Heaven On The Seventh Floor
By J. D. Martelle

Chapter 6

	“Gawds this gets me so tingly all over.” Martha said with a shiver of excitement.

	“Rachel, would you please fetch a bath sheet and lay it out on the floor for me?” I asked.

	“Yes, Sir.” she said with a broad smile, curtsied and went to fetch the towel. As I stood facing Martha looking deeply into her eyes as I slowly ran my fingers up and down her wrists, she moaned softly seemingly lost in my eyes. Catching Rachel's return I stepped back a pace holding the quivering Skunkette at arms length.

	“Ready to take this play to the next level  my pet?” I asked with a wink. Martha nodded with an open muzzled grin.

	“Yes please...M-Mast-” I pause her in mid sentence placing a finger against her lips then slowly drew it down, under her throat  pressing my open palm to her chest over her heart a moment before gently cupping each 'B-Cup'  breast, then down across the white furred expanse of her quivering belly, circling her navel, continuing down over the thick tuft of her crotch fur pausing a moment before sliding my finger between her labia. Martha drew in a quick shuddering breath. As her arousal coated my finger as I gave her outter lips the lightest of caresses, drawing it back I examined the sex slicked digit turning it to show her her own arousal she was just about cross eyed with lust at this point I smiled and licked her cream from my finger, Martha moaned softly at my smile.

	“Now, If you please, go with Rachel into her room and choose a fun toy from her toy chest and return to me with it, yes?” I asked.  Martha nodded.

	“Ye-yes.” she replied almost in a trance. 

I turned to My Raccoon, “Nothing too extreme, the first time out, if you please my dear?” I said with a nod.

	“It will be a pleasure, Sir.” Rachel said taking the Skunk by the hand and leading her back to her treasure box. “How are you doing Martha?” Rachel asked as she pulled the footlocker from under her four poster canopy bed showing off her collection of sex toy treasures.

	“Oh my Gawd, Raich, he got me so damn horny I can't See straight!” the Skunkette mewled.

	“Than please feel free to choose something fun to play with.” the Raccoon churred in pleasure opening the lid of the footlocker filled with Sextoys.

	“Wow, this purple one  looks amazing!” Martha said removing an eighteen inch long two inch diameter pleasure rod with a flared base from the chest.

	“Ahh, purple passion, good choice. He feels reeeeally good deep inside you. Shall we go show Duncan your choice?” Rachel asked.

	“Mkay, I don't think I have ever been this turned on before, it has my knees wobbly.” Martha said as they returned to the living room. Seeing Duncan seated in the middle of the couch with the towel laid out on the floor in front of him.

	“Welcome back my pet, have you made a selection?” I asked the glassy eyed Skunkette, she nodded showing off the purple love rod.  “A very nice selection. Now... if you please, assume the position and show me your passion.” I said as the glassy eyed Skunkette slowly sank to her knees on the towel, spreading her thighs wide...

	#   #

	“That, was Awesome, Martha! Damn, I didn't know you were such a sexual beast!” Rachel said with admiration as her friend recovered laying on the floor in a puddle of her own passion.

	“Neither....Neither did I,  Raich. Damn, that....That was Epic! I don't think I have Ever gotten off that hard in my life!” The panting Skunkette  said moaning softly  as she recovered.

	“You did Very Well Martha, Quite impressive. I must say, You are glorious in your passionate release.” I acknowledged very proud of the body shy Skunkette.

	“Thank, thank you, Sir, it... it was the first time I did that in front of anyone before, being on display for you was an unbelievably Erotic experience! It just pushed me into a whole new place I've never been to before and.... and, truth be told, I kinda really liked it...Sir.” she said raising herself up on her elbows to look at me with a look of profound amazement at her revelation. I nodded in acknowledgement of her self-discovery.

	“Please describe what you are feeling now.” I asked as Martha managed to ratchet herself into a sitting position. I turned to Rachel. “Would you please get our dear Martha a glass of water, I think after that display, she may be a bit...parched.” I said patting my Raccoon on the hip and she hopped to her task.

	“Yes, Sir!” she chirped with a wide grin on her muzzle as she dashed into the kitchen. “Man this Beef is starting to smell Really Really Good already!” she called from the kitchen. Returning with a tall plastic tumbler she handed it to her friend who received it gratefully. And downed half of it in one go.

	“Thanks Raich, I Really needed that.” she said draining the rest of the cup in one long pull before setting it on the floor and placing her palms on her mid thighs as she knelt before me; the look on her face was one of amazed wonderment. She contemplated my question a few more moments before answering.

	“Well Sir, it was one of the most Erotic experiences I have ever had, part of me was mortified that you asked me to masturbate in front of  you and Raich, but I was so wound up  I really wasn't listening to that screaming little voice any more. I had this new toy that I was a bit frightened of,  but it was like I was operating  under a much more primal part of my reality,  the thing that I was really feeling was excitement. I was about to do something incredibly naughty, and it just added to my arousal,  when I started I just went with that primal part of my sexuality and it was like my rational mind was just thrown into the back seat and was along for the ride.  And it WAS primal. My god I never knew I could be that...Wonton! I mean, not even back in high school, what I would consider the high water mark of my Sluttiest  behavior, was I Ever this sexual. This was different, it was a dark, passionate kind of sexual, where I threw out all my  'good girl's don't' conditioning and just existed in that raw passion of deep pleasure... and I came incredably Hard! Fuck, it just kept hitting! It was like I had tapped into  that dark forbidden passion coursing through my soul,  one I had gotten hints of, but never dared seek out... and it just came roaring out like an unstoppable flood tide engulfing my  mind and drowning all resistance,  opening up an unbelievable vista of primordial sexuality. And the Power! My God, I never knew there was that much power in my own sexuality!” Martha fell silent seeming to search for words to describe the experience. 

	“It was quite a profound revelation... Thank you... Master.” she finished, leaning forward, tail like a flagpole  bringing her wrists together and  placing them at my feet. Rachel looked at me with her jaw hanging open. I smiled, reached over and closed it for her, before reaching down to take Martha's wrists in my hand drawing the skunk up and into my lap, placing my hands on her broad hips.

	“Martha, I am very glad you enjoyed that experience. And I acknowledge your declaration to me. But I want you to contemplate your decision. I am in no way rejecting it or you at this time, my sweet Skunkette. I just want you to fully contemplate the ramifications of the declaration before you fully offer your submission to me. The initial offer is still open, no matter the decision you come to on Anything else is purely  up to you, and will have no effect on my teaching you to cook. This was a mind blowing unexpected life experience for you, And it deserves the time to be properly absorbed, contemplated and appreciated for what it truly was.  I am sure we will be talking about this for some time. I want you to keep a journal of these experiences, I want you to write down everything that comes to mind no matter how trivial or silly or embarrassing it may sound at the time...  I will warn you that you may experience some mental blowback from that objective part of your mind that you said was drowned out by the unexpected  emotional experience we all just shared. So prepare for a cornucopia of emotional reactions; fear, regret, manic joy, embarrassment, or perhaps mortification or even desperation. the entire gambit may be open to you as you process this experience against what you call your 'good girl' conditioning. It is Normal and to be expected as  it was so primal and intense and unlike anything you had yet to experience in your life to this point. Do not let that dissuade you from this. Just write it all down, do not try and rationalize it, this was,  for you, a transcendent moment, one might say an almost spiritual awakening for you. The primitive lizard brain's reaction is to run far from such profound experiences and to protect  the status quo of mundane existence. Just know that you are Not alone and you have Rachel and I  to support you in this journey you find yourself on.”

 I said drawing her into a loving embrace pouring my strength into the  trembling  Skunkette. Who found herself suddenly vulnerable at the moment. She sniffled once and burst into tears.

	“I...I Don't know why I'm crying at the moment, I mean I feel so happy and releaved and accepted and...and Loved!” she said sobbing into my shoulder as I caressed her back.  Rachel cuddled up sandwiching her friend in a comforting embrace while her emotional catharsis passed.  Sniffing a few minutes later Martha sat up in my lap with a sigh wiping her eyes.
	“Wow, that was unexpected but it seems to have helped, thank you Duncan. Raich is right, you Are amazing.”

#   #

	
 	“When the meat and onions have softened a bit, add your carrots  and half an hour later add in your potatoes, then adjust your seasonings and when the potatoes are done, you are ready to serve.”

	“Oh my Gawd, that was the best stew!” Martha trilled. “The last time I tried to make it it came out more like watery soup.” she added patting her white furred belly contentedly. “Duncan, you have totally rocked my world. I never thought I would have this kind of experience when I got up this morning. Damn, I was just looking to go get a quick cuppa coffee to break the monotony of a four hour sketching session.” she chuckled. “But I should get back to my cell, I have an art project I need to get done by monday, Thank you Duncan... for opening my eyes to a whole new world.” she said as she stood and stretched making her way to where she had disrobed.

	“Would you like me to walk you to your door, Martha?” I offered, she smiled with a nod.

“Thanks, that would be nice, I am one floor below, number 615 at the end of the hall.” I stood and moved to throw on my clothes. Turning to my Raccoon I smiled. “I will be back shortly my dear.”

	“You are such a gentleman, Sir.” Rachel said with a smile as I held the door for Martha.

	“Wow, you are not like any human I have ever known. I can not begin to express my thanks and...Gratitude  for including me in what it is that you and Raich  have going.” she said as we stepped into the elevator  to head one floor down.

	“I am very glad I met you, Martha. As Rachel was the first morph I have been passionate with you are my first Skunkette, and I can honestly say, I love what we have shared so far, your fur is amazing to run my hands through.” I said as the door opened and we made our way down the hall. Martha was smiling contentedly and I must admit, I liked her smile.

	“This is going to take me a few days to sort it all out in my head, but if you are my new drug, than I want more than just a taste, my body is craving the full experience, Gods... Why does it make me feel like such a total Slut to admit that?” she asked pausing at the door of apartment 615.

	“Well my dear, you are dealing with some very primal desires here, just remember that the offer is always open to you, and remember to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings of this new undiscovered country you find yourself at the shore of. When next we meet we can discuss in more detailes what it is you feel you wish to experience. Never forget that you are Loved, and free to choose your path in life.” I said drawing her into a full body hug. Martha melted into it trilling softly as I ran my hands up and down her back. A few moments later she turned unfocused eyes to me and blinked.

	“...Kiss?” she asked in a soft voice. I smiled and drew her into a classic good night kiss. She broke it a few minutes later, panting.
	“Best...kiss...Ever.” she smiled then fumbled with the door. I reached out and caressed her cheek a moment.

	“Until we meet again my pet. Sleep well, and Dream Big!” I said as she poured herself through the door and I returned to my Heaven on the Seventh Floor.

#   #    
 
	Martha leaned against her door breathing heavily and slowly slid to the floor.
	“Oh my gawd, what  a kiss! I need to find a notebook!” she  said.


	Dear Diary,
You are never Going to believe what I just DID! I just had my first Sexing session with a Human!  I never would have Ever thought I  would say this, but Damn!!! If I only had known, let me start at the beginning...

Martha wrote in her Diary for over an hour recounting her passionate experience. As she wrote her mind started to process the incredibly primal experience and in the peace and quiet of her studio apartment, the wheels started to turn, and the Skunkette started to look at the situation more objectively. Padding over to her fridge she opened it and surveyed what was there; half a dozen chinese take out boxes, eight cans of  beer,  three quarters of a bottle of white wine, two cups left in a half gallon of milk  a bowl of something unidentifiable that had been there far too long... Not that she was in any way hungry, the Beef stew Duncan had made was still contentedly filling her belly. No, she needed something else. With a sigh she reached for the bottle of wine and poured herself a glass.

Wineglass in hand she surveyed her cupboards; two and a half cases of ramin and pot noodles, two half empty boxes of sugar frosted crispy cruddys,  a few bags of chips, three boxes of pop-tartz, three cases of generic dollar store soda, mostly cola, five or six cans of pasta and perhaps half a dozen assorted cans of condensed soups. a freezer full of cheap frozen pizzas, TV dinners  and other microwavable's. 
It was with a sad realization that Martha Black-Sage discovered she had no real Food in her house!

#  #

	Being at the end of the hall I found myself next to the stairs, so I decided to just take the staires up one floor rather than take the elevator. Slowly opening the door I stepped into the  stairwell. It smelled of cool concrete and... Flowers?  I looked up the stairs and seated on the mezzanine between flights was a mouse gal, she smiled at me  and I smiled at her as I approached.

	“Hello there, I'm Gena, Gena Davis, and I don't think I have  seen you here before.” she said with a welcoming smile, she was dressed very casually in a long flannel sleeping shirt, light blue with a  yellow cheese wedge pattern, it was very cute I thought.  She stood as I ascended the steps, holding her arms out   with a welcoming smile, I drew her into a hug.  She was the source of the lovely floral scent.

	“Oh, thank you Gena, I'm Duncan, I am spending some time with Rachel, and Martha it would seem. Are you an art student as well?” I asked,  reluctantly breaking the hug, Gena was a very good hugger.
	“Yes! I am a ceramics student, I know Rachel, she's a real sweety, I am making her a set of coffee mugs as a thank you for  having me over for turkey day.” The mouse said with a smile.

	“So I take it you don't cook?” I asked as she took my hand as we turned to ascend the stairs to the seventh floor.

	“Not like Rachel, I tend to make more soups in my crockpot, I find it convenient and it's nice to have something warm and welcoming to come home to.” she grinned again as I held the door for her. We walked down the hall she paused at room 712. “This is me, but I think i'll walk you back to Rachel and see what she's up to.” she said giving me a very wicked grin I winked back and we continued down the hall.

	“Well we just made some nice beef stew...” I offered as the mouse knocked on Rachel's door.

	“Come on in Dunk..” we heard from inside and the mouse opened the door and lead me inside.

	“Welcome back Dunk, I was wondering what... Gena! Hey sweet Mousey! I see you've met Duncan.” the naked Raccoon said standing in the middle of her livingroom.

	“Uh, yeah, we met in the stairwell, we got to talking and I know how you like to have fun so I thought I'd pop in and se what's up?” the mouse said with a grin  moving to embrace the Raccoon.

	“Naughty Mousey. But you know my house rules.” she said gripping the hem of Gena's sleeping shirt and stripped the white mouse in one smooth move.

	“Eep! Rachel!” The mouse shrieked momentarily trying to cover her self before laughing. Turning to see me strip out of my clothes once again.

	“When in Rome..” I said with a chuckle admiring this lovely white Mousey.  She rested her hands on her hips regarding me at the same time.

	“Well, I must say, For an older guy you look like you might be fun.” Gena said with a smile. “Matter of fact, if you are as fun as I suspect, I may ask you to model for me.”

	“Oh really? Doo tell sweet Mousey.” I asked as Rachel chuckled.
	“Is this for your Ceramics project, Gena?” Rachel asked, the Mousey turned  and nodded giving my Raccoon a very naughty grin.

	“Yup, I think Duncan here might make a fine addition to the collection.” she said with a lusty chuckle of her own. “If you would be so kind as to indulge me, I know Rachel likes getting involved with humans, and she turned me onto it, and I have had a few really great encounters, and as a result, I  have started making ceramic  castings and... well you hooked up with Rachel so I know you are probably worth my time. So would you?” she asked staring at my crotch. I smiled at her, then looked to My Raccoon, she nodded suppressing a giggle by placing her paws on her muzzle. In my opinion she was having far too much fun with this.

	“I think I can help you with that sweet Mousey.” I said with a smile she embraced me with a happy trill.

	“Thank you good Sir! I verry much appreciate it; um... Oh my.” She trailed off at my galant reflex as she pressed her soft furred body against mine. I very much enjoyed her adorable attractiveness. Rachel chuckled as I began casually running my hands over her very responsive furry form.

	“Looks like ya got him nicely revved up, why don't cha give him a test drive? He's a very three Gee kinda guy. That okay with you Dunk?” She asked looking at me with a very happy grin on her muzzle.

	“Gina, you are soft and sweet and if you would like to play, we can play. And if you like what I have, then we can go to your studio and we can  add me to your ceramics collection.” I said.

Gena trilled softly, reaching out and caressing my rampant shaft. “Thank you Sir, I would very much adore a chance to play with you.” she smiled up at me as I guided her to the couch.

	“Damn Dunk, you sure are getting more than you bargained for  coming home with me, aren't cha?” Rachel asked sitting next to me as Gena started to explore me.

	“So it would seem, but as you said I like to think ov myself as adaptable and open to new Expre-Whoa!” I exclamed as Gena sank her muzzle onto my shaft with a muffled giggle at my reaction. I sat back letting her enjoy me as Rachel reached out and caressed the back of the mousie's head.

	“Thaat's it, relax and go slow hon,  don't tense up when you push him to the back of your muzzle...Breath... That's it... Now, deep breath...” Rachel instructed hearing her student take in a lungfull of air, she gently pushed down on the back of Gena's head and I felt myself being pushed down the mousie's throat. She struggled a few moments adjusting her angle of attack before she  tried again  not stopping before pushing her nose into my  lap. Bobbing five or six times before coming up for air.

	“Thanks Rachel, that helped, you have a lovely penis, Duncan, and I would love to see how far you can shove it into me. But I am a bit conflicted here. Part of me wants to keep this up, as Rachel has been teaching me some rather impressive oral  techniques, but at the same time, it has been  a while and you are getting me rather wet, and I need a good hard plowing... Do... Do you think it would be too much to ask?” Gena trailed off  looking into my eyes  not wanting to impose. I smiled  at her  placing my hand on her shoulder and slowly running it down her white furred body  cupping her breasts lovingly before moving down across her  soft slightly pudgy belly  to slip into her  labia finding her incredibly wet and ready for love. She squeaked  out a sigh of need at my most welcome touch, and Rachel helped her into my lap.

	“Gena, I am not accustomed to leaving a lady in need, and since you are rachel's friend  it would be a pleasure aiding you in your stress relief.” I said with a smile kissing her nose as I took her hips in my hands and  manuvered her into position with Rachel's help. Gena squeaked in surprise as I let gravity do it's thing and the head of my cock parted the dew dappled petals of her  very wet sex.
 The mousey shivered as I sank into her. Gena's breath was coming in a series of quick panting gasps her eyes wide in a war between panic and delight as she braced her hands on my chest.

	“Oh my Gawd... I can't believe this feeeeeling!  I. I. I want you deeper in Meee” she mewled and Rachel grinned taking ahold of her hips and shoving her down onto my lap, Gena squealed as the head of my cock pressed into her cervix. She trembled at the sensation of being stretched and filled   panting rapidly she looked to be going out of her mind. I touched her between the eyes to get her attention she immediately focused on me.

	“Too much hon, want to back off?” I asked she nodded then rapidly shook her head.

	“No No No this  this this is, a, a  amazing just a Bi-Bit more in intence than I was ready for.  It has me teatering on the edge I have never felt like I was going to be split open before  and I. Oh Gawd!” she stammered. I felt a deep ripple race along my shaft. Gena threw her head back and howled as she rocketed into a massive orgasm I felt her internal muscles dancing along my shaft squeezing and  lubricating causing me to twitch which made her moan deeply in her release I cradled her ass on my hands and slowly lifted her about halfway off my shaft then let go and she once more dropped to my lap. The Mousey howled as another orgasmic wave rippled through her body.
	“I think she likes it Dunk do it again” Rachel said and I did,  over and over  Gena was lost in her massive typhoon of  orgasmic pleasure.

	“Getting close.” I said and Gena locked her eyes with mine skating on the brink of madness she  took my face in her hands.

	“Push down Hard and Fill me with your Seed!” she demanded. I nodded with a grin, grabbed her hips, and pinned her to my crotch.  her inner walls constricted and I erupted bucking my hips hard in my own massive release feeling the head of my cock push past that tight ring as I flooded her womb with my seed.

	“Oh-My-Fucking-Gawd-YeSSSSS!” the mouse screamed and promptly passed out. As I grunted  as my release tapered off I was panting hard Rachel was beaming at our performance. I looked at her and she softly golf clapped as not to wake her sleeping friend.

	“I got Next.” she churred.

	“Well, That was interesting.” I huffed  as my breathing returned to normal, Rachel  was grinning like the love bandit she was, exceedingly happy to have the opertunity to share me with another of her friends.

	“Thank you Dunk, you are such a total three-G guy, I never would have imagined that you could be this magnanimous with us morphs, it shows me what a special kind of guy you are, Thank you Love.” she said leaning in and kissing me on the cheek as Gena lay agenst my chest moaning  in her sleep. Rachel softly caressed the mouse's hair lovingly.

	“Gina is really nice but tends to kinda keep to herself I invited her over for thanksgiving anf she really seemed to appreciate it. Once I got to know her I wanted to help her come out of her shell more, I mean she is a brilliant ceramicist and I am really happy that we could share this with her. Thanks dunk, you are one in a million. Can I get you anything?” she asked as I cuddled the sleeping mouse to my chest.

	“Some water may be in order, Glad we aren't compatable or I feel I would have totally impregnated this sweet little Mousey here, and ya know what? I'd be totally fine with that.” I said

	“Whoa, Dunk, you seem to have developed a fine appreciation for us morph gals here, and while it is not technically possible without some medical wizardry, it is a nice thought none the less.” Rachel smiled giving me such a loving look.

	“This reminds me of my commune days back in the 60's and 70's... Soo much Sex!” I chuckled.

	“Please tell me what life was like on a commune?” My Raccoon asked, as I shifted the sleeping mouse to cuddle between us on the couch.

	“Well, I was young and idealistic and found myself in a group of likeminded folks who were tired of life in the city who thought going back to the land was the thing to do. So we loaded up four Volkswagon vans with everything we thought we'd need and headded out to the country.” I said with a chuckle.

“We drove up the coast for a few days tel we found this secluded pocket valley with a river running through it at the end of this two mile dirt road. Back then, it looked perfect. The old guy that owned it wanted to sell so we came to an agreement, and bought him out over three months. During that time he taught us what we would need to know to work the land and introduced us to the neighbors and helped us get settled in. By the time he pulled up stakes we were pretty much set. We named the place 'Freedom Commune.' out of the twenty eight folks who came with us, about half  soon decided it was way too much work and shlepped back to the city to spread the word. Over that first summer we got lots of folks coming to check it out and  picked up half a dozen who saw what we were trying to do there and were digging it.”

	“That's so amazing! so... Tell me Dunk, did you grow any pot?” Rachel asked with a wicked grin.

	“We grew corn and beans and all manor of veggies, we planted an apple orchard, and berry patches. This was good sandy loam river bottom land, it was easy to work and very productive. We made a deal with the local market in town to supply them with fresh organic produce... and yes, we grew some pot back in the woods, but just for our own use. We raised a couple cows and goats for milk and cheese  as well as rabbits as a fast producing protein source and chickens for eggs. Life in the country was waay different than in the concrete jungle, we all grew up in. It was hard, but I like to think it was worth it. Out there, we were more in tune with nature, as well as marking the seasons of the year. For there is a real contentment to be found in being able to grow your food and building your own housing. Chopping  and stacking firewood for heat in the winter, it's a slower pace but I still kinda miss it. We had inspectors from the county  come snooping around every now and again  but the county had what they called 'class-K' housing allowing you to use recycled building materials. We had a fairly good reputation with folks in the area by then and the folks in town knew us, they thought we were weird, but decided we were good folks none the less. so I like to think we had it better than some other communes  who tried to isolate themselves from the world did back in the day.” I paused .
	“We let it be known that if you needed help, we were always there to lend a hand, and whenever the call came in, we all turned out. So folks came to knew they could rely on the crazy hippies.”

	“Wow, I kinda wished I lived there, you make it sound like a paradise.” Rachel said dreamily.

	“Well, it was nice overall, but there are hardships  to country living  that no one tells you about. Animals can get sick and die, crops can fail unexpectedly, Rivers flood, then there are the things no one really considers, treating injuries when the nearest doctor being at least half an hour away, and the cloest hospital is two or three hours on the coast road. So until corporal miller joind us, it was a bit precarious at times. He showed up one day having hitchhiked all the way from Oakland, said he had ran into some of our compatriots who couldn't hack it down in Berkley, said it sounded like something he could dig so he stuck out his thumb and made his way north to us. He stopped in town and asked around about us and liked what he heard. Ya see, Hank was a army medic just back from 'nam and lookinf to heal his soul from the war. He made life much easier and we helped him transition from warrior to healer and Freedom got it's first unofficial doctor. Doc Miller. He aspired to be what you think of when someone mentions the old country Doctor, so with all the 'free love' going on all around you knew that sooner or later a fine crop of kids would be come along,  and in time they did, hank delivered them all. We even built a classic one room schoolhouse, and even painted it red with some donated barn paint.” I Chuckled at the memory.


	“Being a bunch of college drop outs we managed to cobble together some kind of lesson plan tel Mat Johnson, one of the local ranchers  about a mile up the road came for a visit. He always seemed to get the biggest kick outta watching a bunch of crazy hippie kids trying to live off the land, we bought our cows from him. and one day after seeing the schoolhouse he dropped off a  crate of old MaGuffy Readers that his grandmother  gave him she was a schoolteacher back in the day, they were a godsend giving us a concise education for the kids. Luann, one of the gals in the commune who decided to set up a library to keep all the books in order, became our first school marm. She did a great job.”

	“Whoa...Is, is it still going?” Rachel asked.

	“I think there are four or five folks still living there, mostly  caretakers these days, but my name is still on the deed; one of the last of the originals, now that I think of it. so I visit every summer, we have a reunion on the summer solstice, but over time, most folks move on and the kids grow up and want to see the world. So things like this just die out over the years.” I said with a sad sigh.

	“Well, if it were at all possible, I would love to go with you and see it for myself the next time you go down. And I know Martha would probably give her eye teeth  for a chance to visit a real hippie commune.” my raccoon grinned.

	“Well, I don't see why not, I know for a fact you'd be welcome, the only thing I worry about is that Martha may not want to leave once she sees the place. She really reminds me of the kind of girls who helped build  and run the place back in the day. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind revitalizing the place if I could. For at one point we were not only self reliant but ran at a tidy profit, which I invested in a few strategic emerging markets and sectors and now the Freedom commune is it's own independent entity,” I said

	“Huh? What do you mean, dunk?” Rachel asked snuggling in next to me.

	“The old Commune is about 120 acres and sits in a trust with investments that cover the taxes and pay for any maintenance the property may need as well as paying a stipend for those who live there. Back in the day, we were making money hand over fist with produce sales and the “hippie fair” each summer, and while we all had shares, there was a lot left over. So we came up with a scheme for the land to pay for itself, sort of taking care of the people who care for it. It sounded crazy, but Becky's uncle was a business lawyer in the city, so we had him come visit and bounce the idea off him, he liked the idea, and for five grand he set it all up for us. It seems he was very impressed with what we were doing there, for he was expecting to find a bunch of stoned out hippies living in squalor, instead of the efficient farmstead we were running at the time.”

	“So, why not try and do just that? I mean I'm sure you can recrute a new cadré of folks to bring the place back to life. I'll admit, to me it sounds like a pretty good life, where is it located?” my raccoon asked.

	“It has it's charms, and some of this may be pure nostalgia on my part, but I know what we created and I know it can be that again if not better with the right dedicated crew, perhaps it's me feeling my age, but talking with you about this does give me hope that it can be revitalized at some point. Perhaps we should bring it up at the next reunion. As to where it is, it is down in Northern California, along the Mendocino coast.” I said. The look  on Rachel's face was as if she had been slapped with a wet fish.

	“Shut The Front Door! No Freekin Way! I'm from Petaluma,  down in Sonoma county. Why the heck have I never heard of this place?” Rachel squawked.

	“Well well, small world, huh?” I said with a chuckle.

	“Well perhaps it is because it was waay before your time? 'Ancient History' to you millennial's I'm guessing.” I said with a grin to the slack jawed Raccoon.

	“Well I can tell you one thing, when Martha hears about it you won't be able to keep her from going and I want to see it as well, soooo... Road Trip?” Rachel asked grinning ear to ear. And is she grinned any wider, I  thought her head would fall right off.

	“Mmm? what's this about a Road Trip Rachel?” Gena mumbles than stretched blinking slowly.

	“Oh my gawd, I thought you had plowed me into the afterlife Duncan. That was the most... All I can think is oh my gawd, I'm Still alive!” Gena chuckled softly.

	“Welcome back sweet Mousey.” I said hugging her to me.

	“Thank you good sir, I believe I am going to be walking  funny for a week after this, but it was Sooo worth it.” she said as Rachel handed her a glass of water.

	“Thank you Rachel, just what I need. Gawds, I have never screamed so loud or so long in any of my other passionate encounters, I swear I thought you were going to split me open but in the heat of the moment it felt incredible.” Gena sighed

	“Yeah, it seems that Duncan here owns  a commune down in California and we are going to visit it this summer, that was the 'road trip' you heard me talking about.” Rachel murred.

	“Really? A real honest to gawd hippie commune, not some new age reboot?” Gena asked turning to look at me.

	“Nope, it was the real deal founded in 1968 in Mendocino county California and was active for a little over thirty five years.  Now we have about half a dozen folks still on the land more as caretakers these days, but in it's hayday we were self reliant running a prosperous organic produce and juice business.” I said.

	“Really? what was it called?”  The mouse sitting next to me asked.

	“We called it Freedom, it was in a little secluded pocket valley with a small river running through it”

	“Sounds wonderful, Would you mind me tagging along if there is room for me to go?” she asked.

	“It's about a two day drive from here, but I don't see why not, if you wish to come along on this grand adventure and see the decaying remains of a once grand Hippie commune, that's okay with me Gena. I know that Martha probably won't want to leave once she sees the place. I am not sure how much her art history degree will help her in that situation, but if she wants to try her paws at being part of some new  'back to the land' movement she'd be welcome to give it a try.”

	“Well I know that the idea of being a Hippie is something she has styled her life on, but maybe seeing the real thing will give her pause once she is in it up to her elbows. Tell me Dunk, did you ever have anyone making ceramics there, like making pottery?” she asked.

	“Ya know, now that I think of it we didn't. But if we can revitalize it, than it might not be a bad idea to try. Your market access may be a bit limited as it is located out along the Mendocino coast, and the nearest town is about half an hour away, but you may be able to do online sales and mail it out from town.” I paused thinking of the logistics of that kind of an operation.

	“That... That could Work...” Gena mused contemplating the idea for a few minutes as Rachel sat back with a smile rubbing her paws together in glee.

	“Awesomsauce.” She trilled.

	“I am just a ceramic student from Ohio. My plans were to open a small studio someplace back home and maybe sell to the tourist trade in the summers, I love gardening so maybe I would be a good fit for your reboot?” Gena asked with a hopeful smile on her muzzle.

	“Well I tell ya what hon, far as I am concerned you'd be welcome to give it your best shot there will be plenty to do  in Freedom, we may be able to relaunch the produce business or look into the possibility of running a Bed & Breakfast operation, that may be another viable option that we could bring up at the Solstice gathering. So sweet Mousey, you still want to cast my Cock in Ceramic?” I asked the mouse in my lap with a chuckle. She nodded. 
	“Oh yes, and for you, I will cast you in porcelain, for yous shall be the centerpiece of my collection, and something I can have a lifetime of fond memorys to enjoy.” she finished with a blush.

	“That sounds agreeable, as long as you don't decide to sell them on the internet.” I admonished with a chuckle.

	“Never! My collection is very special and an intensely personal thing to me. Each casting was a lover, who was able to make me feel ever so good and Not for public consumption they represent a variety of sizes  and species, all of whom made a very personal connection with me. Some may look down on me for my dalliances, but in my own defense, I shall say that I am an artiest and a femme who loves the passion two lovers can share. And if anyone has a problem with that, than They are the one's with the problem, for this life is mine to live, and this is how I Choose to live it.” Gena said with conviction.

	“Well said my dear, You get it. That Love is love, and it's all good, it can be freely shaired between loving partners. It was part of what the Hippies were all about. Seems like you would indeed fit right in.” I said giving her a loving hug. 

	“You seem to be quite spirited for a shy mouse.” I said as we broke the hug.

	“Well Sir, I tend to be very passionate about certain subjects in my life and being unfairly judged tends to bring it out in me, for I was never encouraged  in artistic expression, my, Father, would rather have me settle down in some boring yet stable profession, like bookkeeping or accounting. Yet try as I might, every time I would study it, it would put me to sleep. So as a hobby,  I took up ceramics. I found sensual pleasures in running my hands through the clay and how it could be shaped to my will, creating something never before seen in the world. An image from my mind made manifest in clay.” Gena sighed in contentment before continuing.
	“At the encouragement of my teacher, I entered a few of my pieces in a competition and took first and third place.  Father, was... Suitably impressed, with my unexpected talent. So at Mother's urging, they sent me to her alma matter to study ceramics. My Father, believing that since I had no aptitude for accounting, I wasn't going to be going into the family business, so he came to the conclusion that, if I was going to take up the hobby, I should at least take it Seriously; and here I am.” she said holding her arms akimbo.

	“And here you are. Naked as the day  you were born and sitting in the lap of an old hippie who just plowed you into a boneless puddle. Nice to meet you my dear.” I chuckled. “Rachel said that you were a Brilliant ceramicist and  I think you could achieve great things in Freedom, but like All things in this life, my Girl, it is your Choice to make.”

	
	“Now that is a challenge worth contemplating, if it is sandy river bottom than there may be some natural clay deposits occurring in the area that might be viable for ceramic use which may be fun to see if I can scout them out when we visit..” Gena mused looking thoughtful.

	“I suppose you already have most of what you need, but have you ever used a wood fired kiln?  Most of the electricity is low voltage renewable. Mostly wind solar and a small micro hydro power plant. But it works for us.” 

	“Yes, actually I have used a wood fired kiln in a Japanese Raku pottery class I took last year. It was fascinating!” she said her eyes taking on the glow of excitement. “On monday I will have to talk with my instructors about 'primitive' fireing techniques... I might even be able to build my own kiln!” Gena perked jumping in my lap.

	“I don't see why not but do you think you can incorporate a heat exchanger in the chimny, that way you could capture some of the waste heat and either use it for  heating water  that could augment a hot tub or help keep your studio warm.” I asked Gena looked at me with a slow smile drawing itself across her muzzle at the realization.

	“Oh my Gawd! I never thought of that! It's brilliant!” she squeaked. “Raich I need paper I've Got to start drawing some of these ideas!” she said sliding off my lap as my Raccoon fished up one of her sketch boards with a sheaf of loose sketch paper held with a large metal binder clip.

	“Thanks!” The mouse said taking the china black sketch pencil and started laying out her studio with a wood fired kiln along with several designs for heat exchangers;  the mouse looked almost manic in her drawing. Rachel grinned  kissing me on the cheek..
 
	“Nothing like being well laid to inspire an artiest.” she said. “You are an amazing human Duncan Masters, and I already know that I shall be forever grateful to you for what we share.” she said with heartfelt sincerity.
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End Chapter 6