7Stars

Him Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 89

I watch my intended mate, my one true love, come riding over the hill, down through the mesquite thickets on his strong white stallion. He sprang from the loins of a handsome drifter whose name is lost to history. He was raised by Mother Earth under an apple tree where she brought him forth and anointed him with wisdom, beauty, and compassion. He rides with anxiety from fevered thoughts of holding me in his arms. He rides his pony like he rides me; strong, willful, filled with lust, and always in charge. He has come to set a seal upon my arm and a bond upon my heart, for his love for me is stronger than death, and his jealousy is more cruel than the grave. Many waters cannot quench the coals of fire which inflame the passion of his heart nor his love for me; neither can the floods drown it. He is of a strong and sturdy breed who will suffer no remorse to protect his own. Today will be our Dancing Day. His bond shall set me free. ~ Slave Songs: Canto 96: Archie T. Dux

Like most cowboys, Deek Swanson and Bafra Bootles weren't too keen on newfangled things. As so many in Texas and other rural parts of the South, and the Northwest before you get to the states along the West Coast, the people were still living in the last century. Technology and advances in medicine were not available to them due to the ever increasing imbalance in wealth. If you got sick, you died, and if you were old and experienced financial problems, you suffered greatly. Deek and Bafra fared better than many because they were veterans and could rely on the VA for most, but not all, of their care.

What the Colonel told his ranch hands about giving them back their youth and health, seemed almost too good to be true, and for his best intentions, it sounded like a promise they weren't sure he could keep; however, they never knew their boss-man to be a liar. They knew him as a gentleman, a cowboy, a rancher, a man of the West, a highly decorated military man, and a well recognized hero of his country. Colonel Henry Halfablap's word was his bond. After his old man, Baug, past away, Hank assured Deek and Bafra they had a job and a home on his ranch as long as they could cowboy. Hank treated them more like family than hired help. He included them in his family's birthdays, remembered them at Easter and Christmas, and gave each man a hundred dollars and a small can of Crisco on their birthdays.

He knew their druthers to sleep with each other, but beyond a healthy exchange of a little blue cowboy hyperbolic humor and gentle teasing once in a while, he never made them feel inferior or unwelcome. It seemed to Deek and Bafra, Hank became more empathetic to their way of loving each other after he lost his cock and balls. New Years eve a couple of years later, after a couple of pulls on a pint of Southern Comfort, Hank shared with them, if he had his life to live over, he swore on the name of some unnamed god, he would definitely include a male partner to love on the side. Because of his deep hurt from his wife, he claimed women were an expensive investment both financially and emotionally to get so damn little in return.

In a moment of brotherly love, greased by a little firewater, Deek and Bafra told the Colonel they would both be honored to suck his cock to bring him relief if he still had one. Hank assured them, if he still had his cock, he would certainly let them. He would humbly appreciate their attention to show their love and provide him with a little comfort. In the meantime, once in a while, when they reached the height of passion and caught for one another, to remember him in their moment of release, yell his name, and say a good word to whatever gods there might be on his behalf. They assured him they would grant him his boon that very evening, and they shared a laugh.

Hank never said as much, but Deek and Bafra were almost certain the Colonel was morally wounded by is wife's adamant refusal to consider having another child, his son and heir, by artificial insemination using frozen sperm the military kept in storage in case of such a war-wound like his. Wilma ranted and raved it was unnatural, unholy in the sight of God, against her religious beliefs, and a sin against humanity to even consider such a dreadful thing, and further more, what did he think she was? One of his cows? She sternly reminded him she was a woman of breeding and quality, and her family was one of the more wealthy and influential in the state. She had roots far deeper than he could ever hope to reach. Hank never told his daughters of their mother's selfish and thoughtless tirade. A simple, thanks-but-no-thanks, would have sufficed. Deek and Bafra were the only men with whom Hank shared his secret. The Colonel thought on them as brothers in the saddle, and he knew they would understand, empathize, and share his grief.

Unfortunately, for Wilma, the night of her rescue from the jaws of death, his youngest daughter revealed to Hank her mother proudly shared her refusal to have his son and told Jennifer it had nothing to do with artificial insemination, but everything to do with having to suffer the pain of giving birth and the work involved to raise another child; especially a male. It became her spiteful vindictive revenge against the Colonel to deny him an heir because he failed to live up to her Pentecostal family's expectations as a husband. In other words, Hank wouldn't allow himself to be controlled or manipulated by Wilma, her family, or their bat-shit crazy religious beliefs like forcing him to suffer a needless circumcision before they would allow her to marry him. To say the Colonel was his own man was unquestionably true, but when a man falls in love, sometimes he allows his little brain to do the thinking. Even though Hank Halfablap was educated, an officer, and a gentleman, he was still a cowboy at heart and could be a mite rough around the edges on occasion. Many saw it as a charming and amusing characteristic. Wilma's family didn't.

Like any cowboy worth the name, Hank could tell a story like nobody else and have a group of socialites laughing and eating out of his hands. Colonel Hank was considerably more interesting than the average 'full-bird' which made him a much sought after unique soldier and statesman in Washington; however, to his wife, Wilma, and her family, he was beneath their self-imagined holy piety and social dignity. Wickedly, Hank wondered to himself, when he became a fully fledged Cowboy-Angel, or a more holy bird-man, and capable of the same or similar powers, if at long last, Wilma's family would find him worthy?

Hank Halfablap didn't plan to spend much time worrying about it. He made up his mind that evening he was moving on, and his train already left the station. He found himself growing fonder of his new companion by the hour. In his wildest imaginings, Hank never considered he might one day 'jump-the-fence' to graze in a different pasture, but the doors of suppression and male guilt were discarded with the enhancement of his person. While he didn't consciously plan it as such, he saw his change as the ultimate statement of rejection for his past life and his holier-than-thou wife whom he would, with a resolved conscience, leave behind to simmer in a stew of her own false pride. His new spirit was growing strong with the hopes of new bondings and a greater, more powerful and sustaining reason to go on with his life.

* * * * * * *
Deek and Bafra, or as Hank's daughter irreverently referred to them as the 'Metamucil Mounties,' owned two cow dogs of mixed heritage, but both were a larger percent border collie than anything else. They were highly intelligent animals and acted more like concerned caretakers for the cowboys than working companions. They were a great help when it came to rounding up the livestock and made the men's work a lot easier. They worked hard and earned their keep. The two old cowboys came to think on them as their extended family.

The spayed female they called 'Bonnie' was bright and full of life. The neutered male they called Babbles. He looked out of one blue eye and one brown eye with white patches around both which made him look like a doggy wizard of sorts. Deek and Bafra would be talking. Sometimes Babbles would come near to sniff them, and try to join in their conversation. Babbles acted like what he had to say was important, and they should listen to him. Sometimes Bonnie would join him and bark after Babbles babbled as if she was agreeing with his rabble-babble; however, it wasn't rabble to her or Babbles. It made perfect sense to them, and the Metamucil Mounties should take the cotton out of their ears and listen to what he had to say.

He would go on endlessly sometimes like he was desperately trying to communicate with them, and they just weren't trying hard enough to understand him. He would get frustrated and look from one to the other if they didn't respond. When they did respond, he would get excited, sniff them again, and try to talk back. When they gave up, he would look hurt, and go off to his corner to pout. Bonnie would try to console him by licking his face, and then she would bark at Deek and Bafra like they were just being insensitive clods. They named him after the tower of babble, because they just couldn't communicate with each other.

When the Colonel told his cowboys to lock up the place, they would be gone for about three days, they hesitated because there would be no one around to feed their children. Bart volunteered he would bring a posse of his buddies ever day to feed them and the horses, but Billy said they could bring the dogs with them if they wanted, and he would be happy to refurbish them as well. The dogs were getting up in years and the cowboys liked the idea they would have their adopted children around for a extended while. �Y'ain't never gonna' git them damn dogs through one a them gates,� Bafra said firmly.

�Don't bet chore' hard-earned money on it, Buckaroo,� Randy said and gave a whistle. Through the gate came Guy, Willow, Pancake, Dolly, Daffy, Chloe, and little Molly. They bounded up to the cowboys and Randy. Randy reached down and picked up Molly.

�You whistled for us, Master Randy?� Molly asked, and the cowboy's toothless mouths dropped open.

�Jew-hear that, Baffers? That damn dog jes' spoke to that boy!� Deek declared.

�I heard it, Brother, but I don't believe it. He's some kind of wizard or a magician what can throw his voice to make them dogs look like they's talking,� Bafra replied.

�Oh, dear ancient Lords of some forgotten realm, help us!� exclaimed Chloe to her pack of brothers and sisters, �Don't it make you wonder sometimes how them two legged critters ever got the name the 'wise-ape'?� Chloe asked and the rest of the dogs and men broke up laughing. �You leave them two superior four-legged critters to us, Cowboy. You worry about putting one foot before the other and make sure y'ain't chew'n Redman or gum'n Cope so's you can walk through that gate without stumbling, and we promise we'll get our brother and sister through with no problem,� Chloe shot back. Bonnie and Babbles barked their approval of Chloe's words like: Yeah! What our sister said! Billy thought the Colonel was going to laugh his ass off.

�I gotta' get me one a' them dogs,� Hank said shaking his head, �My life ain't never gonna' be complete until I got me one what I can call my friend,� he added.

�Okay, then it's decided, the dogs will go wiff' us, we'll enhance them, and they will return with Bart Langstrom and his posse to tell them what to feed and how much,� Billy declared.

�They can't talk. How they gonna' tell yore' man what to do, sir?� Bafra asked.

�They'll be able to talk when I get through with them. Probably better than you men,� Billy said and got another laugh.

�Hell, 'at wouldn't take much,� Deek said and everyone laughed.

Billy heard Babbles in his head, << Tell them two old cowboys we been try'n to tell them for the last several months, they both got the cancer, Master Billy, >>

�Babbles just spoke mind-to-mind wiff' me, and he told me him and Bonnie's been trying to tell you for months you got cancer. They can smell it on you,� Billy said.

�That's why he's been sniff'n us and barking, Baffers,� Deek said to his partner.

�We'll I'll be damned!� exclaimed Bafra.

�You will be, if we don't take care of you quickly,� Billy said and grinned.

They locked up the house and put the key on top of the door frame. The front house was already locked. The Colonel and the cowboys weren't worried. In all the years they were on the ranch they never had anyone enter the property. You had to forge a low water bridge across the Guadalupe river to get to the road which ran about two miles up to the main house. The bridge, during the summer, was slimy with green algae which was slicker than goose shit. If you tried to walk across you would be taking your life into your own hands. Even a heavy vehicle had to go slow to insure adequate traction.

To the cowboy's amazement, Bonnie and Babbles followed their new canine friends through the gate with no problem. It was a bigger challenge for them than it was for the dogs, but they hitched up their pants and strolled through arm in arm. Billy sent the dogs off to the groomers to get Bonnie and Babbles cleaned up. He and his men would repair and enhance the cowboys first and the dogs second. While they were working on the dogs they would send the cowboys to visit the grooms and provide them with a new set of clothes.

The Colonel was amazed how efficient Billy and his Cowboy-Angels were. They managed to gather another large posse of Cowboy-Angels to provide their master with the power he needed to work on the older cowboys. There was a lot of work went into repairing health and refurbishing human tissue, but they kept at it until they brought them back to about the age of thirty-five to forty years. When they were through, the cowboys had no trace of cancer, they looked great, and they smiled wearing a brand new set of teeth which would never decay. Billy warned them, they must give up tobacco in all forms. The young cowboy explained, there is a virus, the Cymbidium mosaic tobacco virus, which occurs naturally in tobacco and will eventually cause cancer in any animal if they ingest it regularly. He stressed it didn't matter if it was smoked, chewed, or dipped, the results would be the same. Even inhaling dust from decomposed plants will activate the dormant life-form.

When Billy and his posse were finished, he sent the cowboys off to his groomers, and the dogs brought Bonnie and Babbles back to the dungeon. They were clean as a whistle, nails clipped, no fleas, burrs excised, and stickers removed from their paws. They were powdered and brushed until their coats had a dull shine when they moved about. They were comfortable and happy. It didn't take Billy and his posse long to take care of a couple of health matters and reverse their ages to about a year old. They felt wonderful and couldn't have been happier and more grateful for Billy and his men's attention. Billy called on Randy. His little brother bestowed upon them his accelerated speech app, and they would be able to talk before the sun went down. The other dogs would see to it.

The men were relaxing with the Colonel in the great dining hall when Deek and Bafra returned from the groomers. The groomer did the same for them they did for the dogs. They gave them manicures and pedicures, they cut their hair like they wanted, high and short, and helped them dress in a pair of new Wranglers, Western Shirt, a fine belt with their rodeo belt buckles, a brand new pair of boots, and new hats. The change was dramatic. There was a moment of silence when they appeared. The Colonel went to them and took them both into his huge arms and broke down. They tried to be strong for him, but they were still in the 'unbelievable' stage. They finally broke down, too. They came to Billy and fell to their knees before him. Billy smiled and looked at the Colonel and shook his head. �What the fuck is this?� Billy asked, and grinned.

�How can we repay you, Master Billy for giving our lives back to us?� he asked.

�Lemme' think. Oh, I know. One of them big old wet, sloppy buckaroo kisses from each of you would go a Hell of a long way,� Billy said.

Billy got what he asked for, but they were still red eyed and very moved. �You men sit down. Randy should be here in a minute with your children,� Billy said, and sure enough, around the corner came the dogs. The other dogs let Bonnie and Babbles take the lead, and they went to their masters. There was another moment of tears, hugs, and wet doggy kisses.

�You not stink no more. Good thing. Masser Bee-wee do job right,� Babbles said and the cowboys went nuts with tears and laughter.

The men sat around the table talking while the helpers in the great dining hall began to set places at the table for the coming meal. Billy suggested they move to the great hall and get out of the workers way. The hall was busy with Aunt Helen and her halfling technicians getting a presentation ready. They were double checking the video system and getting a table set up at the front. More people began to join them the closer it came to the supper hour.

The Colonel was surprised when Billy's grandmother accompanied by her ladies and his daughter, Jennifer. It was the first time Hank saw his daughter since Billy and his posse healed and refurbished her. She didn't look a day older than thirty. The three men from the Halfablap ranch and even the dogs, Bonnie and Babbles, were stunned by her beauty. Likewise, she was equally taken by the difference and change Billy and his men brought about with Deek and Bafra. There were many tears, gentle hugs, and kisses on the cheeks.

�And how is your mother?� Hank asked to be cordial.

�She's fine. Emotionally, she's still adjusting, trying to come to grips with her new self. She's cured of cancer and looking better than she has in years. I know you mean well, Dad, but you know better than to ask how she is. You know as well as I do, maybe better, mother is mother, and she will always be just that and only that. She will never change. There is no power to penetrate her imagined wall of piety. She has become a living monument to her rigid beliefs, and deep inside her cold heart, she is convinced she is a martyr for her cause � whichever one that might be for the moment. I'm never really sure myself. I've put up with it and gone along with her nonsense for years out of respect for my mother, but with a chance for a new start, I won't allow her to brow beat or endlessly preach to me anymore. I don't believe in that crap, and I plan to become my own person.

�I'm convinced, Jesus could come down from heaven, personally offer to escort her back himself, and she would find something to complain about. He didn't do it right according to her beliefs, or after meeting him and seeing his dark Middle-eastern Jewish skin and brown eyes, she couldn't be sure he was of sufficient social status to be seen in public with him let alone judge her or her family,� Jennifer replied, shrugged her shoulders, and smiled weakly at her father. There was a silence between them, �I don't expect you to comment, Dad. I told her I would not be living with her. Since she won't need me to take care of her anymore, I'm going out on my own, but I would very much like to keep in contact and spend some time with you when you can get away,� she added.

�I'm submitting my retirement papers to the Pentagon immediately upon returning to Houston, Jennifer. So, I will have more time to spend with you, your sisters, and my granddaughters. I don't plan to let go of my first family even if your mother and I are finished,� the Colonel said.

�I don't think she'll ask to see you,� Jennifer said.

�That's fine. It saves me time and bad memories from many years of wasted emotions. There's really nothing left to say. She stopped being my wife and put her religious beliefs above her vows to her husband. If I'm not mistaken there are scriptures which say she's suppose to bend to her husbands will; but, you know how cafeteria Christianist can be. The bible is sort of a great sm�rg�sbord where they can pick and choose what they like and leave out those pesky little bits with which they don't agree. She looked upon the unfortunate loss of my genitals as her chance to become top dog and strap on a pair of balls to rule our family.

"Her mother was matriarch of her family for years after her husband died, and Wilma felt it was her duty to follow in her footsteps; only, a mite too soon. She conveniently overlooked the fact her husband was still alive, and while he no longer owned a pair testicles, he remembered what it was like, and wasn't about to roll over for her domination. Maybe you were right, Sweetheart, the only place I could feel like a man was in the Corps. That's why I didn't come home more often except for special occasions because she was good at reminding me I was no longer a whole man.

�If I went to see her, it would only break down into an accusation fight, and as you observed, her high-handed religious defenses are impenetrable. As far as I'm concerned, we're equally to blame. I'm happy and pleased with my good fortune and prospects of enjoying a greater family life with the Daniels. I'm drawn to them like a moth to a flame, and I share a kindred spirit with Billy like I ain't never experienced with another man. It defies definition, except I sometimes feel like he's the grandson I ain't never gonna' have unless you decide to marry and have kids. It's something I feel deep in my gut. I belong here with him and his family and so do you,� the Colonel said.

�I agree, Billy Daniels is a remarkable young man. What's not to love? I'm truly happy for you, Dad,� Jennifer said with sincerity.

* * * * * * *
Slowly, the family began to arrive. Bubba, Ernest, Jack, and Grover. Jack and Bubba worked with Grover and taught him how to transport and store his wings when he didn't need them. Along with them were Cletus Abernathy and David Breedlove. They were introduced around and there was talk about Bubba and Ernie opening the new Daniels family bank in the small town and how things were going. It seemed everything was going better than they expected.

Oatie and Jethro arrived at the great hall, accompanied by Elmer and Rox; Pete Breedlove and Leon Tollefson; Judge LaFleur; Sheriff Will Tate, his dad, Buster, and his younger brother, Everett; Perry Reed and Mick Flynn; and the Rutherford family with Ram Snoddy and Billy Bob Banes.

Jethro used the facilities on the ship to clean up and dress for supper. Oatie was carrying another box. He set it on the table next to Kate's box and smiled at Billy. Everyone greeted them, with more hugs, handshakes, kisses, and sincere greetings. They moved to Billy's side. Billy was a bit more anxious than Oatie ever saw him. He wondered if he might have O.D.'d on Texas Tea. �Will you calm down, Little Brother. You look like you're about to have a conniption fit. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. In fact, the info is so strong, it leaves nothing to doubt, and I hear from our boy-wonder he got a special-delivery DVD from the Andromeda galaxy what will blow the lid off and slam the door shut once't and for all. There will be absolutely no room for doubt,� Oatie said, �All you have to do it present the facts, and knowing the showman you are, you'll outperform Ralph Edwards who was the host of a dreadful reality show in the 1950's called �This Is You Life.� I'm certain you won't make the Colonel feel as nervous and agitated as some of his guest were,� Oatie added and laughed.

Billy joined him. I ain't had time to go over the material. Unless I have a little time to get organized, I won't know how to present it to him,� Billy lamented.

�Nonsense, they're getting you set up as we speak. Knowing Aunt Helen and her cracker-jack team of munchkin-men, all you gotta' do is follow the printed outline sitting on that clip board. If you can sight-read and conduct Bartok's �Concerto For Orchestra,� this will be a walk in the park for you. I got faith in you, Little Brother,� Oatie said encouragingly.

* * * * * * *
The memories of a perfect love die hard. When Kate arrived with the ladies from the big house, she took one look at the newly refurbished, Hank Halfablap, and it was all she could do to keep from ripping off her clothes, throwing herself at his feet, and yelling for him to take her. Billy was right, the Colonel looked so much like Daws it was uncanny. In her hands, Kate carried the 'too-true,' two blue, baby books, as she came to think of them. They were in the same small box where they found them the evening before. She set the box on the table and nodded to Billy.

For once in her long life, Zelma Redbone was too stunned to comment. She was as shaken as Kate by the Colonel's remarkable resemblance to Daws Butler Daniels; perhaps, even more so, because the prophecies the dark angel revealed to her were coming true, and the Colonel was to become the corner stone of the new Daniels family foundation. Zelma didn't have a clue how it might affect her and Kate's close relationship, but she wasn't the least bit worried about it. After she and Kate discovered Daws and her husband, Houston, were frequently, secretly fond of each other to the point they occasionally shared a bed in the servant's quarters on the huge Redbone estate to ride high-in-the-saddle on Brokeback Mountain for an evening, the ladies neither saw a problem nor felt any guilt sharing their own suppressed physical admiration and affection for each other.

The ladies from the big house were accompanied by Zelma's other grandson and his family, Tom McMartin, his wife, Abigail, and two young boys, Rory and Calhoun. Zelma contacted them and told them they didn't want to miss what was about to happen on the ranch; she told them a previously undiscovered major player in the Daniels family clan would be revealed after dinner.

Billy's Uncle Nathan and his other half, Tron Garrett, came with Kate, Zelma, and the McMartin family. Of course, Enoch Redbone and Moss Garrett were in attendance. The Colonel was doing his best to keep the players sorted in his mind. He recognized Tom McMartin and Zelma Redbone from Houston society. Billy's Uncle Nathan looked somewhat like his dad, but not enough for anyone outside the family to make a connection. Nathan got his strongly masculine, strapping, square-jawed looks from his granddad on Kate's side of the family.

* * * * * * *
Billy got a call from Doug Quilty. Stan Norsworthy took his firing worse than they thought, and even though they assured him he had another pair of boots to step into, they were worried about him sinking into depression. They wanted to bring him to the ranch. Billy couldn't have been more pleased to hear from them and sent two of his Cowboy-Angels, Rumdum and Slipweasel, to gather them and escort them back to have supper with the family. Billy explained to them there was going to be an announcement of great importance after supper and perhaps it just might be the ticket to shake Stan out of the doldrums associated with loss and self-pity and get him to consider his greater options within the framework of the Daniels family.

There was more socializing as the crowd grew larger. Several knew the Colonel from other social meetings in Houston. Doug Quilty, Wes Taylor, and Stan Norsworthy knew him well. Doug interviewed him on several occasions in Houston. Tom McMartin and the Colonel went hunting and fishing a number of times with a group of business men in Houston. Billy was right, Doug and Wes watched Stan Norsworthy come back to life around such a varied but exciting group of people and their unusual companions. Stan was as much agog as any person unprepared for the Daniels family experience.

Doug and Stan kept their promise to Master Billy and kept most of the more sensitive secrets from their station manager; however, they did warn him, once he stepped through the gate with them and the two remarkably handsome cowboys, Stan would be entering another world, greater in scope and content than anything he could possibly imagine. Their warning couldn't have been more true, but it didn't frighten Stan Norsworthy. He suspected his favorite men were on to something larger than he could comprehend, but he didn't have any idea how strange and wonderful their alternate world might be.

* * * * * * *
The second bell for supper rang, and Billy announced they would wait for the third bell. The second bell was to seat the visiting children rescued from the aliens and their caretakers and most of those who lived and worked in the caverns. (Billy had not yet revealed to everyone they were actually on board Captain Nick's ship.) Billy's guest were amused the children were excited, laughing, and calling to each other, waving at the gathered adults and calling out to their hero, Master Billy. Billy would respond by remembering each one's name. Billy's group of guest continued to mill about and converse with each other until the third bell rang. Billy invited them in to find their places. There were small cards with their names written on them. Unknown to the Colonel at the time, Billy decided he was to be the guest of honor, hooked his arm in Hank's, and they led the rest of the party into the great dining hall. Everyone was standing behind their assigned seat.

Hank leaned into Billy and spoke, �Three bells for seating at supper?� he asked rhetorically and smiled, �One could almost imagine they were on a great ship,� Hank added.

�And if one were to take it one step further, Paw-paw, he would surpass the realm of his imagination and with a word of clarity from his faithful surrogate grandson, come to understand his imagining is, indeed, a reality. For you see, you are on an interstellar space ship, sir,� Billy said and grinned.

�If those words came from anyone else, I would stop in my tracks, and in a very loud voice I would dress them down as a conflagrate liar � as in, liar, liar, pants on fire,� the Colonel replied and got Billy laughing.

�In case you ain't noticed, why do you think my people call my surrogate pa, Captain Nick, sir?� Billy asked and grinned.

�Past military experience?� the Colonel asked.

�Good assumption, but no cee-gar. You're on his ship, which became mine after I saved Nick's life, and he gave himself to me to become my slave. It's another story I will share with you as we get to know each other better. We have some catching up to do, to bring you up to speed,� Billy assured him.

�Why have you opened your arms and heart to me so readily, Son?� Hank asked.

�Why did I make Nick my surrogate pa after his space ship crash landed in the river on our property, and he gave himself to me to become my slave? Because it was the right thing to do; to say nothing of the fact, he is an incredibly good looking male angel who moves my fundament like none other ever has. You saw him in his Kagoli demon form. In your case, our initial bond is much stronger. I didn't lie to you when I told you I have a slot open for a granddad. When I made that statement, I knew more about you than you know about yourself. Don't tarry long about it nor worry yourself none. Enjoy your supper and the good folks who have become our extended family. Everything will be revealed to you after supper and then you will come to understand and learn what I know,� Billy said firmly.

�You make it sound Earth shaking, Son,� Hank said and grinned.

�Not quite, but it just might make that tight military asshole of yours pucker real tight to keep you from shit'n yore' knickers, Paw-paw,� Billy said, and they shared a laughed.

Supper was wonderful. Everyone joined in the fun and the feeling a new, important, Daniels family member was about to be recognized. The Colonel told a couple of stories about his youth and good times with the old man who raised him, Baug Hieffernablaupt. The children were polite and listened attentively to the adult's banter. It was enough to keep their minds entertained and occupied. Before dessert was served, Billy stood and invited the adults of his extended family to join them in the great hall to welcome a new member into their family, Colonel Hank Halfablap. Billy explained he wasn't trying to be mean, but the children on the ship wouldn't be allowed to join them; however, those children of visiting parents could attend with their families. There was a couple of moans and groans, but Billy promised to make it up to them later.

After dessert and the other children were taken back to their rooms, Billy stood and invited the remaining members of his family to join them in the great hall. The family children were welcome to attend; after all, several of them were instrumental in gathering the information Billy needed to present his revelation to his grand-uncle. Billy was in contact mind-to-mind with the head of his munchkin tech-heads, and with their expertise and dedication to him, Billy thought it just might be an easier task than he originally thought. He decided to start with a small introduction. Billy asked the Colonel to sit with him at the long table at the front, and asked him to escort his beautiful daughter, Jennifer, to the seat next to him.

�Thank you for coming this evening,� Billy began, �We have an interesting presentation for you, which I think will cause you to wonder, but it just might fill your heart with a bit of joy and warmth as well. When I received a call from the NSA agents to come to the ranch to talk with me about what we know about the aliens, and asked if they could bring three military men, I was a mite apprehensive at first, but didn't really see any problem. I agreed and I'm glad I did. I'll admit, I was somewhat anxious about what and how much to show them, but after I met them and got to know them a bit, they seemed to be no more than any other men you meet today who are doing their best to survive in an ever increasingly difficult world. Naturally, we agreed to help several. You people know me better than anybody. You know I'm a sucker for sick kids and old farts with health problems,� Billy said and everyone laughed, �I'm just a cowboy what can't say 'no.' Probably some of my weakest moments have come from a deep empathy for aging cowboys,� he added.

�Hosanna!� shouted Billy's uncle, Nathan.

�Hosanna, in the highest!� everyone echoed.

�So when it came down to an aging military man with the heart and soul of a cowboy, my heart went out to him. I agreed to repair, refurbish, and enhance Colonel Hank Halfablap,� Billy said and got a round of applause. "He was surprised by our powers, but his body held an even larger surprise for me and my main posse when we tasted his blood to read his DNA, so's we could work on him. We wanted to assure ourselves he wouldn't turn out to look like Elmer Fudd,� Billy said and got another laugh, �I didn't let on at the time, and I didn't allow my team to let on we discovered something rather startling. We kept it a secret until now. The Colonel also holds a Doctorate degree in Veterinarian medicine and according to him, he can read DNA results. Let's test him and see how good he is, shall we?� Billy asked and everyone applauded. �The DNA results will have the name covered when they appear on the screen. We'll remove the cover after we've given the Colonel a chance to tell us what he can deduce from the findings. Ready for the first chart, Colonel?� Billy asked.

�I'm ready, Son,� the Colonel replied, and a large DNA printout appeared on the screen. �I recognize it. That's my DNA. When I took a refresher course in the new DNA techniques, the students were required to present a paper on their own DNA readings. I labored over that presentation for two weeks. I would recognize my DNA in my sleep and have on a couple of occasions,� Hank said and got several laughs.

�Remove the label cover,� Billy said and a tech removed the hidden label to reveal the name Colonel Hank Halfablap. �Good, Colonel. You're a man of your word. Now let's try another,� Billy said and another chart appeared under the Colonel's, and he took a moment to look at it.

�It's got most of my DNA signature, but it varies. The subject is female. I would say it's a chart of my daughter Jennifer,� the Colonel said.

�Remove the label cover,� Billy ordered, and it was removed. It read: Jennifer Halfablap,� the audience applauded for the Colonel.

�Now, for something a bit more difficult,� Billy said, �Show the next two charts, please,� he ordered and two more appeared under the other two.

The Colonel took his good time looking at them. �Difficult is right," he mused, "Both are male, but they actually have more in common with my DNA than my daughter's chart. The first one would have to be my son and the second my grandson, but I never had any male children and neither have my daughters,� Hank said like he didn't understand.

�Remove the labels,� Billy ordered and they were removed. The first was Nathan Tyler Daniels and the second was Billy Augustus Daniels.

�Well, I'll be damned! Unless these have been tampered with as a joke, how is this possible?� he asked.

�That's a reasonable reaction to something what seems like a conundrum, Colonel, but they's an even more reasonable answer, sir, I assure you,� Billy said firmly.

�Play the first video, please,� Billy ordered his tech staff, a key on a computer was punched, and the screen was flooded with numerous pictures of Daws Butler Daniels.

�Oh, my God!� the Colonel exclaimed.

�Daddy, how did they get so many pictures of you?� Jennifer asked grabbing her dad by his arm.

�Not a one of them pictures is of me, Sweetheart,� the Colonel replied.

�Well, whoever he is, he looks just like you!� Jennifer exclaimed, �It's amazing!� she added.

The pictures disappeared and a video came on the screen of Daws Daniels teaching his ten year old grandson, Billy, about team roping. They weren't on horses. They had a saw-horse mounted on a wheel-barrow with a broom handle for horns. They were in the corral, with another young cowboy who was pushing it, and they were throwing their ropes at it. Billy's roping partner looked like it could be the Colonel himself in cowboy clothes teaching the boy. There were audible gasps around the room.

�Is that you, Son,� the Colonel asked.

�Yes, sir, that's me with my granddad, Daws Butler Daniels, about six months before he past away,� Billy replied. �Return the Colonels' DNA chart to the screen, please, but this time put up the DNA chart of my granddad, Daws Butler Daniels,� he asked his techs, and they complied.

�Amazing!� said the Colonel, �There's very little difference. DNA don't lie. If this ain't no hoax, then that means your granddad would have to be my twin,� he said.

�I promise you, it ain't no hoax, Colonel. There's more proof,� Billy said quietly.

�What do you have, Son?� the Colonel asked almost in tears.

�A baby book of my granddad's twin brother who went missing before his first birthday. It has hair samples from the missing baby and fingerprints. Put up the DNA chart from the second baby Daniels, please,� and the chart sprang up right under the Colonel's blood chart. It was labeled: Oran Augustus Daniels. The result was a perfect match to the more recent chart of the Colonels' DNA.

�Assuming you're correct, is that the name they gave me, Oran Augustus Daniels?� the Colonel asked.

�Yes, sir, grandma told me they gave my dad and me the same middle name in memory of you,� Billy replied, and turned to his technicians, �Put up the missing baby's finger prints, please,� Billy ordered. �All you have to do is place your thumb and fingers on this small security fingerprint scanner, and it will compare your prints with the prints on the screen,� Billy said.

The Colonel took his daughter's hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it, �I have to know, Darling,� he said.

�I agree. I know it's important to you. Go for it, Daddy. I pray he's right,� Jennifer said.

The Colonel placed his thumb on the scanner and after a few seconds the thumb print lit up and a red sign popped up which said: Match! The audience went crazy applauding, but the Colonel didn't stop until he allowed every digit to be scanned and showed a match.

The Colonel sat in his chair and shook his head like he was trying to absorb the information or clear his reasoning factors in the highly intelligent, recently enhanced, meat-machine he carried in his skull. A nagging question came to him: Was this revelation the reason why he never felt like he belonged anywhere or to anyone? He turned to his daughter, �What do you think, Darling?� he asked Jennifer.

�I think you just found your roots, Daddy, or they found you,� Jennifer replied.

�I just can't imagine old Baug stealing a baby. He was such a life-positive man. He taught me to have empathy and compassion for animals, the land, and my fellow man. He had more humanity in his little finger than most men can boast for their whole personality,� the Colonel lamented.

�Don't allow yourself to think that, Colonel. From the stories you told us, the man what raised you was just who you said he was, a unique human being. We have more to prove it,� Billy said, �But we don't have to show it now if it's too much for you. If you want to wait until later, sir,� Billy said.

�We've come this far. I won't sleep tonight wondering what more you might have, Son,� the Colonel said.

�Remember me telling you about the world which is so far more advanced than ours, even more advance than the other planet of watchers known as the Grigori?� Billy asked.

�Yes, the Irin who fell in love with Earth and made themselves a planet just like ours,� the Colonel replied.

�My little brother, Randy, is in tight with the head cowboy, the big Bossman, who calls himself Ramrod Quigley. He runs their world and many other worlds in their system. They have the power to travel to the past and gather information which might make the future a bit more palpable and enduring. They're kind enough to help us from time to time, and we're most grateful. They sent us a video which I think you will find interesting. I ain't had time to see it, but Ramrod Randy claims it's a winner. I trust my little brother. From what he's told me, if you have any doubts after watching this video, then it will be because you refuse to believe the truth, sir,� Billy said.

�I want to see it. Is it safe to show my daughter?� the Colonel.

�Yes, it's safe to show me! If you're going to watch it, I'm going to watch it! End of story!� Jennifer exclaimed and got a laugh from everyone.

�I guess you have your answer, Master Billy,� the Colonel said.

�Everyone get comfortable. Techs, please lower the lights and start the video,� Billy called to his staff.

The video started, and it was different shots of a saddle tramp cowboy riding across the Hill Country. He comes upon a ranch which is easily recognizable as the Daniels place. It looks like it was early in the morning and the sun was high in the sky. He comes upon a couple babies in a playpen and there's no one around. He gets off his horse, walks over and picks up one of the babes, and speaks to it. �Well ain't you a fine looking little hombre. You're gonna' make me some money, Son,� he says and gets back on his horse. As he slowly rides away with the baby in his arm, in the distance you can see the form of a woman in a long skirt running around yelling for her baby, calling him by name, �Oran! Oran! Oh, my God! Where is my baby?� she screamed and from the camera angle everyone could see she barely caught sight of the cowboy riding away from her into the mesquite thicket.

The video showed the cowboy riding for sometime, but skips to sundown when he makes a camp. The baby is crying. He tries to feed it some beef jerky he chewed up to make it soft, but the baby spit it out and continued crying. Finally he took some whiskey, stuck his finger in it, and let the baby suck it. He gives him enough the baby falls asleep. The next morning he continues, and rides on most of the day until the late afternoon when he fords the Guadalupe river and comes upon another ranch where a huge man, a cowboy, is working outside. The Colonel immediately recognized the big man.

�Oh, my God, it's Baug,� the Colonel said loud enough everyone could hear him.

The cowboy rides up and hales the man, �Could I get some water from you for me and my nephew, sir?� he asked.

�Sure, help yourself. That's a mighty young baby for a drifter cowboy to be take'n care of,� Baug said to the the stranger.

�Yeah, my sister-in-law got sick, she died a while ago, and her husband, my brother, was killed in the war. They didn't have no family but me, and I don't know what I'm gonna' do with him. I'm just a roustabout cowboy and don't know nothing about babies,� the drifter said.

�Take'n care of a baby is like anything else in life. You learn one step at a time, Son,� Baug said like he was disgusted with the cowboy.

�That's my problem. I can't take care of him and myself, too. Ain't no way. Do you want him? I'll sell him to you cheap,� the cowboy asked.

�What kind of man would sell his blood kin to a stranger?� Baug asked.

�A desperate one,� the cowboy shot back, �I'll sell him to you for a hun'nert bucks,� he said.

�You best ride on then. I ain't got that kind of money. Hell, I'm just a two-bit cowboy taking care of my granddad's ranch for him while he's away for a while,� Baug said.

�How much chu' got?� the cowboy asked.

�Fifty,� Baug replied.

�I'll take it, and you can raise him as your own. He's a stout baby. He comes from good sound stock. He'll make you a fine slave,� the drifter said.

Baug hesitated for a moment then spoke, �All right. Lemme' have him. I'll take him into the house, and get chu' the money,� Baug said.

The cowboy handed the bundled baby to the huge man, Baug turned, and walked into his house. He laid the baby on his bed and went to his hiding place for his strong box to get the money. He placed the heavy metal box on a table, slipped back the bolt, opened it, counted out five ten dollar bills, and started to close the box when the cowboy walked in the door with his .45 pointed at Baug.

�I done figured you had more'n you claimed, Cowboy. I'll take that box. Put the fifty inside and hand it to me,� the drifter said sternly.

Baug didn't reply, he opened the box, threw the five tens inside, and slipped the bolt back. He picked it up and held it before him. �Give it to me!� the drifter said.

The box was filled with gold and silver coins and weighed about thirty pounds, but with Baug's strength, he handled it like it was a lightweight box. He didn't respond right away and the cowboy yelled at him again, �Hand it over, Cowboy, or you're a dead man!�

�Here! Catch!� Baug said and shoved the strongbox toward the man's head as hard as he could. It hit the man flat in his face and forehead. Baug could hear the drifter's nose crunch and he screamed in pain. The cowboy lost his balance from the force of the heavy impact, fell backward, pulled the trigger on his gun, but the bullet went through the ceiling of Baug's cabin. Baug was big, but he possessed the reflexes of a great cat. He leaped at the cowboy and his heavy boot came down on his gun hand. He managed to stomp the gun from his hand and kicked it with the toe of his boot. It flew across the room into a corner behind his potbelly stove. Baug grabbed the stunned cowboy's head in his arms and with one swift twist, broke his neck and killed him. The huge man knelt over the body of the drifter cowboy to see if he still had any fight left in him. If he recovered, he might offer another threat to him and the baby. The cowboy never moved.

The baby was crying in the bedroom. Baug went in, picked him up, started rocking him, and talking to him. The baby stopped crying. �What am I gonna' do with you, my stout little maverick? I suspect you were stolen from a family some wheres in the Hill Country. If I try to find your real home, they might blame me for your disappearance. I don't have time to leave my ranch to travel the country side looking for your parents. Most likely, it would be a waste of time, like looking for a needle in a haystack. If I tell the law what really happened, and turn you over to them, I could go to jail or even be hung for killing a man. Even if I didn't get into trouble, if they couldn't find your family, you would probably be placed in one a them religious orphanages and grow up without anyone to call your family. My conscience would eat me alive from the inside out if I denied my love and protection to one so perfect and handsome as you,� he said, the camera angle zeroed in on Baug and the baby's face. The little tyke smiled at Baug, took his small hand, reached up and touched his rough, masculine face. You could almost hear hearts breaking one by one in the great hall from the smallest to the largest.

�Is that a sign you want me to be your main man and take care of you, Baby Buckaroo?� Baug asked gently, and the big cowboy kissed the little tyke on his forehead. �I know how to raise baby goats and calves whose mother died, how much harder can it be?� he asked and every woman in the audience laughed or groaned.

The video continued and showed Baug milking one of his female goats, putting some milk in a baby bottle he used for smaller animals, and feeding it to the baby � Oran Augustus Daniels, who became little Hank Halfablap. The baby was hungry and drank it all. After Hank went to sleep, Baug put the baby in his bed and covered him. The video continued and showed Baug carrying the drifter's body to the barn, where he stripped him, and wrapped his body in a dirty old canvas tarp. He dug a grave behind the barn and buried him. He pushed a huge, heavy metal, storage bin over the fresh grave. He kept the cowboy's gun, his clothes, boots, saddle, and his horse. Then he went back into his house to clean up the mess and to tear up some old sheets for diapers.

The last scene was much later. It showed Baug walking hand in hand down a dirt road with a young toddler of a boy about five years old, barefoot, wearing a pair of overalls rolled up at the bottoms, a straw cowboy hat, heading to the river, and they were carrying fishing poles. They both had big smiles on their faces like they just shared a secret. The video followed them for a while and faded into darkness. It was the end of the piece.

Nathan Daniels jumped up, raised his fist and shouted, �Hosanna!�

�Hosanna, in the highest!� everyone in the great hall answered.

The Colonel was weeping inconsolably in his daughter's arms. Every heart in the room went out to him. Billy picked up the blue baby book and handed it to the Colonel. �Welcome home, Uncle Gus,� Billy said.

The extended Daniels family were deeply moved by Billy's presentation and the video. Stan Norsworthy was so touched he couldn't speak for a while. Doug and Wes stayed with him with their arms around him to console him. It became the deciding factor for him to leave Houston behind and begin a new life in the Hill Country. Later, he claimed it was the best decision he ever made.

The Colonel got himself together and was like a new person reborn to life. He later compared it to having dual citizenship. The love he had for Billy and his family seemed to flow back and forth in an easy manner. It just seemed right. Here was a family he could honestly say he belonged to and they belonged to him. His daughter, Jennifer, reminded him she also found new hope with the knowledge she was kin to the Daniels. She became the cousin of a talented man she greatly admired, and Billy had no problem referring to her as Cousin Jennifer.

Everyone in the great hall came around to offer their congratulations and well wishes to the Colonel. Kate and Zelma were particularly forthcoming with him and offered their sincere congratulations and welcome to the Daniels family. Kate was warm and giving, but she contained herself and managed not to give into her more base feelings; nonetheless, there was a moment which passed between them which was electric. The Colonel proved to be a gentleman's gentleman. �I can understand why my brother chose you for his mate, Ms. Kate. I'm afraid he had much better taste than me. In a brief moment of the video, watching your husband with his grandson, I saw a man of deep compassion with great unconditional love for his family,� Hank said.

�Daws was a remarkable man in many ways, Colonel. I miss him greatly, but I have a son, and his grandson to continue his love for me; and now, I have his brother's living image to remind me of his love and the wholesome goodness of our lives together,� Kate said and kissed the Colonel on his cheek.

�When I first saw you, I said to myself, Ms. Kate looks far too young to be Billy's grandmother. Of course, at the time, I didn't know about the powers he possesses. You are a remarkable woman, Mrs. Daniel's, and I'm proud to know I'm related to you and your family. I will do my best to make you proud of me, and I promise, I will strive to give back as much or more to the Daniels as they have so freely given me,� the Colonel said like the consummate gentleman, took Kate's hand in his, bowed, and gently kissed the back.

* * * * * * *
Through everything going on, Bart Langstrom remained by the Colonel's side like a fine military attach� who possessed great knowledge of the Daniels family. He was a great help to Hank and never tried to push his presence onto any situation. He stood quietly and responded only when the Colonel asked a question or needed something. He quickly got the nickname of the 'Colonel's Ghost.' Neither Bart nor the Colonel were bothered by the cognomen. They found it amusing and rather apropos. Only a handful of men, Billy, Nick, Bubba, Oatie, and Grover knew Bart's talents to be exceptional. As quiet and unassuming as he could be, Bart became a strong backbone of support for the Colonel, of which, the big man wasn't even aware at first. All the Colonel knew was, he was taken with the young cowboy's intelligence, dedication, his honesty, his perfect body, his unassuming presence, to say nothing of Bart's inviting buttocks. Just the sight of the young cowboy's sweet ass made the big jar-head Colonel grind his molars, cause his new penis to get the happies, and drool like a baby cutting his first tooth.

�Son, I need input about something Master Billy told me earlier as we were going into supper. Is it true we're on an intergalactic spaceship?� the Colonel asked.

�Yes, sir, Colonel. It's the god's gospel truth, sir, -- that is, assuming there is such a thing,� Bart replied.

�I've walked around the town. I seen the forest and the badlands stretching out for miles. Physically, it would have to be an enormous ship, Son. How is it possible to have vast spaces and a castle of such enormous proportions, which boasts a moat and a lake with swans, inside a spaceship?� the Colonel asked.

�It's a matter of perspective, sir. Are you familiar with modern physics, Colonel?� Bart asked.

�Not a lot. Only the basics. I took a class in college and made an A, but all I can remember is Einstein, and enough applied physics to make me start dog paddling in shallow water to keep me from drowning from embarrassment. Are you learned on the subject, Son?� he asked.

�Yes, sir, I've studied up on it and downloaded apps from our ship's brain to help me understand the concept. Since I been here and become enhanced by Master Billy and his men, I done spent many hours downloading information under the excellent tutelage of the ship's synthetic person, Seth. He's taught me things he felt I should know to function at my best and become a worthy member of Master Billy's family. I must admit, when I first came aboard, I was as confused and flabbergasted as anyone, sir, but once I learned and understood the basic concepts, the pieces quickly started to fall into place, and it began to make perfect sense,� Bart replied.

�Gimme' the down and dirty, reader's digest condensed, in-a-nutshell, explanation, Son,� the Colonel requested.

�One a them pull-me-Wranglers-down-and-yank-on-my-cock replies, sir?� Bart asked using cowboy hyperbole and grinned.

After the Colonel stopped laughing, he replied, �That will do nicely, Son,� he said and grinned.

�We're talking about a dimension within a dimension, Colonel. A four-cubed space inside another cubed space of defined proportions; in other words, theoretically you can have vast spaces, even a universe, shoved into a cube the size of a marble; much like the reduction scheme when we go aboard them basketball sized spaceships, sir, only on a much larger scale,� Bart replied.

�Excellent explanation, Son. I can grasp the theory, but I can't imagine the application. That part don't matter at the moment. I know even less about quantum mechanics, a subject which seems to be tossed around here like egg salad at a food fight,� the Colonel allowed and got a laugh out of his young escort.

�Should I make a note of the subjects and forward them to Seth for when you decide to sit under the education domes, sir?� Bart asked.

�Are you in contact with the brain at all times, Son?� he asked.

�Naw, sir, only when I have something to send him, or he needs to contact me; especially, if it's important. I hear from him once't a day or so. Sometimes more if he's got a good bit of gossip or he's heard a funny story he thinks I'd like. Seth has a wicked sense of humor,� Bart explained.

�Sounds like a damn fine app to have, Son. Yes, I would appreciate it if you put in a good word for me with your friend, Seth,� the Colonel said.

* * * * * * *
The crowd dispersed and only the men were left to sit around and talk. Billy suggested everyone move to the tubs to continue their conversation. He explained to the Colonel and the newly refurbished cowboys, Deek and Bafra, it was a tradition on the ship for the men to let their hair down and lounge in the hot water. It sounded good to them, and they agreed they would like to honor the tradition.

�Oh, yes, and by the way,� Billy spoke up rather loudly, �There was another bit of the past on the disk we received from the Irin which we didn't show because it involved two men with us. Due to the personal content, I felt it necessary to gain their permission before it was shown to anyone. It involves a funny story the Colonel told us about you men, Mr. Swanson, and Mr. Bootles, when your Bossman Baug came to your cabin and laid the law down to you men about love'n one another,� Billy said and everyone laughed remembering Hank's story.

Deek blushed a deep red and looked at his partner. Bafra looked back, grinned, and nodded to his mate. �We'd love to see it, Master Billy, and share it with ever'body. It come to be a great revelation for us two cowboys, and we come to love Master Baug like he was our daddy what used a little tough-love to show us the way. He like'd to done scared the shit out of us, but he shore' 'nuff got our attention. We ain't got us no regrets, sir. Just to get to see another video of our savior, would be a treat for us,� Deek said and Bafra agreed, �Who knows, it just might be the thing what will make some lonesome cowboy want a closer walk with his saddle buddy,� Bafra added.

�What about the young ones, Master Billy,� the Colonel asked. The rest of the men laughed.

�They got a tight union, Uncle Gus. How many a you men already seen this video?� Billy asked and everyone of them raised their hand.

�It was dang good, too, Master Billy! Funny as all get out!� Pard Andreeson exclaimed, and the men laughed.

�I'm afraid I done went and fell in love with your old man, Uncle Gus,� Randy spoke up, �and us men feel remorse and cheated he didn't live long enough for us to share him wiff' you. Us younger cowboys decided we should tell you what a lucky kid you were to have an old man like him raise you up to be the good man you are today!� Randy said firmly, and the other boys agreed.

The young cowboy brought tears to the Colonel's eyes, and his main-man, his silent ghost, whipped out his cowboy bandanna and handed it to him.

�Hear! Hear!� exclaimed Rory.

�Hosanna, in the highest!� the other boys shouted.

�Thanks for them good words about my old man, Bossman. He was one of a kind, and I loved him dearly,� the Colonel said, �He would have loved ever' one of you men equally. He could spin a yarn like no other man I ever heard and have you laughing your ass off or crying buckets of tears,� the Colonel added.

�Wait a minute! What happened to the first 'Hosanna!� Billy asked.

�Theme and variations, Brother. You can be such a tight-ass conservative at times. Loosen up a mite,� Randy gigged Billy and laughed. The other men laughed with him.

�I'll loosen you up, you little no-neck monster!� Billy said and grabbed Randy to give him a big kiss. Randy giggled like crazy.

Everyone settled down and Billy instructed his techs to lower the large screen at the end of the tubs and show the video. They did, and it was just like the Colonel described in his story. It was amazing, and it got the men laughing, whooping, and hollering. Even the old cowboys found it funny to watch. The former Metamucil Mounties were so na�ve back in those days, they never considered their love for each other and watching the video only strengthened their bond. The men had a good time and thanked the cowboys for letting them watch. Several talked about the trouble they got into before they understood they were frustrated and needed love more than they needed the resulting burden from being ornery. It was only when they admitted to each other they love one another, did they leave their rough and rowdy ways behind them.

The Colonel was curious about several of the men's partners who looked like men but had a vagina between their legs. Deek and Bafra were sitting close to Bart and the Colonel in the tubs and heard the Colonel quietly ask his escort about them. �You don't have to whisper, Colonel. They ain't sensitive. Most can morph their bodies to provide a little variation for their mates. It's just another app,� Bart explained nonchalantly, �As with most bondings among men, there usually is a proven bull and one who wishes to be more passive. Only a couple of pairs are somewhat permanently fixed into their rolls like Master Thor and his son Zeus. They came with the other Irin cowboy slaves and were our first pair of guard bulls for the front gate. Master Thor has complete control over his son, Zeus. He can change him either way, but Zeus can't change himself. He is being punished for a crime he committed, and they wouldn't let him come to Earth unless his own dad married him and Zeus became his male-wife and sex slave,� Bart explained.

�Why am I getting erect from this story?� the Colonel asked rhetorically, loud enough for Deek and Bafra to hear him.

�Me, too!� said Deek.

�Does three make a pussy-posse?� Bafra asked, and the men laughed.

�Is it the same with them four body builders. No disrespect intended, but there ain't no doubt in my mind which two is the bulls,� the Colonel observed.

�It's a mite different with the older and younger man. Marcus is a freeman and so is his boy, Wilbur, but they's engaged to be married and Wilbur chose to give himself to become Master Marcus' slave. Wilbur can morph himself either way. They's the yard dogs for our building projects. During the day he's male, because on a construction job, you don't want to have to take the time to squat to piss, but when they's relaxing together, Wilbur morphs depending what his master prefers for the evening. He morphs to please his master. The other couple, Master Bluetooth is a freeman, but his partner Erin is a punishment slave. They were in prison together for a number of years. Erin can't change his'self but his master can. He changes him back and forth mostly for convenience,� Bart said.

�Did that further bit of information make you men lose your erections?� the Colonel asked Deek and Bafra with a big grin.

�Naw, sir, Colonel. It only made me harder,� Bafra said.

�Me, too, Colonel,� Deek said, �Would you like me to have one a them, Baffers?� he asked his husband.

�Only if you want it, Babycakes, and then only if you can change back,� Bafra said.

�Babycakes?� the Colonel and Bart asked in unison and fell out laughing. The cowboys blushed, but it only made them laugh harder.

Bart went on to explain Hank and Buck, and then he explained Roxanne Breedlove was a chimera. The Colonel was familiar with the anomaly, but he never saw it in humans. Deek and Bafra listened intently and asked intelligent questions, but they were still perplexed. �To think, we lived all them years thinking we's the only two like ourselves. We never would have know'd had it not been for Master Baug taking matters into his own hands,� Bafra lamented.

�I have one last brutally blunt question, Son,� the Colonel said.

�Can I morph myself like them men?� Bart asked with a grin, and the two cowboys almost fell off their seats craning their necks to hear his answer.

�No! Don't answer my question. Forget I asked. I ain't thinking soundly!� the Colonel exclaimed, �I don't wanna' know! I like you just the way you are. Besides, it might prove to be too big a temptation for me right now, and I don't think I could handle it. I ain't even begun to recovered from my life falling apart. I know I sound like a wuss, but I'm still vulnerable. Decisions like 'at should be made only when you're standing on firm ground,� he added.

�Mean'n no disrespect, Colonel, but 'we' wanna' know,� Bafra groaned.

�Not without my master's permission, Gentlemen,� Bart said firmly.

�Shit!� said Bafra.

�I think I just did!� Deek said, and they laughed together.

It was a new world for the men, and they were having a good time discovering the differences in their companions, but everything seemed to be right. No one was hurting anyone else. They observed the others around the pool, and it didn't take a genius to determine who belonged to whom; however, there was a harmony of purpose which filled the room. They were family.

Warden Tom McMartin called for the pre-puberty bears to come with him and his crew of cowboys. It was their curfew time. It was time for them to head on off to dreamland. Tom told them to gather their things, he and his crew of prison-screws were ready to take them up to the big house for incarceration to get ready for bed and lock them down for the night. There were moans and groans, but they complied. The men laughed at them and told them to enjoy their youth while they could. It didn't mean very much to them at the moment. The Colonel and his men were laughing at them. Bart placed his hand gently on the Colonel's back to call his attention to the look on Randy's face, but Hank flinched and pulled away from his escort's touch. The Colonel got a strange look on his face, �Sorry, Son. I didn't mean to shun your token of camaraderie,� he said.

�Sensitive, Colonel?� Bart asked.

�Somewhat,� he replied, �Your touch sent a shock-wave through my body,� he said.

Randy came across the pool to give the Colonel a hug when he saw him shrug off his companion's touch. �I's gonna' give you a big old wet, sloppy buckaroo kiss goodnight, sir, but I think we better settle for a handshake. Turn around a bit for me Colonel,� Randy ordered like he was the Bossman and not to be ignored. The Colonel did as Randy asked. �My, my, them points on your back are stretched tight. Them mounds certainly look like wing nubbin's to me. It's time to get you upstairs to your bed. You're about to give birth to a set of wings, sir. Congratulations, Colonel, and welcome to the family,� Randy said and offered his hand.

�To Hell with a damn handshake! I want me one a them wet, sloppy buckaroo kisses. Just don't throw your arms around me,� the Colonel insisted.

Randy laughed and gave the big cowboy a goodly kiss. �Goodnight, Son, see you in the morning,� Hank said.

�I'll look forward to it, sir. I know you're gonna' look great in a set of wings,� Randy said to encourage him, �Who's gonna' cut them for you, Colonel? If you decide on your man, Bart, you got the best cutter on the ship, sir,� Randy assured him, �He was one of my best pupils. Graduated summers a' coming, Lordy,� Randy bragged about Bart.

�I wouldn't won't nobody else cut'n on me but my boy,� the Colonel assured Randy, and turned to Bart, �Are you as good as Bossman Randy claims, Son?� Hank asked.

Yes, sir, I been awarded my merit badge for birth'n Angels' wings and certified by the 'Pre-Pooh-Bear-Tea Wingcutters Anonymous Board,' better known as 'The Little Devil-Dog Cutters Union Local 666, sir. I'm quick on the draw, slick on the slice, guaranteed painless, and I can promise you a damn-near blood free birth'n of yore' new set of wings, sir,� Bart bragged using Cowboy hyperbole he learned from his little brothers. The nonsense spiel was harder to learn than the actual cutting.

Hank laughed as hard as the rest of the men. �With credentials like those, I ain't got me no fears, Son,� the Colonel said and winked at Bart.

�Where's Goldilocks?� Billy hollered.

�He's on the ship in one of the grooming rooms, Master Billy. They groomed him well, and he's waiting on stand-by talking to Mace and Picard,� Boomer said.

�Go get him, Boomer, and take him to Bart Langstrom's room. Have him wait there for the Colonel to come to him to make their bond,� Billy said, and Boomer disappeared.

�What's he talking about, Son?� the Colonel asked Bart.

�Anyone with a rank in the Daniels family has their own Watcher-Protector whom they must bond with. Actually, any of us can have one, I just ain't seen one I can't live without yet. The one they have for you will see you through your fledging. You will drink his milk, and he will sing to you to help you and your body through the transition. I was provided with a loaner. Master Bubba's handsome Watcher they call Bubba's Brute volunteered to see me through the passage,� Bart explained.

�Why do I get a special one?� Hank asked.

�I ain't real sure, but I heard me some rumors, sir. Best you ask Master Billy,� Bart said.

�Why do I get my own Watcher, Master Billy, and how do I bond with him?� Hank asked.

�Good question. Most don't get a Watcher assigned to them until they been with us for a while, and then they can make up their minds. Some are even known to date and court each other like they's potential lovers, and I suppose that analogy ain't as far fetched as I once thought. I saved Boomer's life when I was only seven years old, then he saved my life, but I saved his one more time. Actually, Boomer and me, we had us an earlier bond I didn't find out about until recently, but that's a story for another time; howsomever, my handsome beastie was given to me to become my slave by the rulers of Retikki Prime. Me'n old Boomer decided we loved each other too much to ever be separated again, so we agreed to go one step further, and we got married. We done talked about it and decided we wanted to make us a baby together the first night we consummated our marriage, and we did. The lovely pregnant Irin lady you met named Roz is carrying our son, Billy Augustus Daniels Junior. I can already see the questions in your eyes. I's just skate'n across the pond. More data on that later. You might ask your young escort, Colonel, he can fill in the blanks for you.

Billy continued, �Taking on a Watcher, is a bond between two souls for life. It is one of the strongest bonds a man or a Watcher can make in their life, and if something should happen to one or the other, the survivor usually grieves himself to death. You don't know how special and fortunate you are to already have one chosen for you by the Irins. They don't take such bondings lightly. Bondings between our species is considered sacred with them, but before you go asking more questions, they always have a specific reason in mind which will enhance both of you to damn-near miraculous proportions. Both your powers as a Cowboy-Angel and an enhanced Watcher-Protector will be amplified ten fold. I ain't privy to the details nor the reasons, but I can assure you, the Watcher they have chosen for you will be one of great importance to you, and I promise, you will not be able to find it in your heart to deny him your bond.

�Like Bart used Bubba's Brute to guide and feed him his milk through his transition from human to Cowboy-Angel, the one we got for you has been sent to us special delivery from Fort Adam Lear with the compliments of Ramrod Quigley, the supreme leader of the Irins, and their affiliate worlds in their galaxy. We call the great beastie 'Goldilocks' because...well, you'll understand when you see him. To say he's a magnificent creature would be short-changing the fine Watcher-Protection Warrior. The only thing you gotta' do to bond with him and have him bond with you is to give him a name; a name you want him to be known as and seal your bond with a kiss. If you got apprehensions about kissing the big monster, h'it don't have to be no passionate lip-locker like them sloppy buckaroo kisses. Just a gentle peck on his lips will do nicely,� Billy explained.

�Goldilocks is the biggest damn watcher I ever done seen outside of them uncle-in-laws of mine on Retikki Prime, but that, too, is a story for another time; however, I will have to say, he's a bit of a looker. I wouldn't have any problems with him holding me in his arms and singing to me while I enjoyed his warm, thick milk. Oh, and by the way, he allowed me to taste a sample and told me it was your favorite flavor, Blue Bell Vanilla Bean,� Billy added.

�It is my favorite, but how could he know that?� Hank asked.

�I don't know, but I have my suspicions. If it were meant for me to know, they would have sent him with papers and a letter of explanation. They didn't, because they want you to find out for yourself, and we trust them explicitly. We'll take you up to Bart's room and wait for you in the main sitting room of the suite. After you go in, remove your robe. You must present yourself to him naked before he will acknowledge you. It's part of an old ritual, when a man and a Watcher meet to bond, as a garment-wearer, you must show him you're not hiding any weapons. When you're ready, bow to him, and he will take it from there. He will come to the door and get us when you're ready, or he will send a message to your escort to join you. We will wait until Bart tells us all is well,� Billy explained, �Welcome to our family and your new world, Uncle Gus,� Billy added and kissed the Colonel on his forehead.

�I'm ready, Son,� Hank said with sincerity.

Billy, and his posse, along with Bart Langstrom, escorted the Colonel to Bart's room, bade him farewell, good luck, watched him walk through the door, and close it behind him. Hank looked to see the enormous, giant beast standing in front of the fireplace. Billy was right. Of the many watchers Hank saw in the couple of days with Billy and his family, not one could compare with the monster he saw standing before him. Goldilocks stood almost nine feet and was as massive as he was tall. The giant beastie looked like a Watcher on steroids, who was chained to a weight-lifting machine for the greater part of his life. His musculature was so well defined, even his luxurious coat of fur couldn't hide his splendor.

He was a magnificent brassy bronze color but the tips of his fur turned to a light golden-yellow and shimmered when he moved. The defining part of him was the golden yellow hair which he wore on his head, around his neck, and appeared as a yoke down his front narrowing into a treasure trail about eight inches wide and stopped just before his hidden genitals. But the most impressive thing about him, was his full facial hair, including a mustache which grew in perfect harmony with his beard and shaped his face like a great mask. It was a pure white. And if that wasn't enough, he had piercing blue eyes the color of fine lapis lazuli. Hank stood in awe for a moment as they stared at each other.

Suddenly he remembered himself, and why he was there. Hank quickly undid his robe, took it off, and didn't just set it aside, he threw it as far away from him as he could and watched a smile cross the beast's handsome face. Hank didn't know why or how, but when he looked into the big beast's eyes, he knew he instantly loved him. As Billy described his love for his watcher, Boomer, Hank Halfablap knew in his heart, without hearing the Irin's reason for sending him such a fine looking beast, he never wanted to see the dawn of another day without the big monster by his side. Hank never believed the old saying 'love-at-first-sight' until that moment. He reminded his soul to eat a major portion of a very bitter humble pie.

Any apprehension or fear Hank might have entertained left his body to cause him to stand proudly, naked as the day he was born, before the enormous watcher. Hank moved his arms away from his body, opened his hands, and turned his palms toward the golden giant to show him he wasn't hiding a weapon. He even went so far as to turn around, bend over, grab his butt cheeks, and spread them to show he was hiding no weapon in his crack. He straightened up, turned back around to face the gigantic beast, returned his arms to his side and bent at his waist into a deep bow.

Hank held his bow for a moment until he heard a deep booming voice say, �Arise and aright yourself, Human!� the beast said firmly and Hank complied. He watched and saw tears forming in the giant's eyes as he opened his arms and spoke again, �Come to me and let me hold my chosen master in my arms so's I might offer him my comfort and protection,� the deep voice said. Hank didn't waste any time, and with three large bounds found himself surrounded by the softest fur and being held by a giant like he was the most important object on the planet. The giant Watcher held him close for a while then began to stroke Hank's head like he was a beloved pet. Hank could feel the giant's tears falling on him from time to time. The Colonel was never so moved by anyone or anything in his life. �Why do you weep, Great One?� Hank asked with concerned compassion in his voice.

�Because I am a happy and fulfilled beast. It is so wonderful to once again hold my boy in my arms, my tiny tin soldier, Master-Sargent Hank Halfablap,� the giant beast said quietly as he held Hank in his arms and kissed the top of the big man's head.

�I was never an enlisted man. I joined the Marines as an officer right after college,� he said.

�No! Go back! Remember earlier. Your heart and spirit joined the corps when you were five years old after you watched �The Sands of Iwo Jima.� You came up through the ranks. You started out as a buck private and battle after battle you slowly advanced through the ranks until you were awarded the rank of Master-Sargent, by your commanding officer. It was a field appointment for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. You were ten years old,� the beast said.

Hank pulled away and looked deep into the eyes of the handsome beasts. He saw more tears forming, and he realized he recognized the look. He could swear he looked into those loving eyes so many times before, but he had to be sure, �What was our password?� Hank demanded.

�Redbud!� the giant answered quickly.

�Baug?� Hank asked softly. The giant nodded his head. �Oh, my God! How is this possible?� Hank said almost in tears.

�I have come to believe nothing is impossible for the Irin, Son. They gathered my soul as it was leaving my body and took me to their world where they gave me this magnificent body as a reward and token of their admiration. They didn't just put me into this mature body. I woke up as a young bairn still in his father's pouch, but I retained all my memories from my past. They claimed I was unselfish, compassionate, and gave my life to devote to you and your well being, but they were wrong. I was none of them things. I did it because I fell in love with you the first time you held your tiny hand to my face. I don't think they fully understand how strong and bonding human love can be,� the giant said, �But hey! If it got me this wonderful new body out of the deal, and I'm once't again back wiff' my little saddle buddy, this old cowboy ain't compain'n none!� he said and Hank recognize the vocal inflection which couldn't be duplicated. The Colonel was convinced, it was his old man.

�Oh, Baug, you can't know what this means to me,� Hank said through his tears as he hugged and stole kiss after kiss from the giant beast in his arms.

�You're wrong! I know exactly what it means to you. Do you think it could mean any less to me? I done lived another life since I left you. Now I'm back to pick up where we left off; or as close as we can get. You must never refer to me as 'Baug' again. I am no longer your old man, but I retain his memories, and I'm full of the love he had for you. You will learn to separate the two. We will have time together to get caught up on things. We will share everything with each other, but right now we have to bond and get you fledged. The time is drawing nigh for you to shed your mortal coil and become a Human-Angel hybrid gifted to you by your Grand-nephew. You must think of a name for me, we will seal our bond with a kiss, I will drink your milk, and you will drink mine,� the former Baug said.

�My milk? What milk?� Hank asked.

�The milk from your handsome new cock, Son. Get on board. You will suck my teat for my Watcher's milk. Best food in the universe. It will give you a head-start for your body to rapidly build your wings to lessen the growing time. It will make you sleepy, and that's what we want, so's you won't have to endure the pain of growing new appendages,� Goldilocks explained.

�What name did you have on the other planet?� Hank asked.

�Golden Ox. Pretty generic. They's a lot of Golden Oxes. Smiths and Jones of another world. Of course you know cowboys are gonna' have their fun and called me Goldilocks. Actually, the cognomen for me was pretty accurate, but it ain't a proper name for a watcher my size,� the giant beast replied.

�I like the name 'Ox' and Lord knows you're big enough. But it's too short and plain. Have you met Bubba Kirkendall's watcher, Bubba's Brute?� Hank asked.

�Yes, I met him this evening. A nice fellow watcher. Almost as handsome as me,� the beast replied and grinned.

�It's time I started to think on myself as a Daniels. What if I used my earliest given name, and we call you Oran's Ox,� Hank offered.

�I like Master Billy calling you 'Uncle Gus,' a short form of 'Augustus.' What if you called me Gus's Gus, or Gus-Gus?� the beast asked.

�No, it would just be my luck Disney would find out and sue me for copyright infringement,� Hank lamented, and they shared a laugh.

�I can live comfortably knowing I'm Oran's Ox, Master Gus,� the giant watcher said sincerely.

�Oran's Ox it is, but I will have a difficult time think'n on my old man as my slave,� Hank said.

�You'll grow into it. I ain't gonna' be your old man no more. He died many years ago. I will be your faithful Watcher-Protector and your beloved slave. You will be my master. We will grow together like we did before; but it will be different. Nevertheless, it will be equally rewarding; maybe even more so with the opportunities we have before us to set thing right on our old home world,� Ox said.

�I'm ready to seal our bond, but I got an even better idea. When I was at my worst place after my crash and looking death in the face, I would think on you and the good times we shared together. I would image you in my mind and it would cause me to hyperventilate. I would take in what I called my essence of Baug, and it was like I got me a breath of fresh air heavy with pure oxygen. From now on, you will be known as Oran's Oxygen, O2, or just plain Ox. Kiss me my handsome monster and make it a good one. I want to make damn sure our bond is sealed tight, and I don't lose you again anytime soon,� Hank demanded.

�I hear that, Cowboy, and I agree with everything you said. With this kiss I am bound to you until death, my Good Master. May our time together be wonderful, full of love and happiness,� Ox said, and they kissed.

Hank didn't hold back and gave as much as he got. They were pouring their love into each other, filling one another with the love and strength they both brought to the bond. They finally broke it off. Ox wrapped his arm around Hank's back well beneath his wing nubs, bent slightly to reach under his knees to pick him up like a baby and cradled him in his enormous arms. Ox opened his mouth and engulfed Hank's new cock and began to suck. Hank leaned back and groaned from the ecstasy of the giant beast's hot mouth. He didn't fight it, he just gave into Ox's strength and relaxed.

They formed what looked like a monster, Cowboy-Jarhead version of a homo-piet�.

The next thing Hank knew, the beast was singing to him in a deep rumbling vibration that ran from Hank's soul down through his cock. It made his sphincter pucker and tighten from the sensual vibrations. The more Ox sucked, the more he sang, the more relaxed Hank became, until he felt himself building to a gigantic climax. He was sure it was going to feel as good or better than the blow-job his cowboy-nephew gave him the night before. The Colonel blew such a large load into the giant beast's hungry maw, Ox couldn't consume it all, and was forced to swallow several times. Ox made even greater sounds of joy and pleasure at receiving his beloved master's gizz. Their bonding was complete.

�Oh, God, Ox. Will this be a regular thing with us?� he asked.

�If there's a god, it will. I'm your slave, Master. I'm here to serve and protect you. Your wish is my command. I will gladly provide you with comfort anytime you need it, sir,� Ox replied.

�Did you prefer men in your past life?� Hank asked.

�I will never lie to my master. Yes, but I never allowed you to know. I didn't want to influence you. I wanted you to have a chance to become your own man. You did, and now you're beginning to understand you have other options available to you, and you don't have to be singular. You are having thoughts about taking on a fine young man for a companion or your slave. He would provide you with a form of love, a closeness you always wanted but never knew where to find it. You're on the right path. Let it happen for you,� Ox said, �There is no shame in same sex coupling, Master, only ignorance and fear from those not enlightened enough to allow themselves to accept the truth over myths and superstitions,� Ox said.

�You wouldn't feel slighted if I took on a fine young man like Bart?� he asked.

�On the contrary, we will become family. Watch and learn from Master Billy. His watcher is his husband whom he takes good care of, and he has a slave, his surrogate pa, who shares his bed most of the time. You will come to understand, the possibilities are endless. You will find the right path for your family, and we will grow together as one,� Ox replied and continued, �Now, it's time for you to drink my milk. I will let you drink for a while to relax you. When I am satisfied you are about to drift off, I will summon your escort and his men, but not until I sense you're ready to be cut,� Ox said and lay back on the huge bed. He opened his arms for Hank to join him. Hank crawled up, lay his head on the great beast's chest, took his teat into his mouth, and began to suck. The warm, thick, creamy milk burst into his mouth like a flood gate of love was opened to his soul, and he began to swallow. It was wonderful and as good as he heard it might be. It was, indeed, his favorite flavor: Blue Bell Vanilla Bean.

After a while, Hank heard a soft knock on the door, but he couldn't stop sucking. It was so good, and it was like his subconscious need for Watcher-milk as a natural tranquilizer overpowered his curiosity. �Come!� said Ox in his deep, booming voice. The door opened and Bart walked in followed by Billy and several of his immediate family. Billy invited Deek and Bafra to come with them so they could see what they would be facing the following evening. They could see the Colonel's nubs were sticking straight up and looked to be stretching the skin to a painful degree. Hank didn't stop sucking Ox's tit right away.

�I take it the bond has been made?� Billy asked the huge beast.

�It has, Master Billy. I am now your uncle's slave and my new name is Oran's Oxygen, O2, or 'Ox' for short,� Ox said proudly.

�Oran's Oxygen? I see the analogy. A breath of fresh air. An apt name for one so large and handsome,� Billy said.

�Thank you, Master Billy, in the memory of the great Enkidu, the first watcher-slave in recorded history, I'm quite proud to become your uncle's Watcher-Protector slave. As you can see, he's ripe for cutting,� Ox said.

Hank stopped sucking for a moment to acknowledge the men in the room. Bart took his bandanna and wiped the excess milk from Hank's mouth and chin. He also cleaned Ox's teat for him. The great warrior could barely hold his head up. His ship was just about ready to set sail for the land of Nod. �Welcome everyone. Sorry I didn't stop sooner, but it was so good. I'm glad you're here, Son. I'm more comfortable with you around,� he said to Bart.

�Hold him tight, Ox, he's ready. I'm going to put him to sleep to do the cutting. It won't take long, I'll awaken him, and he can go back to sucking if'n he ain't already full,� Bart said.

Ox did as he was told. Bart put his hand on Hank's forehead and within seconds the big warrior was out like a light. Bart got out his working kit and began to prepare the areas of Hank's back for cutting. It didn't take him long. He quickly made the cuts. Billy came along behind him and healed them. Bart was right to brag, it was almost bloodless. Deek and Bafra were agog, but they were glad to see the procedure wasn't something involving major pain. They watched the small wing nubs pop up, and Bart gently stretched them out. He cleaned and sanitized each one. They looked like turkey wings about the right size to make jumbo buffalo wings.

Bart woke Hank, but he was a bit groggy like he just woke up from a deep sleep. He didn't have much to say, returned his attention to Ox's teats, and the giant beast began to sing to him. Billy and his family, including Deek and Bafra, said their 'goodbyes' and left the room. Bart sat on the side of the bed listening to Ox sing to their master. Hank seemed to be uncomfortable. He stopped sucking and drinking milk. Bart cleaned him up and did the same for Ox.

�I think I'll put him out so he can relax. The growing of his wings might cause him some pain. If he wakes up, let him have all your milk he wants. Most times it makes them drowsy, and they'll go right back to sleep,� Bart said, reached over, touched the back of Hank's head, and he was out again.

�You've fallen in love with my master, Cowboy,� Ox said as fact.

�Am I that obvious? Christ-a-mighty, then I'm probably just as obvious to the Colonel! Shit! I'm embarrassed to the bone!� Bart exclaimed, rolling his eyes, and blushing a deep red color.

�Check yore'self, Son. Ain't no shame in falling in love. It's the most wonderful feeling we can have. Love can move mountains and bring light to the darkest places in the universe. Stand tall and be proud you have the ability to have such strong feelings about the Colonel," the giant beast admonished Bart.

�No lies between us?� Bart asked.

�Never!� Ox agreed, �You have my word, and a Watcher-Protector's word is his bond,� he added.

�Yes, sir, I'm afraid I've fallen deeply in love with him. I can't see my own aura, but I can see others including yours and the Colonel's. Bossman Randy told me he can see my aura and the Colonel's blending together like they were becoming erotic and making whoopee with each other. Randy uses colorful language. I can see your aura intermingling with his, full of protection and affection, but not as a lover, as a long lost friend, a buddy, or a mentor, someone close to him he might have known many years ago. I have a weakness. I'm a flawed personality. I'm attracted to big, strong-willed, hyper-masculine men who know what they want, and ain't afraid to reach out and take it. I'm even a greater sucker for one like Master Hank who is kind, compassionate, and considerate. Strength in a man like him is not only highly commendable, it's also an erotic thing for me, but it must be tempered with an intelligence which will be equally gracious and understanding to those he commands,� Bart said.

�I suspected as much about you, but you're wrong, you certainly ain't flawed. You ain't the typical brainless cowboy banging his way through life like it was a bumper car ride at a carnival sideshow,� Ox said, �You want more than a fly-by-night love affair. You have a deep need to belong to another; the soul of one who must serve to feel fully appreciated and fulfilled. Would you find me an obstacle to your dreams or fantasies about the Colonel?� Ox asked.

�No. Not really. It would be like comparing apples to oranges. You will be good to me, not because your master enjoys my company, but because it's part of your nature. You like and admire me for who I am and not for who I might become to the Colonel. Apart from your responsibility to show respect for those whose company your master enjoys, I hope within your big heart, you find me worthy of your own personal affections. I have no worries. I recognize you as an old soul. You've been around before. If I were to guess, I would say you're on your second or third incarnation. I can learn much from one so traveled,� Bart said.

�You're right about them things, but what gave me away?� Ox asked.

�You were once a cowboy here on Earth. The way you put words together and your accent, is a dead give-away,� Bart said and smiled.

�There's more to you than I considered, Son,� Ox said.

�Not really, sir. I was just a dumb cowboy before Master Billy healed and enhanced me. Since then, I been using as much modern technology as I can to learn about things, how our world works, and where I fit in. I may not be ready right now, but one day soon, I hope to be a man who can contribute something to an amazing man like the Colonel,� Bart said, �Part of me would have his baby if he asked,� Bart added and laughed.

"Together we could achieve that if our master wanted a son," Ox said.

"I know, I researched the possibility using the learning stations and cloud chambers we have available to us on this ship," Bart agreed.

�What if the Colonel wanted you for his slave?� Ox asked.

�A goodly percentage of me would answer an unqualified 'yes,' but the more cautious part of my nature would tell me to take it slow and see how things develop. By the same token, half of me already is his slave just biding my time for him to realize, but the other half is sitting on the sidelines watching and enjoying the game,� Bart replied.

�Interesting analogy. Certainly applicable for the moment. I'd say that's a healthy attitude, but don't overlook a simple fact, Son. There is such a thing as power behind the throne. That's where you and I come in. He's changing. He's beginning to see what an interesting and sometimes wonderful place the universe can be, how vast his options are, and he don't have to fit any label or become sucked into something as stagnant as his life was for him up until now. I think he needs a man like you, Son,� Ox said, �You're far more savvy than I imagined at first meeting,� Ox added.

�Thank you, sir. I appreciate your kind words,� Bart replied, �You sound like a dad looking out for his son interviewing his date about his intentions toward your boy,� he added.

�In a way, I am. It's what I been sent here for, to look out for him. I will have to say, it's certainly an astute observation on your part, and one day, I will remind you of it and how close you come to understanding the complete picture; and, I'm equally sure that day will come,� Ox said and smiled, �In the meantime, may I count on you to keep your almost uncanny observations to yourself for the time being, Young Seer?� Ox asked.

�Yes, sir. As you said, I too, honor my word. It is my bond, as well, Great Beast,� Bart replied.

Ox relaxed and watched Bart as he removed his clothes and prepared for bed. The giant watcher was impressed by Bart's natural masculine beauty and could imagine, with a little encouragement and several months in the workout room, he could be a knockout of a handsome cowboy. Bart didn't seem to have any problem being naked before Ox. When he was finish, he walked over to the side of the bed where the Colonel was lying and placed his fingers to his neck to feel his pulse. A gentle smile crossed the young man's face. �He'll be all right. He's doing fine. If you need me, wake me. I'm a light sleeper,� Bart said.

�You won't be when I get through with you. Come to me, Cowboy,� Ox opened his arms and Bart went to him. He stroked the young cowboy several times and felt his cock grow strong and proud. �You're a remarkably handsome young human, Son. I can understand what my master sees in you. He just can't see the whole package yet, but I promise you, he ain't no dummy. He'll come to his senses soon enough,� Ox said and without another word or asking, the giant beast took Bart into his arms and began to suck his cock. Bart didn't protest. It felt wonderful. He figured the great beast could do pretty much what he damn-well pleased, and he didn't plan to object to his generous display of affection. Bart let out sighs of pleasure and stroked the huge watcher's head and fur like he was a favored pet.

After Bart ejaculated, and the big creature cleaned him good with his large tongue, he moved Bart's head to his tit and commanded him to suck. Bart didn't argue and drank his fill. Ox sang to him until Bart became drowsy and passed out in his arms. Ox lifted Bart like he weighed nothing, carried him to his bed, cleaned any extra milk from his face, pulled up the covers around the young cowboy, gave him a quick kiss on his forehead, and went back to the bed he was sharing with the Colonel.

* * * * * * *
Ox was right. Bart slept so soundly he didn't wake up until the next morning. He sat up to see Ox smiling at him with the Colonel's head in his lap, his arms thrown around the giant's waist, with his beautiful wings fully grown, resting on his back. �Did you get any sleep at all, Dear Beast?� Bart asked with considerable concern in his voice.

�Cat naps, here and there, but not much. I'll catch up later. I'm starving, but I don't dare get up,� Ox replied.

�No, I agree. I don't want you to move. You took care of me last night. Allow me to take care of you this morning,� Bart said jumping up and gathering his bathrobe. He opened a gate to the kitchen area, waved goodbye to Ox, and stepped through. He walked up to one of the cooks he befriended. �Poppy, I need one of them big stainless steel bowls we use to feed them watchers their chow. My master's new watcher is hungry, and he can't leave my master's side while he's fledging,� Bart explained.

�Sure, no problem, Son. Take one off the shelf over there, and the slave chow is in that bin. Open one a them bags of them nutrient biscuits and grab him a couple. They's a measuring cup inside the chow bin. We normally feed our watcher brothers four cups, but I seen how big he is. If you think he's real hungry give him six or eight. He'll eat what he wants and maybe have some left for a snack later,� Poppy replied.

�Thanks, Poppy, I owe you one,� Bart said and smiled.

�You don't owe me nothing, Cowboy. You been too good to me and everyone in the kitchen. We can always count on you to take up the slack when we get in over our heads. You ain't none too proud to get your hands dirty and help us common folks. It may seem small to you, but your help has saved our butts several times,� Poppy replied.

Bart thanked his good friend for his kind words. He didn't waste time, filled the bowl with eight cups of slave chow, topped it with two big nutrient biscuits, opened the gate to return to his room, and walked through. Bart walked over to the bed and handed Ox the bowl full of slave chow with the two biscuits on top. �You brought me two biscuits? How thoughtful. Thanks, Cowboy!� Ox exclaimed. The huge beast took a few nuggets and popped them into his huge maw. �Damn, I love this shit!� Ox said and got Bart laughing.

�See! I done told you. That's exactly what a cowboy would say,� Bart said, pointed a finger at Ox, and grinned.

�They didn't have anything near this good back on Fort Adam Lear; nor, do they on Retikki Prime, either. Leave it to a backwater planet in the Sol system to make the best damn slave chow,� Ox said quietly, shaking his head in disbelief, trying not to wake his master.

�What wrong with this pitcher? My boy goes to get my slave his breakfast without a thought for his poor old starving master. I'm so hungry, I could eat a fuck'n horse. Where's my tray, Son?� questioned a strong male voice from Ox's lap.

�Meaning no disrespect, sir, Ox worked for his meal, Colonel. He never left your side for a minute. It's a wonder the sweet beast didn't wet your bed,� Bart shot back. �Sorry, no tray for you!� Bart exclaimed sounding like the soup Nazi.* �We gotta' get chu' up and around to get you used to the weight of your new wings. They's fully grown, and unless they get the blood they need to sustain them, they'll start to wither, and begin to die. You gotta' move about and exercise to force your heart to pump enough blood to feed them. Like any other cowboy what's fledged, you must walk down to breakfast with the rest of us. No exceptions! It's part of the drill, Colonel. Consider it as your first morning in Cowboy-Angel boot-camp, and the bugler done blow'd reveille,� Bart added.

�Have a heart, Nurse Ratchet! Them things is heavy! They feel like lead weights on my back. Hell, I carried full field packs into battle what didn't weight so much,� Hank moaned and complained. Ox and Bart winked at each other and stifled laughs.

�Yes, it's rough at first! Ain't no doubt about it! Becoming a new hybrid-species ain't no casual walk through the park on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Yore' body ain't been through such drastic changes since one a' yore' daddy's wiggling-warriors done got lucky and as the first to break through yore' momma's line of defense, planted his flag, and made his self to home. You got my deepest sympathy, but all us Cowboy-Angels done went through it. We survived and so will you. It's why you got a gigantic watcher and you got chore' own strong Cowboy-Angel to help you on your feet, wind you up, point chu' in the right direction, and get you going, Kemosabe,� Bart said and Ox almost choked on his chow from laughing at Bart.

�You want the best gotdamned piece of advice you every got in yore' life, Kemosabe?� Ox asked Hank sounding very much like Tommy Lee Jones.

�What's zat, Fur Ball?� Hank asked.

�You buy a handsome slave collar for that cowboy, and I don't mean no cheap one neither, secure it with a lock, throw the key away, keep him on a short leash, and don't chu' never let him out of yore' sight! When you take him out for walks and exercise, if'n he has to do number two, you carry a big plastic garbage bag in yore' hip pocket and put it under him when he squats to poop!� Ox exclaimed using outrageous cowboy hyperbole, and the three of them laughed together.

�Sounds like you done scored some points for the home team, Son,� Hank said and grinned, �You two been making plans and dividing up the spoils before I even done got me a handle on the situation,� Hank complained and got a horse laugh from both his companions.

�C'moan, Colonel, it's almost time for the second bell. The first bell done rang already. We gotta' get you up, dressed, and down to the dining hall. You need a good hardy breakfast to feed them new wings. I won't even make you walk down them stairs. I'll cheat and open a gate for you,� Bart said.

Ox set his bowl of chow aside and helped Bart get the Colonel to his feet. �Now just stand there for a minute, Colonel. I'll get a wet towel and give you a whore's bath. Try not to fall backward. Ox, put your big paw in the small of his back to give him support,� Bart said and left the room.

�I weren't kidding none what I said about that boy, Master Hank. He's got a brain up in lights, but he don't flaunt it much, so you wouldn't know unless you ask him some pointed questions,� Ox said quietly, �He damn near surprised the shit out of me last e'nin with his ability to see through situations to the heart of the matter,� he added.

�I loved your bit about the slave collar. He didn't seem to be bothered by it,� Hank said.

�He ain't. That's his strongest point. He's comfortable with his'self. He's like a pedigreed stallion. He knows his own self-worth and don't seek no favors from nobody,� Ox said, �You treat him right, break him to your saddle along with trust and compassion � heavy on the passion � and he'll stand by your side for an eternity. I kid ju' not, Cowboy! He's bred from the toughest stock,� Ox added for emphasis.

Bart came back and started on the Colonel's face. He gently cleaned the sleep from his eyes and went over his face. He told him to raise his arms. Bart cleaned his arms first and then his pits. He secretly fantasized about licking them clean with his tongue only to get a chuckle and a laugh from Ox overhearing his thoughts. Bart grinned and blushed, before he knelt before the Colonel to clean his feet and legs, then back up, and with no hesitation, cleaned the Colonel's genitals. Bart gently skinned him back and cleaned under Hank's foreskin. The strong masculine aroma caused Bart to get an instant erection and another merciless grin from the giant monster standing behind his master. Lastly, he cleaned his back and the crack of his ass, which made the Colonel give-out with a short squeal like a pig. His companions laughed at him. Bart took the damp towel back into the bathroom and hung it over the shower curtain rod to dry. He came back and helped the Colonel with his Wranglers. Bart asked him to sit on the bed, and helped him on with his new pair of buckaroo boots.

�No shirt?� Hank asked.

�We don't wear shirts with our wings. Not to worry. I got just the thing, made especially for you by our leather master, Jurgen Ironmonger,� Bart replied. The young cowboy went to one of his closets and got out a beautiful hand tooled, wide-strap, leather harness. He could tell the Colonel was impressed as he helped him on with it. �Damn, it sort of supports my back and front at the same time. Thanks, Son, and remind me to thank the gentleman who made this wonderful piece of leather-work,� Hank said.

Ox set his bowl of chow aside again to get on one side of the Colonel and Bart got on the other. Bart opened a gate to the dining hall, and they slowly walked the Colonel through the gate. The second bell already sounded. Everyone was gathered and standing behind their chairs around the long table. They applauded when they saw the Colonel and his men assisting him to his seat. He was getting the hang of it. His pride kicked in and he didn't want to appear like he was too much set back by the transition, but the truth was, every Cowboy-Angel in the room knew what he was going through and felt empathy for him.

�You're doing fine, Colonel. You're looking good. Not many get to wear a pair of gold wings,� Billy assured him. �We think it has something to do with the clan DNA within you and within the angel what gives the gift. You are definitely a Daniels Cowboy-Angel,� he added.

�Hear! Hear!� shouted Nathan Daniels proudly.

�Hear! Hear!� echoed many of the others in the dining hall.

* * * * * * *
After breakfast, to keep the Colonel up and on his feet to insure his blood continued to circulate, Billy took the Colonel and his slave on a larger tour of the ship. There were a few things Billy and his men decided not to share with the NSA men or the helicopter pilots. Neither did he care to disclose more than was necessary to hold their attention. While he refurbished the other two older military men in the Colonel's company, he didn't enhance them. The Colonel was the only one he enhanced. Billy thought he would take the Colonel and his watcher-protector to meet and visit with the two Shedus on the ship.

Hank didn't have a clue about their importance or what powers they possessed, but Ox certainly did. The giant watcher was blown away at the sight of the two mighty beasts. Billy's family not only boasted one under their protection, but a pair, and the female was pregnant. Ox was quite sure, from everything he learned about the great beasts, it was an extremely rare occurrence. He was adamantly assured by one of the highest ranking teachers on Retikki Prime, the Shedus were an extinct species, and any rumors or hearsay to the contrary was just that and nothing more. Strangely enough, even though his teachers and mentors agreed to their passing as a specie, they were so revered by past civilizations they still taught the meeting protocol should the students 'accidentally' discover one. Ox realized their importance and understood the awesome power they were capable of wielding. He was taught they could reduce a Watcher of his immense proportions to a crispy-critter the size of a walnut using their eyes as a weapon. Ox knelt before the large bovine-related beasts, throwing his arms out before him, and touching his head to the ground. Hank looked at Billy for a clue. Billy smiled and winked at the Colonel.

�Rise, great and mighty Watcher. We see you have been trained in the old ways, but here under the comfortable protection of the Daniels family, we have more freedom to be less formal and more considerate of others. Please, rise and stand with your master. He looks like he needs your support much worse than we need your homage; nevertheless, your respectful response is duly noted and greatly appreciated,� Beauford boomed in his deep voice. Ox stood, dusted himself off, and took his place beside his master.

�It is a great honor and a rare privilege to be in the presence of your family, Sire,� Ox said.

�Thank you, Son, we appreciate your kind words. And who might the newly fledged Cowboy-Angel be, Master Billy?� Beauford asked.

�Madame Spartza and Lord Beauford, may I introduce you to a long lost member of the Daniels family, the twin brother of my grandfather, my Grand-uncle Oran Augustus Daniels, also known as Colonel Henry Halfablap, and his recently bonded Watcher-Protector sent to him as a gift from the supreme leader of the Irin empire, 'Oran's Oxygen' or 'Ox' for short,� Billy said.

�It's good to meet you, Gentlemen. Any member of the immediate Daniels family is certainly welcome, and you, handsome Watcher, are especially welcome without reservation. An Irin transplant is a creature of great power, unequaled strength, and unquestioned dedication tempered with compassion, honor, humility, and perseverance,� Beauford said to Ox, �Your kind is almost as rare as we have come to be. It's such an unexpected occurrence, it's equally a great pleasure and honor to meet you and stand in your presence as well. We don't run into many who have been offered the honor,� he added.

�Thank you, your Lordship, for those kind words. They're greatly appreciated. At first, I didn't fully understand just how unique an experience becoming a transplant is, Sire. I'm greatly humbled, but I'm afraid I'm still rather clumsy adjusting to my new status. My enthusiasm is sometimes disproportionate to my size, and has caused me great embarrassment on several occasions. The old phrase, a Bull in a China shop, comes to mind; no disrespectful pun intended, Sire,� Ox replied, and Billy could swear he saw Ox blush.

�Nevertheless, we sense greatness in you and a big enough heart to dwarf your calling. Hosanna and congratulations! An Irin transplant of your caliber is a sterling recommendation in and of itself without any need for us to worry. You're certainly welcome among us anytime you choose to visit or if you should ever need our assistance. Anything we can do to make your life easier or more comfortable, you only have to ask, sir. Protection, in unusual circumstances, is our specialty. Keep that in mind and you will always have our combined powers at your command. Our lines of communication will always be open for you, Great Beast.� Beauford said.

�Your words humble me even more, Great Sire,� Ox replied and bowed again.

Billy was flabbergasted. He never knew the Shedus could be so forthcoming with a new person. However, he remembered his introduction with Madame Spartza on Retikki Prime and she took to him quickly. So did Beauford when he introduced himself outside Captain Nick's ship when it crashed landed in the Llano river. Their first meeting wasn't ideal. Billy risked his life to offer his assistance, only to fall on his butt in the mud on the bottom of the river, when the great beast appeared out of nowhere and demanded to know if he was a 'good man.' Fortunately, Beauford had the good sense to link with Billy's Equus brother, Samson, who assured him his master was a brave and trustworthy human.

�We didn't mean to intrude, Great Sire and Madame,� said Billy, �I only wanted to share our joy of having a new family member. Is everything going well for you? Is there anything we can do to make your lives easier or more comfortable?� Billy asked

�Not a thing, Master Billy. We are being well provided for. The care and respect we have been shown is exemplary. We stand ready to help you anytime you need us. We're looking forward to finishing the first section of the Sapphire City, and we hope to have it completed by this fall; sooner if possible, but no later than the end of September. It should give you time to prepare for the festive holidays on this planet,� Beauford said. �We are pleased and honored to meet both you gentlemen, Master Hank and his watcher-protector slave, Ox. Please feel free to come visit anytime. We enjoy company,� the great bull added.

�The pleasure is ours, Sire,� the Colonel responded politely and bowed as best he could without losing his balance. Beauford smiled at his predicament.

* * * * * * *
Bart formed a posse and asked Deek and Bafra if they would like to join him to transport to the Colonel's ranch, so they could tell them what to do. They agreed and went through the gate with Bart and his men. Bart expected to spend an afternoon feeding cows or mucking out stalls, but to his surprise, there really wasn't much to do. They left some hay out for the horses and cattle, fed Deek and Bafra's cow ponies, made sure the water supply was working properly, and they were done. Bonnie and Babbles turned down Bart's invitation to return to their ranch. They were having too much fun with the dogs on the ship and learning to talk. They quickly picked up a heart wrenching plea from the kids on board the ship: �Awww, do we have to?� Fortunately, it worked for Bonnie and Babbles.

* * * * * * *
Billy didn't say a word about the strange exchange between Ox and Beauford as he took his Great-uncle and his uncle's new slave to see more of the ship and share a few more secrets most visitors never get to see. He didn't see any reason to probe into the situation further, if his Shedu's were so impressed with Ox's credentials, it was good enough for him. However, Billy was growing by leaps and bounds in his savvy of people and situations, and like Bart, he wasn't unaware of the speech patterns, vocal inflections, and cowboy idioms, to say nothing of several outrageous uses of cowboy hyperbole from Ox which one rarely, if ever, hears from a watcher. It was almost like he was a supernatural haint channeling Billy's great-uncle. Ox's use of words and his butchering of standard English was far too fluent and authentic to be quickly picked up by a novice. Shunning the thought Ox might be a transplant from a talented African Grey parrot, or an enormous sock-puppet created by a clever wizard who just happened to be an excellent ventriloquist cum cowboy, Billy began to imagine one or both learned their speech patterns sitting at the boots of the other listening to hours of stories and sharing conversation back and forth.

A cowboy is not born to sabotage one of the most successful romance languages on Earth, but once immersed in the unique dialect during his childhood, he strives his whole life to bend it to his own unique brand of communication. In the heart of the Hill Country, good English is tolerated, but looked upon, at best, as tedious, pompous, and superfluous. Cowboy 'speak' is unpretentious, down-home, kick-your-boots-off, scratch your ass, get comfortable, grab yourself a cold one, and make yore'self to home. Billy was certain Ox once sat by the hearth of another Texas home at one time in his past and listened to the easy banter and tall tales told by other buckaroos.

* * * * * * *
By lunch time, Billy had shown the Colonel most of the highlights of ship and after Bart returned and joined them, he took his posse and the Colonel outside into the vast cavern in which Captain Nick's ship was hidden along with a goodly display of the treasure from Him-what-made-them-seven-stars gifted Billy. Billy's cavern team were just knocking off work to have their lunch and would get back to work sorting and counting the wealth. They made great inroads in organizing and arranging the holdings.

�Holy crap!� exclaimed the Colonel, �This has to be a fortune. No wonder you needed to open a bank. Unbelievable!� he exclaimed, �And I was wondering how you planned to keep financing your projects. No more will I ponder,� he said humbly.

Nick laughed, �It's only a tiny portion the Captain of the huge gold ship left Billy. Someday we'll show you the rest,� Nick said.

�Do you know who he is or where he's from, Son?� Hank asked.

�Not for certain, Uncle Gus, but I got me some ideas. No disrespect to our gracious benefactor, but some dogs, no matter how friendly they might appear when they're awake, are best left sleeping,� Billy said and several of his posse agreed with him.

* * * * * * *
After lunch, Billy turned the Colonel over to Bart to take him to his small apartment and let him rest for an hour, but no more, then get his butt up, and take him down to the gym to put him on a stationary bike or let him fast-walk in an enormous circular wheel the men came to refer to as �the hamster cage.� Afterward, and before supper, Bart could start showing him how to jump from place to place but not to let him fly solo until the following morning. Billy wanted him to wear his new wings a full twenty-four hours before he attempted his first jump by himself. Billy also suggested Bart take Hank to the learning center on the ship and have him sit under one of the cloud chambers to learn some of the more basic apps. Billy confided in Bart he was afraid for the Colonel returning shining brighter than a brand new penny to his job with the Marine Corps. The only option was to teach him to morph to his old self until he could free himself from the Corps and begin to live his new life in privacy.

�May I rearrange that schedule just a bit, sir?� Bart asked.

�Of course, you know I trust you completely to get a job done and do it right. If you got a better plan, you don't have to ask, just do it, Brother,� Billy said with great confidence for his brother.

�Perhaps I've had more of a chance to peruse the learning center and what it can offer, and I'm on a friendly basis with Seth. He's shown me some apps I think most people are overlooking. For instance, there's a complete learning programs for morphing and shifting from place to place with actual physical demonstrations,� Bart said and was going to continue when Billy interrupted him.

�You're shit'n me, Cowboy!� Billy said and grinned.

�You know better, Master Billy,� Bart gently chastised him and smiled.

�No, I don't! I'm more serious than Sirius Black as Padfoot. I ain't had me no time to sit before Seth more'n a couple of times, but I have to eek out some time ever' now and then to keep me from being eat'n alive by the Bossman Randy monster,� Billy said, and the two cowboys enjoyed a laugh together.

�Bossman Randy as Padfoot. I love it. I'll have to run that one by Seth. He loves a play on words. The Bossman spends hours with Seth. They have no secrets between them. They's as close as a bio-synthetic brain and a human can get without surgery. He could sweet talk Seth out of a pair of false teeth if he had any,� Bart claimed, and they shared another laugh.

�No! Absolutely, do it your way, Brother! You got my full confidence. I know you got that big hunk, Cowboy-Warrior's best interests at heart. You would never steer him wrong. I got faith in you, Bart. Take that bone and run wiff' it, Cowboy. I made it big and juicy just for my little brother,� Billy said and grinned wickedly. He got Bart laughing.

�I guess I can't hide much from you. Hell, I can't even hide anything from the Colonel's new watcher. He's already badgering the Colonel to consider asking me to be his boy,� Bart said and grinned.

�And do you wanna' be his boy, Son?� Billy asked.

�I won't say 'no', Master Billy, but I ain't count'n my chicks afore they hatch, neither,� Bart replied.

�I understand completely. Again, do it your way, Bart, but take your brother's advice, use extra smelly bait, about a thousand pound line, and once you got him hooked, use an extra large grappling hook to haul his big military ass into your boat!� Billy exclaimed, and they shared another laugh, �And while we're on the subject, do you have any thoughts about what or who Oran's Oxygen is?� Billy asked.

�I didn't until I returned from the Halfablap ranch and walked behind Ox and the Colonel. I watched his stride, and it done hit me like a ton of bricks. It was like one of them religious movies with dark, ominous clouds gathering overhead when suddenly a trumpet sounds, a bright ray of light comes shining down to light up the hero, he gets zapped in the puss with a big-old cow-pie of holy-crap what's imparted unto him 'cause he's special, and he smiles and nods to his'self, 'cause he suddenly understands what he's suppose to know,� Bart said and grinned, proud of his own cowboy hyperbole.

�And...?� Billy asked with excited anticipation.

�I beg you to consider my position as the Colonel's escort, sir. I have a responsibility to him, and I made a promise to his slave I wouldn't discuss a couple of sensitive things I observed. However, neither do I wish to lie nor mislead my master. That being said and noted, I won't tell you everything I know, but neither will I deny you the clues so's you can judge for yore'self if I'm more serious than old Sirius or congenitally bat-shit crazy. Re-run the video in yore' mind of his old man, Baug, and little Hank as they strolled down the path to the river together and compare it with Oxygen's gate,� Bart said firmly.

�You gotta' be shit'n me again, Cowboy! Twice't in one day? You shouldn't pull that kinda crap on yore' poor old master!� Billy exclaimed and grinned. Bart watched Billy close his eyes, connected his mind with Bart's, and they watched Billy re-run the last few seconds of the video and another remembered sight from earlier in the day watching Ox from behind. The cowboy and the watcher's way of walking shared the same stride exactly, only one was considerably larger than the other. �Hoe-lee fuck, Little Brother!� Billy exclaimed softly. �Shut my mouth and call me Hush-puppy! You got more mental moxie in that cowboy brain of yorn' than Carter's got Little Liver Pills. You better give them learn'n cloud chambers a rest for a while before yore' brain done blow's itself clean apart, Son!� Billy exclaimed and doubled over with laughter. He got Bart laughing with him. �How is it possible?� Billy asked when they got themselves together.

�I really hate to do this to you, Master Billy, but think, Brother! Who sent him to you, for what purpose, and how is it they bonded so quickly and perfectly together with absolutely no questions asked on the Colonel's part?� Bart asked and grinned from ear to ear.

�Of course! Say no more. You're so right. I was too damn close to the fire to see the flame what started it,� Billy said and shook his head. �Them cowboys on Fort Adam Lear is some awesome buckaroos, ain't they?� he asked and smiled.

�I would love to meet them sometime,� Bart said and sighed.

�I got me a feel'n you may meet them sooner than you think, Son, but you won't be able to tell just how intelligent or powerful they are. To you, me, and our family they appear to be just another bunch of cowboys, but in another way, I can understand it. They sure can get to the bottom of a situation fast without any discomfort for us lesser critters, and they always keep their word,� Billy said. �Thanks for sharing that juicy bone with your older but dumber brother. There ain't no doubt in my mind who our Colonel's new handsome beastie was in his last life,� Billy said.

�I have confidence you would have figured it out for yourself soon enough. You were on the right track, but please remember, I neither confirmed nor denied knowledge of a previous union,� Bart begged.

�I got chore' back, Little Brother. Go, run with the ball, Tiger, and remember to have yourself a couple as soon as they's offered to you. Ain't nothing sweeter than to have a hot, sweaty pair of bull-balls dropped into your mouth to clean after a good, heavy workout in the gym; mountain oysters du jour! Ummm-mmm, yum!� Billy exclaimed and grinned.

�Thanks for trusting me with your Paw-paw, sir. I would gladly fall on my knees to clean and suck his big sweaty bull-balls for him anytime he snaps his fingers,� Bart said.

�Good to know, Cowboy. We share the same weakness � or strength, depending on the way you wanna' look at it,� Billy said, and the cowboys laughed together. �What if he wants you to become his slave, Son?� Billy asked and grinned.

�Several cowboys have asked me that question including his Watcher slave. Ox even encouraged me to become a part of the Colonel's family by agreeing to become his slave. He went so far as to tell his master if I agree to become his slave, the Colonel would be a fool if'n he didn't buy a slave collar for me, keep me on a short leash, and never let me out of his sight. I won't tell you the rest, but it was some of the most colorful descriptive cowboy hyperbolic bullshit I done ever heard since I come to live at the ranch. I learned me a lot from being paralyzed for several years and so much more since I come to live with you, Master Billy. I drive Seth crazy, but he's patient and always gracious with me. I'm under one a' them cloud chambers learning as much as I can went I got the time. I figure if'n a cowboy wants something bad enough he's got to pay a price to get it.

"I wanted that big rodeo belt buckle more than anything because it symbolized the ultimate goal of masculinity and finally being recognized as a man. I set winning that worthless piece of metal as my goal without any other considerations including my sanity. I thought I was ready to pay the price, but I didn't count on just how expensive it might be. I'm still willing to pay the price for what I want, but I'm a good bit more mature, sane, and cautious about it today. I seen the strong, loving bond between Master Marcus and Wilbur; Big Blue and Erin. I watch them and sometimes I ache down deep in my gut. It growls and mocks me because I ain't me got nobody to share such a strong love like they got for each other. It would have to be some body pert-damn strong-willed and totally dominant to break this young stallion to his saddle. Sometimes I think it ain't nothing but a major case of having swallowed the green eyed monster of envy, and I ain't really ready to give up my new found freedom.

"To have what they got, I know I would have to pay a price, but if becoming the Colonel's slave is the price, I have to pay to become a major player in his world, I would seriously consider it. To be honest, I come to think the rewards would be much greater than wear'n a fuck'n silver-plated cheaply made rodeo belt buckle. Nobody will remember the prize winning ride for very long, but they will always remember the stupid kid what lost to the bull and ended up paralyzed for the rest of his life. I don't want to be remembered as a loser, and with the Colonel, I know I won't have to worry none about that,� Bart replied.

�I don't worry none about you, Brother. I got faith in you. No matter how you choose to handle the situation, I'm sure you'll make the right choice so's it will be a win-win-win solution for you, the Colonel, and Big Daddy O2. I hope you hold out to make old Ox swear his allegiance of brotherhood and secretly refer to you as one of his boys,� Billy said firmly and grinned wickedly.

�I'm afraid you's a mite too late with that suggestion, my Good Master,� Bart said and grinned mischievously, �The big lummox done already admitted as much to me. I'm almost sure he's count'n on me to put the pieces together and fill in the blanks. Last e'nin, Ox scooped me up in his big arms, and gimme' a five-star blow-job to drain me before I went to bed. He made me shoot a load what almost strangled the poor beast to death. When he got through with me, I was weak as a kitten. Then he fed me his warm milk like I's one of his family, and he was just doing his job. He sang to me while I sucked on that big luscious teat of his until I done drunk my fill. I was so relaxed I passed out in his arms. I don't remember him putting me to bed. His love and attention made me sleep deeper and longer than I planned. I ain't real sure, I could be wrong about this, but I get the feeling Ox wants me as much for his'self as he does for the Colonel,� Bart said.

�Hosanna!� said Billy, �It just keeps get'n better and better, Brother. You have me and my family's blessing, Son. I would be proud to have you as another uncle-in-law-slave-brother-Cowboy-Angel,� Billy rattled on, and they laughed together.

* * * * * * *
Bart went back to his room to check on the Colonel and the Colonel's bonded slave, Ox. He explained what he wanted to get accomplished for the afternoon and took them to the learning center. Bart insisted they both sit under the cloud chambers. They spent the afternoon learning and exercising their new found powers, but the one app which caused problems was teaching the Colonel to morph back to his old self to avoid questions and controversy among his fellow Marine Officers. Bart and Ox lovingly ganged up on Hank to convince him he didn't have a choice in the matter. It was something he must do to protect himself and his new family; however, Bart became the cowboy on a white horse and came riding up with a plan that the Colonel could live with. He didn't have to morph his genitals away; neither did he have to nix his leg on his right hand. He could fake his walk good enough no one would actually notice, and he could wear one of his fine leather gloves over his right hand which he wore on his mechanical hand he rarely used.

Seth provided the three of them with a special apps they could control up to a room of a hundred men's brains to see what they wanted them to see rather than the Colonel's real appearance. The only bad part was he had to morph his face back to what he called his 'scar-face.' Bart and Ox assured him they would love him just as much. They were thinking about his long-term comfort and happiness. Hank began to come alive realizing the possibilities he saw and having such wonderful opportunities opened for him. He began to credit most of his success to Bart's cleverness and compassion to Ox's stubborn persistence and undeniable love for his master.

�I guess you won't be coming with me, Fur Ball,� Hank said and frowned.

�Like Hell I won't! Watch this, Short Stuff!� Ox called Hank 'Short Stuff' all his life. The big monster vanished before their eyes. Bart doubled over with laughter at the look on the Colonel's face.

�Where'd ju' go, Big Daddy?� the Colonel demanded.

�I'm here. I ain't going no place. I'm a half-dimension removed from you. I can see and hear you just fine. You can hear me, but you can't see me or touch me. You can walk right through me and never know I'm here. You ain't going no place I ain't going, and that includes ever' where from the highest secret places to the two-holer out back of the Pentagon,� Ox explained and watched Bart trying hard not to laugh at the Colonel.

�How you gonna' fly on a plane with us?� Hank ask.

�What plane? Your mechanical flying days is over, Colonel. You's a Cowboy-Angel now. You ain't no common Homo sapiens no more. You's a human-hybrid. Hopefully a little more 'homo' and a Hell of a lot more 'sapiens.' Your transition cain't be undone, Son, so you cain't look back. You gotta' move forward. Bart will open a gate for us to wherever we want to go, and we'll just walk through. All you gotta' do is give him the coordinates. If you don't know them, we can gate to one of the NSA family's garage and go from there,� Ox explained. �Hell-far and damnation, Henry, with what we done learned today, I can open one of them gates myself,� Ox assured him.

�I'll rely on my boy to get me home, thank you very much!� Hank shot back.

�You always did put the cart before the horse. You ain't even invited the poor boy, yet, Master Gus,� Ox clipped him.

�Can you get away from your regular job and escort me back to Houston, Son?� Hank asked looking deep into Bart's eyes.

�Now that ain't no way to ask a boy of Bart's quality and intelligence to accompany you back to Houston, Master Short Stuff!� Ox said firmly sounding like an annoyed dad coaching his na�ve son on how to ask a girl for a date. �On the other hand, if'n he was your bonded slave, you could just tell him to get his ass in gear, pack his shit, and be ready to go when you holler at him,� Ox added and roared with laughter. Even Seth laughed at Ox. Bart tried hard not to laugh.

�All right, damn it! We ain't got that far yet, and I ain't ready to take on another slave right now. If and when I do, it will be the best decision for everyone concerned, including you, Fuzzy Britches. However, as much as I hate to admit it, when you're right, you're right. I do have a tendency to assume people are going to jump to my tune just because I'm a full-bird Colonel in the Marine Corps,� Hank said, walked over to Bart, and put his arms around him. He pulled him to his breast and gently kissed the young cowboy on his forehead, �Forget about his slave talk, Son. That's just too much bullshit for right now. You and me? We got us some bigger fish to fry. Besides, we done already shared our thoughts about that matter before our lives were so unexpectedly interrupted by an invasion by a big, rude hair-ball from outer space,� Hank said loudly. Ox and Seth laughed at him.

�I can't thank you enough for what you done for me so far. I probably could have gotten through it with some average Cowboy-joe Master Billy assigned me, but you have made my transformation into one of great joy and pleasure. If you could arrange it with your master, I would very much appreciate you joining us on our trip back to Houston for however long it might take, and then we could return together and start our lives from there. We will have plenty time to discuss the future, our place in it, and share our hopes and dreams with each other. I would be very proud and pleased to have you join us, and if for no other reason to take pity on this poor old man and protect me from our Giant Fuzz-nuts,� Hank said and got a laugh from everyone. �I would be greatly pleased to have you by my side, Son. Will you come with us?� Hank asked with sincerity.

�You must ask my master, Colonel. If he gives his permission, I will be proud and honored to accompany you and your faithful, handsome Watcher-Protector on your trip to Houston, sir,� Bart replied.

�Now see, wasn't that nicer, Short-stuff?� Ox asked as he reappeared.

�So much for leaving the past behind,� the Colonel lamented and laughed. He excused himself from his companions and walked to the head to relieve himself.

Bart and Ox stood for a moment suspended in the short space between them. Ox moved closer and gently put his huge fur covered hands on Bart's shoulders. He held him like he was looking at his own son and spoke softly, "It's getting late in the afternoon, Son. Take us to the gym for more exercise. Introduce him to them master/slave bodybuilders and let him get a gander at them slave's harnesses," Ox sent to Bart.

"Can you see me wear'n one of them contraptions?" Bart asked.

"Yes, absolutely! Most definitely, Son, but there ain't nothing to be afraid of or to be embarrassed about. Once you get used to the idea, it will become second nature to you -- a part of who you are. You will wonder why you ever felt any apprehension or embarrassment. I can assure you them two slaves and masters are the happiest, most content men on this ship. It is your destiny, Son, to become the slave of this great man. Take my word for it, you will never regret your decision. I know you want what them men have for yourself, and you can have it with the Colonel," Ox said encouragingly.

"Alas, I have considered my options, and I think you might be right, Big'un, but I'm in no rush and neither should you be pushing the subject; although, I'm deeply flattered you find me worthy and want me to become Master Hank's slave," Bart said.

The huge beast put his enormous arms around Bart, gently pulled him to his soft furry body, held him, stroked him like a beloved pet, and kissed the cowboy on top of his head," I'm afraid my motives are much greater than you might imagine, Son. Whatever path you choose to walk is up to you. Every man should have the freedom to choose his options for his life. While I don't wish to make a fool of myself, there's something you should know before you make up your mind. We made a pact and swore a bond we would never lie to each other. In keeping with our bond, I want you to know, your wish for me has been granted. It's already come true. I have fallen in love with you, Cowboy," the great beast said softly, like it was his final prayer for the closing down of day.

End of Chapter 89 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
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04/09/2015
01/15/2017

*Soup Nazi ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqBzP0xdKk