Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 80

“Then Ninsun, who is well-beloved and wise, said to Gilgamesh, 'This star of heaven which descended like a meteor from the sky; which you tried to lift,- but found too heavy, when you tried to move it, it would not budge, and so you brought it to my feet; I made it for you, a goad and spur, and you were drawn as though to a woman. This is the strong comrade, the one who brings help to his friend in his need. He is the strongest of wild creatures, the stuff of Anu; born in the grass-lands, and the wild hills reared him; when you see him you will be glad; you will love him as a woman, and he will never forsake you. This is the meaning of the dream.” ~ The Epic of Gilgamesh

After the barnyard concert was over and the guests were served all the delicious watermelon they could eat, many began to leave for the evening. The Hightowers were thrilled by their day in the Hill Country and the good deeds Master Billy and his men bestowed upon them. They promised to return when arrangements could be made. Max, their huge sheep dog was already able to speak several words and the Hightower kids couldn't have been more pleased. Oatie Breedlove and his posse saw them safely back to Alton Barns and then returned.

The first thing the kids did when getting home was run to their computers to grab the program from the cloud-bank and started watching the barnyard concert from the beginning. Their parents put the kibosh on that and told them they needed rest. It would take a couple of days to get their Circadian Rhythms back to their normal functioning order. For the moment they were functioning on too much adrenaline and sugar highs from the melons. They groaned and moaned but obeyed their parents. Even Max let out with a big groan and said, “Bummer!” Everyone laughed.

* * * * * * *
After the watermelon feast, Doug Dewberry asked his cousin, Hoss, if he could take him home. He said he didn't feel well. Hoss asked his companions if he could take anyone from their group back to Bubba's ranch. He knew Bubba would probably stay on Captain Nick's ship with his friend, Ernest Pennywise. Jack and Grover told him to go on; they would either get a ride back to Bubba's or transport. They wanted to hang around the ranch for a while longer and have supper with the Daniels family.

“Are you coming back after you take Doug home?” Jack asked.

“No, I don't think so, Jack, nor will I be around tomorrow. I'm sorry. Doug's the only family I got, and I need to see to him. I know he'd do the same for me,” Hoss said with remorse.

“Certainly. And so you should. No need to be sorry, I understand, but keep in touch. If we can be of help, let us know,” Jack said and gave Hoss a brotherly hug and a kiss on his cheek. Hoss did the same for Jack.

“I'm afraid it's a problem of the heart, and he needs a big brother's shoulder to lean on,” Hoss said and managed a smile. Hoss said 'goodbye' to Grover, and shook his hand. “I'll call you later, Brother,” Hoss said to Jack, turned, and walked away.

“Did you see the look on Doug's face when Bubba said what he did about Ernie?” Grover asked Jack.

“Yeah, it was hard to miss – like somebody else just landed on Free Parking, grabbed all the money, and ran over his puppy on the way,” Jack said.

“Doug and Bubba – they ain't shared a bunk, have they?” Grover asked.

“No, but neither have Hoss and I – yet,” Jack replied and smiled.

“But there's something understood between you, right?” Grover dug a little deeper.

“I'd say so – yes, but it ain't no secret. Hoss knows he busts my buttons. If he's patient and plays his cards right, I'll have his colt or filly, but I can't say the same for Bubba and Doug,” Jack replied. “Besides, I try to show you as much affection as I do Hoss or Bubba. You don't take it the wrong way,” he added.

“Sez, you! I lap up your sweet attention like it was the finest Watcher's milk, but I'm much older than you men, and Doug in particular. I been around the block more times than you got laid, Cowboy. I developed a tough hide. I know how to read people, their actions, and their motivations. I'm like the loving, understanding old granddad you ain't never had. You treasure that feeling and tend it like a row of sweet peas in a small garden,” Grover said, “I'm glad you do. It makes me feel important and appreciated,” he added.  

“Of course you're appreciated and not just for your knowledge of jurisprudence. You think Doug might be misreading Bubba's interest and kindness toward him?” Jack asked.

“Has Bubba ever said anything about him and Doug getting together?” Grover asked.

“No, not to me, but Bubba's pretty staid and closed mouth about his personal life, except when it comes to him and me; then, it's open season year round. It's part of his charm and fascination for me. He's the big brother I ain't never had. He pulls me out of my cozy-closet kicking and screaming, and come Hell or high-water he cajoles me to come out of my professional shell to enjoy life. Nothing is too sacred between us we can't discuss,” Jack said and laughed, “Bubba did tell me about his disappointment with his buddy, Earl Hickson; however, since Earl's become Master Billy's slave, Bubba's resolved Earl's where he should be for the next three years, and Bubba's move'n on.

Jack continued, “Bubba told me he met somebody he got close too during the Daniels family's trip to visit them Ancient races. He didn't say, but I assumed it was Mr. Pennywise. I would never have guessed. They seem physically incompatible like Jack Sprat and his wife. He told me they formed a deep bond of spiritual communication like he ain't never experienced with nobody else. He said he considered asking him to become his love-slave, but he didn't think anything would ever come of it. They didn't have sex or nothing because Bubba done already made a bargain; if Orville Higginbothem would be his first, then he would be Orville's first. If Bubba gives his word, I can promise you, he'll live up to it. In the meantime, he's got Orville to play with until he finds some one permanent. Even then, I got me a feeling he won't give Orville up. I think he'll eventually take Orville into his stable of slaves and breed him several times a month to keep him mentally healthy and happily devoted. Bubba ain't hurt'n none for sex, if that's what you're get'n at,” Jack added.

“No, I know for a fact he's plowing Orville's lower forty at least three times a week – maybe more, but he's discrete about it. He's a tiger about guarding his surrogate pa's privacy. Ever' body knows what's gonna' happen when them two go off together, but Bubba never makes a big to-do about it. Have you ever seen him be intimate with young Doug Dewberry?” Grover asked.

“No, not beyond a brotherly hug or sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek, but it ain't nothing unusual. Bubba does it to all his brothers. If he didn't they'd know they's somethings wrong,” Jack said heavily laying on the cowboy talk. Jack and Grover knew they were free to speak cowboy with each other without comment.

“It's a bloody shame the young man took it so hard, but young love and infatuations can be strong but fragile. I wish him well,” Grover lamented, “I personally like the boy,” he added.

“I agree, Doug has a lot to offer any man. Do you think I should have a talk with Bubba?” Jack asked.

"You two is like brothers to one another. It couldn't hurt none. Maybe Bubba ain't aware of Doug's crush. He sometimes can be naive about affairs of the heart," Grover allowed.

* * * * * * *
On the way back to their ranch, Doug looked out the window on his side. He didn't say a word to his cousin. He couldn't. He didn't have anything to say. There were no words. His hopes for something more with Bubba Kirkendall were dashed asunder, and he felt like a fool for having allowed himself to develop such a deep school-boy crush on the big cowboy. He was ashamed and embarrassed and for the moment he felt like he was in limbo, unable to think clearly. Hoss drove about halfway back to their ranch before he said a word. He was giving Doug a chance to come to him like he always did before, but he realized his cousin, whom he thought of as his little brother, was growing up and was fully capable of thinking like a mature man. Still, Hoss thought, a little bit of understanding humor might prime the hurt-be-gone-pump. “On a scale from one to ten, how bad is the pain, Little Brother?” he asked quietly.

“A previous hard eight, what's hang'n very limp between my legs,” Doug replied without nuance.

Hoss grinned to himself. At least he got a response with just a tad of cowboy humor. “You wanna' talk about it, Cowboy?” he asked.

“Ain't nothing to talk about. I can't imagine what he sees in that little half-pint squirt, but I don't need to know. I guess the old say'n is true: love is in the eye of the beholder. Gotdamn-come-Sunday, I can't imagine what that small dapper-dandy's got I don't, but I saw the lust in both their eyes. Just once't in my life, I want some cowboy, my size or bigger, to look me in my eyes like that, strum my heart like a two-dollar gee-tar, and tell me he don't never want no other buckaroo to ride by his side and love him but me. Them's the magic words what will cause the bells and banjos to ring-out and win him the Douglas Dewberry jackpot,” Doug said and shed a couple of tears. He reached for his bandanna in his back pocket, wiped them away, and blew his nose with a loud honk. He sounded like one of Jack's geese. It was a comical sound and Hoss laughed. He got Doug laughing with him. “Look at me, Hoss! I'm a frick'n mess. In the name of some unknown god, I wanna' be stronger than this, but at the moment I just can't,” he added and broke down again.

“H'it's all right, little Bro. Ever' things gonna' be fine. You'll see. I done seen you walk away from greater hurt than this, and it's only made you stronger,” Hoss said firmly, “Besides, we got what looks like a good future ahead of us. We done made a contract with Billy Daniels for thirty of this slaves to come help us work our ranch. We'll join his grange and get the same guaranteed monthly income the rest are getting, and we won't have to break our backs no more hauling furniture for the pittance that clown in Brady pays us. We only got four more payments on the truck, and it's free and clear. We're doing all right,” Hoss said and patted Doug on his shoulder.

Hoss continued, “You're gonna' have your head, hands, and heart so busy getting things organized, you won't have time to grieve over Bubba Kirkendall, Little Brother. I'm leaving the interaction with them slaves we get up to you. You always been better dealing with what few hired-hands we paid and doing business with the town folks than me. I'm like a damn bull in a china shop. I ain't got the patience you do. You got more people-savvy. You know how to sweet talk and finesse them to get us the best deal or get the most work for our dime. I don't think you even understand what a treasure you become to me. I don't know's I could give you up to go live with Bubba if'n he's to take a shine to you,” Hoss said.

“I'm so embarrassed and humiliated I don't know what to do or think,” Doug wailed.

“Why? Did Bubba ever make a pass at you or tell you he loves you?” Hoss asked.

“No, never. He's always been a perfect gentleman cowboy. Beyond a brotherly hug or a quick peck on the cheek when we ain't seen each other for a while or when we say 'goodbye' he ain't never mentioned him and me in a get-together context. He's only been like a big brother to me – warm, friendly, and genuinely concerned. I gotta' admit, it's my own gotdamn fault, Hoss. I built up a huge fantasy about him and me together like a little girl dreaming of her prince charming. It was like I couldn't help myself – like I done contracted the Kirkendall virus. I just come down wiff' a terminal school-boy crush on the big cowboy, and it reality hurts like Hell. I guess I sort of painted myself into a corner, but I ain't going back over there for a while, Hoss,” Doug said, “At least until I can get myself together,” he added.

“'At's the worst thing you could do, Cowboy. It would become an embarrassment ever' time you wanted to go over there. We've had us some good times out to the Daniels Ranch. Take a small vacation. I'll make excuses for you. We been traveling to the Daniels Ranch almost every weekend for a couple of months. With the new slaves and getting things organized, it won't seem unlikely you can't get over there as much. I wouldn't give Bubba a chance to notice you ain't around so often. Besides, you're gonna' be the one to talk details with Billy Daniels. You know I ain't no good at that sort of shit. My mind ain't as organized as yorn', Little Brother.

“I'm ashamed to admit it, but you's much better with details and dealing with people than me. You got more school'n than I do and now it's gonna' pay off for bow'fus,” Hoss encouraged him, “I can understand it when you sit me down, take your time, and explain it to me in cowboy lingo. Now you'll have a chance to get back at yore' big brother for all them nights I stood over you with a broom-handle and browbeat you into do'n your homework, then I'd make you explain it to me,” Hoss said and winked at his cousin. They shared a laugh.

“You never 'browbeat' me, and God knows I ain't never seen you with a broom in your hand. You always left clean-up to me. I knew you were only trying to make me understand the importance of learning to make it easier for me later in life. I may have been angry then, but I'm thankful now you done it, Hoss,” Doug said and smiled. “You told me, one day I'd thank you for holding my nose to the grindstone, and I am,” Doug added.

“So you're telling me, Bubba never said or done nothing to make you think he was interested in you for a mate?” Hoss asked.

“No! Nothing! Nada! Zilch-a-reno! The only time he said or done anything close to it was the day we went to his ranch to deliver more furniture and after we talked a bit he told me the truth about Jack not including me in an invitation to join them at the Daniels Ranch. Bubba didn't agree with his brother, and after a brief conversation wiff' me and his watcher scanning me to see if I was a good man, he decided he weren't having none of it. He invited me himself as his guest. He impressed me as being a caring and compassionate man. The first day we went to the Daniels Ranch, Bubba was attentive to me, but he never crossed the line of just being a damn-good thoughtful man. Eventually he excused himself and went off to visit and take care of Orville, the slave he was training. When he returned, I could smell man-to-man sex on him, and it liked to drove me frick'n crazy with lust.

"That's when I began to fantasize about him and me. It only grew from there and when we watched him breed Orville for his first time, I knew I wanted me a piece of Bubba's action. I lusted after him like a female dog in heat. My old hoss don't never stopped dripping when I's around him. So, you see, the worst part is, I been living a pipe-dream of my own making, and it's come back to fuck me in the butt, but it ain't no good ass-fuck'n. Fuck it! You done taught me better'n 'nat, Bro. H'it ain't the first time I fell off a horse. I'll get over it. I'll pick myself up, dust myself off, get back in the saddle, but it's gonna' take me some time to mend and get my act together,” Doug lamented.

“Remember a conversation we had soon after us going over there. You said you could put up with Bubba's extra curricular activities, wiff' Orville and others – breeding his herd, you put it – as long as he came home to your arms, your bed, took care of you, and swore he loved you?” Hoss asked.

“Yeah, I remember. I won't deny I said it. And at the time, I meant it. I still do. I see where you're going with this, and you got every right to question me about it. You think I jumped to conclusions, Hoss?” Doug asked like the little brother who could always melt the big cowboy's heart.

“Depending on how you play this, I'm saying we don't know what the future is gonna' bring, especially with all what's going on with Master Billy. I ain't saying get over it and get back into the game right away. Take some time off, and stay away for a while, let him wonder. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I can make excuses for you, but don't stay away too long. You'll know when the time is right. Then get back into action. Start working with the Daniels for our ranch needs, and you can't help see Bubba regularly. He's done taken over the outfitting and seeing to the needs of new ranchers what are joining the Grange. You'll be forced to work with him. Show him the respect he's due, but no more. Don't flirt with him or allow him to. If he does – just ignore it. Be the business man I know you can be. If I'm right and I think I am, Bubba's drawn to no nonsense cowboys what's got their shit together. If you still want him and can put up with his need to spread the Kirkendall wealth, wait for him to come to you and lay his cards on the table. Then you can tell him his options. Demand he put your ring through his nose to always remind him who owns his love,” Hoss said, “Don't settle for nothing less,” he added.  

“He's already done got a ring through his nose, Hoss,” Doug reminded his cousin.

“You're right, but h'it ain't chore' ring, Cowboy! You make damn sure, it's a big-old heavy-duty ring wiff' your name, address, and phone number engraved on it what goes in his nose, so if'n your big bull should jump the fence and get out of his pasture, and somebody needs to contact you to come get him, they'll know where he belongs. Also, make damn sure that big cowboy understands h'it ain't negotiable neither,” Hoss said, and they shared a laugh.

* * * * * * *
Bubba took Ernest Forthright Pennywise to his suite of rooms in the castle on Captain Nick's ship. They no sooner closed the door behind them when Ernest was in Bubba's arms, and they began to express their joy in seeing each other again. Ernest stood on his tip-toes to return Bubba's kiss. Bubba felt his stress, dropped his huge arm around his friend's waist and effortlessly pulled him up to rest upon his huge chest while they drank their love from each other. After several passion filled minutes they broke it off and looked into each others eyes.

“Does that tell you how happy I am to see you, Mr. Pennywise?” Bubba asked.

“Ernie, Bubba. You know you can call me Ernie. You're the only man, right now, I will allow to call me Ernie, but only in private,” he replied, “A man of my status and business acumen must demand respect at all times except in private with a few close intimate friends, and at the moment I don't think we could get much closer or more intimate. And 'yes' it tells me you're very happy to see me. I can also feel the monster between your legs misbehaving and standing at full salute. I thank some unknown god, you never trained him to heel and mind his manners. I hope my response was solid gold to let you know I feel the same way to be in your arms again. I never feel so safe as I do in your big, wonderful arms, Bubba. I'll never forget the way you treated me and the love you showed me when I was so nervous and unsure of myself on that strange planet. You acted like the big brother and daddy I never had growing up in the badlands of West Texas,” he said, “I can't thank you enough for your compassion for a frightened little man so unsure of himself,” Ernie added.

“I wouldn't say nothing about my old hound dog's bone, Mr. Pennywise, if'n I's you. I can feel your puppy's bone poking me in ma' belly button like he's doing a happy dogie-dance to get out of them clothes and jump naked into the arms of his beloved master again,” Bubba said, grinned, and stole another quick kiss. “Are you gonna' have a difficult time joining the rest of Master Billy's men in the hot tubs this e'nin, Ernie?” Bubba asked.

“Lord no! You took care of me and talked me through nudity on Retikki Prime and supported me on several occasions on Fort Adam Lear. You cut through my hardened shell like a ninja warrior laying waste to destroy my sexual phobias like the troops invading the beach at Normandy. Then you whitewashed my stoic primly puritanical way as you systematically ravaged my soul and played my unloved body like a two-dollar fiddle until I could no longer think for myself. That's when I gave up completely and realized I had no choice. To get what I wanted, to get what I needed, I must accept your offer to become your slave.

“I couldn't have gone on my own this last trip if it hadn't been for your kind and patient consideration for me and allowing me to lean on your strength to help me get over my shyness around other people in the nude. This last trip was a total immersion for me. I was flying solo; so, a relaxed time in a hot spa will be a picnic compared to walking around naked in public by myself. Although, I must say, I think now, I could more easily grow to be used to total nudity. Clothes seem to hide the darker side of people and gives them too many places to hide the truth of themselves,” Ernie replied.

They slowly undressed each other. Bubba undressed Ernie first and took his good time methodically taking each article of clothing and carefully placed them on a hanger or folding it neatly to place over the back of a chair.

“Why do you insist on undressing me first, Bubba,” Ernie asked as Bubba was kissing around his slave's private parts.

“A devoted slave should come to his accepted master naked when he presents himself for his master's approval. Then, after appropriate displays of humility and submission he should feel comfortable asking permission to help his master undress,” Bubba said without nuance – like he was reading from a sacred text.

“And am I still your slave, Bubba?” Ernie asked.

“You gave yourself to me one evening not so long ago in the castle on Retikki Prime. We bonded and swore and oath. You claimed you needed a master, and I can always use another slave. Only a true slave can answer that question, my love, and it must come from his heart and not his brain. Ask yourself: Do you need to be another man's slave? Shut down your emotions. Still your brain and plumb your heart. What strong voice echoes down the corridors of your soul, Mr. Pennywise? Now! Answer my question. Are you my slave?” Bubba asked in reply stealing a kiss.

“The voice I heard and continue to hear since our last time together, is my master's voice, sir. I have never heard another call to me so strongly. No, I will never have a need to be another man's slave but you, sir. You know I'm your slave, Bubba, but I know without asking, a master needs to hear his slave confirm his place in their universe together. Yes, I am your slave. I have been, and I will always be your unconditional slave, Master Bubba. I never knew there could be such a place between two men until I met you and you held me for my first time, when you explained your needs and the vastness of your universe,” Ernie replied. “I have never experienced such love in my life. I never held another human close to my body before I met you and you invited me into your arms. You almost scared me to death, but you carefully calmed my frantic heart and gently kissed my care and fears away. I will follow you wherever you choose to take us, Master. Like your Watcher's dedication to your care and yours for him, I know you would never willingly harm anyone whose trust you have accepted as your own,” Ernie added.

Ernie was standing in front of Bubba between his legs naked as the day he was born. Bubba was sitting on the bed before him. Bubba ran his hands over Ernie's small body and down to his perfectly rounded butt cheeks with his big rough hands and felt for his rosebud. To his surprise he discovered a large round heavy metal circle surrounding the smaller man's sphincter. “And what is this addition, my Good Slave?” Bubba asked almost in a sacred whisper and smiled.

“It's a 'stop' for a rather large insertion in my lower anal track, Master. You told me if I wanted to become your slave bad enough, I would find a way. Only then could I become a worthy slave for your use, sir,” Ernie replied, “I appealed to Master Billy's relatives on Retikki Prime, and they assigned me a groom, a fine master who taught me what would be required of me to become another man's slave. He understood from his masters, I was a virgin and would eventually belonged to another master who would take me for my first time. I watched videos of you when you took the punishment slave, Orville Higginbothem, here on Master Billy's ranch, sir. I almost fainted toward the end when I unexpectedly reached my own climax at the same time,” Ernie replied.

“Is it the biggest model?” Bubba asked.

“Yes, Master, it's the largest they recommend, and I understand it is the same size you use here on the ranch for training punishment slaves. I have worn it for several weeks and grown accustom to it's width and breadth. I'm comfortable wearing it,” Ernie replied.

“Then does this mean you're ready to give yourself to your master this e'nin, Slave?” Bubba asked.

“Yes, sir, for my master's pleasure, Master Bubba,” Ernie replied respectfully.

“You found a way, Slave. See, I knew you could be resourceful if you wanted something bad enough. Good for you. I must apologize. I had my doubts. I should have applied one characteristic to another. Your bulldog determination and cunning in gathering and trading precious metals would easily compliment any facet of your life to bring you success once you allayed your fears and clearly saw the road you wished to take. You have pleased me very much. How could I deny one so determined to become my slave against so many odds. You have brought yourself before your master to offer him your best. I accept your submission and gratefully welcome you into my family, Slave. Now kneel before your new owner and pay your respects and homage to your master's boots to seal our bond,” Bubba commanded gently.

Ernest Forthright Pennywise didn't hesitate.

* * * * * * *
After a light supper outdoors at the big house, Billy and his men decided to retire to the tubs. He invited the Ondine men to join them and the ladies went to the big house to do what ladies do together. Genevieve graciously accepted their invitation. She found the old mansion much to her liking and her girls agreed. Kate showed them to a suite of rooms with a private bath they could use for the evening if need be. “I get a feeling the fledging of our men is being skillfully planned, and they will spend the night on Captain Nick's ship,” Genevieve said to Kate and Zelma Redbone.

“And you would be right, Mrs. Ondine. Also, they will spend the next twenty-four hours around the ranch until Billy and his men can teach them to transport to the nether region and de-wing. They will also be taught to self-transport from place to place without a gate. Unfortunately, men are not as subtle as us women, but still they get the job done when the hard times come. There should be no fear in your heart, the fledging of your two men won't be a difficult time for either. Our men have it down to a science. Believe me, though, when their wings start growing in, the Ondine men will not want to go back to your place. They will meekly accept the hospitality, comfort, and know-how of Billy and his Angels,” Kate said.

“It's fine with me and my girls. Besides telling Pierre to go along with Master Billy, my girls got me aside and let me know in a few choice words they want to be included in the Daniels experience this evening as well. I don't care for a rebellion in my family. It's such a nasty business. The French are famous for rebelling, but in the Ondine family we strive for unity. I assured them I want to stay as much as they did,” Genevieve said and the ladies laughed.

Genevieve was overwhelmed when the ladies took her and her girls on a tour of the house, and she was in awe of the ballroom with the grand piano and a pipe organ. The ladies found out she was an equally big fan of Dupre's music and was impressed he once came to the Daniels home to play a recital of his works. The more she came to know Kate Daniels and Zelma Redbone and the other ladies of the Daniels household, the more impressed Genevieve became, and she was sure her husband made the right decision for him and his family to unite in bond with the Daniels family.

* * * * * * *
Randy and his posse of Pard Andreeson, the McMartin boys, Rory and Calhoun, and the Clemson boys, took René, Giles, Dermont, and Tommy Griffin out behind the barn to teach them how to use their cutting apps to help their fledging Angel caretaker, father, uncles, and Randy's ranch foreman when the time came for releasing their wing-nubs to free them to grow properly.

“You mean we're really gonna' get to cut them? I don't know if I can do that to my dad,” Giles said.

“That's what they brought us out here for, Little Brother. I'm sure with their knowledge and help, they can show you exactly how and what to do. You're more talented than you think, Giles. You learn quickly and once you do, you never repeat a mistake. You'll have the Cowboy-Angels watching over you if you make an error. I have faith in you. It's a wonderful opportunity. If you weren't my younger brother, I'd be jealous of you,” Dermont said, encouraging his little brother, “Think how close it will bond you and dad,” he added.

René liked the idea he would get to cut his huge protector's shoulders and free his wings. It seemed like a wonderful ritual. Tommy Griffin was looking forward to releasing his uncles' wings, and Giles was overjoyed at the idea of helping his dad. Randy acted like he'd done it so many times it was an old routine for him. Actually, the thought of helping his buddy and foreman, Ram Snoddy, become a Cowboy-Angel excited him and made his pee-pee hard. Randy and his cowboy posse drilled them many times until they were satisfied the boys could do the burning with their eyes closed, but they wouldn't suggest going that far. Just as long as they did a good job was more than sufficient. They burned their names into so many old barn boards Clyde made a note to gather more for future lessons. He was sure these boys were not the last. A couple wanted to take their boards home with them to hang on their bedroom wall and Randy agreed. He did the same with his first successful burned-board on which he engraved his name: Bossman Randy Rutherford. Randy looked upon it as an advanced merit badge in Master Billy Daniels Cowboy-Angel Junior Rangers who would one day be rewarded with a fine set of wings of their own.

* * * * * * *
There was great camaraderie in the tubs. René was pretty much walking on his own, unassisted most of the time, but he still took advantage of the buoyancy the warm water provided. His cousins and surrogate brothers took turns walking him back and forth across the pool to strengthen his muscles. Earlier in the evening he received a video e-mail from his parents and several from his close Internet friends congratulating him on his miraculous recovery and his superb playing of the Ravel piece at the Daniels Barnyard Concert. They were thrilled for him and wanted to wish him well. Of course, his parent's message was much more intimate, and they cried when they told him how much they loved him and how proud of him they were. René was deeply touched and thrilled at the same time.

Most of the men were already gathered when Bubba and his guests came down to the tubs. Jack McCormack and Grover Parsnip joined him, Ernest Pennywise, and Bubba's Brute, to walk naked down the back steps. Everyone was drinking mugs of Texas Tea and mellowing out or quietly talking with each other. There was a little hubbub aroused when the four men and one handsome watcher joined them. Billy noticed Mr. Pennywise didn't seem to be the least concerned about being naked around the other men. He stood tall and confident. Billy made a mental note, for a small man he was perfectly proportioned and was most attractive. He thought to himself, his big brother had good taste in men, and Bubba proved to be a powerful draw to men like Ernest Pennywise since his genuinely impressive coupling with Orville. Billy though Bubba was sort of like a masculine stud-magnet for smaller men. Ernest seemed relaxed and comfortable to be with the men and after a couple of mugs of Texas Tea, he was downright sociable to everyone.

“Who's looking after the rare metals trading in your absence, Mr. Pennywise?” Billy asked.

“My father, Ernest Forthright Pennywise, Senior, and my younger brother Bernard Bainbridge Pennywise,” Ernest replied.

“Is there anything we need to know immediately, sir, or can the concerns of our two ancient races of supporting worlds wait for a more private conference should it be needed?” Billy asked.

“Only one immediate pressing problem should be addressed as soon as possible; however, with so many new faces around the pool tonight, I don't know if discussing it would be responsible,” Ernie replied.

“None of these men are leaving this ship this evening. Five will be fledging this evening and will be contained to the ranch and ship for another twelve hours after they fledge to get used to their new wings and teach them to de-wing. I don't think it would hurt to share it with them as well as us,” Billy said.

“As you wish, sir,” Ernest said, “The Irin and Grigori both want to send you five hundred slaves in the form of cattle for a total of one thousand head as soon as possible,” he explained.

There was a silence around the tub and Billy looked at Nick, smiled, and shook his head.

“Since you decided to include us in receiving your traveling ambassador's message, is it safe to assume you people are in contact with another world?” Pierre Ondine asked.

“Not just a couple of worlds, sir, but many hundreds of thousands in countless galaxies; the two main worlds in consideration this evening is one planet in the Orion nebula, Retikii Prime, and the other in the Andromeda galaxy, Fort Adam Lear,” said Billy's Uncle Nathan, “Our Barnyard Concert this afternoon was broadcast to countless galaxies and nebulae out there,” he added.

“And you visit several of them regularly?” Pierre asked.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Pennywise was called to visit both planets a while ago and just returned,” Billy said.

“How many of you have visited these planets?” Pierre asked, and almost every hand went up around the pool. “You mean you walk through gates onto another world in another galaxy?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” Billy replied.

“Mon Dieu!” Pierre said quietly shaking his head in dismay, “Well, I suppose if we can gate to my brother's home in Paris, why shouldn't you be able to gate onto another world in another galaxy? It makes sense, but the reality is nothing short of staggering!” he added.

“Are you beginning to see or imagine the difficult aspects of what we're trying to accomplish here, Mr. Ondine?” Tron Garrett asked.

“I knew you were young, fresh, and novel, but I had no idea the extent of your backing. If I'm correct, the Pennywise family is one of the wealthiest families in the state or Texas; maybe the world, and the Redbone family couldn't be far behind. The Ondine family holdings pale by comparison, but it's not money or financing you men are after. You're after the hearts and minds of those who have a greater voice on this planet to help turn the wheels of change from the destructive course it's on now. Everyone knows we can't go on like it is, but no one seems to be doing anything about it,” Pierre said as he began to do the math. After a brief silence around the tub for it to sink in to the new people, Pierre quietly asked, “I know it might sound crass, like a show of male pride, but the curiosity monster grabbed me by my balls and won't let go. What is the estimated worth of the Daniels family,” he asked.

“I honestly don't know at the moment, sir. I know we've grown, but we were waiting until later for Mr. Pennywise to tell us. I suppose now would be as good a time as any. What are we worth, Mr. Pennywise?” Billy asked Ernest.

“When I left, your combined family assets in gold, not fiat money, were somewhere around ten billion. After my visit to the two worlds who have been collecting on your behalf, your new estimated wealth is a hundred and forty-eight trillion in gold bullion,” Ernest said.

Pierre Ondine noticeably expelled the air from his lungs, went limp, and slipped under the water. “Pa-pa! Pa-pa!” Dermont yelled. He hooked his arm under his dad's and Giles grabbed the other. Pierre began to cough, sputter, and spit water everywhere. “He passed out, Master Billy!” Dermont exclaimed.

“I'm all right! I'm all right, Son!” Pierre said. “I just got light headed for a moment, and my back is beginning to bother me,” he added.

“You, Mr. Listrine?” Billy asked.

“It's become tender in my upper shoulder blades, sir,” Bayrum replied.

“We'll get you men to your rooms in a moment, but first I want to hear a couple more suggestions our generous benefactors have for us,” Billy said.

Ernest continued, “They recommend you announce the start of your own money management facility immediately in the Hill Country as a Grange Co-op Credit Union MMF (Money Management Facility) for members only, but as a courtesy and a gesture of goodwill for your community you will offer free checking and savings accounts for private individuals. Savings will be scaled to length of time. Three percent per annum for the first three years, and a half percent raise every two years until they reach six percent. Since corporations are considered people, you must found the first openly corporate financial institution, but make sure it's known by its title: Texas Hill Country Grange Co-op Credit Union MMF. Try to stay away from the word 'bank' as it has come to have a bad connotation bordering on the criminal. You must have nothing to do with the current international banking cartel, but you must make it known. Continue to bring up the standard of living and health care for your grange customers and the people of your community.

“They also recommend you establish your first International Credit Union MMF outside the U.S., and found it on the gold standard. It will make the world sit up and take notice. It will also provide you and your family protection for your fortune to have it outside the U.S. They suggested you open an International Corporate Credit Union in Haiti to store a goodly bulk of your gold. Haiti is a country racked with political upheaval for the last one hundred years and needs the stability a compassionate corporate government can bring them. Use it as a template to learn money and politics and how to get what you want without too much conflict. Invest in the country's infrastructure and health care system. Pay people a living wage to work for your new bank and generously fund those projects to improve the people's quality of life. No one can fault you for bringing them a better life no matter their political beliefs. Be sure it's linked to your MMF in the Hill Country.

“When the Dominican Republic realizes the boon and progress of your financial influx to their sister state, they will want some sugar, too. In time, the entire island nation of Hispaniola will be under your control. Make it a showplace of green growth ecology and conservation of resources for the rest of the world to wonder why they can't have the same for themselves? Make an announcement you plan to print your own money based on the gold standard as opposed to fiat money (fake money) backed only by petroleum.

“Don't skimp on your own backyard. Keep building and bringing up the standard of living by providing health care, not only for your people of the grange, but also the poor in your community until the rest of the country wants to know why they can't have the same. Open private schools and hire only liberal thinking young teachers. Teach solid science and reason. After school testing shows your schools are much better, others will beg to allow their kids to attend. You may begin to experience a large influx into your area, but you have room to expand in Texas,” Ernest Pennywise reported.

“Gees, that don't sound like too much to me – you Pa?” Billy asked Nick and grinned.

“Depending on whether that's it, or if there's more,” Nick replied.

Ernest continued, “Since you will undoubtedly have a large influx from South of the border from Mexicans and refugees from other oppressed South American nations, you will begin to grow. You won't deny anyone a chance to find a new life among you, as long as they comply with your standards. You will build homes to house and parent refugee children under the age of eighteen. It sounds complicated, but it doesn't have to be. After a time, you claim Mexico isn't doing it's job to care for its own people and you open another MMF in Mexico City, but that's several years down the line,” Ernest said, “You have no idea their vision for you and this world. You will rebuild Mexico, clean up its corruption, and it will become much safer and productive than many states except for Texas,” he added.

“Does Mr. Pennywise know about Bubba-7-Twinkles – his magnanimous generosity and gift to our cause, Kemosabe?” Nick asked.

“Who is Bubba-7-Twinkles?” Ernest asked.

“Obviously he don't know, Tonto,” Billy replied.

“We'll explain later after we see to our latest crop of fledglings. Have you been enhanced, Mr. Pennywise?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir. I was enhanced, fledged, and trained by the Grigori during my last visit. I was further enhanced by Ramrod Quigley of the Irin on Fort Adam Lear,” he replied.

“Good, then give us until tomorrow to explain our trip to rescue the Fallen Angels and our subsequent gathering of wealth from an unexpected source. Tomorrow, we will take you and our newly fledged Cowboy-Angels on a brief tour to show you what was given to us. I think you will find it most interesting,” Billy said and winked at Bubba. Bubba just grinned real big and made a mental note not to say a word to Ernest about the sea of treasure outside the ship and an ocean of riches approximately ten miles beneath their feet.

* * * * * * *   
Pierre Ondine was not so adamant about returning home to fledge. He gratefully accepted Master Billy's offer to stay on Captain Nick's ship to complete his fledging. His shoulders were hurting him badly. Whatever they planned for him, they couldn't do it soon enough. Billy promised after his son made the cuts in his skin and allowed his new wings to pop up through the under-layers of flesh and skin, he would remove any pain and Mr. Ondine could start nursing from Scarbo's full teats to help make his transition smooth and complete.

“My son is going to cut on me? Which son?” he asked.

“Giles has been training all afternoon with his mates and our master-cutter, Clyde, to teach him how it's done. Don't worry, Giles is fully capable. It's become somewhat of a tradition with our family when another family member can help with a new Cowboy-Angel's transition. It certainly makes more sense than having some germ-ridden temple priest chew your foreskin off. We will make a mark and Giles will make a quick cut. It will be over before you know it, and I promise there will be no pain,” Billy said.

“Giles is ready, Pa-pa. I watched him. He worked hard until he could get it just right. I'm proud of my little brother, and if I should ever be offered the opportunity and honor to become a Cowboy-Angel, I want him to be the one to cut me to free my wings,” Dermont said.

“Thanks, Son. I will trust my sons' advice,” Pierre said.

Billy assigned each man a posse to assist him. Dermont, Giles, and their watcher Scarbo were with Pierre. Billy had a couple of his men escort Genevieve Ondine to be with her husband and the girls stayed in the big house with the Daniels family. Giles was the hero for the moment and expertly cut his dad until the small sharp stubs of his new wings popped up through the muscles and flesh on his back. Genevieve said it was almost like watching her husband give birth. It was over in minutes, Billy healed them and that was it. Pierre didn't know about drinking Watcher's milk, but after his first hit from big Scarbo's teat, he was a confirmed convert – a true believer in the benefits of Watcher milk. He drank his fill and passed-out into the most restfully blissful sleep he ever experienced. He could swear he heard Scarbo singing to him in his sleep. He made a mental note to himself to never pass up an opportunity to drink Watcher's milk whenever it was offered.

Bayrum Listrine was accompanied by his ward, René Ondine. Wilbur and Marcus loaned him their Watcher, Lemoncello, for the evening. His fledging was as routine as the others and René performed as skillfully as he played the piano. Bayrum joked and told René he better do a good job because in less than five years he would have his revenge if he didn't. Everyone laughed.

The two warrior heroes, Doutry Griffin and his husband, Tank Barger, weren't the least concerned about their nephew being the one to cut them to allow their new wings to grow. They saw it as a family thing. Tree's younger brother, Ed, was there to watch, and they utilized the Griffin family Watcher, Barry; each hooked up to one of his teats. The men never tasted Watcher milk before but made obscene sounds like two shoats hooked up to their momma's tits. They found it much to their liking.

Lastly, Bossman Randy got to take care of his foreman, Ram Snoddy. It was almost a sacred act for the boy. His uncle and foreman recognized it was a powerful moment for the young man and respectfully responded in kind. Randy asked Ram, when it came time for him to fledge, if his foreman would do him the honor of cutting him. Ram assured his Bossman it would be an honor and a privilege.

* * * * * * *
After the five new fledgings were seen-to and a groom assigned to each room to contact Master Billy or one of his posse in an emergency, things settled down to a more calm pace. The men returned to the tubs for a while. Bubba and Ernest didn't return with them. After the hubbub of seeing to those who needed help fledging, they excused themselves unless they were needed. Billy assured them he had more than enough men to help, and for them to enjoy their evening together. They were anxious to get back to Bubba's suite of rooms and chase each other around the huge bed.

As big as Bubba was, the bed was big enough to hold three of him comfortably. Bubba was not a bull in a China shop when it came to entertaining another man. He learned a great many things from his training and taking Orville for his first time. While he held and made love to Ernest on the two other planets when they bunked it in together, they never actually coupled to make the beast with two backs. Ernie was just not ready for it. It took him a good while to stop shaking from having Bubba hold him in his big arms. Bubba was the consummate big brother and lover. He would kiss and coo sweet words to ease his tiny partner's fears, assuring him he was safe in his arms, and they wouldn't do anything which might frighten him.

Ernie knew he was attracted to large masculine men – the bigger the more profound his craving, but he resigned himself he would never find anyone so large to provide him with the tender loving care he would require to get him over the abnormal fear of the strong masculine sex he fantasized about and envisioned for himself. Even though he was borderline psychotically fearful of big men, his conundrum was he was drawn to them like a moth to a flame. His masturbation fantasies became so bizarre he finally stopped altogether, but still his dreams haunted him. Ernie was so attracted to Bubba the first time he met him he could barely speak to him. Of Master Billy's posse, Bubba stood out as a perfect icon of what Ernest fantasized in his dream world.

The first time they were alone together, it took Bubba several hours to get him to answer the simplest question. From there to holding Ernie in his arms was a long, slow, process; a trip which would have frustrated the average man. Most would have never put up with such nonsense for as long as Bubba worked with Ernest. Most men would either walk away or forget about the little man and write him off as a mental case; or, he might incorrectly rationalize it was what the guy really wanted and roughly force himself on him, having his way with the small frightened man.

There's a fine line between aggressive masculine sex and rape, especially to the uninitiated partner. When an ugly rape occurs, it can scare a man so badly he will run back to the deepest corner of his closet and never come out again under any circumstances. Bubba was not one of those kind. He worked for months with shy horses until they came to love and trust him. He wouldn't aggressively seek them out to push himself on them. He would patiently wait for them to be curious enough to come to him. When he finally won their trust and broke them to his will, they were never afraid of him again. He was convinced, humans were no different, and his long slow but steady process of breaking Orville to his will proved him right.

After several months, when it came time for them to leave Retikki Prime to return to Earth, Bubba allowed Ernest to come to him and the big cowboy slowly but compassionately broke his smaller brother to his will; however, he refused to have sex with Ernie because of his prior commitment to Orville. It made Ernest want him all the more because he knew Bubba was a man of his word. Bubba explained, after he took Orville for his first time, he would then be free to take Ernie if he still wanted him. Orville would always be a punishment slave and Bubba didn't foresee anything with Orville beyond his grand-opening-fuck. Bubba didn't consider what the future might bring. Bubba laid it on the line with Ernie. If becoming Bubba's slave was what he truly wanted, then Ernest must prove to his big cowboy buddy his sincerity to learn, on his own, to become a good slave for him, and the next time they came together, he would no longer be afraid to give himself to his chosen master.

Here he was, lying next to the big master of his dreams in every jack-off fantasy for months, looking at the big man like a kid worshiping a superhero. Bubba had a hot-to-trot virgin on his hands who was ready to have it taken away from him by the rough looking cowboy he came to trust above all others. Bubba didn't plan to let him down. He would make sure Ernest Forthright Pennywise's first time with his master was not only one for the record books, but also one for the little man's mental-scrapbook of memories; one of the most exciting and wonderful times of his life.

“Are you ready to receive your master, my Good Slave?” Bubba asked gently like an invocation to a sacred dance, brushed the back of his enormous hand across Ernie's forehead, and bussed a kiss behind his ear as he nuzzled his head close to his.

“I am so ready, Master Bubba,” Ernie replied.

“Grab that jar of udder balm from the draw next to you and one a them hand towels. Grease up your master's cock, but before you do you must kiss his pride tenderly and whisper to it how bad you need to feel it inside you. You never want something in your ass you ain't on real friendly terms with, Son,” Bubba said and grinned.

Ernie knew Bubba's sense of humor and loved it. He grinned, “I agree, Master. I would be honored to show your pride the appreciation it deserves, sir,” he replied and proceeded to make love to Bubba's huge male member and slowly coated it with a goodly slathering of udder balm.

“Just think how much better the real thing will feel when your master slips his big love-muscle inside you for them sweet little ass-lips to kiss, chow-down on, and welcome yore' cowboy daddy to-home, Slave,” Bubba said and smiled sweetly.

“And I hope he'll find a warm and inviting comfortable home in my ass, sir,” Ernie replied.  

When Ernie was through, he returned the jar to the drawer and handed the towel to Bubba. Bubba took it, commanded Ernie to throw his legs in the air and grab his knees with his arms. Bubba laid the towel beneath Ernie's perfect little butt. Bubba wasted no time in removing the surrogate husband from his slave's ass and positioning his own larger-than-life cock at Ernie's rosebud. “Make your little ass kiss the head of your master's cock to invite him in,” Bubba said and Ernie responded to his master's orders and kissed the big head of his master's cock with his little rosebud.  

Bubba moved forward and told Ernie to let his legs go and rest them on his back. Ernie did as instructed. Bubba got into a mounting position, leaned forward, and began to kiss Ernie gently. Ernie threw his arms around Bubba's bull neck and held on tight as he felt Bubba slowly began to penetrate his sphincter and fill his little buddy's tank. Bubba didn't go for a rough entry. That would come later when Ernie was more broken to his saddle and begged his master to take him with a bit more passion. Bubba didn't stop the slow but sure progression of his entry until he bottomed out and there was no more to feed the handsome little man beneath him. Bubba broke off his kiss and began to kiss Ernie on his cheek.

“Oh! My! God!” Ernie exclaimed softly.

“I'm right here with you, my Good Slave, but your master ain't no god. I'm inside you, filling you with your master's love and goodness. I can tell by the smile on your face you find it much to your liking. No imaginary god can do this for you. Do you believe in me enough to take me for your master?” Bubba asked.

“As you cowboys are wont to say, I ain't never worshiped me no god what ever made me feel so good, Master Bubba. Now I know what religion and my ass has been missing all these years,” Ernie said and got a laugh from his master, "Of course, I take you for my master. I'm proud to consider myself your slave, Master Bubba," he added with all sincerity.

“Do you trust me to do what's right for us, Slave?” Bubba asked.

“I do. Yes, absolutely, Master,” Ernie replied. Bubba slowly pulled out to the base of the head of his cock and slowly sunk it all the way back until his cock was completely sheathed by Ernie's butt. “Oh! Oh! Oh! Sweet Jesus! That feels sooo damn good!” Ernie exclaimed.

“I doubt seriously the Pansy of Palestine could make you feel that good, Slave,” Bubba said wickedly.

“He never won my trust like you have, Master Bubba,” Ernie said, “I don't know how much of your love I can take before I shoot my load, Master Bubba,” he added.

“H'it don't matter none. Don't worry yourself about it. It happens unexpectedly sometime, but don't expect your master to stop jes' 'cause you got chore' nut,” Bubba said.

“No, I wouldn't. I promise. The master who broke me with the training husbands told me a lot about what to expect. I'm afraid he won my trust as well, and I'll admit I grew quite fond of him. I'm sorry he was never allowed to take me, but like you, he was a man of his word. He was also responsible to his masters as well,” Ernie said.

“You don't worry about him none neither. If you turn out to be as good as I think you might, I will personally take you back to him on a leash, have you pay homage to him, and let him fuck you in front of me as a reward for a job well-done,” Bubba growled.

“Oh, Master Bubba, that's so hot! I love the way your mind works, sir. I would gladly do as you wish with a full heart, sir,” Ernie said.

They continued to fuck and enjoy the casual sensuality of their unique world. Bubba would stop from time to time to praise and encourage his equivalent of a male sexual ingénue. He remembered several tricks he taught Orville and worked with him, drilling it over and over again until he got it right. Ernie was so much more malleable under Bubba's tutelage, he could get something right on the first or second try. Ernie never experienced intimate instructions because his surrogate master wasn't allowed to demonstrate personally. Translating an intimate movement with a rubber husband, and knowing whether his student got the idea, was not a totally satisfactory learning experience; nevertheless, Bubba was more than a little impressed by Ernie's enthusiasm and willingness to learn. The small man learned quickly how Bubba like to fuck and how he most enjoyed his partner's response.     

“Don't never lose yourself in the fuck and forget you're a member of a team; a partnership; a master and his slave. A master takes care of his slave's cravings and his slave takes care of his master's needs. It's always sweeter for a slave when he works as hard for his master's pleasure as his master does to provide his slave with his. Any man can fuck a piece of warm meat and get his rocks off. It's when two hungry men come together and work in harmony does the gates of heaven open and a new star is born in the firmament. That's why we keep small bells by the bedside we ring to welcome a new light in the heavens,” Bubba said. “It's simple, my love, do you wanna' cheat our universe out of a new light or are you willing to work with your master to create a new star and make it happen?” Bubba asked.
      
“How many stars can we make, Master Bubba?” Ernie asked.

“As many as you like, my fine slave,” Bubba replied taking another long, slow, sweet stroke into the depths of Ernie's ass.

“Let's get busy, sir, I want to birth as many stars together as we can,” Ernie said. Bubba laughed at his innocent enthusiasm and continued fucking his new toy.

The big cowboy worked with Orville so much, Bubba knew exactly when the older slave was building up to reach a climax and shoot his thick, hot come on Bubba's belly. Applying one situation to another, Bubba could tell the young man beneath him was building up fast. Bubba slowed to a stop. “Not yet...” he said almost breathlessly. “I have a surprise ending for this fuck. Since you been such a good slave and satisfied your master to an exceptional degree, you deserve to share the icing on our cake,” he said quietly.

“What could be better than what I'm feeling at this moment, Master?” Ernie asked.

“I promise, you will be surprised. You'll see. I'm going to connect with your mind. Watch my face. When you feel a tickle at the base of your neck, relax and let me come into you and we will conjoin as one. You've trusted me this far; I will expect you to trust me now, my Good Slave. When I knock, relax you brain and allow your master inside,” Bubba said and looked deep into Ernie's beautiful blue eyes. Ernie felt a tickle and it caused a shiver to run up his spine. He relaxed his mind and heard Bubba's voice clear as if his mouth spoke the words.

<< Nice place you got here, Slave. Decorate it yourself? >> Bubba asked.

<< Oh, my god, I can hear you perfectly, >> Ernie replied.

Bubba took one long stroke with his big cock deep into his slave's ass and watched his reaction. << I'm feeling both your stroke and my ass being filled with your cock at the same time. It's unbelievable. It's phenomenal. You're going to share your fuck with me, Master? >> he asked.
 
<< No, we will share it together; a master and his devoted slave. I will know exactly how I'm feeling inside you and you can experience what it feels like for me. I will know if you need more and you will know how to take as much from me as you need. It will change your perspective. It will no longer be you or me. We will share our fuck together. Ready? >> Bubba asked.

<< Yes, in the name of some unknown god, Master, fuck us! >> Ernie returned Bubba's thoughts, and they were off on a new adventure.

Bubba didn't have to ask if he was fucking too hard or if his slave needed more. He could feel Ernie's needs and they grew and matured like a flower well-nourished and properly placed in a expertly-tended garden of earthly delights. They worked perfectly together like every hand crafted part of a finely tuned twelve cylinder race car. When Ernie felt his master building to climax, it was like he grabbed his coat and hat and raced his master out the door. They spewed forth their ejaculations together and neither stopped for several seconds until they were completely drained. Bubba collapsed on top of Ernie's smaller body effectively pinning him to the mat. Ernie was in no rush to break apart and enjoyed the small-death of a super-hard, emotionally draining climax with his master. They were still exchanging feelings with each other, and it became more intimate than either ever imagined. They lay for sometime hooked together enjoying the closeness and comfort a successful coming-together can achieve. After a few minutes of making more sweet love, Bubba whispered, “Am I growing too heavy for you, my Sweet Slave Boy?” he asked.

“I will lay beneath you as long as you need, Master. I never felt more complete or fulfilled. I would wager a goodly sum, not everyone enjoys sex this good, Master Bubba. Our enhancements contributed greatly to our climax,” Ernie allowed.

“Yes, I'm sure they did. Do you still trust your master, Little One?” Bubba asked.

“More than ever, Master Bubba,” Ernie replied, “Thank you, Master, for patiently training a frightened young boy and making a man out of him,” he added.

“And thank you for allowing me to be the master you need, my Good Slave,” Bubba said, and they shared a gentle kiss with each other.

They fucked three more times that evening. They would sleep for a while, fuck, then sleep some more. Ernest Pennywise never regretted for a moment he gave himself to Master Bubba as his slave. They formed a bond which was strong and lasted many years, and while they never lived together until many years later, Bubba became Ernie's secret oasis to get away from the pressures of buying, selling, and trading of precious metals and other rare commodities. Ernie became the head of the Daniels family money management facilities (banks or credit unions) which grew around the world along with his own personal wealth and popularity.

His position of high rank made him a sought after personality; however, more times than not, it would be someone who wanted to use Ernest's position to get what they wanted, and he became leery and suspicious of everyone's motives – except Bubba's. His investment in becoming Bubba's slave paid off more handsomely than he could ever imagine. 'Fuck the wealth!' he thought. In Bubba's huge arms he had everything he needed; at least for a while until he had to go back to his world of a more stressful reality. In all the years they shared a clandestine love affair with each other, Bubba never asked Ernest Pennywise for anything other than to share his body and his love with him.

Because of Bubba's strong influence, Ernest was no longer shy or intimidated by large hyper-masculine men. His master became a paragon of masculinity for him and a standard by which he judged all others. No matter how large or masculine a man was, none ever measured up to his master. Ernie became a secret ego builder and a comfortable escape for Bubba and his increasing pressures. Even though Ernie was a young man in his late twenties, he was basically so innocent and intrinsically pure, no matter how many times Bubba fucked him over the years, it was like a new experience for the big cowboy every time he took the small man. It was like he held the eternal little brother in his arms to teach and make sweet love to. Their relationship was a thing of great beauty and boundless passion.  

They used the time dilation from one galaxy to another to their advantage. They would disappear for an hour or two and live a month or more together on one of many secret worlds they discovered and kept their secret-life together unto themselves. When they returned, there was little actual time lapsed between their meeting and bidding a fond farewell to each other. Every man needs to be somebody's hero. Bubba had something Ernie deeply needed and Ernie provided a pure and honest devotion Bubba needed and could find nowhere else.

After several days cohabiting with his new slave, Bubba put a dog collar around Ernie's neck, hooked a leash to it, inserted the largest rubber husband into his slave's butt, and led him naked through a gate back to Retikki Prime. After explaining what cooperation he wanted from Billy's uncle-in-laws, Bubba led Ernie to the tower where Ernie's surrogate master's dungeon was and insisted the good looking older master, who so carefully trained his new slave, fuck Ernie as a reward for his good work while Bubba watched. The man was thrilled and honored. After giving his new slave one Hell of a fuck, Bubba applauded and praised the man for his expert fucking techniques. The older master complimented Ernie on his fuck and said he could tell from the brief time he was with his new master he was developing new techniques which would become solid gold for his master. He was certain Ernie would make an excellent slave for his new master and wished him well. Ernie was pretty happy about his performance, too, but he was never afraid or shy around big men again. He fit right in with the rest of Master Billy's misfits.

* * * * * * *
The next morning the Daniels family accepted Captain Nick's invitation to have Sunday morning breakfast on the ship. There was much more room in the great hall to more readily accommodate the number of extra guests they were entertaining for the weekend. Kate, Zelma, Roz, and Evangeline Andreeson brought the Ondine girls with them. Every one gathered and awaited the men of the moment, the five newly fledged Cowboy-Angels, to make their appearance.

Genevieve Ondine was radiant as she entered the great hall with her fully fledged Cowboy-Angel husband on her arm with her proud stalwart son, Dermont, on his dad's left helping to support him. Pierre's wings were an extraordinarily beautiful deep maroon-purple color on the top portion of the wings and faded into a light fuchsia to pink and white colors at the tips. They were almost regal looking and certainly unusual. When asked what he thought of the unusual color he replied, “I dreamed of our family flower, the fuchsia, and I guess the powers in the universe wished to gift me with something similar. A strong voice told me the other Ondine men's wings will be a match to mine. I could not wish for a finer looking pair,” he replied and everyone applauded him. They applauded the rest of the men's new wings as well.

It was no surprise the two uncles of Tommy Griffin, Doutry Griffin and Tank Barger's wings were a matched pair. They were a startling bright green color on the tops and changed to various shade of green including bright yellow tips on their wings. They were very proud of their new wings and the Griffin family was proud for them.

Ram Snoddy's wings turned out to be almost a duplicate of his ramrods, but no one was surprised. Randy was equally proud of both men and he and his uncle Doug (Billy Bob Bane) escorted their newly fledged ranch foreman into the great hall. Ruth Rutherford never saw Billy Bob's wings so she didn't make a connection. Kayla did, smiled, and nodded knowingly to her little brother. Randy winked back at her, and they shared a laugh.

René led his huge caretaker into the hall. The young boy was most proud of his protector and caregiver. Of all the men, Bayrum Listrine's wings were the most unusual. They turned out to be a perfect tartan plaid of the McDonald clan. Bayrum was quite proud of them.

Bubba and his guest, Mr. Pennywise came into the great hall, and everyone became quiet for a moment. The big cowboy and his small guest positively glowed with a radiance so remarkable even those who couldn't see their complete auras were stunned. They were holding hands and Ernie was standing as close to Bubba as he could get. To those who could see their auras, they flowed back and forth like a complete symphony of colors and subtle nuances. “Ah, it's nice to know our universe has several new stars to brag about this morning,” Billy said and winked at Bubba.  

Bubba simply held up four fingers on his other hand like a toddler showing how old he is, and those in the know of the Grigori legends and sacred writings of the great Xoastrous Xenfendel enjoyed a good laugh. Ernie laughed, too, then he blushed a deep red like a young bride after her first night with her husband. That got a few more laughs and endeared Mr. Pennywise to the Daniels family.

Everyone sat down to breakfast and conversation was brisk. Billy wouldn't allow TVs in the great hall, but they didn't really need one. They had two news men at the table who were up early being awakened by Doug Quilty and Wes Taylor's boss, Stan Norsworthy. They were keeping pretty quiet until Billy confronted them and commented on their silence. “You men are pretty quiet. Is everything all right on the western front?” Billy asked and grinned.

“Not really, Master Billy,” Doug replied, “There ain't been nothing on the news since the end of the Barnyard Concert what makes any sense. The people are in an uproar and understandably they want to know more. Our boss weren't so upset about us working as announcers for your first live streaming show as he was about this evening's interview. He's being pulled right and left to gather more information than is included in our interview. The polls show a seventy percent positive reaction, but there's a thirty percent vocal minority which has labeled you everything from a charlatan, the devil's disciple, the Antichrist, or a male witch. The hydrophobic wing of the Christaceans are burning you in effigy, and 'effigy' ain't no little town in Texas. Wes and I give them Christaceans the name the 'Morlocks,' and those who are genuinely curious, who find your world a refreshing diversion and a ray of hope to our current situation and want to see it grow, we call them the 'Eloi.' Stan Norsworthy is asking for another hour interview to run Monday evening,” Doug explained.

“Are your jobs being threatened?” Billy asked.

“No, we explained the streaming video broadcast was a last minute thing, and he agreed. He said he could tell we were winging it, but it didn't seem to make it any less appealing to the viewers. He paid your staff a great compliment; said he wish't he could get such a professional editing job out of his own staff and wanted to know if yours were for hire,” Doug said and laughed, “He said their choice of shots and continuity was flawless. If it hadn't been such a professional looking broadcast, he might have shot us down and questioned our reason for choosing to become a part of an amateur production. T'weren't nothing amateur about it. Stan called it 'top-notch' and 'highest quality,'” Doug added. We're safe as long as we got something they want, and that's more of Billy Daniels and his world,” Doug said.

“Lemme' think on it. I'll get back to you later this morning. I need to check out a couple of things first,” Billy replied effectively putting them on hold. Doug and Wes were glad he didn't say 'no.'

After breakfast Billy gathered his posse and asked Captain Cloog if he would do him the honor of piloting Captain Nick's small scout ship on a brief excursion around the perimeter of the big ship and the cavern beneath. Cloog worshiped Billy and would do anything for him. He also was thrilled Billy called on him. It did wonders for the aging halfling warrior's confidence in himself to know he was loved, appreciated, and still needed. Tonto couldn't have been more proud of his Kemosabe.

Billy asked Mr. Pennywise and Bubba to join them, and he would further explain their conversation about Bubba-7-Twinkles. He also invited their benefactor's ambassadors, T. E. Lawerence, John E. Mack, Tenzin Gyatso, and Chief Seattle. Billy questioned them and found out they knew about their master's bro-crush on Billy Daniels and was sure the young Cowboy-Angel could do no wrong, but they knew nothing of the small token of love and appreciation he showered upon the Daniels family; particularly, because of his solid confidence in his new best-bro-friend, Billy. They were as curious as the others.

Pierre Ondine was feeling much better and stronger with a good meal under his belt. He was more steady on his feet with his large wings, and could get around without assistance. Billy promised he would quickly grow stronger. He invited Pierre, his two boys, his nephew, and Bayrum Listrine to join them. He also invited Tom McMartin and his boys, along with Randy, Pard, and Tommy Griffin. The men headed for the dungeon to open a gate to the flight deck for the scout ships.

After they passed through the gate and stood in the hangar bay, René let out a low whistle when he saw the small scout ships. “They're the ships I videoed on my way back to Paris, Uncle,” he said to Pierre.

“How can we get aboard something so small?” Pierre asked.

“With a gate like we just came through, only it will make us smaller when we transport inside the scout ship,” René explained, “Randy explained it to me when he came to visit me in Paris,” he added.

“Why am I suddenly reminded of Alice in Wonderland?” Pierre said and everyone laughed.   

“We don't need to take the scout ship to go outside the ship we're on. We can just go through a gate our workers are using,” Billy said and nodded to Randy to open the gate. Randy clicked his boot heels three times, put his finger on the top of his head and spun around once, waved his hand, and the gate sprang up. “Showoff!” Billy zinged him and everybody laughed.

“You were the one who encouraged me to add a little pizazz, Big Brother,” Randy replied and laughed.

“Guilty as charged, Governor!” Billy exclaimed and grabbed Randy up in his arms to carry him through the gate. The rest of the men followed them. Billy's team of dwarfs and halflings were working every day to bring the cavern into some order. They were making headway, but they had a long way to go. They were sorting and rearranging the valuables so people could walk into a free area and go from there. They had numerous tables lined up and wooden bins made for sorting small, medium, and large gold coins, and a couple of others for silver and miscellaneous metals they couldn't identify. The bins were almost filled but there was still mountains of gold and valuable jewels and such.

“Oh! My! God!” exclaimed Ernest Pennywise and squeezed Bubba's big hand so tight the big cowboy's face changed from a smile to a frown of pain.

“Easy, Little Brother. I may be big, but I hurt easily,” he said and laughed.

“I'm sorry, Master Bubba, or course you do. How thoughtless of me. I'll made it up to you, I promise, sir,” Ernie said.

“I'll hold you to that promise, Mr. Pennywise,” Bubba said, winked, and grinned at his smaller buddy.

“Mon Dieu! I have never seen anything like this in my life. I will never ask your family's worth again, Master Billy, simply because there's no way of knowing until it's all weighed and counted,” Pierre said. “Is this what the man in the great gold ship gave you, sir?” he asked.

“Yes, part of it. Actually a very small part of the total gift,” Billy said and his men tried to stifle a laugh. Several coughed into a closed fist.

“You mean there's more than this cavern?” Ernest asked.

“We will take you in the scout ship to see the rest,” Billy said. “Can you give an estimate how much the contents of this cavern is worth, Mr. Pennywise?” he asked.

“I wouldn't even hazard a guess. The gold alone is more than any I've ever encountered in one place on Earth. It's usually spread out so if some should be lost for any reason, there will be other caches stored in other safe places around the world. I've seen pictures of when there was still gold in Ft. Knox and I don't think there was ever this much there at one time – to say nothing of the precious stones and jewelry. Your workers are doing a wonderful job. Are you afraid of them putting some in their pockets?” Ernest asked and grinned.

“No, they couldn't get back through the gate with even one piece in their pocket. They wouldn't anyway. I pay them a handsome wage and see to it they live comfortably,” Billy said.

“Unbelievable,” said Pierre Ondine.

“Y'ain't seen nothing yet,” Tron Garrett drawled and grinned.

The men went back through the gate. Billy picked up a beautiful rosewood box and another small box from the table and carried them back through the gate. He left them on another table in the scout ship hangar bay. They took another gate onto Captain Nick's main scout ship and once they were comfortable, Cloog took the small craft out and flew it around the ranch so the men could get a good eagle-eye view of everything. It was spectacular. Billy gave Cloog the command and they began their descent into the Earth at the coordinates Billy provided him. It didn't take long for them to break through the granite stone into the huge chamber and began to drop down toward the gleaming brightness of the ocean of gold and precious stones reflected in the strong powerful lights on the craft. There was a silence in the small ship you could have cut with a knife. All Ernie could do was shake his head and rub Bubba's big paw with his other.   

“I can't even think of an exclamation for what I'm seeing out there. How deep is this ocean?” Pierre asked almost like a whisper in church.

“We've tried to take depth soundings of it, but we haven't been very successful,” Billy replied.

“You could become the first man in history to buy the world, Master Billy,” Ernest said quietly.

“Would it bring about a better life for all mankind?” Billy asked.

“It could, if you own it outright, and you carry out your dream. You wouldn't even have to go that far. This fortune is like nothing else in any other galaxy, to say nothing of the several trillion I've agreed to shepherd for you and your family, sir. Let's face it, wealth is power and you have a bigger power base than any other man on Earth. As I understand it, I am to become your main money management man if you will have me,” Ernie said.

“I'd like that very much, Mr. Pennywise. As I understand it, as of last night you have become a fully fledged member of the Daniels family, sir. Welcome home, Mr. Pennywise,” Billy said and shook Ernest's hand.

“I've never felt more at home anywhere in my life, Master Billy, and as a member of your family, I will never let you down,” Ernest said firmly and everyone smiled.

“Hosanna!” shouted Randy with his small hand clenched into a fist and raised above his head.

“Hosanna, in the highest!” the other men answered and raised their fists in salute.

“How do you know when to shout 'Hosanna,' Bossman?” Pierre Ondine asked him.

“It took me a good while to learn, sir, but once't you get the hang of it, it comes naturally,” Randy said as he hooked his thumbs in his wranglers and pulled them up further on his hips.

Billy was laughing his ass off on the inside, but only grinned, and pulled Randy into another brotherly hug.

* * * * * * *
As Billy and his party left the scout ship area, he picked up the ornate rosewood box and another small box with three beautiful gold bracelets inlaid with precious stones. When they walked through the gate into the dungeon area he handed Pierre the rosewood box and gave the box of bracelets to Dermont. “Here Mr. Ondine, this is a present for you to give to the lovely lady of your household to commemorate you fledging as a Daniels Angel, and in that box I gave Dermont are three bracelets for the three beautiful ladies in your family. I'll let Dermont and Giles decide which two bracelets go to which sister and there is a special one for their mother,” I think they deserve something pretty and unusual for putting up with us men's nonsense,” Billy said and smiled.

“What is it, Master Billy?” Pierre asked like he was stunned.

“Open it and see, sir?” Billy urged him.

Pierre carefully opened the beautiful ornate box, and he was amazed at what he saw. His boys gasped. They were looking at a full formal necklace of perfectly matched emeralds set into white gold with huge dangling emerald earrings to match. It was stunning.

“I can't accept something like this from you, Master Billy. I should be the one giving you gifts,” Pierre said.

“I appreciate your hesitance, but h'it ain't for you, Cowboy. It's for your lovely intelligent wife, and if I'm correct, one a them bracelets in that box is a perfect match for this set,” Billy said and Dermont opened his box.

Sure enough, one bracelet was made of white gold set with emeralds almost the exact same cut as the necklace. The other two would go to the girls.

“Mother would love this, Pa-pa,” Dermont urged him quiety.

“I'm with my big brother, Pa-pa,” Giles said, “Mother would be thrilled, and I know our little sisters will love the bracelets,” he added.

“Then we have become family, Master Billy?” Pierre asked.

“I'd say over the last several days we done bonded pert-damn tight, Master Ondine. Welcome to the family, sir,” Billy said and the men shook hands. Dermont and Giles shook Billy's hand as well.

* * * * * * *
“Master Billy! Master Billy!” Bart Langstrom came running up to the men. “My cowboy brothers, Hank and Buck, and several of your Cowboy-Angels are down to the front gate. They's a ruckus going on down there. Some spooks done shot one of the guard cattle 'cause she refused to move and get out of their way to let them pass. She's been hurt pretty bad, but she ain't dead. She's one a my favorite Irin cows, Wilma Jean Bettage. They tried to shoo the cows away so's they could get by, but them noble critters stood firm and refused to budge. I was with 'em, but Hank sent me to the barn to get you, and I transported here. They's five strange men down there in black suits and funny hats wearing dark sunglasses claiming they's government agents, and they got the right to come onto our ranch to check for alien technology and hardware. Hank got them stopped until I could come find you, sir,” Bart said.

“Ya, done good, Cowboy. We'll walk back down 'nere wiff' ya.' Mr. Ondine, you and your boys rejoin your wife and daughters. Ram, you stay on the ship. You can't de-wing for another eight hours or so. You neither, Mr. Ondine. Randy, it looks like you're gonna' have to be our main aura-reading man,” Billy said.

“No, Giles and Dermont can read auras. Take my boys, Master Billy, I know you won't allow any harm come to them,” Pierre said.

“Good! René, you should be developing your aura reading talents. Stay close to your brothers, Randy, Giles, and Dermont. Pard, Tommy, Cal, and Rory you can read auras, too. You boys might as well come along. Come, Gentlemen, and join us!” Billy exclaimed barking out orders. His posse transported to the barn and walked out into the sunshine. Bart ran ahead to tell Hank and the strangers their Bossman was coming, and he would settle the matter.

“Settle Hell! He'll do what we tell him, or we will shoot every damn cow on this lot,” the head spook said.
 
On the way Archie and Edith appeared out of nowhere with the dogs and started walking in-step along with Billy and his posse. Billy imagined in his mind, while they didn't look like the old gang from the O.K. Corral getting ready to fight it out with the Dalton gang, his family came damn close to serving the same purpose. Bubba and Ernest tagged along to see if they could be of any help.

“Clyde, drive our big flat bed truck down to the front gate so's we can levitate Miss Bettage onto it, drive her back to the barn, and grab Oatie to help you men patch her up,” Billy said as he threw his keys high in the air for Clyde to catch.

“Sure thing, Boss!” Clyde hollered in reply. He caught Billy's keys in mid-air like a forward pass and started running for the old barn like it was the goal line.

They walked down to the front gate and Billy couldn't believe what he saw: five men in the same suits, but not everyone was a perfect fit. One of the smaller men's suit was way too big and one of the larger men's suit was too small for him. Of the other three, two wore penny loafers with white socks. The other's sock were day-glow pink. One wore a pork-pie hat too small for his head and the other three were so large they almost came down over their ears. The only one to give an appearance of a real 'G-man' was the one in front. 'He certainly cain't claim no fame as a stand-in for Tommy Lee Jones,' Billy thought to himself, but he left his channel open and several of his younger posse laughed at his musing.

The dogs circled around the men, sniffed them up wind and down, raised the hackles on their backs, and started growling low in their throats. They sensed something about them wasn't right. “Keep them damn dogs away from us, or we'll shoot them, too. Nasty creatures. Don't know why man ever domesticated them filthy beasts,” Spook number one said.

"Man didn't domesticate us. We domesticated him. Before we came along, gave him our trust, and taught him to sing, he was little more than a savage," Chloe said.

"Okay, neat trick! Which one of you clowns is the ventriloquist? MIB numero uno asked sarcastically.

Billy completely ignored the spooks and went to his cow who was lying in a pool of her own blood and in obvious pain. “Hold on, Wilma, we got us a flat bed truck a' coming, we'll put you on it, and get you to the barn to fix you up. You'll be all right, Sweet Lady,” Billy said quietly. Wilma sighed deeply but didn't answer.

“Why are you talking to a damn cow, you country hick? I did you a favor. She's gonna' die anyway. Cut her up and make some nice steaks and brisket,” he said.

Billy slowly rose and looked at the man like he could kill him with a look. << Okay, aura-reading Buckaroos, yore' master needs some feedback, pert-damn quick! You pick'n up anything unusual? >> Billy sent to his younger posse.

<< They ain't a human aura among them, >> Randy sent back.

<< Something's wrong with them, Master Billy. They don't smell human, >> Willow allowed.

<< They smell similar to one a them mountain boomer lizards what we got down to our home in The Woodlands, sir, >> Daffy sent to him.

<< Yeah, you're right, Brother. They stink. Them lizards will eat anything including their own kind, >> Pancake agree.
 
<< We agree with our canine friends, Master Billy. They got some strange red, black, and green auras what look like bloody vomit. They ain't nice critters, whatever the Hell they are, >> Giles confirmed.

<< Two plus two makes four. What a' we got here, Family! Help me out! >> Billy exclaimed in their heads.

<< Don't know, Big Brother. We ain't never seen an aura like they's got, >> Randy said.

<< We have, Master Billy, >> came a mature voice in his head. Billy recognized as Hank.

<< So have we, Master Billy, >> Edith sent to him, << They are the reptilian race who captured me and Archie along with Hank and Buck, >> she said, << Whatever you do, don't let them get the upper hand. We can't let them escape to tell what they found even if you have to use your well-developed art of cowboy bullshit to turn the tables on them. Make a citizens arrest on the grounds of illegally trespassing on open range territory belonging to the Daniels family, and don't forget, they tried to kill one of your animals. You got first hand witnesses. You have the right to shoot all five and not a court in Texas will find you guilty no matter what they say. If no department of government will claim them, they have no one to contest your actions, >> Edith explained.   

<< Thanks friends, I'll take it from here, but I'll keep a channel open for suggestions, >> Billy sent back.

“I ain't talking with you men until I get my heifer back to the barn where my vet can take care of her,” Billy said firmly.

“What the Hell! I'll shoot ever damn cow on this lot if you don't show us the respect we're due,” the leader said.

“Uh, Boss, maybe we should back off a little until he gets his cow taken care of,” the smaller man said.

“You better keep a cool head, Dip-shit! You and your men are standing in open range country. The law says I got the right to stand my ground, and if you accidentally or purposely kill one of my animals, I got the right to shoot and cancel your ass on the spot! No questions asked! I ain't a' gonna' deal with you until I'm ready, Fart-face, so cool your jets, or I will take action! I promise you won't like my decision,” Billy exclaimed loudly.

“Yeah? And how you gonna' do that, you shit-kick'n piece of trash? You don't even have a gun,” the leader said, and his hand started to go for his shoulder holster.

“I'm warning you, asshole, if you go for your gun and pull it on me, I'll take it away from you, pull yore' pants down, shove the barrel up your ass, and blow the top of your fuck'n skull off!” Billy yelled. About that time, Clyde arrived with the big truck and purposely brought it to a screeching halt between the MIB leader and Billy spewing dust and dirt in the spook's eyes. << Good timing, Brother! >> Billy sent to Clyde, and he grinned.

The men and boys gathered around and made a good show of lifting Wilma onto the back of the flat-bed truck, but she was much too heavy. They very cleverly disguised their levitation apps by making it look like they were huffing, puffing, and straining to the max. One boy could have done it on his own. Once she was secure, Clyde wasted no time driving up the hill and into the old barn where Oatie and his men were waiting. Billy turned and looked at the men in black. “Now, who do you represent, why are you here, and what the fuck do you want?” Billy asked.

“We're from the government,” spook one said.

“Yes, that's right, we're from the government,” his smaller sidekick echoed.

“Which government?” Billy asked.

“Your government, shit-kicker! The United Republic of Jesusland,” the leader raised his voice.

“Ain't it your government, too?” Billy asked.

“Of course it is. Anymore stupid questions?” Spook number one asked.

“Yeah, you damn right I got me some more questions. Several, as a matter of fact, but ain't a one of 'em as stupid as you, Asshole! What department in the government do you represent, and show me your credentials. I wanna' know who and why-the-fuck some government snot-nosed, over-paid, bureaucrat would give you morons the authority to be on my property without my express consent!” Billy asked.

“We don't have to show you shit, Cowboy,” MIB one said.

“Show him your badge, sir,” the smaller MIB urged his boss.

The big spook reached for his coat pocket and retrieved a small leather wallet and flashed his badge at Billy and quickly returned it.

“Nice try, Piss-ant, but I want it in my hand to examine. I plan to copy each one of your badge numbers, and I wanna' see more credentials than just a frick'n piece of tin. Enough of your bad-ass 'G-man' scare-the-crap out of the citizen shit. You either cooperate or you turn around, walk your asses out the gate to your car, and drive away,” Billy said, “I'm tired of your nonsense,” he added.

“We ain't going nowhere, Cowboy!” the head spook yelled and reached for his revolver in his shoulder holster, pulled it out, and leveled it at Billy's head. “This is all the credentials you need, you loudmouthed hick! You either let us pass and do our job or you're dead meat!” he yelled.

<< Madam Spartza! Beauford! Protection mode, pronto! Please, >> Billy sent to his Shedus.

<< We're way ahead of you, Master. We're just awaiting your call. You're covered! Call his bluff, sir, you got a winning hand. You got the green-light to go. Ignite your engines, and we got lift off, Cap'n Billy! >> Beauford replied with a dab of humor.

Billy got a big grin on his face, “Don't let your slimy-green ass write a check your bank can't cash, roach-eyes!” he said like a challenge to the big spook. “Begone! You have no power here!” he added with a wave of his hand like Glinda the good witch, and heard several of his posse giggle. Billy was playing to his younger audience to replace irrational fear of the unknown with a bit of cowboy humor.

The MIB spook pulled his trigger but nothing happened. It clicked several times like he was stroking an impotent sex organ. Billy smiled. He thought the alien's face looked like he done shot his wad before he even got his cock out of his pants. The big MIB spook got a look of horror on his face, grimaced, pulled his arm back like a frustrated pitcher in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded and threw the gun at Billy's head with all the power he could muster. It never reached its mark, slowed a bit, and spun in mid-air for a couple of seconds, then disappeared with an aural 'pop' like a beer loving cowboy pulling his finger out of a long-neck bottle of Bud. “Oh, shit!” the spook muttered and almost turned green. “You men! Pull your guns out and shoot him! Shoot everyone of 'em and kill them damn cows and dogs, too!” he yelled at his men. They reached for their guns, and they went flying from their hands into the air and disappeared with four more 'pops.'

There was a deadly silence for a couple of moments until several of Billy's posse chuckled, “Is that all you got, Lizard Breath? A boyscout would be better prepared, or do they have boyscouts on the dung-heap you harken from. By the way, since the cowboys are now in charge, how long can you filthy critters hold human form without morphing back into reptiles?” Billy asked.

“What are we gonna' do, Boss? He knows about us. How could he know?” the smaller alien asked.

“Shut up, Benson! He's just making wild-ass assumptions. He ain't that smart. He's as ignorant as the rest of the people on this planet. That's why they been cattle to us for so many centuries. They can't do anything to us. We still hold the winning hand,” the MIB main spook barked at his sidekick.

“Gentlemen – and I use the term loosely – you men are under citizen arrest for trespassing on my property, and for the attempted murder of one of my cows. Now, you may come along peacefully or we will gladly use force if necessary, but I can promise you, we won't be nice,” Billy said so cool and calm it made the lizard's blood run several degrees colder than normal. Several of Billy's younger posse giggled out of sheer relief their leader gained the upper-hand and was taking charge of what could have become a messy situation. “After many years of intimidating and scaring the crap out of unsuspecting humans – just out of curiosity – I can't help ask –  how does it feel to be on the shitty end of the alien-stick?” Billy asked spook number one.

“You won't get away with this, Cowboy. Our people will come after us. In twenty-four hours your own government will be all over this ranch like stink on shit. They'll find us, and you'll be forced at gunpoint to release us. You'll have more trouble on you hands than you can imagine. You don't think we been working alone all these years, do you?” Spook one asked.

“Of course not. Your biggest problem is you continue to underestimate me, Fish-bait. I'm in the drivers seat now, and yet, you still got the hubris to doubt me. Since we got us some technology what will level the playing field, you impostors are in for a bumpy ride and so are your human cohorts. If they be cooperating with you, they ain't no better than you lying scum buckets, and need to be flushed out of our systems like a bad case of food poisoning,” Billy shot back, “They give the term 'selling your soul to the devil' new dimensions,” he added.

Billy wasn't taking any chances. He asked Edith to spin out several lengths of her strong rope to bind the five alien spooks and had each of his younger posse cut lengths about four feet each, using their cutting apt on high power. The cowboys blindfolded them with their bandannas and Bart donated his to stuff in MIB numero uno's mouth to keep him from spewing forth more garbage they weren't interested in hearing. They took them to the old barn and through a gate to the dungeon in the castle on Captain Nick's ship.

Billy instructed his men to put them in five of the unused cells which didn't have anything to lie or sit on but cold, hard metal slabs jutting out from the wall and supported by heavy-duty chains hanging from the ceiling. He didn't want them to have any comforts. Billy's younger posse took great pleasure out of undressing the prisoners and frog-marching them to their cells. They were each given an old pillow and a blanket for the bed. Billy gave orders not to remove their bindings until they were secure in their cells.

In the meantime, another group of Billy's men were investigating the car to see what they could find out about it and where it came from. They found nothing. The license plates were bogus and there was no engine serial numbers on the block or the front dashboard. It looked like an old Lincoln Continental, but they couldn't pinpoint the year or model. Finally, Billy gave up and decided it should be hidden where it would never be found unless they discovered some use for it.

They got the keys from MIB numero uno's pocket, but Billy was afraid for his men to drive it anywhere because of the possibility of remote control; it might disappear with one or two of his men to who knows where? He heard reports of MIB cars driving away and disappearing on the highway. One minute it was there, and the next – poof – it was gone. Buck came up with an idea to hitch up two of their sturdiest bulls with ropes to the front axle. With them pulling and Billy's biggest men pushing, they could move it up to the big barn and through a gate where it would never be found.   

* * * * * * *
Sheriff Tate and his family drove out for Sunday dinner with the Daniels. They were invited for the afternoon and evening to watch the TV news show of Billy's interview with Doug Quilty. Billy let the boys tell Will what happened. The boys were so wowed and enthusiastic they got everyone laughing. They were like proud little popinjays and even more proud of the their big brother and family. They worked like a finely oiled machine to ferret-out and capture the evil MIBs who were now unhappily in the dungeon on Captain Nick's ship.

After dinner, Will accompanied Billy and his posse to the old barn. Wilma Jean Bettage was lying comfortably on her side completely healed and enjoyed some fresh oats and hay. Oatie and his men did an excellent job of restoring Wilma and healing her. She related her story to the sheriff. It was one of the few times Billy and his family saw Will Tate lose it. Since he became a member of the Daniels family, he gained his dad back, and they gathered a new little bother unto them to spoil and include in their lives, to say nothing of seven flying and talking dogs and various Watchers. Will became the soul of togetherness. He buried the bad things of his past and was actively living for the present and the future. Will broke down in tears several times and Wilma patiently waited for him to get himself together before she continued with her story. Billy said as soon as she was a bit better, he was going to have her morph to her humanoid form and find a nice place for her. She certainly deserved something better. She became the heroine of the ranch for several days.

Will didn't spend much time with the prisoners, but he agreed they were where they should be until they could decide what to do with them. He was as convinced as Billy there was more to come. From the time they were incarcerated in the cells in the dungeon, they began to give off a terrible foul odor which made those who were previously around them for any length of time become sick at their stomachs and caused them to wretch. Billy observed noticeable changes in their skin content. After three days they started shedding their human exterior, and it didn't take them long to regress back into their lizard forms complete with reptilian slit-eyes, scaly green skin, forked tongues, two sharp green horns on their heads, and tails to balance them when they walked. Billy contracted with Doug Quilty and Wes Taylor to gather videos from the robo-cams which filmed them every hour of the day to show a time-lapse video of the transition of the five MIBs from human back to their alien bodies. It was a pretty damning amalgamation of video.  

They had a devil of a time finding food for them to eat. They rejected everything until one afternoon the boys cornered a big rat and managed to zap it enough to stun it. Just for shits and giggles the boys went to visit their friends guarding the alien prisoners and while they weren't looking they secretly released the rat into their cell compound. It wasn't a secret very long. There came a big ruckus like a feeding frenzy as the poor rat was chased from cell to cell until the biggest one caught it, held it above his head by his tail, opened his huge mouth, and dropped it in. The rat was gone. After the guards figured out where the rat came from, they laughed their asses off with the boys and told Master Billy they solved the feeding problem. They sent out e-mails to the Grange ranches to put out traps for small wild pigs, rats, mice, vermin of all kinds, except skunks; the aliens smelled bad enough. They would eat anything including snakes and large lizards endemic to the southwest, but it had to be alive.

Billy and his men made one error while holding them prisoners. They allowed them out of their individual cells into a common area where they could enjoy each other's company. All went well for several days until Thursday afternoon the four larger aliens decided they were a mite peckish, ganged up on the smallest of the five, killed him, and feasted on his body. There was very little of him left when Billy's guards discovered he was gone. They didn't seem the least remorseful when Billy confronted them and called them barbarians and the scum of the universe.

Billy planned to eventually turn the aliens over to the Sheriff and transfer them to the jail in Mason, but it was mutually decided before Sheriff Tate called anyone of higher authority, he would give the Daniels family time to post everything on the Internet including the aliens cannibalizing one of their own species. Their reasoning was, it was so startling and unnerving, it might draw attention away from the Daniels family and put the spotlight on a failed government which lied to them about so many things over the years to protect the self interests of the ruling class for the purpose of hiding new technology from the common man. Billy Daniels planned to change the ball game, and he was well under way.


End of Chapter 80 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
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10/10/2014
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