Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 95
"Scientists who have been struggling at the leading edge of their topics have created ideas that resonate with those of Indigenous Science. For example: Quantum theory stresses the irreducible link between observer and observed and the basic holism of all phenomena. So too, Native Science holds that there is no separation between individual and society, between matter and spirit, between each one of us and the whole of nature.” ~ Physicist David Peat ~ From his book "Blackfoot Physics"

Josh finally stopped shooting his video long enough to see to his children when Veed and Cletus landed with them unscathed, but he didn't stop until after he filmed Cletus and Veed appearing out of nowhere to grab them and heroically placing themselves physically between his kids and interrupted the purple light which snatched them up. Josh continued to video-capture the exchange of the red light between Cletus and the spaceship with the ship finally suffering an internal explosion. He followed the path of the wounded ship as it crash landed in his back pasture.

Fortunately, the goats were intelligent enough to scatter in all directions when they saw the smoking craft falling from the sky, and none were killed or injured. They saw it as a possible threat to their lives like it might be a great bird of prey. After Josh videoed the two angels returning his children to him, he finally hit the 'stop' button on his recorder and slipped it into his waterproof parka. “Thank you, Men, for rescuing my children. My God! You're Stan Breedlove! How did you become an angel? Did you die and go to heaven?” Josh asked as he stuck out his hand.

David took his hand, and they shook, “No, we ain't no angels from heaven. We're just cowboys what can grow wings when we have to. I go by my first name, now, Josh. Just call me David,” Stan replied, “Josh, this big winged-cowboy here is my husband, Cletus Abernathy. Cletus was my Sergeant in the Middle-East, we bonded under terrible circumstances, and after we returned decided we couldn't quit each other, so we got married,” Stan introduced Cletus.

Josh took Cletus's hand and shook it like a pump handle, “Good to meet you, Mr. Abernathy. You men look like you belong together, David,” Josh said, then thought better of it, “I mean that in a good way, Gentlemen. Your wings are the same color and all,” he added.

“Thanks, we get that a lot, Josh. Them aliens what enhanced us, most always give bonded cowboys the same color wings. By the way, them's real good looking kids you got there. I understand the excitement of the moment, but you really should keep a better eye on them, Brother,” Stan gently admonished his old school mate.

“I apologize to you and my kids, Clute and Karon. It ain't often we have anything happen here in Camp Air, and I'm afraid I got carried away. Unfortunately, they was just about carried away, too,” Josh said and took his kids' hands. “Thank Mister Breedlove and Mister Abernathy for coming to your rescue, Kids!” Josh said firmly. The two adorable children hugged and gave each of the large winged men a kiss and thanked them.

“Are you really angels?” Clute asked.

“We ain't like the ones you hear about in Sunday School, Son. We's more like Cowboy-Angels. We try to ride herd on them nasty aliens what try to abduct children and cattle,” Veed replied.

“Then there are good aliens and bad aliens?” Josh asked naively.

“E'aup, Cowboy, you just got chore'self a taste of the bad ones. I don't think we run into these before. We don't recognize their ships, but we done had us some altercations with them reptilian Lizard men, and you don't never want to run into them. We think these ships are from another race what works for them, and if your kids got taken, they probably would have been turned over to them for 'C' rations,” Cletus drawled.

“You mean they would...?” Josh asked and stopped to look at his children.

“Exactly, Josh!” Veed said quickly, and nodded his head to confirm his understanding.

“Damn! That's pretty scary stuff,” Josh said, “I don't even wanna' think about it...” he added and almost shed a tear. “Then, you men are heroes. You saved my children's lives,” Josh said.

“You're right, Son,” confirmed Billy as he walked up with his posse of Cowboy-Angels and several watchers, including the General, “Well done, Men!” Billy said and shook Veed and Cletus's hands.
   
“Master Billy, this here, fine looking cowboy is an old school chum of mine, Joshua Swift, his boy, Clute, and his girl, Karon. Josh, this big cowboy is Master Billy Daniels,” Veed introduced them.

“Good to meet you, Mr. Swift,” Billy said.

“Oh, my God! Billy Daniels! Me and my kids watch your program every week. They love it, and believe it or not, I'm coming around to like high-brow music; but I still love the second part of your concerts best,” Josh said enthusiastically as he pumped Billy's hand like he was expecting to draw water from an old well.

“Daddy, who are them little men getting out of that spaceship on our lot?” Karon asked.

Everyone gathered watched four small grayish pasty-white humanoids with large heads and big black eyes come falling out of the craft to land on the ground. They rolled around like they were in misery trying to get their breath from the smoke still pouring out of the ship. Finally, a much larger, fifth alien staggered out and fell on his knees next to his companions coughing like a cat trying to hack up a hair ball. Billy wasn't sensing a lot of love from his posse toward the smaller critters. It was more like a shit-load of disgust and loathing.

“Dear me,” Billy lamented, “so much for my hopes no one on board survived the crash. We already done got us enough meat on our plate for one day,” Billy said in his best terminally bored cowboy voice shaking his handsome head. There were several sighs of agreement from his posse. Billy started to asked the General a question, but he wanted to protect his military identity, “You got any suggestions, Brother Heavy-Drop?” Billy asked looking directly at General Boynton.

Royce got the military connection immediately, grinned, and nodded he understood. Several of Billy's posse turned their heads to cough in their fist to stifle their laughter. Dan Tate was the only one who was broad-sided by Billy's cognomen for the General. He couldn't hold it and doubled over with laughter. It was the perfect name for the General he served and came to love as a big brother over the years. “Heavy-drop?” Dan asked, “I love it, Master Billy! Lethal wit! Deadly aim! Target destroyed, sir!” Dan exclaimed, snapped to attention, and complimented Billy with a perfect Marine salute.

“Here! Get chore'self together, Boy! Don't make me have to sit on you!” the General barked at his number one man, but it only made Dan Tate laugh harder. Dan got the other cowboys laughing with him.  

Royce Boynton quickly answered Billy trying to salvage the situation. “You up to storing them critters until we can discuss the matter with the rest of our posse, and get their input, Master Billy?” the General asked.

“Sure, Heavy, as long as they don't stink like them damnable Lizard's,” Billy asked.

“I'm sure my men bathed this morning, sir,” the General said indignantly. He decided, if you can't whip them, join them. He grinned and winked at Billy.

Billy laughed and his men laughed with him. Dan Tate knew his boss possessed a good sense of humor, but he rarely shared his funny side with anyone; however, once in a while he would let down his stiff military locks with Dan and a few close personal friends. Dan was in heaven watching his personal hero loosen up a bit, relax, and enjoy himself.

“Them little poppin' fresh dough-boys got a musty odor like mushrooms what's been left in the ice-box too long, but it's bearable, Kemosabe,” Captain Nick said.

“Fuck! And I do love me some mushrooms. Probably something else I'll have to give up because of them damn alien bastards,” Billy lamented, and shook his head in disgust.

“Are the Lizard aliens totally bad, Mr. Daniels?” Josh asked.

“Not totally, they make a fine pair of cowboy boots,” Billy said and smiled.

“Why in the world would they make cowboy boots, sir?” Josh asked.

Billy gripped the lower part of his Wranglers with his right hand and lifted it to show Josh his lizard skin boots. Josh got a look of surprise and awe on his face, “Oh, I see! Them boots was made from the hide of one a them lizard aliens?” he asked rhetorically.

“E'aup! We got us a first-class boot maker on our ranch. He can get about four pair out of one hide. You wear'n yours, Captain Langstrom?” Billy asked and Bart lifted his Wranglers on both legs.

“He does fine work, sir,” Josh allowed.

“Brother Oatie, would you and your posse be so kind to take charge of the accident victims, escort them back to our ranch and prepare them for repairs while we remain behind for a few minutes to mop up this situation?” Billy asked.

“We got chu' covered, Bossman,” Oatie replied.

“No! No, Brother! We done got us a 'Bossman,' and he's quite enough for this outfit, thank you,” Billy objected shaking his head and grinning from ear to ear. He got a laugh from everyone.

“Say no more, Master Billy. I understand completely, and you're right. There can only be one 'Bossman,'” Oatie conceded and laughed.
 
“Boomer, you go with them and bring back five of them anti-grav gurneys. Stack them, one on top of the other, and return as soon as you can. We'll knock them critters out and and strap them tight for transfer to the ranch. Tonto, you're with me. Clyde, Cowboy Andy, Balthazar, Zeke, Meat, Rumdum, Slipweasel, Garth, Mack, Heavy-drop, and Tater-puss, you's z'all wiff' me,” Billy barked. Several of the cowboys laughed at Billy's new cognomen for Dan Tate.

“Serves you right, you ungrateful cunt!” the General exclaimed quietly to Dan. Dan broke up laughing again.

“Master Billy's got a way about him. You gotta' love him,” Dan replied and laughed.

“Cain't gainsay that, Son,” the General replied.

“Can I video any of this confrontation, Mr. Daniels?” Josh asked.

“Hell, I don't see why not. We're on your property, Son. You're trusting us and allowing us to take charge of the situation. The world is gonna' have to know the hard facts sooner or later. If I'm correct, it's my belief these bastards are the aliens who are slaves to the reptilian race, and they abduct humans to provide food for their masters. The only thing I'd ask is you might consider editing out your friends you recognize, and me in particular, in case you might need our help again. I don't mean that as a threat. It's a greatly overlooked universal truth, if you treat your horse and your dog right and show them respect, they'll always be willing to work with you. Just like a good dog and a fine pony, if you work with us and treat us right, I promise we can help make your life a lot better for you and your family, Josh,” Billy said.

“Sounds reasonable to me, sir. I believe them words. I promise I won't put any of my video up on my site until you have a chance to approve it,” Josh said.

“You believe in the Code of the West and the Cowboy Way, Son?” Billy asked.

“To the core of my being, sir. My daddy done taught me right from wrong and to never go back on my word to another cowboy, or any man, for that matter,” Josh replied.

“You got chore'self a deal, Cowboy,” Billy said, and they shook on it.

The aliens were still coughing and gasping for breath. Billy approached them without fear, raised his hand and waved it over them. They each took in a deep breath, relaxed, then seemed to begin breathing normally without much trauma. The rapid recovery emboldened the largest critter. He pulled himself up to his full height of five feet, stood in defiance of Billy and looked him dead in the eye, << Look into my eyes, Human scum! Thanks for the power boost, but I'm taking control of this situation, right now. I'm in charge from now on! You will do as I tell you, >> Billy heard in his head. Billy left his channel open and his posse was tuned in.

<< Oh, puuu-leeze! >> Billy groaned in bored frustration and rolled his eyes, << Suck my dirty, unwashed cowboy ass, you piece of alien filth! >> Billy sent back indignantly and grinned, << No, on second thought, I don't want yore' disease ridden pie-hole anywhere near an opening on my body. I'll show you who's in charge, you disgusting piece of inter-dimensional parasitic shit! You ain't no challenge. We need a bit of a funny diversion right now to quell any fears my men and the owner of this property might have. Why don't you do a little alien dance for us, you frick'n clown! How 'bout you entertain me and my men before we put you out of your misery! >> Billy sent back and graciously provided the smart-ass alien the physical information of how to do a cowboy buck-and-wing. Billy started clapping his hands in a good rhythm and stomping his boot at the same time. He urged his brothers to do the same.

The largest gray alien folded his hands under his armpits and started to flap his elbows like a chicken; then he began to do the steps Billy was sending to his alien brain. Billy later explained it was like he was providing mental information in the form of a video piano-roll on a player piano. He sent out his thoughts and conversation to the rest of his posse so they could enjoy Billy's moment of one-up-man-ship on the pompous little alien bastard who underestimated the primitive natives and found the metaphorical boot was on the other foot.

The alien crew members got a look of horror in their black, beady eyes. They looked on their commander like he was going bat-shit crazy. << The rest of you lizard ass-suck'n parasitic morons, don't let your commander have all the fun. Feel free to join him. Let chore' hair down, Boys! Oh, but you ain't got no hair, do you? I guess artificially made drones don't need no hair. Ah, well, fake it! Play like you got tail feathers and shake your booty. Dance you clowns! >> Billy sent and one by one they each lost their alien composure and for a few minutes became down-home Hill Country Cowboy-Aliens doing a buck and wing with their commander. Someone commented it looked like a big turkey hen with her four little chicks. Several people who later watched a video of the incident compared them to the “Dance of the Cygnets” from the great Matthew Bourne's poofter-production of “Swan Lake.” *    

Royce Boynton and Dan Tate were laughing and crying, holding each other to keep from falling on the ground and rolling around in hysterics. Billy's posse weren't much better. Clyde and several other cowboys started clapping their hands, stomping their boots, and whistling 'Turkey In The Straw.'” Billy continued making them dance. He made them dance while Josh videoed the whole thing. He didn't know Billy's crew back on the ship were taking videos of everything and the audience back in the great hall on Captain Nick's ship were laughing their asses off at the insane nonsense Billy was playing with the aliens. It certainly took a lot of mystery and fear away from them. It reduced the alien threat to just another phenomenon in the universe but nothing too special. Certainly their dancing wouldn't win any contest.

One by one, the smaller aliens began to drop out from physical exhaustion. Billy surmised correctly they probably were used to a richer oxygen content in their air and while they could adjust and adapt to Earth oxygen ratio, it would take them some time for their bodies to acclimate to the new oxygen rate. Finally, the only one still dancing was their commander. Billy released his control over him and allowed him to fall to his knees to recover for a moment. Boomer was right. They did smell like over ripe mushrooms.

“When me and my men get through with you assholes, you will never be able to mentally control another human. Do you understand, Turd Blossom?” Billy yelled in the commander's face. The commander nodded his head, he understood. “Time for lights out for you boys, until I can get around to cutting your balls off. Oh, but wait! You don't have no balls. As a matter of fact, you don't have male and females. You're clones. You's all one sex: none! You poor bastards. You have no idea what you're missing,” Billy said.

“Amen, to that!” Billy and his men heard General Heavy-Drop Boynton declare.

Billy waved his hand over each of the aliens, and they dropped to the ground in a deep sleep. They wouldn't come around until Billy turned them back on. Billy asked Josh to stop videoing for a few minutes, and he complied. “We need to get them accident folks back to our ranch, and we don't want anybody to know where they are. We'll explain later when we bring you to the ranch for a visit, if you'll trust me, Son,” Billy said.

“We shook on it, Master Billy. I understand. I got enough,” Josh replied.

Boomer arrived with the five anti-grav gurneys and the men levitated the alien's small bodies onto them. It became clear to Josh why Billy didn't want this part filmed, and he vowed to himself he would follow Billy's instructions. Billy opened a gate. Boomer, the four extra cowboys he brought with him, immediately went through the gate, and Billy closed it behind them. Josh was just beginning to see the promise and the hope Billy and his men might represent for him and his kids' lives and for the world in general. Motorist were beginning to stop out of curiosity and concern to see if they could be of any help.

“I need input, Brother Heavy-drop! Tater-puss! Sooner than later, sirs!” Billy said firmly. “What do you wanna' do with the ship until we decide what to do with it. It legally belongs to Joshua Swift right now. It crash landed on his property, and he should have a say in whatever we decide,” Billy said.

“You're right, Son. You got any ideas, Mister Swift?” the General asked in desperation.

“I know you men are advanced, but I don't know the extent of your powers. I got a huge barn over there I don't use for much but hay and silage for the goats. Is there any way you can move it in there and make it disappear?” Josh asked.

“We can do that, but since people are starting to gather over there near the road, let's make it disappear for now, and we'll come back as soon as things die down and move it into your barn,” Billy suggested.

“Can anybody bump into it, Mr. Daniels?” Josh asked.

“Good question, but the answer is 'no.' We'll just shift it into the next dimension and nobody, not even them alien scum, can get to it. We can make it invisible again when we relocate it to your barn, Josh, but we can show you how to shift it back, if you need to,” Billy said.

“Let's do it!” Josh said.

“Your thoughts on the matter, Heavy?” Billy asked the General.

“I'm with Josh. Let's git'er done, Son! I certainly don't want my people get'n hold of it for the time being. Right now, I don't know who I can trust, other than my Cowboy-Angel brothers and Josh,” the General agreed, put his arm around Josh's shoulder with his big Watcher arm, and pulled him close. Josh never felt so safe in his life.

“You ain't who you pretend to be, are you, sir?” Josh asked quietly.

“You's a smart young man, Josh. No, you're right, I ain't. I was born and raised a cowboy just like you and Billy, but I recently been given some extra gifts by some ancient races who are trying to help us. Don't fret none, Son. All will be revealed to you in time. I know by now, Master Billy's done offered you a deal you cain't refuse,” the General said.

“He did, and I accepted his offer, sir. I swore on my cowboy word of honor, I won't never willingly betray him or his family's trust,” Josh said, “I seen what he done for them folks what was involved in the accident. I know the Harpers well – Willis and Sadie – know'd 'em folks all my life. Their only boy, Arlen, was killed in the Middle-East in the oil wars. They's my ex-wife's aunt and uncle on her mother's side. After she left me, she went to them to cry on their shoulder and ask for help. When they found out she was pregnant with another man's baby, they cut her off. They told her never to come around them again. They were embarrassed and ashamed of the way she treated me.

“Me and the kids is about the only relatives they got left. Up until Mr. Harper began to grow weaker, they were good to look after the kids for me when I went to look for a job. They live on a ranch not far from here. I know Hoss and Doug Dewberry. They live on a ranch at Katemcy. I been fishing with them in the creek on their property. They delivered my kid's beds. I 'spect I owe Mr. Daniels and his men more than I can ever repay. David Breedlove and his husband saved my children from becoming lizard food,” he added and sobbed a bit. The General held Josh closer and sang to him in a deep Watcher-rumble until Josh let go of his fear. As big and fearsome as they might look at first, Watchers are good that way, and the General was wallowing in the personal comfort the specie could bring to others.

Billy's men surrounded their master, raised their wings. With one wave of his hand, Billy stopped the smoldering fire, and the alien craft disappeared. It was there one minute and gone the next. Fortunately, for Billy and his posse, the bottom dropped out of the sky a few minutes before. It was almost like a cloud burst. Everyone ran for the barn, which wasn't too far away. Any observers were forced to run to their vehicles, and they completely missed seeing the alien craft disappear.

“We got to get back to the ranch and take care of them injured folks, Josh. Why don't you and the kids come with us? You can get to know us better, we'll feed you supper, and put you up for the night. Do you need to lock your house, Son?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir, but I'm afraid I'll drown in this deluge,” Josh replied with a nervous laugh.

“Not when you got a Cowboy-Angel for a friend, Son,” Billy said, smiled, and held out his arms for the young cowboy. “Come to me, Josh,” Billy said. Josh walked into Billy's arms. The big cowboy raised his wings, and they disappeared. They reappeared in Josh's living room.

“Woah! That sure is a better way to travel. It won't take me a minute to shut down everything. Should I pack a bag for me and the kids?” Josh asked.

“It won't be necessary, Son. We got everything you need, Josh. Trust me. We'll take care of you and your children,” Billy assured him.

Josh locked the doors and turned off the lights except for a small night light he always left on in the living room. They jumped back to the barn. Even though it was still early afternoon, it was getting so dark you could barely see the road from the barn. A paramedic ambulance arrived from Mason, but after they looked around and couldn't find anyone, they drove back. They heard rumors of some strange things going on at the Daniels Ranch. Clyde opened a gate, and everyone walked through. The General made friends with little Clute and offered him some tit. Once the boy tasted Heavy's milk, Clute was in heaven. He immediately forgot about cows. The General was carrying the boy and Boomer held Karon. They followed right after their daddy walked through the gate. What they saw on the other side was unbelievable. The children saw it as a Wonderland, but their dad saw it as a gate to Tomorrowland.

The General hailed Baug, Lem, and Roy, and introduced them to Josh and his children, Karon and Clute. The big brute of a watcher introduced Baug as his watcher husband, Roy as his human son, and Lem as their adopted son, the only survivor of an ancient race of humaniods. Royce sat Clute down, took Baug into his huge watcher arms, and gently kissed his new mate. “How's my little mother? Your cheeks are glowing a healthy color. Were you worried about me, Precious?” Heavy-drop Boynton asked his little darling as he stole another kiss.

“I'll admit I was concerned, Big Daddy,” Baug replied.

Josh caught Roy and Lem as they grinned at each other, blushed a deep red color, rolled their eyes toward heaven in unison, like they were terminally mortified by their parent's open display of affection, and might, at any moment, dissolve together into a small liquid puddle of embarrassment and head for the nearest drain as fast as gravity would allow. Josh grinned, bowed his head, and coughed into his hand to keep from laughing at them.

“My husband is pregnant with our new son, and I hope you can forgive my overt expressions of love and pride, Josh,” the General said; then continued, “My sweet-baby, Baug, and my boy, Lem, will be happy to see to your children and generally chaperon you for a while. They will answer any questions you might have. In the meantime, I must morph into my Cowboy-Angel form and join my son, Roy, to provide the healing power necessary for Master Billy and his posse to repair and refurbish the folks involved in the accident at your place,” the General said.
 
“May we watch you morph, sir?” Josh asked.

“You ain't worried about your children seeing a naked human, Son?” Royce asked.

“We live on a goat ranch, Master Heavy-drop. I don't believe in hiding the reality and wonders of nature from them. I been slowly teaching them about the difference in sexes so's they won't live with fear, embarrassment, or feel uncomfortable without their clothes when they's around others who happen to be naked. They told me they felt sorry for them alien critters who don't have no sex. That tells me they're aware but not overly concerned about it other than a healthy curiosity and empathy for them,” Josh said.

“Master Heavy-drop?” Baug asked like he was confused, and got a laugh from Roy and Lem.

“Yeah, Master Billy come up with that one. It's his cognomen for me in public so's no one will know who I really am, Precious, but it don't matter now, since Josh and his family agreed to become a part of Master Billy's greater family,” the General replied.

“Heavy-drop? I love it! It fits you perfectly!” exclaimed Roy and laughed.

“Hear! Hear!” agreed Lem and joined his big brother laughing.

The General morphed into his human form and stood just a mite taller than Baug. Josh and his kids were impressed. Josh couldn't believe the piece of meat hanging between the huge man's legs. It looked like the biggest, most potent, pump-action baby-batter shotgun available – something the Nazis might have invented during WWII – and, Josh was quite sure it wasn't built to shoot blanks. The Camp Air Prince-of-Goats grinned, but he didn't comment. “I'm General Royce Boynton, currently pro-tem chairman of the Joint Chief's of Staff for our country's Military,” the General introduced himself and offered his big ham of a hand to Josh.

Josh took it and pumped it with enthusiasm, “I know'd you was somebody important by the way you carry yourself, sir. Which branch, General?” Josh asked.

“Marines, Son!” the General exclaimed and winked at the young cowboy.

“I was in the Marines, General. I done two turns in the Middle-East, sir. I got shot up pretty bad and was sent home early, but I recovered pretty good,” Josh said pushing up his shirt sleeve to show the General his 'Devil Dog' tattoo.

The General stuck out his hand again, Josh took it firmly, and the big naked man pulled him into an embrace. “Praise the name of some unknown god you made it back, Son,” the General said, and kissed the young cowboy on the top of his head. Josh wasn't embarrassed in the least holding the huge naked General. It just seemed right somehow, and his eyes began to water. They parted, Royce stood at attention in the raw, and Josh responded in kind. The General saluted the young man and Josh returned his salute. When they finished, the General disappeared, and returned in the blink of an eye in his cowboy clothes, a fine brown leather harness, and his new resplendent wings which were the colors of the Marine Corps dress blues, starting at the top with a dark, almost black patch which grew lighter into the royal blue colors flecked with gold. There was a scarlet stripe which ran the length of his wings and around the outside edges. He looked like a well turned-out military Cowboy-Angel.

“Didn't the man Master Billy called 'Tater-puss' have wings like yours, General?” Josh asked innocently. Baug and Roy fell together laughing at Billy's cognomen for General Dan Tate.

“Why, yes, he did, Son. His real name is Lieutenant General Lennox Daniel Tate, my right hand man. He and his husband, a retired Marine Master Sergeant are personal friends of mine whom I consider a part of my extended family,” General Boynton replied. “Are you planning on winging-up, Son?” Royce asked his son, Roy.

“I was waiting for you, General,” Roy said, disappeared and instantly reappeared with a set of wings just like his father's. “Runs in the family, Josh,” Roy said, winked at Josh, and laughed. Roy and Lem were getting around fine without the aid of a walker. They were growing closer to each other by the day as brothers and they shared many secrets.

“Do you have a pair of wings, Lem?” Josh asked.

“No, sir, Mister Swift, I won't get my wings until a go through puberty. I ain't old enough yet. I'm the last of my race. My life was suspended for centuries during the last ice age. Master Billy and his men rescued and revived me. There was very little left of me, but somehow I managed to maintain a spark of life which was little more than a ghostly presence. They were barely able to salvage enough of my body, but from bits and pieces of my original DNA, they were able to restore a small portion of me and saved my life. I was quite small, almost like a baby. I couldn't walk or speak and Daddy Baug had to take care of me like a new born child.

“With the combined help of the General, and Daddy Baug, while in the process of exchanging their DNA with each other to form a new hybrid specie, they shared theirs with me. They managed to completely refurbish my body to my present state. You might say, Master Billy and my new parents restarted my clock. I'm only ten years old in physical development, but as I start to grow, I should start showing signs within the next couple of years. I'm in no hurry. I plan to enjoy what time I have left as a young cowboy to get to know, appreciate, and love my new family, sir. Daddy Baug can fill you in on any details or questions you might have,” Lem explained.

Colonel Halfablap and his companion, Captain Bart Langstrom, joined the men with the Colonel's daughter, Jennifer, and his two grandchildren, Jenny and Jack, who were staying with them. Several of the other children joined them to welcome the Swift children. Josh was impressed with the Colonel's daughter, Jennifer, and her rapport with the children. Jennifer immediately connected with little Clute and Karon. She invited them to come with her and the other children to enjoy some entertainment. Jennifer promised she and the other ladies would see to it they washed up and were ready for supper later. Lem asked his dads if he might be excused to join the other children, and they gave their approval. After hugs and kisses, they left with Jennifer and a couple of other small ladies from the village. The ladies were halflings. While they were small in statue, they grew to the size of giants when it came to hugs and empathy.   

* * * * * * *
Billy called out his troops of Cowboy-Angels. He asked Cletus and Veed to contact the Gumbo Platoon, and they promised to respond quickly. While they were waiting for them, Billy and a number of his men gated to the big house and took Mrs. Harper with them. They helped Kate and the ladies prepare her in their special room for women to accomplish her healing and refurbishment. Sadie was still in a twilight sleep which Billy induced when she and her husband were still lying in the back of their old pickup truck. The cowboys weren't going to to awaken her until they completed their work.

Sadie Harper was a strong and healthy woman for her age. Somehow she managed to sail through her later years in perfect health, and if things went the way they were going for Sadie and her husband, Willis Harper, she would probably out live him by another twenty years or so. When they finished with her, Billy took off about twenty years of her age and she looked positively radiant and healthy. When they brought her to consciousness, she looked around, saw the handsome cowboys and several of the women standing near wearing beautiful wings. Because they were still gathering the healing energy from the ethos, the gathered angels gave off an ethereal glow and a big smile spread across Sadie Harper's strong but pretty face.

“So this is heaven?” Sadie mused as if talking to herself, “Well, I'll be damned – or blessed. I was quite sure I'd never make it through them pearly gates after my family disowned me, kicked me out, and told me never to darken their door again when I got pregnant my last year at U.T. and married Willis Harper, a rodeo cowboy. They swore I would go to Hell for marrying a no-count, non-believing, rough talking, wild cowboy like Willis Harper, but I saw something in Willis they didn't. They couldn't see the part of him I fell in love with. The Cowboy Way was his religion and his word became his scripture. His faith was in himself, the few he loved, and his fellow men. He took responsibility for our situation and asked me to marry him to become his wife and the mother of our child. Underneath his rough exterior, was a strong, sober man, capable of great compassion with a heart of gold for those he loved. Beneath his gruff manner, he was very protective of his loved ones, but you could break his heart with a glance. My family's hearts were empty, and their eyes were blind. They were wrong about Willis, and they were wrong about me going to heaven!” she said triumphantly, “Hallelujah!” she shouted, “Is our boy Arlen, here?” she asked.  

Billy told everyone to power down and those gathered lost their shining aura. Kate came to Sadie and took her hand. “Sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. Harper, you're still on Earth, but you're at the next best place. Don't you recognize me? I'm Kate Daniels. You're on the Daniels Ranch. You were in a bad accident at Camp Air with your husband, Willis. Our Cowboy-Angels were dispatched to save the folks involved and flew everyone to our ranch to restore you and Willis to good health, ma'am,” Kate said.

“Kate Daniels? I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. You're so much younger looking than I remembered. How is my husband, Willis?” she asked.

“He's in a suspended state of twilight sleep until my grandson Billy and his posse of Cowboy-Angel healers can get to him. He wasn't hurt as bad as the driver of the gas tanker and his son. They'll heal them first, then after we get you up, dressed, and have some Texas Tea and Hosanna Cakes, we'll go to the place where they will heal and refurbish your husband. You can watch on a holographic video screen with us and contribute advice the way you might want him,” Kate said and winked mischievously.

“You mean they have the power to remake him how I might like him to be?” she asked trying to hide her enthusiasm. It didn't work.

“You can have anything you want. Bigger. Smaller. More here. Less there. More handsome. More rugged. Taller. Shorter. More hair. Less hair. Whatever your heart desires, my Dear, my grandson and his posse of Cowboy-Angels will grant your wish,” Kate said and giggled like a naughty school girl. She got Sadie laughing.

“You real sure this ain't Heaven, Mrs. Daniels?” Sadie asked using the vernacular for fun.

“Probably as close as any of us is ever gonna' get, Mrs. Harper, but we ain't strangers. We lived in the same community for years. You taught my boys and my grandson History in High School. We go to the same church. Our husbands did business together. We's practically neighbors. I'm just Kate,” Kate replied.

“Then call me Sadie, Kate, and the rest of you ladies, too,” Sadie said and added.

* * * * * * *
Baug took Joshua aside into one of the empty cells. “Remove your clothes, Son, but pull your boots back on. Your bare feet must not come in contact wiff' the electrical earth-ground of the stone floor. Don't be shy. Ain't nobody gonna' say a word. I'll get us a front row position so's you can get the full immersion and witness for yourself how them cowboys do what they do,” Baug instructed Josh, “It will be a good experiene for you. It will help you determine whether or not you would like to become one of them – a Cowboy-Angel,” he added.

Other than look at Baug like the big beast must be daft for even posing such a question about his druthers to become one of Master Billy's posse, Josh didn't ask any questions, but his grin conveyed his answer. Of course he wanted to become one of Master Billy's angels. Josh wasn't shy. He was a Marine and used to being nude in front of other men. His first week of induction into the Corps, Josh spent being belittled and yelled at: hurry up and wait – assholes to belly buttons – platoon showers – bend over and spread 'em for dingle-berry inspections; then, lights out. Josh would be too damn tired to argue or consider he was humiliated and methodically being reduced to a common denominator – a Jar-head who would have it ground into his psyche to obey and follow orders without question. Believe it or not, the Marines do make men out of boys, who, more often than not, become quite proud of themselves.  

After Josh pulled his boots on, Baug took him by the hand and led him to the front of the crowd of Cowboy-Angels on the other side of Master Billy who was surrounded by his main crew. Baug managed to make room for himself as a living conduit-capacitor and motioned for Joshua to stand before him, so the young cowboy could see everything close up and personal. Baug put his huge arms around Josh's front and pulled him back into him. Josh didn't object. It just felt right, like a hairy dad might hold his boy as they watched a parade go by. Billy took one look at the naked young cowboy standing in front of Baug and did a double-take. “Jump'n Jehoshaphat, what did they do to you, Son, use you for target practice?” Billy asked and winked at Josh.

“I know, sir, h'it ain't a pretty sight. When I come back from the Middle-East, my wife wouldn't let me undress or come to bed unless the lights were out,” Josh said and blushed from embarrassment.

“Never you mind, Young Man, you're right at home here,” Colonel Hank spoke up, “I was one Hell of a lot worse than you before I met Master Billy and his cowboys. I was missing a hand, one leg, and my cock and balls. Take good care of our new cowboy, Baug,” Hank told his family's watcher-slave.

“I promise, I will, Master Hank,” Baug said and turned his attention back to Josh to explain, “Us Watchers act like living capacitors – conduits for the healing energy from the ethos which the Cowboy-Angels gather with their wings like antennas. Our bodies are capable of storing excess amounts to be used as needed. Your body can also gather and store the energy but not as much because of your smaller size. That's why I asked you to take your clothes off. You will soon feel it begin to fill you up. It ain't like nothing you ever felt before. Some find it an almost euphoric experience similar to having good sex. Since I'm holding you, we will use your body, too, but don't worry none, I'll regulate how much flow you get. We wouldn't want your hair to catch on fire nor a flame to shoot our chore' ass what might cause you to fly across the room like a human missile,” Baug said and giggled like a wicked school boy.

“How will you know when I got enough, Daddy Baug?” Josh asked and grinned.

“Your cock will act like an amp-meater. It will slowly fill with blood, become erect, and rise until it tells me you're full,” Baug said and laughed again.

“Forgive me, Daddy Baug, but I been a cowboy all my life. I know'd when I'm get'n smoke blow'd up my butt,” Josh said and laughed, “I'm almost afraid to ask, but what if I get too full?” Josh asked and cringed.

“You'll overflow and shoot your load; then, you'll start to fill up again; but, that ain't likely to happen. I got an old rag in my pouch just in case. I can control your flow as well as mine. I'll just watch your cock and release more current from you when your meat rises a little too high,” Baug explained in reply, trying to sound more serious, but he still couldn't help letting out another chuckle.

“I'd like to make a good impression, sir,” Josh said sincerely.

“Oh, I'm sure you will, Son. Trust old Daddy Baug. I got chu' covered, Son!” the handsome giant exclaimed and laughed again.

“I didn't see no pouch on you, sir,” Josh said as an afterthought.

“You can't see it because my hair covers it. I'll show it to you later. When I give birth to the General's son in about six months, I'll morph back to my male form and the wee bairn will crawl into my pouch. There he will live to mature for another six months. He will come out twice a day, crawl up my body using my hair to swim in, hook his'self up to one of my tits, drink his fill, then make a bee-line back to his comfortable temperature controlled apartment,” Baug explained.
   
“Jesus, that sounds wonderful. Does he have an extra room he might like to sub-let to a brother who could use a big daddy, sir?” Josh asked and laughed.

“No, but you're welcome to all my milk you can drink, Sweet Buckaroo,” Baug replied sincerely, “But turn about is fair-play, you know. You must let me drink your sweet cowboy cream,” the big beast added.

“Cowboys don't produce no... Oh! Sorry, Daddy Baug, I'm a mite slow on the uptake. I been living alone too long. I ain't never had me no blowjob, sir,” Josh said.

“They's always a first time, Son. As big as I am, there won't be neither no choke'n nor no gag'n. I'll use that stout young cowboy cock of yorn like a drink'n straw I popped into a can of cold soda and suck your baby batter down like a fine dessert. I'll gently squeeze and play with them low hangers of yorn until I suck out every drap,” the Big Beast Baug boldly bragged.

* * * * * * *
Billy took the worst casualties of the survivors first which happened to be the two men in the gas tanker. The driver was a mature man in his late forties and his son in his mid-twenties. Their licenses showed the same address, and they each were carrying VA cards. Billy nixed trying to contact any relatives until after they patched them up. The father's name was Claude Lovejoy and his son's name was Clifford. Claude suffered major whiplash, a broken pelvis, several broken ribs, and his left arm was broken in three places including his wrist. His right shoulder was dislocated. If that wasn't bad enough, his jaw was broken, and his face looked like somebody took a baseball bat to it and hit him five times, as hard as they could. Billy and his team had to suction his upper and lower front teeth to keep him from swallowing them and choking to death.

Claude's son, Clifford, wasn't in as bad shape as his dad. While he had multiple breaks and contusions, mostly in his upper torso with the exception of a broken ankle, his face and body was in better condition. He was black and blue from major bruising, but Billy and his posse was sure he would recover more quickly than his dad. He, too, lost his upper front teeth. Master Billy made sure his posse not only videoed their work, but they took numerous still shots of each man's condition while they were unconscious.

When they first brought the men into the dungeon, they were both aware of their situation, and they were in great agony. Billy didn't cut off their pain centers until they were able to realize they were physically in deep water and wouldn't be able to float long without support. He didn't do it to be cruel. He did it on good advice from his main posse. If they healed them first, without them understanding they were in serious trouble, and woke up fully repaired, they might entertain the idea Billy and his men were charlatans trying to take advantage of a bad situation. Bubba aptly referred to it as the 'faith-healer hangover-syndrome,' when those duped woke up to realize they were never truly healed.

At first, it seemed like it was strange and surrealistic to the men to have their physical wounds administered to by Cowboy-Angels with the most beautiful and outrageously colorful wings they could imagine. However, the myths and superstition of gods and angels are ingrained within the human psyche from an early age, and whether they believed in the mystique of Guardian Angels or not, there always lingers the possibility there just might be such critters out there somewhere in the vast expanse of the the universe looking out for us. There was just one small difference. The dungeon area was so packed with Cowboy-Angels, Watchers, and a number of small children, it looked like a convention. Clifford imagined it to be a Cowboy-Angel 'hoedown' and a giant Teddy Bear's picnic.

They caught glimpses of huge Bigfoot monsters holding small children and feeding them from their breast. One was even holding a beautiful small dog to one tit and a small winged golden bear of some kind was sucking on the other. The little dog's tail was waging so fast there was no doubt in their minds, the beast's milk must be a wonderful treat. The children looked like the big beasts milk was the best thing they ever tasted, and they couldn't get enough. The wounded men watched as their little bellies swelled to obscene proportions. Every now and then, the monster would gently and lovingly clean the young child with their big black tongue to clean up any overflow. Yet – as strange as it seemed, and as much pain as they were experiencing – Claude and Clifford found the sight extremely erotic.

As the cowboys were slowly and carefully removing the trucker's clothing, they became embarrassed for the Cowboy-Angels to discover they were sporting erections. They were worried they might consider their response to be a 'Holy No-no,' or as Father Guido Sarducci pointed out, after dying, going to heaven, and receiving your payment for living a good life, you must then re-pay God for your sins. Erections and masturbation cost about twenty-five to thirty-five cents – cheap enough sins to indulge yourself once in a while without going morally bankrupt and/or blind.* Indulgences were a big money maker for the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. The funds they collected built the Vatican and financed three major crusades – and that was before the true believer ever made it to heaven.

* * * * * * *
Before they began to work on Claude Lovejoy, they gently placed young Clifford on the other table. Billy canceled Cliff's pain centers so he wouldn't lie in agony, but he would remain awake to watch them repair his dad. They brought in a large holo-video screen and placed it in front of the younger man so he could watch the complete procedure. When they finished with his dad and began to work on Clifford, they moved the screen over Claude so he could watch them repair his boy. Billy assigned two of his handsome grooms to stand on either side of the man to wipe the tears from his eyes.

It seemed like Billy and his main posse were capable of gathering unlimited power to use at their disposal, and with Meat and General Boynton standing near, adding to their combined strength, made their work much easier and faster. The largest of the Cowboy-Angels contributed greatly in repairing many intricate and delicate procedures. It took Billy and his men two hours to repair Claude Lovejoy, but only an hour to completely repair his son, Clifford. They stopped for a break and to see Claude and Clifford to their room for the evening. Billy assigned Etienne Beaudreaux and his buddy Raymond Escobar to sit with and see to Claude and Clifford.

He also assigned a couple of new Watchers, Wallace and Grommet, who decided they wanted to give up their old ways and join Master's Billy's growing family. They were interested in doing anything they could to help the Cowboy-Angels and Master Billy in particular. They always did a fine job, and Billy came to trust them. They worked well together. Billy wondered if they were a mated pair but never intruded. He figured if they wanted him to know, they would tell him. With the help of the grooms, Wallace and Grommet became two of the most well-kept and considerate beasts to have around. They were also two of the largest and best looking Watchers in the Daniels family posse, and unlike those beasts who formed natural bonds like Boomer and Billy, Ludo and Randy, or those who were specifically assigned to a human master by the Grigori, like Lemoncello and Baug, they seemed to fit in comfortably being Master Billy's backup Watchers. They were as good, trustworthy, and patient with the children as they were strong and compassionate to the adults.

The truck drivers, Claude and Clifford, needed a little assistance to follow their keepers. They seemed to appreciate the big arms of the Watchers to lean on for a bit of help if they needed. Billy told them to drink their fill of Watcher milk, lie down for a while in the furry giant's arms, and allow the great beast to sing them to sleep. The Watcher's milk would make them relax, sleep for a while, and cause them to rebound twice as fast. Billy promised he would wake them when he and his Cowboy-Angels finished with the others to see if they might feel like having supper with his family. It was such a strange and unusual situation, Clifford and Claude didn't argue. They were just glad to be alive, and to have their bodies repaired. Billy even gave them both a complete new set of teeth. They were overwhelmed and impressed by the experience. They trusted Billy and his posse completely and promised they would follow his instructions to the letter.

* * * * * * *
After refreshments in the big house, several ladies escorted Sadie Harper through a gate to the dungeon area of Captain Nick's ship and into the great hall to watch the procedures which would be done to her husband. Billy came to greet Sadie and asked how she was feeling. “I never felt better in my life, sir. I looked in the mirror, and the young lady looking back at me was not the older woman you brought to your ranch, sir,” Sadie said and smiled.

“Glad you noticed, ma'am. We hope you will enjoy our efforts. We plan to balance the scale, Mrs. Harper. You and Mr. Harper have more living to do. Life is not through with you,” Billy said and smiled.

“And can you make certain adjustment to my husband which might make me blush to talk about?” she asked.

“We can. All you have to do is tickle me and we can discuss it in private while I work, Mrs. Harper,” Billy said and grinned.

“And how will I tickle you, sir?” Sadie asked.

“I gave you an application to speak and listen with your mind. I also enhanced your body to become a hybrid like my Cowboy-Angels and our lady-angels who assisted in your refurbishment. After a period of about twelve to eighteen hours you will start to grow your new set of wings. We will keep you and Mr. Harper here with us until you grow your wings and are able to hide them when you wish. I will send you and Mr. Harper home with one of our family of Watchers – one of them big hairy monsters you see working with us. You and Mr. Harper will drink his milk when your wings begin to grow in, and it will help you hear others in your head better, but for the time being, all you have to do is relax your mind, let me come unto you, and we will talk,” Billy explained, looked at her, and tickled her at the base of her brain.

Sadie smiled, “I felt that, Master Billy,” she said.

<< No, use your mind to send me your thoughts, ma'am,  >> Billy sent, and Sadie smiled real big.

<< What hath God wrought? Come here, Mr. Watson, I want you, >> she sent and grinned.

<< Good one, Mrs. Harper. I remember you taught me that line in American History in High School, >> Billy returned and smiled.

* * * * * * *
Master Billy and his posse took care of Mister Harper next. He was in much worse shape than his wife. He had multiple health problems. You name it; he had it or lost it in Vietnam. For all practical purposes, the old man was on a fast-track out the barn door headed for that big ranch in the sky and cowboy-nirvana. The trauma of the wreck and damage to his already depleted body was almost too much for him. He was fading fast, but Billy and his men kept him alive by giving him enough jolts of life saving energy, they brought him along until they could find the time to have him lay beneath them. In many ways he provided Billy and his posse their greatest challenge up to that point. In for a penny, in for a pound. Billy's main men decided, rather than slap a band-aid on him, it was their duty as healers to give him a complete overhaul; a refurbishing, for which, they could be proud. Certainly, as long as Mrs. Harper was pleased and happy with their work, they could feel good about themselves.

During the change of patients, the Cowboy-Angels were taking a break and resting their wings. Joshua stayed close to Baug and the military posse. Oatie drew a small syringe of blood from Josh's arm and told him they would have him lay under them after they finished with Hoss and Doug Dewberry. Josh was thrilled. He looked at Baug, whom he came to trust, and saw the great beast smile and wink at him. Oatie gave each of Billy's main posse a small amount of Josh's blood to sample for diagnosis and to see what shape his engine was in under the hood. They didn't say anything, but Bubba sent out a droll comment, << Taste's like an old Ford truck what's being held together by rotten ropes, dirty oil rags, and bale'n wire, >> he allowed. Everyone grinned or stifled a laugh. << He's too damn young to be in such a bad condition. He's a testament to the human spirit, he's made a surprising comeback without much support. Ain't no doubt in my mind, he's an ex-Marine, >> Bubba added.

<< Hear! I heard that! What's this shit! There ain't no such thing as an ex-Marine! >> they heard the General grumble, and everyone laughed.

Dan Tate laughed the hardest. He could attest to that, << Hosanna! My husband is a testament to a life lived in the corps, >> he send out.

<< Hosanna, in the highest! >> several others answered.

<< Forgive me, General, I stand corrected, sir, >> Bubba replied crisply and grinned.

* * * * * * *
Boomer and Bubba's Brute brought Willis Harper into the dungeon lying on an anti-grave gurney and as powerful beasts as they were, they gently transferred him onto the leather table. Mr. Harper was naked under the silver liquid-metal throw they threw over him. It outlined his male body perfectly and highlighted everything including his cowboy tackle. After they were finished, the two handsome watchers took their place behind their masters to act as living capacitors to store the flow of healing power from the ethos until it was needed.

Doc Oatie Breedlove took another small syringe and extracted a small amount of blood from Mr. Harper and passed it around to Billy's main posse to share. Faces lit up around the table and a couple turned to look at Joshua. Joshua didn't have a clue why Master Billy's men were looking at him. << Easy, Gentlemen! >> Billy sent a command, << Christ Almighty! When will it end? This little surprise is almost too much to be believed. Delightful, but certainly unexpected...so, let's leave it that way for right now. I plan to tickle Mrs. Harper in a second, and I'll leave my channel open so's you men can eavesdrop on our conversation, >> Billy sent and a couple nodded.

Billy tickled Sadie Harper. He felt her relax and let him into her mind, << Can you see everything clearly, Mrs. Harper? >> Billy asked.

<< Perfectly, Master Billy. I've never seen a three dimension video like this before. It's like I'm standing behind you looking over your shoulder. How is my husband, sir? >> she asked.

<< He's in a deep sleep. Mr. Harper's hanging in there, but I assure you he will be a lot better when we finish. Before we begin, I need to ask you an unusual question, ma'am, >> Billy said.

<< Sure, Master Billy, anything... >> Sadie replied.

<< I'm sure you're aware, a man's DNA will tell us most everything about him, his health, and the condition of his body. By comparing DNA to a close relatives, we can also determine their relationship. DNA don't lie, Mrs. Harper. We sampled young Joshua Swift's DNA shortly before we brought Mr. Harper in, because we plan to refurbish and make some corrections on him after we finish with the other men; then, we sampled your husband's blood to begin work on him. Can you help me and my men understand how it might be possible Willis Harper and young Joshua Swift are half-brothers? They share the same father, but they were born to different women. >> Billy sent. There was a long pause, << Did you received my last question, ma'am? >> Billy asked.

<< Forgive me, I was stunned for a moment. I'm trying to think, Master Billy. I have a hunch. It's only a wild guess – but wait – missing bits and pieces are beginning to fall into place. The strangest part is, it makes perfect sense, but why am I not surprised? Why did I not see this before? >> she asked rhetorically, and continued, << Joshua's parents, Ester and John Swift, lived on Bertrum Harper's ranch and worked for him. Bertrum Harper was my husband's father. John Swift was Bert's ramrod and Ester Swift became the main cook after Bert's wife, Peggy Harper, passed away when Willis was only five years old. Their two families sort of leaned on each other comfortably. Ester became a surrogate mother for Willis and the Swift's were almost like a second set of parents with Bert Harper being the bossman.  
<< Willis was born to be a cowman. He grew up quick, and by the time he was in junior high school, he was pretty much pulling his weight working the ranch. Ester and John saved up their money and wanted to buy the ranch where Josh lives now. Bert Harper co-signed the loan for them, and they worked hard to make a go of it. They did well and paid their mortgage off early. Willis and I lived with his dad when we first got married. Willis and I saved up our money, and bought a ranch of our own. We didn't plan to have children until we were stable within our own home.
<< We never discussed it, but I always wondered why Ester and John didn't have children. I don't care how close you consider yourself to be to another person, you just don't asked about that sort of thing unless they want to share with you. John and Ester continued their friendship with Bert, Willis, and me. One Sunday, Ester and I were sitting in church together. I was about three months pregnant with Arlen, and I noticed Ester was pregnant, too.
<< She told me they didn't think John could have children. They heard of a doctor in San Angelo who was having good results from some new medications. John took it, they prayed, and their prayer was answered. We gave birth on the same day. Our boys shared the same birthday. Bert Harper's first name was Joshua. Joshua's full name is Joshua Jonathon Swift. His close friends call him Jay-Jay. Bert, John, and Ester considered themselves family. It says in the bible, if your brother can't have children, it is his brother's duty to see he has a son. I'll leave it up to you to fill in the blanks. >> Mrs. Harper said.

<< You're right, Mrs. Harper, it does make sense. We will leave it up to you to share this information with your husband and make a decision how much you want Josh to know, >> Billy said and wiped away a tear. He wasn't the only Cowboy-Angel in the dungeon who found their eyes a bit more moist than usual. Billy smiled and winked at Josh. Poor Josh didn't have a clue, but Baug overheard the conversation. The giant beast pulled Josh closer to him and kissed the top of his head like a protective parent.

<< Out of curiosity, Master Billy, why is Joshua standing naked across from you? >> Sadie Harper asked.

<< We invited him to watch our healing procedures. He's acting as a capacitor or reservoir of extra energy being provided by my Cowboy-Angels. Baug is teaching him and acting as a regulator so he can get the feeling of becoming a contributing member of our family. Does his nakedness disturb you, ma'am? >> Billy asked in reply.

<< Goodness no! If you notice carefully, he looks like a double for my husband from his waist down, >> Sadie returned and giggled.

<< You're right, Mrs. Harper, so he does, >> Billy returned and grinned.

* * * * * * *
Without further ado, Billy and his posse began to repair Willis Harper. They started by replacing organs and other missing parts from his time in the service or from operations performed as he began to advance in age. Next, they cleaned and restored any areas which were beginning to fail and not functioning properly which only drew down the strength and hampered the ability of his body to recuperate and rebuild on its own. They removed and replaced any cancerous tissue particularly on his face. The left side of his jaw and lips were being slowly eaten away by cancer from chewing tobacco and tucking one too many chews of Skoal or Copenhagen. It took them about an hour to get him out of the woods to make sure his body would begin to function on its own. After that, they refurbished his overall appearance to bring him back to approximately the same age as his beloved wife, between thirty or thirty-five years of age.

Last, but not least, they came to Willis' sex organs, and Billy paused for input from Mrs. Harper. << How does he look, so far, Mrs. Harper? Any suggestions? >> Billy asked as he held Mr. Harper's penis and testicles in his hand.

Sadie Harper was shedding tears and wiped her eyes as she watched her husband being returned to health. Willis looked as good or better than she could remember. His new set of perfect teeth looked like a gleaming bumper on a brand new Cadillac. The scars from Vietnam and subsequent operations were gone, and his body was perfect. << He looks wonderful, Master Billy. You and your men are truly angels, sir. As for suggestions, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand I'm a large woman. Willis has always been a bit intimidated by me and never felt like he could fully satisfy me. It wasn't the case at all, but he also felt he wasn't large enough to do his best as my husband. He also complained many times his foreskin is too long and fails to remain parked behind the head of his penis which impedes him from feeling the pleasure he needs to reach a climax. I know it sounds strange coming from a cowboy who nailed me to the barn door his first time in my saddle, but men have their separate ways, haunted by their own imagined personal insecurities, >> Sadie sent with humor in her delivery.

<< I can make him a couple of inches taller than you, Mrs. Harper, and beef him up a bit. He looks like he's always been a bit on the slender side. I can also make his penis larger and longer. I can give him a peek-a-boo foreskin which, I guarantee, will slide easily behind the head. I'll enlarge the head of his penis to make sure his foreskin locks tightly behind it during intercourse, and it won't slide forward until he manually returns it to its resting position. Mr. Harper is now about seven and a half to eight inches when fully erect. You have the unique opportunity to choose the size of your husband's penis. How much more length and girth would you like him to have? However, before you answer my question, remember, think big. Take him home and try it out. If he's too large and uncomfortable for you, bring him back. We'll work with you. We can always make a correction. We want both of you to be happy. Besides, there may be some corrections he might want after he begins to feel better, and we can get his input, >> Billy sent to Sadie.
 
<< I know you tightened me, Master Billy. I feel like a young virgin; nevertheless, a very large virgin. There are portions of my inter-sanctum my husband has never explored, sir, but I don't know what size would be the perfect fit for us, sir, >> Sadie sent in reply.

After a bit more discussion, Billy suggested he enlarge Mr. Harper by two inch increments and Sadie could tell him when to stop. Billy also pointed out, he would proportionally enlarge her husband's penis with each change in length. Sadie agreed. Billy made the foreskin correction and then forced Mr. Harper's penis to grow to ten inches. Sadie was stunned. Suddenly, something inside her felt very hungry, but she knew it wasn't her stomach complaining. << Two more inches, Master Billy? >> she asked. Billy waved his hand over Mr. Harper's genitals and his cock and balls grew proportionally. His original seven and a half incher was now a handsome eleven and a half; which, when fully erect should rival a fat and fully-plumped foot long Coney Island hot-dog. He heard a deep, satisfied sigh, come from Sadie, << Thanks, Master Billy! That should do nicely, sir, >> he heard in his head.   

<< Remember, if this buckaroo don't fill yore' tank, we can always make corrections, ma'am. We don't want no unhappy campers in the Hill Country, >> Billy sent, and he heard another sigh of contentment.

<< I know the depth of my tank, Master Billy. I think I can give my cowboy a comfortable ride, sir, >> Sadie replied with bold confidence and got everyone laughing.

Sadie became the heroine of the moment. The ladies stood and applauded for her. Sadie positively glowed, smiled, and curtsied to her sisters. They took her by the hand and led her into the dungeon. The Cowboy-Angels and watchers made a path for her so she might take her place beside her newly healed, refurbished, and remodeled husband. Before Billy awoke Mr. Harper, he and his posse enhanced him to become another Cowboy-Angel and a part of his family. When they were finished, Billy told Sadie to take her husband's hand. He waved his hand over Willis Harper's head, his eyes fluttered, and he opened them to see a much younger, healthier, pretty Sadie Harper looking into his eyes.

“Did we beat them odds, Darlin'?” Willis asked quietly looking around at the Cowboy-Angels and big beasts standing around him.

“Yes, we did, Husband, but we're still on Earth. Have no fear, everything will be revealed to you in time. In several ways, I think you will find it better than we might have fared in a hereafter. As you can see, we have the Angels, and if you look right there, to your left, you will see our neighbor Joshua Swift,” Sadie said. Willis caught Josh's eye and held his left hand for him to take. Josh took Willis' hand and told him how good he looked. Josh explained he was proud to be allowed to take part in Willis' healing and refurbishment.

They managed to get Mr. Harper into a sitting position on the bench. One of the grooms brought him a robe and with a little assistance helped him put it on. Two big Watchers stood on each side to give him support as they took him and Sadie away to his room to began to recuperate from his physical adjustment and psychological ordeal. Sadie couldn't wait to share with her husband what she learned. Willis had much to discover. He commented on the way to their room, he could swear his cock felt like it should be on a bull. Sadie agreed and smiled wickedly to herself.

* * * * * * *
Billy and his posse brought in the last of the accident victims, Hoss and Doug Dewberry. They were the ones to suffer the least from the collisions. Hoss was banged around considerably, but when Doug asked about his seat belt, he cinched himself in good and tight. His main problem was when the front of the truck collided with the rear end of the Harper's older truck the part of the cab where he was sitting was hit hard and caused the steering wheel to collapse into his chest and down his front. He told Bubba he felt like his ribs were part of a saw-fiddle and were being crushed by a mad musician who was trying to play the 1812 Overture with two big hammers beating on his chest.

Hoss's face was pretty well cut up and six ribs on each side of his rib cage were cracked, but not broken. His left shoulder was dislocated when the delivery truck came to a rest and he was slammed hard against the door. It didn't take Billy and his men thirty minutes to repair everything and then, according to Bubba's wishes, Billy stepped aside and let Bubba totally enhance Hoss so he would become another Daniels family member within the Kirkendall clan. It was not something Hoss was expecting and shed a tear or two because Bubba thought enough of the big cowboy to include him. Bubba told him he didn't have no choice. He was afraid if he didn't, Jack McCormick would bring his nasty watch-geese over and turn them loose on him.

Douglas Dewberry was the least injured of the men. Bubba declared it was because Doug had a guardian angel looking out for him, took his huge hand, and pointed down to Grover's handsome head behind his back and everyone laughed. No one would dare rebut Bubba's declaration. Everyone knew Doug and Grover held each other in high regard. Doug's left arm was cut pretty bad, but Bubba healed it before he picked him up and carried the young cowboy from the area. When Doug exited the truck, the step-down runner was folded back under the cab, he fell hard on his ankle and dislocated it. It was a piece of cake to repair. Ordinarily such a procedure would be excruciatingly painful, but Billy cut off Doug's pain receptors from his waist down. After Billy healed Doug's ankle, he once again, turned the conductor's baton over to his brother, Bubba, and the big cowboy happily enhanced Doug. Not a word was said about the future or who belonged to whom. That would come later.

Jack and Grover escorted Hoss and Doug to Bubba's suite of rooms in the castle, and took two of Bubba's watchers who were gathered to help the Cowboy-Angels. They knew the routine. They said their goodbyes and went off to their rooms. They promised they would be down for supper, but they planned to put their wards to bed for the evening.

* * * * * * *
“Come, Joshua, your time has come, Son. You will be our last for the day,” Billy beckoned Josh, “Sit on the table and Baug will help you with your boots,” he added.

“But why, Master Billy? I'm a nobody. I'm barely existing trying to raise my kids on an income so limited, we don't even qualify for the poorest one percent, sir. Any money I get goes for food and utilities. I was hoping my video might go viral and bring in some extra money. Right now, I don't even have enough to buy Karon school clothes for this fall. Why would you want to waste you and your Cowboy-Angels time and energy on me?” Josh asked sincerely, “I been watching what you men do and you must be exhausted,” he added.

Billy spoke loudly to the room, “Can I see a show of hands, Gentlemen?” he asked and continued, “Everyone has heard the words this young cowboy just spoke. Has anyone present ever heard of a better reason why we should bring this young cowboy around right, and give him a new and better chance at a more fulfilling life?” Billy asked loudly. He waited but nary a hand went up. “There, you have it, Cowboy. Of the many people we've helped, you're the first to question his own self-worth to receive our blessings. Let me assure you, you have been weighed in the balance and found worthy in the hearts and minds of the fellowship of the Daniels family Cowboy-Angels you will be joining,” Billy said firmly.

“Hosanna!” shouted Sheriff Will Tate.

“Hosanna, in the highest!” the rest of the room replied.   

Billy slapped the leather bench with the palm of his hand. “Hop upon this magic workbench, Cowboy, and don't gimme' no more shit!” he exclaimed and grinned.

“Yes, sir, Master Billy,” Josh replied and did as he was told. As Baug helped Josh remove his boots, the young cowboy turned to Billy, “Since I done told you men I believe in the cowboy way, I suppose this means I must respect your position, consider your gifts, and not post my video to my UFO site, sir,” Josh said quietly like he was deflated.

“Nonsense! I took the liberty to send it to our professional editors for a few deletions what might give our enemies more info than we'd like them to have at the moment, but the rest you're welcome to post and reap the benefits. You can even say you recognized several you knew from the community in which you lived most of your life. Use what income you get wisely; but, I don't think you're gonna' need the extra income for long. Once we get you refurbished and fledged, I'll have one of my main men, Captain Langstrom, introduce you to our learning cloud chambers. Our sentient educator, Seth, will fill you with information you might need for the future. I'll have you apprentice with our building manager's yard-pup, Wilbur Peterson, for a couple of weeks. I done heard it through the grapevine, Master Bubba is taking on two new managers. Them last two men we worked on and the big one, Hoss Dewberry, will become Master Bubba's yard-dog manager. I hear he has an opening for a yard-pup,” Billy said and smiled.

“What would I do with my kids while I work?” Josh asked.

“We'll work it out. Don't chu' worry none, Cowboy. We'll take care of you. For now, lie back, relax, and enjoy the ride,” Billy said and smiled. Josh felt he could trust Billy and his men without question. He completely relaxed and left the driving to his master. He knew the word 'master' could possess either a sinister connotation or an encompassing devotion bordering on perfect understanding, compassion, and even love. Josh found it amusing he could easily fathom Billy was neither and both. He could be strong and demanding, while giving of himself without measure. He got as much as he gave. Billy's personal treasure was a different wealth as everything came around right to create the endlessly giving, uncomplicated wonder the big Cowboy-Angel was becoming. Did Joshua dare compare or try to define him as a god? Josh settled for the image of an uncommonly handsome man of the West with god-like powers who unselfishly gave his best while expecting very little for himself in return. Billy's payoff was gaining another strongly devoted family member.

Billy put the young cowboy in a light twilight sleep. Josh could hear what was going on around him, but he felt nothing. It was like his brain and his soul was floating on a soft cloud of eiderdown, and he was at ease. Josh let his mind drift until he felt like a young boy again when innocence and awe could be conjoined to make a warm spring day seem like it might go on forever. The corrections and changes the men were making on his body weren't without a sensual nature. He lost a kidney and bladder and one rib on his left side from a mine explosion in the Middle East. Josh could feel the tickle and moving around of his body parts as new ones appeared and grew into place. It was amazing. He felt like he just ate a great meal for Thanksgiving, and he grew drowsy. Fuck watching a boring football game. He drifted in and out of sleep and a peace filled awareness.

It didn't seem like they worked on Josh very long, when in reality, they spent almost as much time on him as they did his bigger half-brother, Willis Harper. Mr. Harper wouldn't be much larger than Joshua when Billy got through with him. He would increase his size by about sixteen inches and he planned to give him a penis almost an exact copy of Mr. Harper's. Billy wondered if they would share the family secret with him. He didn't plan to tell Joshua unless, by some chance, the young cowboy put the pieces together and became troubled. Billy wondered how he, himself, might feel to learn his parents couldn't have a child and wanted to bake one so badly they borrowed a cup of cowboy cream from a man they both loved, trusted, and for whom they held equal respect. From what little Billy knew and learned about Joshua Swift, he was pretty dang sure the three of his parents had reason to be quite proud of the buckaroo beef-cake they baked.

Bubba walked around the table and dropped a huge arm around Billy's shoulder, “I'm proud of you, Little Brother. You added a dash of Willis Harper's DNA to make Joshua look like a part of the Harper family. As a matter of fact, both them men bear a remarkable resemblance to your surrogate pa. I love the beginning of male pattern baldness in a man. I'm with you on that particular fetish. There's just something about the masculinity and the appearance of a man what's beginning to lose his hair. It announces a raw powerful potent sexual daddy has arrived,” Bubba declared firmly.  
 
“I noticed Josh was just showing. I decided if I made him a bit bigger and taller, he could wear it well and get away with it. He's a fine looking hunk of cowboy flesh, ain't he?” Billy said and grinned.
 
“I wonder what his ex-wife is gonna' say or think when she see's his new pet pony. I heard she left him for another cowboy because she claimed Josh couldn't feed her ravenous pussy enough meat to keep her satisfied, and it was always hungry. That's a terribly castrative thing to say to your husband. The cock you give him should leave her with some remorse, and that cain't be no bad thing,” Bubba said admiring Billy's handiwork, “You plan to de-flower him and take his cowboy-nectar for his first time?” Bubba asked and grinned.

“No, I'm leaving that honor to Baug. He's been through a lot lately and deserves a sweet treat; besides, I done heard them talk'n mind to mind about it, and I think Josh is captivated by the idea. After all, giving and taking the ether of the cosmos for several hours is sharing a considerable intimacy with another soul, be it human or Watcher. Hell, them feelings is universal. They can cause a strong bond to form between a man and a beast,” Billy allowed.

“Don't I know it. Sometimes I get me a craving, I just have to be alone with my beast in the loft of the barn once't in a while to recharge my batteries. Ain't nothing like the love he gives and takes from me. I ain't never woke up the next morning when I weren't a fully sated buckaroo wiff' a big-old smile on my ugly face,” Bubba said and studied Billy a bit, “But I'm worried about you. You been going non-stop for the last several weeks. Is all this building up to something I should know about, Little Bro?” Bubba asked sotto voce in a private manner.

“You're right, but I ain't got me no idea what might be coming down the tracks. The coincidences and the way these good folks fit together is like seeing the workings of the quantum world for the first time. I'm beginning to see how we fit into the universe as holograms which only the more advanced and intelligent races can manipulate. Them lizards and grays may be thousands of years ahead of us, but the clan what's decided to come to our aid is even more advanced than them. I think our alien foes have so radically altered their DNA to become the perfect parasitic society, they are rapidly losing their technological edge. Sort of like several societies I can think of what we got rye-cheer, here on Earth living in constant strife wiff' us.

“I get the feeling we may get another call to Retikki Prime in the next couple of days to set the wheels in motion to begin our move here on our planet. Joshua's videos of the attacks on us by them gray slaves of the lizards will start the ball rolling down hill, and soon after, our pretending to be just good old country boys will be stripped from us. Our current life style and abilities will become known to the world. We may find ourselves leaving our naïve second childhoods behind. I think they's setting us up for a major coming-out party,” Billy said.

“Woah! That sounds heavy, Brother. Can't say's I weren't expect'n it. You may be right. Everything seems to be pointing in that direction. Lord, I hope it don't happen until we get our first lot of Texas Tea and Hosanna Cakes into the stores. They would go a long way to mellow out the sheep,” Bubba said and grinned.

“I heard that, Bro!” Billy said.

“You plan to bless a portion of them?” Bubba asked.

“Yeah, it should establish our sales as a major corporation if a random number are healed by our products or their lives suddenly become more productive so they can rise above the depression of poverty and begin to make inroads to help themselves,” Billy said, and they shared a laugh. “I can't imagine it, Bubba. Trying to turn our world around won't be an easy task. Others have tried and failed,” Billy lamented.

“If there was any one man on this planet I'd invest my faith in, it would be you, Little Brother. I'm glad it weren't me them ancients decided to be the new messiah for our world, and that ain't no sour grapes talking none neither. I'll be honest, I sometimes get flashbacks to the past and remember them times on Retikki Prime when we's kids together. I thought I'd look forward to playing your hero and together we would put our world back on the right track, but I'm glad it was you what was picked instead of me. Why? Because I don't have the patience or the compassion you got. You got a cooler head and you learn quicker than me. However, I promise, I will become your backbone and the strength you require to support you when you decide what needs to be done. Everyone in this here dungeon has a major role to play, and you will direct us just like you do them musicians to get ever'body a' toot'n and a' saw'n at the same time. How in the Hell you ever get them to cross the finish line at the same time is beyond me,” Bubba said, put his huge arm around Billy, and grinned.

“You will always be my big brother and my greatest hero, Bubba. I would have resigned my position a long time ago if'n it weren't for you and your bull-headed doggedness. Others may see it as an unforgivable personality flaw, but I can assure you, yore' Little Brother don't. I will be forever grateful for your ability to be one of two rock-solid anchors what keeps my boat afloat and won't allow me to drift off into a sea of imaginary nonsense. Furthermore, I'm convinced it must run through the Kirkendall family. From what I gather, your uncle Brad was the same damn way. I think we both owe a great debt to your uncle. Without him, many of the perks to make our lives a bit easier wouldn't have been possible,” Billy said quietly.

“I agree. I only wish he'd brought me into his world earlier so's I could have proved to him my dedication and devotion,” Bubba lamented.

“If he did, you just might not have the same attitude and diligence to see his ideas actually realized, Brother,” Billy said.

“You're probably right. It makes me hungry playing Cowboy-Angel fix-um-up. How soon 'til first bell for supper?” Bubba asked.

“About an hour and a half, but I got to get back over to Josh's ranch to refurbish them vehicles and secure that spaceship,” Billy said.

“You gonna' fix-up the burned out shells of them trucks?” Bubba asked.

“Yeah! It will throw a monkey-wrench into the works. Folks might claim there was a big wreck and explosion at Camp Air, but if there ain't no wrecked or burned vehicles, it will cause confusion and credibility of the witnesses. Besides, I don't want Doug and Hoss to get into trouble with their employer. It's best to leave a job on good terms in case you ever need an additional recommendation,” Billy explained.

“I never would a' thought of that. See, you believe in covering all the bases, Little Brother. It makes perfect sense to me. Also, ain't no telling what it might do to the Lovejoy's reputation and continued ability to make a decent living for themselves. Come on, let's saddle up, and ride on over to Josh's place,” Bubba said.

* * * * * * *
Billy woke Josh and told the young handsome cowboy to sit on the side of the table for a few minutes to get his bearings. Josh could tell they changed him quite a bit, but he couldn't take is eyes off his new penis. The first thing he did was take it into his hand to feel the size and heft of his new male toy. Then he skinned it back and admired the size of its new head. He looked up with a big grin on his face like a kid who got his first air-rifle for Christmas. He arrived at a new plateau in his life. He could join the big boys and would never feel inadequate again. His look was returned by a massive dungeon full of Cowboy-Angels and watchers with big smiles on their faces like each one was a proud parent.

“Thank you,” he said quietly but loud enough for everyone to hear, “My grateful thanks to every man and beast who contributed to my refurbishing. I can't thank you enough. Christmas done come early this year,” he added and a great round of applause went up for Joshua Swift.

Billy helped Josh off the table. “Don't worry about your boots right now, Son. Your old ones won't fit your feet no-ways – neither will your clothes. We gave you a bit more height and filled you out a tad more. You now wear a size and a half larger, but don't worry, we got-chu' covered. Our two outfitters gathered you some new duds and a nice pair of buckaroo boots, to tide you over,” Billy said as he led the young cowboy to stand before the full size mirror in the dungeon.

Josh was stunned by the man he saw looking back at him from the glass. Joshua was speechless as he turned one way then another to admire himself. He took a long, good look at his perfect cowboy tush. His new cowboy buns looked like they were sculpted by Michaelangelo Buonarroti just for him – to say nothing of his outstanding tackle hanging from his body like important equipment on a fire truck ready for quick use to put out the biggest and hottest fire. He certainly set off a five-alarm siren in Baug's mind, and his bonfire of iniquities was about to reach the critical point.

Josh walked closer to the mirror and took a good look at his perfectly formed face. Billy stood close behind him and sucked in a large breath of air through his teeth like he might imagine what was going on in the handsome young man's mind. “I never noticed before, but now my face is fixed and my body back together, I look like a little like a man I've always admired all my life and wish't I could be like him or a part of his family,” he said, “Thank you again, Master Billy,” Josh said, and shook Billy's hand. Nothing more was said.

* * * * * * *
“Come! Let's get you dressed. We still got cleanup to do over to your ranch, and we got that big turkey to hide. Can we park them trucks on your property, Son, until we can take them folks to get them?” Billy asked.

“Sure, but I thought they was beyond repair. They looked pretty badly burned-up to me, Master Billy,” Josh said.

“We can make them burned out shells look brand new with a full tank of gas,” Billy said.

“Could you do the same for my old clunker Ford truck?” he asked and grinned.

“Nothing to it, Brother. We can make 'em old trucks look like they's just rolled off the assembly line. Their odometers will be reset to zeros. Let's get our posse together and head on out. We only got about an hour and a half to get it done, get back here, clean up, and have supper,” Billy said. He turned to his men and told them the same men who were in the rescue team were to get dressed, and join him. He warned them to take their rain slickers. It was still pouring outside. While Baug took Josh to the cell to put on his new clothes, Billy confided in his closest family members, he was somewhat pleased it was still raining. It would make their job more easy to do the clean up and restore everything without much of an audience.  
   
“I held my breath for a minute when Josh looked at his'self in the mirror,” Zeke allowed and shook his head.

“I heard that, Brother!” Heavy-drop Boynton agreed, “I think ever' heart in this dungeon stopped for a beat or two. Why, I swear on the name of some unknown god, you could hear a roach fart,” he added.

“Hear! Hear, General! I won't have you defaming my work station like 'at!” Billy jumped him and everyone laughed, “If'n you did hear one fart, I'm sure he would be a well fed, disease free little bugger, wear'n a big hat and tiny buckaroo boots, with a little guitar slung over his shoulder,” Billy added more cowboy hyperbole. They laughed again.

Josh was blown away by the clothes Hank and Buck left for him in the cell. There was three new pair of Wrangler boot cut jeans. Five beautiful long sleeved Western shirts; belts; a couple of new hats, felt, and straw; and, two brand new pair of buckaroo boots. Josh was speechless and still naked, turned to shed a few tears in Baug's big arms. Watchers arms are particularly good for that sort of thing.

“I ain't never had nobody be so good to me, Brother Baug,” Josh said.

“You better get used to it, Son, you only walked through the front door,” Baug reassured and comforted the big cowboy.

* * * * * * *
Once again Billy wowed the military branch of his new brothers. After they arrived through a gate in Joshua's old barn, they immediately walked out and across the road to the field where, what was left of the scorched and wrecked vehicles, were still lying. Billy waved his hands over each one and a great blue light fell upon them. Once they were fully engulfed with the light, they simply winked out, the truck was gone, and Billy moved to the next. He didn't stop until he made the three large trucks disappear. Billy smiled and told his men to follow him.

They walked to the road, Billy turned around and waved both hands toward the area where the accident occurred, and it instantly changed back to its original state. There wasn't a sign there was ever an accident. Even the fence and the old structure of the outdoor market area was back in place. They walked back to Josh's house were his old 85 Ford Ranger was sitting in the drive out front. Billy waved his hand, the blue light engulfed it, the truck disappeared, then reappeared looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. It was flawless. No one said a word. Josh wasn't the only one who was struck dumb from the realization the young cowboy who befriended them was so much more than they could possibly imagine in their wildest dreams. “Unbelievable!” Josh finally got out.

“Hosanna!” said Royce Boynton in an awestruck voice.

“Hosanna, in the highest!” the others agreed.

“Thank you again, Master Billy,” Josh choked out like he was about to burst into tears again.

“You're welcome, Son. After you get to know my big brother a little better, maybe you can talk Bubba into putting a new engine in your truck for you. One what don't run on gas but will be just as powerful,” Billy suggested.

The rain was coming down pretty hard. Fortunately, there was almost no traffic on Highway 87. If they can avoid it, country folks don't drive in bad weather. They walked back to the barn, but before they got there, Billy waved his hands again, and one by one, the wrecked vehicles reappeared, lined up out of the way next to Josh's barn. They were in perfect condition, and the huge gas tanker contained almost a full tank. Again the men were flabbergasted, and Joshua was almost numb from over exposure to such amazing power.

Billy made the flying saucer appear, and it looked like it was in perfect condition. There wasn't a dent or a smudge mark on it. With the combined power of several of his posse, they levitated the large craft, expertly guided it into the huge barn, and moved it to the very back. There, Billy allowed it to come to rest beneath the hayloft. He waved his hand, and it vanished. There it would remain until Billy wished to move it, or he taught Josh how to manipulate his new toy. He wanted Josh to learn more about alien craft and take a driving test in one of his ships before he gave him the keys to his own other-worldly, dimension-surfing woody.

The ghostly specter of the tune 'Surf City' ran through Billy's fertile and sometimes trivia crowed mind. The cowboy messiah knew them Beach Boys would have been proud. Billy thought the idea of owning one's very own flying saucer might be a goodly ego booster for his new young cowboy brother; after all, Billy thought to himself, there ain't many ranchers who could claim they got their very own alien spaceship stored away in their old barn, to say nothing of the thousands of would-be UFO hacks on the Internet who swore their videos absolutely prove there really is such a thing.

* * * * * * *
When Billy was satisfied everything he wanted to get done was taken care of, the men helped Josh feed his goats in the barn. They didn't like standing in the rain while Billy and his men put the saucer to bed. They let the men know their displeasure and complained bitterly. Billy waved his hand over them when they were gathered in the barn, and they were instantly dry. They liked that and several came to their gracious benefactor to personally bleat their thanks. Everyone was in awe at the critters. They seemed to understand and acknowledge Billy was the source of their more comfortable state. A couple of them tried to follow Billy and his men through the gate when they left. They wanted to go with Billy.

“At least we know the goats love you and would follow you anywhere, Little Brother. Ain't no doubt in my mind they know a good thing when they see's it. That should warm your heart and give you courage,” Bubba said and laughed.

“H'it ain't them goats I'm worried about, Bro. It's them sheep what's been washed-in-the-blood of Yahweh, Jesus, or Mohammad what sticks in my craw, and I get acid reflux in me gut real bad. Major heartburn du jour,” Billy said. Nick overheard the conversation and laughed.

* * * * * * *
Billy and his rescue posse returned to the dungeon in just under an hour. Billy told his grooms Mace and Picard to gather Josh's new clothes and follow them. Billy planned to take Josh to one of the small apartments in his and Captain Nick's personal suite. Their timing was perfect. There was still about thirty minutes left to clean up, change into dry clothes, and walk down the stairs before the first bell rang for supper. Since it was Friday evening, the ladies from the big house were already beginning to arrive. Also, on Friday evenings, the younger children were fed first about an hour before the first bell. The older children, school age and beyond, would join the adults for supper. They were well mannered and always added some interesting insights or said something drop-dead funny which would keep conversations light and pleasant.   

Joshua was more impressed than ever at the size and sumptuousness of the rooms and facilities in the castle. His grooms undressed him and escorted him to the showers. They made sure everything was ready for him. Picard went into the shower with him and insisted on bathing Josh. He didn't try to resist and found the attention much to his liking. Mace was in the bedroom laying out his clean, dry clothes to wear to supper. Josh thought he could get used to being pampered and seen to by a couple of outstandingly good looking halfling grooms. When they were finished, they found Master Billy and his immediate family waiting for him in the main room so they might walk down the stairs together. Billy and Nick were impressed by Josh. He cleaned up well, and after their additions and enhancements, he was exceptionally good looking. They agreed, they had a right to be proud of their work.

The men arrived in the great hall just as the children and their caretakers were leaving the dining hall. They already ate their supper and would be taken off to another large room in the castle devoted to children, to play games and watch a movie later. Clute and Karon came running to their daddy's open arms. At first they were a bit shy. Their daddy was changed. He was taller and larger, but he was unmistakably their dad. They threw caution to the winds and filled Joshua's big arms with hugs and kisses. They were dressed in clean new clothes. Clute was wearing a brand new pair of Wranglers, a nice western shirt, and a new pair of boots. He looked like the perfect small cowboy. Karon was dressed in a nice light fuchsia and pink dress with a pair of nice black patent leather shoes.

“You kids look wonderful. Where did you get the nice clothes?” Josh asked.

“We have a large reserve of used clothes given to us by neighbors when their kids outgrow them. We clean, sterilize, and refurbish them to look brand new. We let them pick out what they want. Karon chose this beautiful little dress and several others for her to take home with her. Our Western outfitters, Buck and Hank, provided Clute with his cowboy clothes,” replied Jennifer Halfablap.

Again, Josh was unprepared for such generosity, but he was so numb from everything he was experiencing, he quickly learned to absorb the Daniels family goodness as another way of looking at life. Everything seemed so strange. Not 'bad' strange, but good, more accepting; instead of the universe working against him at every turn, Josh was feeling in tune with the ethos. Even his own children seemed to like their new daddy better than his older model. Josh began to look at a lot of things differently and one was his attraction for women. Josh tried to hide his feelings, but he found Jennifer Halfablap the most wholesome and appealing woman he met in a long time. She seemed together and sure of herself. Josh thanked Jennifer humbly, but unlike he usually responded to women, whom he found attractive, he was more reserved, considerate, and mannerly.

Before his refurbishment, if Josh admired an attractive woman, he would fall apart and revert to a silly, giggling teenager, not unlike an overbearingly frisky young colt snorting around her flanks like she was little more than a sex object. The old Joshua Swift was no more. Like a butterfly leaving its cocoon, Josh felt like he was reborn to a new life with a new, more comely body. The Middle-East and several years of trying to raise two children by himself, living every day from hand to mouth ground off his rough edges to create a young man of patience and empathy for others no matter their position in life. After the first bell for supper rang, some other women came to take the children away to entertain them. Josh hugged, kiss them 'goodbye,' and promised he would be with them later. He turned and began a civil conversation with the children's caretaker. It was so easy and comfortable for him in his new body. For once in his young life, he felt like he truly belonged.

* * * * * * *
It became a habit for Clara Mae Bastiaen to come through a gate on Friday evenings from Uncle Tom's Cabin in the Woodlands to have supper with her surrogate family, catch up on family news, review the music to make sure she brought everything Billy required, and take care of any last minute changes Master Billy wanted; but, best of all, to spend some extra time with her little girlfriend, Molly. This particular Friday, Clara found it even more propitious because the schizophrenic weather patterns became so unpredictable, she was worried about getting caught in a heavy storm. Clara Mae was frightened by a great electrical storm when she was a child and was never able to dismiss the anxiety. Some thought she was wise to cling to her childhood fear since the storms in Texas were getting worse each year.
Fortunately, behind the huge McMartin building was a ramp for underground parking for family members and special guests. Tom McMartin offered Clara her own, private parking stall, and she gladly took him up on his generous offer. Many Friday evenings, the McMartin family were standing by the gate waiting for her.
 
Molly would worry the cowboys asking what time it was so she could run to the dungeon and be there waiting when her friend, Miss Clara, was due to arrive. Finally, they got together and bought a cheap large wall clock at Sprawlmart, put it up in the great hall, and taught her how to read time. Molly couldn't thank them enough, and she was never late when she knew Clara would be coming through the gate. Clara Mae Bastiaen was never late. She never disappointed her little friend.

Nearly the whole Daniels family was present for supper that evening. Billy invited Deek Swanson and Bafra Bootles and their two pups, Bonnie and Babbles. Also the Ondine families from both continents joined them. Little Willie Whistlepie came from the garage behind the Cantina in Lone Pine. He apologized for Sheriff Andreeson, but he couldn't get away. Willie also brought greetings and good wishes from Nellie Peterson and Gower Flint.

Young Jack formed a strong bond with Willie. They seemed to be inseparable, but no one raised an eyebrow. None considered their friendship strange or out-of-place. Willie was a large, compassionate person and shared many things with the boy trapped in the body of a young girl no other person could. It seemed more natural and wholesome than a lot of other relationships Billy's family could imagine. Jack and Jenny's families, the Robertsons and the Rigbys drove from Kerrville and Fredericksburg for the weekend. The sisters didn't tell their mother, Wilma Halfablap, they would be staying at the Daniels Ranch. Wilma received divorce papers that week, signed them, and mailed them back. She did make a nasty comment about her ex-husband wasting no time dismissing her from his life. She thought Hank's quick action was rather cold blooded. Both her daughters bit their tongues to keep from dumping their wrath on her hypocrisy.

When the second bell for Supper rang, a gate opened in the great hall and two enormous handsome watchers walked through. They were both reddish-brown in color. They were a matched pair like they might be twins. Billy recognized them immediately. They were the Lord High Chancellor’s guards who stood by Gregor and Albrecht's sides at all times to protect them. They walked a little way, saw Billy, and fell to their knees before him. Those of the Daniels family who didn't recognize them were startled. “Boraz and Zarob!” Billy bellowed with surprise.

“See! I told you he would remember us,” Zarob whispered to his twin brother.

“Hush!” Boraz whispered loudly.

Billy laughed, “Of course I remember you! Arise, good friends, and allow me to welcome you to Earth and our home!” Billy exclaimed.

“We were told to pay homage to you first, Master Billy – as is your due, Sire,” Boraz said.

“Very well, rituals are rituals and must be respected, I suppose,” Billy walked to Boraz and stood in front of him. The great beast kissed each of Billy's new lizard boots and grinned. Zarob followed suit and paid his homage. Billy fell to his knees, threw his arms around their necks and kissed each beast on his cheek.

“Nice boots, Master Billy!” Zarob exclaimed, and continued, “Our compliments to your boot-maker, Sire. They don't leave a bad aftertaste,” he added. Everyone in the room heard their exchange and laughed.

“They were a gift from our master leather-craftsman Jurgen Ironmonger. I'm quite fond of them. Now arise with me, tell me how your masters are doing, and why you have come to visit us?” Billy asked.

“Our masters are fine, Sire, they send their best wishes to you and your talented family,” Boraz said. “We have come to ask your permission to bring six representatives from the six hundred angels you and your family rescued from stasis. Each represents ninety-nine of the angels. They will tell you why they requested an audience with you, Master Billy. They wish to humble themselves before the chosen one. They would like to thank you and your family for being so brave to come for them. They were shown the video of their rescue. Most were unsure what was happening at the time. They were confused and frightened they would be severely punished. They would like to pledge themselves to your service if you have need of them, Sire,” Boraz finished.

“Have they been debriefed, refurbished, and re-educated?” Billy asked the giant watcher.

“They have, Master Billy. Our masters hope you will be pleased. When they began to learn what went on after they were forced into stasis, and about the modern world man has created for himself, they voted unanimously to petition you to allow them to come back to Earth to serve you and your family,” Zarob said.

“We planned to take them to give them a new start, whether they wanted to serve me and my family or not, but their willingness to become part of our family is certainly something we will take into consideration; however, what about you handsome creatures? We're about to eat our evening meal. Will you join us? Can you stay for a while?” Billy asked.

“After we gather the six angels and escort them to stand in your presence, we would be pleased to take nourishment with you, Master Billy. The time dilation works both ways. We can stay for a week and only ten minutes will pass on Retikki Prime. However, we dare not stay too long. We have our responsibilities to our masters, Sire,” Boraz said.

“Of course you do. I understand. Any time you can share with us will be enjoyed and appreciated, my Brothers. Go! Gather them angels and bring them to us,” Billy said.

The two giant watchers bowed to Billy, turned, and walked back through the gate. They returned almost as quickly with the six angels chosen to represent the other five-hundred and ninety-four fallen angels. They were remarkably handsome creatures. They were fully fledged with their beautiful wings. They were wearing what looked like Wranglers, Western boots, and leather harnesses patterned after the Earth Cowboy-Angels. All they were lacking were the hats. Someone must have thought it might be a bit too much of an insinuated intrusion. Billy figured it was Albrecht's conservative nature. Billy knew his in-law Uncle Gregor too well.

The angels fell to their knees and bowed their heads. “We humbly ask permission to pay homage to you, Sire,” the lead angel asked.

“No! No! You're starting off all wrong! Now arise – the six of you and stand before me!” Billy barked at them almost like a Marine Drill Sargent greeting a busload of new recruits. The six angels jumped up and stood at attention. “I'd much rather have you tell me you're proud to be in my presence and would I allow you the honor of paying homage to me? I don't want no fearful angels afraid of their shadow, what might live in terror they might offend me. If you don't believe me, you're free to ask any one of my angels, manufactured or human born. They know, without asking, they have my full permission to tell you exactly how they feel about being a member of my family. I don't set myself up as a supreme being. Even if I was, which I ain't, I hope and pray to some unknown god, I would be more understanding and compassionate than the last bastard-asshole you were forced to serve!” Billy exclaimed.

“Hosanna!” shouted Randy.

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

The angels standing before him seemed nervous looking at each other like six young boys who were dressed-down by the principal of their school. “Now each of you tell me your name. You first big'un, since you seem to be the speaker for these men,” Billy said.

“I am Utnapishtimel, Sire,” he replied. Billy nodded to the next.

“I am Jetrel, Master Billy,” he replied.

“I am Mahoninel, sir,” the next said.

“Neaquel, sir!” the next said firmly.

“Samsapeel, Master!”

“I am called Yomyael, my handsome young master,” the last said and grinned.

“Flattery can be an ego boosting tool when used at the right moment, Yom. Now is not the time, my friend. You hardly know me, and to be so forward at first meeting is a mistake – a minor error, but a mistake nonetheless. I want you men to be proud and honored to serve me and my family. I don't need your nose up my butt. If I ask you a question, I expect an honest answer and not one based on flattery to gain personal favor. If there's one trait I will not abide is an ass-kisser,” Billy said firmly, “Is that clear, Gentlemen?” Billy asked.

“Yes, sir!” they answered in unison.

“My apology, Sire,” Yomyael added.

“Apology accepted. To make amends for embarrassing you, Yom, I choose you to represent you and your brothers to pay homage to me,” Billy said and used his hand to beckon the angel. The big angel came forth, knelt, and kissed each of Billy's boots. Billy dropped his right hand, Yom took it, kissed the back, and brought it to his forehead, “Rise, my good angel and show your master your love,” Billy said firmly.

The good looking angel was in Billy's arms in an instant and tried to show his new master as much love as he could with his kiss. Yom became so overwhelmed, he began to shed tears. They finally broke it off. Billy held the large angel, petted and stroked him, until he got himself together. “Thank you, Master Billy,” he whispered.

“You're welcome, Yom. Welcome to the Daniels family, Son,” Billy said. Billy took Yom by his hand and walked him to the five other angels watching in awe. He shook hands with each one. “Welcome to the Daniels family, Gentlemen,” Billy said.

Another round of “Hosannas” went up from the gathered family.

The third bell for supper rang and the family began to move to the dining hall. Joshua offered Jennifer his arm to escort her into the great dining hall and gallantly seated her at her usual place. Jennifer told Joshua she would be pleased to have him sit next to her if he liked, and the big cowboy graciously accepted her offer.

Billy continued to see to his new guests. “Boomer, would you and Brute see to our new Watcher brothers and see which food they prefer?” he asked. The two family watchers escorted Boraz and Zarob to their feeding station. Billy turned his attention back to the six angels. “Can you Gentlemen drop your wings, so you will be more comfortable sitting at our table?” Billy asked. The angel named Utnapishtimael nodded to the others and instantly their wings were gone. Billy was a little taken aback. “We have to store our wings in another dimension. How did you men do that, Noah?” Billy asked looking directly at Utnapishtimael.

“Us older angels would have to do the same as you, Master Billy, until we discovered some of our younger brothers can do it. We learned from those who were later added to our original two hundred fallen angels. It's a simple genetic enhancement, but it makes a great difference in the ease of living as an angel. We can sleep on our backs if we choose, to say nothing of being the one on the bottom,” Noah replied, “Will 'Noah' be my new name, Sire?” he asked.

“If you're unfamiliar with the myth of Noah, he was the biblical equivalent to Utnapishtim in the legend of Gilgamesh. Unless you would like to have another, Noah will be your new name; however, with the exception of several of my current family members we're dropping the 'el' from your names. You will no longer be identified as a manufactured product or the property of some forgotten deity named 'El.' Nor do I want you to be confused with the Elohim or Adonia of ancient times. By conjoining with the Daniels family you will have free will, but you will still be responsible to me and my family. We will talk about the future later,” Billy said.  

“Do we need covering for our upper torso to sit at your table, sir?” Yom asked.

“No, your harnesses will be adequate. We will provide you with appropriate clothing, but you won't need them this evening,” Billy said, “We have to be flexible. We never know who might drop in to share a meal with us, and sometimes one of our bull Cowboy-Angels who has taken on a same sex partner as his subordinate will require his mate to attend supper in his harness,” Billy added without nuance, “Tonight is Cajun night. We usually reserve Monday nights for Creole food, but since the contingency of our brothers from the swamps of Louisiana came to our rescue today, our kitchen staff decided to cook Gumbo and Jambalaya in their honor. I hope you men can adapt to spicy foods,” Billy said and smiled.

“We'll do our best, Sire,” Noah replied, “Same sex partners as slaves, Master Billy? Sounds like you're pretty progressive for a Terran society,” he added.

“Yes, in some ways, I guess we are. Never underestimate strong same-sex bondings. We never would have won the battle with them vicious demon critters when we rescued you men under Mount Ararat were it not for the number of sexually bonded warriors on our team. Of course, I must give credit to our great and generous benefactor, Him-what-made-them-seven-stars. He saved our bacon. Now I have sixteen bodyguards, eight bonded pairs of human-angels and watchers. You will know the human warriors by their leather kilt uniforms. Our watchers eat in the same hall with us, but they prefer different food,” Billy explained, “Perhaps you don't know, I married my watcher brother of many years, only to find he is the only living relative of the Lord High Chancellors on Retikki Prime and next in line for the throne. Not only that, but we are expecting a son, Billy Augustus Daniels, in approximately six more months,” Billy said and the angels looked flabbergasted. It was understandable. Nick drilled it into Billy, the Watchers of Retikki Prime never gave you all the details. They expected you to fill in the blanks.

“We know nothing about you and your family other than your family saved our lives, and what little we've been shown in videos,” Noah said with some disappointment in his voice, “We didn't know what to expect, but what we observed gave us hope,” he added.

“I hope you men aren't turned off by our attempt at a more liberal society. We're doing our best to live among other humans who still hold onto barbaric principles and religious beliefs which harken back to the stone age,” Billy said.

“On the contrary, Master Billy, we were the ones who were persecuted for trying to provide a more liberal society for early man when we were slaves to an elite who owned everything, Sire,” Noah said, “They were not gods, but their technology was much further advanced than the humans, they appeared to them and us as supreme beings who must never be questioned,” Noah added, “However, totalitarianism is never total,” he added.

“You will find certain social parameters haven't changed much, but in certain pockets, we have made strides to upset the pyramid,” Billy said, “We will have time to visit and talk. Let's go into the dining hall and break bread together,” he urged. Billy worked hard all afternoon. He was hungry. Everyone filed into the great hall and Billy motioned for the six angels to sit across from him so they might talk. Three sat on one side of Randy, and Pard, and the other three sat on their other side. The angels found it interesting and inclusive to include the younger members of their family at their dining table.

Boraz and Zarob were taken to the rear of the hall and offered stools to sit on. There were shelves to hold their feeding bowls and water around the outside perimeter of the hall. The halfling attendants brought them bowls filled with slave chow with two nutrient biscuits on top. Boomer and Bubba's Brute explained they were welcome to eat what the humans were eating, but they promised the slave chow was much better. The twin watchers took their first bite and looked like they were sampling ambrosia. They ate two large bowls and four nutrient biscuits each. They couldn't get enough. They swore they didn't have anything nearly so wonderful on Retikki Prime.

* * * * * * *
Joshua was overwhelmed real angels were being sent to bow down to Billy Daniels and recognize him as their new leader. What did he get himself into? Jennifer patiently told Josh what she learned but assured him she only scratched the surface in the time she came to know the Daniels family. She assured him she was still learning. Jennifer assured Josh there was never a dull moment around the ranch and she was doing her best to fill in and help where she could. While she never had children of her own, she seemed to have a natural affinity for dealing with their fears and need for reassurance they were loved and wanted.

“This is a new precedent for our in-laws on Retikki Prime and Fort Adam Lear. It was most considerate and we certainly appreciate their thoughtfulness that it might be appropriate to send representatives before they drop six hundred angels in our laps,” Billy said and smiled.
 
“Does the term 'method-in-their-madness' mean anything to you, Master Billy,” Noah asked and grinned.

Captain Nick almost fell out of his chair laughing, “Would you please, Pa!” Billy mockingly rebuked him, “We certainly do understand the term quite well, Noah, especially when it comes to our relatives. Their subtle guidance can be too obvious at times, but we've come to look upon their passive meddling as part of their charm. We wonder sometimes, if they really think we're so naïve we wouldn't question their intervention. The only problem is, sometimes we ain't real sure if they are the culprits or some other body of benevolent ancients who might be adding their ingredients and best guiding wishes to the roux,” Billy said. “Next you are going to tell me they have sent you as an advanced scouting party to feel us out about another audience with them as soon as possible and to bring our musicians with us. Am I right?” Billy asked.

The six angels looked at each other and grinned. “Exactly, Master Billy. They have called a great body of other interested parties, the Irin, the Gregots, the Heimlicks, the Spirit-kins, and the Soaronpastus warriors. They invited the Vogon but they failed to get their epic poem of acceptance finished by the deadline they gave them. They said it was probably just as well since the Vogon once considered destroying Earth to make way for a great intergalactic freeway,” Noah confirmed.

“I can't ask my musicians to meet their dress requirements. We can take certain members of our family to perform for them who are accustomed to their ways, but I would have a difficult time convincing my hired musicians to conform to their strict attitudes about nudity,” Billy said.

“Oh, I don't know about that, Master Billy,” Clara Mae spoke up, “You don't hear the claims some of them make to follow you to the ends of the Earth. They know you're not a god, but they think you're the next best thing. I should think walking through a gate onto another world would be met with great anticipation. Will they be paid extra?” she asked.

“Handsomely, ma'am! I assure you my words come directly from the proverbial horse's mouth,” Noah didn't wait for Billy to answer, “However, you have no need to worry, Master Billy. The Lord High Chancellors have lowered their standards for such an intergalactic occasion. Other species will be dressed. Your people don't have to be naked to visit and perform,” he added.

“When would they expect us, Noah?” Billy asked.

“Sunday morning early, after your family and musicians have your breakfast. You will have a full night to rest and be refreshed for your meeting with them. They have gone to great trouble and expense to call the other interested races together to showcase your talents. Most have developed music but nothing nearly as advanced as your planet, Sire,” Noah said, “It would go a long way to make your, and now our jobs, considerably easier,” Noah added, then continued, “There is to be a high counsel gathering of the heads of state from a number of worlds representing over a thousand galaxies to hear what the Irin and Grigori have been doing to guide you and your family how to go about changing your planet. This visit isn't just for pleasure. After the entertainment is over, you people can return to Earth, but you, your government military, and your family protection staff will remain to join them in conference,” Noah said.

Yom leaned over and spoke quietly as if to remind his leader of something. “Thank you, Brother,” he said to Yom, “Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Since you have a pretty diverse group of people living with you folks, the elders of Retikki Prime and Fort Adam Lear would like to introduce you to a manufactured race called the McPhees after their creator. Strangely enough, they are a hybridized race created by an Earth man, a Scotsman named Angus M. McPhee, who was kidnapped by the Lizards as a young man, and like your cowboys, Hank and Buck, Mr. McPhee was rescued by the Watchers and spent most of his adult life on Retikki Prime working on advanced genetic projects. He's an absolute genius and has contributed greatly to the health and welfare of humanoids in several galaxies. He would like to see his home planet again by becoming an auxiliary member of your family. Doctor McPhee has created a huge army of highly intelligent meat-androids who can do miraculous things to protect themselves and others to whom they are assigned. Doc Angus takes some getting use to. He speaks in a thick Scottish brogue,” Noah said.    

“Beam me up, Scotty!” Billy exclaimed quietly and several of his posse laughed, “What does the “M” stand for in his name?” Billy asked almost overwhelmed.

“Macgillacuddy, sir. His mother was Irish,” Noah said.       

“Makes sense, but somehow, 'Beam me up, Macgillacuddy!' just don't have the same impact on the script,” Billy said, “I'm surprised they didn't send a couple a' them meat-monsters with you,” Billy said and laughed.

“They have six standing by should you wish to meet them, Sire,” Noah said, “They're really a nice, pleasant, and handsome race, but they look more like animals than humans. They are rather feline in appearance, like a couple of your watchers, your panther man, and your lion man; only much larger. They are about the size of, or a a bit smaller than, your giant, Gog,” Noah said.  

“I'll consider it, Noah,” Billy said and smiled. “Are you up for playing on another world, Mr. Jones?” Billy asked Jessie.

“Open the gate and stand aside! Don't let my draft give you a nose-bleed!” Jessie said and everyone laughed at his enthusiasm.

Billy sighed, “The weather forecast for tomorrow is more heavy rain with stronger thunderstorms. Is our chorus ready for the first dedication piece for our new auditorium, Master Humana?” Billy asked Vox who took over training and teaching a choir of a hundred voices of cowboys, cowgirls, and young children living among them who wanted to learn to sing. He was also bringing along several young soloist who were working on some pretty difficult music.

“We are ready to go on the dedication piece for our new auditorium, and I would say with one complete run through, they will be ready for the 'big bang' number. I know the way you think, Billy Daniels. I don't think they will let you down. You have brought the Houston Philharmonic along to a point I would trust them with any piece you ask them to play. I would put their talents up for comparison with any major orchestra on our planet. The Essengurda have been gracious enough to enhance any number of various instrumentalists who have come along as quickly as the youngsters and can fill in the gaps for the mega-ton dedication number. Don't hold back! Don't be afraid to pull out all the stops! If you want to make a statement, now is the time to do it!” Vox said firmly like he was a preacher making a strong point.   

“They also requested you bring the military contingency of your family, Master Billy,” Noah said.

“What say you, General Heavy-Drop and General Tater-puss?” Billy asked and got a laugh from his family.

“How long will we be gone?” Royce Boynton asked.

“Thirty minutes – an hour at the max,” Billy replied.

“Step through one of them gates onto another world in another galaxy? Are you sure you men ain't blowing smoke up my fine new leather kilt, Brother Ironmonger made for me?” the General asked.

“Naw, sir, if'n I's to go that far, I'd drop to my knees, duck undercover, get closer, more personal, and do it right,” Billy allowed.

“Hear!” Uncle Nathan said, “We have ladies at the table, Gentlemen,” he scolded Billy.

“Sorry, Ladies. My uncle is right. My apologies,” Billy said, “Yes, sir, General, where do you think these new angels come from?” Billy asked.

“I don't know. Heaven? The Holy Land, maybe? You said you rescued them. What the Hell do I know?” Royce replied, shrugged his shoulder, and grinned.
 
“Ignore our chief of staff, Master Billy, he has his moments when he plays like he's totally dense. It's an adolescent attention grabbing issue he uses from time to time when he feels like he's not getting his proper portion of the pie and needs stroking. I assure you his staff and family will be happy to go with you and your family, sir. After Brother Baug, Roy, Lem, the Colonel, Captain Langstrom, Joshua Swift, me, and his staff discuss the balance of life with General Heavy-drop, I promise, he won't have no problem with the idea,” General Tate assured Billy.

“Ouch! You have cut and wounded me deeply, sir!” the General said putting the back of his hand to his brow, “The sad truth about my surrogate old lady's comment is, Tater-puss is right, Little Brother; however, I promise, if you put one of them fine rings through my nose like several of your family wears, I'll follow you across the universe,” the General said and grinned. Everyone laughed at his nonsense.

* * * * * * *
Josh confided to Jennifer he would love to go along with Master Billy and his family to see another world. “It never hurts to ask,” Jennifer told him. “May I assume all this talk about 'rescuing fallen angels' and 'trips to other worlds' is somewhat overwhelming and confusing to you?” she asked.

“You might say that, to say nothing of being a dirt poor goat farmer who has suddenly found himself and his children included in a family with uncanny powers, empathy by the truckload, and the generosity of saints. They didn't only invite me into their family, they immediately put me to work to allow me to feel like I was contributing something in return for their kindness. I have been offered a full time job, and I plan to take them up on it. I haven't had a decent job since I got out of the Marine Corps. Now, to find out there are 'new' angels and 'older' angels, and there are other friendly aliens living among the Daniels family, is mind boggling,” Josh replied, “They saved my children's lives from some parasitic aliens like it was an everyday occurrence for them,” he added.

“Just remember, you aren't alone, Josh. I was brought into the Daniels family about three weeks ago, and it's been a nonstop roller-coaster ride since then. I have found myself working longer and harder than I ever did just living at home taking care of my invalid mother. I didn't ask for work on the Daniels ranch – I didn't have to – it found me. There's always something to do and someplace I can step in and use my talents to make things easier for everyone. I never married or had children. I have been given a chance to work with the kids here in the castle, and I'm loving every minute of my time,” Jennifer said quietly.

Jennifer went on to tell Josh her relationship with the Colonel, Bart Langstrom, Baug, Deet, and Bafra. She explained how Master Billy and his posse resurrected her mother, Wilma, and healed her. She explained how Billy refurbished Wilma who was now living in an apartment in Fredericksburg near one of her other daughters. Jennifer told him Billy also cured her of terminal cancer. Josh was even more flabbergasted and more impressed with Jennifer. The strangest part about his feeling for Jennifer was neither physical nor sexual. Josh felt like he was making a good friend, and he swore on the name of some unknown god, he was not going to sully it with thoughts of jumping Jennifer's bones. What happened to him? 'God forbid,' he thought, 'could I be growing up?' he put to himself. 'It's about frick'n time!' he heard echo down deep in his soul.

* * * * * * *
“All right! We can do this!” exclaimed Billy, “It's going to make for a much longer classical portion of our program for tomorrow; however, we can cut back on the Country, Cajun, Western music. I'm going to send Noah and Yom back through the gate to find out how many performers we can bring and how many of our family? We have grown to approximately a hundred orchestra members, a hundred and thirty chorus singers, and another fifty to a hundred who would like to go with us. That's not including our military-protectors. That's another thirty-five to fifty. We're talking close to three hundred people. We don't want them to think we're invading them.

“Also, ask if they can provide a proper piano? We can levitate harps and kettle drums through a large gate and our harpsichord. I know the Irin have a wonderful Bosendorfer Imperial. Will the concert be held in the castle or the public arena in the heart of the city? You might add, if they were to ask our druthers, we would prefer and be more comfortable performing for everyone especially our beloved friends in the city. They took us to their hearts our last trip and we wish to repay them for their kindness and generosity,” Billy said. “Oh, yes, and bring them six big cats with you,” Billy added, “We got any cat food back there?” he shouted to the kitchen staff.

“They will be happy with slave chow, Sire,” Yom replied.

“All right then, in the meantime, we will retire to the great hall across the way to watch the slightly edited video one of our newest family members made of our rescue of the accident victims and the attempted alien abduction of the Swift family's children. I'm sure everyone has notice the Pillsbury dough-boys we have locked in our main dungeon cell. If you return before we finish, join us, and take a seat in the rear of the hall,” Billy said.

“Yes, sir, Master Billy. We will return as soon as possible,” Noah said and the two angels left along with the two watchers Boraz and Zarob. They thanked Billy and raved over the slave chow. He gave them each a sack of chow and a sack of nutrient biscuits to take back to Retikii Prime with them. They were most grateful.

After standing and applauding for the kitchen help, Billy and his family moved to the great hall, took their seats, and watched the short video. It was actually pretty good. Billy was impressed at Josh's natural talent for framing and filming. Josh was impressed Billy's editors removed very little of the footage but rearranged some sequences to make more sense in the continuity of the action. Everyone was pleased with the result.  

Noah and Yom returned with the six handsome feline critters and everyone was impressed with them. Billy found them particularly easy to look upon and their bodies were developed to the max; however, they weren't like humans who tried to buffalo you with massive bodies filled with over abundant supplies of testosterone. They were friendly, warm, and for lack of a better word, Billy thought they were charming. They introduced themselves as, Locard, Grady, Sean, Declan, Claron, and Sweet. They were, indeed, their father's sons.   


End of Chapter 95 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
Copyright ~ © ~ 2015 ~ 2017 ~ Waddie Greywolf ~ All Rights Reserved
Mail to: Waddie Greywolf <[email protected]>
WC = 23,516
10/09/2015
08/10/2017

* Gay Swan Lake  ~  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8BqSKj1BTM&list=PL8B93C4B418AE739B&index=5

*Father Guido Sarducci  ~  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ykYHwG5i4