His penis couldn’t
have been more hard, but he didn’t rush. His daddy taught him he
shouldn’t rush love or be an inconsiderate lover or master. Even
though the man under you may be your property, he deserves to be
treated like a human being. Charlie told his son, the true measure
of a man was to be as strong as he wanted and needed to be without
hurting his partner and taking his needs into consideration as
well. Charlie admonished Waco to treat Travis with the same
respect he would his pony and everything would be fine.
“You know you’re gonna’ git my cherry this evening, don’t chu?”
Waco asked Travis.
“Naw, sir. I done figured yore’ daddy ordered one a’ his slaves to
let you practice on him.”
“You know, he probably would have if’n I’d jes’ asked him, but I
didn’t. To be honest, I think the thought crossed my mind a couple
of times, but then I'd forget about it. I never did think on it
again. I’s always too busy with chores or spending time with you.
Anyway, I wanted my first time to be with someone I love. I love
all our slaves, but I love you special, Travis. You's ma' little
bubba," Waco whispered softly with all the love in his heart.
“Gee, that makes me feel bad ‘cause you won't be my first," Travis
lamented.
“No, no, Sweet-baby. I don’t never want chu’ to feel that way. I’m
glad yore’ daddy took you and you had Ranger Gibbons. You got a
little more experience on me and can tell me if’n I’m doing it
right or not. I wanna’ learn to be the best for you I can be,
Travis. I might be kind a’ clumsy at first, but with yore’ help, I
think we can make each other feel good. A while from now, one
night, after I done fucked you real good, I want you to look at me
and tell me I’m yore’ man. I’m the very best you ever had.”
Travis assured Waco he felt like he was loose enough, and he could
go ahead and begin to penetrate him with his cowboy cock. Waco was
a Goodnight and all them old Goodnight boys were well endowed.
They didn’t have dicks like other men’s; theirs were big around
and eight to nine inches long. When you got out of a Goodnight
man's bed, you knew you’d been fucked. It was like being fucked by
a large, tall-boy, beer can. At twelve years old Waco’s penis was
six and a half soft, but it grew when erect to seven and a half
and would continue to grow until he was in his late twenties. Waco
had been shooting his load since he was ten years old. Charlie
declared one day Waco was going to be as big as his Uncle Angus.
Waco beamed with pride at the thought. Waco was very gentle and
considerate, but he was big compared to Travis’ tight little hole.
It took Waco some time to get his cock into his partner even with
extra lubricant. Ultimately his patience was rewarded when he
finally bottomed out inside his young slave. Travis was lying on
his back with his legs in the air hooked over Waco’s broad
shoulders, looking up into the eyes of his hero, and could feel
when he was filled with Waco’s big comfortable cowboy cock. He
breathed a sigh of contentment as he took his legs from Waco’s
shoulders and wrapped them snugly around his waist. Waco leaned
over and kissed him.
“You feel so wonderful, my love. I can’t believe I’m finally
inside you. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve jacked off
thinking of this moment? Now I’m almost afraid to move. I’m afraid
I’ll blow my wad and won’t be good for you.”
“You are more than I imagined, Master Waco. You’re filling me so
good. Don’t chu' worry none about shoot'n. We have all night. Dad
was a little quick on the draw, but after he waited for a few
minutes he'd come back strong and give me a really good solid
fuck’n. I’m here for your use, Master. That’s why I was given to
you. I will never say ‘no’ to you. Part of that ain’t because I’m
a slave, sir, it’s because I love you so much.” Travis allowed.
They kissed again and Waco thought he’d take his chances. He
started slowly fucking Travis again. Travis was moaning at the
goodness of Waco’s cock inside him. Each stroke Waco made, Travis
was right there to meet it. He was working as hard as Waco for
this fuck. While he wanted his young master to take the lead,
Travis wanted to be sure he did his part to make the experience
the very best he could for Waco. His daddy taught him well.
His mother, Elsie, had a hand in Travis’ education, too. Of
course, Elsie knew about Bobby breaking Travis to his saddle. It
was thoroughly discussed, and she agreed if Ranger wanted to leave
it up to Bobby, he should be the one to take his son in hand and
teach him about the ways of slave sex. Elsie never heard the word,
but she was the ultimate pragmatist. She knew it was just an
accepted part of being a male slave and not to talk about it was
ridiculous.
She knew her own husband had been taken by Master Gibbons many
times before he allowed them to be together and a few times after
they were together. It was simply Ranger’s right to take any slave
he wanted, male or female. Ranger never took Elsie before or after
she and Bobby got together. He was so thoroughly in love with his
Mary he would never consider taking another woman; not even a
slave woman.
Even though it was his right, to Ranger’s credit, after Elsie and
Bobby got together, he only took Bobby when Bobby volunteered, and
then it was usually for a special occasion. Ranger never forced
himself on any of his slaves beyond the initial breaking period if
it was a new slave. Most of the men quietly let him know when they
would appreciate his attentions at his convenience. Ranger was a
good looking man with a fine body and a big penis who had no
problem being attractive to both sexes. Ranger and Bobby’s
couplings were usually no more than a handful of times a year, but
it served to restate their position with each other as master and
slave and strengthen their bond of appreciation for one another.
Travis didn’t mentioned his experience with his dad to his mother
since Bobby was with him several times. Bobby kept assuring her
everything was well, he was pleased with Travis’ attitude and the
way he was progressing. He didn’t foresee having to be with Travis
more than a half dozen times. Still Elsie was concerned. She had
to satisfy her mother’s need to protect her young. Travis came in
from school one afternoon and Elsie gave him a glass of milk and a
brownie she made. Bobbie wasn't in from work yet.
“Travis is everything all right with you?” Elsie asked.
“Yeah, Ma, I’m fine. Why do you ask?” he replied.
“I’ve been concerned is all. You and I have always been close.
We’ve shared almost everything what happens to you. You know you
can talk with me about anything.”
“Well, you ain’t said a word to me about how you and your pa’s
been git’n along with yore’ lessons,” Elsie replied.
Travis was quiet for a moment as he drank some of his milk then
wiped his milk-mustache away with the back of his arm. He took
another bite of his delicious brownie and spoke with a mouthful.
“I didn’t think you’d wanna’ hear nothing about it, Ma. I's jes’
think’n about you, and yore’ feelings,” Travis said with concern.
“I believe you. You’re a considerate boy, Travis; you always have
been, and that’s a good quality to have. I appreciate that about
you. Yore’ daddy didn’t tell you not to talk with me, did he?” she
asked.
“No, ma’am!” Travis responded emphatically, “Daddy would never say
nothing like 'at. You know dad trusts you completely. He’d never
purposely leave you out of anything. Ain’t he been giving you
updates on my progress?” Travis asked a little surprised.
“Oh, yes, we talk. He’s very pleased and proud of you. He feels
bad he has to teach you such a thing, but better you learn from
him, the right way, than the way he had to learn it. The master
who broke him before Master Gibbons bought him was a mean-spirited
– ” Elsie was going to say ‘bastard’ but she caught herself just
in time, “an awful, uncaring man who almost wrecked your dad
internally. Bobby almost died. If’n it hadn’t a’ been for a fine
slave vet who was able to patch him up he would have. After his
owner hurt him and took him to the Vet, when he found out how much
it was gonna' cost him to have Bobby fixed up he asked the Vet how
much it would cost to put him down.
"He paid the Vet the price he asked, signed all the release
papers, and left yore’ daddy there assuming the Vet would put him
down then dispose of his body afterward. He didn’t wanna’ be
bothered with him no more. The Vet was able to save your dad. He
figured it would be worth his while to fix him up, nurse him back
to health, and sell him again. After he got yore’ daddy on the
mend, he called Ranger Gibbons and asked him if he wanted to buy a
good slave at a rock-bottom price. He sold your daddy to Master
Gibbons for what he had in his time, expenses, and effort to nurse
Bobby back to health plus a little more. Yore’ daddy was the
cheapest slave Master Gibbons ever bought and according to him the
best. That big man's shore’ been good to us," Elsie sighed deeply.
“I know. I love Master Gibbons with all my heart, and after my
sessions with dad I won’t have me no problems pleasuring him. In
fact, I’m look’n forward to it. It would be a downright honor for
me to share a bed with him for what he’s done for us. I ain’t
upset about it, Ma. Don’t worry yore'self none.”
“Well, I do. It’s what a mother does best, Travis. I jes’ wanted
to know how you felt about things, and if’n there’s anything I can
help you with. You know it don’t matter none you’re male and I’m
female when it comes to lying down with a man. It’s gonna’ be
yore’ job to please him, and I thought with my experience with
yore’ daddy, I might be able to tell you a few things from a
woman’s perspective what jes’ might come in handy.”
“Sure, Ma, I ain’t embarrassed none to talk with you about it. I
know you love me and only wanna’ help. I know you have my best
interest at heart, but I have to tell you, dad’s been really good
at showing me how to do and what to expect. He’s been very
thorough. I was a little nervous at first but daddy was so gentle,
loving, and concerned he had me in tears my first time because he
made it so special. He got upset ‘cause he thought he hurt me. I
told him I never felt better in my life, and why hadn’t he taught
me this before now?” Travis chuckled, “I’ll be honest with you,
Ma, it’s brought me and dad a lot closer, and I ain’t afraid of
him no more.”
“Were you ever afraid of yore’ dad, Travis?”
“Not really afraid. Just very respectful, because I didn’t never
wanna’ do nothing wrong to ever git him riled up at me. The couple
a’ times I did, he done put the fear of God in me. I figured
daddy’s got himself enough on his plate being lead-slave for
Master Gibbons. He don’t need no incorrigible kid he has to be
correct’n all the time. I guess what’s happened to me is, after
lying down with daddy several times, I done realized how much my
daddy loves me, and I understand the times he had to correct me I
damn well deserved it. ‘At’s what I mean about not being afraid of
him no more. If’n he felt he needed to correct me for something
this evening, I’d go willingly, because I know he ain’t gonna’
hurt me none. I may not be able to sit down at the table for a
couple of days, but I’ll git over it, and I won’t love my daddy
none the less for it neither.”
“Oh, Darlin,’ my little man’s grow’n up. Yore’ daddy would be so
proud to hear you say that.”
“No, problem, you’ll tell ‘em,” Travis winked at his mother and
giggled, “What kind a’ tips do you have for me, Ma?”
“Well, there’s things you can do what are separate from the actual
physical act of pleasuring a man to make the experience the best
for him you can. Things that will git chu’ ever’ thing you need as
well as making sure you satisfy him.”
“Like what, Ma?” Elsie peaked Travis’ curiosity.
“Things like letting him know when he does something what’s
particularly pleasurable for you, or telling him how good he
feels. Always remember, if he’s a caring man, like yore’ daddy or
Master Gibbons, it’s part of his masculine pride of being in
charge, he wants to make it as good for his partner as it is for
him. Unfortunately, not all men are like that, but we ain’t talk’n
‘bout them. Have you been let’n yore’ daddy know when some’um he
does feels really good to you?”
“No, ma’am, I jes’ thought I’s suppose to lie there, keep quiet,
and let him do ever’ thing.”
“Oh, no, Sweet-heart, you gotta’ talk with yore’ man. Tell him how
wonderful he feels. You gotta’ build his ego by telling him he’s
the best and he's doing a great job, but you don’t have to go
overboard and be no chatty Cathy about it.”
Travis almost spit out his mouthful of milk he started laughing so
hard.
“A chatty Cathy, Ma?” he asked laughing. Elsie laughed with him.
It was a much needed break for comic relief.
“You know what I mean,” Elsie looked at her lap and blushed.
“I git the idea, Ma. Thanks. I’ll certainly try it the next time
with dad. He can always jes’ tell me to shut up," Travis grinned
at his mother.
“Trust me, Darlin,’ he won’t. A few, well placed words of praise
or encouragement will get you more than you ever bargained for.
They's like gold to a man like yore' daddy. Yore’ dad’s as vain as
any man and thrives on flattery of his sexual powers. Not that
there’s any room for improvement with yore’ daddy, mind ju.’ I
don’t think I need to tell you he’s the best.”
“No, you certainly don’t, Ma. On that we can agree," Travis said
emphatically, smiled, and winked at his mother. Elsie blushed
again. She looked up and into his eyes.
“Then you be sure and let him know you think he’s the best even if
you don’t have anyone to compare him with. He needs to hear yore’
appreciation he’s satisfied you as well as himself. That’s a man’s
need to know his sexual power over you is strong and solid. You do
that with any man you submit to whether he’s good or not. ‘Cause
if’n he ain’t good, but you keep telling him he is, he’ll git
better in a short period of time, believe me. It all has to do
with male pride, Sweet-heart. You learn that lesson and you can
win any man’s heart.”
“You know what, Ma?”
“What, Darlin’?”
“I can see what you're telling me is good advice. When you started
talk’n about it, I was a little skeptical, but I know in my heart
you’re right. It’s valuable advice, Ma. I only wish’t I’d talked
with you sooner so’s I could a’ made it better for daddy. I will
the next time, I promise.”
Elsie gave him a big hug and another brownie. Travis took his
mother’s advice to heart, and captured the heart of his dad,
Master Gibbons, and his new owner. His mother's advice was like
gold. It worked every damn time. When he first used it on his dad,
Bobby relaxed and fucked Travis like he knew he could do the most
for the boy, and his son took on a new, even greater respect for
his old man. It worked with his big cowboy master as well. Ranger
seemed to shift gears when Travis praised him and took the boy to
a new level of sexual stimulation and satisfaction. As Waco began
to let himself go, he heard the sounds of satisfaction from his
slave beneath him.
Travis would tell him when some stroke felt good to him and kept
telling Waco he was so damn good he couldn’t imagine this was his
first time. The truth was, Travis had to admit to himself, he
wasn’t jes’ blowing smoke up his cowboy lover’s butt. Waco was
damn good and getting better with each stroke. Waco’s cock was
bigger around than Travis' daddy and Ranger’s dick put together.
Travis felt like Waco was trying to plant a telephone pole up his
butt. As big as his master was, Waco felt great to Travis and he
felt like he’d fallen into his own personal gold mine, a virtual
garden of sexual delight.
“Oh, Sweet-baby, I wanna’ fuck you longer, but I’m on the edge of
a cliff, and I’m about to fall over,” Waco said.
“You’re fuck’n me so good, Master, I can’t hold it, neither.
Permission to come with you, Master?” Travis asked. Waco never
thought about having to give his slave permission to come. Maybe
that’s something his daddy or Ranger taught him.
“Of course you got my permission, Darlin.’ Here we go, Cowboy, our
first one we hit together. Aaarrrggg!” Waco groaned as he emptied
wave after wave of his young cowboy cream into his waiting slave.
He could feel Travis’ come splattering all over the two of them.
He continued to pump into his slave until he was sure he couldn’t
make his partner pump out anymore. Then, he collapsed into Travis’
waiting arms and kissed his lover tenderly.
“Oh, God, Master Waco. You's s'damn good. Ain’t much room for
improvement on that fuck. I’m sure we’ll git better with time, but
I ain’t got me no complaints on that one. Happy birthday, Master.”
“‘At’s one a’ the best presents I got all day, Hoss. It ranks
right up there with ma’ two ponies; the one Uncle Angus gimme’ and
the one Uncle Shane gimme.’ You’re like a present what keeps on
give’n. You were so good for me, Babe. I’m proud it was you for my
first time. I love you so much, Travis. I’m glad you’re my slave.
I promise to love and protect you better’n I ever have this year.
I ain’t put’n up with no nonsense with them clowns at school when
it comes to you or Rabbit. They fuck with my slaves, they fuck
with me, and they done went and fucked with the wrong cowboy,”
Waco said with firm conviction in his voice. Waco finally lost his
erection and slipped out of his beloved slave. He began to lick
Travis’ come off him, and took a big glob on his finger to feed to
his slave. “You taste so fine, Babe. I only ever tasted my own
cream, but yorn is sweeter’n mine. H’it’s like honey. You are my
honey, Travis,” Waco spoke softly as he stole a kiss. The boys
were so tired after their full day, they drifted off to sleep in
each other's arms. They were happy. They were satisfied. They were
content. They were at peace.
* * * * * * *
Charlie Goodnight passed Waco’s bedroom on his way back from the
head. The door was ajar, and he thought he heard weeping. He
stopped and listened closer. Sure enough, it was the sound
of someone trying to muffle their tears by crying into a pillow.
Charlie knew Rabbit was sleeping in the room. He slowly pushed the
door open and walked quietly to the bed. Rabbit didn’t hear
Charlie’s approach. Charlie could see in the moonlight Rabbit had
his face buried deep in his pillow with the edges drawn up tightly
over his ears. He didn’t want anyone to hear him crying. He was a
brave. Brave’s don’t cry. It broke Charlie’s heart to hear the boy
crying all alone. He set on the side of the bed and started gently
rubbing Rabbit’s boney small back with his big calloused hand.
Rabbit stiffened immediately and slowly turned to see the handsome
cowboy he was ogling like a wall eyed calf all day. He was stunned
to see him sitting there. “Is there room for one more in this,
here, bed, Chief?” Charlie smiled at him.
“You bet’chum, Paleface Master,” Rabbit smiled real big. Charlie
laughed.
Rabbit quickly moved over and allowed Charlie to get into bed with
him. Rabbit didn’t bother to ask his permission, he had his arms
thrown around Charlie before he could pull the sheet over them. He
kissed Charlie’s nipple and put his cheek next to Charlie’s chest.
“Comfy, Chief?” Charlie asked.
“I am now, Master Charlie. Anybody ever tell you you’s a fine
looking man, Master?” Rabbit asked.
“Not lately,” Charlie replied.
“Well, you are. I’d pay homage to yore’ boots anytime, anyplace,
in hopes of pleasuring you,” Rabbit allowed.
“Is that a come-on, Chief?” Charlie asked.
“It is if’n you want it to be, Master Charlie," Rabbit said.
“Don’t think so. You’s a mite young for me. You got chore'self
some grow’n to do, Son,” Charlie said.
“Damn! You Goodnight men are all alike, cept’n Waco’s Uncle
Shane," Rabbit said.
“What’du ya’ mean, Hoss?” Charlie asked curiously.
“I tried to give myself to Master Angus today, but he done told me
I had to wait ‘til I grow’d up and filled out some. Told me I had
to be at least sixteen. I told him my old hole would grow shut by
then.”
Charlie laughed at the boy’s obvious frustration. “What’ud ma’
brother say?” Charlie asked.
“Told me he didn’t think so. He thought Master Waco could take
care of Travis and me both,” Rabbit replied.
“You should listen to ma’ brother, Chief. He’s a good and wise
man. My boy can handle the two of you with no sweat. There’s
plenty a’ room in his big heart for you and Travis. Is that what
you’s crying about?” Charlie asked.
“Yes, sir, a little, but also, ‘cause I felt so alone, but I don’t
no more.”
“All right. Let’s us git some sleep. Morning comes early on
this ranch.”
“Master Charlie?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks.”
“Yore’ welcome, Chief. Always happy to help out a good slave in
need.”
Rabbit didn’t let Charlie go all night. Charlie slept better than
he had in months.