Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 77

"In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know, that’s a really good argument; my position is mistaken,’ and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." ~ Carl Sagan, in a 1987 address, Speaking of Science

Even with audacious buzzing of the jumbo jet, Captain Nick and his twenty scout-ships made up for the lost time on their way back. They spent almost six action packed hours in the vault under Mount Ararat and arrived back at the mother ship on the ranch a little before one o'clock in the morning, Hill Country time. On the trip back from Turkey, Pete and Leon were sitting on a comfortable bench together. Leon started nodding off to sleep and leaned against Pete. Pete put his big arm around his buddy and pulled him close. He turned his head and stole a kiss behind Leon's ear and heard a deep contented sigh from his friend. Pete looked up and saw about a dozen of the Fallen Angels watching them with big smiles on their faces. Pete smiled back and blushed a deep red color. They were amused and touched. They laughed with empathy at his embarrassment. Pete didn't know the original Fallen-Angels couldn't blush.

Pete and Leon wanted to stay to give Master Billy and his crew a hand off-loading the Angels and getting them settled. Billy wouldn't hear of it. “No! Absolutely not! You men done enough. I won't forget your help or your heroism under pressure. You men got to go to work in the morning, and you ain't gonna' get much sleep as it is. Go! Get what rest you can, and we will see you back here with the rest of your family tomorrow e'nin,” he admonished them. The three men exchanged hugs and handshakes and the cowboys were on their way.

Leon left his truck at Pete's. His place was closer to the Daniels ranch than Leon's ranch. The men were quiet going down the hill to the blacktop. They didn't realize just how exhausted they were from the work and excitement of the evening. While they were tired, their adrenaline level was still fairly high. During the ninety minute ride back in the small scout ship they were able to unwind and relax a little, but they were still wired. As they drove down the long dirt road to the blacktop Pete looked at his friend and smiled, “You gotta' get on home or would you like to stay the night at my place?” Pete asked.

“I'd love to stay at your place, but I probably should get on home, Pete; although, I just ripped my damn guts out say'n them words. We ain't made the beast wiff' two backs since the weekend of the Fourth of July. It would be really difficult for me to lie down next to you tonight and keep my hands off'n you. I'm afraid I ain't as strong as you, and we'd probably spend half the night with you ride'n high in my saddle singing 'Happy Trails' together. We need the rest," Leon said.

“Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't get much sleep neither. I was so proud of you tonight, I couldn't take my eyes off'n you. You really shined, Cowboy. You reminded me of a mature stallion who held his head high and took charge. You got things going when the rest of them men waited for somebody to tell 'em what to do. You got something about you what made me and them old Angels put our trust in you. We hauled and loaded our fair share of them holy bodies. I ain't never done nothing in my miserable life what I felt was more important than what we shared this e'nin. It only caused my cup of love for you to overflow,” Pete professed.

Pete continued, “I love you so gotdamn much my heart aches and my gonads clank together like clappers in the bells swinging in an old church tower during a tornado, Cowboy. I need to show you how much I love you by pouring myself into your proud, solid body, but part of my love is to always respect you, your needs, and your wishes. I didn't learn that from being a married man, neither. I learned it from watching you work with horses, just like you worked with Billy's men and them Angels. You treat everyone with the same honesty of purpose and equal concern; you collect their love and admiration like a honey bee in harvest season, then you share with them your bountiful gifts. I'm fine with parting when we get to my place, but we gotta' agree to no long, drawn-out, protracted parting scene when we get there. We agree to shake hands and go our way. Cold turkey! We only got us one more full day of work. We got Friday off. After you check on your dad Thursday e'nin, you come to my place as soon as you can clean up and get chore'self together. I'll have dinner ready for us. We's due out to the Daniels Ranch for the evening. We'll call to thank them for their invite, but I'll explain we need some time alone, together,” Pete said.

“I'm good with that,” Leon replied, “and while I ain't as good with words as you are, I love you, too, Cowboy,” he added softly.

“You ain't gotta' be good with words, Hoss. I feel your love when you's sittin' next to me. I feel it across the lot when we's work'n together. I felt it ever' minute we was in that Hell-hole tonight. I don't wanna' live without it or you by my side,” Pete said.

The men were true to their word. They shook hands, looked longingly at each other, they broke it off, and Leon left. Pete threw off his clothes. They smelled strong from the stale, dank odors of the vault. He could smell the lingering odors of them horrible beasties of the dark regions, and it reminded him of the never ending stale tobacco-cigarette smell of his ex-wife's breath, body, and clothes. The mental comparison from the stimulus of his olfactory nerves was the final nail in the coffin for any thoughts Pete might have entertained of getting back together with Janice. On the hottest days working with Leon at the feedlot, side by side, the big cowboy never gave off an offensive odor. His presence was strong and powerfully masculine. Leon smelled of the good things of life; leather; hard-milled soap; Mennen aftershave; fresh perspiration from honest hard work; the animals they worked with everyday, and the fullness of the Earth. Pete's penis got the happys just thinking about his buddy's signature scent.

He headed for the shower, cleaned himself good, twice, and dried himself off with a clean towel. When he returned to his bedroom, he could still smell the god-awful stench of the vault. He took his dirty clothes to the back porch, where there was a utility room and pantry he built off the backside of the trailer. He dropped them in front of the washing machine. He opened windows on both sides of his trailer to get a cross ventilation of air to remove any lingering foul odors. Pete didn't have any trouble falling into a deep, restful, and peaceful sleep. He dreamed of lying next to his new love and making passionate love to Leon. It felt so wonderful and so perfect he had his first nocturnal emission since he was a young man. Pete didn't even wake up. He took a quick shower the next morning before going to work. He worked all morning with a wicked grin on his face. He didn't tell Leon about his wet-dream until lunch-time sitting on the tail gate of his truck. They shared a laugh. “See, Cowboy, you done become my wet-dream,” Pete added, and they laughed again.

“You give much thought to Master Billy's offer of using our special room in the tower and his grooms when we need to get together, Pete?” Leon asked quietly.
 
Pete was quiet for a few minutes as he poured himself another cup of coffee from his thermos. “Naw, I's just shoot'n from the hip about Friday night. I ain't really thought about it from that perspective. They's lots of perks I ain't considered, like the herb tea what seems to add an extra dimension to anything you do. Would you rather spend our night together in the old castle?” Pete asked and then grinned, “No! Stop! Don't answer that question! I already know the answer. That's like asking a kid if he wants to go to Disney World for his burf-day,” Pete said and they laughed. “I'm flexible. Let's play it by ear. Anything could happen between now and then,” Pete added.

* * * * * * *
After Billy returned from the trip to Turkey, the bottom and sides of his precious boots were soiled with the tar from the demon road and caked with the ancient dust from the vault. Jurgen Ironmonger, caught sight of them and almost had a conniption fit. He demanded Billy sit down immediately and surrender his fine, new boots unto him. He promised he would clean and re-bless them to replace and strengthen any magic mo-jo they might have lost so they might continue to keep his master safe from harm. Billy didn't know if the mo-jo worked, but he wasn't going to argue the point. He was happy and thankful he came back safe and sound. Maybe there was something to it after all. He readily complied but reluctantly surrender his new, precious boots unto their maker.

Jurgen Ironmonger spent hours divesting his greatest creation of every tittle or stain from the darkness of demon scum until they looked brand new. For the last application, Jurgen decided to gather a harvest of warrior gizz. He passed out condoms to his Master's strongest and most fearless warriors and asked them to donate their ejaculate to help make their master's boots invincible to the dark forces. Not a man refused. There were several he forgot who heard the call and asked if they could contribute to the fund. Jurgen didn't deny anyone, and included his own gift. Marcus and Wilbur were particularly enthusiastic and even obtained a handsome lot from Metatron.

After the many prophylactics filled with semen were collected, Jurgen Ironmonger requested a private audience with the two great Shedus and presented a silver tray of over a hundred and fifty condoms filled with warrior baby-batter and asked the great cows to bless them. They didn't even raise an eyebrow and readily complied. Jurgen never wasted a drop. He copiously covered every inch of his master's boots with the gifts from his warriors. He personally jacked-off on each boot and hand rubbed every ounce of male ejaculate into the leather until they gleamed with a soft dull shine – one of great pride. Jurgen made a mental note to remind his master, he only had to stroke the sides of each boot a couple of times to make them stand tall.

* * * * * * *
Thursday evening~

The Daniels' household watched in quiet awe as the picture of Billy and Samson took form in the crop circle at Alton Barns.

Wes Taylor was in a funk. “So much for copyright infringement laws! How could the owner of that ship get a copy of my picture, when I only took it less than two hours ago?” Wes Taylor asked like he was really miffed his wonderful picture was pinched from him.  

“Easy, Brother! They's several ways,” Randy spoke up, “Did you notice a different feeling like you were all warm and fuzzy inside, and the picture you just took was really important?” he asked.

“Yeah! Absolutely! The feeling was so powerful, I broke down and sobbed,” Wes replied, “It stayed with me for a while until I downloaded a copy to Captain Nick's cell phone, and later, when we come-up to the big house, I downloaded a copy to Master Billy's desktop computer upstairs,” Wes Taylor said like he was mystified.

“I noticed a complete change in your aura when it happened. There was another entity what snuck-up behind you. It engulfed you to look through your eyes, and it touched your heart. It was still wiff' you when you made them two downloads, but then it departed,” Randy explained.

“Randy ain't shit'n ya' none, Mr. Taylor, I noticed it, too,” Randy's foreman, Ram Snoddy, backed him up.

“Maybe it's an older picture what's similar which got put on the Net some'ers,” Pard offered.

“Look at them boots, Brother! Master Billy ain't had them new boots but a couple of days. Ain't no doubt in my mind h'it's the same pitcher,” Randy replied, “It's too dang perfect in every detail. It's almost like a xerox copy on rapeseed,” he added.

“Why would anyone do something like that?” Kate asked like she was befuddled and worried.

“To turn up the heat, and probably as a goodly portion of misplaced admiration for our boy,” Nathan said drolly.

“Hear! Hear! But I think I'd strike the word 'misplaced', Brother. I'm sure Him-what-made-them-seven-stars knows exactly what he's doing and thinks our boy is just ripe for pick'n. According to him, our family done made a huge splash out there in the universe. He wants our world to sit up and take notice. What better way than a gigantic crop circle?” Tron Garrett allowed.

“Yeah, but we ain't got anything in order or a plan to start something happening,” Nathan objected.

“I don't agree, Brother Nathan,” Bubba spoke up, “My men are building two new bunkhouses over to the Hickson ranch for the rest of them poor Irin cattle what ain't had a chance to morph yet. The minute the other butt-load of cattle appears in the Daniels fields, them left-over Irin cowboys is under my wing. I done grow'd fond of them two big lead bulls, Yates, and Dunn. I know they'll be a big help getting things organized and seeing plans to completion. Since I'm in charge of the day-to-day operations and seeing to Earl's mother, I'm gonna' take advantage of bringing their ranch along wiff' whatever improvements I do to mine in accordance with the Grange guidelines. Us men got together, set down them rules and specs on paper, agreed upon them, and we all signed it. I'm also gonna' build the same apartment complex on their ranch for another hun'nert of them rescued angels,” Bubba allowed.
 
“It's time for me to either shit or get off the pot,” Jack McCormack said firmly, “I'm ready to build a bunkhouse for enough Irin cowboys to run my family ranch, join the Grange, and get building projects done. I'm willing to put one a them apartment projects on my ranch, too. Them apartments could be used for secondary purposes if them angels get other assignments,” he added.

“Same here!” spoke up Grover, “I got one of the biggest spreads around these here parts, but I ain't never had me the time nor could I afford the manpower to whip it into shape and make it produce to make a profit. You can't be a full-time cowboy and a full-time attorney at the same time. I been doing good to run me several head and see to 'em when I can. If I join the Grange, maybe Jack and me could form a partnership, start us a law firm, and use some of them Irin cow-people what are gonna' take the bar this fall. We could start a pro-bono peoples group to gain training and help a lot of underdogs in our community. I could use the extra money from the Grange to free up some of my time. I'm willing to house as many of them new Irin folks as you'll let me have and build the same number of apartments for another hun'nert of them angels we risk our lives to rescue. That will take care of four hundred of them right there,” Grover said.

“You's the head-man over them five ranchers what are on the board of Harley-Buck's ranch, Master Billy. As much as that big cowboy loves you, he'd say 'yes' in a minute to the same thing Bubba, Jack, and Grover is proposing. Then, you got another hun'nert of them angels housed over to his ranch. We ain't even started building or fixing up the bunkhouse on his place. It's time we got those projects underway, Kemosabe,” Nick said.

“Oatie and me, we already done got our heads together, and we're ready to build the last set of apartments you'll need for the last hun'nert angels, but we want an extra building for a commons room, a big kitchen, and cafeteria style food service where they don't have to cook for themselves all the time. Just think how handy several of them extra food places around the different ranches might have been this week,” the bull of the hill country said.

“Here! Hear! I think we need a separate building devoted to food on this ranch, too. There just ain't enough room in them bunkhouses for them kitchen workers to have sufficient work space. We can move the kitchen equipment to the new building and use the extra space for more bunks,” Nathan insisted.
 
“I second that motion for our ranch, too. They make-do with what small space they got, but I've watched, and they's all the time running into each other. Them workers should have more room,” Tron said.

“We'd like the same for our cowboys, and we're also willing to build a second bunkhouse to take on another fifty of the new cowboys you got coming from the Irin,” Buster Tate said for his family.

“Would you consider making the same deal with us to join your grange, even if we's about six hun'nert miles from here?” Tank Barger asked.

“Hell, yes, you men is family,” Billy shot back.

“What are we gonna' do for food? That small store in Mason can't handle our needs. Besides, their produce is so bad I wouldn't feed it to ma' hogs,” said Will Tate, “The nearest large food outlet is the Walmart in Brady. They's an HEB and a Walmart in Fredericksburg,” he added.

“We'll buy some land and throw up our own store for ourselves and outlet to the folks around the area. We start raising and selling our own organically raised crops, locally processed beef, and chickens. We planned and made room for an open-air market in our new city. It's almost completed. We can get food shipped in there as a distribution point until we can get a bigger warehouse built. We can make it a Hill Country Grange Project. You have to buy a membership to a Costco or Sam's Club. If the ranchers are already a voting member of the grange, they don't have to pay no dues – only those who wish to shop there what ain't ranchers,” Billy said and the others agreed.

* * * * * * *
After watching the small gold UFO's create the picture of Billy and Samson, everyone went back to the kitchen to finish supper and the conversation continued. Both lines into the ranch began to ring. Kate let the answer machine take the old number called, but she kept an ear open for the new, more private line. Billy's cell-phone rang, and he saw it was Pete Breedlove calling. He answered putting his cell-phone on speaker, “You're late, Cowboy!” Billy exclaimed.

“I know and we apologize, Master Billy. Me and Leon got off late down to the feedlot and by the time he went home, cleaned up, checked on his dad, and drove over here to my place we decided rather than arrive late, we'd just go into town and have lunch at Willow Creek. However, during that time I turned on my TV while I was getting ready and watched the crop circle being made in England. T'weren't no doubt in my mind who or what it was all about. I damn-near pissed my Wranglers. It happened on Leon's way over, I called to him to rush into the trailer, and he caught the tail-end of them little ships putting the final touches on yore' pitcher. We said to Hell with it, and drove on over to your place immediately. We wanted to find out what was going on. We's out front here with the guard cattle, but they's four well dressed gentlemen down here trying to convince the cattle to let them pass so's they can walk up to the big house,” Pete said, “Said they's ambassadors from that 7-Stars-Honcho in the gold hot-rod, and they need to speak with you and Mr. Taylor,” he added.

“Did they give you their names?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, one's a short, dapper British guy named T. E. Lawrence, and his buddy, John E. Mack; then there's a Tibetan monk, Tenzin Gyatso, and an American Indian what calls his'self Chief Seattle,” Pete said.

“It couldn't be, Brother. All them men are dead,” Billy said.

“They don't look dead to me or Leon, Master Billy. They don't even smell bad. They don't look like no zombies none neither, but the one what claims to be T. E. Lawrence looks like a dead-ringer for that British actor Peter O'Toole,” Pete said and laughed.

“Are they carrying Frankincense or Myrrh?” Billy asked.

Pete laughed, “Naw, sir, they ain't carrying nothing,” he replied.

“Did they park their camels outside the gate?” Billy asked.

“Naw, sir, they didn't come on no camels,” Pete replied and laughed again.

“Well, at least it ain't them three wise-acres from the East, and one Chief from the New World,” Billy said and got a laugh from everyone. “Tell you what, Cowboy, put your phone on 'speaker' and walk over to them guard bulls. Let's us have a little chat with them,” Billy said. Pete left his cell-phone on, flipped the switch for 'speaker,' walked over, and stood before Yates and Dunn.

“Howdy, Mr. Yates! Howdy Mr. Dunn! I got Master Billy on the phone, and he'll tell us what to do,” Pete said.

“Howdy, Mr. Yates, and Mr. Dunn!” Billy hailed them, and the big bulls responded respectfully to their master. “Please let Mr. Breedlove drive on up to the compound. Let Mr. Tollefson pass and allow him to escort them four good men up to the main house. We appreciate your steady and faithful watch. You been a great asset to our ranch and our sense of well-being. That goes for all the remaining guard cattle gathered. Thank you for your good, steady work, and patience. You ain't never let us down,” Billy complimented them and the remaining guard cattle.

“Thank you, sir. We appreciate your kind words. We'll do as you say, sir, right away, Master Billy,” Dunn replied and the cattle began to part. Pete winked at Leon, jumped in his truck, and drove up to the compound. He got out of his truck, waved to the waiting party gathered at the bottom of the steps to the big house, turned, and started walking back down the winding road to meet the men and his friend.

“Did those cows just speak to Mr. Daniels?” Lawrence asked Leon.

“Yes, sir, they did. All them cows can speak. I'm sorry, I don't know you men, so I can't tell you more than they's a special breed – highly intelligent, brave, and devoted to our master,” Leon winged it, not wanting to give away too much.

“I wish the boss would keep us better informed when he assigns us these away missions,” Lawrence complained to his companions, and they grumbled their agreement.

Pete joined them, put his arm around Leon's shoulder pulled him close, and bussed a kiss behind his ear as they walked along. It didn't go unnoticed by the four men. “Are you men a couple?” John Mack asked like he was sincerely interested.

“Not yet, but we hope to be, sir. We agreed to go through the old fashioned ritual of courting and have been for several weeks now. Hell, we work ever' day together, but we're taking our time to get to know each other away from our work. We're just on the cusp of taking the final step. We ain't had us no time to be together since the
Fourth of July, but tonight, we plan to share the same bed, try each other on for size, and make the beast wiff' two backs,” Pete replied proudly, “It's my hope, if all goes well, we're compatible, and if this big cowboy finds me worthy, one day soon, I plan to ask him for his hand in marriage,” he added.

“Bravo!” exclaimed John Mack, “It's absolutely amazing how some men can adapt and evolve rapidly in some areas while others firmly plant their feet in the quagmire of myth and superstition, hatred, bigotry, and cling to the failures of the past because it's always been done that way. Your small show of affection for your friend was refreshing, Mr. Breedlove – nice to see,” John Mack said. The other men agreed with him. “May you find great happiness with each other, sir,” John Mack added, and the others agreed.

“Thank you, sir. I think we're both mature enough to understand we make our own happiness in life, and given the chance, we plan to grab the most we can of what we got left,” Pete said.

“I wish I'd come to that conclusion earlier in my life, sir. I never truly found resolution until after I died in a motorcycle accident,” T. E. Lawrence said.

“You do understand, a statement like that opens a big can of worms, sir?” Leon asked and smiled.

“We'll explain everything to you and your family, sir. We're under no obligation or higher orders of secrecy. There's too many hidden secrets in the universe as it is, to say nothing of this dung heap of a planet we're walking on right now which is over-populated by a misguided species with a faction that persists on pulling its people back into the dark ages. There are more secrets embedded in the past and present history of Earth than any other world in the galaxy. Those who think they're in the know, don't really know much at all,” Lawrence said.

Billy and his family gave up trying to get supper going again until all the hub-bub was resolved. Pete introduced them to Billy and his family.

“Are you ethereal beings or do your bodies require food?” Billy asked.
 
“We don't need to take nourishment to continue our existence. We're rather like your Aunt Helen, or your twelve new meat-machines as your ruggedly handsome building supervisor, Marco Obbligatto, explained to you,” Lawrence allowed, “We garner what we need to survive from energy forms you haven't discovered yet; however, you unwittingly use several to gather the same forces needed to heal, and refurbish the old and infirm. Like them, we can partake of food from time to time, and it's always a pleasure. It causes a chemical reaction which activates our dormant digestive system, and it can truly become a sensual experience feeling our bodies processing solid food again; to say nothing of passing waste. Since we rarely have to experience it, it becomes almost an erotic experience. One can almost imagine they are giving birth. I, for one, never fail to ejaculate after a good movement,” Lawrence explained rather matter-of-factly. He caused Billy to laugh.

“Hosanna to that, Brother Lawrence! I fully agree. Some of my best moments have been brought about by an especially fine movement,” Billy agreed and several of his men stifled laughs at his wicked double-entendre. May I inquire how you gentlemen are still alive?” Billy asked.

“Certainly, sir,” John Mack spoke up, “Our complete intellect was instantly sucked out of our electro-chemical-mechanical-meat-computers in our skulls one one-thousandth of a second before the physical expiration of our bodies and immediately transferred to a holding computer until a surrogate body and new meat-computer could be rebuilt from our gathered DNA. Scientist have actually recorded the immediate small weight loss in the human body shortly after death when a brain shuts down. Some attribute it to the soul leaving the body. Most receptacle bodies have been created before our impending deaths just waiting for us to claim our new homes,” he explained.

“Wait a minute. Forgive me, but this is all beginning to sound very much like religion to me, sir – dying, and passing on to a higher plane of existence. I ain't spooked by either possibility, but I can see how some might misinterpret the rather miraculous transference from one state to another to be the product of a higher power,” Billy said.

“And they would be right, sir. Our bodies are merely containers of a higher conscience,” said the small Tibetan monk, “It is, by far, a much more advanced society which can accomplish such things. You're not alone in your feelings, Master Billy. I spent all my life being the leader of a religious cult and while there were many beautiful and wonderful things about the ancient teachings of our philosophy – unfortunately, we got it wrong. I dare say, our American Indian brothers probably got it more right than the rest of us. We weren't created nor designed by a god as some religions would have you believe, and they insist there is no other but the god they worship; although, they don't have a clearly defined idea of who or what 'it' is. That's nonsense! To use a word our brother Thomas uses, it's balderdash! Like every other form of animal life on this planet, we evolved; however, we developed societies which bound us together in more cohesive and cogent ways to cause us to become the dominant species on the planet.

“Still, that didn't make us special until mankind developed a bicameral brain, and that happened when man interbred with several other bipedal hominid species to form a more advanced hybrid. Only then, did man gain the power to think abstractly. Much like you, we just happen to catch the interest of an advanced being who can be good, kind, generous, and well-meaning most of the time, but he has his ups and downs. He has a grumpy side; his bad days when we know to avoid him and stay out of his way. He's a collector or connoisseur of what he considers fine-lives lived on various planets throughout the galaxies, and he gathers those he thinks he'd like to have for company, consultation, conversation, and/or various odd jobs he wants done. Then he assigns us to become his ambassadors. He'll be the first to tell you he isn't a god in the sense of being om-nippy-tent, or omnipresent,” explained Mr. Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama. “In a few ways, but only a very few, he'll admit he's deeply flawed at times,” he added and grinned.   

“Big Chief got pretty good track record for picking winners and people of all races who can get along together and appreciate one another,” Chief Seattle, spoke up. “He sees that quality in you, Master Billy. He's collected numbers of people from Earth over the centuries. He offers them different projects or if they get tired or bored doing the same thing, they can choose to move on to something else. He's good to us, we love him, and treat him with respect, but we not afraid to confront him if we feel strong about something. He could have easily rewired us to be little more than sycophantic droids, but he didn't,” the great chief said.

“What about artists and musicians?” Billy asked.

“Tons of them! Almost, anyone who has answered the call to create something of lasting worth is in our gathering,” John Mack said.

“J. S. Bach?” Billy asked.

“Johnny Bach? Hell, yes, we just went to one of his concerts about a week ago your time, and he's into some really weird kinky contrapuntal sounds coming from the vastness of space. After Philip Glass joined our ranks he hasn't been the same since. He collects sounds, sorts them, and uses them for themes. He still plays his older stuff, but most of the time, he gets carried away; expands and improvises to the point, it ain't the same old Bach you listened to in college. Talk about gods? Glenn Gould's pattern is with us and insists on washing the old man's feet at least once a week,” John Mack said and everyone laughed.

“Please, come, join us for supper. We open our home and our hearts to you as Abram and his wife Sarah was said to have done in the old testicle when they had angels visit them, but don't get any ideas, I absolutely refuse to circumcise my first born son. Don't even consider asking. No advanced intelligence is worthy of such a mindless sacrifice,” Billy said firmly and continued, “Thursday evening is always Mexican food night at our ranch. My mother and her staff make the best chicken enchiladas with a mild, sweet green chili sauce what will excite and tempt your palate for another bite. Thrown together with pinto beans and her recipe for fiesta rice wiff' some homemade salsa and hot buttered tortillas makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. I promise, it will make you want to grab a set of maracas or castanets and your feet will automatically perform the Mexican Hat Dance, or if it don't going down, it will coming out the other end,” Billy said and laughed. His posse laughed with him.

“Please, Billy! You are so much like your granddaddy it's painful. He could be lovable but so flamboyantly crude at times, I never knew whether to laugh or hide my face in shame,” Kate exclaimed.

“So was my husband. You would have to count my vote as lovable for both, my precious,” Zelma Jane checked her best friend, and everyone laughed again.
 
“We gratefully accept your kind offer, Master Billy,” T. E. Lawrence said, “And we wouldn't think of mentioning that dreadful word describing the mutilation of the male genital as guests in your home, sir,” he added, “May the myth and practice of such barbaric acts as genital mutilation of either sex be buried and forgotten with the death of the old testicle,” he added.

“Hosanna!” Billy shouted in agreement.

“Hosanna, in the highest!” everyone in Billy's family replied.

“Oh, yes, and before we forget the reason we came, which of you men is Mr. Wes Taylor?” John Mack asked.

“That would be me, sir,” Wes said holding up his hand.

Doctor John E. Mack reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Wes. Wes opened and saw it was bank draft with his name on it written against an account with Lloyd's of London Bank for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars and signed on the bottom by one, Rooster Cogburn and counter signed by Cosmo McMoon. “Will that be sufficient payment for the use of your fine photograph we copied to make the crop circle picture at Alton Barns this evening, Mr. Taylor?” John Mack asked.

“I find it most acceptable. It certainly goes a long way to mend my hurt feelings and repair my artistic pride,” Wes said and showed the check to Doug and Billy. They raised an eyebrow, shook their heads in awe, smiled at Wes, and patted him on his back for his good fortune. The check was passed around and the women laughed at the two names. They recognized both.

“And, Master Billy, being the goodhearted cowboy we know you to be, we thought you might experience pangs of remorse for any loss of income the owner of the field in Alton Barns, Mr. Beryl Hightower, might suffer as a result of our prank, and you might try to contact him yourself with a gracious offer of recompense; however, let me assure you, he has been handsomely compensated for the use of his field.

“We got his permission, and he got his agreed upon payment for the use of his property several days before we made the picture,” John Mack said, “He has been very good to keep his end of our bargain and has kept mum about our contact. He has revealed nothing to the military or the government under pressure from his immediate family. He mentioned something about a family revolt if he didn't keep his mouth shut,” Mack said, grinned, and continued, “We feel he can be trusted. He did express a desire to contact you, as his wife and four children have been following your barnyard concerts on the Internet, and are devoted fans. Here's a paper with their address, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and particulars in case you wish to make contact. We wouldn't presume to tell you what to do, sir, but we would strongly advise some interaction with Mr. Hightower and his family perhaps to form a more permanent bond,” John Mack added.
 
Billy assured them he would.

* * * * * * *
The four ambassadors from the realm of Bubba-7-Twinkles, as Randy irreverently cognomened Master Billy's new mysterious benefactor and semi-quasi-de-facto mentor, ate like hay-hands in mowing season and complimented the ladies ad infinitum for their culinary skills. They swore to a man, they absolutely, positively, without question, couldn't possibly eat another bite until Kate and the ladies began to sever up a wonderful, fresh out of the oven, blackberry cobbler with a couple of scoops of Blue Bell Vanilla Bean Ice Cream slowly melting on top for dessert. Miracle of miracles, they suddenly changed their minds and decided they just might be able to find room after all. Again, they copiously praised the ladies talents for such a wonderful treat. Kate declared they were welcome at her table any time they could get away from old Rooster-7-Twinkles – and next time, rope, hog-tie the dear old thing and bring him along. Everyone shared a laugh.  

* * * * * * *
After the meal everyone sat around talking for a while. The answer phone clicked every five minutes to leave messages on the main line and the second line, Kate christened as the 'select' line, rang almost as much. A couple of times, Kate's private cell-phone would play her favorite tune, the opening melody from Ravel's 'Mother Goose' suite, and she would go to the back porch to take the call. She would keep her voice low so she couldn't be overheard by the rest of the family. Billy knew his grandmother well. He could sense treachery was afoot with her sotto voce conversations, her absence of explanations as to who called, and what they had to say. To add more suspicion, Billy didn't received one call from Clara Mae Bastiaen all week. However, she called every day to chat with Molly for a few minutes. And to carry coals to Newcastle, Roxanne Humana was acting very strange. She or Vox seemed to have an agenda going unknown even to Oatie or Elmer. They would not betray their secret to either.  

* * * * * * *
Doug Quilty turned his phone off completely, but Wes Taylor didn't, and set his to vibrate. His phone vibrated, and Wes walked into the hallway to take the call. It was his and Doug's boss, Stanley Norsworthy. “I been trying to call Doug for over an hour. Is he with you, Wes? Where the Hell are you men?” he asked.

“We're visiting some friends, and we just finished supper,” Wes said, not knowing how much Doug wanted him to know.

“Have you men been watching the tube? Did you see the crop-circle in England in the field across from Stonehenge? Stan asked, "A mysterious space ship made a perfect picture of Billy Daniels and his horse,” he added.

“Yeah, we seen it,” Wes relied.

“It was one of your pictures, wasn't it? I can tell your style,” Stan asked.

“Yes, sir. It was one of my still shots of Mr. Daniels and his horse I took with my new camera,” Wes replied.

“How did they get a copy of it?” Stan asked.

“That's the sixty-four-thousand-and-two dollar question. We don't know. We ain't got us a clue. It's a mystery to us as well as the Daniels family. You need to talk with Doug, Stan, he probably could tell you more. I'm still in a state of mild shock,” Wes said, “Just a minute, and I'll holler at him,” he added and Stan could hear Wes call to his partner.

Doug pressed the button for 'speaker' so Wes and Billy could hear his conversation with his boss, “Howdy, Stan,” he said.

“You men are down to the Daniels ranch this evening, aren't you?” Stan said.

“Yeah, we called to give Mr. Daniels the information his interview would be aired Sunday evening, and he invited us out for the weekend. It's a long trip, but we shared the driving,” Doug tried to sound like it was nothing out of the ordinary.

“Good, that's great!” Stan exclaimed like he just hit the jackpot, “Wes said you folks know about the crop-circle,” he added.

“Yeah, we were having supper with the family, but we stopped and watched it as it was being made. Everyone here is as stunned as you are,” Doug said.

“It was fantastic! The news-wires are red hot with who did it, who is Billy Daniels, and what does it all mean? Can you get a pre-show interview from Mr. Daniels and get his take on the crop circle? Your show Sunday is about to go international, Doug. If we could get a pre-show interview, every TV in the world will be tuned into your interview. Do you have any idea what it could mean for you and Wes's careers?” Stan asked, “You men could easily be looking at the Pulitzer,” he added.

“We just finished supper, and we ain't really talked much about it. It's as much a surprise and shock to the Daniels family as it was for us. I promise you, Billy ain't got no clue neither. He's as mystified as the rest of us. I don't know if I want to impose on Mr. Daniels, Stan. We're just establishing a beach-head of mutual trust and understanding between us. We've grown fond of him and his family. I'd hate to do anything what might jeopardize our relationship,” Doug Quilty said.

“Use me as the heavy, Doug. Tell him I'm pressuring you for a pre-show interview. Make me out to be the big high-powered boss who won't take 'no' for an answer,” Stan Norsworthy said, “If we can get something by tomorrow before noon, we will have most of the day Friday and Saturday to advertise your show. Our phones are ringing off the frick'n walls, Doug. Lines coming into the building have melted from over-use. Every country in Europe and most of the free-world, including India, China, Russia, and many in the middle-east want to know about your cowboy, and if they can broadcast our interview,” Stan said.

“I don't know if we could even get a DVD to you quick enough,” Doug said.

“You talk with Daniels, then get back to me. I'll dispatch our chopper down to the ranch the minute I know you're gonna' get the interview. They can be down there and back within a couple of hours. We could run it on the late news tonight,” Stan said chomping at the bit.

“How is it gonna' be received by Elaine? Will she ruin our work by being rude and catty? Will she try to put her moronic right-wing spin on everything?” Doug asked.

“She better not. She's made some major mistakes lately, but we all know where it's coming from. She ain't got the brains to be political. You know as well as I do, Cactus Jack Porterhouse is filling her with his garbage as well as his big cowboy cock. You let me take care of her. I won't let her announce Jack-shit about the pre-interview. I'll have our main anchor, Fred Grimes, announce it. We need to talk about her when you get back the first of next week,” Stan said, “I hear talk Porterhouse wants to buy her contract from you,” he added.

“There is a god after all!” Doug said like he was relieved to hear the news, “I'll see what I can do, Stan, but I ain't gonna' promise nothing,” Doug said.

“I know you and Wes won't let me down, Doug. Of all our employees, I know if I give you and Wes a job to do, it will get done right, with style and taste,” Stan said. They said their goodbyes and disconnected.

Billy was standing between Doug and Wes during their call with their boss. He heard the entire conversation. “Get your video camera equipment, Wes, and you men meet me in my office upstairs. We'll get this out of the way so when you call him you can tell him to send the chopper, and tell him to have the pilot land in the field to the left of the gate where them furry cows are milling about. I'll alert our guard cattle we're expecting a flying machine to land there in a couple of hours,” Billy said.

“You sure it ain't gonna' be too much, Master Billy,” Doug asked concerned.

“Naw, let's get 'er done and out of our way. I got me a feel'n you and Wes ain't gonna' have to worry about that station much longer noways,” Billy said and grinned.

Doug looked at Wes and winked. Wes smiled.

* * * * * * *
Billy went to his office on the top floor, and as loud as his boots could be on the bare floor, the stairs were carpeted. He used the front part of his foot to climb the stairs. He made his way more silently when he heard the voice of his little brother and that of another young boy laughing and jabbering away in perfect French. Billy peaked inside and saw Randy sitting in front of his own lap-top Billy gave him, having a Skype conversation with a young boy in a wheelchair. Billy didn't have the time Randy did for delving into his language apps, and only caught a basic idea what the boys were talking about; he understood most everything; however, they seemed to be having a wonderful time chatting with each other.

Randy's buddy saw Billy standing behind his friend and told him he had a visitor behind him. Randy turned and waved his hand. “Oh, that's just ma' big brother, Master Billy Daniels, I been telling you about. Me and my big sister come to his ranch before lunch to spend the weekend with him and my friends. My mother and grandmother and baby sister will join us Saturday for lunch and the rest of the weekend. Tomorrow is my birthday, but we won't celebrate it until Saturday with my big sister, and a couple of other kids in our family what have birthdays this week. Master Billy's is the fifteenth so we're celebrating our birthdays together tomorrow,” Randy said in perfect French.

“He is so very handsome, my Sweet Brother,” René said, “You are most lucky to have a big brother like him,” he added.

“Merci,” Billy said over Randy's shoulder and planted an unexpected kiss on his little brother's cheek. Randy blushed and giggled. René laughed with him.

“I wish I had a big brother like him. I never saw a cowboy as handsome as your brother, Randy. Most of my uncles' cowboys are big, old, and ugly,” René said.

“I'm just the opposite. While I admit, my big brother is easy to look upon, I like the big, ugly cowboys the best. It's what's inside them I like,” Randy returned in perfect French.

Billy laughed at their exchange. “Don't worry, he don't understand French,” Randy said.

“I understand every word, I just ain't been able to open my French speaking app. Maybe you'll show me how this afternoon,” Billy said.

“Anytime. I done told you I'd help if you need me,” Randy assured him.

“I have a feeling I might need it sooner than I expected,” Billy said and grinned, “Why don't you invite your new friend to the Hill Country for tomorrow?” Billy asked.

“There might be problems getting his parents approval and there's a seven hour time difference between Texas and France. I think the best thing would be for you to invite his aunt and uncle from down around Kerrville for tomorrow and introduce them to the family,” Randy said.

“Get their information, and I'll do it right after Doug and Wes get through with their mini-interview with me,” Billy said.

“What is he talking about, Mon Amie?” René asked.

“I can't tell you over this system. There's ever' possibility our conversation is being monitored by them info stealing 'spooks.' I will just have to show you. Do you have your Geo-positioner handy?” Randy asked.
 
“Oui, I have it in my top drawer next to me,” René said.

“Bon, take it to the empty space to the back and left of your desk and read me the coordinates,” Randy instructed him. René did as he was told and called out the exact coordinates to his new friend.

“Close down your Skype program and stay close to your desk, Mon Amie,” Randy said and René agreed. The boys shut down their computers and René watched as a gate sprang up. He saw his new cowboy brother, complete with boots and hat, walk through the wall of blue free-electrons and hail him. “Howdy, Brother! Beats the Hell out of eleven hours on a jet, don't it?” Randy asked, and the boys shared a laugh. Randy waved his hand and closed the gate behind him.

“My Dearest Brother, it's so good to meet you in person,” René said holding out his arms for Randy to come to him. They embraced and exchanged kisses on each other's cheeks. Rene' started weeping and Randy took him into his arms to comfort him. “Hush, hush, Sweet Brother. Ain't nothing to cry about,” Randy said, again in perfect French with a Texas dialect. René found it charming.  

* * * * * * *
Billy met Wes and Doug in his office in the rotunda on the top floor of the old house. There really wasn't much to say, as Billy knew nothing about the crop-circle nor the motivation of whomever was behind its creation. “I have to say, I'm deeply flattered, but I have remorse for the farmer and his family for whatever loss his family might have incurred as a result. I will contact him as soon as we finish this interview and ask if there's anything I can do to make amends for the wonderful picture of my beloved companion, Samson, and perhaps, at the same time, repair the desecration of his land from the a full length picture of the ugly cowboy who just happens to be owned by the big horse. I know that may sound like a bit of a dichotomy, but any man who has been 'owned' by such a loving, trusting, companion will tell you, it is a very special bond; and, if he's a cowboy worth the name, he won't never be afraid to stand in public and set the record straight. Samson is my master, and I am his slave. I belong to him, and so it shall be as long as he lives. 'Ere ain't no better way to describe the love what passes between a cowboy and his horse.

“I hand-raised Samson from a young colt just barely able to walk. His momma's milk dried up and she refused to let him nurse, because she had nothing to feed him. I was just a young boy myself. Until he could make it on his own, I slept in the barn on a old metal-spring bed next to his stall for the first six months of his life. I taught him to ring a bell out front of our house when he was afraid, lonely, or hungry. Our family never slept-in on Sundays,” Billy said and smiled at the memory. Wes almost swooned. He later swore to his partner his camera was in love with Billy Daniels. “Somewhere along the line of our lives together, Samson grew older and wiser than me, and I began to depend on him more as I grew up. I share everything with him and he lets me know when he agrees and when he don't. He's rarely wrong about anything. The love of a wonderful companion ain't free. You have to invest your time, money, and love to earn their affection and trust – so it is with all things in life what's worth a damn,” Billy said.      
   
Doug suggested they move to the outdoors to capture Billy with his two Morgans. The sun was just beginning to set in the west and Wes filmed Billy calling to Samson and Maybelle. They came at a swift walk to him, and he fed them each a big apple. They stood behind him with their huge heads draped over his shoulders. He hugged and kissed each one. “This beauty on my right is Miss Maybelle. She done went and got herself pregnant and will have Samson's colt early next spring.
How do I know she's gonna' have Samson's colt?” Billy asked looking into the camera, winked, and grinned, “She told me so,” Billy said and laughed. Maybelle responded by shaking her head up and down she agreed with Billy. “They done already give him a name. He will be named after a young hero we got living with us on our ranch who is recovering from an accident in which he heroically risked his own life to save many others. The new colt will be known as 'Sir Wilbur, after our bold, brave, and fearless young Knight with a pure heart,' Billy declared, "I would like to add one small plug for our Saturday afternoon Barnyard Concert. For the first time, we will be broadcasting our concert free for anyone who would like to join us on the Internet. Check our web site for times and how to connect. If you older adults have a problem finding us, don't be embarrassed or ashamed to ask your youngest to show you how to connect. I don't know what I'd do without my little brother sometimes," Billy added and laughed.
 
“Thank you, Mister Daniels. I know everyone will look forward to the concert Saturday and a greater interview with you on Sunday evening at seven our time,” Doug said.

“You're welcome, Mr. Quilty. Glad to have you with us at the ranch," Billy replied and ended with a kiss for both his ponies.

Wes closed down his camera, extracted the DVD, and put it in a sturdy plastic container. Doug called his boss and told him the video was done, and he could send the chopper right away. They would be waiting.

Doug and Wes's boss was a happy camper. He immediately dispatched the chopper from the roof of the TV station, and they made the flight in a little over an hour. One of the pilots knew the area well and grew up in a small town just south of Mason called Harper Valley, Texas. He knew exactly where the Daniels ranch was located. He knew it was where the two rivers came together and traveled the two rivers for sport and fishing. They spotted the unusual cows making a great circle as if they were showing them where to land. They made it well before the sunset. July in Texas; it's still daylight outside until nine o'clock in the evening. Billy invited them to the big house to use the facilities, have some coffee, and enjoy a fine dessert with them. They were stunned by the Daniels graciousness and hospitality. They didn't stay long, got back into the chopper, and took off with Doug and Wes's interview with Billy. Billy's interview about the crop-circle was on the ten o'clock news. Elaine Parsons sat quietly as her co-anchor announced the early-pre-interview clip.

When it ended everyone in the TV station was stunned by Billy Daniels confession about his love for his horse. The male anchor grew up on a ranch and empathized with the big cowboy; he was deeply moved. “While Billy Daniels may be an extremely talented young man, he's definitely a cowboy to the core to have such love and compassion for his work-partners, wouldn't you say, Elaine?” he deferred to his co-anchor for the first time. Elaine Parson's growing hatred for Billy Daniels, fueled by her bed-partner's rabid right-wing rants against anything or anyone who believed there might be a better way than the continuation of the status quo, was no secret. The station people were not wrong and shared their unified apprehension. You could hear everyone around the room grab for their Sara Coventry pop-beads, take-in a quick breath of air and held it for Parson's response, like the anchorman just handed her a loaded gun.

“I think that remains to be seen, Bob. I'm more interested in how he treats his people. All that fall-d-rall about a cowboy's love for his horse is a front. Underneath his clean-cut, down-home innocence, and his fake gee-whiz, golly-gosh-darn-howdy routine, I believe there is a dark, ugly, underbelly which forms the bedrock of his soul. I've heard rumors Billy Daniels is a ruthless, unforgiving Neo-nazi style tyrant, and the people who work for him on his ranch hate his guts,” Parsons tossed off like she was the queen of the night about to launch into her aria to order her daughter to kill Sarastro with her magic knife. Even after bracing themselves for her reply, every jaw in the station came unhinged, and dropped open. Parson's vicious comment fell flatter than a wet cow-patty on a big flat rock, made a great 'splat' sound, and sat there stinking up the place. Parsons unwittingly accomplished the exact opposite for which she was hoping. Everyone in the station, from the least apprentice, office staff, ushers, cameramen, the chopper pilots, program directors, to the highest boss, Stan Norsworthy, hissed and booed her obvious self-serving vindictive comment. They weren't buying any of her nonsense.

It seemed to everyone, Parsons signed her own walking-papers with the station, but it was the flash-fire which grabbed the world's attention from every political point of view. It strengthened the worth of the TV station's property ten fold. Doug and his boss never intended for Parsons to comment, but Stanley forgot to warn the co-anchor, and he unwittingly tossed her the ball. Parson's moment of speculative fiction, whether it was true or not, injected a soupçon of doubt, and pushed the level of international interest to the heavier side of the balance. The switchboard for the station lit up like a metaphorical Christmas tree. A deal was struck within hours to go international with the Sunday evening interview. Unknown to Parsons, she insured Billy Daniels and his family would become worldwide celebrities.

* * * * * * *
Earlier that evening, right after the men left with the video in the chopper, Billy went back to the house and found a note on his desk from his little brother: Gated to Paris to be with my new brother for a while. Be back in a few. Here's the info for René's Uncle Pierre and Aunt Genevieve Ondine. Randy included their address and phone numbers. It was still early evening and Billy punched the number into his cell phone. A man answered the phone with a decided French accent. “Ondine residence, Pierre Ondine speaking,” he said.

“Mr. Ondine, you don't know me, but my name is Billy Daniels. Me and my family own a ranch just south of the small town of Mason, Texas. My little brother has become good friends with your nephew, René, and he gave me your address and phone number. Randy and René seem to be of one accord, our families should get to know one another. I'm calling to invite you and your family to an afternoon barbecue Saturday beginning at eleven o'clock in the morning. We serve about one o'clock and afterward have a barnyard concert and hoedown out behind our largest barn. We provide good food and entertainment for our neighbors, invited guests, and family,” Billy explained.

“I've heard of you, Mr. Daniels. As a matter of fact, my three older children are big fans of yours; our little one, too. They have all your DVDs, and they can talk of nothing else but the wonder of the crop-circle with a picture of you and your beautiful Morgan Palomino stallion. It is a very tempting offer, indeed, sir, and I thank you very much, but unfortunately, our youngest daughter is quite ill and getting worse each day. She has the same genetic degenerative disease as her cousin, René. It's why we sent our nephew René home early so he wouldn't have to watch her decline in health. We made up other excuses, but he knew. He's too intelligent for his own good sometimes. I know it broke his heart, but we didn't want him to watch his cousin die of a dread disease he will probably die from himself,” Mr. Ondine explained and his voice almost broke from his pain, “It's a disease caused by a genetic disorder which runs in the Ondine family and is carried by the males. Our two older brothers have lost a child to this terrible disease and now it looks like me and my younger brother will lose one as well,” he added.

“Did you hear the hub-bub about a cowboy they named the 'Walmart Jesus' who healed a young boy who was dying of a rare form of Parkinson's Disease about six months ago, sir?” Billy asked quietly.

“Mon Dieu, I remember it well. It was all over the news for several days. It was you?” he asked.

“Yes, sir, and the young boy is my adopted little brother, Randy Rutherford. Our families have become close, and we share almost every weekend with them. Randy just recently contacted René because of his outstanding video of the UFO's what flew by his plane on his way back to Paris. They both are consumed by a passion for music, and they're forming a brotherly bond,” Billy explained.

“Yes, I've watched the videos several times with my wife and children. They are crazy about it, and they are so in love with their little cousin, they can't stand the thought of losing their little sister and him. They are both such bright lights and bring great joy to our lives,” Pierre said, “I remember there was much controversy, but you denied healing the boy. Are you telling me you actually healed him?” he asked.

“I did, Mr. Ondine. I denied it trying to keep a low profile, and my little brother backed me up. Randy is in perfect health today and has become the terror of the Hill Country,” Billy said joking and laughed. “Might I be so bold as to offer my help. I have a wonderful doctor on my staff, and between us, we might be able to correct your daughter's genetic flaw,” Billy offered.

“I certainly appreciate the offer, Mr. Daniels, but we have the best physicians money can buy, and they all tell us the same thing; we must be brave and keep her comfortable until the end of her days. We don't know how much longer she has, but we wouldn't want to rush her demise by exciting her or getting her hopes up; to say nothing of the disappointment we might suffer as well if you and your man failed,” he reasoned, “It is a noble offer to be sure, and I know you mean well, but I really must decline, sir,” he added.

“I can empathize with your fear and apprehension, Mr. Ondine. If I were in your boots, I'd probably feel the same way if some cowboy called me out of the blue and offered to heal my dying child. It's totally understandable, sir. However, if you should change your mind, please, sir, don't hesitate to give me a call, and we'll be there as quick as possible,” Billy said and gave the man his private cell-phone number. They said 'goodbye' and wished each other well.

“You can't win every one, Kemosabe,” Nick said quietly.

“I don't have to win this one, Tonto. It's already won. I got me an inside man working over to the Ondine spread,” Billy said but didn't elaborate.

* * * * * * *
Pierre Ondine walked back to his family area in the dinning room where his maid was beginning to serve dessert for the family. Little Amie Ondine was not with them. She was lying in bed resting. They tried to have an around-the-clock nurse sit with her, but she protested so much they dismissed her. They installed a soft-alarm system in the house. If she needed anything she only had to trip a switch pinned to her bed clothes. Pierre sat down at the table and took up his fork to begin eating his dessert.

“Who was that on the phone, Darling?” his wife Genevieve asked.

“Oh, just some cowboy looking for a job,” Pierre replied.

Genevieve could tell when her husband was being secretive or evasive and raised an eyebrow. Her three children, from the oldest, first born son, Dermont; next oldest daughter, Chantel; to her youngest boy, Giles, could read their mother like a book. There was a great silence came over the table. Everyone put their forks down from eating their dessert and stared at Pierre. He noticed the silence and looked up. “What?” he asked, “Isn't your dessert good? Mine is delicious,” he said and took another bite.

“We're willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Are you sure the cowboy wasn't Master Billy Daniels, Papa?” Dermont asked.

Pierre put his fork down and wiped his mouth with his napkin, and looked up, “What would make you ask a question like that? You people have that man on your minds morning, noon, and night. Suddenly everything on the Internet and the news on TV is something about Billy Daniels and his ranch. I've heard enough for one day! Now eat your dessert!” he ordered, but not one of his family complied.

“You promised you would never lie to us, Papa,” seven year old Giles said like his heart was about to break.

“Are you calling me a liar, Son?” he raised his voice, confronting his youngest boy, but his boy's accusation cut his legs off at the knees. He knew he was being scrutinized for the least tittle of suspicion by the rest of his family. Pierre featured himself as a man of strength, truth, and honor and his youngest boy just broadsided him with a fatal volley. His ship was on fire and sinking fast. Even his wife knew he was lying through his teeth and smiled sweetly like she was enjoying seeing him squirm.

Giles refused to even acknowledge his dad's indignation. He knew in his heart it was a facade, “Amie's spirit guides, her giant Watcher-Protector, told us Master Billy Daniels would call this evening and ask to come to our home to heal her. They have never lied to Amie or me. If I didn't have them to drink their sweet milk when I was Amie's age as a supplement to my diet, I might have gotten sick like Amie and René. They told me I carry the same gene, but somehow, it never turned on; perhaps, from the protection their milk afforded me,” Giles said, “It's the real reason Amie won't allow a nurse to take care of her. It's also why I volunteer to sit with her more often than the rest of you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have the freedom to be alone long enough to suck the milk she needs from Scarbo's huge teats. The other watcher-protector is only half his size and is Scarbo's son. We named him Le Gibet. He's too young to produce milk. He's only eighty years old. Scarbo's milk is the only thing keeping Amie alive, and she's fighting hard to survive until Master Billy can get here,” he added.

“Balderdash! You're making that up! If there are monsters in our home why can't we see them?” Pierre asked.

“You're too old, Papa. No one over the age of puberty can see them if they don't want you to. They will only make themselves known in an emergency,” Giles said.

“When your cousin was here with us, could he see them?” Pierre asked.

“Absolutely! Not only could he see them, he drank Scarbo's milk and was beginning to improve while he was here. It's why we begged you to let him stay until the end of summer when he would have to return for school,” Giles said firmly.

Pierre was so taken-aback by his youngest boy's courage to stand up to him for what he thought was right, it reset his reason. He taught his children to stand up to hypocrisy and dishonesty, and it was exactly what they were doing – en mass.

“I believe Amie and Giles, Papa,” Chantel said.

“So do I, Papa,” Dermont agreed.

“Don't force me to make this a united family rebellion, Sweetheart,” Genevieve said sweetly, “Such unsettling matters can become so ugly. I believe what our children are telling us. I've tasted the sweet milk on Amie's cheek when I kiss her goodnight. It tastes like she was eating vanilla ice cream. Would you deny your youngest daughter a chance at life no matter how fantastic the way might appear because you can't accept the possibility other factors could be working in our world you know nothing about?” she asked.  

“Show me a monster, and I will admit to my human frailty, apologize to my family for my deception, and I will call Billy Daniels immediately,” Pierre said.

“Come, Papa!” Giles said and held out his hand for his dad to take. Pierre was impressed his boy showed no sign of disrespect or fear – only love and patience for his dad. He took his boy's hand and Giles led Pierre and his family to Amie's room. Giles didn't bother to knock and quietly opened the door. There was Amie in her nightgown floating in the air almost ten feet off the floor with her head turned away from them and her arms thrown like she was holding on to something of great strength. She didn't stop when the family walked into the room. Giles dropped his dad's hand.

“Great friend, Scarbo! Dear Le Gibet! Our father must be shown we are telling the truth about you and Master Billy Daniels. Please, will you show yourselves to them so we might get help for our beloved little sister?” Giles asked and went to them. The huge watcher and his son slowly materialized and Giles put his arms around Le Gibet and held him close.

“Mon Dieu!” exclaimed Pierre Ondine softly. “Do they know Billy Daniels?” he asked.

“He is the master of all the Watchers on Earth, Papa,” Dermont explained.

“Why have you not told me of this before now? It seems everyone in my family knows about these extra family members but me,” Pierre asked.

“Would you have believed us?” Chantel asked.
 
“It's hard to say, Daughter; however, I will make amends by admitting my human frailties and misleading you. It was, indeed, Billy Daniels who called, but I didn't lie about him being a cowboy looking for a job. The job he wanted was to come and heal our youngest family member, Amie. Before you build the scaffold, I will also admit half-truths are as bad as lies,” he said.

“Make the call, Sweetheart, and all will be forgiven,” Genevieve gently suggested.   

Pierre got out his cell-phone and the paper on which he wrote Billy's number and punched them into his phone; then, he hit the send button. He hit the 'speaker' button so his family could hear both sides of the conversation. He wanted no more secrets. The family heard Billy's familiar voice on the other end. “Daniels ranch! You got Billy,” he answered.

“Mr. Daniels, I hope you can forgive me for being short with you a while ago; however, after a family rebellion to rival the French revolution, threatening the gallows or the guillotine, I'm standing here in my daughter's bedroom watching her drink the milk from the teat of a huge Bigfoot monster. This is a call of humble apology and a desperate plea for help, sir. Only you have the power to make it right between me and my family,” Pierre said almost too sincerely, and he got Billy laughing.

“Ah, Mr. Ondine. I was hoping you might return my call. Scarbo and Le Gibet come to our barnyard concerts almost every Saturday; we feed them and give them treats to eat while they enjoy the show. Old Scarbo ain't a handsome beast with the big scar he wears across his cheek, but he's one of the most docile and loving of my extended family. I need to do some cosmetic work on him. I just ain't got around to it – but I will. He would neither do harm nor allow harm to come to a bairn with whom he bonds. When your son Giles gave him and Le Gibet their names, they automatically became your family's watcher-protectors. Scarbo is a fine, solid role model for his son, Le Gibet,” Billy said.  

“When could you come, Mr. Daniels?” Pierre asked.

“Right away, sir. Me and my posse will be right there. Walk out to the hallway where you spoke to me the first time I called. I made note of the Geo-position coordinates. I will open a gate and we'll be there in a matter of minutes, sir,” Billy explained.

“Gate? What gate? I don't understand, sir?” Pierre asked frustrated.

“A TDT, sir. A trans-dimensional-transportation gate. See you in a few minutes, Mr. Ondine,” Billy said.

“Come, Papa. Prepare yourself to be amazed. Remember those old Stargate TV shows we used to watch together. I think we're about to see a real one,” Dermont said and the family left Amie alone with her watcher-protectors.

Billy's family was already at the ranch. He gathered Nick, Boomer, Nathan, Tron, Enoch, Moss, Oatie, Bubba, Brute, Balthazar, Clyde, Jack, Tom McMartin, Zeke, Pete, Leon, and Kayla. Wherever Kayla went the dogs were sure to follow. Guy, Willow, Daffy, Chloe, and Molly wanted to go along. Gracie tried to worm her way into going, but Billy drew the line. She could meet the Ondine family when they returned. Boomer was pushing one of the anti-grav gurneys to bring young Amie Ondine back to the ranch to the special room the women in the big house created for the Cowboy-Angels to work on ladies. Billy and his posse planned to take the Ondine men to the slave processing area in the newer barn to make their corrections.

To the Ondine's amazement there was a great flash of light in their front hallway, and a large gate appeared with a wall of rippling blue free-electrons. Billy and Kayla came through first followed by the dogs. The Ondine family were floored by the talking dogs and especially Miss Molly. The rest of Billy's posse came through with Boomer and Bubba's Brute bringing up the rear. Bubba was pushing an anti-grav gurney.

“What is that?” Pierre asked.

“An anti-grav gurney to take Miss Amie back with us to a special room for helping ladies. Of course, your family will come along with us and enjoy another dessert while we correct her problem,” Billy explained.

“You make it sound so uncomplicated,” Pierre said.

“It ain't complicated for us, sir. We ain't brag'n none. We got the enhancement. We didn't ask for it. It was just given to us. We use it to do good when we can. Ain't no big deal,” Billy said matter-of-factly. He introduced everyone to the Ondines, and they were flabbergasted. They never expected such a strange gathering of cowboys and critters. The dogs were mannerly and well-behaved; but, they were also concerned and loving. They would politely answer any question they asked. Molly stole their hearts. Kayla picked up Molly and carried her in her arms to Amie's bedroom. The Ondines looked at each other, shook their heads, and laughed. It was like something out of a bizarre fantasy movie. Little four year old Amie Ondine was thrilled and enchanted by Molly and invited her up onto her bed. Molly was a great ambassador for the Daniels family and quickly put the little girl at ease. “You are so pretty, Miss Molly, will you be with me?” Amie asked.

“Thank you, Amie, I think you're one of the prettiest young humans I've ever seen. I would be proud to be with you if Master Billy will allow, but I might get in their way. I'm sure they'll let me be in the same room with you, if you like,” Molly replied.

“Hello, Sweetheart, I'm Billy Daniels. Do you hurt anywhere?” Billy asked Amie.

“My lower back and my hips hurt pretty bad, sir,” she replied, “The only thing that helps me is Scarbo's sweet milk. I'm sure I would be dead long ago if my brother didn't ask him to share his milk with me. I've come to love him and Le Gibet very much, sir,” she added.

“Good! They are wonderful creatures to have as friends and protectors. That big, handsome one over there has been my protector since I was born. I love him very much, too. Would you honor this old cowboy with a goodly kiss on the mouth, and I will eat your pain away for you? Don't stop kissing me until you've given it all to me, and you don't hurt anymore,” Billy said.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Daniels,” she replied and Billy leaned over to kiss the little girl as gently as a saint. The folks gathered could see Amie giving up her pain to the big cowboy and the more she fed him she began to make sounds; groans of relief and sighs of gratitude. She did as Billy told her and didn't stop feeding him her pain until there was no more. Finally, she stopped and Billy raised up.

“How do you feel, Pretty Lady?” Billy asked.

“For the first time in over a year, I don't hurt. It makes me want to shout,” she said.

“Try 'hosanna,' Amie,” Billy whispered.

“Hosanna!” she shouted and almost everyone in the room answered, “Hosanna, in the highest!”

“Are you ready to take a small trip to my ranch where we have a nice room prepared for taking care of young ladies. My grandmother and several other mature ladies are there waiting to help you,” Billy said.

“Can Scarbo and Le Gibet come too, sir?” Amie asked.

“Sure! They come to our ranch every Saturday afternoon anyway,” Billy assured her.

The Ondine family closed their house. They already let the maid return to her quarters for the evening, and they walked through a transportation gate for the first time.

“You do realize what this technology is worth?” Pierre Ondine asked Billy.

“I do. It could revolutionize travel,” Billy replied.

“How long is the range?” Pierre inquired.

“My little brother is visiting your nephew in Paris as we speak. He's due to return at any time,” Billy said.

“No!” Pierre exclaimed.

“Call René and ask him?” Billy challenged him.

“From what I've seen so far, I'll take your word, sir,” he replied.

They were dive bombed by an overenthusiastic Gracie yelling, “Master Billy! Master Billy, you're back!” She flew to Billy's arms to greet him.

“Brace yourself!” Billy warned his guests, “Flying dogs was not one of my better ideas,” he said and laughed. Billy held her as she stole kiss after dogie kiss from him. The Ondines were flabbergasted. Billy introduced them. “Folks, this is Gracie. She's one of six flying, talking pups on the Tate ranch. Right now she's here by herself. Her mother, her brothers, and sisters were ready to throttle her, so we agreed to keep her for a while until she mellows out a bit. To be the runt of a litter, she turned out to be the most spirited, mischievous, rambunctious, but lovable of the pups. She's working hard at learning to be a good girl. How's it going Gracie?” Billy asked.

“I don't fly inside the house no more,” she said, squirmed, and gave Billy another kiss. “I'm trying to curb my enthusiasm, but it's so hard when there's new people to meet,” she said.

“Just keep trying. You're doing a fine job, Little Sister. Keep up the good work,” Billy said and everyone laughed.

They got to the big house and the Ondine family was introduced to the ladies. When Pierre and Genevieve were introduced to Zelma Redbone, they looked at each other and were confused. “Excuse me, ma'am, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. My wife and I have been guests in your home in Houston several times. Surely there could only be one Zelma Redbone,” Pierre said.

“Ya' got that right, Brother!” Tom McMartin exclaimed and everyone laughed.

“I don't mean to make a complete ass of myself, Mrs. Redbone, but you look so much younger than you did several years ago,” Pierre insisted.

“Avon Skin-so-Soft, Dear!” Zelma exclaimed, “A wonderful product for women my age!” she replied and everyone in the room broke-up laughing.

Poor Pierre knew he was the victim of Texas bullshit, but Zelma came to his rescue, “You're quite right, Mr. Ondine. I was looking much older and dying of terminal cancer. I've been friends with the Daniels family for many years and heard about Billy healing a young boy in the parking lot of the Walmart in Fredericksburg. My nephew Enoch Redbone already knew of his powers, and I asked my other nephew Tom McMartin to drive me to the ranch. Billy healed me, and I've been here ever since. I will eventually go back to my home in Houston, but for right now, I'm having a ball living and working as just another family member here on the ranch,” Zelma said.

“Gee! That's really good to know, Precious,” Kate spoke up, “Then does that mean we can move that gold throne in the dining room to the basement?” she asked and the family went crazy laughing.

“Good one, my pet! I'll get chu', my pretty, and your little dog, too!” Zelma replied and cackled like the wicked witch.

The older Ondine kids were drinking in all the sights and magic of the Daniels ranch. They were fascinated and enthralled. They couldn't keep track of who was a slave and those considered free-men or women. Some of Billy Daniels men who were slaves wore rings through their noses, but several wore them whom they discovered were not slaves. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to jump in and work together as a large family rather than owners and servant; but no one seemed to make a distinction between the importance of their roles. The slaves or servants were treated like honored members of Mister Daniels family.

The Ondine children were raised with money and were taught to be polite but neither fraternize with nor befriend the hired help. They owned no slaves. The major players in the Ondine family, the four brothers who inherited the family fortune, didn't believe in slavery, and even though it was once again legal in the New Republic of Jesusland, they decided they didn't care to participate. Their money was well established long before slavery was reintroduced in the colonies, and furthermore, the French government wouldn't allow anyone to hold dual citizenship if he owned slaves in the second country. The Ondines diversified many years before slavery was reintroduced and they were financially secure to the point the ownership and upkeep of slave labor, including the human interaction, would be of little advantage for them.

Molly lay in Amie's arms as Master Billy's huge protector, Boomer, pushed her into the 'ladies room' which Kate and her staff created for just such an occasion. The Ondines were impressed. The men remained outside until the ladies prepared young Amie. They took off her nightgown and covered her with a thin sheet of one-hundred percent pure cotton. Amie insisted Molly be with her and Kate placed Molly on the metal operating table next to her. The men returned, and Billy announced the only people who could remain were his chosen posse, Mr. and Mrs. Ondine, and their two Watcher-Protectors. His grandmother would take the older children to the kitchen for some Texas tea and a dessert. When they were gone, Billy explained he and his men would have to disappear for a moment, but would return in an instant in their morphed form.

“Morphed form? I don't understand,” said Pierre Ondine, “Could you be a bit more specific?” he asked.

“It will be quicker to show you than explain, Mr. Ondine,” Billy said as the men took off their shirts and laid them aside. The men disappeared and returned in less than a second fully fledged with their angelic wings.

“Mon Dieu, Holy Mary, mother of God! You men are Angels?” Pierre managed to get out.

“'Feard so, Mr. Ondine. I hope you ain't disappointed. We ain't no Holy Angels. We's just Cowboy-Angels,” Billy said and smiled.

“Aren't all Angels the same?” Pierre asked.

“Naw, sir. Some are older than others. Some have different powers. Balthazar there,” Billy said nodding to his handsome black angel, is several thousand years old. He is gifted in the arts of maintaining good health and is an excellent guardian for those of higher powers. My dear friend, here, next to me, is the ancient Angel mentioned in the bible as Ezekiel; we call him Zeke. I'm a youngster to the older Angels, but I been gifted and enhanced in the healing arts. My brother across the way over there, Doctor Oatie Breedlove, is my Earthly doctor I personally enhanced in the healing arts; together with the rest of my posse to gather the healing ether's of the universe, we work in concert to correct nature's errors.

“I certainly didn't expect this. I don't know what I expected, but now I don't know whether to hug and kiss you, or fall to my knees, genuflect, and kiss your boots,” Pierre said and laughed nervously.

“That will not be necessary, Mr. Ondine. We's still cowboys under these fancy wings. However, I hope this revelation might make you and Mrs. Ondine feel a little more confident about our talents and abilities. We will do what we said we can do, sir,” Billy said and smiled.

“Do you have any questions, Dear?” he turned to his wife.

“Yes, where is the ladies room? I think I wet my panties,” she said honestly. A couple of the men stifled a laugh, but Billy came to the rescue.

“That door right over there, ma'am. I think you will find everything you need, and I'm sorry if we startled you,” Billy said.

“I'm not. Such a shock is well worth the consequence, Mr. Daniels,” she said and walked to the restroom.

“Scarbo and Le Gibet told me you were an Angel, Master Billy. That's why I call you 'Master' Billy because they insist you are their Earthly master, sir,” four year old Amie said.

“It's true, I'm responsible for them on our planet, but I like to think of them as my brothers, Amie,” Billy explained.

“They also said they love you very much, and I would love you, too. They were right, Master Billy, I love you, and I believe in you,” Amie said with tears in her eyes clinging to Molly.

“You know what, Sweetheart? I just happen to have a vacant slot open in the family of my heart for a beautiful four year old little girl; a little sister. Would you do me the great honor of accepting my humble offer to become my little sister along with your brothers and other sister,” Billy asked.

“I would love to become your little sister, Master Billy, but I must ask my Papa's permission first,” she said softly.

“Of course. I understand. What about it, Papa?” Billy asked Pierre. His wife walked back to his side. She heard most of the conversation and nodded her approval.

“Of course, you have our permission, Darling. We will gladly share you with Master Billy,” Papa Ondine replied.

“Good, then I always give extra special enhancements to my little brothers and sisters. I think for you, I will enhance your creative musical talents and abilities. You should be able to give your cousin Rene' a run for his money,” Billy said and smiled at her.

“That would be lovely, Master Billy,” Amie said.

The men went to work. Odie brought the portable advanced fluoroscopic device, the likes of which, neither of Ondine's parent ever saw before; however, while they seemed to understand it was something totally beyond their comprehension, they didn't seem fearful; if anything, they were relieved Billy's posse relied on super-technology to diagnose and heal their child.

Billy pricked Amie's finger and healed it instantly. He shared a drop of her blood with Oatie, Zeke, Nick, Bubba, and he tasted the last drop. “It's almost identical to the Rutherford strain,” Billy said and the others agreed. “We know which genes we must turn off and enhance the other to replace the defective ones. There already is some degeneration in the hip, knee, and ankle bones; certainly, large portions of the back. We will concentrate there to begin and make adjustments to her genetic sequence and DNA as we progress,” Billy announced to his men like a skilled surgeon about to remove a difficult tumor. “Molly, my love, I'm afraid I must give you to Mrs. Ondine to hold where Amie can see you. We don't want to contaminate you with our adjustments,” Billy said.

Amie reluctantly gave Molly up to her mother, and Genevieve Ondine held her while the Cowboy-Angels were working on the beautiful little girl. It was not an easy adjustment. Amie was much further along than anyone thought; much further than Randy when he and his big brother met in the parking lot at Walmart. Billy didn't tell the Ondines at the moment, but his men understood and shared a mutual tickle; if they didn't start their therapy when they did, Amie might not have lasted through the weekend. It took them an hour and thirty-five minutes to bring her back to where she would survive and begin the slow process of healing.

Billy's guests, sent to him from Bubba-7-Stars or Rooster Cogburn, decided to stay around and watch Billy and his family in action. They didn't go with him to the Ondine's home, but they met the family upon their return. Billy didn't try to hide who they were, but he didn't give much information about the four famous men. He simply introduced them by their names with no titles; except he did include Chief Seattle because he was wearing a beautiful headdress and the costumes of his tribe. They appeared much younger than most people's remembered vision of them. There were few photos of a young T. E. Lawrence, John E. Mack, Tenzin Gyatso, but almost none of Chief Seattle. Billy wasn't real sure Pierre and Genevieve made the connection; however, the Ondine kids seemed to possess a greater savvy for the world around them which Billy attributed to every kid who could afford a computer – it became their second brain, and they knew how to use them. The three older children were leaps and bounds more 'aware' than their parents, and he caught them engaging the four men in long conversations.

When Billy and his men finished, they disappeared, dropped their wings, and returned fully clothed. They left the room with Pierre to allow Genevieve and the ladies to dress Amie. Billy suggested they bring along some regular clothes because he assured them, Amie would be able to walk and accompany them back through the gate under her own power. When they were in the hallway, Pierre Ondine grabbed Billy in a bear hug and didn't just give him a French kiss on each cheek. He kissed him right on the mouth, and Billy allowed the man to expresses his thanks and relief as he saw fit. Pierre was showing his gratitude for Billy saving his youngest daughter. Amie would not die, but live to become a star in the Ondine dynasty. When they finished, Billy held Pierre tight and the man began to sob in Billy's arms.

“There, there, Brother, ain't no need for tears. The horror of losing such a sweet child like Amie is behind us now. Let it go, and it will soon fade into the past to become an unwelcome ghost,” Billy said.

“What do I owe you and your Cowboy-Angels, Master Billy?” he asked, “Name it! Money is no object, sir,” Pierre added.

“Please, Mr. Ondine, don't dishonor me by speaking of the monetary value of life; especially, one as sweet, good, and priceless as Amie. I thought we struck an agreement, but maybe I was projecting my expectations onto you unfairly,” Billy said.

“Agreement? What agreement? Forgive me, perhaps I'm not thinking clearly, sir,” Pierre asked.

“I thought it was agreed, if I helped your daughter, it would remove the obstacle keeping you and your family from attending our barbecue and barnyard concert Saturday afternoon,” Billy said and smiled.  

“Mon Dieu, of course, but I'm afraid under the circumstances, I canceled the memory in my mind. My mind is not thinking further than this moment. We would be proud and honored to attend your party, Mr. Daniels. Do you think Amie will be recovered enough?” Pierre asked.

“You won't be able to stop my little sister from coming tomorrow, Mr. Ondine,” Billy assured him and laughed.

About that time Randy walked up and wanted to know what was going on. Billy introduced Randy and Pierre Ondine.  

“How was Paris, Little Brother?” Billy asked.

“I didn't get to see the city. I was only in my buddy's room, and his music room. We played the piano for each other. I couldn't stay long. I still have some things to do to get ready for the barnyard concert Saturday. Just in case you forgot, we're celebrating your burf-day as well as mine, Kayla, Tommy, Pard's, and oh yes, in case you didn't remember, Saturday is Sir Wilbur, the pure's burf-day,” Randy said.

“Lord A-mighty, no! I didn't know. Thanks, little Brother, I knew there was a reason I keep you close to me,” Billy said for the hundredth time, and they shared a laugh.

“How is Miss Amie doing?” Randy asked.

“She was much further along than you were the day we met. We managed to pull her back from the brink. Took us an hour and a half to set things right, but she'll be just fine, Bossman,” Billy replied.

“How is my nephew, Son?” Pierre asked Randy.

“Down. Somewhat melancholy. He played Ravel's 'Pavane for a Dead Princess' for me and almost didn't finish because he couldn't see the music through his tears. I felt so sorry for him. It broke my heart. I know what he's going through, but I couldn't throw him a life-line because it ain't my place to speak for my big brother. I would like very much to save him, Master Billy. He has a fine talent, and he's paddling the same canoe as me and Amie. H'it just ain't fair,” Randy said and almost broke into tears.

“Perhaps we can get his uncle to talk with his parents. Since Amie will be all right now, maybe they would allow René to gate with his uncle back to the Hill Country for the rest of the summer with a promise he could go through the same treatment as Amie,” Billy said.

“Mon Dieu! Of course I would be thrilled to become involved. I was already making mental plans to contact my brother and tell him the good news. I won't tell him more than you wish, Mr. Daniels. My brother is a no nonsense, fair-minded, but sensitive man. René is his only child. He's preparing for the loss, but God forbid, if René should pass, I know he will never try again. He will be too afraid to have more. He won't gamble putting himself, his wife, or the rest of his family who have come to love and cherish René through such anguish again,” Pierre said sadly, “Neither will me and my wife have another child. Our other two brothers have each lost a child from the dread disease,” he added.

“Which reminds me, Mr. Ondine, before we return you and your family to your estate near Kerrville, you and your boys must accompany me and my cowboys to the slave processing area where we will find the genetic malfunction in your bodies, and we will set it right. You and your sons won't have to worry about having children crippled by a rogue chromosome. We will be happy to do the same for your brothers if they wish,” Billy said.

“How did you come about getting to know my nephew, Mr. Rutherford?” Pierre asked.

“Please, Mr. Ondine, call me Randy, or Bossman. Mr. Rutherford was my daddy, but he got killed in them oil wars in the middle-east. I never knew my daddy. You wanna' tell him how me and Rene' come to know each other, Brother?” Randy deferred to Billy.

“The little rascal caught me and my men on video crossing the Atlantic in our ships as we were having some fun buzzing his Super Air-bus on our way to Mount Ararat to rescue the legendary Fallen-Angels from stasis held in a secret vault almost ten miles below the mountain through solid granite and lava rocks. René posted it on YouTube. Randy did a search for his information, found an e-mail address, and sent him a nice invitation to become his brother. René responded and Randy gated to his place earlier this evening to meet him,” Billy explained in a big dump of information.

“What! You were in those tiny spheres? Fallen-Angels? How many Angels? The bible? Wait? Who are you? Is this the beginning of the end times?” Pierre asked.

“To answer your questions in order. The inside of them tiny spheres is a tesseract which flows easily through any dimension including solid rock. If you don't understand, ask your kids when you get home. They'll be happy to explain it to you. We gate inside the small craft, and are reduced in size accordingly. Actually, they're quite roomy inside. They'll hold up to eighty passengers or more. The bible recorded approximately two hundred Angels in stasis. Like everything in the bible, you must take it with a grain of salt. When we opened the vault, there was over six hundred of them sleeping beauties and a dozen android caretakers. Who am I? I'm a brown dirt cowboy from the Hill Country of Texas. End times? No, sir, not in the way the bible describes it, and certainly not the way them rabid bible-belt people preach. Change is coming, but it won't be as bad as some folks make it out to be. It depends on your place, your position, but most of all your attitude in the coming days,” Billy replied.

“Do you see yourself as some kind of Messiah, Mr. Daniels?” Pierre asked and immediately wished he hadn't.

“Look at me, Mr. Ondine! What do I look like to you?” Billy asked firmly.

“A cowboy; perhaps, one of many thousands in Texas, but considerably better looking than most,” he said.

“Good! Thanks for the compliment, and you would be right about the cowboy part. I'm the same flesh as all them other cowboys. I just happened to get noticed by a couple of ancient races and now another one who helped us in our last minutes trying to get them Fallen-Angels out of their crypts, onto our ships to bring them back to the ranch; all the while, trying to fight off dark demons from the bowels of the Earth. He was also responsible for the crop-circle of me and ma' owner,” Billy said. “Them four men I introduced to you to earlier are ambassadors of his he sent to me. I'm still trying to figure that one out, so to be honest, I'm learning as I go along,” Billy said and grinned.

“Your owner? Your horse is your owner?” Pierre asked.

“Sure, if you think metaphorically, my horse Samson owns me. Ask any cowboy, and he'll tell you his pony owns him. He just allows me to take care of him and ride him,” Billy said and grinned.

“I get the metaphor, and I have to agree, it is an apt one. Why are you sharing all this with me?” Pierre asked.

“Why not? You're a highly intelligent man who is successful, and you have a wonderful wife and family. You seem to want to know. I see a deep craving in your eyes. You been looking for a new way for sometime now, but it ain't never presented itself to you. Now you got something new to think about – like a happy dog with a big-old juicy bone to gnaw on – metaphorically speaking, of course; I meant no disrespect, sir. No one will force you to join anything. We ain't no crazy looney-tunes religious cult neither. I promise you I ain't never found me no gold tablets what was buried for centuries in Cameron Park in Waco, Texas by an Angel named, Macaroni. That ain't my purpose. Take it day by day. Let our world slowly come to you and embrace you. Just be yourself and remember to be a good neighbor,” Billy said.

“I won't even ask if you can back up what you've told me. From what I've seen so far, from gating from place to place to talking dogs and one who can fly; I got a gut feeling, I know you can,” Pierre said, “Don't get me wrong, Mr. Daniels. I'm not one to be suspicious or bite the hand of good fortune. I will take what you have to offer at face value and slowly decided for myself. Any innate skepticism I might have won't diminish my gratefulness nor gratitude for what you did for us this evening. I will never forget your generosity and compassion,” he said.

“I understand. It's a lot to take in, but I promise you, by the end of the weekend, after we've shared more with you – you'll begin to wonder how you fit into all this. My answer would be, I don't know, but there's room for you and your family if you wish to become a part of us,” Billy said.   
 
* * * * * * *     
While the ladies entertained the Ondine ladies and Molly kept little Amie enthralled, Billy and his posse took the Ondine men to the slave processing room behind the barber shop/watcher milking station to make their corrections. After Billy and his men winged-up for the second time, he asked Pierre if he had any problem lying nude under his Cowboy-Angels so they could have full exposure to his body. “I am a Frenchman. We have no need for modesty. I have taught my sons the same,” he replied and he instructed his boys to remove their clothing with him and wait their turn. Billy was surprised and pleased to find all three men were uncut.

They took Pierre first and sampled his blood. He was definitely a carrier of the genetic flaw and came as no surprise to Billy and Oatie. They spent forty-five minutes making the necessary adjustments to his body. When they let him up from the table, Pierre didn't rush to clothe himself. He stood by the table with each of his boys in the buff to lend them his support and encouragement. The boys seemed to be more comfortable with their dad in the raw with them. Surprisingly, they found Dermont, the oldest Ondine son, didn't carry the flawed gene. Dermont had all his genetic ducks in a row. Billy and his men simply gave him a small enhancement and made sure there were no other problems.

Poor Giles didn't fair as well. He was absolutely correct, he carried the defective gene, and it once started to take over his system; until, he met Scarbo and Gibet, and the big Watcher with a fearsome scar across him face, shared his milk with him. Somehow, it forced it into dormancy, but it was plainly obvious to those who tasted his blood, it would raise it's ugly head again if he ever tried to have children. They didn't keep any information they found from the boys or Pierre. The men spent over an hour restructuring Giles DNA to cancel out the defective gene and to replace it with another, stronger gene which would act as a hunter and a guard within his system. It would only grow stronger with time with more watcher milk to support it. By the time young Giles reached puberty, he would be completely rid of the loathsome genetic defect.

Again, the Ondine men couldn't thank Billy and his men enough. They dressed and took Pierre and his sons back to the big house, gathered the ladies, and Billy opened a gate in the front hallway to return the family to their estate. There were many handshakes, hugs, kisses, with promises to see them on Saturday when Billy would open another gate in their front hallway and come to get them for the day. Amie wanted to take Molly with her, but Billy explained Molly belonged on the Daniels ranch. He was firm but gentle. He explained, Molly became an important part of his family and as such her place was with them. She had certain duties and obligations she must tend to, but Billy promised Amie could see her and spend some quality time with her on Saturday. Perhaps, in the near future, they could find another small pup for her Billy could enhance. Amie was disappointed but understood and gave Molly a hug and a kiss goodbye.   

* * * * * * *
It was still early Thursday evening, but Billy was tired. He was going from early morning until late at night trying to get everything done and keep everybody happy, but he still had things to do. Because of the four ambassadors from Rooster Cogburn, Billy felt obligated to contact Mr. Hightower in southern England, but he couldn't do it until midnight. There was a six hour time delay, and it would be six in the morning in Alton-Barns, England at twelve P.M. Hill Country time. He figured correctly, if they were farm people, they probably would be up early to go about their day; except, it would be a Friday morning. “Some people sleep late on the weekends, Tonto,” he lamented to his surrogate pa.

“Friday morning ain't the weekend for most folks, Kemosabe. You come to look upon Friday as the beginning of your weekend because you shut down all work at noon. Nevertheless, when was the last time we slept late on a Saturday or Sunday morning, my good Master?” Nick asked using his best Tommy Lee Jones irritated reply.

Billy laughed. He loved Nick's imitation of Jones, “Good point, Tonto. We'll call them at midnight; it will be six their time. We'll get some sleep and gather them at six in the morning; it will be noon their time, Saturday. Too bad we couldn't do one of them time dilation numbers and equalize the time zones,” Billy lamented.

“It's only possible between galaxies. It has to do with the rate and speed of the expansion of the galaxies. Probably wouldn't be possible within the same galaxy,” Nick said. “Have you ventured a reason Le Coq D'or might want you to contact the Hightowers sooner than later?” he asked.

Billy laughed, “The golden cockerel, Tonto? Perfect! I like the word play. Pushkin and Korsakov would have been proud. It ran through my mind; if they were compensated sufficiently, what's the hurry? Why not next week after we got a chance to lick our wounds and relax a little?” Billy asked.

“Exactly, Kemosabe! I got me a feeling them ambassadors ain't telling you everything – only what they want you to know,” Nick said, “On the other hand, if they didn't come to you, knowing you like I do, you would be on the phone as soon as possible to find out if the Hightowers needed help. That's one of the reasons they came to you,” he added.

“You're right, Tonto. Maybe I'm feeling overwhelmed because I'm tired and them nasty self-doubts come creeping up on me. What should I do, Tonto? Confront them for the missing info or keep trudging on at an insane pace. We got the Ondines taken care of. Tomorrow is gonna' be another hectic day. I got things I need to start soon to take care of my own people. I need to make some dreams come true for our own who put their lives on the line for us and them angels. For Christ sake, we ain't even got Sir Wilbur, the pure, out of the woods yet.

“I need to get started on a job I got in mind for our new Ironmonger. Them four Bubba-7-Twinkles reps don't seem in no hurry to leave. Maybe, if I play my cards right, they might come clean. It would help to know so I can plan my time a little more wisely. I try to leave slots open for emergencies, but lately it's been one right after another. If I cater to the Hightowers, I lose time I could be spending on the needs of my family right now. I can't just put them on hold after what they done went through, and the absolute insanity of the past several days,” Billy said.

“Delegate, Kemosabe,” Nick whispered in Billy's ear as he gently slipped his arms around his front, pulled his cowboy back to his strong body for an embrace, and kissed him gently on his neck.

“Like create my own ambassadors?” Billy asked.

“E'aup, you got some excellent stock to choose from to represent you. Jack, Grover, Bubba, Thor, Zeus, Enoch, Moss, even Tron and your uncle. Put them to work instead of just standing around waiting for the next healing or when you call them together,” Nick said.

“Good idea, Pa, but I want to see what else them Gold-cock reps got in mind,” Billy said.

“That's also a good idea, Kemosabe. Don't build a case against them until you give them a chance to explain themselves,” Nick agreed.

* * * * * * *
Thursday evening, Billy called the visiting ambassadors together and rather than beat around the bush, he put his concerns directly to them. Maybe it was because he was tired and not expecting it, but he was almost floored when they offered suggestions and indicated they were more than willing to jump in and help since the Hightower family was familiar with them. They told him Mr. Hightower was in a wheelchair because of a major farm accident and the doctors told him he would never walk again. Since that time, his two oldest boys have been doing his job and managing to keep the family together, but he's concerned for his future, his wife, and three other children. The four wise men explained to Billy they weren't as enhanced as Billy's men, and they would need assistance. By that time, most of Billy's posse could open gates and take care of smaller problems, but they still allowed Billy and Oatie to do any major healings. Billy assigned volunteers Jack, Bubba, Enoch, Moss, Slipweasel, Rum-dum, Zeus, Thor, Uriel, Sandalphon, and Gabriel to represent him. Oatie Breedlove was there, and he and Jethro asked to go along. Billy made the initial contact with Mr. Hightower and told him he would be sending his posse and the four wise men to talk with him about visiting the ranch.

Things went exactly as planned, and Billy's men walked through a gate into the Hightower's barn at six a.m., England's time Friday morning. The family seemed thrilled when asked if they wanted to visit the ranch, and agreed to be ready by noon the next day when Billy's men would return for them. The family pet was an old English sheep dog, Maximilian, they called Max, who was a lovable clown, but getting old, clumsy, going blind, and could barely get around. They also owned a wonderful pair of black and white, English Shire draft horses who needed immediate medical attention. Oatie and Bubba took a vote and the men decided it was time for Billy's posse to fly solo. To the Hightower family's astonishment, Billy's men winged-up, and with Oatie in charge, they took care of them on the spot. They also refurbished the huge sheepdog, Maximilian and gave him the gift of speech. Bubba and Oatie insisted the family bring Max along with them to the ranch. They repaired and refurbished Mr. Hightower, and when they finished he was able to walk unassisted. They took care of any number of minor health problems in the family. It meant Billy's posse would lose some sleep, but they voted unanimously to take care of any medical conditions before they gated back to the ranch. The miraculous acts of the Cowboy-Angels only added to the family's fascination and curiosity to gate to the Daniels ranch as planned.

* * * * * * *
The evening was not going as Pete hoped, but he wasn't disappointed. Leon and Pete talked about their experiences at the Daniels Ranch and agreed, there never was a dull moment. Just to drive in the front gate and get past the guard cattle, they felt projected them into another dimension. Whatever happened – happened, and you learned to roll with it. Pete was proud his buddy was helping out with one of Billy's 'projects' and he was also proud of their participation in the Great Angel Heist.
Billy drafted Leon to wing-up and add his gathering power to his posse when he and Oatie were working on little Amie and again in the processing room for the Ondine men. However, once it was done, Billy and Nick took them to the ship and instructed his grooms to take it from there. The cowboys already had a wonderful room assigned them in the tower which was secluded and more private than many.

Pete decided to go through the grooming procedure and was rather glad he did. He didn't entertain the thought he might end-up on the bottom, but if it was what Leon needed, once in a while, he would certainly make the effort to accommodate him. There was an extra added benefit Pete didn't consider. It gave him a clear picture of what his chosen mate would have to go through every time Pete wanted a piece of ass, and after half a decade of masturbation, Pete's old horse was one hungry son-of-a-bitch. If he didn't allow the talented young halfling to groom him, Pete might not have access to some of the more erotic herbs they held exclusively for their clients. He was glad he did. Both men found them much to their liking.

They didn't just fuck. They melted into each other, body and soul, like a well-buttered grilled cheese sandwich toasted to a perfect turn. It caused Pete to have dreams of biblical proportions. They were also glad they decided to spend the night together in the castle. It was, perhaps, the most comfortable and successful conjoining of two mature cowboys in the history of male/male sexual bonding; which, according to Pete's vision, dates from the garden of E-dan when a technical worker, Bubba, wearing a hard hat, a tool belt, and a big pair of boots, accidentally stumbled into the living area of the two experimental subjects, and found the male, Adam, lying naked by the pool.

After taking advantage of Adam's firm ass, he saw Eve watching from behind a big tree filled with a luscious ripe fruit. He reached up, plucked one, and told her to eat it. It would make her feel better and cure her halitosis. She smiled, nodded, and chowed down. Bubba went on his way whistling a happy tune and no one was the wiser. Them stupid anti-gay, rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth fundamentalist got it wrong again. It weren't Adam and Steve. It was Adam and Bubba. Bubba passed his gay gene on to Adam, and fifteen to twenty percent of the people alive today carry Bubba's gene. Hell, his vivid dream made more sense to Pete than a goddamned talking snake.


End of Chapter 77 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
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