"Annihilation has no terrors for me, because I have already
tried it before I was born — a hundred million years — and I
have suffered more in an hour, in this life, than I remember
to have suffered in the whole hundred million years put
together. There was a peace, a serenity, an absence of all
sense of responsibility, an absence of worry, an absence of
care, grief, perplexity; and the presence of a deep content
and unbroken satisfaction in that hundred million years of
holiday which I look back upon with a tender longing and with
a grateful desire to resume, when the opportunity comes." ~
Mark Twain
Tommy Griffin was proud of his uncles, Tree Griffin and Tank
Barger. Tommy and his dad were present with the rest of the men
when Master Billy found favor with the two big cowboys and
announced his decision to recognize them for their heroism by
bringing them into his family of Cowboy-Angels. He decided to
reward them for their bravery by enhancing them. Randy, Pard,
Rory, and Cal, made a special point of coming around to shake
hands and congratulate Tommy and his father on his uncles being
brought into the Daniels clan as fully-fledged members. It made
Tommy feel like his whole family was moved up to a new level of
importance.
Tommy didn't quite understand his uncle's relationship, but it was
never a problem. Two of the most important men in his life were
together for as long as he could remember, and they treated Tommy
like he was a special member of their family. Both their names
were on his birth certificate as his god-parents. He didn't
understand why his natural uncle was referred to as a 'slave' to
his Uncle Tank, but it didn't bother him. Tommy's dad never said
anything about it. The subject never came up. The word 'slave' was
tossed around a lot, but from his own personal observations, Tommy
didn't understand it to be a particularly derogatory term. The two
big, rough and sometimes rowdy cowboys lived together and seemed
happy. His Uncle Tree seemed comfortable and devoted to his
partner. It was enough for Tommy to accept them as they were – his
uncles.
Tommy noticed his Uncle Tank treated his Uncle Tree not too
differently from the way his dad treated his mother. Tank, the
larger of his uncles, was the undisputed boss in their household,
but he was kind, respectful, and even loving of Tommy's
blood-uncle. The active, creative mind of a child can easily
become a split-infinity of parallel universes made easier by a
fertile imagination. The similarity of roles made Tommy wonder if
the title of 'wife' and 'slave' might be synonymous depending on
gender; like Mother Goose and Daddy Gander. Tommy considered the
implications and comparisons might be many like the colors of a
rainbow; however, the young cowboy new if he was really concerned
about it, he could ask his bonded brother Randy and get the
full-skinny. Master Billy's slaves, including his three punishment
slaves, were treated with equal respect as the rest of his family
members. The punishment slaves might have a few less options than
the others, but for the most part, even they seemed happy and
content. It certainly never stopped Tommy, Randy, Pard or the
McMartin brothers from crawling up into one of the big men's lap
to have a friendly chat.
* * * * * * *
Billy's immediate family, including Doug Quilty and Wes Taylor,
returned to rejoin the men left who were taking advantage of the
hot tubs off the dungeon area of the castle. Billy and his family
pulled most of the curtains down and the two news men got full
head-on shot like a full-monty of a typical busy afternoon and
early evening in the Daniels world. They were drinking it all in
like two kids who were being shown the raw goodness and compassion
of a different humanity which seemed to flourish with ease from
these men overwhelmed their senses. They looked at each other,
grinned, and shook their heads whenever they were introduced to
another amazing part of Master Billy and his family and the
unending miracle they could produce. They found themselves hanging
out with the four ambassadors sent to Billy from the Captain of
the great Golden Orb. They seemed to be just as amazed as Doug and
Wes.
* * * * * * *
Pierre Ondine, his son Giles, his newly repaired nephew René, and
René's man, Bayrum Listrine were enjoying the experience and the
camaraderie of the group of naked men gather together to enjoy the
relaxing waters of the spa. Giles and Randy were moving about in
the deeper water supporting René to help him learn to walk again.
He was learning by leaps and bounds. The Ondines stayed for a good
while and then asked if they might be returned to their ranch for
the evening. Billy made arrangements but warned the two adults if
their shoulders began to get sore the following evening about the
same time to get in contact with him immediately. It would be a
sure sign their wings were about to grow in and they would need
him or one of his men to do a quick but painless surgery to allow
them to grow through the skin on their backs.
Both men looked at him like they were stunned, then looked at each
other. “Who gave you the right to do such a thing?” Pierre asked
as a challenge.
“You did,” Billy replied and smiled, “I touched the inner man
inside of you gentlemen and you both wanted to become a part of my
larger family. You understood Giles and René will one day become
like us, and you want it for yourselves as well. I gave you the
gift as a reward for your personal heroism. Would you like me to
reverse my enhancement?” Billy asked, “It's not too late,” he
added.
Pierre looked into Bayrum eyes and saw without asking, the big
Scotsman didn't want to stop the process. He very much wanted to
become an extended member of Master Billy's family. “No, you're
right on both accounts, Master Billy. It was just a shock for a
moment. It was certainly unexpected. I don't think either of us
considered the possibility our desires might come true. It was
inconsiderate and ungrateful of me. I apologize. Please, forgive
me, sir. It will take some getting used to. Who knows, with any
luck, it might bring me a bit more respect from my family,” Pierre
said with a grin and shook his head remembering his wife and
children ganging up on him earlier.
“I'm sure it will bring both you men a good deal of respect. René
is going to need a strong and powerful companion to help mold him
and see to his protection. It would be a little difficult to
explain a Bigfoot monster in the heart of the wealthiest part of
Paris. It will be much easier to teach Mr. Listrine to morph into
a Watcher and produce milk for his young ward. René's young star
is about to rise in the heavens and this old world will take note
of him along with the rest of our young family members,” Billy
said. Bayrum agreed with him and assured both men he was totally
committed and devoted to the young boy's well-being.
“You mean I can become a Bigfoot?” Bayrum asked and looked
dumbfounded.
“You can become anyone whose blood you taste, like we tasted yours
earlier to heal you. Watch!” Billy exclaimed and morphed into an
exact copy of Bayrum before the men. Several laughed. “Now, I'll
change into a copy of my husband over there,” Billy said pointing
to Boomer and changed into a double of his bonded mate.
Bayrum and Pierre were impressed.
“I would gladly change into one of these noble beasts to feed my
young ward, sir. I will leave the choice to Master René which
beast he would like for me to copy. I'm proud to say, René's care
and survival has become more to me than a job or a way to earn a
living. As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, we have bonded as
brothers. Seeing to my little brother's health and well-being
means far more to me than the monetary compensation for my
service,” Bayrum said.
“That's good to hear, and it's as it should be. He's going to need
all the help he can get,” Billy replied.
Pierre was even more impressed by the powers Billy bestowed upon
him and Bayrum.
* * * * * * *
When Scarbo and Le Gibet returned from the grooms, they were
stunning. They looked like two giant house pets. The dogs went
crazy congratulating them, and they probably would have blushed
from the attention if they could. They chose to remain shy and
withdrawn holding each other's huge hands. Billy and his men took
them to the dungeon area and told Scarbo to lie on his back on the
big leather workbench. It took them only a short while to repair
the huge gash of a scar that ran from Scarbo's chin up across his
lips, further up his cheek, just barely missing his left eye.
When Master Billy was through with Scarbo he was perfect and
a with a few additional tweaks and adjustment he was quite
handsome to behold. Billy didn't leave Le Gibet out. He made sure
he looked almost like a double for his handsome dad. Pierre Ondine
opened his arms and physically embraced the huge watcher as an
official gesture of 'welcome' to his family, and the big Scotsman
followed his lead. They included Le Gibet as well. All this time,
the four ambassadors from Bubba-7-Stars were watching and making
mental notes. Finally, they bid adieu to get some sleep before
they had to leave for Alton Barns to gather the Hightower family
and pets. Doc Oatie pushed back their departure time a couple of
hours so everyone could have a chance to take a goodly snooze.
* * * * * * *
Everyone seemed to enjoy the tubs, but Billy called a halt to the
festivities early so everyone could get some rest for the coming
day. After they dressed, Billy and his men saw the Ondines,
Pierre, Giles, René, Bayrum Listrine and their fine looking
refurbished watchers through a gate to the foyer in the Ondine's
ranch house. René walked under his own power with minimal help
from his uncle on one side and his man, Bayrum, on his other.
There were many tears of joy and thanksgiving from the rest of the
Ondine family. Their beloved young nephew and cousin was well and
walking on his own. Of course, they had to give hugs and kisses to
Master Billy and his men to thank them for restoring their kin to
them. Billy and his men, including Randy, didn't stay long. They
made arrangements for Randy to come for them the next morning at
eleven. They said their 'goodbyes' and left through the gate. The
Ondine family was flabbergasted at the change in the four men and
two watchers. Amie was in tears in Scarbo's arms smothering him
with kisses and telling him how handsome he was. They made over
the change in Le Gibet and included him in their praise and joy.
They found the big Scotsman wearing his kilts with a huge, fancy
pair of buckaroo boots a bit of a giggle, but on Bayrum, they
decided it was a winning combination.
It took a while for the younger children to be fed their evening
allotment of Watcher milk and get them to bed. After a while,
Bayrum got himself and René settled down, and the rest of the
Ondine household took their leave for bed. It was one of the most
serene and peaceful evenings the household experienced in a good
while. For once there was no great angst or foreboding sorrow
dwelling in their home. Pierre and his oldest boy, Dermont, took
the Watchers to the barn, fed them, and made sure they were bedded
down comfortably for the night in the hayloft. Genevieve gave them
some old warm blankets for the great beasts. They seemed perfectly
happy and content to be sleeping in the barn. They were more used
to open spaces. As the men walked back to the ranch house, Dermont
spoke to his dad, “Master Billy enhanced you further, didn't he?”
he asked.
“How can you tell, Son?” Pierre asked in reply like he was
surprised.
“Little things. The way you walk. Lately you've been walking
bending forward at the hips like you're carrying the weight of the
world on your shoulders and the burden was becoming too great.
Tonight, you're walking fully erect with your shoulders thrown
back like you're ready to face anything tomorrow might bring and
you will neither be worried nor fearful of the future. It
certainly inspires my greater confidence in you, sir. It's a good
thing to see my father walking tall and proud with a smile on his
face for the first time in many seasons,” Dermont said.
“You're right, Son. You're always so quiet, Dermont. Of all my
children, you are the most elusive to me. You watch and observe,
but you rarely comment. You keep everything to yourself. I've
tried to bring you out, but I never wanted to threaten you. Yet,
there is very little which gets by you without your notice. Maybe
I've been right not to intrude on your quiet observation of life.
I won't press you now, but always know, I'm willing to listen and
learn from you anytime you're ready to share with me. I will trust
you to keep my secret for a while, until I build up enough courage
to share my new enhancement with your mother. Have no fear, it
won't be long. It must be soon, because both Mr. Listrine and
myself will start growing wings somewhere within the next
twenty-four hours. One of Master Billy's men must be present to
make surgical cuts to allow them to break through the skin and
flesh on our backs,” Pierre explained to his oldest son.
Dermont doubled over with laughter. “Oh, Sweet Jesus! Saints and
Angels!” he exclaimed, and continued laughing. Pierre looked at
him and smiled at his reaction. “The reason I'm always so quiet
around you is, I've always set you upon a pedestal as a living
saint in my life. I'm certainly not intimidated by you or afraid,
but I just never wanted to rebel against you like I see most teens
doing with their parents. I never want to let you down in any way.
Now, I find out you're becoming a Cowboy-Angel it may change
things a bit between us,” Dermont said and grinned.
“How so, Son?” Pierre asked obviously surprised at his boy's
revelation.
“Every Cowboy-Angel we met at Master Billy's were the most
approachable beings I ever encountered. I feel like I could tell
them the deepest secrets of my soul, and they would understand. No
matter what I told them they would never turn their backs on me.
Imagine! Now I have my very own Cowboy-Angel for a father. How
great is that?” Dermont asked, threw his arm over his dad's
shoulder and pulled him closer as they walked back to the house.
“I was never convinced our relocating to America was a good idea
and have been living with considerable doubts, until we met the
Daniels family. I'm convinced it was a stroke of genius on my
father's part; perhaps unwitting, but nevertheless brilliant, and
we, as his family, shall share equally in the rewards of his
convictions. My emotions stir the minor bard within me to issue
forth with praise where praise is due,” Dermont said firmly.
Pierre was amused and touched by his boy's reaction. His son never
showed him such unbridled camaraderie before. It was a wonderful
and unique moment of bonding between them Pierre realized he never
would have experienced had he not been enhanced. A tear left his
eye as he threw back his head and gave a silent thanks to the moon
and lights in the sky in honor of Master Billy Daniels. 'Hosanna!'
he thought to himself, and he could swear he heard the heavens and
Bossman Randy reply, 'Hosanna, in the highest!'
“Then are we agreed, this will be between us for now?” Pierre
asked.
Dermont laughed again. “I'm not as observant as you might think,
Pa-pa. I can see the moon, but I know not what it is. I didn't
discover your change right away. Chantel and Amie were the ones
who came to me and insisted Master Billy enhanced you. They told
me your and Mr. Listrine's auras have been changed, and you men
have taken on the same aura as one of Master Billy's
Cowboy-Angels. I didn't believe them at first, but then Amie held
my hand as I watched closer. With her new powers, she shared her
enhancement with me – a strong infusion of insight, and I began to
catch sight of your aura. While I'm not as good as my sisters yet,
I'm beginning to see each person's aura more clearly. Giles and
René's aura change is much stronger, and I can see them with no
problem. I'm sure yours and Master Bayrum's will grow stronger in
time. It's stronger now than when you first arrived. When will the
young ones grow wings?” Dermont asked.
“Not until they begin to go through puberty,” Pierre answered.
“Makes sense,” Dermont allowed.
“However, they will begin to develop their other powers right
away. Amie as well,” Pierre said.
Dermont pulled his dad closer and said in a quite voice, “To use
cowboy-lingo, Dad, y'ain't gotta' worry none about chore' kids,
Pa-pa. Amie done told us we get our abilities to see auras from
our mother. Chances are, our lovely lady has already read the
spread. My sisters insist she has an unusually strong gift, and
for her, you're like a blinking neon sign outside a cheap hotel on
the Rive Gauche,” Dermont said and laughed.
“Oh, Lord, Son! Do you think she'll want more children?” Pierre
asked in a moment of thinking out loud and got another laugh from
his boy; only, this time, he joined Dermont and shared a laugh
with him.
“I'd say it's a pretty sure bet, Cowboy. What do you care? After
matrimony, it may be argued it is the main purpose of connubial
bliss, and after a wonderful evening of making love as none but a
true Frenchman may muster, Ma-ma's the one who must do all the
work. Another little brother and then another baby sister might
round out our family very nicely, Pa-pa,” Dermont urged him.
“We'll see,” Pierre said as they entered the back door to the
house.
They parted in the dark kitchen. Pierre gave his boy a big hug,
and they shared pats on the back. Pierre held Dermont away from
him and looked deep into his eyes. He gently pulled Dermont to
him, kissed his boy on his lips, and Pierre's first born son
responded in kind. It was a powerful moment between them. “I am so
proud of you, Dermont. Your time will come, my beloved son,”
Pierre said.
“I love you, too, Dad. You couldn't be any more proud of me than I
am of you. I have no fear my time will come soon and when it does,
I will join my old man in a unique fraternity not witnessed on
Earth in thousands of years. Now, square your shoulders, Soldier!
March your fine looking mature buttocks into your bedroom, stand
tall, and make me and my brother and sisters proud. Give us
another little brother,” Dermont ordered and laughed. He got
another laugh from his dad. It was another wonderful exchange
between them.
Dermont smiled to himself as he watched his dad square himself
away, throw back his shoulder, turn on this heel like an officer
leaving his troops, and did as his son demanded of him. He marched
himself into the bedroom and saw his wife standing there waiting
for him. His heart melted at the sight of Genevieve's beauty.
“Which do you want first, my Good Wife, a boy or a girl?” Pierre
asked.
Genevieve smiled knowingly, “Can you control the gender?”
Genevieve asked.
“I can,” Pierre replied without further explanation. None was
needed. His wife read his aura.
“Another son, I think, would be a nice placement, and a little
girl last, as a lovely ending,” Genevieve said.
“He must have a name before we begin. He's waiting to come unto
us,” Pierre said firmly.
“Is there any doubt in your mind?” Genevieve asked.
“None whatsoever! So his name will be Guillaume,” Pierre said.
“When will your wings arrive, Husband?” Genevieve asked
nonchalantly.
“They will start to grow within twelve to twenty-four hours. I
have made arrangements to give birth to them in the barn with our
Watcher-Protectors. It seems I must avail myself of Scarbo's milk
to encourage them to grow-in properly and strong. It also acts
like a mild sedative which will put me into a deep sleep through
most of the ordeal. I expect it will act like a supreme act of
bonding between our protectors and their new master. Master Billy
will supply a second wet-nurse Watcher-Protector for Master
Listrine. His wings are due the same time as mine,” Pierre said.
Pierre and Genevieve got ready for bed almost like it was a sacred
ritual. They knew what stimulated each other, but this was
something new between them. This coming together would be more
purposeful than the randomness of any of their other more
spontaneous cohabitations. Everything seemed greatly enhanced and
electric like they were moving underwater in a Robert Wilson
ballet. It was as if someone slipped some powerful drugs into
their tea. It was one of their best and most successful couplings
in their history together. They called to their new son. They
shouted his name together as they reached climax. “Guillaume! Come
unto us!”
When they finished they held each other, sobbing like two lost
children in a dark forest. Their son heard their call, and
responded to their weeping. He came into their presence and
surrounded them with his aura. He comforted them, reassured them
all was well, and granted them peace. He was home and safe within
the parameters of his parents' love for him. Pierre and Genevieve
Ondine fell into a deep sleep and dreamed of standing naked
together with their new son between them, hand in hand, looking
out on a beautiful sunset by some unknown seaside. They sat down
in the cool grass on the side of the hill and welcomed their
handsome young son into their family.
* * * * * * *
The next morning the Ondine children, their nephew, and his keeper
left the breakfast table to get ready for the day. Genevieve and
Pierre were alone finishing their coffee. “Last night – you didn't
leave me. You slept comfortably inside me. It was something we
haven't done since we were first together. It was wonderful.
Guillaume and I thank you, Daddy,” she said quietly.
“It was my pleasure and honor, my beloved. Thank you, my Dear, for
the wonderful dream I experienced with you and our new son. It
seemed so real. It was like we were there together,” Pierre said.
“We were, Sweetheart. I was there by the seaside with you,”
Genevieve said, and went on to describe the landscape and the
sunset to the smallest detail. “We got to meet and play with
Guillaume. His aura is very much with me this morning,” she added,
“I'm wondering if the children will notice?” she asked.
“From what I learned from Dermont, I'd say it would be a sure bet.
What's happening to us, Gee?” Pierre asked without nuance.
“I'm not sure, but I have a feeling we might find out today. I
suspect we have been raised to another level of consciousness, but
it's not to be feared so much as embraced and enjoyed. Your aura
has doubled in intensity since last night – it suits you –
vibrant, brilliant, radiant colors blending, moving together and
separating again like a living, breathing organism unto itself.
The children could barely take their eyes off you last night, and
I think they know they will soon have another brother. I can't see
my own aura, but I'm sure the girls and perhaps Giles can see
mine,” Genevieve said, “Giles aura is a smaller copy of yours,”
she added.
“Don't discount Dermont. He can read our auras, too. He knew
immediately I was enhanced by Master Billy. He's a good boy, Gee.
He's maturing nicely,” Pierre said.
“Will you tell your brother?” she asked.
“Of course! How can I keep it from him? He will have a Scottish
Cowboy-Angel living under his roof who will be able to morph into
a Watcher to share his milk with our nephew,” Pierre sighed
deeply, and they shared a laugh. “Better I tell Blondell than him
having to find out second-hand,” he added.
“I agree,” Genevieve said quietly, “Now, go upstairs and get
ready. Dress casual western. Wear that light blue chambray western
shirt with the yokes on the back and pockets. It's soft and
comfortable. It matches your eyes perfectly and makes you look
ruggedly-handsome and sexy as a demon of temptation. I'll join
Chantel to help the ladies finish cleaning-up and dismiss them for
the day so we can close up the house and be ready for Ramrod Randy
and his posse to arrive,” she added.
“What would I do without you, my love?” Pierre asked.
“I never want you to find out,” Genevieve replied and smiled.
“Amen to that, Dear Wife!” Pierre exclaimed and got a look on his
face of utter dismay at the very thought.
* * * * * * *
After Billy and Nick returned and said goodnight to everyone, they
went off to their apartment in the castle. The rest of their small
family of Boomer and the twins already retired to their room with
the huge bed which would easily sleep their large beast and his
half-pint companions. Sometimes the twins would sleep morphed as
Enoch Redbone and Moss Garrett to hold their beast of a husband
between them all night. The bed was plenty big for the three of
them. They got to where they preferred sleeping in their Master's
suite of rooms but never complained about the loft in the barn at
the line cabin. As long as they were together and not far from
their master and Captain Nick, they were happy and comfortable.
Billy decided to take Nick's advice and not do-away with the
current line-cabin due to the good memories they invested in the
small shack. He wanted to build a new family residence up the
river about a quarter of a mile at a higher elevation which
boasted a better view of the limestone cliffs and a wonderful
panoramic vista of the Hill Country's green-belt expanse. The
plans were already drawn up by Billy's highly talented dwarf
designers and it included all the comforts and extras Billy wanted
in a place for him and his family with a couple of additional
features his staff thought he might like. He wanted a small
apartment especially for Archie and Edith where he knew they would
be comfortable and could have more privacy than living in the big
house. It was common knowledge to everyone but Billy, the new
line-cabin was already built and finished the previous week but
they were waiting until Sunday morning to give him the keys as
part of a surprise birthday gift.
Nick was particularly understanding and loving that evening. He
knew Billy went through a lot recently and was heading into a
fun-filled but potentially exhausting couple of days. The big
Cowboy-Angel was especially laid-back and responsive to most
anything his master considered. Billy swore he always relaxed best
when they had a goodly sexual romp in their Kagoli demon forms and
Nick was more than willing to accommodate his young master. Billy
insisted, while he could morph into the demon form, he wasn't as
fully infected by the Kagoli enzymes as he witnessed in Nick and
several others. He could do a convincing morph; certainly good
enough to impress the shit out of a hero-worshiping big buckaroo
from the Hill Country.
Harley-Buck's memories of his brief time in Hell wasn't one of
horror so much as it was an instant hard-on every time his mind
drifted to that evening. Since his sexual appetite was strictly
controlled, he couldn't relieve himself by masturbating, but it
didn't matter. The mere recall of the evening he visited Hell was
enough to cause him to ejaculate in his harness. The vision of
Jesus just didn't seem to cut it in the sexually arousing
department for him. He thought it was comparable to the excitement
of riding a Harley-Davidson as opposed to riding a BMW. To
Harley-Buck's way of thinking, there weren't nothing sexy about a
motorcycle what sounded like a Singer sewing machine. Billy wanted
to make sure he was fully infected with the Kagoli enzymes and
used his tongue to make love to Nick's ass like he was a novice
prospector digging for gold.
Afterward, when his pa finally took him, Billy let himself go and
relaxed like he never experienced before and their coupling was
one for the record books. The spirit of Nick's Kagoli Demon came
to him to assure him he was no longer a quart low on red-demon
enzymes. Billy's young cowboy-cup runneth over. For some unknown
reason, the Demon's information made him relax even more and he
felt like he readily got into the spirit of the demon rut more
easily and willingly than ever before. It was one of his and his
surrogate pa's best couplings. Nick wasn't unaware of the change
in his young master and complimented him handsomely on what a fine
fuck he had become. As they lay there in the afterglow of their
coupling, they began to talk.
“Am I keeping you satisfied and happy, Pa?” Billy asked almost
like a little boy.
“I couldn't ask for more, Son,” Nick replied taking another long,
deep stroke into his boy's ass, “Why do you ask?” Nick asked.
“I sometimes wonder if you might enjoy sex using a female-organ
like a number of our family are providing their partners by
morphing for them,” Billy said.
“No, I'm perfectly happy with you as the young cowboy stud you
are. I've had both in my lifetime and you surpass any male or
female partner with whom I ever coupled. It won't be necessary
unless it's something you feel you must experience. In that case,
I will do my best to provide you with as fine a fuck as I would
when I fuck your ass. Or am I misreading your question? Are you
suggesting you would like me to morph for you to fuck? While it
would not be something I would care to do, as my master, if you
felt you needed it from your slave, I would certainly do my best
to accommodate you,” Nick replied.
“No, no, deep-six the last idea. I appreciate your dedication, but
I already done accepted you as my pa in my psyche and that
position is filled like it was one of them ten commandments
chiseled in granite. I cain't even imagine you without your fine
cock. One thing I've learned early-on in life is, you don't tamper
with perfection. I just wondered if your dominant masculine male
ego might enjoy some cunt now and then,” Billy explained.
“To be honest with you, over the years I come to appreciate a
goodly fuck from both sexes, but there are variations on a fine
piece of ass. I find strong young men, like yourself, to be the
most responsive and receptive for what I have to offer. Their
response to my attention is almost as stimulating for my person as
the physical sensation to my cock. It's become the perfect sync of
my sexual psyche. I think it's why them ancients arranged for my
ship to crash into your world. They knew we would be a perfect
match for each other. Over the centuries, I've sort of made the
pleasuring of the male-hole my specialty, and I hope I've mastered
the art of the well-tempered fuck. I ain't never been with that
many women to claim to be a virtuoso in that department. Would you
ask Glenn Gould to sit down at a cello and play Bach?” Nick asked
and took another long, deep stroke into his master's ass.
Billy laughed and then swooned at Nick's attention to his firm
cowboy buttocks, “Good point, Tonto! So you wouldn't have any
problem if I was curious, nor would you look down on me as a
traitor to my sex?” Billy asked.
“No, not at all, Kemosabe. The fact you might be curious shows
more empathy for the opposite sex than a need to swap genders;
although, granted, there are those who long for such. For fear of
breaching the great divide, few men allow themselves to even
consider such empathy. If they did, there would probably be a lot
less rapes committed. In the old eye-for-an-eye department, they
should have included a rape-for-a-rape. Any man who rapes a woman
should be targeted by a stalwart lusty Butt-Pirate rape brigade.
They catch him out alone some night, beat the crap out of him, and
five big brutes dry-fuck his butt until he whimpers like a baby.
Then they mock him, calling him a cry-baby and a wimp. They tell
him it was his own fault, and he asked for it. He shouldn't have
such a desirable ass, and they know he wanted it anyway by the way
he flaunted it in front of them. He should consider himself lucky
they come around when they did to provide him with what he really
needed,” Nick paused for a moment for his words to be considered.
He continued, “I expect you will be changing some trans-gendered
persons soon enough. Other than Little Willie Whistle Pie and the
unusual Vox Humana, we ain't run across any, but Willie and Vox
seem to be perfectly happy the way they are. Besides, consider, if
you did change someone, it ain't like it has to be permanent like
modern surgery. If they don't like their new plumbing, you can
always change them back, but I would put a time period on it. For
us to go through the trouble of switching them, they must agree to
live as the other sex for a year or more before you will consider
changing them back,” Nick explained.
“I like your way of thinking, Tonto,” Billy said.
“Are you thinking about morphing for your old man's pleasure,
Kemosabe?” Nick asked.
“No, I just wanted to discuss it wiff' you and get your feedback
on the matter,” Billy replied.
“I'm happy the way you are. I don't need anything else, but if you
have a hanker'n to try it some e'nin, I would never say 'no' to my
master,” Nick said.
“Thanks. Good to know, Tonto,” Billy said, “Now gimme' another one
of them long, slow, deep strokes up my butt,” Billy said and Nick
responded, “That sure feels mighty good, my faithful companion.
You got another one a them sweet-demon fucks in you tonight?”
Billy asked quietly.
“You still got an itch up there, Kemosabe?” Nick asked.
“Only a small one. It wouldn't take much to scratch it, Tonto,”
Billy replied.
“Let chore' old man see what he can do. To get them deep itches
taken care of can be a bitch sometimes. It takes a professional; a
seasoned hand to get at them. It requires a different technique
from just riding a cowboy like a bronc you's try'n to break to the
saddle. It takes some slow, patient, in-depth, long-dick'n
therapy. It also takes some time, but once't I find the spot I can
keep at it until the deepest itch won't have no other option but
to come rise'n up your old cock as fast as it can like one a them
hot-water geysers erupting in Jellystone Park,” Nick drawled.
“Have I told you lately how fine your cowboy-speak has become,
Tonto?” Billy asked as he felt another long, deep stroke move
slowly into his body.
“Naw, we been way too busy. Ain't had us much time for intimate
talks like 'iss, Kemosabe,” Nick replied.
“This is just what I need, Tonto, but your cowboy talk adds a
flavor to your fuck'n what's hard to beat. I'll shut up now and
let my pa take care of his boy,” Billy said.
Nick did take care of his boy, his master, and his beloved
Kemosabe. He did as he promised and didn't stop until he was about
to drive Billy up the wall. When Billy finally shot, it felt like
his guts were being ripped from his body and were shooting up
through his cock. Nick massaged his cowboy's prostate so many
times with the large head of his big cock it was primed for
shooting just like one of them geysers in Yellowstone Park.
Billy shot his load up and over the headboard of their bed and all
over the upper portions of his young, hard body. Nick managed to
get his nut at the same moment. They lay hooked together for the
longest time without a word between them – floating in the nether
region of utter exhaustion and complete satisfaction. Nick lay
still and waited for Billy to move or say something. He didn't.
Nick could hear Billy's breathing change and knew his young cowboy
master drifted off to sleep. For the big Cowboy-Angel, it was the
supreme compliment his partner felt so relaxed and fulfilled Billy
gave in to the easy seduction of rest. His young master's
cowboy-soul was at peace. Nick closed his eyes and soon joined his
boy in the land of Nod where they walked naked, hand in hand, on a
beach beside a great blue lagoon.
* * * * * * *
Nick awoke early the next morning well before sunup with something
wet and wonderful on his cock working away like an old West Texas
oil rig, pumping for black-gold from the depths of the Earth.
During the time they were together, Billy never let his pa start
his day without a good blow job. Nick neither insisted nor planned
it that way. It was just something Billy wanted to do for his
surrogate dad to start his day with a smile on his lips and a song
in his heart. Nick's young buckaroo master never failed to get his
pa's rocks off and jump-start his tired old Cowboy-Angel heart.
When Nick shot his load, Billy would moan and groan making happy
sounds of great joy and lust at receiving his pa's early morning
allotment of Cowboy-Angel cream. Nick never once complained. He
had to admit, it was one Hell of a way to start the day.
* * * * * * *
Billy made coffee while Nick showered and cleaned himself for the
day. He checked in on Boomer and the twins, but they were already
up and gone to the big house. Billy never heard them. He swore
they could be as quiet as church mice sometimes. Boomer liked to
get his breakfast early. The twins fed him first and then joined
Hank and Buck to get things started for breakfast before the
ladies came down to the kitchen. By the time Kate and her ladies
arrived the four men had things well underway. As they were
finishing their coffee before transporting to the front hallway of
the big house Billy and Nick sat and talked quietly.
“Thanks for last night, Tonto. It was extra special. I needed that
from you. We ain't reached a high like that in a good while and to
think – we done it without them special Texas teas,” Billy said.
“Jes' do'n ma' job, Kemosabe,” Nick said and smiled, “We learned
new things about each other. You learned they's more'n one way to
play a piece of music. So it is between us. We can always go back
to the basics and start again. Variations on an old tune. Sonata
allegro – building a Taj Mahal on a simple ordinary phrase.
Relationship are somewhat like a musical score. They never should
be played quite the same way every time. That's what makes a live
performance so appealing. You know how a piece is suppose to go,
but there's always an insight or new way of phrasing which will
make it a unique experience. I just played you like a cheap
two-dollar fiddle last e'nin and you responded like an expensive
violin from a famous maker,” Nick said and grinned.
“With a performance like that one, you can play duets with me
anytime you feel the urge, Tonto. We make beautiful music
together,” Billy said finishing the last of his coffee. He set his
mug aside and threw his arms around Nick's thick neck and kissed
him on his forehead. “Will my love for you ever stop growing, Pa?”
Billy asked.
“Not as long as I got air to breathe and access to your strong,
sweet young body, Kemosabe,” Nick replied.
“Hosanna, in the highest!” Billy exclaimed quietly and stole a
kiss from his pa.
* * * * * * * *
Billy and Nick transported to the big house. The phones were
already ringing and either Kate or Evangeline Andreeson would
answer and talk with the party calling. Usually it was someone
calling to ask if they could attend the Saturday festivities
without an invitation. They were told it was by invitation only,
and they wouldn't be let in the front gate. Once in a while it
would be someone invited who wanted to know if they could bring
anything. The Griffins were already at the ranch, and they brought
two big boxes of food and pies.
They no sooner ate their breakfast when close family folks started
arriving. The Breedloves and the Tates along with Miranda and the
pups. The Bean family, with Bubba, Lima, and the kids, arrived
early enough to join them for coffee and some Hosanna Cakes. And
so it went all morning as more and more people arrived.
The Clemsons, Dover, Mary Nell, and their two boys Cotton and
Grant, drove from the Junction area to spend the day with Master
Billy and his family. They arrived early before the sun got high
enough to become hot. Country folks don't feel right unless they
bring something to contribute and the Clemsons were no exception.
Along with their faithful watcher, they filled the back of their
truck with ripe watermelons of almost every color. Dover bragged
he even brought several of the rare blue watermelons. The Clemsons
also attached a good sized cattle hauling trailer to the back of
the truck and it was filled with more watermelons. They were piled
so high, they had to go slow over the cattle guard at the entrance
to the Daniels ranch and drive very slowly up the hill. The
Daniels family were thrilled by their generosity and assigned
cowboys to set about icing them down immediately. They would make
a great treat for later in the afternoon. Everyone pitched in and
got to work doing anything needed to make the day a success.
About nine o'clock in the morning, Billy noticed the Byrd family
from the Houston Philharmonic emerging from the barn. Apparently
they came through the gate at Uncle Tom's cabin. Then Billy saw
Doug Quilty and Wes Taylor's buddy Brett Bison and his young boy
Brett Junior. Brett Junior was running around looking for one
particular cowboy and when he finally caught sight of Billy
walking toward the old barn he let out a cowboy whoop and ran as
fast as his little legs would carry him to his beloved Master
Billy. The boy made a giant leap of faith the final six feet and
jumped into Billy's waiting arms. Billy spun him around and they
stole kiss after kiss, laughing and exclaiming how good it was to
see each other again. The Byrds followed the Bison men over to
where Billy was standing holding young Brett. Doug Quilty and Wes
Taylor were shaking hands with Brett senior and welcoming him to
the ranch again.
“My wonderful Byrds and the Bisons are always welcome to the
ranch, but I must admit, I didn't expect to see you here today.
Welcome everyone and especially my little buckaroo buddy Brett
Junior. It's so good to see you're doing well. We're glad to have
you join us,” Billy gushed. Before anyone could respond several
more orchestra members came from the barn into the sunlight and
Billy noticed Clara Mae Bastiaen walking arm-in-arm with the
violinist Mitsiyoko Hasayumi followed by Mitsi's younger sister,
her brother, and her parents. Billy began to see a pattern.
“What's going on here, Miss Clara?” Billy confronted her.
“Now don't go get'n all over Clara Mae. We're all in on this. We
couldn't let your birthday go by without coming and helping you
celebrate, Maestro Billy,” Papa Byrd replied.
“The whole orchestra, everyone is coming to help you celebrate,
Maestro Daniels,” Mitsy said and introduced Billy to her sister,
brother, and parents while he was holding Brett Junior.
“No charge, Master Billy. This one's a freebie to say Happy
Birthday and thank you for coming to our rescue and giving us a
chance to play like a real orchestra again. We got everything
lined up, and we will give you your choice of pieces to conduct.
Soloist notwithstanding. Master Jones is playing the Ravel
Concerto and we've had endless calls and requests for a repeat of
your baritone concerto for the Byrds. We'll get together after a
while and you can pick and choose. I think you will be pleased
with your options,” Clara Mae declared.
"Not just a chamber orchestra?" Billy asked.
"Are you kidding?” Papa Byrd said loudly, “The whole damn
orchestra voted unanimously to be here!” he exclaimed, “We made
arrangements with Mr. McMartin, and he was gracious enough to
allow us to park at his warehouse and gate here. Everyone will be
here,” he added.
“For once in my life, I'm speechless; except to humbly say, thank
you, one and all,” Billy said. “And I suppose you knew about this,
didn't you, my pretty?” Billy asked Molly and smiled.
“Yes, sir, but I was very good and kept my promise to Miss Clara I
wouldn't spill no beans,” Molly replied and everyone laughed.
“Good for you, Molly! You're learning to be a good friend,” Billy
complimented her, “Where are your instruments?” Billy asked.
“We left them on the back of the stage in the barn. They'll be
safe there,” said Papa Byrd.
* * * * * * *
There was a big commotion going on down the hill at the front
gate. Bubba, Jack, Grover, Hoss, and Doug arrived from Bubba's
ranch. They spent the night at Bubba's and made the short drive to
the Daniels ranch in Hoss and Doug's big truck. The two enormous
Leonberger hounds, Guy and Willow, took up residence with Bubba at
his ranch and were staying with him and his cowboys. They figured
prominently in the rescue of the Fallen Angels and along with
Daffy and Chloe were leaders in fending off the demons from the
depths of the Earth. Their powers to morph into gigantically
fearsome creatures and their ability to teach the other four
legged critters to do the same helped greatly to save the day for
Billy and his men. They jumped down from the back of the truck and
were dancing around exchanging greetings with the cattle. Bubba
and his posse began throwing fresh carrots to the remaining guard
cattle near the front gate as Hoss slowly drove up the hill. “It
won't be long now, my friends!” Bubba yelled to them from the back
of the truck, “We done got us a brand-new bunkhouse built for you
good folks as soon as the second wave of cows is sent to us from
Fort Adam Lear,” he said.
“We're looking forward to it, Master Bubba. We appreciate the
things you done to remember us. They may seem small to you, but
you ain't got no idea how important they are to us,” Yates, one of
the lead Bulls said and his second in command, Dunn, agreed with
him.
“Thanks, Gentlemen. Hope you enjoy your treats,” Bubba said and
wiped away a tear. A real cowboy can't never be caught showing the
softer side of his nature; or, at least, it's what Bubba told
himself. The big cowboy was rapidly becoming a phenomenon himself.
Bubba had so many new projects underway, the men were stunned at
the amount of work and the scope of what Bubba was trying to do.
He was building the ranch of his and his uncle's dreams. Bubba's
Uncle Brad had the vision and passed his knowledge and know-how
down to his nephew. He gambled correctly his nephew had the
gumption along with the curiosity to see his suggested projects to
fruition. Brad dreamed but Bubba was creating his uncle's dream.
Bubba didn't just talk about doing something. He did it.
Billy told him he would fund any project Bubba wanted to do, and
he never flinched when Aunt Helen brought Billy another request
for funds. Billy was so busy with his own ranch he didn't have the
time to get over to Bubba's to see for himself what was going on,
but feedback from his close associates assured him his money was
going for exactly what Bubba told him he was going to do. They
told him he needed to get over there and take a look for himself.
He wouldn't believe how different the Kirkendall ranch was from
several months ago. Bubba had his own vision and wasn't in any way
in competition with Billy, but their mutual friends insisted Billy
might want to consider some of the more progressive projects Bubba
was investing in and building. The most impressive part was, every
damn one of the projects Bubba completed functioned and worked to
the benefit of the entire ranch. Everyone benefited from the
installation of Bubba's projects. While others were talking about
working for the benefit of the many rather than the few, Bubba was
making great strides into the practical application of the idea.
* * * * * * *
Oatie and his posse came from the barn with the Hightower family.
The family patriarch, Beryl Hightower, was walking as well as his
wife and children as they walked up to Billy and his posse. Oatie
introduced the family to Billy and his family. Father Beryl;
mother Rowena; oldest son, Booth, 21, Gunther, 18; two daughters,
Meryl, 16, Posey, 12; and, a young boy, Elton, 7. Following them
was a big English sheep dog name Maximilian, or Max.
“Them ambassadors from the critter in that big golden spaceship
done told me you were not able to walk, sir. Where's yore'
wheelchair, Mister Hightower?” Billy asked and grinned. He was
impressed what his Cowboy-Angels did for the family. They even
dressed them up like cowboys and cowgirls. Beryl Hightower was a
gusher of thanks and praise for Master Billy and his men's
contribution to the Hightower's health and well-being; and that of
their animals. Like many British citizens the Hightowers suffered
from lack of affordable dental care, but Oatie and his posse of
Cowboy-Angels corrected any flaws. They looked like a radiantly
healthy, and prosperous agrarian family. Their dog, Max, was a
clown and immediately got along with the Daniels pack. Daffy,
Chloe, Guy, Willow and the rest of the dogs welcomed him. They
knew Doc Oatie gave him the gift of speech, and they were urging
him to say his first words. The Hightower family was no less
impressed than anyone else who was first introduced to the talking
canines.
“You really think Max can learn to speak, sir?” the youngest boy,
Elton, asked Billy.
“He'll be talking before you folks leave here to gate back to
England, but I can't promise he'll talk like an Englishman. He'll
learn from our dogs, and they speak cowboy,” Billy said and
laughed. He got a laugh from everyone.
“That would even be better. I like the way you men talk. It's sort
of like you got lazy tongues,” young Elton said.
“Elton!” his eldest brother started to scold him.
“Easy, Son,” Billy said to Booth, “Elton's got a good point. Life
here in Texas is somewhat slower than the rest of the planet.
Texans are known to be laid-back and easy-going. Our speech
patterns flow the same way. Since we ain't got a lot to say, we
make damn sure what we do have to say lasts as long as possible
so's folks won't think we's dumb,” Billy explained and got another
laugh from the gathered crowd. Elton decided right then and there,
he loved himself some Billy Daniels.
* * * * * * *
“It's another world, Brother. It soars above outdated concepts
while maintaining a down-to-Earth humanistic quality which is most
seductive,” Pierre Ondine said to his brother Blondell on his
computer screen explaining his thoughts about his Billy Daniels
experience. His brother in Paris could see his younger brother
decked out in his cowboy clothes, and he had to admit Pierre's
complexion was a healthy, ruddy, reddish-brown color from the
Texas sun. His brother's blue eyes were astonishingly bright
influenced by the soft ruggedly-handsome light-blue chambray
western shirt Genevieve urged him to wear.
“How is my boy?” Blondell asked as his wife Angelica walked up
behind him to peek over his shoulder.
“Judge for yourself, Brother. René! Come! I have contacted your
parents in Paris on Skype. Amie! Come with your cousin,” Pierre
called for the two youngest Ondine children in his household.
René and Amie came walking up behind Pierre, put a hand on his
shoulder, and each stole a kiss on his cheeks. They smiled into
the small camera on top of Pierre's computer. Blondell and Angelic
burst into tears to see both children walking, and they looked
like they were restored to perfect health.
“It's okay, Pa-pa. It's all right, Ma-ma. We're much better now,
and we are going to live,” René said, but it only made his parents
move to each other's arms to cry together at the miraculous sight
of the healthy children. After exchanging greetings and assurances
of love and happiness, things settled down. René and Amie excused
themselves to finish getting ready to transport to the Daniels
ranch. They explained the hour was near for their brother, Bossman
Randy, and his posse to arrive to gather them and the rest of the
family. René's parents promised they would be watching the web
broadcast of the Daniels ranch concert and looking for their
family.
“Well? What do you think, Brother?” Pierre asked and grinned.
“We can't thank you enough, Pierre. We must make a journey to
personally thank Mr. Daniels and his Cowboy-Angels,” Blondell
said.
“No problem. We can make arrangements for you to gate here anytime
you wish, Brother,” Pierre assured him.
“We will as soon as we can make arrangements,” Blondell replied.
“I have another couple of bits of news, Brother. I have been
brought into the greater Daniels family. Mr. Listrine and I have
been enhanced, and we will begin to grow a set of wings later this
evening. As of last night, Genevieve is pregnant with another
boy,” Pierre said in one continuous stream of information like a
bowling-ball thrown down an ally heading for the pins.
“Mon Dieu!” Blondell exclaimed, “How do you know you will have
another son, Brother?” he asked.
“Enhancements given me during my transformation from human to a
Cowboy-Angel, Brother. Our new son will be named in honor of the
man who made it possible for us to safely have two more children.
His complete name will be Guillaume Blondell Ondine to also honor
my favored brother,” Pierre said and smiled.
Blondell broke into tears in front of his computer and turned into
his wife's arms to sob. “Go, Brother Pierre!” Angelica said
firmly, “We can hear your family calling for you to join them to
visit the Daniels Ranch. Go with our blessing. We will speak again
soon. We are much too overwhelmed at the moment, but we will be
watching the live-feed on our big computer screen. God bless you
and your family, Pierre,” Angelica said and signed off. Pierre
smiled and shutdown his computer. He thought to himself, he didn't
need a god's blessing when the previous evening he joined a family
of Angels.
* * * * * * *
The Ondine family came through the gate into the old barn and
walked out into the sunshine. It was a beautiful warm day, but it
wasn't overbearingly hot. There were thunderclouds which would
pass in front of the sun from time to time to keep the temperature
mild and comfortable. Billy came to them and smiled at their
dress. Everyone in the Ondine family was decked-out in western
clothes except Bayrum and he was wearing his kilts with his new
buckaroo boots. He was a big enough man he could get away with it
without much comment from anyone. As long as he wore the boots and
huge hat, he was considered a cowboy. His main man, René Ondine,
was happy with his appearance, and it was enough for the big
Scotsman. (And, yes, in 2035 Scotland was still under
uber-conservative British rule draining the people dry with little
or no voice in the government, but there was strong talk of
becoming their own autonomous nation in 2036. Billy empathized. He
was hoping to accomplish the same for the independent nation of
Texas some day soon.)
After greeting the Ondines and several others of the orchestra,
Billy called for Wes Taylor to get his portable video camera and
together with Doug Quilty go over to the new lean-to building on
the other side of the barn. Billy didn't bother to explain, but
Wes and Doug were so devoted to Billy by that time, they wouldn't
question him. Billy quickly turned his attention back to greeting
guests arriving in the compound and through the gate in the barn.
Wes and Doug did as they were told and ended up at the door to the
large new additional building attached to the side of the great
barn. They knocked on the door. From a small flat box next to the
door a male voice was heard, “Password?” it said.
“We were sent by Master Billy. He didn't say nothing about no
password,” Wes said speaking into the box.
“Hosanna!” shouted Doug behind him.
“That'll do!” said the voice. There was an electronic click, and
the door opened for them. The two news men walked into a video
control room like nothing they ever saw before. It was much more
impressive than the electronics at their station. They were
stunned. There were banks of huge video screens stacked six high
and ran from one end of the room to the other. Each was labeled so
the director could bark out the number he wanted broadcast and
with the click of a button the picture was fed into the system and
onto the Internet. Their guide pointed to one large screen at the
top center of all the other screens and explained it would be Wes
and Doug's feed. A young dwarf walked over to them and introduced
himself as Farfel Mayfly, right hand man to Aunt Helen and her
broadcast team. He understood they were there to link Wes's camera
with their digital intake. They would take it from there to feed
into their mixer to be able to pick and choose to send his shots
out onto the Net. It took them no time to accomplish connections.
They handed Doug a microphone and outfitted both of the with
micro-miniature hearing devices for their right ear so they could
communicate back and forth with each other and the control room.
“Are we on salary?” Wes asked jokingly. Doug groaned.
“Absolutely, sir. When you walked through that door, your clock
started, and it won't stop until we disconnect your camera and
microphone. Go out there and have a good time, enjoy yourselves,
because if you don't, our viewers will know and think everything
is staged. We don't want that. Go for realism and the good life on
the Daniels ranch,” Farfel explained.
“What can we shoot and what can't we shoot?” Doug asked.
“Nothing or no one out there in that compound is off limits for
this broadcast, Gentlemen. From flying, talking dogs, Sun Bears,
Watchers, Daddy Long-legs, Giants – it's your choice. Only the
great Shedu's are off limits, but you won't be allowed on the ship
anyway. The public isn't ready for the more advanced parts of our
society. We're not real sure they're ready for what they might see
today, but we will leave the presentation of that news to you
trusted gentlemen. We trust you to use good judgment, common
sense, and good taste,” Farfel said.
“I promise, we won't let you, Aunt Helen, or Master Billy down,
Mr. Mayfly,” Wes Taylor said respectfully. “C'moan, Brother! I
can't wait to get out there and film. Will everything be saved,
Mr. Mayfly?” Wes asked.
“Of course. Every feed you see up there is backed up by several
Terabytes of memory. All we have to do is download it into a
permanent storage or a cloud-bank and it's preserved for history,”
Farfel replied.
“Amazing!” said Doug softly.
They left the information control room and and went outside into
the sunshine. “What'll we do first, Boss?” Wes asked.
“Lord, I don't know. I feel like a kid in a candy store. There
ain't nothing we can't do within reason, Brother,” Doug said.
“Be careful, Partner, you know how you lapse into cowboy talk when
you get to the ranch, and it don't stop until well after we
leave,” Wes said and laughed.
“Hell, we's coming from cowboy-land. We might as well play the
part – after all, I got a feeling we'll become a permanent part of
this ranch soon enough,” Doug replied.
“I'm ready,” Wes said.
A voice came over their earphones. “We're now setting up broadcast
to the Net. Give us a big, friendly
'welcome-to-the-Daniels'-ranch' and introduce yourselves, Mr.
Quilty, in ten – ” the voice said and then began to count backward
from ten. When he got to one he spoke again, “ – and you're live,
Gentlemen!”
“Hello, World! Welcome to the Daniels Ranch. I'm Douglas Quilty
and my cameraman for this afternoon Internet Broadcast is Wes
Taylor. We're here at this beautiful ranch in the Hill Country of
West Central Texas to welcome you to an afternoon of fun,
interviews, sight-seeing, music, and visiting with Master Billy
Daniels, his family, and some of the most interesting people and
critters you can imagine who live and work together here on this
wonderful ranch. Yes, I said critters.
“We will introduce you to some unusual critters who live nowhere
else on Earth but on this ranch; however, there are some larger
critters who live in various areas of our planet who have never
been officially recognized because of their abilities to either
morph or disappear into thin air. They are known as the Watchers
of mankind or better known to us as Bigfoot. They are a highly
intelligent race of people, and they evolved in a completely
different manner than mankind. Unfortunately, to some folk's
dismay, they are living proof evolution is a hard fact and not
just a wimpy theory.
“We will go into that later, but for now, please make an attempt
to keep an open mind and try to understand we are not hucksters
who are trying to fool a large audience. We are only reporting the
truth as we know it. However you receive the information we
present and how you deal with it is totally up to you. Some will
think we're trying to project an agenda with our presentation, but
that couldn't be further from the truth. We have no ax to grind
nor political point to make. The facts speak for themselves, and
we are merely here to report them.
“Being asked to help with this broadcast is certainly an
unexpected pleasure for Mr. Taylor and myself. When we accepted
Master Billy's invitation to spend the weekend with him and his
family, we had no idea we would be working in an official
capacity. It was a last minute decision and here we are. I know I
speak for Wes Taylor when I tell you we are thrilled and honored
to have this opportunity to provide you with a pre-concert
broadcast show and introduce you to some of the important people
who make this ranch work,” Doug started his broadcast.
The Sheriff of the county drove up into the compound and the
cowboy slaves on parking duty waved Will to a parking space
reserved for him. “The Sheriff of Mason County, Will Tate, has
just arrived with his family. He usually brings his dad, Buster
Tate, and his younger brother, Everett, with him and his
Australian Blue Heeler sheep dog, Miranda, with her six pups. We
think you'll find them unusual and quite a sight to see. They
always make a big entrance when they arrive at the Daniels ranch.
Let's watch,” Doug said, and Wes was filming everything.
Sheriff Tate, his dad, and brother got out of the truck. They made
a handsome western family. After several handshakes and body hugs,
the men walked to the back of the truck to open the camper shell
and dropped the tailgate. Out of the camper flew six half-grown
pups which began to circle around over-head calling to everyone
they knew by name and yelling 'hello' to them. Their mother flew
gracefully over to the front porch where the ladies were standing
to pay her respects to Miss Kate and her ladies. Wes was panning
over the heads of the crowd and picked up several Watchers holding
up their hands to wave at the pups. Wes got a shot of the great
white Watcher, Caesar, of the McMartin family as he reached up
with his huge hairy hand, caught a male pup, pulled it to his
breast, and the pup immediately started sucking the big beast's
tit.
Hundreds of thousands of TV trays in homes all over the world were
turned over and thousands of computer screens and keyboards had
mouthfuls of whatever the person happened to be eating or drinking
at the time from the double whammy of seeing flying, talking dogs,
and several Bigfoot creatures in one shot. You can bet nobody left
their seat or even bothered to clean up the mess. They reached for
their cell phones at breakneck speed to call their bestest buddy,
friends, and relatives to tell them to drop what they were doing
and get on the Net to check out Daniels Ranch.com as fast as they
were able.
Doug was standing near the steps to the big house and called to
Miranda, “Ms. Miranda, may we have a word with you, please ma'am?”
he asked.
“Howdy, Mr. Quilty, are you and Mr. Taylor filming today?” Miranda
asked.
“Yes, ma'am, but it's being sent out live on the Internet from the
ranch,” Doug replied.
“Then I guess I better watch my language when I yell at my pups,”
Miranda said and the ladies laughed with her. She walked over to
the flat seat area on the side of the stairs where it would place
her about the same level as Doug.
“Can you tell us a little about your family and what it's like to
have six pups who can talk and fly?” Doug asked.
“Non-stop chaos!” Miranda replied and laughed, “You have no idea
what it's like trying to get six rambunctious little bodies, with
the attention span of a rubber-band, to mind you. I'm constantly
after them yelling no, no, no! Even when I don't know what their
doing I yell 'no' just for good measure. As Master Billy said,
giving them wings was not one of his better ideas. Still, I love
them all. Each one is unique and has different talents,” Miranda
said.
The pups saw Doug Quilty talking with their mother and Wes Taylor
taking pictures. They knew what a video-camera was and became
instant 'hams' when it came to performing in front of one. They
flew over and landed on the same side-board their mother was
sitting on. They wanted to know what was going on, why Mr. Quilty
was talking with their mom, and Mr. Taylor was taking videos.
“Let's go down the line and introduce yourselves,” Doug said and
held the microphone for the first pup.
“Hello, my name is Rice because I ate a whole bag of dried rice
one day. It made me thirsty and I drank a lot of water. When I
drank the water it swelled my stomach so big I looked like one of
them blow-fish all swelled up. The worst part was, it hurt. With
Doc Oatie and Master Billy's help, I finally passed everything and
my stomach went back to normal,” he said, and Doug laughed.
“Are you more careful about what you eat now?” Doug asked.
“No, he ain't!” spoke his smaller sister next to him, “Rice will
eat anything what ain't nailed down,” she added, and everyone
laughed.
“Tell us about yourself, Pretty Lady,” Doug encouraged her.
“I'm Susanna, but everyone calls me Suzy. Master Buster gimme'
that name because I reminded him of someone he loved many years
ago. He said she was extra-smart, and he thought I was, too.
Master Buster is never wrong,” Suzy said proudly.
“Yeah right! Odds are you won't win a no-belly prize, Missy,” said
her brother next to her.
“You're just awful, Tige!” Suzy said cutting her brother a mean
look.
“You just think that 'cause I keep you honest, Suzy. You should
thank me,” Tige replied.
“Tell Mister Quilty how you got your name,” Susy said like Tige
didn't have much to be overly proud about.
“It's your turn,” Doug said and held the microphone in front of
the second male.
“My name is Tige 'cause when I was small I liked to tip one of
Master Buster's boots over, crawl inside and go to sleep.
Then I'd holler when he grabbed them to pull them on and scare the
poor man 'cause he thought they's haunted with a talking haint.
Master Buster named me Tige from an old radio advertisement:
That's my dog Tige. He lives in a shoe. I'm Buster Brown. Look for
me in there, too!” Tige said, “I don't do it no more,” he added.
“And the reason why he don't do it no more is he went to sleep in
one of Master Will's boots about a week ago and they had to take a
pair of tin-snips to cut him out! Ruined one of Master Will's
favorite pair of boots!” said the next little female. She threw
back her head and laughed at Tige.
“Flannel mouth!” Tige called her.
“It ain't nothing but the truth. Hi, Mister Quilty, I'm Goldie.
I'm called Goldie 'cause of my beautiful coloring, and I run with
my brothers more'n my two sisters. They's like three bears so you
do the math,” she said and giggled.
“Goldielocks and the three bears?” Doug took the bait.
“You's a lot smarter'n you look, Mr. Quilty,” Goldie said and fell
on her side laughing. Everyone standing around laughed with the
pups and Doug grinned like he was wearing egg on his face.
“Thanks for the compliment, Goldie,” Doug said.
“No problem, sir, glad I could make your day,” Goldie said and
laughed again.
“And who might you be, Big'un,” Doug held the microphone in front
of the largest of the pups. Compared to his brothers and sisters,
he was huge.
“I was given my name when Master Billy helped our mom deliver us
pups. He named me 'Goliath' 'cause I's so big mom didn't have the
strength to push me out. My family calls me 'Go' as in giddy-up,
go! I ain't as fast as them. It takes me longer to giddy-up and
go. Master Billy saved mom's life, my life, and my little sister,
Gracie, here next to me. Gracie was the last pup born. Mom give
her the name of 'Grace' because it was only by the good grace of
Master Billy she lived. She weren't breathing when she was born.
They thought she was dead, but Master Billy didn't give up on her
and gently blew the breath of life into her. Everyone calls her
Gracie. She was the runt of our litter, but she ain't no more,” Go
explained.
“And, I take it you're Gracie?” Doug Quilty asked holding the
microphone in front of Gracie.
“Yes, sir, I'm Gracie,” Gracie replied.
“I hear they call you the terror of the Tate family, Gracie. Is
that true?” Doug asked.
“Yes, sir, they call me that, but I been working hard to change my
image. I don't fly inside the big house no more. None of us can
fly in the big house, 'cause we crash landed into Mistress Kate's
Hummel collection and destroyed a couple. It hurt her feelings and
made us feel real bad. I get carried away sometimes. Somebody said
I's too full of life for my own good. I'm trying to learn good
manners, but I'm afraid I'm slower than my brothers and sister,”
Gracie said with some remorse.
“I'll bet you can beat them at flying,” Doug urged her.
“I sure can. They's so slow. I can fly rings around them,” Gracie
said with pride and perked up a bit.
The other dogs gathered to see what Doug and Wes were up to with
the pups and Doug interviewed the big dogs as well as Molly and
Gertie. They tried to get the big English Sheep dog, Max, to say
something, but he didn't. The others explained Max was only
enhanced a while ago, and he had yet to say his first word. They
empathized with the big dog and told him it would take a while.
* * * * * * *
Ruth Rutherford arrived and allowed her mother-in-law, Evelyn
Rutherford to get out of the SUV with baby Clara, and once again,
the minute the little one's feet hit the ground she ran as fast as
her tiny legs would carry her to the nearest Watcher. It just so
happened Ludo was with the others watching Doug Quilty and Wes
Taylor interview the dogs. Wes filmed the Rutherfords' arrival and
Baby Clara running for the open arms of an enormous, mean looking,
Watcher. Ludo swept little Clara up and cradled her in his huge
arms. Little Clare lost no time hooking up to Ludo's big teat, and
she was in heaven. Hundreds of thousands of people in Cyber-land
either crapped their pants or wet them. The men caught it all on
digital video.
“We have just witnessed one of the greatest draws of the big
beasts who live and share the land with Master Billy Daniels and
his family. This particularly big beast is the Rutherford family's
personal Watcher and Protector. Bossman Randy Rutherford named him
Ludo after a monster in the movie 'Labyrinth.' The males of the
Watchers or Bigfoot produces most of the milk for their bairns and
when there are other children around under the age of puberty
their mammary glands automatically start producing the sweetest,
most wholesome milk in the universe.
“It's not uncommon to see kids under twelve years of age hooked up
to one of their favorite beasts,” Doug said, “The female and male
both produce milk, but the male produces the most milk by far,” he
added as Wes got a close up of Clara sucking away and Ludo looking
at her like she was the most wonderful bairn in the world. The big
beast used his big black tongue to clean Clara's chin of some
spilled milk and began to sing to her in deep rumbling tones.
Ludo's song melted every heart listening on planet Earth. All but
the hate-filled fundamentalist who saw them as out-of-place with
their narrow beliefs and became convinced they were signs of the
coming of the beast and the end of days. They were even
postulating, Billy Daniels could very possibly be either the
anti-Christ, a warlock, a male witch, or the very devil himself.
* * * * * * *
“You people have practiced these pieces? You're ready for me to
pick and choose like I might put a nickel in a jukebox and punch
A-6 for a tune I wish to hear?” Billy asked the concert master,
Herbert Winston.
“Exactly! Except without the nickel and no buttons to push. I
thought you understood this one is on us for your birthday,” Herb
said, “We come to make sweet music with you as our gift,” he
added.
“I understand, Mr. Winston. I's just having a little fun with ya.'
I'm so overwhelmed and proud you folks would do this for me. I'm
as happy as a pig in his favorite wallow,” Billy said and got a
laugh from those gathered. “Bartók's 'Concerto for Orchestra' is a
bear. What about the younger players keeping up?” Billy asked.
“Are you kidding? Me and my second chair worked up a sweat trying
to keep up with them kids. Our tongues were hanging out when we
finished practicing the last movement,” Herb said. Billy laughed.
“Look, Maestro!” he addressed Billy, “It's an unparalleled
showpiece of orchestral writing which also happens to be one of
the most approachable works of genius of the Twentieth-century. I
know you'd like to go for mostly Ravel/French program, but
consider my plea. We got us a chance to show the universe, the
Houston Philharmonic is, and can be, one of the foremost symphony
orchestras on planet Earth. With you to direct us today, it will
be a huge win-win for everyone. We're struggling for our musical
lives here, Maestro, and you've given us the chance and exposure
for us to gain a political edge in changing the Philharmonic's
season of music to one of greatness instead of third rate church
music. A concert hall should be for the classics and church music
for churches unless it's something like 'The Messiah' or Bach's
'Passions,'” Herb Winston argued passionately.
“I couldn't agree more, Concert Master. Bartók it is!” Billy said
firmly. “There may be some fillers and spur-of-the-moment solo
pieces thrown in. Keep Ravel's Pavane on your stands. It seems to
be turning out to be a mostly Ravel concert. All right! Let me see
if I got this right. We start with Ravel's 'Mother Goose
Suite'. Next we will play his 'Bolero,' followed by Jesse Jones
playing Ravel's Concerto in G. Jessie will probably play a couple
of encores. After a brief break we will have a couple of inserts
to be announced of more Ravel. Then a brief intermission.
“After the intermission, we will play my Baritone concerto for the
Byrds. Maybe insert another piece depending on audience response
and finally Bartók's 'Concerto for Orchestra.' That ought-a do
it,” Billy said. Everyone agreed, and the group broke-up to grab
some Texas Tea and fortify themselves with a couple of Hosanna
Cakes before lunch.
* * * * * * *
The Ondines and their house guests came through the gate from
their ranch with Bossman Randy and his posse. They were met and
welcomed by Master Billy and his men. Billy took one look at
Genevieve and noticed the glow and excited aura surrounding her.
He was learning from his little brother to become aware of
people's auras. He smiled and spoke softly to her,
“Congratulations on your new son, Mother Ondine.”
Genevieve blushed, “He came to us last evening, Master Billy. We
have named him in your and my husband's brother's honor. He will
be known as Guillaume Blondell Ondine,” she replied.
“I'm flattered and deeply touched, ma'am,” Billy said and kissed
Genevieve's hand.
Billy was concerned about Pierre and Bayrum's fledging and made
them an offer to stay on the ship and let the rest of their family
return to their ranch. He suggested René might wish to stay with
Mr. Listrine and Pierre's boys could stay with him. If the ladies
were afraid to stay by themselves on the Ondine ranch, the Daniels
would be happy to offer lodging for the night.
“I think Bayrum and I will be all right in our barn,” Pierre said.
“What if some of your hired hands discover you by accident? How
will you explain it to them?” Billy asked.
“Good point. The help's lodgings are a good way from the main
house and our barn, but, I suppose, there's always a possibility.
We have a large attic we never use. It has large beds up there.
I'm sure they will be more than adequate,” Pierre said.
“Okay, but if you should change your mind, you're more than
welcome to stay on Captain Nick's ship until we can teach you to
de-wing to hide your new appendages,” Billy said and dropped the
subject.
Genevieve thought she would have a word with her husband later
when they were in private. She rather liked Master Billy's idea.
She decided she would feel safer if the family stayed with the
Daniels. The Ondines walked out into the sunlight into a world
they could only imagine. The ranch was alive with people and
critters of all kinds, colors, shapes, sizes, and even most of the
dogs could talk and carry on intelligent conversations. Genevieve
was more than a little impressed. Everyone in the Ondine family
was in awe of what they saw. There was never a dull moment.
* * * * * * *
It came time for Billy and his men to take food and treats down to
the wild Watchers and Daddy Long-legs. A number of men
volunteered, but Billy couldn't take them all. He picked old hands
and several who never experienced it before. Pierre and his sons
asked to go, and he allowed them. Bayrum seemed to really get into
the spirit of the ranch and wanted to see and share everything.
Billy allowed Doug and Wes to go along, and Wes was filming the
whole time. They stood back from the others so Doug could explain
to the viewing audience what was going on. It was a weekly ritual
to coincide with the entertainment. The Daniels feed the Watchers
and provide them with treats to eat during the concert. Doug
pointed out the great beasts were conscientious about not
littering and faithfully placed any garbage in the big metal drums
with plastic liners to make it easier for the ranch hands to clean
up afterward.
Pete and Leon were with them and Leon's dad walked naked down the
river to be with his boys again so they could enjoy the
festivities. Pete told Leon not to chastise the old man. The
exercise was probably good for him, and he had three Watchers and
two Daddy Long-legs to see to him should he have an accident. Leon
just grinned and gave his dad his food and goodies. He told him to
have a good time and enjoy the concert. The old man assured him he
would.
It didn't take Billy's men long to feed everyone and pass out
treats, but it was a new experience for the Ondines, Pierre, his
two boys, Dermont and Giles, his nephew, René, and René's man,
Bayrum. They were thrilled to have the opportunity. Randy was in
his cups like he was an old hand at feeding the Watchers and Daddy
Long-legs. His uncle Billy Bob Bane was amused by his nephew. He
didn't think the boy could be growing-up with a better set of
adults to help guide his life.
* * * * * * *
An unexpected guest ~
After the men returned from the river Slipweasel and Rumdum came
from Captain Nick's ship to find Billy. “Master Billy, we think
you should come to the ship with us. A small well-dressed, rather
dapper man appeared in the great hall, and he's confused. He
looked all around at the strange creatures sitting around the
great table having some Texas Tea and Hosanna Cakes waiting for
the concert to start. You know, the more unusual of your family;
Razza, the dragon man; Pan, the panther man; Leon, the lion man,
and various odd balls we take for granted. They elected to stay
and watch the festivities on board the ship rather than possibly
causing problems being seen with the rest of your family. We asked
him where he thought he was, and he said he was suppose to be on
Earth on the Daniels Family Ranch. He was so shaken he was
trembling. We didn't want to tell him too much, because we don't
know him. We told him he was safe and no one on board our ship
would harm him. We finally got him to stop shaking and have a cup
of Texas Tea. The cooks brought him a couple of Hosanna Cakes,”
Rumdum said like he was almost pleading for Billy to come with
them.
“Did he give you a name, Son?” Billy asked.
“Yes, sir, he said his name was Ernest Forthright Pennywise,”
Slipweasel replied.
“Ah, yes, Mr. Pennywise, our gold broker. Come, I will go to the
ship with you gentlemen. We have time. They're just beginning to
serve lunch. I have a hunch he was sent here by way of Fort Adam
Lear. The Irin aren't so particular where they send someone as
long as it's in the general area,” Billy said. “Let's go,
Gentlemen,” he added and motioned for Slipweasel and Rumdum to
follow him to the old barn. On the way, Billy grabbed Balthazar,
Clyde, Cowboy Andy and Bubba, to go with him. They met Mr.
Pennywise before, and he would recognize them. Billy knew Mr.
Pennywise spent some time with Bubba in meetings when the Daniels'
family went to both planets for training. They exited the gate in
the great hall and found Mr. Pennywise drinking tea, sitting and
talking with Tron, Zeus, Marcus, and Wilbur.
“Mr. Pennywise! How good to see you again! It's been a while,”
Billy exclaimed.
“Master Billy, Captain Nick, Bubba, Andy, Balthazar, and Clyde! I
can't tell you how glad I am to see your familiar faces. I was
leaving for a much needed extended Caribbean pleasure cruise when
I was literally kidnapped by three huge, burly, but handsome Watchers
from Retikki Prime. I've been on Retikki Prime for two weeks and
then I was transferred to Fort Adam Lear for another two weeks. I
was a prisoner of love – of the Grigori and Irin's love for us –
you and me and everyone on Earth. They were frantic – in a panic.
I will give you more details later when we can meet more
privately, but until then I'm to be your guest until we have
something specific to report back to the two ancient and advanced
races,” Ernest said, “I'm physically and mentally worn out, but
the Irin sent me directly to you. I don't even know what day this
is; however, it would seem this weekend all Hell will break loose
on our planet, and we have to be ready for it,” Ernest added.
“I would imagine only a small amount of time has passed here on
Earth. You were probably only gone about an hour our time. Come
with us and join our Birthday festivities. We're just about to
serve lunch. Is there one man among us I can assign you while
you're on the Daniels Ranch who might help you unwind and become
your confident to bounce ideas off to make some order of what we
must know and how we should go about handling our coming crisis?”
Billy asked.
“Bubba Kirkendall will do nicely, sir,” Ernest replied without
hesitation, “We shared lodgings when we were on Retikki Prime and
Fort Adam Lear. We became close friends and confidants. I came to
know him as a dedicated, no-nonsense cowboy, and I greatly admire
his homespun sensibilities, his outrageous brand of humor, and his
compassion for his fellow man,” he added.
“Bubba?” Billy queried the big cowboy.
“It would be my pleasure and honor to see to our guest's every
need, Master Billy. I'm quite fond of Mr. Pennywise, and if it
weren't for him, I wouldn't have found the courage to get the
things done I dreamed of accomplishing. I can assure you, seeing
to Master Pennywise and becoming his go-to man for his visit to
the Hill Country will be neither a burden nor an inconvenience.
Welcome, Ernest! Come!” Bubba demanded firmly and opened his big
cowboy arms to the small man. Ernest was in them in a flash and
shed a couple of tears of relief. “There! There, Ernest! Ain't no
need for tears. You're home in my arms,” Bubba said.
Billy looked over to Nick away from the rest of the men and raised
his eyebrows like “Who knew?” and grinned wickedly. Poor Nick
turned on his boot heel and walk away. He was about to burst into
laughter. Nick was a good actor. He whipped out his cowboy
bandanna from his back pocket and pretended to blow his nose due
to the powerful emotions he just witnessed. Billy went to him to
make sure he was all right. “I'll get you for this, my Pretty,”
Nick whispered.
“And my little dog, too?” Billy asked.
“No, Molly's too damn cute. Ain't none sweeter than that pup,”
Nick replied.
“Amen to that, Pa,” Billy said quietly, “I'm sure we did that same
scene last night for our final act. Should we tell Bubba we plan
to sue him for copyright infringement, Pa?” Billy asked and
giggled.
“Stop! Just stop!” Nick exclaimed and laughed quietly into his
bandanna. The poor Angel looked like he was sobbing his heart out
from behind.
* * * * * * *
Billy and his men took Mr. Pennywise through a gate into the old
barn. From there they walked out into the bright daylight and got
in line for food. Several people who knew Ernest came to greet him
with hugs and kisses. Kate, Zelma, Aunt Helen, Roz, and Vox were
surprised but happy to see him. He was invited many times, but he
just couldn't seem to find the time to get away from Houston.
Randy came to him and shook his hand. Mr. Pennywise began to
mellow-out and Bubba was right behind him to make sure the small
man felt safe and secure.
Doug and Wes continued to film and interview people through lunch.
They said they would grab a sandwich when the concert started as
there would be no need for their interviews or commentary. After
everyone finished eating and headed for the back of the big barn,
Doug signed off and thanked the audience for watching. He told
them to keep watching because the music was about to begin. He
didn't know what the program was but he discovered more details in
interviewing some of the musicians the orchestra members
volunteered to come and play to help Master Billy celebrate his
and several of his young friends' birthdays. He also got in a plug
for his interview with Master Billy which would be broadcast the
following evening on TV. Doug stated he purposely didn't interview
Master Billy today because it might prove a conflict of interest
for everyone concerned. Doug wasn't a stupid man. He was covering
his and his camera man's butts.
* * * * * * *
The folks began to gather for the barnyard concert. Only a small
section in the front was roped off and reserved for the Daniels
family and their guests including most of the members of associate
families as well. Sheriff Andreeson was sitting with his Grandmother.
Pard was a member of the orchestra and they were celebrating his
birthday with the others whose birthday's were in July. Gower
Flint and Nellie Peterson were sitting with Wilbur and Marcus. The
Griffin family, the Clemson family, and a number of others were
also sitting with the Daniels family.
Bubba found a seat for Ernest next to him with Orville on his
left. Orville, along with the other punishment slaves, was allowed
to wear clothes for the Saturday festivities but still wore their
harnesses under their clothing. The rest of Bubba' posse sat with
them; including, Doug and Hoss Dewberry; Jack McCormack and Grover
Parsnip. Stanley David Breedlove and Cletus Abernathy usually sat
with them, but they were away to Lone Pine to take care of the
Cantina for Nellie Peterson. They took their instruments to play
with Gladys and Norm for a little entertainment Saturday evening.
Little Willie Whistle Pie was helping them bar-tend. Stan told a
couple of his closest working companions he and his husband would
be playing that Saturday evening and the place was packed.
After everyone was seated and the orchestra took their place,
Billy came out onto the stage to thunderous applause. The audience
gave him a standing ovation from the start. It took him a few
minutes to get them calmed down. He stood at the microphone and
greeted everyone. “Thank you for the generous welcome. I would
like to welcome everyone to another of our barnyard concerts
including those of you out there in Cyber-land who are watching us
on streaming video. We hope you enjoy our music making and
down-home-country nonsense as much as we enjoy getting together to
perform for you. It was quite a surprise to me to find the
wonderfully generous, and gracious members of a major symphony
orchestra of one of the largest cities in our state decided to
donate their time and talent to make the long trip to the Hill Country
to make sure we have a Happy Birthday. I'm not allowed to say the
name of their city, but our distant relative on my grandmother's
side, Sam Houston, would be right proud of them,” Billy said and
everyone laughed.
“The first part of our classical program for this afternoon is
dedicated to a French composer of the 20th Century, Maurice Ravel.
It is also in tribute and recognition of a family living among us
from France, the Ondines from down around the Kerrville area where
they have vineyards and make excellent wines. Also their young
nephew René Ondine who is visiting them from Paris and has found
his way into our hearts. He has agreed to play a piece by Ravel
for us a little later in the program. As this concert is a
complete surprise for me, I have no idea what might happen, but as
one beautiful lady told me this morning early, it sometimes makes
for the most interesting and inspired performances. Our stage here
in front of the orchestra is small, but it ain't too small to
accommodate a few dancers of diminutive size. Our very own Sun
Bears will perform appropriate small ballets to reflect Ravel's
score 'Ma mère L'Oye' or 'Mother Goose Suite,” Billy said.
The orchestra started playing and several Sun Bears slowly came
onto the stage looking about for something. There was a large
glass covered coffin on a bier in the middle of the stage with
flowers all around. The Sun Bears were leading an enormous white
goose, Mother Goose, wearing a tall pointed hat with a wide brim
tied carefully beneath her chin. Geese don't have chins so it was
as close an approximation as they could muster. It was good enough
to get a huge laugh and a little applause from the audience. The
large goose followed them like they were her children. They were
cleverly feeding her treats from their pockets to get her to do
what they wanted. One small Sun Bear, a mere bairn, was following
Mother Goose with a dust pan and a small broom to gather her
droppings should she feel the urge. They didn't want goose shit on
the stage. Ain't nothing slicker than goose shit, and it might
cause an accident.
Mother Goose must have worked with them for sometime, or they were
controlling her mentally because she did everything they wanted
her to do. One of the last of their entourage to come onto the
stage was a young masculine Sun Bear dressed in handsome purple
robes wearing a gold crown. He had a gold, jewel-bedecked sword
buckled to his side. He was obviously a prince. The extras
situated themselves on stage and crawled under one of the big
gooses' wings. She hunkered down like she was protecting her
brood.
The prince and his men began to slowly dance around the stage
until they discovered the funereal bier and the sleeping beauty.
They removed the glass case and the prince swooned from the beauty
of the young female Sun Bear lying in the casket. His men tried to
get him away from the bier, but his heart wouldn't let him leave
her without some sign of his heart's affection. He pulled loose
from his men and danced over to the casket and kissed Sleeping
Beauty. She came alive and they finished with a short pas de deux
together. Everyone was overjoyed the prince met his intended and
Sleeping Beauty was with her prince.
The first two of the suites, Sleeping Beauty and Tom Thumb, were
combined for the Sleeping Beauty sequence. Each ballet was short
and sweet but filled with invention and pantomimic emotional
intricacies. It didn't hurt that the Sun Bears were cuter than a
basket full of puppies. They sucked the audience into their
make-believe world like a strong updraft from a large chimney. In
other words, you easily got their message, and they were inviting
you into their hearts to live it with them for a while.
The third scene the male Sun Bears simply set up some scenery at
the back of the stage. It was a hand painted oriental scene with
pagodas in the background. As the music began, several of the
female Sun Bears danced on stage obviously following one who was
special. She was the Sun Bear equivalent to Laideronnette, the
ugly little girl who became Empress of the pagodas. The small
female Sun Bear, dressed in rags, was smaller than most and was
made up to look drab and ugly; or, as ugly as you can make one so
cute as a young Sun Bear. Still she walked tall and with pride
through the people lying about starving or ill begging her to help
them.
As she traveled through, she would attend each one giving them
what they needed but afterward they would turn their backs on her.
Nevertheless, she didn't give up until she, herself, got sick and
fell. There was no one to come for her until one handsome angel, a
winged Sun Bear, came flying down, gathered her into his strong
arms, and kissed her on her forehead. She came back to life, and
he flew away with her. The rest of the people were sad and mourned
her leaving them. They took advantage of her goodness but offered
nothing in return. They didn't deserve her. They were left alone
with no one to help them anymore.
The last ballet was the last two pieces of the suite, Conversation
between Beauty and the Beast, and The Fairy Garden. It was
imagined and choreographed by the Sun Bears themselves. A
beautiful young Sun Bear female came onto the stage followed by a
huge beast. There were some gasps from the French section as the
Ondine family and a number of others recognized the beast as Le
Gibet, the son of their watcher-protector Scarbo.
He obviously practiced the number with the Sun Bears because Le
Gibet really shined in the part of the lumbering beast. He
captured everyone's heart from the beginning. When it finally came
down to the place where the girl kisses the Beast, there were more
gasps when Le Gibet disappeared into thin air. The kids could
still see him, but most of them were in the orchestra. The digital
feed couldn't pick up his signal when he disappeared so it looked
like magic to the viewing audience. In his place stood a handsome,
stalwart Sun Bear male to finish the dance; however, the Sun Bears
bent the rules and had Le Gibet reappear in the wings. They pulled
him onto stage and all the female Sun Bears came to give him a
kiss. It was a lovely sentiment, and the crowd went crazy when the
final notes were played.
The Sun Bears and Le Gibet took bow after bow; then the orchestra
stood and took a bow. Cowboy hats were flying everywhere. It was
mass hysteria for a few minutes. All this was going out over the
Internet and people around the world were in awe. The Sun Bears
made a great impression. They were so cute, expressive, and
charming everyone wanted to take them to their heart.
Anthropologist the world over were burning up existing hot-lines
seeking information what species the Sun Bears represented and why
did some have wings and others didn't? Bigfoot hunters were
skeptical. They flooded Twitter with claims the big beasts were
fake. They were men in gorilla suits. If they couldn't find them
first, shoot one, and drag the poor beast's body back to
civilization as their trophy, they simply didn't exist.
* * * * * * *
The next piece was Ravel's Bolero, and while it's undoubtedly a
great piece of music, after the first one hundred hearings or so
it begins to get a bit wearing on the nerves. Billy told the story
of the old French woman who stopped by the theater every day on
her way home from the open-air market where the orchestra was
practicing 'Bolero' for its world premier. About a third of the
way through, she picked up her bag of groceries and stormed out of
the theater yelling, “He's mad, I tell you! He's stark raving
mad!” she exclaimed.
Ravel turned to his friend and said, “She gets it!”
Billy reached the same conclusion, but he never conducted it other
than in his bedroom mirror while listening to a recording. He was
betting his money his beloved Sun Bears and his musical friends
would come to his rescue and help him re-imagine the tired old war
horse. During a small break to acknowledge applause, the
stage-hands were moving props around and moved a big pile of paper
mache rocks, painted and arranged like a big pit rising from the
stage floor. When the music started, a stagehand flipped a switch,
fans inside began to blow red cellophane streamers lighted with
red spots to make the rock-pit look like the fiery mouth of a
small caldera of a volcano. They also had a smoke-machine built
into the prop to emit puffs of smoke now and then to add to its
realism. Everyone of the Sun Bears participated, including the
original twelve and the other thirty the family brought back with
them. There were forty-two in all. They divided into six groups of
seven each before the music started. The family groups or clans
swayed and danced to the music in unison and then they would each
take a turn around the circle of seven.
Each group chose one strong, young Sun Bear and the seven young
solo dancers began to dance together. As the music played on, the
immediate families of the chosen seven begged the elders using
mime not to take their children. The others urged the seven chosen
dancers to become their heroes and appease their fire-god.
Everyone continued dancing with their clans, but the young ones
would move from clan to clan to gain each one's respect, approval,
and blessing. At the very end the young ones danced around the
edge of the flaming rocks and as the last crescendo built, they
joined hands and jumped into the fiery caldera together. For a
moment, there was complete silence. The audience was so taken with
the story the Sun Bears delivered, they were still having to tell
themselves it was just a ballet; the creation of another person's
imagination; a work of art. Once it came to them, it was only a
story, they went crazy applauding for the Sun Bears and for the
orchestra as well. Six healthy, strong, winged Sun Bear males
winged-up on stage and flew into the pit and out again with the
solo dancers as the crowd went wild.
The Houston Philharmonic proved they could still raise an old dead
war-horse from it's grave and breathe into it new life. Applause
went on for several minutes. Each dancer and group took a bow.
Billy made sure the orchestral soloist in the piece took a bow.
Clara Mae got one of the largest ovations. Most of the audience
knew Clara Mae and they showered her with their love,
appreciation, and a few cowboy hats. Clara Mae was touched. She
never experienced such a great feeling of participation and
accomplishment than she did when she came to the Daniels ranch to
play. It felt good. It felt right.
* * * * * *
Billy made arrangements with Randy and René to have the young boy
play Ravel's 'Pavane for a Dead Princes' (Pavane pour une Infante
Défunte) They took René to the ballroom and let him play the piece
on the Steinway before Billy's men and several of his family. René
played it flawlessly. His legs weren't long enough to touch the
sustain pedal yet, but Bossman Randy taught him a secret way to
utilize them. With a little help from a good friend, René was able
to use the sustain pedal perfectly and to good effect.
After the audience settled down from their enthusiastic reaction
to 'Bolero,' Billy came to the microphone. “One unique quality of
our barnyard concerts is, they are mostly planned, but we leave
room for others on a spontaneous basis. Our newest member of our
growing family, René Ondine, not only happens to be a highly
intelligent young man, but also a talented musical prodigy as
well. He has agreed to play for us this afternoon, a piece of
music by Maurice Ravel, his 'Pavane for a Dead Princes' with the
help and assistance of a good friend. Come, Son,” Billy motioned
for René to join him on the stage. The boy rose from his seat and
slowly but surely walked to the stairs of the stage on his own.
Billy met him, took his hand and together they slowly navigated
the steps.
After they got to the piano, René managed to seat himself. Billy
whistled for Daffy and Chloe and the big dogs came bounding onto
the stage. Everyone laughed and applauded for them. Daffy took his
place on the left and Chloe sat and waited for Master Billy's
instructions. Billy turned René around to face him and removed his
cowboy boots. He adjusted his socks so they were on tight and his
feet wouldn't get chilled. It was a warm day, but Billy didn't
want to take any chances. Billy was talking and his lapel
microphone was carrying his voice out to the audience. “When a
buckaroo can't reach the stirrups of his pony he has to make
adjustments. Our brother, René, needs help. He needs an extension
for his legs. Our dear friend, Chloe, has agreed to come to his
rescue and provide our young pianist the help he needs. Chloe,
we're ready for you, Sweetheart,” Billy said.
Chloe got on her stomach and crawled underneath the piano bench
and placed her big right paw on the sustain pedal. René rested
both his feet on the warm, furry rug of Chloe's back beneath him.
He played one note and gently pressed down with his foot and Chloe
copied his motion. René took his finger off and the note continued
to sound. He looked out at the audience and grinned impishly. He
let up with his foot and the sound ceased. René clapped his hands
together with delight and the audience laughed.
“Volià! Problem solved!” Billy exclaimed and the audience went
nuts laughing and applauding. When the chaos died down Billy spoke
again and pointed to the overhead signal lights. “Remember! When
the green light is lit, there is more music to come. When the red
light comes on, the piece of music or the artist is finished and
it's time for applause. Master Ondine will play the piece through
twice. You will find out why on his second playing. Are you ready,
Son?” Billy turned and asked René.
“I'm ready, Maestro Billy,” René replied.
Billy took his place on the podium turned and nodded for René to
begin when he was ready. The young boy began and took Billy's
recommendations and suggestions to heart and began playing at a
goodly clip. Billy told him a Pavane was a graceful, stately dance
of remorse and sorrow, but it wasn't a funeral dirge. René should
up-the-tempo just a bit and let the light of the music shine
through. René played it from beginning to end without a flaw and
his pedal helper was flawless in her cooperation as well. The
second round, René watched Billy for the downbeat and started into
play again. This time the orchestra joined him. Billy told his
players to mute their playing so's not to drowned out their young
soloist, and they readily agreed. It was a wonderful sound and
pleased the audience very much.
Thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a home in Paris
were René's parents, his dad Blondell, and his mother Angelica
Ondine watching their young son playing with a symphony orchestra
at nine o'clock in the evening. Angelica moved into Blondell's
arms and they wept silently together to witness their once
crippled son for whom the best doctors in Europe gave up hope,
walked to the piano under his own power, assisted only by holding
a big cowboy's hand and was now playing with the Houston
Philharmonic Orchestra. They were overwhelmed with joy and
thanksgiving.
“The man is a freaking genius,” Blondell said softly with
conviction. “I've never been so delightfully entertained by a
program on any medium as I have watching this concert,” he added.
“I agree. We must make arrangements to go to him, thank him, and
throw ourselves on his mercy. I don't mean to sound greedy, but I
want more children, Blondell,” Angelica said.
“And so we shall, Good Wife, and to Hell with feeling greedy. I'm
not greedy for money or power. We have enough of both. I want us
to become a part of Master Billy's family like my brother and his
wife. Look at them. I can't remember seeing them this happy and
content,” Blondell replied and watched in awe as his young son
finished playing with the orchestra and the audience went bananas
cheering for him. His parents were cheering for him in the privacy
of their viewing room. Billy motioned for the orchestra to stand,
and the audience applauded more. Billy went to the piano, helped
René pull on his boots. He took another bow with René, Daffy, and
Chloe. René hugged Chloe and gave her a big kiss. The audience
loved it. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. Billy slowly led
him off the stage to go to the waiting arms of his Texas family.
The audience applauded for him the whole time.
* * * * * * *
“Next on our program will be one of your and my favorite
musicians, Mr. Jessie Jones, who will play Ravel's Piano Concerto
in G with our orchestra,” Billy announced and the audience went
wild with applause. They knew the name Jessie Jones and good music
were synonymous. Jessie came onto the stage followed by his
faithful companions Daffy and Chloe. He sat down at the piano and
adjusted the height of the bench from micro-mini-munchkin to grown
man. Daffy lay down on his left and Chloe on his right. The
concerto begins with a whip-crack, and they were away. Jessie
played the piece flawlessly. He was brilliant, and the live feed
over the Net created many new fans for him everywhere in the
world. When he finished, the audience gave him a standing ovation
for several minutes.
Jessie never got so many cowboy hats thrown at him before. They
wouldn't let him get off the stage. They wanted an encore. Billy
knew it would happen and nodded for Jessie to continue. He played
three encores from Ravel's 'Miroirs' (Reflections): 'Noctuelles'
(Night Moths): 'Oiseaux tristes' (Sad Birds): 'Une barque sur
l'océan' (A boat on the Ocean). Jessie playing was inspired.
Nothing could go wrong. He was more relaxed performing than he
ever was. His personal life was at a place where he was
comfortable and felt secure. Since Harlen connected with the
Daniels family and his son, Jessie's life became a lot more
tolerable. Not that it was ever bad, but it had its moments of
soul crunching banality.
There was something which broke free in his playing during the
concert he never experienced before. It was like he didn't have to
think to milk the notes from the piano. It felt more like he was
having a pornographic, raw sexual experience with the large Yamaha
concert grand and it responded to him in kind. The audience wanted
more. Jessie was ready, but he remembered Billy's admonishment to
always leave them wanting. Jessie took bow after bow, but he
declined any more encores. Billy promised they would book Jessie
for a Sunday afternoon recital soon, and it calmed the crowd's
hunger for more of Jessie's fine playing.
* * * * * * *
Billy went to the microphone and thanked Jessie for his wonderful
contribution to the Ravel part of their program. He announced they
only had one performer left which he was told would be sort of a
tribute to Ravel, but he was completely in the dark.
“As most of you know, my little brother, Bossman Randy Rutherford,
can come up with some unusual things. He told me to leave the
closing of the Ravel portion to him, and I promised I would. He's
never let me or you down before, and I'm sure he won't this time
either, so I'll turn the stage over to one of our most
unpredictable but talented young musicians, my little brother,
Randy Rutherford,” Billy said and the crowd applauded and whistled
for Bossman Randy.
Randy walked out onto the stage waving at everybody. Everyone knew
Randy possessed a wicked sense of humor and was always good for a
fun time, but he had his serious side, too, and kept a healthy
balance between the two. “Well, it's a wonderful afternoon and
everyone has been so attentive to us musicians, I decided we
should say farewell to our Ravel part of the program with me and
several of my buddies in the orchestra. Brother Wilbur Byrd Junior
come on down!” Randy called and made a big gesture with his arm.
Wilbur Byrd Junior, holding his baritone in his arms, came down to
stand in front of the piano.
“Brother Quicey Black come on down!” Randy yelled, and the first
chair clarinetist came down with his instrument to stand by Junior
Byrd. “Zeke Mildew! My brother and saddle buddy, come on down!”
Randy hollered again, and Zeke joined them with his trumpet.
“Brother Buddy Birch, come on down!” Randy hollered again. Buddy
Birch came down to stand with the rest with his trombone. “Last
but not least, my sometimes roommate when I'm staying in the big
house at the Daniels Ranch, my own personal Guardian Angel, Clyde
Irin, come on down!” Randy yelled loudly and made a huge gesture
with his right arm. Clyde came in lumbering from the wings with
Randy's banjo in his hands. The stagehands already placed a
drum-set on the stage and Randy called for George Privet, their
percussionist to come down to take his place.
Randy had a small lapel microphone Billy gave him. He sat down at
the Yamaha grand and played a couple of chords. "I'd like to take
this opportunity to dedicate this bit of nonsense to my new
brother René Ondine who played like an Angel today. I think
Ravel's music is beautiful, and it's my ambition to learn several
of the pieces you heard Maestro Jones play here today. The first
time I heard my brother play the Pavane for a Dead Princess, I
thought to myself what a lovely but depressing piece of music. So
with your indulgence and apologies to my brother and Mister
Maurice Ravel we would like to play you my arrangement of Ravel's
Pavane, but we changed the name to 'A Gigue for a Lively
Princess,'” Randy said and couldn't help giggle mischievously. The
audience laughed and took a deep breath. They never knew what to
expect from Randy.
Randy put his hands on the piano and started playing Ravel's piece
straight, like it was written, but when he got to the end of the
first complete phrase of the melody he yelled at the top of his
voice, “Hit it!” and all Hell broke loose. The six men joining him
started playing at the same time, and it became a Dixieland
version of Ravel's Pavane. The crowd was stunned, but once they
figured out what they were playing, they went crazy applauding
Randy and his Dixieland band. They made several passes of the
melody and each musician got his turn to shine as the others
vamped chords and played counterpoint, but Billy recognized it was
a more than just improvisation. When Randy's time came to
tickle-the-ivories and do his variation on the theme, he launched
into a complicated fugue using Ravel's melody and the other
musicians picked it up and carried on a sprightly fugal response
back and forth which couldn't have been improvised unless the
musicians played together for years and could sense where the
other was headed. Finally it circled back to the original theme
and everyone closed together with one big cadence. They were
finished.
The crowd went wild with applause. Billy got a big grin on his
face and tickled his old buddy Zeke, << How much of that
was improvised, Brother? >> Billy asked.
<< Not a note! It was all written out by your little
brother's hand, and it took us over a week of solid practice
together to get it right. That kid is a task master deluxe, but
the result was worth it. That damn kid is a genius, Billy!
>> Zeke exclaimed, caught Billy's eye, and winked at
him. Billy doubled over laughing. It was the freshest piece of
original music he'd heard in a long time. He was tempted to ask
them to play it again, but the orchestra had more music to play.
* * * * * * *
The Ravel portion of the concert was over. Randy and his Dixieland
Band finished off the first part with humor and style. The
audience was in a great mood as the stagehands removed the Yamaha
concert grand. Billy announced the next piece the orchestra would
play will be a concerto for two baritones written by some obscure
modern composer living as a recluse in the Hill Country. Then he
grinned and laughed and so did everyone in the audience. Members
of the orchestra laughed loudest. “Naw, I's just kidding, I wrote
it,” he said and almost blushed. I'm lucky to have two such
excellent musicians to play it and play it with excitement,
intelligence, and whose excellent techniques make it shine like a
brand new penny every time it's played. Our soloists this
afternoon will be the two Wilburs; father and son for whom the
concerto is written and dedicated. Mr. Wilbur Byrd Senior and Mr.
Wilbur Byrd Junior,” Billy said, “You men ready?” he asked and
they assured him they were.
Junior Byrd and Poppa Byrd were standing together in front of
orchestra. Billy took the podium like he mounted his favorite
horse, took up his baton, gave a downbeat, and they were off.
Those who heard Billy's music before took a deep breath and sighed
like they were visiting an old friend. Those who never heard the
piece didn't know what to expect, but they were soon sucked into
the lush, shifting beauty, and genuine craftsmanship of the
writing. Several critics who heard it called it the first
masterpiece from a fine young talent. The Byrd men were constantly
in demand to play the concerto with other orchestras and it meant
greater income for them. They expected the Internet broadcast of
their performance to increase interest in Master Billy's Concerto
and their playing. The two men were so in tune with each other,
Billy's Concerto became a terrific bonding agent between them.
They put their hearts into their playing and the music did as
Billy intended. It reached out and grabbed everyone's heart to
share their joy in the mystic bonding of father and son.
After the last difficult cadenza with the two instruments calling
back and forth to each other like a pair of love sick Watchers or
a wounded moose; there was a rush to the climax of the end of the
concerto and the orchestra and the Byrd men nailed it. Billy
couldn't remember hearing them playing with more feeling or
accuracy. The Byrds flew high that afternoon and won the hearts of
everyone present. Billy allowed them their moment and didn't
intrude until they came to get him. They each took him by the hand
an led him between them to the front of the stage. They took
several bows together. They received a standing ovation and the
audience called for an encore from the father and son duo. Billy
and the Byrds played their encore standard, but it never gets old:
the duet from the Pearl Fishers by Bizet. The melody is one of the
most beautiful in all opera music. It grabs your soul and it will
make a strong man swoon with masculine pride. The Byrd men gave a
good accounting of themselves as consummate musicians and stellar
performers.
After things calmed down and the cowboy hats were recycled to
their owners in the audience, Billy took the podium again. “And
now for the icing on the cake,” he said and smiled, “For our final
piece for the classical portion of our barnyard concert, we will
play one of the greatest compositions of the Twentieth-century:
Bela Bartók's 'Concerto for Orchestra.' If you wish to know more
about the composer and this composition I suggest you do a search
for his name and this piece on the Net. There is a fund of
information available which will only add to the enjoyment of any
piece of classical music,” Billy said and turned to the orchestra.
“Lets make the old man proud,” he said to the orchestra. They
smiled and nodded their agreement in return. They played their
hearts out and there was no doubt in anyone's mind when the final
notes were played, not only did they make the old man proud, they
also proved to the world the Houston Philharmonic Orchestra was
one of the finest orchestras in this corner of the universe. They
were so proud of themselves each player nearly burst with pride.
They even shared the limelight with those of the Daniels family
players who they graciously allowed to sit in with them. They only
added additional strength to their overall playing and made the
orchestra sound more beefy. It was a win-win situation for both
sides as the 'sit-ins' were gaining excellent ensemble playing
techniques they otherwise might never have a chance to experience,
and the concert master was right – the young ones nipped at the
heels of the more mature musicians to play their best or be
overtaken by the enthusiasm of youth on fire; to say nothing of
those enhanced. Several of the Ondine children could envision
themselves sitting among and playing with such a fine orchestra.
* * * * * * *
The classical part of the barnyard concert was over, and there was
a thirty-minute intermission before they began the down-home
'country hoedown' portion of the program. During that time, Doug
Quilty and Wes Taylor took up the slack for the viewing public and
took the opportunity to speak with several of the Daniels slaves
and get their outlook on living at the ranch. They were videoing
the conversation at an umbrella table on the bunkhouse patio and
behind them sat Marcus, Wilbur, Odin Bluetooth, and his mate Erin
Mascaro. They were sitting with Wilbur's parents having some tea
and conversing quietly. Marcus had his big arm loosely draped over
his partner's shoulder and Blue had his arm around Erin's waist.
They were laughing together about something funny Wilbur's mother
said.
“Well, I'll be goddamned! Son of a bitch!” one of the inmates in
Huntsville State Prison exclaimed quietly so none of the guards
could hear him. He was one of a handful of inmates who were
interested in listening and watching the Internet broadcast of the
classical part of the program from the Daniels ranch. Most came
for the second half and the country music portion, “I'll kiss
yore' ass if that ain't old Marco, Big Blue, and Baby Blue sitting
at that table behind them other slaves!” he exclaimed.
“Naw, it couldn't be. You're letting pareidolia overcome your
reason,” another inmate said.
“Para-who-lee-o? What the Hell is that?” the other asked.
“Pareidolia is when you see someone who looks like someone you
once knew and you think it's them or looking at the moon and
seeing the man in the moon. It's the way our minds play tricks on
us. Marco was much older looking, he hardly had a good tooth left
in his head, and he was covered with tats. That man's got all his
teeth, and they ain't false. I can tell real teeth from false ones
even if they's perfect insets. Look at him! He ain't got one
tattoo on him, and he's twenty, maybe thirty years younger than
Marco. The one what looks like Big Blue is younger, too, but so is
the kid what looks like Baby Blue he's got his arm around his
waist holding him close. Damnation! Come to think on it – they do
look a Hell of a lot like our old buddies. If it is them, more
power to 'em. I'm glad they made it out of this sewer and got a
life again,” the other said, “Don't look like they's do'n too bad
neither. Let's send them a letter and just address it to the
Daniels Ranch. We'll all sign it,” he added.
“No! If they got out somehow or were bought, they could be slaves
to the Daniels. We don't know what their sit-che-ation might be,”
the first inmate argued, “Besides, you know them damn screws open
and read ever' frick'n letter we send out of here. We might be
endangering them, and they were three of the best men I ever did
know,” the first man added.
“I agree they was good men, but them men don't look like no slaves
to me. They's dressed up pretty damn sharp. Them ain't no cheap
Western hats or shirts. Each one a them hats goes for around a
hun'nert fifty bucks. They's three-ply beaver-felt. And look at
that young kid, the biggun's got his arm around his shoulders.
He's a dead ringer for Marco's two slave boys what he lost here in
this Hell hole only that kid is much better looking and in great
shape. Damn, he shore' as Hell could sit on my lap and we could
talk about the first thing what popped up. It's obvious them two
couples is very much in love with one another. Why, you can almost
feel it through the video screen,” another man said.
“Maybe we could send a coded message to Master Billy. I hear tell
he answers all correspondence or has a staff what helps him. I'd
bet my ass he's sharp enough to see we's trying to send greeting
to our old buddies,” another spoked
up.
“Wouldn't hurt none to work on it. It would have to be pert-dang
clever to get it passed them guards what read and censor our
mail,” the first inmate said.
“Work on it, Butch, and see what you can come up with,” the others
urged him.
* * * * * * *
The second part of the barnyard concert was pretty routine, except
Billy challenged his down-home musicians to come up with new or
older material they hadn't heard in a while. There were so many
variations they came up with, it never seemed to get old or stale.
The Cajun musicians added a great flavor and even though they were
missing two of the their Cajun stars Stan and Cletus, they had
enough to make up for their absence. Several of the Beaudreaux
family got up and played several numbers. The younger set of
musicians were learning all the Cajun and country tunes along with
their classical playing. It was all going into a great stew-pot in
their young brains and one day would come back out as a
combination of astonishing brilliance from a new, fresh voice.
Billy called a halt to the country part of the program because the
classical portion was longer than usual. He planned it that way.
It was more important to him and the orchestra to showcase their
multiple talents. When the country music portion was done, Doug
Quilty and Wes Taylor said 'farewell' to the viewing audience in
Cyber-land and invited them back for the next streaming video
presentation of the barnyard concert from the Daniels Ranch. They
didn't have schedules available but they would be posted soon.
Then the Daniels Ranch signed off. Still, a recording of the
complete program was there, somewhere over the rainbow in a great
cloud-bank, and all they had to do was press a button and wish
upon a star.