MORAL DILEMMA
by RON FEASEL
PROLOGUE
He was the leader of a reconnaissance mission when it went south. The bullets had cut through his lower legs and then the firefight. The helicopter and the flight back to the operations base were still fresh in his mind.
He had been on so many missions as a Navy Seal and never been wounded. Now he was disabled and could he cope with that? He had killed many subversives in his career and now what would he do? Sit at a desk and shuffle paperwork? He thought of the many fellow soldiers who had been disabled and now he is one.
The doctor came in with his clipboard. “Good morning Jack.”
“From the knees down huh?” Jack had looked at the result under the sheets.
“Yes but the nerve endings can be attached to an assistive device later."
“You mean like some kind of leg extensions?”
“Exactly, but first you have to heal, and then you can find out about that later.”
The doctor left and Jack was falling into depression about his future. His commanding officer was going to visit him today and he dreaded the visit. The officer arrived and after good mornings and the usual chat Jack asked about his future with the Navy.
“Here’s the plan. After you’ve healed, we’ll have you put on a desk job and prepare you to be a training officer for new seals.”
“A glorified paper pusher huh?”
“You’re an asset to us, and we can utilize your experience with new recruits.”
“I don’t think so commander. I need to be active in some way. And I don’t mean sitting at a desk all day.”
“I realize this is a big change for you, but we can work something out.”
Jack made a decision after the commander left. He took his disability and left the Navy. He relocated in San Francisco and rented an apartment and would find something he could do that would not be a desk jockey.
He started his new life.
CH. 1 THE UNHOLY PRIEST
He stalked the lady for two weeks he was meticulous and methodical. She resembled his whoring mother who had shamed and emasculated him. The world would be rid of such vermin he thought. It would be the fourth victim in the cleansing.
Today would be the climax of his psychotic thoughts. She was structured and her activity was predictable. Her husband would be absent tonight. He was in a business meeting in Phoenix. The house was compromised with a bug the killer installed in their living room. The killer then gathered information to fulfill the plan. He took the time and patience to do his victim. It was dusk and he was ready.
It is a quiet estate situated on five lovely acres in San Francisco. The house was magnificently built in the colonial style with a rock facade and landscaping accentuating the peaceful tranquility. The morning was perfect as he drove up the driveway to complete his kill. His excitement was building as the distance to the house was diminishing. He was dressed as a priest because the mission was blessed. He wore a black priest outfit and the white collar beneath his chin accentuated the evil grin on his lips. He rang the door bell, and the sound played Amazing Grace.
“Yes.” The intercom spoke in a cheerful greeting.
“Is this Mrs. Robin Templer?”
“Yes, how may I help you?” The intercom seemed impatient yet friendly.
“Mrs. Clarisse Bergman sent me to visit you.”
“Oh, Clarisse sent you, certainly come in.” The door answered with a joyful buzz welcoming the killer.
The predator entered and he stood before Mrs. Templar looking saintly with his gentle smile and the crisp uniform. She was wrapped in a pink robe that covered her pajamas and her tousled hair. She hadn’t yet dressed for the day. She smiled back not realizing she had just let a monster into her home. The name Clarisse was extracted from the bug.
“Clarisse asked that I visit you.”
“For what reason?” Robin had no idea why Clarisse sent a priest and her frown revealed her perplexity.
“She wanted you to have a gift.”
“That dear girl what gift did she send?” Robin couldn’t understand a gift sent by a priest.
“Heaven or Hell!” The unholy priest evoked a startled reaction from Robin. She froze at the remark and felt a chill.
“I’ll get my husband.” Her attempt was in desperation.
“He’s in Phoenix dear.” He grinned and his eyes telegraphed pure evil.
Robin ran for the front door with her pink robe chasing her movement. She felt the cold hand's grip her neck pulling her backward. Her legs flew off the floor as she was pulled into his chest. The grip tightened cutting off the precious air. She kicked and struggled but her life started to drain away, and her strength weakened. I’m going to die, oh God help me. Then a warm glow filled her mind, and she felt love and safety. A majestic figure reached out for her. She knew who it was, and she joined his hand.
Robin entered her new life. She had a pleasant smile as the killer stared at her. He then cut off her wedding finger and using red lipstick wrote WHORING BITCH on her forehead.
The killer left the house with a feeling of satisfaction and exhilaration as he walked to his car. A man was walking toward him with a toolkit in his hand. The unholy priest asked him as he approached. “Can I help you?”
The stranger just smiled and reached into his toolkit and withdrew a Rugar automatic pointing at the killer. “You’ve performed your last rites.” Before the unholy priest could respond he went to hell. The killer looked at the unholy priest spread out on the driveway and a slight smile formed.
÷÷÷
Detective Sampson had checked the crime scene thoroughly and was talking to the crime scene director. The serial killer’s body was lying on the driveway with the small hole in his forehead. Mrs. Templer was in the house stretched out on the floor in her pink robe. The car driven by the serial killer had been checked for evidence. The house had been dusted, and any evidence gathered and labeled.
“This is weird.” Detective Sampson said to the director.
“I agree, the serial killer being killed.”
“It looks like a vigilante killing.”
“What do you have on this serial killer?”
“This is his fourth killing. The M.O. is always the same, dressed as a priest and strangulation of a woman. He’s tagged The Unholy Priest.”
“Someone knew about him and ended his priesthood.” The CSI director answered.
“Evidently the priest’s killer knew he had already strangled the victim and caught him when he was leaving.”
There wasn’t any evidence left by the killer of the priest. Sampson ran a check on the mod is operandi of any serial killers who had been killed this way and found out that three other serial killers had been killed the same way.
The killer used a .22 caliber shot to the head. The bullet used in these killings was an ice bullet. The slug simply melted after causing the complete destruction of the brain mass. The three other killings of serial killers took place in Los Angeles, Tucson, and Lake Powell, Arizona. The vigilante killer had mobility. The vigilante killer had information that the law enforcement didn’t have. How the killer knew about these serial killers was a new twist to the murders.
Killer killing serial killers had been discovered.
CH. 2 FAST JACK
He was moving smoothly as the wheels clicked over the separations in the sidewalk making a sound like a train slowly hitting the separations of the rails. Jack was a striking figure in his wheelchair. A fit specimen with a short crew cut dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt with odd stainless steel caps just below his knees adding to his look of curiosity.
His lower legs had been shot off and the caps on the end of his stumps caught the attention of passerby’s. His upper body was muscular with his arms displaying his strength. He had a square jaw and was an attractive man. His head topped with pure blonde hair. Judging from his arm length he would be six feet two and weigh two hundred and twenty pounds if he still had all of his legs. The smell of trash wafted in the air casually stinging his olfactory senses. The shadows seized the deserted street in darker contrast to the moonlit night.
The two gang members had been watching Jack for a few minutes smoking their noxious weed, their exhaled smoke drifting out into the moonlight. Jack saw the smoke as he wheeled past the dark alley across the street. The two noticed the man in the wheelchair was alone, and he would be an easy mark.
Both were dressed in ganger type outfits and had the usual tattoos denoting their gang affiliation. They wore oversized colorful pro football jackets with baggy jeans hanging low on their buttocks. Tattoos were on their hands and necks looking like they had black vines slowly growing up their bodies and their heads were next to be covered by the vines.
This was going to be easy, they thought, as they headed for Jack. They crossed the street passing a car without tires sitting on the pavement, stripped of anything that made it a car. The wheels looked naked without the tires with the rims sitting on the pavement. The site added to the danger that existed in the neighborhood.
“Hey man, you get around in dat wheelchair man.” The larger of the gangers took the lead. Jack didn’t respond but just kept pushing his wheelchair “Hey man, I’s yakin at ya.”
“Fuck off, punks,” snapped Jack. Damn junkies, I’ll probably have to deal with them.
The two gangers looked at each other and grinned. “Hey bro we need some cash.”
Jack stopped his wheelchair and wheeled it around facing the two punks, “You boys better get home before you get hurt.” His eyes revealed his look of defiance.
“Youse a smart mouth muther for a dick head in a wheelchair.”
“Try me,” Jack shot back. Jack knew that they were going to mug him.
The large one reached for his switchblade snapping the six inch blade. It sounded like someone stepping on a twig. “You’ll need more than that.” Jack laughed at the switchblade as the moonlight bounced off the cutting device catching what little light was available.
This angered the punk and he jabbed the blade forward adding a slight dip to his hand aiming for Jack’s throat.
Jack was faster than Mohammed Ali thrusting a jab as he grabbed the punk’s wrist stopping the blade six inches from his neck. He pulled the wrist and blade down to his right causing the punk to fall forward. Then Jack hit him hard with an uppercut knocking the ganger to the ground.
The other punk froze as he watched his bro being pummeled to the hard concrete. He then reached for his blade, but as he did Jack threw a three point Ninja star and stuck him in the forehead. The other one got off the ground bleeding from the mouth. The ganger pulled a gun from his hip, as his hand was swinging to get a shot, Jack thumped his elbow against his side, a wrist gun strapped to his forearm snapped into Jack`s hand. The sound echoed in the still night from Jack’s Sig Saur. The wrist gun instantly stopped the assailant’s life forces, and he dropped lifeless to the ground. The bullet was well aimed at the ganger’s forehead.
The quiet was deafening as Jack stared at the two on the ground. The blood was coloring the black pavement with a pool of life exiting each man’s life.
÷÷÷
As the confrontation was happening a window watcher caught the action on a video camera. He was a video hobbyist who often would film the street from his apartment window. He kept an eye on the street always ready to film anything that happened. He saw the drama unfold and anxiously grabbed his camera off the window sill knocking his coffee on the floor. He steadied his aim and filmed the entire confrontation, and then he called 911 and the local TV station.
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) was talking to Jack and the video man. Other tenants were there being awakened by the shot and the sirens announcing the arrival of the men in blue. The TV van and the anchor woman were going to interview Jack and the watcher after the police were finished,
A policeman was talking to Jack. “We reviewed the video that the witness took, and you definitely acted in self defense.”
“Had no choice officer.”
÷÷÷
The interview closed, Ron Papasinsky was watching the telecast from his private detective office as he was finishing a case his agency had closed. He thought that was impressive for a guy in a wheelchair; he was fast and methodical defending himself. I might have a job for him.
Ron called the police and got Jack’s phone number. Ron knew the police well as he had worked with them on several cases. Jack agreed to come by his detective agency. Angie his daughter asked when Jack was coming to the agency, she was impressed watching the video. She also thought what an attractive man and yet shy. Since she was disabled the man in the wheelchair had riveted her to the TV. She was anxious to meet this man,
she liked what she saw.
CH. 3 BACK TO TOPEKA
The killer of The Unholy Priest returned home, he lived in Topeka, Kansas, he checked in at work. Captain Russell Brock saw Larry arrive. Larry was hard to miss, he was six foot five, lanky build, good looking, and had silvery brown hair that gave him a look of a distinguished judge or successful business CEO. Captain Brock made a snide remark, “there’s that lazy detective whose case load is off the charts.”
“No problem, I’m gonna retire soon.”
“I remember in high school you were retired then.”
The two had known each other as kids. They both grew up in Oakland next to the Kaw River. Then it was a peaceful area, and kids did what kids did, no drugs or gangs, it was a good place to live. Captain Brock (Bud by nickname) and Larry were always bantering and still are.
Larry has worked for the Topeka Police Department for fifteen years. He started killing serial killers three years ago when the visions started again. He knew that eventually he’d be found out. He’d prepared an escape plan if he needed to go into hiding. So far, he has killed four serial killers with the last killing of the Unholy Priest in San Francisco.
He had no remorse breaking the law or killing these monsters. He figured he was saving innocent lives who would be the next victims if he didn’t kill. Larry had inherited a large sum of money from an Aunt, who enabled him to travel and locate these killers.
He would wait for his next vision. They came without warning and the visions seemed random. He had no clue why certain killers were in his vision. He knew he would have to act fast to stop these killers. He remembered one vision while he was driving in Topeka heading home from work.
He had to pull off the road when he felt the vision taking over. He knew his vision would impair his driving, and he had to react quickly. The vision didn’t take long as Larry sat on the shoulder of Interstate Seventy after leaving Wall Mart on his way home.
A cop on duty pulled in behind him after seeing the car parked on the shoulder of the busy highway. Larry was just coming out of the vision when the policeman walked up to Larry’s car.
Larry was in a daze but he was conscious that the policeman had spoken. Larry rubbed his head as he tried to reply. “Yes, I’m having a terrific migraine.”
The policeman was suspicious that he might be inebriated. Larry’s head snapped back as the vision left leaving him exhausted but almost normal. Larry focused on the blue uniform standing by his car. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his badge. “Sorry officer but these headaches are vicious that’s why I pulled over”.
The officer’s attitude changed when the gold badge catching the Sun’s rays flashed in his eyes. “You ok?”
“Yes, thanks for checking me out.”
The two exchanged to chat since they were fellow employees of the Topeka Police Department. The policeman shifted his belt and told Larry that everything was ok and left.
Larry headed home and prepared to go to Arizona and take care of the killer in his vision. He called in telling the Captain that he was going to take some vacation time and be gone for a few days. Larry only used his vacation time to hunt his deadly prey.
÷÷÷
The vision revealed a large lake. The killer was in a patrol boat of some kind with the name Lake Powell Patrol written on the side of the craft. He was following a medium sized yacht with two males and two females on board.
Larry always had two or three visions until the last one where the killer would do his deed. So far, he received a sign or clue on each vision where the stalking occurred, which gave him time to find the killer.
He Googled Lake Powell and it had to be the lake in Arizona. Larry often flew the TPD’s helicopter, since he was a certified helicopter pilot. He rented a helicopter in Arizona after his arrival by plane. It was a Bell 412 with attached pontoons. He found a picture of the killer on the internet, since he was an employee of the Corp. of Engineers for Lake Powell as a patrolman. He also found out that three other females had disappeared on the lake in the last month.
The killer ran a scheduled route every day he was on duty. Larry would follow him waiting for the right chance to kill him. The chance came sooner than expected.
This time the killer was alone in his patrol boat. He usually had a partner with him but didn’t this time out.
Lake Powell has two thousand miles of shoreline with cliffs surrounding the lake and channels darting off the main body of water. From the air, it looked like an amoeba with tentacles extending from its body.
The killer was following the same boat in his vision. The yacht pulled into a narrow channel that had grey smooth boulders on both sides extending several hundred feet straight up.
Against the crystal clear water, the huge boulders looked like giant marbles stacked to the top with shades grey colors on each smooth boulder. The killer sped past the channel turned the patrol boat around creating an arc of white water and slowed to a crawl. He dropped anchor.
The yacht he was following traveled across a third of a mile and pulled to the side of the channel and dropped anchor. The yachters were spending the night.
It was dark now as the Sun had ducked under the horizon. Larry had his night vision goggles on as he landed in the helicopter's stealth mode. He was on the cliffs directly above the killer. It was a fifty yard drop from Larry’s vantage point.
Larry had a Remington 700 sniper rifle with a night vision scope. The killer was changing into a wet suit with scuba gear. He was determined this night to get his prey. Larry knew he had intended to sneak up on the yacht underwater. He needed to act quickly before the target was swallowed by the lake.
He set up his rifle and loaded his ice bullet from his dry ice cooler. He aimed the sniper rifle laying over the cliff's edge. He squeezed the trigger and the bullet whistled through the dark cutting through the air speedily seeking its target. It was a direct hit on the top of the killers head as he was preparing to dive. His head bobbed and the serial killer’s killing was history.
Larry was saving innocent lives.
CH. 4 THE INTERVIEW
Ron Papasinsky called Jack and invited him for an interview. He was on time at the Cisco Detective Agency owned and operated by Ron Papasinsky.
“I’m here to see Mr. Papasinsky.”
“Go right in, he’s expecting you.”
“How do you know me?”
“Saw the video, you were fantastic.”
“Thanks, I had one eye shut too.”
The receptionist laughed and Jack smiled as he entered the office. Ron stood up and shook Jack’s hand. The office was nicely organized with pictures on the wall of all the associate detectives. Ron is a fit fifty five year old man with a pleasant demeanor. His eyes had that caring look as if you were the most important human on the planet. “Glad you came.”
“No problem, what do you have in mind?”
“As you can see I run a detective agency.”
“Looks like a successful agency; you have a nice setup here.” The building was a new one story metal building with full basement sixty feet by one hundred and fifty feet.
“Been doing it for twenty years, I have three good associate detectives who helped make this business successful.”
“Is this about a job?”
“Yes, I saw your video on TV, and I was impressed.”
“I was lucky.”
“I doubt that, you must have some kind of training?”
“Ex-seal-retired.”
“You’re too young to be retired, why didn’t you stay on?”
“Offered a desk job but I’m not cut out for that, so I took my disability.”
“I could use a man like you, I read from your history where you were a squad leader.”
“Yeah, I miss those guys.”
“I think you would make an excellent detective.”
“Even with my disability?”
“I think your disability would be an advantage.”
“How’s that?”
“For surveillance you would not be suspect, plus with your seal training you would be perfect for the agency.”
“Finally a man with some common sense.”
“A handicap doesn’t necessarily mean a person can’t do a job, it depends on the person.”
“I like your thinking Ron.”
“I want you to meet someone.” Ron called Angie to the office. She was a beautiful blonde, well built, and carried herself with confidence. As she walked up to meet him, he did a quick scan and liked the result.
“Lead me to the racquet ball court and I will demonstrate this altered wheelchair.”
÷÷÷
The three went downstairs and they entered the racquet ball court. Jack wheeled to the center of the court and faced Ron and Angie. He pushed a lever and quickly four collapsible stainless steel rods extended at thirty five degree angles from the chair. They rested firmly on the floor creating a solid base to prevent the wheel chair from being toppled.
“Ron, you’re a big man, try to knock me over from all four sides.” Ron tried but the wheelchair was firmly set.
“Who designed this for you, Jack?”
“I designed and built it.”
“Where did you learn these skills?”
“Before I became a seal I had three years of mechanical engineering in college.”
“That would explain your wheelchair.”
“I love to tinker so I rigged this up.”
“What about those wheels at the end of those caps?”
Jack grinned then pushed himself off the wheel chair and hit the floor roller skating around the court like a kid. Ron and Angie were awed by his ingenuity.
“Where did you get the idea to build these?” Ron asked.
“I saw kids with small wheels on the bottom of their running shoes, and so I made my own.”
“Why don’t you just forget the wheel chair then?”
“Two reasons, one I’m a tad lazy, and two, I modified this wheel chair so that it can move as fast as kid running.” Jack floored the wheel chair and sped around the court like a demon on fire.
“Damn, you’re full of surprises.”
“You want more?”
“By all means.”
“You mentioned a firing range, lead me there.”
Ron had installed a one hundred and fifty foot firing range for his detectives to keep them sharp with their handguns. Jack placed himself at the front of the range, there was a paper target at the end of the range, seventy feet from Jack.
Jack reached to his belt on the left side and pushed one of two buttons and a slight click could be heard. He raised his right leg aligning it with the target and pushed a second button four times in rapid succession---bang, bang, bang, bang. The end of his cap released four nine millimeter bullets creating a tight pattern in the head of the target.
The cap was smoking and Jack was grinning. Ron and Angie were stunned at this display and Ron quickly yelled. “Wooweee, show us that device.”
Jack pushed the first button again on his belt. “That’s the safety button on the Sig Saur in the cap.” He wheeled around and reached down and removed the cap revealing the Sig Saur built into the cap with a rod like structure located where the hammer of the pistol normally was located, the rod had a thin wire running up his leg to the buttons embedded in his belt.
“You’re a dangerous man in that wheelchair.”
“I love to design and build.”
“When can you start?”
Jack hesitated for a moment, this guy is serious and this job might be fun, at least I can use my training. I’ll take it and see how it goes.
“I can start today,
my wheelchair needs the action.”
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Memoirs of an Alien
MEMOIRS of an ALIEN
by RON FEASEL
Ch.1 MY MEMOIRS
I’m writing my story to the inhabitants of Earth. I came to your planet because of an accident. I explored this blue sphere and remained incognito. I found your home fascinating with many surprises. Based on my exploration and study I came to several conclusions. To fully disclose these revelations I chose to use a write a memoir.
Remember as you read this that I came from an alien planet. My discourse is entirely a way to communicate and to try to explain what I discovered here.
We were in our spaceship traveling to a small planet that had entered our galaxy. Our probe discovered a form of life on the planet. From our calculations the planet was drawn into its present position by what you earthlings call a Black Hole.
We decided to send a spaceship to visit and land on the planet. We were approaching the planet when things went wrong. The Black Hole was surging with an unusual force of gravity causing our ship problems on its trajectory. Our space ship lurched and our lights blinked rapidly.
Our planet is many light years from the Black Hole but our technology is far advanced from yours. We have achieved space travel approaching the speed of light and therefore we made the journey quickly. We also use an advanced form of hibernation during travel.
We had been monitoring the Black Hole for many of your Earth years and this sudden surge of gravitational pull has never occurred. To continue, the spaceship was slowly being sucked into the swirling vortex. We tried everything we could to break free but our attempts met with failure. The ship was resisting the gravitational force pulling the craft into the black swirling vortex. The groans were shouting through the shell. The anti gravity drive was pulsating trying to resist the force of the black hole. The three of us were frantic, trying every trick we could think of to break free. We feared the worst.
We prepared and we thought that our lives would end soon. I looked and saw the blackness drawing us in. There were three of us on this mission. We tried to send transmissions to our planet but the communication system had broken down.
We had little time and we all placed ourselves into the hibernation units to avoid any pain of death. We were certain the gravity would tear us apart. I lay in the unit and closed the lid. The fluid filled, covering me, I prayed as I slowly succumbed.
÷÷÷
I awoke from hibernation after I had set the unit for six months. I quickly checked my teammates units and they both were dead. The reason for this wasn’t apparent. I was scared and yet remorseful for my dead friends. I went to the command bridge to check out the spacecraft.
The command console was lit up. The red, yellow, blue, and other vibrant colors were reflected in the ships cockpit window creating a depth reaching into outer space. The ship was functioning but many of the operations were destroyed. The main propulsion unit wasn’t functioning. The life support operated but there was considerable damage to the exterior of the vessel. I scanned the outside and saw damage to the outer skin. I did find that the landing thrusters were still functional.
I did a scan of the area I was in and it was a galaxy unknown to me. So there I was in a compromised space ship in a galaxy that was light years from my planet. I assumed that the Black Hole somehow carried me and the spaceship into another time and place.
On the craft we have an advanced scanner that can search an area in a star system. I activated the scanner and was looking for a place or planet to land. I wasn’t very confident when I found your solar system. Then, my spirits lifted.
The scanner revealed the existence of your Earth. It appeared to have water which like my planet is necessary for any kind of life. I set a trajectory for Earth. With my landing thrusters it would take a year in your Earth time to reach your planet. If the main engine had been functional it would have been traveled in three days. I lay in the hibernation unit after ejecting my comrades into space. I shed a tear seeing my friends being sent into deep space.
÷÷÷
A year to the second passed as the unit woke me from hibernation. I set the trajectory to arrive 100,000 miles from your planet. I used the scanner again to view the surface of Earth. The blue globe looked beautiful. I was getting excited to search your planet. I found, using the magnification adjustment, there were intelligent beings on your planet. I also saw many clusters of concentrated dwellings.
I also saw many different forms of life forms on the surface. I admit though I was a bit apprehensive not knowing what to expect. I viewed what I thought was weapon exchange at certain locations on the scan. Certain areas of your globe seemed to be in turmoil.
I did see different types of crude aircraft at low altitudes. And I spotted quite a few orbiting objects of some type. I guessed that your civilization had ventured into space. They appeared to orbiting communication modules of some kind.
I selected an area that seemed peaceful yet close to large concentrations of your inhabitants. It was a mountain range and it was located in the area you call Colorado.
I decided to enter he area at nightfall. Not knowing the reception I would receive I used the shuttles stealth mode and slipped in unnoticed. I found a meadow and landed the shuttle.
I was ready to explore Earth
CH. 2 WHAT’S OUT THERE
I checked the atmosphere outside my spacecraft and I was surprised that that it was breathable. I opened the hatch and was surrounded by many varieties of trees and shrubs. The meadow I landed in was green and smelled good. After I hid the ship I was ready to see your world. Boarding my shuttle pod the adventures began.
I had taken a few items from my craft that would be useful. I had a locator module that fit on my belt buckle. It would direct me back to the hidden space ship. I attached a molecular diffusion device to me belt. I had a force shield that would protect me during my exploration. The day was beginning to awaken so I was anxious to find out about this place.
I was overwhelmed at the beauty of the mountain I was on. Your Sun peeking over the top of the mountain was a breathtaking sight. The rays of red and yellow shafts stretching over the white snow at the top of the mountains revealed the beauty, which was breathtaking.
My planet has hills and snow but not mountains. We have trees and grass and different types of plants. But these trees were magnificent that surrounded me. I felt peaceful watching the day take hold and thought I’m beginning to like this place.
I came across some strange looking beasts. There were twenty or more grazing in a meadow as I approached. Their heads shot up and their heads pointed at me. They had long round things coming out of their heads that ended in sharp points. Some had many of these things and some less. Then suddenly they bolted and ran away. They were lovely creatures, gracefully moving as one across the meadow.
I continued my trek through the trees and meadows moving down the mountainside keeping the pod close to the ground moving slowly. I came to a path cut through the trees. It was a hard surface about twenty feet wide. Parking I left the shuttle and reached down and felt the surface. It was hard and black.
I heard a loud noise coming from around the curve. Hiding the pod behind some bushes a strange transportation craft appeared. It was rumbling along the path with wheels. There were two beings in the front of the cab controlling the craft. The inhabitants were similar to me in appearance. It looked as if one was controlling the craft. The vehicle was old and dirty with rust embedded at various places. It had trash and debris in the back. I thought what an unclean craft.
They passed and I watched the vehicle disappear around the curve. I continued in the direction they had come from. After several hours it was time to rest. My pod could contain four travelers. It resembled the cockpit of one of your small helicopters. But the capabilities it possessed gave it the operational comparison to a spaceship. However, it couldn’t attain the warp speed of my spaceship.
In the morning I continued my trek exploring your world. I decided to walk and slowly explore your world. Hiding my pod I continued my exploration. They passed directly in front of me. The two small brown creatures were sniffing and looking at things. They froze when they saw me. Then a huge brown creature appeared and stared at me with a mean gaze. She then let out a blood curdling growl and charged straight for me. Saliva was dripping from the large teeth. The eyes were intent on my destruction.
I reacted quickly engaging my force shield. It would envelope my body and protect me from harm. The creature hit the shield with a devastating blow. It knocked me several feet but my shield cushioned the attack. I stayed prone on the ground as the beast tried to claw and bite me. The creatures face was twisted and angry with the large teeth trying to penetrate. Its claws were trying to rip and tear me in a frenzy of anger. It was useless because the beast couldn’t penetrate the shield.
Finally the creature gave up and with the two younger ones ambled away. I stood up but kept my protection activated. Whew, that was ferocious. I wondered what other creatures existed.
Soon I had covered several miles discovering many different creatures. Then a strange small animal came into view. It saw me but didn’t scamper away. I thought that’s odd. It was small with two contrasting colors adorning its body. I ventured close to study this unusual colored beast.
I got closer and it raised its tail. I became engulfed in a noxious smell that wafted through my shield. I ran with determination to escape the beast. But the smell stayed with me and made me sick with its terrible stench.
This planet is full of surprises. I need to get rid of this foul odor. I came to a creek and jumped in hoping to get rid of the problem. The water was ice cold but it helped. I dried off and told myself to be more careful in my exploration.
I saw a dwelling and investigated.
CH. 3 THE CABIN
The dwelling is in a clearing in the trees. It looked deserted so I got closer. Inside it looked lived in. It was built of logs. Entering through the door, the inside was fascinating. There were clothes and furniture in every room. The kitchen was bare and I guessed it was temporarily vacant.
The dwelling gave me information about your living have habits. I found reading materials in one room and sat in one of the chairs and started reading. Using deduction and reasoning I was able to figure out your system or alphabet. Your language was simple after I spent some time reading the different types of literature. One magazine had women in various provocative poses. I blushed at the raw nudity. We are more concerned with the spirit and the feelings from each other in my world. Sex is merely a reproductive procedure.
The clothing in another room yielded outfits to wear. I knew I needed to look like your inhabitants so that I would be inconspicuous. After reading the magazines and viewing the pictures I surmised that I looked like an earthling. A pair of jeans and a blue shirt would do. I attached my devices and used a backpack I found to carry the rest of my gear.
I left the cabin and continued my journey to a large city that was nearby. It was named Denver. There I would learn more about this planet.
÷÷÷
I walked into Denver my eyes taking in everything. It was a residential district I entered. The dwellings were similar and tightly located next to each other. Some had fences that contained a small animal that would run toward me making a territorial sound. The yards were well manicured and decorated with rocks and other types of plants.
Walking up to one I stared at the animal. It started to wiggle its tail and quit the sound. I reached down over the fence and touched it. It seemed to enjoy the encounter.
Soon I came to a busy street that was larger than the streets around the dwellings and there were many transportation vehicles going in two different directions. I kept moving and came to a different type of structure that had signs and large clear glass openings in the front. People were entering and leaving these structures all the time.
I entered one and stood at the front. It was full of many different types of clothing. Your inhabitants were looking at the merchandise. Some took the clothing and walked through an isle then left. Later I learned that these were stores where your citizens purchased things they needed.
A person walked up to me and spoke. “Can I help you?” She adjusted her glasses and wrinkled her nose. I didn’t know what to say so I simply left the building. I tried different buildings and found unusual things in each place. As I walked the people would sometimes smile so I smiled back.
÷÷÷
One building was filled with books on shelves. It was here that I would gain a better understanding about your planet. The library had computers which enabled me to learn even more. The clerk at the information desk gave me the once over looking over her glasses.
We use computers on my planet but they’re far superior to what you have. Using the computer I set up a bank account and got a credit card. Using my hacker skills I started with a 500,000 dollar balance. By manipulating the banks computers using my skills I even had a signed agreement and created a false identification.
I studied your language and how to speak. The history and the many cultures on your planet were diversified. One thing that stood out from my research is the violence and destruction caused by the people of your planet. However, I was impressed by the creativity and artistic qualities that were evident. The caring and love of many were clearly shown. It seemed like a constant battle between these two characteristics.
I spent several days in the library learning and thinking. I was looking forward to finding a human that I could confide in. I knew I had to be careful and selective. If I was exposed as an alien to the inhabitants of Earth it could be a disaster.
I would be careful.
CH. 4 THE ENCOUNTER
It was a rundown neighborhood. Houses needed repair with unkempt yards. Some of the buildings had crude writings on the outside walls. It was late in the evening and the street lights with their harsh lights added to a feeling of danger.
Four rough looking men approached me. They stopped a few feet from me and one spoke.
“You lost whitebread?”
“What does whitebread mean?” They seemed aggressive as they stared at me with a definite meanness.
“Means we gonna kick ur ass!”
I wasn’t sure what he meant but I was sure he meant to harm me. “Why would you do that?”
“You on ar on turf homey and we kick youse.”
I didn’t respond and was thankful for the force shield that protected me. They all had strange markings on their arms and hands. Dressed in baggy jeans and shiny colorful jackets with baseball caps, they actually looked comical. The leader pointed at me with a slight smirk.
“We need ya money.”
I remained quiet waiting for something to happen. The talker pulled out a weapon and shifted on his feet.. He pushed a button and a six inch blade snapped from the body of the device. He pointed it at my stomach then said. “Now!” His face was full of aggression.
I crossed my arms in an act of defiance. He sensed my lack of fear and his anger increased. He thrust the knife at my mid-section. The blade hit my shield and caused his wrist to buckle. He looked at me, then the knife in complete confusion. “Wut da hell.” He said. The others stood there with the same expression.
He tried again with a cutting motion and the blade made a scraping sound against my protective covering. Determined he made a fist and delivered a punch to my stomach. The impact made him withdraw his fist and pain was expressed in his face.
I had enough excitement and decided to end this party. I grabbed my proton beam activator from my belt and sent the thug sailing ten feet hitting the pavement. The four departed in a dead run.
÷÷÷
The next morning I looked for a place to inhabit. An apartment is what I needed. I entered the apartment office and the young lady greeted me. “Good morning, how can I help you?”
“Need apartment.”
“What are you looking for?”
“Apartment.”
She gave me a strange look. “Are you from the US?”
“No.” I was having trouble communicating.
We finally worked through my communication problems and I selected a furnished dwelling. I moved in and began my infiltration of your planet. I toured the complex to get familiarized with my headquarters. The complex had a swimming pool, club house, and exercise facility. After the tour I needed to get some appropriate clothing.
I went to a mall and bought some clothes for my vacation from my planet. Swimming gear, jeans, underwear, and assorted items I might need. I returned to my new home and changed into the swimming trunks. My destination was the apartment swimming pool.
The pool was occupied by a wide range of humans. I sat in a lounge chair to observe this past time. There was a few in the water swimming and playing. Three were lying on lounge chairs reading or just sleeping. A female sat down next to me and started to communicate.
She was attractive and seemed personable. “Hi, you’re new here?” She cocked her head to the side and her blonde curls shimmered in the sunlight. She had a book in her hand titled Lawyer Guide to Cross Exmination.
This was my first real contact with a human. “Yes, just moved in today.”
“I’m Shelly, welcome.”
“Thank you.” I remembered everyone said that a lot.
“Are you from Denver?’
“No.” I wasn’t sure of the normal responses yet. More to learn I thought.
“Where are you from?”
I had decided to invent a person that would explain my lack of social graces. “I was raised by a missionary family in South America.”
“Wow,that’s different, tell me more.”
“My parents were killed in a vicious storm and I was raised by the tribe.”
“That’s sad, sorry you lost your parents.”
“I left the tribe and came here to learn about America.”
“Then you’re new here in a big way?”
“Yes, I’m learning how to speak and how this culture functions.”
“I’d be glad to help if I can.”
“I would appreciate that.”
“What’s your name?”
“Zarukandee, Zark for short.”
“That’s different.” She raised her eyebrows.
“It’s my tribal name. I chose to use it since I’ve had it since an early age. Tell me about you.”
“I grew up in Denver. Got my law degree and I’m a prosecuting attorney. I’m single and enjoying my career.”
My first encounter went well. Now I had someone to help me understand this culture.
I’m looking forward to this.
by RON FEASEL
Ch.1 MY MEMOIRS
I’m writing my story to the inhabitants of Earth. I came to your planet because of an accident. I explored this blue sphere and remained incognito. I found your home fascinating with many surprises. Based on my exploration and study I came to several conclusions. To fully disclose these revelations I chose to use a write a memoir.
Remember as you read this that I came from an alien planet. My discourse is entirely a way to communicate and to try to explain what I discovered here.
We were in our spaceship traveling to a small planet that had entered our galaxy. Our probe discovered a form of life on the planet. From our calculations the planet was drawn into its present position by what you earthlings call a Black Hole.
We decided to send a spaceship to visit and land on the planet. We were approaching the planet when things went wrong. The Black Hole was surging with an unusual force of gravity causing our ship problems on its trajectory. Our space ship lurched and our lights blinked rapidly.
Our planet is many light years from the Black Hole but our technology is far advanced from yours. We have achieved space travel approaching the speed of light and therefore we made the journey quickly. We also use an advanced form of hibernation during travel.
We had been monitoring the Black Hole for many of your Earth years and this sudden surge of gravitational pull has never occurred. To continue, the spaceship was slowly being sucked into the swirling vortex. We tried everything we could to break free but our attempts met with failure. The ship was resisting the gravitational force pulling the craft into the black swirling vortex. The groans were shouting through the shell. The anti gravity drive was pulsating trying to resist the force of the black hole. The three of us were frantic, trying every trick we could think of to break free. We feared the worst.
We prepared and we thought that our lives would end soon. I looked and saw the blackness drawing us in. There were three of us on this mission. We tried to send transmissions to our planet but the communication system had broken down.
We had little time and we all placed ourselves into the hibernation units to avoid any pain of death. We were certain the gravity would tear us apart. I lay in the unit and closed the lid. The fluid filled, covering me, I prayed as I slowly succumbed.
÷÷÷
I awoke from hibernation after I had set the unit for six months. I quickly checked my teammates units and they both were dead. The reason for this wasn’t apparent. I was scared and yet remorseful for my dead friends. I went to the command bridge to check out the spacecraft.
The command console was lit up. The red, yellow, blue, and other vibrant colors were reflected in the ships cockpit window creating a depth reaching into outer space. The ship was functioning but many of the operations were destroyed. The main propulsion unit wasn’t functioning. The life support operated but there was considerable damage to the exterior of the vessel. I scanned the outside and saw damage to the outer skin. I did find that the landing thrusters were still functional.
I did a scan of the area I was in and it was a galaxy unknown to me. So there I was in a compromised space ship in a galaxy that was light years from my planet. I assumed that the Black Hole somehow carried me and the spaceship into another time and place.
On the craft we have an advanced scanner that can search an area in a star system. I activated the scanner and was looking for a place or planet to land. I wasn’t very confident when I found your solar system. Then, my spirits lifted.
The scanner revealed the existence of your Earth. It appeared to have water which like my planet is necessary for any kind of life. I set a trajectory for Earth. With my landing thrusters it would take a year in your Earth time to reach your planet. If the main engine had been functional it would have been traveled in three days. I lay in the hibernation unit after ejecting my comrades into space. I shed a tear seeing my friends being sent into deep space.
÷÷÷
A year to the second passed as the unit woke me from hibernation. I set the trajectory to arrive 100,000 miles from your planet. I used the scanner again to view the surface of Earth. The blue globe looked beautiful. I was getting excited to search your planet. I found, using the magnification adjustment, there were intelligent beings on your planet. I also saw many clusters of concentrated dwellings.
I also saw many different forms of life forms on the surface. I admit though I was a bit apprehensive not knowing what to expect. I viewed what I thought was weapon exchange at certain locations on the scan. Certain areas of your globe seemed to be in turmoil.
I did see different types of crude aircraft at low altitudes. And I spotted quite a few orbiting objects of some type. I guessed that your civilization had ventured into space. They appeared to orbiting communication modules of some kind.
I selected an area that seemed peaceful yet close to large concentrations of your inhabitants. It was a mountain range and it was located in the area you call Colorado.
I decided to enter he area at nightfall. Not knowing the reception I would receive I used the shuttles stealth mode and slipped in unnoticed. I found a meadow and landed the shuttle.
I was ready to explore Earth
CH. 2 WHAT’S OUT THERE
I checked the atmosphere outside my spacecraft and I was surprised that that it was breathable. I opened the hatch and was surrounded by many varieties of trees and shrubs. The meadow I landed in was green and smelled good. After I hid the ship I was ready to see your world. Boarding my shuttle pod the adventures began.
I had taken a few items from my craft that would be useful. I had a locator module that fit on my belt buckle. It would direct me back to the hidden space ship. I attached a molecular diffusion device to me belt. I had a force shield that would protect me during my exploration. The day was beginning to awaken so I was anxious to find out about this place.
I was overwhelmed at the beauty of the mountain I was on. Your Sun peeking over the top of the mountain was a breathtaking sight. The rays of red and yellow shafts stretching over the white snow at the top of the mountains revealed the beauty, which was breathtaking.
My planet has hills and snow but not mountains. We have trees and grass and different types of plants. But these trees were magnificent that surrounded me. I felt peaceful watching the day take hold and thought I’m beginning to like this place.
I came across some strange looking beasts. There were twenty or more grazing in a meadow as I approached. Their heads shot up and their heads pointed at me. They had long round things coming out of their heads that ended in sharp points. Some had many of these things and some less. Then suddenly they bolted and ran away. They were lovely creatures, gracefully moving as one across the meadow.
I continued my trek through the trees and meadows moving down the mountainside keeping the pod close to the ground moving slowly. I came to a path cut through the trees. It was a hard surface about twenty feet wide. Parking I left the shuttle and reached down and felt the surface. It was hard and black.
I heard a loud noise coming from around the curve. Hiding the pod behind some bushes a strange transportation craft appeared. It was rumbling along the path with wheels. There were two beings in the front of the cab controlling the craft. The inhabitants were similar to me in appearance. It looked as if one was controlling the craft. The vehicle was old and dirty with rust embedded at various places. It had trash and debris in the back. I thought what an unclean craft.
They passed and I watched the vehicle disappear around the curve. I continued in the direction they had come from. After several hours it was time to rest. My pod could contain four travelers. It resembled the cockpit of one of your small helicopters. But the capabilities it possessed gave it the operational comparison to a spaceship. However, it couldn’t attain the warp speed of my spaceship.
In the morning I continued my trek exploring your world. I decided to walk and slowly explore your world. Hiding my pod I continued my exploration. They passed directly in front of me. The two small brown creatures were sniffing and looking at things. They froze when they saw me. Then a huge brown creature appeared and stared at me with a mean gaze. She then let out a blood curdling growl and charged straight for me. Saliva was dripping from the large teeth. The eyes were intent on my destruction.
I reacted quickly engaging my force shield. It would envelope my body and protect me from harm. The creature hit the shield with a devastating blow. It knocked me several feet but my shield cushioned the attack. I stayed prone on the ground as the beast tried to claw and bite me. The creatures face was twisted and angry with the large teeth trying to penetrate. Its claws were trying to rip and tear me in a frenzy of anger. It was useless because the beast couldn’t penetrate the shield.
Finally the creature gave up and with the two younger ones ambled away. I stood up but kept my protection activated. Whew, that was ferocious. I wondered what other creatures existed.
Soon I had covered several miles discovering many different creatures. Then a strange small animal came into view. It saw me but didn’t scamper away. I thought that’s odd. It was small with two contrasting colors adorning its body. I ventured close to study this unusual colored beast.
I got closer and it raised its tail. I became engulfed in a noxious smell that wafted through my shield. I ran with determination to escape the beast. But the smell stayed with me and made me sick with its terrible stench.
This planet is full of surprises. I need to get rid of this foul odor. I came to a creek and jumped in hoping to get rid of the problem. The water was ice cold but it helped. I dried off and told myself to be more careful in my exploration.
I saw a dwelling and investigated.
CH. 3 THE CABIN
The dwelling is in a clearing in the trees. It looked deserted so I got closer. Inside it looked lived in. It was built of logs. Entering through the door, the inside was fascinating. There were clothes and furniture in every room. The kitchen was bare and I guessed it was temporarily vacant.
The dwelling gave me information about your living have habits. I found reading materials in one room and sat in one of the chairs and started reading. Using deduction and reasoning I was able to figure out your system or alphabet. Your language was simple after I spent some time reading the different types of literature. One magazine had women in various provocative poses. I blushed at the raw nudity. We are more concerned with the spirit and the feelings from each other in my world. Sex is merely a reproductive procedure.
The clothing in another room yielded outfits to wear. I knew I needed to look like your inhabitants so that I would be inconspicuous. After reading the magazines and viewing the pictures I surmised that I looked like an earthling. A pair of jeans and a blue shirt would do. I attached my devices and used a backpack I found to carry the rest of my gear.
I left the cabin and continued my journey to a large city that was nearby. It was named Denver. There I would learn more about this planet.
÷÷÷
I walked into Denver my eyes taking in everything. It was a residential district I entered. The dwellings were similar and tightly located next to each other. Some had fences that contained a small animal that would run toward me making a territorial sound. The yards were well manicured and decorated with rocks and other types of plants.
Walking up to one I stared at the animal. It started to wiggle its tail and quit the sound. I reached down over the fence and touched it. It seemed to enjoy the encounter.
Soon I came to a busy street that was larger than the streets around the dwellings and there were many transportation vehicles going in two different directions. I kept moving and came to a different type of structure that had signs and large clear glass openings in the front. People were entering and leaving these structures all the time.
I entered one and stood at the front. It was full of many different types of clothing. Your inhabitants were looking at the merchandise. Some took the clothing and walked through an isle then left. Later I learned that these were stores where your citizens purchased things they needed.
A person walked up to me and spoke. “Can I help you?” She adjusted her glasses and wrinkled her nose. I didn’t know what to say so I simply left the building. I tried different buildings and found unusual things in each place. As I walked the people would sometimes smile so I smiled back.
÷÷÷
One building was filled with books on shelves. It was here that I would gain a better understanding about your planet. The library had computers which enabled me to learn even more. The clerk at the information desk gave me the once over looking over her glasses.
We use computers on my planet but they’re far superior to what you have. Using the computer I set up a bank account and got a credit card. Using my hacker skills I started with a 500,000 dollar balance. By manipulating the banks computers using my skills I even had a signed agreement and created a false identification.
I studied your language and how to speak. The history and the many cultures on your planet were diversified. One thing that stood out from my research is the violence and destruction caused by the people of your planet. However, I was impressed by the creativity and artistic qualities that were evident. The caring and love of many were clearly shown. It seemed like a constant battle between these two characteristics.
I spent several days in the library learning and thinking. I was looking forward to finding a human that I could confide in. I knew I had to be careful and selective. If I was exposed as an alien to the inhabitants of Earth it could be a disaster.
I would be careful.
CH. 4 THE ENCOUNTER
It was a rundown neighborhood. Houses needed repair with unkempt yards. Some of the buildings had crude writings on the outside walls. It was late in the evening and the street lights with their harsh lights added to a feeling of danger.
Four rough looking men approached me. They stopped a few feet from me and one spoke.
“You lost whitebread?”
“What does whitebread mean?” They seemed aggressive as they stared at me with a definite meanness.
“Means we gonna kick ur ass!”
I wasn’t sure what he meant but I was sure he meant to harm me. “Why would you do that?”
“You on ar on turf homey and we kick youse.”
I didn’t respond and was thankful for the force shield that protected me. They all had strange markings on their arms and hands. Dressed in baggy jeans and shiny colorful jackets with baseball caps, they actually looked comical. The leader pointed at me with a slight smirk.
“We need ya money.”
I remained quiet waiting for something to happen. The talker pulled out a weapon and shifted on his feet.. He pushed a button and a six inch blade snapped from the body of the device. He pointed it at my stomach then said. “Now!” His face was full of aggression.
I crossed my arms in an act of defiance. He sensed my lack of fear and his anger increased. He thrust the knife at my mid-section. The blade hit my shield and caused his wrist to buckle. He looked at me, then the knife in complete confusion. “Wut da hell.” He said. The others stood there with the same expression.
He tried again with a cutting motion and the blade made a scraping sound against my protective covering. Determined he made a fist and delivered a punch to my stomach. The impact made him withdraw his fist and pain was expressed in his face.
I had enough excitement and decided to end this party. I grabbed my proton beam activator from my belt and sent the thug sailing ten feet hitting the pavement. The four departed in a dead run.
÷÷÷
The next morning I looked for a place to inhabit. An apartment is what I needed. I entered the apartment office and the young lady greeted me. “Good morning, how can I help you?”
“Need apartment.”
“What are you looking for?”
“Apartment.”
She gave me a strange look. “Are you from the US?”
“No.” I was having trouble communicating.
We finally worked through my communication problems and I selected a furnished dwelling. I moved in and began my infiltration of your planet. I toured the complex to get familiarized with my headquarters. The complex had a swimming pool, club house, and exercise facility. After the tour I needed to get some appropriate clothing.
I went to a mall and bought some clothes for my vacation from my planet. Swimming gear, jeans, underwear, and assorted items I might need. I returned to my new home and changed into the swimming trunks. My destination was the apartment swimming pool.
The pool was occupied by a wide range of humans. I sat in a lounge chair to observe this past time. There was a few in the water swimming and playing. Three were lying on lounge chairs reading or just sleeping. A female sat down next to me and started to communicate.
She was attractive and seemed personable. “Hi, you’re new here?” She cocked her head to the side and her blonde curls shimmered in the sunlight. She had a book in her hand titled Lawyer Guide to Cross Exmination.
This was my first real contact with a human. “Yes, just moved in today.”
“I’m Shelly, welcome.”
“Thank you.” I remembered everyone said that a lot.
“Are you from Denver?’
“No.” I wasn’t sure of the normal responses yet. More to learn I thought.
“Where are you from?”
I had decided to invent a person that would explain my lack of social graces. “I was raised by a missionary family in South America.”
“Wow,that’s different, tell me more.”
“My parents were killed in a vicious storm and I was raised by the tribe.”
“That’s sad, sorry you lost your parents.”
“I left the tribe and came here to learn about America.”
“Then you’re new here in a big way?”
“Yes, I’m learning how to speak and how this culture functions.”
“I’d be glad to help if I can.”
“I would appreciate that.”
“What’s your name?”
“Zarukandee, Zark for short.”
“That’s different.” She raised her eyebrows.
“It’s my tribal name. I chose to use it since I’ve had it since an early age. Tell me about you.”
“I grew up in Denver. Got my law degree and I’m a prosecuting attorney. I’m single and enjoying my career.”
My first encounter went well. Now I had someone to help me understand this culture.
I’m looking forward to this.
TH WILD WEST GANG
THE WILD WEST GANG
RON FEASEL
CH.1 THE TRAIN
The eleven riders where perched on a rise staring intently at the billowing puffs of smoke. The smoke was in rhythm with the chug-chug-chug of the Iron Buffalo named by the Cherokee Indians (ta-lu-gis-gi yo-ni-si). Bill Dolan with his Wild Bunch sat motionless on their steeds in the hot afternoon sun, sweat staining the band of their cowboy hats. Their guns hanging secure in the leather holsters.
Dolan is squinting under the brim of his hat at the oncoming iron buffalo. No one moved as they waited for the signal. His steed was at rest, head hanging low and ears flopped to the side. A slight nudge of Spurs would revive the beast quickly. Bill shifted in his saddle, the horse`s ears shot up and twisted facing bill, it was time. The spurs dug in causing a chain reaction in the remaining ten riders. The Long Riders were ready to ride.
He leaned back as his horse headed down the crested butte with the horse’s mane flowing on his descent signaling the intended direction. The eleven riders resembled a dust avalanche tumbling down the butte forming a triangle formation with Bill at the point.
The heads turned in the train to inspect the onslaught of wild riders firing at the Sun, with their long coats following like shadows. Their guns were firing into the blue creating a Fourth of July bang up. Bill spurred ahead aiming for the head of the Iron Buffalo. He reached out holding the saddle horn for stability as he grabbed the steel handle and then in a swoop of coordinated mastery his boots landed as his mount rode off.
Swiftly he clambered onto the logs in the timber car behind the head of the iron beast. He crawled looking like a lizard stalking its prey. The engineer snatched his double barreled shotgun eager to shoot the desperado he knew had invaded his domain. The top of the cowboy hat appeared just above the logs as the double barrel spoke with authority. The hat flew off like a frightened crow as the blast caught hold. I need to stop this engineer and get this train stopped, my men cannot be letdown, Bill thought. He deftly crawled to the side and locked his knees, and then in a bold move he hung over the side with one hand locked in a grip to the beast with the other gripping his revolver, he had a clear shot.
The train was weaving and the smoke and cinders from the smokestack were burning his eyes but Bill held steady as he squeezed the trigger. The bullet found its mark and the engineer doubled over falling off the train and under the steel wheels, clacking and tasting the engineer.
Bill pulled the brakes and the Iron Buffalo screeched sounding like a hundred hawks with sparks flying as the iron legs dug in. The Wild Bunch dismounted whooping and hollering firing their guns, reveling in their conquest.
The passengers were ordered off the train in single file and told to disrobe all except their undergarments. The gang went through the clothes and jewelry they were wearing as others rifled through the luggage. The mail boxcar yielded $3,000 dollars making the total haul $4,500. With glee they mounted, rode off whooping, and shooting their colts. After the robbery a sheriff`s posse was formed from Beaver County, Oklahoma Territory. The posse had gained on the gang using a reliable Cherokee scout. Scout Menawa or scout Charlie as they nicknamed him. He had a sixth sense tracking. He second guessed the gang`s direction, and took a convenient short-cut to gain on the desperados.
Dolan`s gang stopped at a wide stream to water their steeds. The horses’ lips were dipped in the cool water satisfying their thirst acquired from the train heist. From the rise in the landscape the posse anxiously waited for the Sheriff`s signal. He raised his hand and signaled his posse into action. With guns drawn the galloping posse closed the distance quickly pouncing on their adversary.
The drinking horses were the first to sense the attack. Several horses` raised their heads which alerted the gang. With guns ablaze the posse was a frightening sight descending down the hill with the sound of gunshot awakening the peaceful tranquility. The Wild Bunch spurred their horses and they lunged forward in flight causing the splash of forty four hoofs altering the flow of the stream.
The opposite bank offered a respite, lined with trees the gang dug in, returning their fire with the reverberation of eleven revolvers each bellowing. The posse was decimated as four riders bit the dust. Dolan was shot in the foot, but he kept firing in unison with his gang. The posse now lighter in numbers reversed, retreated, and high tailed it, the gang had won.
They headed for Ingalls, Oklahoma a known outlaw town. There they would rest and Dolan could nurse his injured foot.
Marshal Everett Dix meanwhile organized a posse of fourteen deputies which would engage the outlaws in the infamous Battle of Ingalls.
RON FEASEL
CH.1 THE TRAIN
The eleven riders where perched on a rise staring intently at the billowing puffs of smoke. The smoke was in rhythm with the chug-chug-chug of the Iron Buffalo named by the Cherokee Indians (ta-lu-gis-gi yo-ni-si). Bill Dolan with his Wild Bunch sat motionless on their steeds in the hot afternoon sun, sweat staining the band of their cowboy hats. Their guns hanging secure in the leather holsters.
Dolan is squinting under the brim of his hat at the oncoming iron buffalo. No one moved as they waited for the signal. His steed was at rest, head hanging low and ears flopped to the side. A slight nudge of Spurs would revive the beast quickly. Bill shifted in his saddle, the horse`s ears shot up and twisted facing bill, it was time. The spurs dug in causing a chain reaction in the remaining ten riders. The Long Riders were ready to ride.
He leaned back as his horse headed down the crested butte with the horse’s mane flowing on his descent signaling the intended direction. The eleven riders resembled a dust avalanche tumbling down the butte forming a triangle formation with Bill at the point.
The heads turned in the train to inspect the onslaught of wild riders firing at the Sun, with their long coats following like shadows. Their guns were firing into the blue creating a Fourth of July bang up. Bill spurred ahead aiming for the head of the Iron Buffalo. He reached out holding the saddle horn for stability as he grabbed the steel handle and then in a swoop of coordinated mastery his boots landed as his mount rode off.
Swiftly he clambered onto the logs in the timber car behind the head of the iron beast. He crawled looking like a lizard stalking its prey. The engineer snatched his double barreled shotgun eager to shoot the desperado he knew had invaded his domain. The top of the cowboy hat appeared just above the logs as the double barrel spoke with authority. The hat flew off like a frightened crow as the blast caught hold. I need to stop this engineer and get this train stopped, my men cannot be letdown, Bill thought. He deftly crawled to the side and locked his knees, and then in a bold move he hung over the side with one hand locked in a grip to the beast with the other gripping his revolver, he had a clear shot.
The train was weaving and the smoke and cinders from the smokestack were burning his eyes but Bill held steady as he squeezed the trigger. The bullet found its mark and the engineer doubled over falling off the train and under the steel wheels, clacking and tasting the engineer.
Bill pulled the brakes and the Iron Buffalo screeched sounding like a hundred hawks with sparks flying as the iron legs dug in. The Wild Bunch dismounted whooping and hollering firing their guns, reveling in their conquest.
The passengers were ordered off the train in single file and told to disrobe all except their undergarments. The gang went through the clothes and jewelry they were wearing as others rifled through the luggage. The mail boxcar yielded $3,000 dollars making the total haul $4,500. With glee they mounted, rode off whooping, and shooting their colts. After the robbery a sheriff`s posse was formed from Beaver County, Oklahoma Territory. The posse had gained on the gang using a reliable Cherokee scout. Scout Menawa or scout Charlie as they nicknamed him. He had a sixth sense tracking. He second guessed the gang`s direction, and took a convenient short-cut to gain on the desperados.
Dolan`s gang stopped at a wide stream to water their steeds. The horses’ lips were dipped in the cool water satisfying their thirst acquired from the train heist. From the rise in the landscape the posse anxiously waited for the Sheriff`s signal. He raised his hand and signaled his posse into action. With guns drawn the galloping posse closed the distance quickly pouncing on their adversary.
The drinking horses were the first to sense the attack. Several horses` raised their heads which alerted the gang. With guns ablaze the posse was a frightening sight descending down the hill with the sound of gunshot awakening the peaceful tranquility. The Wild Bunch spurred their horses and they lunged forward in flight causing the splash of forty four hoofs altering the flow of the stream.
The opposite bank offered a respite, lined with trees the gang dug in, returning their fire with the reverberation of eleven revolvers each bellowing. The posse was decimated as four riders bit the dust. Dolan was shot in the foot, but he kept firing in unison with his gang. The posse now lighter in numbers reversed, retreated, and high tailed it, the gang had won.
They headed for Ingalls, Oklahoma a known outlaw town. There they would rest and Dolan could nurse his injured foot.
Marshal Everett Dix meanwhile organized a posse of fourteen deputies which would engage the outlaws in the infamous Battle of Ingalls.
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