Val nodded after a moment and let her in. Maggie slipped in past her to change. Val stood at the door and looked at Tonya sadly for a moment before speaking again.
 
 
“Tonya? … I know you are angry with me and maybe even hate me now. I said things I did not mean, and I am sorry. Can we at least talk about it?” She asked
 
 
Tonya shook her head, “No, not until you make things right to papa…. I half wish he’d just leave you can find a woman who treated him nice like Molly does.”
 
 
Tonya’s reply tore Val’s heart further. It added to her sadness, fear, and anger all at the same time. She swallowed hard and shook her head for a moment before going back inside without saying a word, as she was not sure what would come out of her mouth.
 
 
Tonya leaned back against the jeep and tried not to cry as she stared at the ground again. Jewel put a hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her. She did not know all what the girl had gone through, but from what she could tell, it was no surprise that the girl was messed up and emotional.
 
 
As Val walked back in Maggie had grabbed her clothes and stood in the kitchen. She looked at Val, not wanting to change with her staring at her. Val sighed and pointed at the bedroom, not wanting to speak and wake Valentine, as she was sure she needed her sleep. Maggie nodded, and sighed in relief as she was glad for the privacy.
 
 
 Val just shook her head as she left and sat down on the couch again and stared at the older version of her.  What had brought her to all this? Was this really her future? Was she doomed to repeat these mistakes? At the moment she was not even sure what she felt. She wanted to go talk to Hondo, as she felt she needed to, but she was not sure what she was even going to say to him. She knew she was wrong but she still felt anger towards him, and pretty much only him, but other than that she was not sure what she felt. She knew she needed to apologize to Fernando, but that was something she did not look forward to at all.
 
 
Maggie was glad Val let her use the bedroom to change. She was not even sure why she was so shy anymore. Those who had used her forcefully she had stood before, bare and mostly unashamed, but these folks who treated her right she felt ashamed to be seen by. She wondered if it was because she had forced herself to be empty of emotions to survive many of those times she was force, but with these folks she felt open enough to have her emotions? She was not sure, exactly why, but she frowned at the nervous wreck that she let herself be seen as. She was not sure why Val had not wanted her to come in at first, but she was sure had it been a similar situation for Molly or Val, they would have gone behind the camper, stripped, dressed, and growled at anyone who dare ogle them! She wished she had that sort of fearless, carefree attitude.  
 
 
Val was not making sense to her, though. She would not say she was in love with Hondo, but to be loved by such as he would be more than she had even believed to be possible in her lifetime. She did not love him, but if he turned to her she knew she could love him. Val had him and yet she seemed to reject him. She knew the situation they had been in, how they got there, and the people they had dealt with. Why did she blame him for not finding her? How could he have been expected to find Val in such a situation? Maggie had been told about how it all happened, from Hondo, Molly, Tonya, and even Val. Val’s story was a bit different, but from hearing the others, and how much Hondo had blamed himself for it, she knew Val took some if not almost all of the blame in going off on her own. Yet, she blamed him. Molly had told her about Val’s dropping by and crying at her feet, but it struck her more so as a kid upset over being caught for doing wrong, not someone saddened by the mistakes they made.  
 
 
As she finished dressing and pulled her canvas shoes back on she sighed to herself. She had done too much wrong in her past to judge anyone else, though she longed to help them all and prove that she could be good. Hondo and Fernando might not have rushed in and pulled them from that dark, dank dungeon of a lab, but they had fought with their lives to find Val while protecting a whole camp of people at the same time. She was not sure that anyone else could have done this or knew of anyone who would have even attempted such a feat like they had. She had a lot to live up to if she was to use them as role models. Her only fear was she did not have it in her to succeed and she would fail them. She had failed herself many times before, that was not new. Failing Fernando and Hondo was something she was not sure she could handle. Though she felt like she owed Val al lot more too, her attitude was making it hard to help her.
 
 
Maggie stood up from the bed and walked out to the main area of the camper softly. Val sat staring at her ‘sister’ with a look that Maggie did not fully grasp. It was a haunted, wondering look, as if she was looking into an abyss and seeing a dismal, unstoppable future.
 
 
“Thank you, Val. You need anything from town?” Maggie whispered.
 
 
Val shook her head, but never took her eyes off her ‘sister’. Maggie nodded and after a few uncomfortably quiet seconds, She headed out the back door.
 
 
She closed the door quietly behind her and turned to the jeep where Tonya and Jewel still stood. They looked at her as if expecting a story or something.
 
 
“I’m ready now.” She said, feeling better to be in actual clothes again instead of that robe that never stayed tied.
 
 
“Everything alright? You look confused.” Jewel stated.
 
 
“Val give you a hard time?” Tonya asked softly.
 
 
Maggie shook her head, “She hardly said anything! I’m fine, though her attitude really has me puzzled. She’s sullen, but I just don’t see her being sorry for anyone other than herself!”
 
 
Tonya’s frowned deepened which caused Maggie to gasp slightly.
 
 
“Oh, Tonya! I’m..I’m sorry. I..I didn’t mean to hurt you! I was out of line to speak like that.” She exclaimed.
 
 
Tonya shook her head, “You weren’t out of line. It’s just a lot to take right now. Her words hurt pretty bad. I thought she loved me, but I was wrong.”
 
 
“I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine. It makes me so gol-durned angry that she did that! How she could hurt you or that sweet, kind father of yours is beyond me! How could she say such hurtful, mean things after all he’s done?!” Maggie said more angrily than any of them had seen her before.
 
 
Tonya was surprised at first, but her words about hurting Hondo cut her deep, as she knew she had done the same thing. She looked down again and fought tears that started to fall despite her efforts.
 
 
 “Tonya? Did I say something wrong?” Maggie asked as if she was confused.
 
 
Jewel turned to her, “From what I heard she sorta did the same thing to him. I guess I did too when I accused him of… you know.”
 
 
“Oh heck… I didn’t mean anything by it, Tonya! Honestly!!” Maggie said as she put a hand on her shoulder and looked up at her.  
Tonya shook her head and sniffled, “I know just… I’m still so confused by it all, but I know I hurt him. Why, I don’t know. I should have trusted him…. Why can’t I just trust him?”
 
 
“From what I gather he’s one of the few we all can really trust, other than Fernando of course, but there seems to be a wave of mistrust in him going through camp.” Jewel said.
 
 
“Why though?” Maggie asked.
 
 
Jewel shook her head, “I don’t know. I’ve only been here since yesterday later morning. Could it have to do with his wife?”  
 
 
Tonya looked up and looked at Jewel for a moment, as did Maggie, and then they both looked at each other.
 
 
“Well… I guess I did not trust him because he angrily attacked me when I carried Val into camp that day.” Maggie said hesitantly.
 
 
“I had not heard about that.” Jewel replied.
 
 
“Papa had nearly died the night before in a death match in which they were told they had to fight to find Ma… uh, Val. James, Molly’s fiancé, was wounded in the match bad and killed the next day trying to claim winnings. Uncle Fernando and Hondo had fought for several days trying to get info on her and try to hold the camp together… You do not know how hard papa was on himself for her being taken…. He was so angry at himself… He tried to drink himself to sleep every night but wasn’t sleeping but a couple hours a night if that… When we saw Maggie carry her into camp we did not know what to think. Papa, he just wanted answers to what happened to the woman he loved.” Tonya said somberly.
 
 
Maggie nodded, “I understand now, but we both almost died a couple times getting here and I was soaked from the rain and had a concussion… I just didn’t understand at the time.”
 
 
“Does Val have a reason to distrust him?” Jewel asked.
 
 
Both of them shook their heads.
 
 
“Not that I know of.” Maggie said.
 
 
“No… I know he was worried when Zoey ran off and made a bad call about them splitting up, but Val decided to take the motorcycle out and she was called back twice on the radio, once before Zoey was found and once after. From where Papa said she was taken, there is no way Zoey could have made it that far even if she was running. Val had to be taking a ride after that.” Tonya said.
 
 
“I mean, other than that. Did he treat her well?” Jewel asked.
 
 
Maggie scowled at her and replied with a growl, “Just because some man treated you bad when you were younger doesn’t mean all men are bad!”  
 
 
Tonya looked up at her in shock. She was not sure she had ever heard Maggie growl since she joined them.
 
 
Jewel looked at her in shock too, but for a different reason.
 
 
“How did you know?!” Jewel exclaimed.
 
 
“It’s obvious! You accused him of rape then ask if he’s abusing his wife? What else should I think?” Maggie retorted snidely.
 
 
Tonya looked at her, “Someone hurt you? Was it your father?”
 
 
Jewel frowned, “It… it was my step-dad. After my daddy died Mom remarried. I don’t think she loved him, even at the beginning, but she did not think we could survive on the farm alone…. He.. he used to beat her something awful. He raped me once when I was eleven or twelve. Mom came in on us and she attacked him…. He.. he killed her then went back to raping me. When he was done he threw me against a wall and laughed at me. He said to expect that as often as he wanted or I could stare on the streets! He.. he threatened to kill me if I told anyone too.”
 
 
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Maggie replied softly, frowning as she realized why she was this way.
 
 
“It’s alright. I’ve never told anyone else that before. Only one other person knows, so please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want people feeling sorry for me.” Jewel replied.
 
 
“That is awful!... I forget how lucky I am to have papa and Uncle Fernando... How did you get away from him?” Tonya asked.
 
 
Jewel frowned and looked at the ground.
 
 
“You don’t have to say anymore. We understand.” Maggie said.
 
 
Jewel shook her head, “No. It’s hard to think about but it’s one of the better parts of my story… I was so scared and too sore to run. He made me dig Moms grave the next day, by myself in the hot sun. HE said being tired and sore would keep me in line… He got drunk later and was too drunk to screw me again, luckily, though he threatened to. I still don’t know how I managed too but I just walked out the front door and down the road… I remember it was raining hard and though it had been a hot day, it was close to fall and the night was cold. I collapsed by the side of the road and when I came too I was in the back of a jeep, being covered up with a wool military blanket by this dark-haired woman in a soldier’s uniform.  She asked me what I was doing out alone at night and where were my parents. I broke down sobbing but managed to tell her what happened. She transferred me to another jeep and sent me back to town while her and some of her men went to our house…. I saw my step-dad one last time when they had me testify against him in court. My mom was given a proper burial and the place was sold to help take care of me. The woman who found me took me in and cared for me as if I was her own… She’s the reason I became a soldier.”
 
 
“She sounds like a kind person.” Tonya said with a sad sigh.
 
 
“Jastrey can be hard at times, but its never out of meanness, that I can assure you.” Jewel said.
 
 
“Wait, General Jastrey?” Maggie asked
 
 
Jewel nodded, “She was only a Coronel back then, or rather she got promoted from Major to Coronel because of taking my Step-dad down. Seems like he was wanted as a suspect in several things.”
 
 
Maggie shook her head, “Wow. Seems like we’ve all been through some rough times.”
 
 
Jewel’s nodded, “I don’t know your stories, but I believe it. I think there are more people with bad stories than good ones anymore. Mine could have been worse, though, so I can’t complain. I just overthink things sometimes because of it.”
 
 
“We understand.” Tonya said softly.
 
 
“Please don’t tell anyone… If it gets out that I thought Hondo… you know… but if the others I work with hear about it I’ll lose all my friends. The army doesn’t treat women well who accuse others of rape.” Jewel said with a pleading look.
 
 
“Even if it really happened?” Maggie asked.
 
 
Jewel nodded, “Too many have cried it falsely that even those who are truly hurt and honestly crying for help get shunned as liars and worse. Saying you were raped is taboo in the military. Once you do no one has your back.”
 
 
“That is terrible!” Maggie exclaimed.
 
 
“Maybe, but I understand. When you fight men and women together and the men start worrying that you will accuse them of it next to get attention or to get at them for not giving you what you want…” Jewel said sadly.
 
 
“What about the other women?” Tonya asked quietly.
 
 
Jewel shrugged, “They are afraid if they support a woman that says she was raped that they will be guilty by association. I’ve seen it happen before.”
 
 
“It’s wrong though!” Maggie said.
 
 
Jewel shrugged again, “Maybe so, but the bad ones ruin it for the rest of us.”
 
 
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence between them all Jewel spoke again.
 
 
“How about we get our shopping done.” Jewel said
 
 
The other two nodded and hopped into the jeep. Jewel climbed into the driver seat and started the engine after they were in.
 
 
“The major said the east side of town has better businesses according to Fernando. We should try there first.” Jewel said.
 
 
Tonya did not say anything but Maggie nodded.
 
 
“If you think that’s best then we’ll go there. We might have been here a few days longer but we really don’t know the town that well.” Maggie said.
 
 
After a few moments of silence Tonya spoke just loud enough to be heard over the jeep.
 
 
“Just so you know, he always treated her very well.” She said softly.
 
 
“What?” Jewel asked.
 
 
“You asked if papa treated Val well. Yes, he always treated her very well and constantly tried to show her that he loved her… it is how I would have wanted my father to treat my mother.” She said.
 
 
“Did they not?” Jewel asked.
 
 
Tonya shrugged, “I don’t know. I barely remember them. They were wessen but… it was so long ago I barely remember what they even looked like anymore.”
 
 
Jewel frowned and nodded, “I understand. IF you want to talk about it..”
 
 
Tonya cut her off, “I’d rather not… I just need to figure out now… They were too long ago to think about now.”
 
 
They rode in silence for a bit longer before Jewel spoke again.
 
 
“We know that Val is angry at Hondo for things she did and he lashed out at Maggie because of what her action put him through, but what about you, Tonya? You have had issues trusting him too.” She asked
 
 
Tonya sighed and sat silently for a moment. She nodded after a moment.
 
 
“I am not sure about it all yet. I know he does not deserve my distrust and neither does Uncle Fernando, but I’m so conflicted… I guess had she not yelled at me that day and told me I wasn’t family I’d not have ran off and I’d not have met Hector then and felt this confused.” She said slowly.  
 
 
“She said that?!” Jewel said.
 
 
Tonya nodded, “Yeah, I think her exact words were that I was only taken in because my tailed needed saved but it did not give me a right to be family.”
 
 
“So, she is the cause of Hondo’s pain and grief right now.” Jewel replied.
 
 
Tonya shook her head, “Don’t blame her for everything. I’m to blame too… I’m angry at her, but I ran off after Hondo told me not to. I also said a lot of mean, hurtful things to him too… I wish I could believe that Hector was evil but I did not see it in him, especially when he held me and kissed me.”
 
 
“You let him kiss you?!” Jewel asked in a surprised tone.
 
 
Maggie shook her head, “Tonya, you can’t trust it all on that.”
 
 
“I don’t. It’s more than that… I’ve never felt that way before. I can’t explain it all but how I feel when with him, it’s like I couldn’t feel any better if I tried!” Tonya exclaimed.
 
 
“He’s your first kiss, isn’t he?” Jewel asked.
 
 
“Not my first exactly, but… let’s say it’s the first kiss that wasn’t forced on me.” Tonya said quietly.
 
 
“Were… were you raped before?” Maggie asked slowly.
 
 
Tonya shrugged, “Not really… I mean, when I was a lot younger one of my master’s sons held me down and put his thing in my butt. They made me drink a bunch of alcohol they stole from the house first, so I don’t remember it well. I was told it was pretty small too so I wasn’t that sore the next day either. I had some try later. Got beaten pretty badly saving Zoey from being raped once, but no one took my virginity yet. It came close a few times, though.”
 
 
“That explains a lot.” Jewel replied.
 
 
“What do you mean?” Tonya asked almost angrily.
 
 
“You seen Hondo as your father and Fernando as an uncle, so their care for you is seen as paternal. Hector is the first one who wasn’t a friend or family to stir you up sexually, so your drawn to him.” Jewels said matter of fact like.
 
 
“I think its more complex than that, but you could be right. I had to learn some psychology for what we did in the lab.” Maggie added.
 
 
Tonya frowned, “Maybe… I don’t know.”
 
 
“Well it’s pretty obvious that this Val is what’s bringing folks down. Maybe Hondo should dump her.” Jewels replied.
 
 
Tonya just frowned and shrugged. Maggie sighed deeply.
 
 
“Maybe he should, but I do not think he will.” She said flatly.
 
 
They rode the rest of the way to town in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
In an old warehouse on the northern edge of China Town by the inland Mississippi sea’s docks, a young woman slumped against the ropes that tied her between two support beams. She had been stripped down to her white tank top and panties, but both of those were almost torn to shreds and what cloth was left was dirty and soaked with drying blood. The ropes that held her cut into her wrists and ankles but she barely noticed them anymore as the pain from the whipping and the fatigue from being kept up, being hurt, and used for two days made that pain the least of her worries. She was not sure how she got here exactly, but she knew why she was here, as her antagonist stood before her, whip in hand, demanding answers to questions she did not know.
 
 
“You will tell me what she has planned for me!” The fox wessen who stood before her barked.
 
 
“I don’t know, honestly.” She said weakly.
 
 
“You lie!” He yelled as he struck out with the whip again.
 
 
She cried out weakly from the pain, but she was fading fast. She wanted to cry but she didn’t have the energy to cry anymore.
 
 
“Please, I told you all I know… She only told me about taking over for her before I was captured. I never knew any different before… We all thought you would take over.” She mumbled threw dry, cracked lips.
 
 
He back handed her with his metal hand and knocked her unconscious, her weakened, blood body collapsing, but not hitting the floor only because of her restraints. He growled at her as he lifted her face to look at again with his metal hand.
 
 
“Puta, I will get answers from you before you die.” He growled in a low voice.
 
 
The wessen turned to one of his men and pointed off at an old metal animal cage.
 
 
“Put the bitch in her cage. Once she comes too, let them men have fun with her again, but keep her alive. I will get my answers!” He snarled
 
 
“Yes, sir, Señor De La Cruz.” The man said before turning to two others, snapping his fingers and pointing at the unconscious woman.
 
 
Hector sighed angrily and stormed across the warehouse to the old breakroom where he plopped into an old chair to fume. He was angry, angrier than he had been in a long time. One of his men, a drang-zorn wessen, came into the room after a bit.
 
 
“Sir, We have her moved but..” He paused.
 
 
“But what, idiota?!” Hector growled.
 
 
“I’m afraid if she doesn’t get some rest, water, and food, she will not live a lot longer. She’s human, after all and not as tough as some of the wessen women you have interrogated.” He replied.
 
 
Hector sighed and folded his hands and rested his chin on them as he thought, “Yes… I have found humans to be very fragile in deed, especially the señoritas. They seem to.. break so easily, no? Oh to get my hands on a spirit woman again. They are mucho fun, though most wessen still last longer… Fine, let her rest, feed her, and screw her as you all wish until I get back.”
 
 
“Get back, from where?” he asked.
 
 
“I must head west again.” Hector replied.
 
 
“Back to flight town?” the man asked.
 
 
“No! I have others handing that place. Besides, that general, Jastery, and her forces will be there soon. All we can hope for there now is to send a message with chaos, fear, and death. I need to go to get ready to meet mi Bonita in a town east of there. Must get with our people there and prepare as those with her will stop me if I am not prepared.” Hector replied  
 
 
“What about Legacy?” He asked
 
 
“Just do what I said and I will break her when I return!” He barked as he stood up.
 
 
“Anything else, sir?” He asked.
 
 
“Have a message sent to the reverend in Flight Town. Tell him, ‘for the glory of Os Animas, execute the plan’. He will understand.” Hector said.
 
 
“Yes sir, it will be done.” He replied, snapping off a salute before turning and leaving.  
 
 
Hector waited for a bit and then with a frustrated growl, turned to the door and left the warehouse. He walked the edge of town, to the back door of a gambling house, and entered a door marked *Private Entrance*. The entry was smaller, but ornate, boasting hand carved wood banisters on the stairs, antique oak furniture, and red oriental rugs. He hung his small brimmed hat and grey, pinstriped coat on the hall-tree before heading into the office marked private.  
 
 
As he opened the door he was momentarily surprised by the presence of a young fuchsbau woman with an eye-patch over her right eye, who sat in the arm-chair in front of the desk. He composed himself quickly enough to hid his surprise, as he entered and spoke in a growly tone.
 
 
“I do not recall saying you could lounge in my office, so things had better be ready!” He said.
 
 
The woman, who was maybe all of twenty-five looked more to be a handsome forty-five, due to all the scars on her body. She was shapely, though not well endowed, and well-muscled, but she bore markings of a rough life. A jagged scar across her cheek, that disappeared under her eye-patch, was one of the first things noticeable about her. Her right ear was almost gone as well and a large hole resided in the other. Another large scar on her neck looked as if it had come from a rope biting into her flesh, and similar marks could be seen on her wrists, and ankles. Other scars from various injuries spoke of being stabbed, cut, and whipped. Her one good, green eye burned with a cold, internal fire. The frown on her face was not one of sadness either, but of hate.
 
 
“We were waiting on you!” She snapped. “You’re the one that was in a damned hurry to go get a new #$@!-toy for you to break, and you make us wait!”
 
 
He grinned at her slightly, “Ah, though I love to break them, I find it more satisfying to see them molded into such as I molded you to be.”
 
 
He reached out and ran his fingers through her hair, but she grabbed them half way through and held them half bent backwards.
 
 
“You would have killed me if it hadn’t been for The Grey Lady! She saved me and I work for her! I serve you only because she asked me to! Since you lost your damn ring, I’m to protect you and use my pendant so she can keep a trace on you!! Once we get that ring back you are on your own, but until then, lay a finger on me again without my approval, and you’ll be back in that operating room having them removed from your ass so they can be sewed back on! I’m not your friend, not your slave, and definitely not your #$@!-toy anymore!” She snarled.
 
 
Hector grit his teeth as she bent his fingers back and spat her words in his face. He did not find her attractive anymore, since he had scarred her up, but the thought of trying to break her again was something he had in mind to do.
 
 
“Release me, bitch! If you think she would protect you after you damage Hector, you are very mistaken!” He growled through his teeth.
 
 
She stared at him and held his fingers for a few second longer before letting him go.
 
 
“I think you overestimate your importance to her, you sniveling #$@!.” She replied flatly.
 
 
He gave her a cutting look, but inside he knew she was right. He was not half sure she was here to watch his actions instead of help protect him from the time walker and his friend. The Grey Lady had barely let him leave when she could not find Legacy, her assistant, anywhere on the base, but he had pressed on her that time was important, so she let him go. though she had the cane, he found she could not track most people with it unless they had a pendant or ring that was linked to it. He had made sure to get rid of Legacy’s, having it flown east on a messenger hawk, to draw her attention away from them to the west. Even if the grey lady tried to look for her outside the pendant she had given her, the warehouse had been setup using equipment that blocked it from being viewed by a time-lord’s cane. He had several buildings like that, as did The Grey Lady, to keep actual time-lords or the spirits who now had stolen canes from viewing them, so it should raise no suspicions.
 
 
 It was only a matter of time before the right canes were found to complete the project for the spirits, anyway, and the time-lords would all be powerless then. This meant he had a limited amount of time to find out what Legacy knew and to secure his position with the spirits. For now, it meant playing his part and getting along with this woman.
 
 
“Listen, mi bonita feo…” He started to reply patronizingly.
 
 
“My name is Jutta! You will address me by my name or not at all! Call me your pretty, ugly, kitten, or anything else than my name and I’ll rip your damn balls off with my teeth!” She barked, interrupting him.
 
 
His eyes narrowed at her for a moment. He had planned to wait until after he had overthrown the Grey Lady to take this one down a peg or two, but it might have to been sooner, as he could not abide those who did not fear him.
 
 
“Si, Jutta it is. Now, Jutta, we have to work together to get what my lady wants done, so let us try to at least be civil.” He said slowly, trying not to growl.
 
 
“I don’t understand why this girl is so important to the plan, other than you want some poor, innocent kid to #$@! and destroy again.” She replied flatly.
 
 
“It is not her who is important. She is merely Hector’s bonus for a job complete. It is those who consider her to be their own, though I have reports from those who watch them, that the one of whom she calls Uncle, the supposed time-walker himself, might be done protecting her. That is why we need to prepare fast. The one she calls her padre will come to save her no matter what. The medic time-walker is the one we will have the most trouble with and we need him to appear at the right time or there will be many casualties. We have to kill his cowboy amigo first, though. The only way to get him away from the others is with this girl.” He replied
 
 
“What if they talk her out of seeing you? They have to know you’re a self-serving prick even if she doesn’t.” Jutta replied.
 
 
“I believe she will come to Hector, even if its just out of curiosity. She is naïve about love though, so I think she will come for more than that.” He said as he turned away from her and stared out the door.
 
 
“But will she leave them willingly?” she asked.
 
 
“That I do not care about. She will come to talk to me and either follow me willingly, or I will take her by force! No one say no to Hector De La Cruz!” He exclaimed before half turning to her with an evil glint in his eye and adding more softly, “…no one.”
 
 
She raised an eyebrow at him and shook her head, ignoring his veiled threat for now.  
 
 
“We should move, then. The truck is loaded, and there are five others waiting out front with the truck and sand rails.” She replied.
 
 
Hector nodded, “Fine. Let me change into some traveling clothes and I will join you.”
 
 
She nodded, stood up and walked out without further words.
 
 
Hector sighed again and walked upstairs to his private room to change. He did not like working with this woman at all. He saw her as a failed conquest, and he was fairly sure that’s why the Grey Lady saved her and kept her around, that and she was damn good at what she did. He took some pride in knowing she was a cold, heartless killing machine because of the work he had done on her. As he changed he thought about her. The more he thought about it the more he wondered if she was more of a success than the other. The others just died, mostly, or were so broken and depressed that they were of no use to anyone anymore. This one was different, though. He wondered if he could try to recreate a more loyal version of this woman in Tonya. He started formulating a plan as he pulled on a pair of tall boots, and slipped into a tan, leather coat.  He smiled to himself at the thought. Maybe he had not failed after all.
 
 
Once dressed, he donned an older hat and he grabbed two smaller leather bags and walked through the front of the establishment. He ignored the chatter of voices, the clank of gambling chips, the tinny sounding piano, and the mostly nude girls dancing on stage, as his mind was miles away already. As he walked through the front door he saw five wessens standing out front, two modified sand rails, and a modified 6x6 truck with baja type suspension. One of the men who was waiting for him grabbed his bags, and stowed them in the middle sand rail and then joined one of the others in the truck. The other three, two women and a man, jumped in the first sand rail. Hector looked around for a second before seeing Jutta come from the back of the truck. Over her old brown pants and sleevless canvas shirt, she wore what looked like marauder body armor and an old canvas coat. She walked past him and climbed into the driver seat of the second rail where his gear had been stowed.
 
 
“Hector despises riding in these things.” He groused.
 
 
“You said we needed to get there fast. Cross country is the fastest way. Get in if we’re going, otherwise I have some serious drinking I could be doing!” She barked at him.
 
 
He scowled and climbed into the passenger side. As she pulled a rifle from the back and handed it to him. He took it and looked it over with a quizzical look.
 
 
“Modified SKS? I thought we could afford better!” He exclaimed in an annoyed tone.
 
 
“We have better but best to use the simpler, hardier ones in the open like this. Once we hit sand country, those fancier rifles of yours will gum up. Just keep it in case we meet any bandits or road gangs!” She ordered.
 
 
“Road gangs on a cross country route?” HE asked
 
 
“It’s getting more popular to travel that way as the main road is getting rough and has too many marauders patrolling it to be safe or to be repaired. Now, you want to question me further, or let me handle this, since I know what I’m doing and you don’t?!” She growled.
 
 
“Let us get this over with!” He snarled.
 
 
She waved her had in the air and the first sand rail revved its engine and tore off down the road. She revved the engine on hers and was hot on its tail in no time, with the truck trailing not more than a couple car lengths behind them. They took off headed west out in open country. It got dryer the further they got from the inland sea, but that was expected.
 
 
Hector smiled to himself as they rolled along. Soon he would meet up with his other groups and plot the demise of Hondo and Fernando, and the thought of their demise made him smile.
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
In a rather fancy church building in the middle of Wessen Town at a desk sat a well-muscled, older löwen wessen in a black suit. His hair was turning grey and crows-feet showed at the edge of his eyes, but there was still a strength and power about him that scared even the most fearsome of them. An ornately scripted bible sat at the head of his desk, as did a gold cross. As he sat he wrote on parchment with a quill pen in elegant sweeping strokes.  
 
 
As he wrote a door slammed open which startled him for a moment, causing his pen to mark up the paper. He growled to himself as a sheep wessen ran up to him with a piece of paper in his hand.
 
 
“Reverend Wallace! Reverend Wallace!” The sheep wessen yelled out as he ran.
 
 
“Unless there is a fire, knock next time, Barney! And for all that is holy, don’t run in the house of the almighty!” He roared.
 
 
“Sorry, Reverend Wallace. Did I come at a bad time?” He asked
 
 
The reverend sighed, “Your loudness startled me and ruined this page I had almost completed. It’s as if the devil humans sent you to stop the work of the almighty.”
 
 
“What are you working on?” Barney asked.
 
 
The reverend smiled, “Ah, it is the work of the Almighty! You see, long ago I was praying that he would show me a way to strike down these human devils and bring the chosen brethren into the light. As I prayed I was given a vision on how to pull wessen kind into the light! In my reading I realized that the almighty himself must be a wessen. He’s referred to as The Lion of Judah, and his  
son is referred to as The Lamb of God! So, the truth is that wessens are whats is supposed to be. I was shown in my vision how the fallen angles took away our animal natures to strip us from being in the image of the creator! That they are superior is a lie of the devil. These spirits have remade us as we are supposed to be as they were chosen by the almighty to free us from the bonds of the devil and his minions. I am writing it all up and calling it the book of the chosen! It has taken several years to get it all written down, but another couple days and it should be finished.”
 
 
The near crazy glint in the reverend’s eyes made Barney swallow hard.
 
 
“It..it..it sounds great, sir. I am sorry I startled you.” Barney stuttered.
 
 
He reverend sighed, “Yes, well the devil will use many things to stop our work, even simple things.”
 
 
Barney looked down and frowned, “Yes sir.”
 
 
He stood there for several seconds in silence before the reverend sighed and spoke again.
 
 
“What did you want, Barney? I’m a busy man and do not have times to guess at why you came here!” Reverend Wallace said firmly.
 
 
“Oh! Right! A message came for you from Mister La Cruz.” He blurted out as he held out the piece of paper.
 
 
“Hector, eh? Let me see.” He said as he took the paper.
 
 
The polite smile on his face fell into a frown.
 
 
“I see… We knew this time would come, but I was hoping I had more time.” He said solemnly.
 
 
“What’s wrong?” Barney asked.
 
 
“It seems we have orders to have the chosen meter out justice to the devils of this town.” The reverend said.
 
 
“He wants us to attack Flight town?! When!?!” Barney asked wide eyed.  
 
 
“Tonight. Now, go get the others for an emergency town meeting.” The reverend said.  
 
 
Barney nodded and ran off to gather the others are the town center.  
 
 
The reverend sighed, took off his reading glasses, and after folding them up, he placed them on the desk. He left the church with a somber look on his face as he walked to his house. Once there he changed into an old camo military uniform and put on a tan beret. He pinned a gold cross one side of his collar and a star on the other side. As he started to head out of the house he knelt down before a picture that hung on the wall, which he had commissioned. It depicted wolves and sheep cowering in fear, together, as humans charged at them with torches and pitchforks. A lion stood between them, bravely protecting the other animals alone. He bowed his head as he knelt before it.
 
 
“Wessen lord in the most high, strengthen our hands against the human scum and let us lay waste to these devils and utterly destroy them. Amen.” He prayed.
 
 
He stood up after a moment and headed out the door. A fire burned in his eyes and a smile danced on his lips. He had been waiting for this day to come for a long time.
 
 
The meeting did not go as well as he had hoped as much of the town was not as excited as he was.
 
 
“This is needed, brethren, and the time is now! Will you really stand by while the other chosen fight for our place rightful place in this world?!” He shouted.
 
 
“Reverend, We know that many atrocities against our kind have been committed against us by humans, but they are not all evil! Should we do this, we will be worse than those who have persecuted us!” Paul Smith the town chemist yelled.
 
 
“No, we are enacting righteous judgement, not acts of terror like they have. We must utterly destroy them for their sins against us!” The reverend argued
 
 
“The women and children too? They might treat us like farm animals but how is executing those who have never harmed us doling out judgement?!” Sam Pane the leather shop owner asked.
 
 
“This is a mission from the Almighty, though! When the children of Israel spared the lives of those they were told to decimate completely, they were punished for hundreds of years by the ancestors of those they let live! We must wipe them out completely! We spare lives and they will rise up and destroy your children, and your children’s children!” Wallace roared.
 
 
“We are just here to try to protect our families. We never came here to rise up against the humans! This is beyond nuts; it’s pure maniacal suicide!!” Peter Clark, editor of the wessen press shouted.
 
 
“If you do not stand with us, you are not a part of us and you will be dealt with as if you were human!” The reverend yelled at him them through grit teeth.
 
 
A lot of shouting happened after that and a few fist fights. Despite what the reverend believed he stepped down from his last comment and tried to hash out an agreement. It was finally agreed that those who did not believe could stay and secure the town, but if Flight town was won that those who stayed behind would not be a part of the new leadership of Flight town and they would not be allowed to do business there. Though it was not what was wanted, it was agreed on and once those left that did not want a part of this fight had gone, the reverend found he had less than half of the town’s adult population with him.
 
 
“We will still win, brethren, do not fear! And those who left us will be treated as outcast once we have won the day. The Almighty is with us and we cannot lose!” He roared.  
 
 
A cheer came from the crowd that was left and he reveled in the sound of it. Once they settled down again they went to setting up leaders and handing out plans and supplies.
 
 
Mean while a handful of town leaders met in the basement of the newspaper office.
 
 
“If they win, what are we going to do?” Sam Pane exclaimed
 
 
Peter Clark  slammed his fist into the wall, “They cannot win! We cannot allow it! It’s monstrous, I tell you!”
 
 
Several other voices murmured in agreement.
 
 
“Where are the others? Did they all join Wallace and his madness??” Paul Smith asked
 
 
“Some did, unfortunately. The rest are afraid they are being followed or just plain afraid of standing against Wallace.” Mark Riker, the town blacksmith, replied.
 
 
“He is a man of god.” Paul said.
 
 
“He is not! God would not ask such of us! We came here for shelter from those who would do us harm, not to be the army of their destruction. He is either mad or controlled by the devil!” a small older balding man replied angrily.
 
 
“Pastor John, you never believed in Hector or what he said, why did you even come here?” Peter asked.
 
 
 
“Because I saw what a snake Wallace was and thought I was needed here the most.” The old preacher replied.
 
 
“We are not hear to discuss Wallace’s sanity or religion. We are here because of our families and businesses. We all agreed that following Hector or Wallace blindly was not a good idea, which is why we formed this group. The question is what do we do now?” Sam asked
 
 
“Whatever it is we have to act fast.” Mark commented.
 
 
“We need to warn the humans.” Pastor john said firmly.
 
 
“Go to the humans, are you crazy?!” Peter exclaimed
 
 
“Who would we go to?” Another asked.
 
 
“What about that medics camp? I heard he stood up against the lawmen and Hector a few times.” Another offered.
 
 
“I heard him and his partner who is at that hanger on the north-west of town took out thirteen cold-bloods between them.” Another said.
 
 
“There are cold-bloods after them?” Mark asked
 
 
“Hector sent them. I over heard some of his guards talking.” The old preacher said.
 
 
“Hector is working with cold-bloods?! What if they send them after us?!” Sam asked.
 
 
“Maybe going to the Medic is a good idea.” Peter commented.
 
 
“Go there and they will shoot first after all Hector has done to them.” One of the others replied.
 
 
“What about the medic’s partner. That cowboy? If he’s at the hanger we might could get to him easier and explain what’s happening.” Mark said.
 
 
“It’s not a bad idea, but more than two or three of us and he or those with him will shoot first and ask questions later.” Paul said.
 
 
“Which is why I should go.” Pastor John offered.
 
 
“Not alone.” Sam said.
 
 
“You offering to go with me?” the preacher asked.
 
 
Sam’s face turned a bit pale and he stammered a bit, “I.. I would but..but I have a family and a business and.. and I just can’t afford…”
 
 
Mark put a large hand on Sam’s shoulder, “Don’t sweat it Sam. My family’s dead so I have nothing to lose. You stay with your family and I’ll go with John.”
 
 
Sam nodded and looked down at the floor, ashamed.
 
 
John nodded, “Alright. Unless there are any arguments Mark and I will go.”
 
 
There were a few murmers but no one objected.
 
 
Peter shrugged after a moment, “Looks like its up to you, but how are you going to get out? You know Wallace will have the town locked down.”
 
 
Pastor John smiled, “I have my ways. We will get out without being seen, that I assure you.”
 
 
Paul nodded at them, “You’d better get going, then. It will be dark soon.”
 
 
John and mark left first, headed for a more ran down looking church building with a tiny room in the basement where John lived. The others waited and left slowly, each heading different directions, trying not to elicit any attention.
 
 
Once in the church basement Mark followed John to a storage room and helped him move a shelf, exposing a large manhole.  
 
 
“I was shown this by a couple of wessen orphans that Hector called undesirables and refused to help as they were half human. I helped them and others when I could but my meager living did not afford me the ability to help much. I did sneak a few girls out that Hector planed to soil and use up too.” John commented as Mark opened the man hole.
 
 
“It should work, preacher, but you know if we are caught we are dead wessens.” Mark said.
 
 
“And if these humans don’t trust us we are dead too, as are many others, both guilty and innocent.” He replied.
 
 
“How do we know this medic and his group are not just as bad?” Mark asked.
 
 
“Reports say they have rescued wessen with them and that they were freed from slavers by the men who lead this group. The reports are questionable, and Hector said it was all lies, but we have to chance it.” John replied as he slid into the hole.  
 
 
Mark looked around and dropped down into the hole once it was all clear and followed John out of Wessen Town.
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
Hondo sighed after sitting on the couch with Molly for a while. She had fallen asleep and slumped against him, which made him a bit uncomfortable due to the inner demons he fought because of the bullshit Val had pushed on him. He managed to slip away from her and stand up, but the absence of his body heat caused her to wake up when he was half way back to the room.
 
 
“You goin’ to lay down?” She asked sleepily.
 
 
He shook his head, “No. Need to take that poison cure before Jefe gets back. Don’t need him dealin’ with me like that too. I told him I didn’t get any of their poison, but I reckon he knew I was lyin’. Hate lyin’ to him but can’t have him worryin’ ‘bout me.”
 
 
“You need help? I’ve heard that stuff will make you empty your system in more ways than one.” She said.
 
 
He shook his head, “Don’t want you worryin’ ‘bout me either! I’ll be fine. Just rest up. You need some sleep too.”
 
 
“Not until Marvin comes back. I didn’t mean to fall asleep a bit ago either.” Molly replied.
 
 
“With the soldier in and out, Karl, and that other soldier still here, we will be fine.  If you want to sleep on my bed so we aren’t far apart, I don’t mind, but just leave me be no matter what you hear.” He replied.
 
 
She nodded and sighed as she got up to follow him.
 
 
“Maybe I’ll lay down for a bit. I am exhausted.” She said.
 
 
She caught up with him quickly and then had to slow way down as Hondo hobbled slowly like and old man, though he tried his best to hid his condition. She knew if he was doing that bad acting alright then he was a lot worse off then she could even see.  
 
 
Once in the room he put a pinch of the poison in a glass of water and mixed it up.
 
 
“I thought Fernando said to take that with some sweet-water or juice to cut the bitter flavor?” She asked.
 
 
“I chew aspirin tablets. You think this will bother me?” He asked.
 
 
She chuckled and shook her head, “Always the ornery one. That’s why I …”
 
 
She paused as she realized that she almost said that she loved him.
 
 
“That’s why you what?” He asked with an eyebrow raised.
 
 
“That’s… that’s why we get along so well.” She said, coming up with it on the fly.
 
 
He nodded and grinned, “Maybe you’re right there.”
 
 
She sighed in relief that he took that as the answer.  
 
 
She slipped out of her pants and shirt, not caring he was there or not, and laid down on the side of the bed he had not used. He gave her a glance, shook his head slightly, and then after grabbing a towel and the poison he limped his way slowly to the bathroom.
 
 
Once in the bathroom he carefully stripped his clothes off, folded them, and laid them on the shelf. He then too the towel and hung it by the shower before grabbing the trash can and moving it beside the toilet. He then sat down and drank the poison cure and set the glass back on the sink.
 
 
“Now, I guess I wait.” He mumbled to himself.
 
 
He did not have to wait long before the action started.
 
 
Molly sighed to herself and placed her arm over her eyes to block out the sunlight. She had seen his glance but it was not what she had hoped for. She had imagined laying bare before him on a bed, him turning and starting at her with an almost wicked grin before coming over lowering himself down on her and ravishing her. It was not to be, though, it seemed. She wanted him and Val to get things right for their sakes, but she hurt to see him hurt.  
 
 
She started to fall asleep but the sounds that came from the bathroom as the poison/poison cure hit him made her wake up. She frowned at it as she wanted to go help him, but he had said no. She felt bad for him as she listened and could only imagine the toll it was taking on his system.  
 
 
The sounds stopped after about fifteen minutes, though and she started to drift back off to sleep. A loud crash from the bathroom brought her upright in an instant though, and she felt she could take it no longer. She jumped up and burst into the bathroom to find him I his knees by the shower.
 
 
“Hondo! What happened?!” She asked in a worried tone.
 
 
“Tried.. to.. get.. in.. shower… too weak.” He mumbled weakly.  
 
 
She could see he had removed his bandages to shower and several of them wept blood again from the heaving his body had done to expel everything.
 
 
“I’ll help you.” She said as she stepped out of her panties and threw them on the shelf.
 
 
“No!... I’ll.. I’ll make it.” He replied weakly.
 
 
“I’m not taking no for an answer, Boss! Until your wife decides to take care of you like she should, you are my man! Like it or not!” She said firmly.  
 
 
She bent down and swung his good arm over her shoulders to help him back to his feet. Once on his feet. She guided him into the shower and got the water started. Once it was warm she made sure he was fine to lean against the wall and could stay there on his own.
 
 
“You going to be alright there for a moment so I can clean up?” She asked
 
 
“Leave it… I’ll handle it.” He said in a weary tone.
 
 
“I’m doing it now or later. Rather do it before I finish helping you shower so I can wash up too! So are you alright to stand there?” She asked commandingly.
 
 
He nodded so she left him to clean up. His preplanning paid off and it took little effort more than a few flushes of the toilet and a new trash bag. She joined him once again and washed them both up. He was looking a bit better now and stared at the floor as if embarrassed.
 
 
“You alright? You look upset.” She asked softly.
 
 
He sighed, “No man wants to be seen like that. Sorta embarrassed that I’m so damned weak an’ helpless.”
 
 
“Don’t be. We understand and you have friends who love you and care about you… I’m glad I can help.” She said as she stared into his eyes for a moment.  
 
 
He just nodded and stood there silently. After a bit she grabbed towles and dried them both off before helping him back to bed.
 
 
“I don’t want to go back to bed now.” He said wearily.
 
 
“Just for a nap at least? I’ll sleep in the chair if you like, but I could use a nap too.” She said
 
 
He shook his head, “No. After what you just did an’ seen, you can sleep with me if you want.” He replied quietly.
 
 
She pulled the covers back and helped him lay down before going around the bed and crawling in beside him. She snuggled up to him and laid her head on his chest. It was not long before he was sleeping. She listened to his heart beat and to the rhythm of his breathing and smiled to herself a contented sigh. She too soon drifted off into a blissful sleep. She had wanted this for days and now, well, now it felt better than even she had imagined.
 
 
(to be continued…)

As the entered the east side of town Jewel found a place to securely park the jeep before getting out to shop. They first walked past some stall vendors in the street, looking at their wares, but they were not finding what they were after. A kind old woman at a trinkets and accessories stand directed them towards a large tin sided building at the far end of the street They headed to the large building, that looked like it had maybe been an old hanger at one time, but once inside they found it had been converted into a sort of indoor bazaar. At the corners there were some stores that had actual walls and doors, but the middle of the floor was left open for booths taken up by merchants who either needed more floor space, or were only there temporarily because their goods were seasonal or they were just passing through.  
 
 
Maggie looked over the clothes, shoes, and jackets like a child would look at items in a toy store or candy shop. She had never before, in her memory at least, been allowed to pick out her own clothes. She tried on some jeans until she found some that fit her well. They hugged her hips more than she really wanted but Jewel said that they looked great on her. She blushed a bit at the compliments as Jewel, Tonya, and the booth owner both told her how good she looked in them. She had never really worn clothes to look pretty, other than some lingerie that certain sex partners had told her she would wear. All her clothes had been given to her and we for a task that she had to preform, but today that changed. Hondo had provided the money, it was true, but she got to choose for herself.  
 
 
From the clothing booth she ended up getting three pairs of jeans, four plain shirts, three nice shirts, two skirts, and two dresses. She also got much needed socks, underwear, a couple lace bras, a robe, a couple pairs of shorts, some stockings to go with the dresses if needed, and a handmade shawl that the booth owner threw in for free.  
 
 
Tonya had stayed quiet for the most part, lost in her own thoughts. Her thoughts were jumbled and she argued with herself in her head. She wanted them all to be wrong about Hector and even dared pray silently that they were wrong and would see it, but she knew the reality of it all was slim. Hondo would not lie to her and she hoped Fernando would not either, though she feared he might to manipulate her, though she was sure he would only do so if he thought it was for her own good. She knew that was both of their worries, her own good, but what if they were wrong? What if Hector was good and he was good for her? Part of her wanted to think she could see Hector for who he was and that the others were blinded by some sort of deep-seated hate and misunderstanding. The problem was her mind told her it knew things for facts that contradicted each other. To fully believe in Hector was to see Hondo and Fernando as monsters who were out to use her as some sort of #$@!able farm animal. To believe Hondo and Fernando was to see Hector as some raping, murdering beast bent on destruction and self-pleasure at the suffering of others. Each had proven themselves right in some way, though. Hector had told her certain things would happen and they did. Did that make him right or was he skewing the actions he knew they would take to make them look bad. Hondo and Fernando had both done nothing but right by her, though Hondo’s lashing out at Hector when she begged him not to, still haunted her. They had no reason to lie to her and Hondo could not be trying to trick her into allowing him to use her sexually as she had freely offered it before and if he did not want her as a daughter but wanted her for his own sex-kitten, her feelings of owing him would not let her refuse him if he desired it. But the facts remained that he had not taken that from her and seemed hurt that she even thought he would take that from her. So, was she blinded by Hector and they saw the real him or were they blind and only she saw the truth? She had been wrong about them in her accusations before, so how could she trust her own judgements now?
 
 
Both Jewel and Maggie noticed Tonya’s quiet demeanor and somber looks. She hardly looked up at them or at anything, spending most the time staring at the ground as a look of inner torment radiated from her whole being.
 
 
“Hondo wanted you to get some clothes too. Nothing here you like?” Jewel asked trying to get Tonya involved.
 
 
“Hmm? Oh… I dunno.” She replied as she was shaken from her own thoughts momentarily.
 
 
“You want to try some on? There are some shirts that would look really cute on you.” Maggie said.
 
 
Tonya shrugged and sighed before walking to the shirts and looking through them. The other two frowned at her choices but they did not want to argue with her due to her mood.
 
 
She picked out five black t-shirts, two grey button ups, a black button up, and two three button black pull overs. She also got three pairs of black jeans and on dark grey dress, and a black skirt, but only because Maggie insisted she should have something other than jeans. Jewel and Maggie tried to get her to get a nice blue or green dress, but black and grey were all she was interested in. They were not sure if she was going for copying Hondo’s fairly dark clothing choices or if her color choices were because of her mood.
 
 
“You need any sock, panties, or a bra?” Maggie asked
 
 
Tonya shrugged, “Dunno… socks and underwear, I guess. Don’t wear a bra.”
 
 
“Really? But you aren’t small chested like I am. You have to have C cups at least.” Jewels replied.
 
 
Tonya shrugged, “I’m wessen and was a slave. Slaves don’t get those things so I have no clue what size I am. Besides never needed them.”
 
 
“You’re a larger B or a C for sure, but you’re firm enough you don’t need them. I’m a B and don’t really need them either, but I’ve always wanted some. The doctor I was forced to work with in the lab said I should have had D’s to match my hips! ‘Large hips and small tits, such a shame,’ he always said.” Maggie replied with a bit of a frown.
 
 
“You shouldn’t think about that or pay mind to what assholes like that say! You are built the way you are, and from one woman to another and not in a sexual way, you are pretty and cute, Maggie. Besides, some guys like wider hips and aren’t interested in bigger breasts. I didn’t get much of either and would die to get what either of you have! I’m small chested and have almost no hips!” Jewels said.
 
 
“You give yourself too little credit. Some guys like your athletic build too, you know.” Maggie replied.
 
 
Jewel shrugged, “Maybe, but not any of the ones I was interested in.”
 
 
Tonya sighed and started to drift away again so Maggie turned back to her.
 
 
“Alright, lets get you some socks and panties and a robe too maybe?” She asked
 
 
Tonya just nodded and grabbed some in her size. Maggie tried to slip in a red robe with some lace on the shoulder for Tonya but she saw it and put it back to grab a plainer grey robe.  
 
 
Jewel paid the merchant and then they headed off to another booth to look at boots. That booth did not take as long. Maggie got a pair of grey high tops and a pair of brown hiking boots and the booth owner threw in a pair of tan moccasins. Tonya got a pair of high-top lace up black biker looking boots, and a pair of high-top black moccasins, plus black shoe polish and a brush for her western boots, though they were grey in color.  
 
 
Though the other two were worried about her choices it was not until the last place that they really started to worry.  
 
 
The last booth they stopped at for shopping was the outerwear booth. Picked out an olive-green raincoat, a grey hoodie, a dark red canvas chore jacket, a brown, long waisted thermal lined parka, a couple bandanas, and a brown flat brimmed hat. Tonya’s picks were a bit different. She picked out a black canvas, almost Victorian looking, seven button vest, a black zip up hoodie, a black leather coat which looked a mix between Victorian and biker styling which was accented with silver chains and studs, a black leather cap with a silver chain that looked almost something a WWII German military office might wear, two silk black bandanas with silver paisleys, and a silver and black silk headband.  
 
 
Jewel frowned at what Tonya picked out, but she would not make eye contact with her. Jewel turned to Maggie after a minute and gave her a concerned look. Maggie merely shrugged and frowned.
 
 
“You sure Hondo would approve?” Jewel asked Tonya hesitantly.
 
 
“Why would he care about these?” Tonya asked flatly, refusing to make eye contact still.
 
 
Jewel frowned again, “They seem awfully dark road warrior like. Just doesn’t seem to fit you.”
 
 
“You don’t know me…. Nobody does.” Tonya said flatly.
 
 
Jewel looked at Maggie again with a look that begged for help and Maggie sighed in response before speaking.
 
 
“*sigh*… I think what Jewel is asking, is are you sure Hondo would buy those for you if her were here?” Maggie asked.
 
 
Tonya shrugged, “Dunno… Why wouldn’t he?”
 
 
Jewel shook her head and sighed, “Fine, We’ll get them. I just hope he isn’t angry at me for letting you dress like a road warrior girl.”
 
 
Tonya did not reply but just stood there until Jewel paid the merchant.
 
 
“Well, that went over budget a bit. Good thing I brought some of my own money.” Jewel said.
 
 
“Papa will pay you back, I’m sure.” Tonya said quietly.
 
 
Jewel nodded, “I know he will. I have some money still, though. We need to stop anywhere else or anyone hungry? I know supper is soon but I saw a food stand on the way in that had some fries, cheeses, and frozen custards.”
 
 
“I wouldn’t mind a snack. Only had half the last two meals as I was saving some to try to get Hondo to eat more. He really worries me.” Maggie replied as she took up and armful and started heading towards the jeep.
 
 
Tonya and Jewel grabbed up the rest of the goods and followed her.
 
 
“Why does he worry you?” Tonya asked a bit sharply.
 
 
“If you are asking why, it’s because he pushes himself too hard, doesn’t take care of himself well enough, and will kill himself trying to protect us all if he doesn’t let us help him. If you are asking why I should care, it’s because he is a good man and someone who I’d like to have as a friend. He may have been hard on me at first but I deserved it and a lot more.” Maggie replied.
 
 
Tonya nodded, “As long as its not romantically.”
 
 
“Why do you say that? I thought you told Val that he should leave her? Maggie not good enough for him?” Jewel asked a bit angrily.
 
 
“I don’t know if he should leave Val or not, but if he does then Molly deserves a chance with him first.” Tonya said.
 
 
The other two looked at each other with raised eyebrows and then stowed the items they carried into the jeep.  
 
 
“What if he and Molly don’t work out and he wanted to be with Maggie?” Jewel asked.
 
 
“Listen, I don’t hate Maggie, but I don’t think she understands him like Molly or I do! None of you do!” Tonya snapped.
 
 
“Do you understand him?” Maggie asked softly.
 
 
Tonya glared at her then looked down at the ground, her hard look turning to a lost frown.
 
 
“I..I don’t know.” She whispered.
 
 
Jewel sighed and shook her head, “Well, we should be getting back. Snack first?”
 
 
“Papa…Hondo said I could dye my hair.” Tonya said.
 
 
Jewel nodded, ”I forgot about that. I didn’t see anything like that in the bazaar, but we passed a hair place on the way in.”
 
 
“We can try there.” Maggie said as she climbed into the jeep.
 
 
The other two jumped in and jewel fired the engine and pulled away headed back the way they came. It was not far down the road they pulled in front of a storefront with a large glass window in front. The sigh above the place said :  
 
 
Hair Cut, Washed, styled.  
Body Hair Removal  
Beards and Mustaches Trimmed, Styled, Shaved  
Therapeutic Massages and Baths
Nails Cut, Fix, or Removed
Soaps and Shampoos sold here
Therapeutic Tonics and Tinctures Made to Order
 
 
Jewel shook her head as she parked and shut the jeep off.
 
 
“Looks like they do a bit of everything.” Maggie said
 
 
“Probably have prostitutes upstairs if you want a happy ending massage too.” Jewel commented flatly.
 
 
They all got out and headed inside. Once inside an older well-dressed woman greeted them.
 
 
“Good Afternoon, Miss. What services can we offer you?” She asked
 
 
“I was wondering if you did hair dying?” Jewel asked
 
 
“Yes we do. We can also offer delousing for your wessens, check them for disease, and can shave the furry one if she is your sex kitten or personal maid. Some like the fur, but I can assure you she will seem much more appealing shaved as it will accent her subtle curves and breast much better.” The woman said.
 
 
Tonya looked down as an embarrassed look took over her face. Maggie put a hand on her shoulder and gave the old woman an angry look. Jewel frowned too but tried to keep her composure.
 
 
“While I am sure you mean well, these women with me are free women and my friends.” Jewel replied calmly but coldly.
 
 
The old woman frowned, “Oh… I see. Well, it is a brave new world out there. I’m sure your friend would feel better about herself with a good shave or a bath. They would be done by the time we finish dying your hair, though it’s a pitty to change such a lovely color.”  
 
 
“The dye is for my friend with the pink hair.” Jewel replied getting angrier at the woman’s tone.
 
 
“Dye a wessens hair? Even though it is not illegal it is still taboo out here! They were designed to have that bright hair so they could not hide their true nature from us humans or stock us with their animal ways!” The woman exclaimed
 
 
Even Maggie frowned at her reply. Being in Fernando and Hondo’s camp made her forget how many of the humans looked on them. In the camp they had been equals with the others. They were treated as men or women, respectively, and not different. It had felt good to be treated that way but it made the reality of the world seem that much harsher.
 
 
“They are people too! Humans forced to be different but still humans and they will be treated as such!” Jewel hissed through clenched teeth.
 
 
“They are animals and the lawmen have declared them all to be taken in for questions due to their uprising and not knowing their place! Some rebel wessen have reportedly attacked the lawmen and killed many of them but others will be here soon to put them in their place, I was assured. Your friends will be taken and if innocent be sold to someone who will use them for what they were made for, unlike you rabble rousers who fill their heads with this nonsense that they are equal to us!” The old woman shouted angrily.
 
 
“Jewels, lets just go.” Maggie said softly as she pulled on her sleeve.
 
 
“You vile bitch!” Jewels growled.
 
 
“You are a disgrace to humans and the military, young lady. Now, unless you want me to call the law and have your wessens taken and you held for trial as a conspirator with the these so called chose wessen rebels, you will listen you friend and leave!” The woman said with a harsh arrogance in her voice.
 
 
Jewel wanted to say more but Maggie tugged at her sleeve harder so she turned and stormed out with the other two close at her heals. As they marched back the jeep Jewel swore bitterly.
 
 
“That damn, vile, vicious, #$@!ing cunt!” She yelled.
 
 
Maggie shook her head, “Don’t worry about it. It’s like that for our kind. Hondo, Val, and Fernando sorta made me forget it was like that for a few days. It was nice to be treated as equals by them, but the reality is that we are not.”    
 
 
“You are equal, though!” Jewel said
 
 
“Hector said we are superior, actually… I’d like to believe that.” Tonya said quietly.
 
 
“Do you really believe that?” Jewel asked incredulously.  
 
 
Tonya looked up a bit angrily, then back down as she climbed into the jeep.
 
 
“I don’t know.” Tonya answered flatly.
 
 
“I think all wessen would like to think that as we have been told we were inferior for so long. The truth is, I think they are right about us.” Maggie said softly.
 
 
“How can that be?” Jewel asked her equally as incredulous.
 
 
“Think about it? Most of us have some fur, some more than others like Tonya. It’s hot and itchy in the summer, though when it’s cold its not bad. We shed at times, though, so hats never fun and it itches like heck! May of us have our vision colors limited, though some have some night vision abilities. Some have health or reproductive issues. Our periods are not always regular, we have a higher risk of being infertile, some of us have pheromone issues, some struggle with coming into heat like our animal counter parts, which can be extremely hard on the teens that go through it as it messes with your mind and inhibitions. Most of us have tails which means clothing is uncomfortable as is unless its modified. We are different looking so we don’t fit in well in a crowd. Our ears are larger and more sensitive so we are hurt easier by loud noises. Our teeth are in between human and animal which makes our diets hard if chewing is messed with and makes oral hygiene a challenge. We can often smell better which makes certain smells harder to resist or more offensive. Do I need to go on?” Maggie retorted firmly.
 
 
Jewel looked down and shook her head, “No. Sorry. I guess I just never thought about what it was like to be wessen. Didn’t know some of that stuff either. Makes sense about some of the accusations about teen wessens being over sexual at times, now.”
 
 
“It’s not something we talk about, even with our own kind.” Maggie replied.
 
 
As they climbed into the jeep a woman  wearing a brown hooded jacket walked close past them and shoved something into Jewels hand without stopping. She turned abruptly as watched the woman go, noticing a canine like tail partially sticking out from under her jacket.  She turned back to Maggie and held out the paper in her hand.
 
 
“Did you see that? That wessen woman shoved this paper in my hand.” Jewel said.
 
 
“I didn’t see her do that. Is it a note?” Maggie asked
 
 
Jewel shrugged then unfolded the paper.
 
 
“It is. It says there is a place closer to wessen town, under the feed store that will do wessen dye jobs. That section of town is a bit rough, but not as bad as some. I’m still not sure we should chance it.” Jewel replied.
 
 
“We have to! Please take me there.” Tonya asked from the backseat.
 
 
Maggie shrugged, “Why not? When you’re wessen, daring to live another day is taking a chance.”
 
 
Jewel sighed, “Alright. We’ll try it.”
 
 
She fired up the jeep and drove to the location on the paper. There was no place to park out back so they parked out front and walked around back. At the back of the store there was a wooden loading dock. At the side of it a hole had been dug and rock stairs built that lead down to a solid wooden door. Jewel walked down the stairs with the other two are her heals. She knocked on the door and after several seconds it cracked open and a pair of beady eyes looked out.
 
 
“What do you want?!” A raspy male voice demanded.
 
 
“I was told that you dyed hair here.” Jewel answered.
 
 
“You humans can get hair dyed many places! Go away!” He barked and slammed the door.
 
 
Jewel shrugged and with a sigh, knocked again. The door popped back open a crack and the same beady eyes glared at her again.
 
 
“I told you to go away!” He hissed.
 
 
“The dye job isn’t for me. It’s for her.” Jewel said pointing at Tonya, “Please, no one else will do it.”
 
 
“Pink haired fachsbau? I’ve heard of one around town. Not many of her type in town and not seen any with pink hair before… You with the lawmen or that bastard Hector?” He asked
 
 
“He’s not a bastard!” Tonya growled.
 
 
“So, not with the lawmen, I see. We don’t serve Hector’s minions around here either. You can have work done in your town of chosen, so go away!” He growled.
 
 
He started to shut the door but Jewel jammed her boot in the way.
 
 
“Listen, Hector got to her and left her confused. He promised her a good life with him and told her about the chosen. She’s young and been hurt often. Other than those in our camp who saved her she’s know nothing but hurt wessens and heartless people. I know nothing about him but what I am told but I can assure you we are not with him. Her adopted father has tried to take him down against her wishes only to be gravely injured in the fight. She may be misguided but she deserves this and no one else will do it.” She said.
 
 
The man behind the door sighed, “Fine. I’ll open the door, but no funny business, okay?”  
 
 
“We promise we will not do anything except defend ourselves if needs be.” Jewel replied as she moved her foot from the door.
 
 
The door slammed shut and she frowned, thinking they had been played, but a rattle of a chain inside was heard followed by the door opening wider. The light from a greying sky was enough to show the figure of a greasy looking wessen man.  
 
 
“Your fox-girl should listen to those who say Hector is bad. He’s raped, tortured, and used many a young girl, and had many killed, human and wessen.” He said coldly.
 
 
“Those are lies spread by humans who hate us!” Tonya shouted.
 
 
He glared at her, “My younger sister and our master’s daughter were kidnapped by humans. My Masters daughter was held for ransom while they raped my sister. Hector and his men came in, killed the humans and took the girls.”
 
 
“He saved me too!” Tonya interjected.
 
 
“I wasn’t finished!! I never said he saved them. No, he took them to his place and locked them both in separate rooms. My sister was raped, whipped, and beaten by him for not giving him information on our master. When he was done with her he did the same to our former master’s daughter! My master’s daughter died and my sister was made a cripple! My master freed me after as he felt sorry for us, but it was too late to save my sister from the pain and shame she endured! His daughter didn’t deserve it either. She wanted all wessen to be free and equal. I think that’s partly why he let us go, to honor her memory.” he replied
 
 
“My friend here is a bit lost and confused. Please forgive her.” Jewel said.
 
 
“Your friend needs to be unconfused before the same happens to her! I know not all humans are evil, hell most aren’t though many are too cowardly to stand up for what’s right for wessen kind. All wessen aren’t angels either, though, nor are we all bowing to Hector’s whims and wishes. There are those of us who are considered rebels who stand against both the atrocities done by man and wessen kind!” He growled.
 
 
“You have a right to be angry and I’m sorry for what happened to your sister.” Jewel said.
 
 
He frowned and kicked the dirt, “Don’t help much but thanks… Now, if your friend wants help she’d better keep her damned muzzle shut! I’ll not have any outbursts like that in my place!”
 
 
“Do you dye the hair?” Maggie asked hesitantly.
 
 
“No. The ladies do that. I just guard the door, help clean up, and haul supplies. I was always just a dumb farm-hand. No skills besides knowing how to work.” He replied.
 
 
“Then you will let her in?” Jewel asked.
 
 
“You have money, right? This ain’t no charity.” He said firmly.
 
 
Jewel pulled out some silver coins, “I have money. Can we come in?”
 
 
“No.” He said.
 
 
“But I thought you said…” Jewel started to retort.
 
 
“I said she can come in. Customers only inside, and definitely no humans. Oh, and pay first.” He said.
 
 
Jewel and Maggie looked at each other then at Tonya who looked at them with pleading eyes.
 
 
“Please, I need to do this.” She said.
 
 
Jewel sighed and nodded, “Alright, but we will be outside waiting if there is trouble.”
 
 
“If there is trouble its because I’m throwing her tail out for opening her damned muzzle again!’ the man said sharply.
 
 
Jewel nodded and handed him the money he requested to give her a cut any dye job. Tonya then followed him inside as he opened the door wide for her. Inside the light was just enough for Jewel to see a wessen woman in a wheel chair sitting by a low, homemade salon chair. As the door closed Jewel and Maggie sat down and waited for Tonya to come out again.
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
It was over an hour later before Hondo stirred again. He wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep but his mind told him he needed to be up and about. As he forced his mind to slowly wake up he realized the feeling of a woman’s bare body pressed against him. At first his mind registered it as normal, but the slight tickle of extremely light fur made his mind remember that he and Val were not together at the moment. His mind kicked into over drive as his eyes popped open to see bright red hair and the wessen muzzle of Red Molly resting peacefully against his chest. It took him only a split second longer to realize they were both naked as j-birds, but he did not remember doing anything with her.  
 
 
He remembered taking the poison and it hitting his system violently causing his shit and puke until he was sure his guts were coming out. He vaguely remembered falling, but around then things went a bit hazy.  
 
 
He thought on it for a bit and it slowly came back to him. He remembered her bursting in and helping him into the shower, he leaving to clean up his mess, and then her returning to carefully and gently wash him up He remembered her helping him to bed and remembered telling her she earned sleeping in the bed is she wanted to for what she had seen and done, but remembered nothing after that.  
 
 
He checked himself, and though he had a morning-wood partly from waking and partly from her body pressed against him, it was a bit weak compared to normal due to his fatigue and blood loss, but there was nothing sticky down there which said either she cleaned up after or nothing happened.
 
 
He sighed in relief and closed his eyes for a moment, but his mind told him he needed to get up. He sighed again and tried to stretch a bit as his limbs were starting to ache again. His movement caused Molly to stir a bit. She stretched out her legs first then drew them back up and nuzzled her face into his chest. She laid still for a moment but her breathing had changed, telling him she was awake or waking up at least. She yawned after a bit and her eyes flickered open and looked up into his.
 
 
“You should still be sleeping.” She murmured sleepily.
 
 
“I need to get up… I’ll sleep tonight if I can. But can’t stay in the damn bed all day. Besides Jefe will be back with supper before too long an’ Jewel, Maggie, an’ Tonya could come back at anytime.” He said.
 
 
“Probably shouldn’t be caught like this yet.” Molly replied softly, with an edge of sleepiness still in her voice.
 
 
“Yet?” He asked.
 
 
“I meant what I said about you being my man until Val decides to be a wife to you, if she does again.” Molly said softly.
 
 
“She will, Molly, an’ I don’t want to hurt her or you. That’s why I said no to this.” He replied softly.
 
 
“You don’t know that she will, besides, I know you love her, but you need someone and she won’t do what needs done for you. Even if you never return to me what I feel for you I’ll not let you struggle alone.” She replied.
 
 
“Did… did we do anything that could cause problems if found out?” He asked
 
 
“Do anything? I helped you shower and we slept together.” She said
 
 
“Nude.” He replied.
 
 
She moved a bit to sit up and her hand brushed his firm member. Her eyes got a bit wide with realization and she gave him a bit of a seductive grin and she got up on her knees and knelt before him, letting him see her in almost her entirety.  
 
 
“So, I can make you hard.” She teased playfully.
 
 
“Molly!” He scolded as he pulled the blanket back over his lap.
 
 
“I’ve already seen it and touched it. No sense hiding it now.” She teased further.
 
 
“So we did something more than I remember?” He asked a bit gruffly.
 
 
Her smile faded some and she shook her head, “No. We didn’t have sex. I only touched you to wash you and help you, nothing more. I’ll not lie and say that my body doesn’t ache for you, but I knew you were weak and tired. If I have you its because you allow it and want me back. I’ll not take from you what you cannot or will not give. I am however staking claim on you as my man until Val challenges that and takes you from me to do what a wife should! I’ll cook for you, clean for you, wash you, sleep with you, fight by your side, and just be there for you in anyway you want or need. If you allow sex I will make love to you to the best of my ability. If you will not then I’ll be there just the same showing you how much I care and how much you mean to me and this camp with every way I can except sex.”
 
 
He frowned a bit and shook his head, “I can’t ask that of you. It’s not fair to you.”
 
 
“The thing is you never asked and I’m not asking either. I know what needs done and am doing it for you because I want to. The only think I’ll stop at is sex because I only want it if you want it with me. If you need to have some pressure released I’ll service you and ask for nothing in return so that you can think and act freely and clearly, as that’s what a woman should do for her man.” She said.
 
 
“But I already have a woman.” He said.
 
 
“I didn’t say I had to be your woman, just that I was claiming you as my man until the one who should be does so. You don’t have a say in who claims you, just who you claim.” She replied.
 
 
“Sounds like a wessen thing.” He replied a bit gruffly.
 
 
“Maybe it is, but maybe it should be a human thing too. Did you tell Val to choose you as hers or did choose her as yours and love her until she decided the same?” She asked
 
 
“Well, honestly, she chose me first an’ I balked at it due to some old pains an’ new fears… Can’t say she wasn’t a lot like we are now, except she was more timid an’ didn’t know how to tell me what you have.” He replied.
 
 
“You see, it’s a human thing too, whether you choose to recognize it or not. I’m not asking you to chose me over her. I’m just choosing who I want and filling in where needed. All I can ask is that you accept my help for now… please?” She asked softly.
 
 
He sighed and nodded, “Alright… If you want to help you know where the older Valentine left those pills for me?”
 
 
“You shouldn’t be getting up if you need those!” She scolded.
 
 
He stared at her blankly for a moment before trying to get up on his own. He groaned as he tried to sit up and roll to the side, and he met with resistance in the form of Molly’s hand.
 
 
“Wait… I’ll get you one of each if you let me help you.” She said in a worried tone.
 
 
He looked up on her as she knelt over him. In her naked form she was quite stunning, maybe almost as much as Val was in his eyes, which scared him. The look of worry and concern in her eyes was genuine, though, and it made his heart melt a bit. He sighed after a moment, nodded, and laid back into the pillow.
 
 
She disappeared out of the room for a moment, not stopping to even dress, before returning with a couple pills and some water.
 
 
“Where were they?” He asked as she helped him sit up.
 
 
“Down on the bench.” She said.
 
 
“Karl is out there and soldiers! I appreciate what you’re doin’ for me but talk will get ‘round ‘bout you coming from my room nude an’ I don’t want you hurt!” He said in a sharp, worried tone.
 
 
“No one saw me. Now take your pills so we can get you up.” She replied firmly.
 
 
He scowled and took the pills and water from her, swallowing them and downing the water. He did not realize how thirsty he had been until them She handed him half a sandwich that Maggie had not eaten at lunch after he downed the pills and water.
 
 
“Eat this.” She said.
 
 
He shook his head, “Not really hungry.”
 
 
“You took pills on an empty stomach after barfing your guts up over an hour ago. You need to eat it.” She replied firmly.
 
 
He sighed and ate the sandwich as she stood there and watched him. Once he was done she pulled the blanket off his lap and helped him sit on the edge of the bed. His member was still hard, if not harder now from the sight of her standing before him bare, and her touching him to help him up.
 
 
“Sure you don’t want me to take care of that, boss?” She said with a sly grin.
 
 
“Please, don’t call me boss, especially if you’re gonna insist on helpin’ me. Makes me feel like some low-life asshole who uses his power to get ass from his female employees who are scared of losin’ their jobs if they don’t please him!” He groused.
 
 
She frowned, “I didn’t mean it like that.”
 
 
“It feels like that, though. I don’t want to use you, Molly.” He replied.
 
 
“But I want to be used by you, to be useful to you, and to help care for you!” She protested.
 
 
“Molly, you’re worth more than that.” He retorted.
 
 
She shook her head, “I don’t know of anything greater I could be doing. Please, Hondo, let me help you. Let me be an assistant to you in every way right now. Don’t fight me, please. I understand going through life alone and having a rough time where you need to stay strong. You can’t alone! Not for long, and you have for longer than most could! Please, let me see your weakness so you can be strong for the others.”  
 
 
“What ‘bout you?” He asked.
 
 
“I don’t need you to be strong for me. I know you are strong and that’s all I need. All I need is for you to feel that you can share your weaknesses with me.” She replied.
 
 
“An’ for me to bone you.” He replied.  
 
 
 “Please don’t mock me. I would love to make love to you but that is a desire, not a need. Please believe me. I’m not trying to use you and I understand that this is temporary. Please.” She begged as she shook her head sadly.
 
 
 
He frowned and shook his own head as he pulled her down beside her and put his arm around her.
 
 
“I didn’t mean to hurt or insult you or your intentions. I’m a bit surly right now an’ uncomfortable with bein’ helped or expressin’ feelin’s. There is one woman I’ve ever been truly comfortable with expressin’ myself to an’ being weak with an’ you see where that has gotten me…. Molly, I’m afraid to lose her an’ afraid to be like that with another as maybe that’s why I’m losin’ her.” He said quietly.
 
 
She put her arms around him and held him tightly, “That is not your fault, none of it is! Please just accept me for wat I’m offering until we find a way to get her back for you.”
 
 
He nodded, “Alright, but we can’t be like this in public… please don’t think I’m ashamed of you but there will probably be gossip as is. I can’t have this makin’ life harder out there, though.”
 
 
She nodded, “I do understand.”
 
 
“An’ don’t push for sex. I’m not sure I can give that to you properly an’ not hurt Val or feel guilty.” He replied.
 
 
“All I ask for is your trust in me. Anything further is yours to give or not as you choose.” She replied.
 
 
He nodded after a moment and she left go of him.
 
 
“Now honestly, you’re still hard. You want help with that. It’s had to been a few days since you got off.” She said.
 
 
He nodded, “It’s been a few, but It’ll go down after we’re dressed, I reckon. Besides, I’m not sure I should waste energy on that right now.”
 
 
She nodded, kissed his cheek and then stood up to get their clothes. She dressed quickly first and then helped him get his clothes on. As she helped him pull his boots on they head a jeep pull to a stop outside and three individuals head their way.  
 
 
“Sounds like we are just in time.” He replied as she helped him to his feet.  
 
 
As they came in Jewel entered first the Maggie and then a girl in black, of whom Hondo was hoping was someone he did not know, but he was wrong.  
 
 
“Tonya?” He asked in a firm voice.
 
 
“Sir, I accept full responsibility.” Jewel said quickly.
 
 
“You told her to do this?” He asked
 
 
“No.” She replied
 
 
“You pick out the clothes?” He asked.
 
 
“No.” She replied.
 
 
“She tried to talk her out of them but Tonya said you wouldn’t mind.” Maggie added, defending Jewel.
 
 
Tonya glared at her slightly from the back of the room but stayed silent and half hid behind Jewel.
 
 
Hondo nodded, “You may go back to your post then. Thank you.”
 
 
Jewel saluted and marched out of the room. Tonya tried to slink out after her but a firm voice made her stop in her tracks.  
 
 
“Tonya! Get your tail in here!” Hondo barked.
 
 
She turned and slow walked up to them. Molly sucked air through her teeth as she got a good look at her. Tonya stood there, looking at the floor, wearing some of her new clothes. She had on a pair of jeans that was tighter than Hondo would have liked. She wore her biker boots on her feet, a black shirt that was not completely buttoned up, black vest that was buttoned up only as far as the shirt, her black Victorian-biker jacket, a black and silver bandana tied around her neck, and the leather and silver cap on her head. Her hair had been cut a bit shorter in back and bangs hung out from under the cap, one side being long enough to hang over her eye on that side but short enough to be above her eye on the other side. Her hair had been dyed jet black and she wore dark purple eye liner and black lipstick.
 
 
He looked her up and down for a moment before he sighed and shook his head.
 
 
“Go to your room. I’ll be there in a moment.” He said in a calm, quiet voice.
 
 
His calm demeanor scared her a bit, so she just nodded and walked out, leaving him with Maggie and Molly.
 
 
He sighed and shook his head after she left.
 
 
“Maggie, what the hell?” He asked calmly in a low voice.  
 
 
“You aren’t angry?” She asked warily.
 
 
“I’m furious!” He said mater of factly without yelling.
 
 
“But… you’re not yelling… I expected you to yell at us.” She said.
 
 
“I’ve gotten that bad, eh?... I think you’re right, Molly… It’s all been too long.” He replied.
 
 
“Too long?” Maggie asked.
 
 
Molly shook her head, “Doesn’t matter…. But what happened?”
 
 
Maggie shrugged, “She went for dark colors. We didn’t know if she was trying to dress more like Hondo at first or if it was some mood. When she bought the hat and jacket we started to think mood, as she was quiet and sad almost the whole time. Even stopped and bought her a frozen custard and barely got a thank you out of her. We did question her choices but we had no way to say you definitely wouldn’t let her have it nor did you give us authority to tell her no.”
 
 
“Clothes can be altered or changed, what about the hair and make-up… please don’t tell me you bought her make-up.” He said.
 
 
Maggie shook her head, “No that was the hair-dresser. We got thrown out of a hair place in town as they wouldn’t serve wessen and got directed to the one place that did. They are afraid of the anti-wessen folks though and would let only Tonya in. We had no way to know she would choose black or that style!”
 
 
“I know she’s upset, but goth-emo?! #$@!ing hell.” He muttered.
 
 
“I’ve never heard that term before.” Maggie said.
 
 
“Old world term.” Hondo replied.
 
 
“Those bangs are awful.” Molly said with a grimace. “What are you going to do?”
 
 
“Not a lot I can do, now. I need to talk to her, though.” He said.
 
 
“You want us to come along?” Maggie asked.
 
 
He shook his head, “No.”
 
 
“You sure? Might be good to have a female in there who backs you but is on your side.” Molly said.
 
 
“I need to do this alone, so please just let me handle her!” He said a bit gruffly.
 
 
Molly sighed, “Alright, but be careful… please.”
 
 
He nodded, “I’ll try not to tear stitches again.”
 
 
He walked out slowly and headed to Tonya’s room. He was not sure what he was going to say at the moment but he had to try to talk to her.
 
 
After he left Maggie filled Molly in on what had happened. Molly could only shake her head sadly. She did not envy what either Hondo or Tonya was going through, she just hoped she could be there for them.
 
 
(to be continued…)

Molly moved up to Hondo side as he turned back to the two wessen. He looked between them to a moment saying nothing. The old preacher was the first to speak.
 
 
“I understand that you are apprehensive to trust us.” He said
 
 
“Apprehensive doesn’t begin to describe it.” Hondo growled back
 
 
“Like the preacher said, we had no one else! We believe this is happening sooner than planned and maybe that is because Hector is afraid of you and your partner. We heard you have ties to one of the local army’s too.” Mark said
 
 
“We have a working relationship with General Jastrey from Center Town, if that’s what you mean… How many armies are there ‘round here?” Hondo asked.
 
 
“Well, Jastry’s is big but there are a couple smaller ones north of here and a couple the same size south of here. They don’t always play well, and many will fight for money. East of the great dessert is a much larger army. If Hector pays them off Jastrey won’t stand a chance.” Mark replied.
 
 
“Maybe, but Jastrey has us.” Hondo replied
 
 
“That sounds awfully bold. We know you two are good, so we don’t need macho remarks.” Mark replied with a frown.
 
 
“What I’ve heard of them, I think that’s more of a statement than a macho remark.” Pastor John retorted.
 
 
Hondo sneered, “You know nothin’ of me if you think I’m some sort of braggart!”
 
 
“If you hear him say anything like that he means it and is underselling. His friend the medic is a bit on the arrogant side but it’s because he is that good. Hondo here is almost as good but undersells himself way too often, and you can take that to the bank!” Molly said.
 
 
The preacher nodded, “Then they meet or exceed their reputation.”
 
 
“This is all fine an’ dandy but how does it help us stop them?” Hondo replied flatly.
 
 
“I apologize. This... this meeting with you, even the other wessens who stood with us did not believe we would live to speak.” John said.
 
 
“We have that bad a reputation?” Hondo asked with a frown.
 
 
“The clash between you two and Hector and his followers is well known, but in our town you two are villainous as haters of our kind. We had some reports that contradicted that, though, which is why we chanced talking to you.” John said.
 
 
“Then what can you tell us? How many? What weaponry do they have?” Hondo demanded.
 
 
Mark shrugged, “Rifles, hand guns, grenades, dynamite, tanks, jeeps, clay-mores.”
 
 
“They might have some larger stuff too but Hector only let a chosen few see the weapons store and none of us were among the chosen. With better than half the town standing down, plus others who cannot fight, they couple have a couple hundred fighting wessens, more if some from town or the outlying areas join in.” Pastor John added.
 
 
“I have a question.” A timid voice said.
 
 
Hondo half turned as Tonya came up on his other side, rather slowly and carefully.
 
 
“Who are you, young miss?” Pastor John asked.
 
 
“This is my adopted daughter, Tonya.” Hondo said.
 
 
“Did you have pink hair before? I swear I seen a girl like you with pink hair with Hector not but a couple days ago?” Mark asked, his eyes squinted down to slits as he looked at her.
 
 
Tonya sighed and nodded sadly, “Yes… that was me.”
 
 
“Oh my poor dear. I hope you got away soon enough.” The preacher replied.
 
 
“I..I was treated well and let go.” Tonya replied.
 
 
“You are watched over from on high, then. What is your question, young one?” the preacher asked
 
 
“It’s about Hector… He.. He said he loved me and.. and he was so kind but.. but papa and my uncle say he’s evil and will hurt me… he had such kind eyes and such a gentle touch but… everyone keeps telling me he’ll hurt me and use me. Please, .. please tell me the stories aren’t true!” She begged.
 
 
Mark turned away with a frown and the old preacher hung his head.
 
 
“Oh, my dear, I’m afraid they are very true… He hides much of what he does from us but we have investigated him ourselves and found much that is disturbing. There was one, such as you, several years ago who believed the same and we saw her carried out, unable to walk and whipped until it was hard to call her alive. There are reports of him brutally raping poor human girls and beating them to death! Several of us believe, but so many choose to turn a blind eye as his guards and money protect us. If I go to hell, it will surely be for cowering behind the walls of a place constructed by the devils money and by his own minion, Hector De La Cruz.” Pastor John said sadly.
 
 
A tear fell from Tonya’s eye as she looked down at the ground.
 
 
“… Thank you for telling me.” She said softly.
 
 
After a moment she ran inside to her room and fell onto the bed, sobbing as her young heart broke to pieces.
 
 
Hondo watched her go before turning back to the two wessens.
 
 
“If you know what he’s about why stay there? Why not leave and help others who need it?!” Hondo snarled.
 
 
The preacher kept his head hung as he responded, “You do not understand what it is like to live in such fear. He is of the devil but he made a safe place for us wessen to live. I tried to preach the word to the people there in hopes that we could take over and stop Hector’s nonsense but I have failed. Outside of Wessen Town there is little hope of a good life for a wessen.”
 
 
“What ‘bout those on the outside who Hector decided were undesirable? The orphans? The elderly? The half breeds??” Hondo demanded.
 
 
“There was nothing we could do for them! We barely could save our own families and some of us still couldn’t do that! You ever have to lay awake at night helpless and wondering if your wife was gonna live through the night? Or worry that your daughters would be hauled away and raped?!” Mark snarled.
 
 
“Yeah I have! But I didn’t let it stop me from doing right!” Hondo barked back.
 
 
Marked growled at him and started to lung at him but a rifle barrel poked in his face by one of the soldiers stopped him cold.
 
 
“Wait! Please forgive him. Marks daughter was raped by a human and his wife was injured badly trying to protect her. They both died shortly after and he’s never really recovered from it.” The preacher said in the blacksmiths defense.  
 
 
Hondo waved at Corporal Donovan to lower his rifle and back off.
 
 
 
“I don’t think a man ever truly recovers from a tragedy like that.” Hondo stated in a kinder tone.
 
 
He turned to Mark and nodded, “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. My Wife was taken by The grey Lady an’ hacked apart in a lab. If it weren’t for some special help she would be dead. I worry ‘bout my girl fallin’ for Hector too, as she fell for him an’ is havin’ a hard time copin’ with the fact it might all be a lie. I have them with me still, though. If I lost them I don’t know what I’d do… Just know not all humans are bad nor do we see you folk as lesser.”
 
 
Mark nodded but said nothing.
 
 
“That is what we’ve heard about you, which is why we are here.” John said.
 
 
“Then tell me more. What ‘bout this Wallace an’ is Hector with them?” Hondo asked.
 
 
“Reverend Wallace? Don’t know much about him other than he’s a löwen, probably in his mid fifties. He’s a radical, thought wessen were superior before he met Hector.” Pastor John replied
 
 
“Löwen?” Hondo asked
 
 
“Lion type wessen, to you humans.” Mark replied flatly.
 
 
Hondo frowned, “Alright. So an old crazy lion is pissed an’ leadin’ the charge. Are there many other who believe in this chosen bullshit?”
 
 
The preacher nodded, “There are factions all over the world who have been blinded by this falsehood. There are some who believe they are animals too and romp in the forests nude, living off the land, and acting as the animals do too. As a people, the wessen people have endured many troubles and have been fed many lies. It is no wonder that some do not go to extremes.”
 
 
“Be that as it may, it doesn’t help us today.” Hondo said
 
 
“True.  Now, we do not believe Hector will be there but Reverend Wallace is still quite a leader.” The preacher continued.
 
 
“Some think he was military before he was changed into a wessen, maybe even asked to be changed instead of being forced to change.” Mark commented.
 
 
“So he’s first gen wessen. Are there many like him there?” Hondo asked
 
 
Pastor John shook his head, “No. I am first generation as are a couple other, but we were all escaped slaves. Most the town is second or third generation, with many of the children being third or fourth generation. Wallace is a different one, though. We were all mind wipes, where many believe he was not. Hector, some believe does not believe what he teaches. Reverend Wallace not only believes it but lives it and believes God himself is a wessen! Of all the fanatics, Wallace might be the most dangerous.”
 
 
Hondo sighed, “We need to get ready here. Can I trust you two, or do I need guards on you?”
 
 
“If you do not trust us, we understand as there is nothing we can say to get that trust. Unfortunately, we have nothing more we can tell and should be getting back.” The preacher said.
 
 
“You can go back in the mornin’. Corporal Donovan will be watchin’ you an’ puttin’ you to work here.” Hondo said.
 
 
“So, we are slaves again?!” Mark snarled.
 
 
“No. Like the preacher said, there is nothing you can say that will make me trust you. I do not intend to let you go back and undermine us if this was all a ruse to put us on alert to see how fast we could respond to a threat. If you are speaking true, I would think helping us to prepare would be something you would like to do as if we are not prepared we cannot hope to fight them back. If you wish to do nothing, you can sit with a rifle at your head until morning at which time if we have not been attacked there will be further questions of a much harsher nature.” Hondo growled.
 
 
“We will be happy to help as we can.” Pastor John said as he stepped between them.
 
 
Mark sighed and nodded, “Yeah. I guess that’s fair. I doubt you’d be given even this much of a chance if things were reversed.”
 
 
Hondo nodded and walked off, letting everyone go about checking different areas while he went to the Bronco to check weapons and ammo. As he stood at the Bronco’s tailgate he heard the radio on the bench go off.
 
 
 
“Medic to Righteous Cowboy, come in Righteous Cowboy.” the message repeated several times.
 
 
Hondo set the gun he was checking down and made his way to the bench, a bit slower than normal.  
 
 
He picked up the radio and replied, “Righteous Cowboy here.”
 
 
“Good. Now listen up the Major’s communications team intercepted a message from Hector. The message says, ‘This Is Hector De La Cruz To All Disciples: For the glory of Os Animas, Execute The Plan.’” Fernando says.
 
 
There is silence from Hondo’s end for the moment. He finally answers, “Got it. I’ll tell the others here what is going on.”
 
 
“Look, there is not enough of you to defend the hanger. So I’ll have the Major send some men over to help. Lock things down when they come.” Fernando tells him.
 
 
“Got it.” Hondo replies.
 
 
“I’ll keep in touch with you on this line.” Fernando says.
 
 
“Got it.” Hondo replies again.
 
 
“Good luck.” Fernando tells him.
 
 
“Good luck to you too, Jefe.” Hondo replies.

 
He took the radio with him this time and went back to the Bronco. A few minutes later it crackled to life again.  
 

“The Major’s men are on their way.” Fernando’s voice rang out.
 
 
“Thanks.” Hondo replied.
 
 
“You find anything else out from your company?” He asked back
 
 
“Not much. Be ready for war. Tanks are probably.” Hondo replied.
 
 
The message was enough to let Fernando know that anything up to and past tanks were possible.
 
 
“I copy… Do not over do it.” Fernando replied.
 
 
Hondo sighed before clicking the transmit button on the radio again, “I copy. Out.”
 
 
(to be continued….)

Hondo, Marvin, and Karl arrived in the middle of the hanger in a flash of light with their bazookas. Maggie looked up from where she was attending to the wounds of two soldiers. One had a bad shoulder wound from a bullet and the other had a bandage around his head and over an eye where he had sustained a wound from an explosive chunking off concrete from the barriers and turning it into shrapnel. Tonya was half dragging a third wounded soldier into the hanger for Maggie to attend to next. The random shots were being exchanged outside but not a full-fledged fight at the moment.
 
 
“How bad is it?” Hondo asked.
 
 
“These three will live, but two didn’t have a chance.” Maggie said almost emotionlessly.
 
 
Hondo had not seen her like this before, but he figured she was stowing her normal emotions and misgivings to keep her mind on the task at hand.
 
 
“I was meanin’ the fightin’.” Hondo replied firmly.
 
 
“Ask Molly, I’m busy!” She snapped.
 
 
Molly came in limping, with a bandage wrapped around her thigh and her jeans cut up the side of the leg.
 
 
“I thought I heard your voice! Glad to see you’re okay.” She said as she limped up and kissed his on the cheek.  
 
 
“Are you alright?” He asked in a worried tone.
 
 
She nodded, “It’s just a graze. Stings more than anything. You guys get any? We heard some explosions.”
 
 
“Two tanks an’ two war blimps. Should slow them down some. What’s happenin’ here?” He asked.
 
 
“They thought we would be an easy target and attacked right as you left. We surprised them though, and took several of them out before they realized they bit off more than they could chew. Those left fell back and are taking pot-shots at us. I think they are waiting for something.” Molly said.
 
 
One of the soldiers rushed in yelling, “Tanks approaching from the north on the east road, headed our way!!”
 
 
Hondo turned to Karl and Marvin, “You two, with me!”
 
 
They picked the cases back up and rushed to his side as he twisted the canes crystal and slammed it into the ground sending the three of them up to the roof.
 
 
As they appeared on the roof they both pulled open the ammo cases, Karl giving one rocket to Hondo and Marvin loading the other himself.
 
 
“Still don’t know what that thing is you do with that cane, but I could sure get used to traveling that way!” Karl said.
 
 
“It is handy. Master Hondo, why can’t we move the whole group like that?” Marvin asked.
 
 
“If we traveled like that we’d never have rescued any of you. Beyond that, it’s not somethin’ to be used lightly. It’s too easily abused so even Jefe an’ I must limit ourselves so we don’t overuse them. They are not unlimited, like some think either, so they must be saved to save lives. Now, Marvin, take the left tank an’ I’ll take the right. Karl, get two reloads ready in case we miss!” Hondo responded.
 
 
While he knew the limits of the canes were way beyond what he was using it for, though its limits were not fully known by him, the simpler answer was the best, though it was partly a lie too. In truth he did not feel completely comfortable using it yet either, as the responsibility to use it right weighed heavily on him as did the possibility of relying too heavily on its power.
 
 
As he and Marvin aimed at the tanks they seemed to pause as fire erupted from behind them. They fired and hit them, though Hondo found it strange that wessen were piling out of them before they hit them.  
 
 
“What’s happening?!” Marvin asked.
 
 
“Jefe I’d imagine.” He replied
 
 
“Three jeeps!” Karl yells, pointed a bit further west on the east road.
 
 
Hondo and Marvin reloaded and both fired off a second round and hit their targets, the shadows of scattering wessen troops can be seen by the light of the burning vehicles, but the third vehicle disappeared from sighed behind a stand of trees.  
 
 
“You two get back down an’ get ready as we’ll be attacked again soon. Leave one bazooka an’ two rounds with me.” Hondo said.
 
 
“We only have three rounds left!” Karl said.
 
 
“Give me one, then and go!” He barked.
 
 
Karl handed him one then grabbed up the remaining two and followed Marvin, who had the other bazooka, down to the ground. Hondo stood and watched for a bit, feeling uneasy. And explosion from the direction of camp lit the norther edge of the camp. He pulled out his field glasses and took a look and saw a tank blown up just short of camp. The fighting seemed heaviest in town and at the main camp, and though the town was struggling, their camp was holding their own quite well.  
 
 
The sound of the pulse of an engine in the inky black sky drew his attention suddenly, but his eyes did not make it out at first. A fireball exploded from a large gun and lit up the sky enough for him to make it out as it fired towards the camp. He did not have time to see if the camp suffered any damage from that long shot, though, as he raised the bazooka to try to hit it himself. Another shot towards them erupted from a gun pointed their way just as he pulled the trigger on his bazooka!
 
 
His aim held true and the blimp burst into flames then exploded in the sky, lighting up the night for a moment. He did not get to witness it as the round hit the corner of the hanger, shaking the building and knocking him backwards off the roof! The impact threw him through the air, and sent his bazooka flying from his hand. He hit the ground hard, and groaned loudly as he landed on his back. He laid there for a second before rolling to his side and then pushing himself to his knees. He panted for a moment as a wave of pain rippled through him. He knew it was not good but he had no choices but to continue on.  
 
 
After a moment he struggled to his feet and stood up. He looked around for the bazooka, but upon finding it he found it severely damaged from hitting a tree that stood not behind the hanger. He picked it up anyway and limped back to the hanger door. His shoulder felt warm as did his leg and side, from his older wounds leaking again from this impact. As he limped around he saw one of the barriers at the edge of the hanger opening had been blown apart. And one of the jeeps the soldiers had brought was on fire. He ducked inside quickly as several shots ricocheted around him. Maggie was wrapping a bandage around Molly’s forearm and Tonya was giving one of the wounded a drink of water as he entered. Molly pulled away from Maggie and limped quickly to him as he entered and Tonya rushed to his side as well.
 
 
“Papa, are you okay?!” Tonya exclaimed.
 
 
“I’m alright… Just took a tumble.” He replied. “You all alright?”
 
 
Molly wrapped an arm around him and helped him over to one of the stools as he looked unsteady on his feet.
 
 
“That round killed another one and injured two others, including me, but mine is just a scratch.” She said as she helped him sit, though he growled slightly at the treatment.
 
 
“You hit?” Maggie asked as she came and started patting him down.
 
 
“No. Was takin’ a shot at that damn blimp when it shot at us an’ the blast knocked me off the roof.” He replied.
 
 
She nodded and went back to attending to others after finishing securing Molly’s arm bandage.  
 
 
“What’s it look like out there, Boss?” Molly asked.
 
 
“Far from over I’m afraid. I need to get back at it.” He said as he stood slowly.
 
 
“You need to rest!” Molly argued.
 
 
“There will be time for rest later! I could use a few more of those pills, though.” He said.
 
 
“No! You can’t risk it!” Molly stated firmly..
 
 
He frowned and glared a bit at Molly.
 
 
“Tonya, grab me four of each please.” He said in low tones as he stared at Molly daring her to question him again.  
 
 
Tonya nodded and went to grab the pills and some water. Shots rang out again and the remaining soldier, Karl, and Marvin returned fire to make the enemy go into hiding again. Molly turned away from him to hide her emotions as she was afraid she’d break down and cry out of worry and fear for Hondo’s life if she stared at him a moment longer. Tonya was back quickly with the pills and some water which he down quickly before pulling a flask out of his vest and taking a swig from it. Tonya walked around Molly and put a hand on her shoulder.
 
 
“You okay?” Tonya asked.
 
 
Molly nodded but said nothing.
 
 
Hondo growled a bit as he put the flask back in his pocket, grabbed up a rifle and headed to the hanger door. As he approached the barricaded area out front a flash of light was seen from straight ahead, as if a flash from a bazooka or some sort of cannon.  
 
 
“Incoming!” One of the soldiers yelled as they dove out of the way.  
 
 
Hondo turned and saw Molly and Tonya had come up behind him. He dove into them, knocking them to the ground, shielding them with his body as a rocket grenade hit dead center of the barricaded patio and blew a large whole in their protection. Their ears rang a bit, but the sound of vehicles roaring to a stop out front were loud enough to bring them all to their senses. Hondo rolled of the two ladies and up to his knee as wessens piled out of the vehicles screaming and charging them.  
 
 
To Hondo it was as if things had gone into slow motion and he could see them all in greater detail. The most of them piled out, one wessen pulled the radio microphone and spoke into it.
 
 
“THE HANGER IS OPEN FOR (BANG! BANG! BANG!) -##* UGH!” He yelled out as he slumped forward against the steering wheel.
 
 
Hondo had emptied two revolvers, taking down three wessens, including the radio operator, hitting each with more than one shot. The other joined in too, Tonya grabbing his 9mm ssig from his shoulder holster and shooting as she half hid behind him, randomly into the charging enemy. Molly fired off buck-shot into the charging group, taking away lives and the will to fight at the same time. Maggie was down on one knee, blood dripping from her forearm as held Hondo’s 32 NAA that Molly had given to her earlier. The soldiers had a mix of rifles and pistols, and at the end of that charge a couple even jumped the remaining few with knives, finishing them off.  
 
 
Hondo looked around at everyone, “Everyone alright?”
 
 
“Just a scratch here. Tonya, can you help me with the bandage?” Maggie asked.
 
 
He nodded after a moment. Everyone was tired but no serious injuries were seen.
 
 
“Looks like we made it well that ti… AHHH!” He yelled as his hand instinctively went to his face.
 
 
Blood poured out from under his hand as Molly leapt forward and grabbed his arm to see what happened. A couple of the soldiers returned fire and a scream out in the night said that they got the shooter.  
 
 
A stray bullet hit the edge of one of the vehicles, shattered and one of the pieces hit Hondo in the face, tearing a path up his cheek and punctured his eye.  
 
 
Maggie ran forward, forgoing her own bandage to see what happened.
 
 
“Hondo! What happened?! Where are you hit!?!” Molly asked extremely worried.
 
 
“Left eye!” He half yelled as he grimaced from the pain.
 
 
Maggie pulled his hand away and gasped. The gash on his cheek was deep but not life threatening. His eye, on the other hand was very bad.
 
 
“I’m.. I’m sorry, but I think you’re losing that eye. It’s punctured through.” Maggie stammered.
 
 
“Just patch me up! I’ll worry ‘bout it later!” He growled through grit teeth.
 
 
“We need to get that shrapnel out!” She argued more firmly.
 
 
“Later!” He barked.  
 
 
Molly sighed and shook her head, “Do what he says and hurry. We’ll have more attacking shortly.”
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
Val and Valentine laid on the camper roof, picking off the enemy at a god range, using rifles with night-vision scopes. They had to stay away from the light of vehicles as the light caused the scopes to go into white-out conditions but they were extremely useful for picking off those who tried to sneak in close, using the dark as a cloak.  
 
 
As a tank closed in on them its first round landed in the center of the camp, leaving only a dirt crater and no further damage. A rocket-grenade was sent in reply from the Major’s troop and they took out the tank on the first try.  
 
 
Though they hoped the tank blowing up would slow them down, the wessen cult followers rushed at the camp with a greater number than the first two attacks.
 
 
“It’s not safe up here anymore, we need to get down now!” Valentine snarled.
 
 
Val nodded and followed her down, and changed out her rifle for one of Hondo’s Lever guns while Valentine grabbed up his AR style shotgun with a twenty round drum attached.  
 
 
As they changed out weapons Joanna trotted up to them.
 
 
“Val?!” She yell over the gunfire.  
 
 
They both turned to look at her and she looked at them both with a confused look. Val stepped up after a moment.  
 
 
“That’s my sister, Maria! Something wrong?!” Val asked.
 
 
“We have Macey and Zoey with us, but we could use help guarding the camper!” She yelled.
 
 
“I’ll help! I’ve got the shotgun!” Valentine offered. “Val, you go check on the teen guards! Without Fernando here they could probably use encouragement!”
 
 
Val nodded and headed off to where she had last seen the teens at, as Valentine followed Joanna back to their camper.  
 
 
At Ruth’s camper Ruth nodded as Valentine came up to join them.
 
 
“Thanks for coming, Val.” She said.
 
 
“That’s not Val, it’s her sister Maria.” Joanna said.
 
 
“Sister? When did you get here?” Ruth asked cautiously.
 
 
“The night after she shot her husband. Been with her ever since. She’s… not been herself.” Valentine said.
Ruth nodded, “It’s good someone is with her.”
 
 
“The girls okay?” Valentine asked.
 
 
“I stuck my head in and they, the boys, and Fernando’s friend seem to have passed out hard! My younger sister and cousin are sitting inside the door with pistols in case things go bad, but I don’t want them out here.” Ruth said.
 
 
About then an explosion sounded not far from the front of Hondo’s camper, and the fire ball lit up half the camp. They looked up to see a blimp half way between them and the hanger, but closer to the hanger. Another shot sounded from it, but seemed to be aimed at the hanger this time. Not but milliseconds after the shot the blimp went down in a ball of fire.
 
 
The blast knocked Val to the ground, as it damaged the front of the camper truck, knocked over Karl and Marvin’s camper, and decimated one of the teens’ dune buggies. As she pushed herself up off the ground a cry for help came from where the teens had been. One of the boys lay on the ground unconscious, another held his arm, and a third held one of the girls who clutched her stomach.  
 
 
“Help! Someone help!” One of the other girls screamed.
 
 
Val scrambled to her feet and half ran, half crawled to the girl who held her stomach.
 
 
Blood poured out from under her hand and covered her shirt.
 
 
“Please help her!” The boy who held her exclaimed.
 
 
She frowned but tried not to betray her own fear for the girl and her injury, “We’ll take care of her. I promise.”
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
As Fernando runs across the roofs he listens to the radio. Conflicting commands are being given by several voices to attack or retreat.
 
 
“Tank 3 is down! Retreat!” A voice says over the radio.
 
 
“Wessens Do Not Run! Keep Going Forward! Attack! Attack!” Another voice retorted.
 
 
“Reverend Wallace! Reverend Wallace! There Is No Way...-%&##*!!!” A third voice yells and then the radio carrier waves collide causing squawking and interference.
 
 
It clears up with half a message being said, “##$&@!...GO FORWARD! YOU ARE STRONGER THAN THEY WILL EVER BE!!”
 
 
“OH MY GOD! BLIMP 3 HAS CRASHED AND IS ON FIRE!!!”
 
 
“THE HANGER IS OPEN FOR (BANG! BANG! BANG!) -##* UGH!”
 
 
“ATTACK! MAIME! DESTROY! WESSENS RULE THE EARTH!”
 
 
But that last phrase sounded closer in person than it did on the radio. Fernando looks down at the edge of the roof at the side of the building, a 15ft drop onto compacted dirt with a jeep in the alley and four individuals: Driver, front passenger, rear driver’s side passenger and rear passenger’s side passenger who is yelling into a large microphone. A large radio was in front of the rear passengers with a large antenna on the rear of the jeep with a double ring loops on it.
 
 
Putting away his sword and shouldering the rifle, Fernando trots to the rear of the building and jumps down the side. He hunches over, withdraws one of his firearms from their shoulder holsters and walks hunched over to the back of the jeep. Having not been noticed, he stands up and shoots the driver and the passenger behind him in the back of the head, and then the passenger in front passenger seat on the side of the head, killing all three in under five seconds. It is quickly followed by grabbing the one yelling into the radio’s microphone by the back of his shirt and jacket collar and hauling him out of his rear seat and onto dirt floor behind the vehicle. He aims his gun to the Wessen’s face.
 
 
“Who are you to dare cause this destruction?!” Fernando yells at him.
 
 
“I Do Not Answer To A Hell Spawn Heathen Of The Likes Of You!” The Wessen replies.
 
 
“Heathen Hell Spawn? That’s a good one. But no one takes the righteous and use them to their own personal cause and profit, for the Flames of Inferno will be the resting place of your soul.” Fernando tells him.
 
 
“YOU ARE THE DEVIL’S SPAWN! KILL ME AND WE WIL WIN! MY JOB HERE IS DONE!” The reverend says out loud.
 
 
“I will show you what hell is like.” Fernando snarls at him before they both disappear in a flash of light.
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
As the next wave rushed them, Hondo stood out front with the soldiers and Molly by his side. White gauze peaked out from the back and silver bandana that was tied around his forehead and pulled down over where his left eye had been.  
 
 
Hondo had switched over to his pair of 1911 pistols and was taking careful aim as they attacked on foot this time only. Molly blasted away with her twelve gauge, her face twisted into an angry sneer as she grit her teeth and shot into the charging enemy. Tonya hid behind some steel plating just inside the door, her hand shaking and tears dripping from her eyes as she held Hondo’s 9mm and watched the blood splatter from the hole she put in the head of one of the female charging wessen and onto those behind her. Maggie had Hondo’s 32 NAA clipped to her belt, but was too busy patching wounds to be shooting at the moment. Karl had a bullet graze his head and was being patched up by Maggie at the moment. He held his gun at ready, though he was pretty sure he had a concussion and saw two of everything now. Marvin roared and yelled at those who ran at them as he shot at them wildly, but accurately. Blood soaked the side of his shirt where he had a flesh wound that had half sealed due to the shirt material that stuck in it.  
 
 
As this attack ended, Karl tried to join them again, but missed everything he shot at and Molly took a bullet to her left and had to switch guns with Hondo. Hondo was grazed on his bad shoulder again, but with the pills in him and other pains he already had he did not even notice it. A stick of dynamite killed another soldier, took the leg off a second, and send a large concrete chunk into Tonya’s leg, leaving her limping with a large bruise and possibly cracked tibia.
 
 
For the moment, they had survived though.  
 
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
[Long in the Distant Past]
 
 
Up in a tree some 30ft above the ground on a large tree limb a bright light flashes. The place looks not like of the earth they know as different plant species grow around them. The older Löwen wessen in dark camo gear was at the bending end of the large tree limb holding on with his arms and legs. Fernando was by tree trunk connected to the limb. There was a loud roar what made the Wessen coward in fear.
 
 
Looking down he can see the Troodons looking up and growling, as if waiting for dinner to fall down in front of them.
 
 
“Welcome to hell.” Fernando throws at him.  
 
 
He throws in, “You religious types think that this time on earth did not exist, that the earth is some 5000 years old. I’ll give it to god in the mastery of his creation but there is more to earth that just 5000 years. The earth is millions of years old, filled with history of creation, extinction and recreation. And Man as we know him to be for almost a million years. God has no need to put fossils into the earth to fool the scientists! He took his time to create what we have, for a day to him is a billion years to us.”
 
 
“I, Reverend William Robert Wallace, walk through the valley of darkness and fear no evil!” The Löwen wessen lets out.
 
 
Fernando jumps on the branch, making the wessen loose his grip and have his legs fall off the tree limb and dangle down above the Troodons.
 
 
“I do not care for your name nor for your title, for those in hell have no names and only wear a title of shame. But for you can call me ‘The Time Walker’ and you #$@!ed with the wrong people. You are following evil. Go read your damn bible: Genesis 1:27 ‘For God made man in his image.’ Wesses are not of god’s image. They are the creation of the fallen spirits to make man suffer and put him through trials and tribulations by forcing him into slavery and taking him away from the holy light. Wessens are Human taken by force to be turned into slaves as wessens. But we humans and fellow wessens can forgive and accept others into our fold. But if you dare think you are better than everyone else like that stupid Hector, let me tell you that Hector is in cahoots with human scientists in turning humans into wessens and selling them into slavery to the gang lords and slave traders. Take note – I – The Time Walker – Would Never Take Anyone And Put Them Into Slavery. Nor I – The Time Walker – Would Never Turn Anyone Into A Wessen As Either A Free Person Or A Slave. So you got a choice to make – change your ways and redeem yourself so you can be forgiven, or become lunch for my friends down there.” Fernando tells them.
 
 
“Go #$@! Yourself – Whatever you call yourself!” The Löwen wessen says.  
 
 
Fernando jumps onto the branch twice, making it shake hard and the Löwen wessen slip down until he is just hanging by his fingers. He screams and cries like a baby. Fernando waits for about a minute before he walks up to him, bends down on his knees and reaches down, grabs his forearm and pulls him up, making him stand up in front of him on the end of the weaker branches.
 
 
“I’m willing to forgive if you are willing to apologize.” Fernando tells him.
 
 
“I Am Not Sorry!” Reverend Wallace says as he tries to push Fernando off the branch, but soon realizes his mistake as his sudden move snaps the branches from under his feet.  
 
 
He falls and lands hard on the compacted soil below, opening his eyes after landing on his back. The Troodons fight among each other as their 9inch talons grab and rip his clothes off him and slicing into his flesh. He cries and yells with his arms and legs flailing about like a baby at the hands of an abusive parent beating him.
 
 
Fernando watches the bloody show as the reverend is grabbed, sliced and trampled upon by fighting Troodons who wanted a whole piece of him to themselves. After a few minutes there is a double flash of light.
 
 
{At the Convoy Camp}
 
 
A large flash of light is seen in the middle of the parking area. Several guards run over to them with guns aimed and readied.
 
 
“I got a prisoner for the Major. He’s the mastermind executor of this private little war. And give your communications officer this frequency: 28.6550MHz. He will know what to do.” Fernando tells him.
 
 
The guards pick up the bloody, ripped up, quivering, crying mess the Löwen wessen was and take him to an interrogation tent after handcuffing him to take him away. Fernando looks around, glad in the least that the fight has not reached the convoy yet. Even better from what he can sense, the fighting is coming to an end with many wessens retreating and running away.
 
 
It takes another half hour for the fighting to stop and anyone caught hiding being arrested. The major’s men cross the battle lines with most of them gathering the various weapons and firearms left behind by the retreating wessens, they are brought to camp for identification, inventory and repair. Soon the fighting was over and quiet returns to Flight Town. Though the recycling of the larger weapons and vehicles was being done, true cleanup of the battlefield and restoration of the town had to wait for the morning.
 
 
(to be continued…)

After dropping off the prisoner, Fernando walks back to the battlefields. Things were eerily quiet as only crickets can be heard over the distant sounds of vehicles moving about. Last radio call stated that the Wessens were on the run, but the question remains, would they come back? Most of their numbers were decimated, their equipment taken, ruined or destroyed. He ends up at the Main runway of the town that gives it its name, one could not walk through there without tripping on a body. Of all the jeeps and tanks that were there, only one escaped damage and remains intact. Only problem is the pile of wreckage and bodies that little about the place making it impossible to drive without running somebody or something over.
 
He takes to his came and concentrates, pressing on the glowing orb on the end of the stick which shifting the bodies neatly on one side of the runway and the wrecked vehicles onto the other.  He realizes that he has to do this again and again as he moves about with the vehicle. Though respect he gives to their dead, he know that they would not do the same for him if the tables were turned.
 
He gets into the jeep and begins to drive South on the runway, onto the sand and grassy fields until he stops at a burnt out hulk of one of the blimps, its frame collapsed upon itself and nothing left but charred ruins of what once was, reminiscent of the pictures of the burnt out Hindenburg. Bodies here were burnt and the smell of a barbeque gone bad lingers about the place. At the far end he finds a nearly intact body, its head crushed from a metal beam that was part of the blimp but had separated from the explosion. He searches its vests and finds a folded piece of paper.
 
“Kill them! Gut them! Take out their hearts and eat it! What you bring back will be counted for your pay! Your work to destroy the humans will be greatly rewarded” It says when it is fully opened. Fernando shakes his head upon reading it.  It has instructions on how to claim their rewards from the “Church of the Lion and the Lamb” through Reverend Wallace. It is signed “Hector De La Cruz” though it was more like a stamped or copy printed signature than an actual signature. On the back was a list of ‘commanding officers.’ He thinks that in looking at the bodies, many on that list might be among the dead. The paper gets folded up and put into his pocket.
 
He continues down to the Lawmen Jailhouse, finding the street empty like a ghost town. He remembers the dead snipers on the roof, but nothing else should be around. But then he remembers the reverend’s jeep with the radio equipment on it. He heads to it, finding it still here, untouched from the battle of the night. He examines it and finds that he could connect his jeep’s clamp-style trail hitch to the reverend’s jeep and drive it back to the camp. He connects the two vehicles together and tows the reverend’s jeep with his as he continues on with his exploring.
 
The only good thing so far is seeing the ass-crack of dawn out on the eastern horizon.
 
-To be continued -