Hondo and his troop were not separated long from Fernando and his troop when the radio in his pocket clicked to life with a familiar voice echoing forth from its speaker.
 
“Righteous Cowboy, this is the Medic. You out there, Righteous Cowboy?” Fernando’s voice called out
 
“This is Righteous, what is it Medic?” Hondo replies, managing to get the radio from his pocket and reply before Fernando called out a second time.
 
 “Ask Madison if David is with riding with them.” Fernando asked over the radio.
 
Hondo turned to Madison who nodded at the question.
 
 “That was the plan, unless you guys want to do something different.” He replied.
 
Hondo keyed the radio transmit button and answered Fernando, “Yes he is.”
 
Fernando responded, “I just realized that David being a Canine Wessen, requires more meat in his diet than normal, opposite of the other Wessens who are vegetarians.”
 
“Didn’t think about that.” Madison said, more to himself than anyone.
 
“We did not take that into consideration, even though a dog will literally eat anything, his diet should be more meat than for us.” Hondo replied over the radio.
 
“I’ll go pickup a few extra pounds of Jerky and Slim Jim sausages for him as a snack food for the teens, if I can find it.” Fernando replied.
 
“I’ll go find some as well, not just for him but for Molly too, and for myself.”  Hondo said in response.
 
“You know, I did not even consider her. Thanks for being mindful.” Fernando said back.
 
“Anything else we should pick up?” Hondo asked
 
“I’m getting the cat food for Meeshie and Kitty, the teens and Ruth and Joanne will need some dog food for their dogs. Keep in mind Bruno and Killer are some very big dogs. Other than that, it is more of the same - meats, veggies, grains, dried fruits and powdered.” Fernando replied.
 
“I hear ya.” Hondo responded.
 
“Don’t we need to get some water drums?” Madison asked.
 
Hondo keyed the mic and held it out for Madison to ask his question. Madison looked at him and then the radio and then back at him before leaning in to ask his question again.
 
“What about getting the empty drum containers to store water in?” Madison asked again, over the radio this time.
 
“If you find any, pick them up.” Fernando replies.
 
“Will do.” Hondo replies.
 
“See you out there...” Fernando replies.
 
“See ya.” Hondo replies before shoving the radio back into his pocket.
 
“I didn’t think of needing more meat for the carnivore wessens. I know the herbivore wessens can’t do any meat, but I guess you don’t hear as much from the carnivore wessens.” Madison said.
 
“From my understandin’ of it, most carnivore wessens just aren’t as sensitive to food types as herbivore wessens are. Molly says if she refrains from meat she just craves it an’ feels like she has less energy. She doesn’t get upset by it. Tonya an’ Zoey don’t seem to have much issues either, but Zoey is only part wessen an’ I tend to eat more meat than most so they get a heavy meat diet anyway.” Hondo replied.
 
“I’ve heard too much meat for humans can be bad.” Patricia said.
 
“While too much of anythin’ is bad for ya, that’s mostly a myth. Where I’m from its perpetrated by groups, organizations, an’ government officials who hold that eatin’ meat is cruelty to animals or bad for the environment… That’s a bunch of bullshit, an’ honestly I think those that are drivin’ that mindset are either duped fools or have a bigger agenda. Round here I think it’s more of a scarcity thing. Vegetables are often easier to grow an’ have a higher profit. So, they want everyone to think they need more vegetables an’ less meat. That’s from my own lookin’ into it all, though. Others have other opinions, that’s just mine.” Hondo replied.
 
Madison shrugged, “Makes sense to me. We’ve lived off meat before on long trips when you could only get stuff from hunting or from buying off hunters. Not many farmers selling vegetables in the middle of nowhere. In towns we’ve lived off more vegetables than anything, and I always felt better with more meat.”
 
“You sure you’re not part wessen??” Patricia teased.  
 
“Do I look wessen? Do I have any fur?” He asked back scowling.
 
“Not all full blooded wessen have fur, and those who had a human parent or partial human parent are even less likely to have fur, like Zoey.” Marvin replied.
 
Patricia and Madison ignored him, as they were not interested in the facts but in each other. Patricia liked picking on Madison sometimes as she saw him like a brother. Madison let it get to him, but tried to push it back on her in some way as he liked her and did not want to be written off as a brother or friend.
 
“Last time I saw you with your shirt off you looked pretty bare to me, but you could be hiding it.” She teased.
 
“I’ll drop them and show you, but unless you call ass hair or ball-sack hair fur, you’ll not find any! Ouch!” Madison exclaimed as Patricia punched him in the shoulder. “What was that for!”
 
“For being disgusting.” Patricia replied, scowling.
 
“How was that disgusting?? And you started it!” Madison exclaimed.
 
Patricia gave him a cold look and moved up beside Hondo.
 
 “You’re just too juvenile to understand. A real man would not talk like that to a lady.” She said loudly before whispering so only Hondo could hear, “Unless they were alone and were having some fun that is.”  
 
Marvin, who was on the other side of Hondo heard her too, having better than average hearing due to being a wessen. He looked over at Hondo to see what his reaction was but to his surprise he did not see any.
 
Hondo had decided to pretend he had lost his hearing for a moment. He decided to leave them be unless they started to cause a scene and had no will to respond to the teenager girl’s comment, as her recent behavior gave him an idea of what she was wanting and he was not about to oblige her. If she continued he knew he would have to talk to her, but for now it was harmless and might even go away on its own if he did not acknowledge it, or so he hoped.  
 
After a couple minutes of silence as Hondo walked past a few booths, scanning the area for what he was looking for, the two teens seemed to forget their momentary hostilities and lighter conversations started again. As he decided what they needed he stopped at a dried goods booth and looked over what they had. After a few minutes of talking to the booth owner and haggling a bit, they settled on 100 lbs of flour, 50 lbs of sugar, 1 lb each of baking powder, yeast, and black pepper, 2 lbs each of salt, dried onion, and garlic, ½ lb of various other seasonings, 10 lbs each of pea protein powder, powdered eggs, powdered milk, and powdered cheese, and 20 lbs powdered drink mix. After he paid he turned to the teens with him.
 
“You two load the wagons then come join us. We’ll be lookin’ at some dried meats.” Hondo said.
 
“You want me to stay and help them?” Marvin asked.
 
Hondo shook his head, “They got it.”
 
Hondo started off and Marvin handed over the handle to the cart he was pulling to the teens and trotted off after Hondo.
 
“You sure they will be alright?” Marvin asked as he caught up.
 
“Yeah, but I had other reason for us splittin’ up… I want to ask your opinion on somethin’.” Hondo stated.
 
“My opinion? About what??” Marvin asked, surprised as no one ever asked his opinion on anything before.
 
“First off, don’t let those kids’ conversations get to ya. Fur or not, wessen or not, doesn’t matter. It’s a messed-up world but we’re all humans, whether some scientist messed with your DNA, or your ancestor’s DNA or not… Unfortunately, kids will be kids, an’ though they, like most of the kids with us have not really been given a chance to be kids an’ have had to act like adults, they are still kids at heart.” Hondo said.
 
Marvin shrugged, “I don’t let their conversations bother me. You and Fernando … and I guess Maggie, treat me like a man, and you and Fernando were the first to treat me as something other than farm equipment. I guess that’s enough for me for now. Still getting used to it all, honestly, but either way like you said they are just kids.”
 
“How are you an’ Maggie doin’?” Hondo asked as he started glancing over the items at the booth he had walked to, as they waited for the owner to be done helping someone else.
 
Marvin blushed and looked down from embarrassment, though he could not help but smile a bit at the mere mention of her name.
 
“We’ve … we’ve both been through a lot, her more than most, and we know we are both sorta.. broken, I guess is the right word… We decided to take things one day at a time for now and see where they go. We didn’t mean for anything to happen, honestly. Just the stress got to us and we kinda found some peace in each other’s arms and.. and things happened, you know?” He replied.
 
Hondo grinned slightly and nodded, “I know all too well. Just be careful as I don’t want to see either of ya hurt worse an’ as long as we all travel together you have to be ‘round each other so if things look like they aren’t gonna work out, try to leave things friendly.”
 
Marvin nodded, “We’ll be careful… talking about leaving things friendly, though, Miss Val doing any better?”
 
Hondo’s demeanor changed to blank and his voice took on a cold note.
 
“I .. I don’t know… We aren’t talkin’ right now… Can’t get her to talk without yellin’ or cryin’. She claims she hates me so… Let us be an example of how not to leave things.” He replied without making eye contact.
 
“It’s not your fault.” Marvin said.
 
Hondo turned and gave him a hard look reactively before turning away with a sigh.
 
“*Sigh* … It’s always someone’s fault an’ I sure didn’t fix things or make them better so might as well be… Let me leave you with one last piece of relationship advice, before we so talkin’ ‘bout this as I really hate this topic right now. It takes two to fight. If you don’t argue back there is no fight. It doesn’t mean cowerin’ or sayin’ your wrong when you are not. As the man in the relationship, listenin’ to your woman is good, but you have to make the final call. You argue with her over it, you’ve already lost, as if your opinion is different but she can’t respect your final word and argues, then she doesn’t respect you an’ arguin’ back will not help nor change her mind. If there is no respect, then the relationship is broken. Val lost her respect for me, somehow, to the point where she hates me. There is no relationship then there at all, let alone a broken one. If she starts arguin’ fix the relationship then an’ there or get out of it. Once she starts hatin’ ya, its too late as there is nothin’ left to fix.” He replied flatly, though Marvin detected a slight sad note that he was obviously trying to hide.
 
Marvin nodded silently before changin’ the topic, “So … you wanted my opinion on something?”
 
Hondo nodded, and his demeanor changed again to one not as cold, but still serious with a hint of awkwardness.
 
“Yeah, yeah… ‘bout that…. Am I just imaginin’ things or has that little gal been flirtin’ with me?” Hondo asked as tipped his hat back a bit and scratched his head, trying to hide the awkwardness of the question.
 
Marvin looked at him for a moment with a surprised looked on his face, taking a moment to process before answering, “Why ask me?”
 
Hondo shrugged, “You’re observant an’ I’ve been either busy or tryin’ to ignore her in case it was true. Besides, you’ve worked with them more an’ know them while I really don’t. I’m not sure if she’s just a flirt or somethin’ is up.”
 
Marvin gave him a sort of sour look, “No disrespect meant sir, but Master Hondo… half the women in camp would like you to bed them, you have to know that.”
 
Hondo shrugged, “I’ve never been good at readin’ that bullshit. Val flirted with me for weeks before she broke down sobbing one day and asked why I didn’t like her! Molly was straight forward and honest about it from the get go, an’ the few other gals I dated either I told them I was interested or they told someone that told me what was goin’ on. I know a lot of the gals in camp are appreciative for us helpin’ them, but they can’t want me. Fernando, I get, he’s the more suave, dangerous leader. I’m just an old country-boy who is good with his hands.”
 
Marvin looked at him for a moment blankly then started to chuckle. After a moment the chuckle turned into a full laugh. Hondo just stared at him sourly for laughing, though after a second or two he realized it was the first tie he had actually heard him laugh.
 
After Marvin started to calm back down Hondo just shook his head, “I guess I missed the joke. Care to fill me in?”
 
Marvin chuckled still and shook his head for a moment until he got himself under control.
 
“Heh, I guess I just never saw you like that. None of us do! You and Master Fernando, though both different, both seem so suave, sure of yourselves, powerful, and dangerous. Master Fernando does have a bit more of this calm, gentlemanliness about him. You have a bit more of a rugged, gruff way, but you both are fearsome when angry or in a fight, though both different still…. Its hard to explain yet… I guess we, or at least I, have not thought about either of you having misgivings, doubts, or blindness’s about yourselves or your abilities! It just struck me as funny that you were blind to how sexy many of the women find you. The women want one, the other, or both of you and the men want to be you! Yes, rescuing the women started those feelings and many would drop their panties for either of you just for that, but the way they talk about you two, you two rescuing them just got their engines started. Who you are, how you carry yourselves, and treat everyone, that fueled and revved them up beyond what saving them did. And to answer your first question, no, Patricia isn’t really a flirt. She’s more of a tomboy at times actually, though not as bad as Alice, though she is the shiest. Nancy is the flirt, but she doesn’t mean anything by it. Lisa is… well, she’s a bit odd. I don’t think she would make a pass without being painfully clear, but I’m not sure she ever would make a pass at anyone.” Marvin replied.
 
Though Hondo showed him that even one perceived as powerful as himself still had doubts and weaknesses, Marvin could not help but respect him more and even feel more hope for his own future. If someone like him could do so much and still have short comings and self-doubts, then why could he not make something of himself too?
 
“I know about Lisa, enough to know I don’t want to ask questions at least. As long as that stays private an’ doesn’t effect anyone else, ‘specially my girls or Macey, then I won’t get involved. I don’t like it nor condone it, but I guess this world messes everyone up in some way an’ we all do what we can to cope.” Hondo replied.
 
Marvin nodded, “I guess, but that’s still pretty messed up… but I guess many see humans who have sex with wessens in the same light. We are just animals to most humans still.”  
 
“Most humans are assholes, that goes for wessen humans too, unfortunately. Can’t force everyone to think or act right. Just have to expect some of the assholes will direct their bullshit at you.” Hondo replied.
 
Marvin nodded, “Yeah.”
 
“So, you do think that kid has her eyes on me? Damn, I was afraid of that.” Hondo said quietly.
 
“She’s not really a kid. I mean, she’s over 16. Unless you’re a woman in one of the richer families, girls are usually married off by her age unless a slave, in the trade… you know whores, or wandering like they were. If they aren’t married off by then, they usually become one of those things, whores most often. She and the other did a little of everything to survive, you know.” Marvin replied.
 
“I know, but she’s a kid to me. It might be acceptable to some but makes me feel like a creepy old man, havin’ some sprite of a girl that age thinkin’ I’d take her.” Hondo said sourly.
 
“Well, she’s not the only one. I head a couple of those bunny girls have their eyes on you too. Especially that wild one, Kiah. I heard from one of the other teens that she even told Miss Val she was going to take you.” Marvin replied.
 
“Who told you that?!” Hondo queried
 
“Madison. I guess one of the other boys overhear her while on patrol. You’d be surprised the conversations they hear while patrolling. Most people don’t pay attention to them so they talk as if they are not around. Not surprised as they treat us the same or worse even. As a slave I heard all sorts of things about the master’s business. I guess he knew we were too stupid to do anything about it even if we had the freedom to do anything.” Marvin replied.
 
“You aren’t stupid. Maybe ignorant of some things but there is a difference. Ignorant is from lack of being taught. Stupid is willful ignorance or the inability to learn.” Hondo replied
 
“Can I help you, sir?” A voice from the booth called out to, causing both of them to turn their attentions to see the booth owner was now free.
 
“Well talk more later.” Hondo said to Marvin before turning his attention to the booth owner.
 
After some more talk Hondo bought up several bags of jerky and meat sticks, along with some more cured and canned meats, some #10 cans of freeze-dried meats, which he was surprised to find, and some pickle sausages and eggs, since they kept well and could be eaten without any preparation, like the jerky.  
 
While he was ordering the teens made it back to them with the loaded wagons, and there was less room than he thought available. After he paid they had to half repack the wagons to make things fit, and both were overloaded.  
 
“We’d better head back and unload before we shop anymore.” Hondo said to the group.
 
“What do we need next?” Madison asked.
 
“I’d like to see about some hard and processed cheeses, the kinds that don’t need refrigeration, maybe some some canned an’ pickled vegetables, an’ maybe some tortillas is anyone is selling bulk.” He said.
 
“Why that?” Patricia asked.
 
“Stuff to make sandwiches on the road. Too many people for Ruth an’ the other ladies to make up meals to go for everyone. Need stuff we can dole out to everyone so they can eat on the roll. Tortillas, cheese, an’ some cured meat and/or pickled vegetables and you have a quick sandwich if wanted. I’ve lived for weeks off hard cheese, jerky, and coffee before. Some peanuts or mixed nuts make a nice addition too, but I’ve yet to see any.” He commented.
 
Patricia grabbed his arm and smiled at him sweetly.
 
“Why don’t you and I stroll around the market while Marvin and Madison unload the wagons? That way we can see if they have what you want and we can talk and stuff.” She said, trying to turn on her charm.
 
“Why don’t we all put stuff away then look together? Besides, what could you possibly have to talk about alone?” Madison asked in flat, annoyed tones.
 
Patricia glared at him, “It will be faster if we got a head start looking for one, and adult stuff that is private and you would not understand.”
 
Hondo rolled his eyes behind his dark glasses and sighed to himself mentally as he realized she was not going to drop it.
 
“Madison is right, we should go together. This place has gotten better but it’s still dangerous. We should stick together.” Hondo replied.
 
She let go of his arm and slumped dejectedly, “Oh… I guess that is best.”
 
“Guess?? You remember what happened her this morning??? Of course, it’s what is best!” Madison said quickly, getting glares from Patricia in response.
 
“Marvin, Madison, pull the wagons. Patricia either on my left or behind me.” Hondo said as he started off.  
 
Patricia stuck her tongue out at Madison and then trotted to get up beside Hondo.
 
Madison looked at Marvin who just shrugged in response, so he shook his head and sighed angrily as he yanked on the wagon and took off to catch up, Marvin following close behind him.
 
Once at the vehicles they unloaded quickly and took back off towards the market again. As the approached it Hondo took the wagon from Marvin and handed him a few coins.  
 
“I saw a vendor sellin’ pie by the slice over there. Why don’t ya see what they got an’ get us each a piece. Oatmeal, Pecan, Rhubarb, or Cherry would be my top choices, no peach.” Hondo said.
 
“Sure thing, Master Hondo.” Marvin said.
 
“Oh an’ take Patricia with you. Madison an’ I will scout ahead. I see a vendor with dried fruits up ahead. We’ll start there.” Hondo said before turning to Madison, “Want a slice of Pie? Marvin an’ Patricia are grabbing some for us.”
 
Madison nodded, “Sure. Any fruit flavor is good with me…” He turned to Marvin, “Don’t let her spit on mine.”
 
Marvin nodded. And Patricia shot him another glare before turning away. Madison shook his head and sighed again before walking off a ways towards where Hondo said they were going.  
 
As the other two left Hondo caught up with him and stopped him before reaching the vendor.
 
“You alright there?” He asked.
 
Madison shrugged, “I guess.”
 
“You know, you’ll never win her by pissin’ her off.” He remarked.
 
Madison looked at him sourly, “Like I have a chance. I thought I maybe did before we met you. Life sucked but her and I would talk about trying to make enough side money and hide it from Jason so we could leave together and start a new life! I guess I always thought it would be me and her someday but… *sigh* Guess she sees me as like her brother or something lame like that. Maybe she always has, I don’t know but I don’t have a chance against who she really wants.”
 
“An’ who is that?” Hondo asked, playing dumb.
 
Madison’s frown deepened, “Even the blind can see she wants you!”
 
Hondo sighed and shook his head, “She’s too young for me an’ she’ll soon realize I’m too old for her.”
 
“That’s a joke! Once a girl is of age no man says she’s too young for him!” Madison replied angrily.
 
“Well I do. Besides, I have someone.” Hondo countered.
 
“One, two, ten. A man doesn’t say no to a willing woman.” Madison argued.
 
“Listen, I don’t want to hurt her or you, but I’m not interested in her an’ your anger won’t help!  You are free to leave if you hate me that much, you know!” Hondo growled at him.
 
Madison took a step back and swallowed hard, as though he tried not to show it, both Hondo and Fernando scared him a bit, though not as much as they awed and inspired him.
 
“It’s .. it’s not like that! I don’t hate you, honest! I.. I just .. just really like her and she doesn’t even notice me!” Madison replied quickly, stumbling over a few of his words.
 
“Best advice I can give is don’t chase her! Women say they liked to be chased but that’s bullshit. A woman never respects a man who chases her, even if they ask to be chased or let them catch her eventually. Be yourself, be respectful, but also be honorable, brave, and deservin’ of respect! Then you don’t give the time of day to those who don’t respect you an’ stand up for others who can’t for themselves. If she won’t see you then, she never will. Even if she doesn’t see you, treat her with respect unless she disrespects you. Then just ignore her as that’s not worth your time. Bein’ childish back to her pokin’ you will only distance you both an’ destroy any chance you might have.” He replied firmly.
 
Madison looked at him blankly at first as he let the words soak in before sighing and nodding.
 
“Yes, sir. I’ll .. I’ll try…. But… are you going to, you know …. #$@! her? I know she wants you too.” Madison asked earnestly.
 
Hondo sighed, and though he wanted to just say no, many things in this world made had him do things he never thought he would before, and that gave him pause to think before responding.
 
“… Listen, I have no plans on doin’ anythin’ with her. That bein’ said, you temp a hungry dog long enough an’ he will bite ya.” Hondo replied.
 
“Meaning?” Madison asked hesitantly.
 
“Meanin’ I have no plans to encourage her or give into her, but I find myself alone, stressed an’ with the urge an’ she keeps pushin’ an’ happens to push her offer too hard at the wrong time, I could take her up on it as I just get tired of fightin’ her. I’d like to think I’ll hold out, but I know to say there is no chance is a lie. Anythin’ is possible in this #$@!ed up world, an’ I’m not above fallin’, understand?” Hondo replied firmly.
 
“Understand, but… but you’ll try not to encourage her?” Madison asked hopefully.
 
Hondo nodded, “I’ll try not to, though I’ll also try not to hurt her. Seems like everyone has had the lion’s share of hurt round here. Can’t say I can spare ya from some heartbreak if she doesn’t reciprocate, though, but that’s somethin’ every man deals with at one time or another an’ sometimes multiple times.”
 
Madison nodded, “I understand… As much as I want to be with her, I guess if she is happier with you I’d rather see that.”
 
Hondo scowled and shook his head, “Just don’t even talk ‘bout us bein’ together. I’ve got enough on my plate without one more right now. Too many women to deal with directly as is.”
 
Madison gave him a look like he was from outer space or something, as Hondo turned away and finished heading to the booth he had pointed at earlier. For the life of he could not see why having several young women want to pleasure him or be pleasured by him, would ever be scorned at, but he was young still. Too young to understand the headaches that went along with such a thing.
 
As they reached the booth, the owner was unoccupied so he helped them straight away. Marvin and Patricia joined them quickly after and started loading the wagons. Several bags of dried apples, cherries, raspberries, and pears were procured. They had dried strawberries as well and though Patricia asked about them Hondo said they had enough, though the real reason was Fernando’s strawberry allergy. That was information he was not about to share, though.  
 
As they left there Patricia handed him a piece of oatmeal pie, as she had been holding onto it for him while he looked though goods and haggled for supplies. She and the others had eaten theirs already though, so he ate his quickly so they could continue on. It tasted good and hit the spot, though he had to admit that Val made a better pie, though he felt that his tasting one again, that was not poisoned at least, was slim to none.  As they headed off down the lane, Hondo’s radio came to life again with a familiar voice, the only one he actually expected to call him anyway.  

“This is Medic calling for the Righteous Cowboy. Come in Righteous.” Fernando’s call came over the radio’s speaker.
 
After he manages to free it from the depths of his pocket, Hondo replies, “This is Righteous. What is it, Medic?”
 
“Good, you’re there. Two things. One, be on the lookout for a Spanish group of Wessens dressed up in old South American Gaucho ponchos, wide brim hats and a bandana to cover their faces. They talk with a thick Spanish accent. They are a gang of some sort, coming in a few days ago and starting trouble with the merchants and now with the customers.” Fernando explains.
 
“Wessens with Spanish accents? Sounds like a bunch of De La Cruz Boys Wanna-Be’s to me. We’ll keep an eye for them.” Hondo replies, glancing around them quickly as he spoke, as he had seen the like lingering at the edges of the crowd earlier.
 
“Funny you would say that, as their name is De Le Vega. I doubt there is any relations to Hector and his crew. But we ran into a few of them and had a little help to deal with them and have them arrested, which brings number Two: there is a highway gang in town. They are the ones who came to our rescue. The leader is some young guy named Mikey. I met him when we before we arrived at Center Town as his gang was doing highway tolls and escort services for pay, but I found them in a terrible accident and helped him and his boys out. They were helpful in opening the highway for us and for guarding Jason when we found him in trouble, he leads that group. He now works with General Jastrey in I guess mercenary work – getting paid for services done that her men can’t do and patrolling the highway for them. Mikey I can trust. Now he claims he knows you, or knows of you. I do not remember you two ever meeting. But if you meet up with some guy with a group of guys in motorcycle gang attire, that might be him. Right now he’s with me at the Medi-Jeeps as I put away some supplies. After we put away this round of supplies, I found a merchant selling cat food and that will be my next purchase along with some more canned foods.” Fernando explains.
 
“I’ll see ya around then. And I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks.” Hondo replies.
 
“See you then. Medic Out!” Fernando replies.

Hondo pocketed the radio and glanced around as casually as he could.
 
“Well, damn. One more #$@!in’ thing to watch for… Least we will be aware of them better now.” Hondo grumbled.
 
Patricia grabbed his left arm and nodded off to her left as she spoke nervously, “I thought I saw some over there a bit ago. Are we in danger?”
 
Hondo shrugged, “No more than usual… If I tell ya’ll to get lost, the three of you make a run to the vehicles. Marvin, keep them safe until Fernando or I get there. We’ll have to stay right together for now. You see any, let me know but don’t stare or point.”  
 
Patricia nodded and let go of his arm, feeling for the pistol in her pocket that she had brought, since a long-gun was not practical while loading and unloading supplies.
 
Marvin looked around slowly at the crowded and squinted a bit, “Will do. Wish I had a pistol. Cant get this shotgun off my shoulder and into action really fast.”
 
Hondo nodded, “Understand an’ I’ll look at getting ya a rig for a handgun when we get back. For now, just leave the wagons an’ run. Get that scatter gun ready on the move an’ don’t try to engage them unless they engage you. This is no place for a stand-off an’ they know it. With the soldiers an’ the road-gang here they will try to do things quickly without a lot of commotion. If there is a ruckus or its not worth it they will most likely just flee and wait until its worth the risk again. Not the type to take a lot of open risks, I believe.”
 
Madison nodded, “I’ve heard of some like them before and you’re right. Probably went after Fernando as he was a man alone with a bunch of younger girls. Probably figured he was paying for their company, which means he had money. And they probably figured he would give up what he had instead of risking his companions, though that can be a risky bet too, as some don’t care about the safety of their paid companions.”  
 
“Well, unless they bother us, it doesn’t matter a lot, though unless we give them a reason to, I doubt they will bother us. Besides, we have shoppin’ to do still.” Hondo replied.
 
“Wish it was fun shopping.” Patricia said sadly.
 
“What’s more fun than buying good food to eat? Much more fun than digging through a garbage for a meal, at least.” Madison said.
 
“I was thinking more like shopping for clothes or some lingerie or something like real ladies do. Then trying them on and modeling them for someone special” She said wistfully.
 
“When have you ever done that?” Madison asked almost indignantly.  
 
She shrugged and gave Hondo a blushing sheepish look as she responded to Madison, “I’ve not, but I’ve not been shopping with someone I thought was special before and who I’d like to do that with.”
 
Madison rolled his eyes and shook his head.
 
“Girls are weird.” He half whispered to Marvin.
 
Marvin chuckled, “Heh, you’re telling me.”
 
Hondo turned a bit and squinted off in the distance, “Well, You kids will have to do that some other time when it’s safer for you to be alone without me. For now, we need food. Think I see cheese up ahead. Let’s go there next.”
 
Hondo started off, leaving Patricia to stand there, jaw dropped and baffled as to how he did not understand her advances. As he walked off Madison and Marvin followed.
 
“Better keep up, Pat!” Madison said as he hurried after Hondo.
 
“But how.. how did…???” Patricia muttered before Marvin cut her off.
 
“Need to stay up with him where it’s safe.” He said.
 
She pulled herself out of it and trotted up beside Marvin.
 
“Doesn’t he see I like him?” She asked quietly after a moment, sounding and looking very defeated.
 
“I think he sees, but maybe you’re not his type and he doesn’t want to hurt you?” Marvin suggested.
 
“Not his type?... Maybe… maybe that’s it, but .. I can change.” She said softly.
 
“Now, I don’t think he’d want you to change for him.” Marvin said hesitantly, as he thought this would go a different direction.
 
“No, no if he wants different I owe it to him to be different! Fernando already has more women around him than He does and he deserves more! He works so hard to protect us all and .. and I need to earn it, even if I have to change! Thanks Marvin!” She said, sounding renewed in her resolve.
 
She took off and jogged past Madison to catch back up with Hondo. As she walked by his side she was determined to watch him more closely and see what kind of woman turned his head. She also made a mental note to watch Val and Molly, as he seemed to spend time with them, or had spent time with Val before she got all angry and weepy. She told herself she would never do that to him, though so she just had to emulate how Val used to be and he was sure to get him!
 
Marvin sighed and shook his head as he muttered to himself, “Marvin, how did you mess that one up?? Well, Sorry Master Hondo.”
 
The next stop got them some hard cheeses that would survive without being cooled for quite a while, years if the wax seal was left intact and they were stored out of the sunlight. After that they found a bread vender. He had some tortillas, but not enough for the whole camp, so they bought what he had along with several tins of hardtack and a couple large paper bags of matzo bread.
 
As they walked off Patricia piped up, “What’s in the tins?”
 
“Hardtack.” Hondo replied.
 
“Never heard of it.” Madison said.
 
“It dates to a time way before the happening. IT does not go bad if stored in a tin or bucket like this. It’s a decent source of food when there is nothing else, but has to be softened in water, milk, or coffee before being eaten, as you’ll break a tooth if you try to eat it like this.” Hondo replied.
 
“Why get it then?” Patricia asked.
 
“In case things get bad. Always good to have some back up food.” Hondo replied.
 
They continued on and found a place that had canned and pickled vegetables, as well as dried pecans and walnuts, which they bought them out of. By then their carts were full. Though and Hondo suggested they head back.
 
“So, we need anything else?” Madison asked.
 
“I’d like to find some processed cheese if possible still. Some more dry goods might be good too, but we should meet up with Fernando an’ see what he’s gotten so we don’t both get too much of one thing an’ nothin’ of another.” Hondo replied.
 
About then Patricia tugged on his shirt to get his attention, but he was pretty sure what she wanted as he saw them a split second before.
 
“I see them.” Hondo said, “Just keep walking and pay them no attention.”
 
Two fox wessen and one that look more like a dog or coyote wessen all wearing sort of Spanish garb, or more like what an old Hollywood western would have depicted as Spanish garb, leaned against the old church that was nearby, looking over everyone who passed.  
 
“Are they going to attack us?” Patricia asked a bit nervously as her hand went into her pocket to hold the small handgun she had concealed within.  
 
“I doubt it. They seem to be lookin’ for prey but also seem to be waitin’ for someone. If one of those that Jefe took out was a leader, they might be waitin’ for him. They might not know their number has been reduced at all yet. Still, we’ll keep an eye on them.” Hondo said, as a cane with a crystal knob at it’s top seemed to materialize in his hand, hidden from the public by Patricia standing between him and them.
 
“Master Hondo? Have you had that cane the whole time?” Marvin asked, seeing it in Hondo’s hand but not remembering it there before.
 
“Some things are hard to explain, some can’t be, an’ some things have a right an’ wrong place to ask about them. This falls into all of those categories, an’ this definitely isn’t the right place.” Hondo replied cool.
 
Marvin nodded slightly, “Understand.”  
 
They continued on to the vehicles without an issue, and finding no one there they unloaded their wagons quickly and stowed items away. Once done they worked their way back up the path between the market and the vehicles, so they could see the edge of the church and any commotion that might happen there as they waited for Fernando and his group. Hondo contemplated calling over the radio but in case they had scanners monitoring all channels, he did not want to give away that he had spotted them until talking to Fernando. Though he was not itching for a fight in town, he knew taking down scum like them would be best for the town as a whole, but for everyone’s safety it had to be done carefully.  
 
 

The group goes into the vehicles they arrived in. The Medi-Jeeps were a bit sluggish with camper in town and the added weight of the food but no more than if they were fully loaded with people and supplies. In a couple of minutes they were in the Central Town parking lot. Instead of being teleported to Flight Town, Fernando steps out of his Medi-Jeep and signals for Hondo to step out.
 
“What’s goin’ on?” Hondo asks.
 
“Lesson two, Hondo. Take your cane and think of this area while you turn the crystal. Then put tip of the cane onto the ground and press the crystal.” Fernando explains to him and watches him do as he explained.
 
“Now what?” Hondo asks.
 
“Understand this: This spot is now registered as a teleportation destination. Wherever you are, think of this place and the teleport command, press the crystal, and you and whoever is with you will end up here. When we get back, do one for the hanger area and another at the parking lot.” Fernando explains. Hondo nods at the explanation. Fernando adds, “Let’s go back to the hanger, set up the campers in the tent and I go back to the convoy.”
 
Hondo nods again before going back to their vehicles. Once inside, Fernando teleports the group to behind the hanger. They maneuver the vehicles move to their assorted areas, with the two Medi-Jeeps parked 180 degrees to each other to have the camper doors lined up with each other. Fernando gets the barrels, milk crate and a large duffle bag out of his Medi-Jeep and into the teen’s dune buggy. Zoey goes into the hanger but Macey is stopped by Fernando and hold her by the arm.
 
While the items were being sorted through, Fernando’s Yaesu begins to squawk loudly. He gets the radio out and answers.
 
“Yes Maria?” Fernando answers.
 
“Finally you are there, where are you?” Ichigo says and asks.
 
“I’m finally at Hondo’s camper packing up a few things before I return ‘home.’ What’s up?” Fernando replies.
 
“We got a couple problems here.” Ichigo begins.
 
“I’ll be there in five minutes.” Fernando replies.
 
“Naya wants to leave because Minerva and Miniya are with us in the camp.” Ichigo explains.
 
“Tell her that I will be there in a couple of minutes.” Fernando tells her.
 
“She heard you but she is rather adamant about leaving.” Ichigo explains.
 
“Anything else?” Fernando asks.
 
“Nothing that I can tell. Just the usual craziness of the camp.” Ichigo says.
 
“Alright, like I said, I’ll be there in five minutes. Medic Out.” Fernando tells her. He then puts away his radio before turning to Macey. He looks down at her and tells her, “A father/daughter relationship is not an easy one at times. But we need to work with each other to make it easy for us. Until you are old enough to have an education and a job, you are living with me and under my rules. You are to behave not for me but for you in order stay out of trouble. In time we will have our private father/daughter time, but until then you will do what is right, not for you but for everyone around you. Sooner or later, you will be rewarded for be a good girl and a good daughter. But understand I have a job of running the convoy and making sure that everyone is safe, secure and fed.  I cannot do this job if you are out misbehaving. I’m putting a lot of trust on you to behave and do the right thing.  You get what I’m saying?”
 
“Yes daddy.” Macey says nervously.
 
“Good. I’ll see you later, as you heard, I got to deal with something at the convoy camp first. If we are lucky, I will have some more treats for you and Zoey.” He tells hers.
 
Macey smiles nervously before she nods. He lets her go and gets Hondo, Mae, June, Minerva and Miniya’s attention.
 
“Hondo, I’m ready to go with the teens, and am taking the twins and the Bunny Girls with me to deal with the situation there. I’ll see about dinner for the kids and bring it here. If you want, sort the food and things out of the Medi-Jeeps, and leave a few things in the campers for them.” Fernando explains.
 
“I’ll see you then.” Hondo replies.
 
“Laters.” Fernando replies before telling Mae, June, Minerva and Miniya to join him and the teens to the dune buggy and teleporting them back to the convoy camp. He tells the teens to sort things out but not to distribute them, except for the bags of dog food, which Lisa gets four bags and Ruth/Joanne gets two for their dogs. He tells them that he will be in his camper dealing with a situation with a new rescue.
 
They nod at him before he leaves with the small barrel with the cans of pet food and the milk crate of radio parts, Minerva and Miniya following him. In a few seconds they get to his camper, where he opens the front passenger door to drop of the milk crate and barrel onto the front seat, closing the front door and opening the sliding door to let Miniya and Minerva in. He closes the sliding door behind him as he steps inside. Naya has scared, taking the blanket to cover herself and cries not to be beaten.
 
“My how the mighty has fallen.” Miniya lets out.
 
“What is that supposed to mean?” Fernando asks.
 
“Ain’t it obvious?” Miniya asks.
 
“No, it is not.” Fernando throws at her.
 
“Naya and a couple other girls came to work for Giovanni, and thought they can rule over the others because they were younger and most chosen of the distraction girls. But they #$@!ed up and made a deal as to not get shot, that they would work the streets for food and a place to sleep. They thought they could try to rob some of their johns that picked them up and they got beaten up in return.” Miniya explains.
 
Minerva lets out loudly “Where’s Aiyana, Lietta and Melisa?”
 
“They’re... dead...” Naya states as she cries.
 
“Too bad for them.” Miniya says.
 
“Who killed them?” Fernando asks.
 
“Don’t know... They were... picked up by... those men... with gang jackets... and that’s the... last they were seen alive. Their bodies... found in... the alleys.” Naya says as she cries.
 
“Again, too bad for them.” Miniya says.
 
“Miniya. Cut it out.” Fernando tells her. He then turns to Naya. “You have a choice. You can stay here where you will be safe, warm and fed as long as you do the jobs that you are told to do or you can go back in the streets and hope those guys do not get you and kill you.” He pauses for a second to add, “Minerva and Miniya will be watching over you to make sure you do right by me. But do me wrong, and there will be a price to pay, a very heavy price. Got that?”
 
Naya nervously nods.
 
He adds, “You will sleep here tonight, but tomorrow you will move in with them, and soon we will be leaving this town to the next town. It is a long ride, so everyone will have a job to do for setting up to leave and when we are on the road.”
 
“But... they will beat me.” Naya lets out.
 
“First off, as your Slave Master only I have the power to beat you. As I own them as well, they will beat you if they catch you stealing, destroying, or disrespecting property, money or people, and then they will hand you to me and I will beat you even more. So it is up to you to be on your best behavior as you represent me when you are out there, just like they represent me. You are to do as I tell you. If I tell you to carry a bag, you carry the bag. If I tell you to bend over and give up that ass, you will bend over and give up that ass. I do not accept “No”, “I cannot do that”, or any other excuse for not doing what I told you to do. Now how are we going to act and behave for me as your owner?” Fernando tells her.
 
“I will do what you tell me to do.” Naya replies softly.
 
“Louder, I did not hear you.” He tells her.
 
“I will do what you tell me to do.” Naya repeats herself louder.
 
“Say It Again...” He tells her.
 
“I will do what you tell me to do!” Naya repeats herself even louder.
 
“Good.” He tells her. He throws in, “Do not think you can leave. I am rescuing you from this life. You are not to sell your ass ever again. But you are to do the work I tell you, even if I tell you to give up that ass. But no one sleeps their way to gain money, power or influence. The only ones that lead are Me, Hondo and Jeanette, who you will meet one day. Others will tell you what to do when I tell you to do work for them, you will meet them soon enough. For now you are to listen to me, my daughters and Minerva and Miniya. And for now you are to stay here for the time being unless I or any of them tell you to leave from here because of the Wessen Killing Gang in town.”
 
Naya nods.
 
“Good. Now I have to go out to see if dinner is being made and how it is to be given out when it is done. I’ll be back until them. You are to stay here while I am gone.” He tells her.
 
Naya nods again.
 
“Minerva, Miniya, you two can stay here and wait for me, you know why. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” Fernando tells her.
 
They both nod at him before he leaves through the side door.
 
“You’re lucky he did not order to you put up that ass.” Ichigo tells Naya.
 
“Huh?” Naya replies.
 
“She said that you are lucky he did not order you to put up your ass in front of us.” Miniya tells her.
 
“What do you mean by that?” Naya finally asks.
 
“Simple. He did not tell you to put up that ass for him to take you and #$@! you in front of us.” Ichigo tells her.
 
“He would not do that...” Naya says, thinking that she knows people by a single interaction with them, but throwing in, “Would he?”
 
“I seen him take Minerva right you are at right now, and he did her so hard, she is still sore from it.” Ichigo tells her.
 
Naya looks at Minerva for a second who gives Ichigo that look of ‘how could you’ which she misinterprets as something else. But she does not see Ichigo wink at Minerva. Minerva turns to Naya, and then throws at her with a nervous twinge in her voice, “Yeah... the man is built like a horse... And it’s been two weeks and I’m still down there... But Miniya got worse than me!”
 
“He did no-*” Miniya started to say before getting an elbow to the ribs from her twin.
 
Minerva throws in, “Remember, last week, when you refuse to do that work, he bend you over the bed right there and pounded you from behind for a good hour! Don’t tell me he #$@!ed you so hard that your memory of it is gone!”
 
“It’s not her business to know how that man beats his slaves when they don’t listens to him. Not until she #$@!s up, does something wrong or refuses to do something he tells her and she gets beaten like the rest of us.” Miniya tells her. She then throws in an acted a defeated tone, “He almost ripped my pussy apart...”
 
Naya looks at the twin Wessens in disbelief before turning to Ichigo, “What about you? He’s ever beaten you in that way?”
 
“I’m his daughter for one and I try to be a good girl so I won’t be beaten in that way. But two, he so big would kill me if he were to force that large cock of his in me!” Ichigo says as she extend her right forearm with a fist and puts her left index finger on the elbow joint.
 
“He’s a lot bigger than that... Twice as big!” Minerva says.
 
“Excuse me for being tiny!” Ichigo lets out, adding, “Either way, daddy’s big cock would damage me and even kill me if he were to force in me to punish me!”
 
Naya gulps at hearing all this.
 
 
[Outside Hondo’s camper.]
 
Fernando walks up to Hondo’s camper and knocks on the door, hoping that Ruth or one of the Bunny Girls would open it. Almost immediately Ruth opens it.
 
“Oh, Mister Fernando! How are you doing?” Ruth asks.
 
“Just checking up on a few things, like dinner for Hondo and the kids at the hanger. And I got some dog food for your dog and some other supplies to give out. They are to be stored for the long drive through No-Man’s land when we get there.” Fernando points out.
 
“Thanks for the supplies, it is greatly appreciated. As for food, we’re making rice with vegetable chili, meat is separate as you know, and a vegetable salad: corn, carrots, string beans, onions and lettuce.” Ruth says.
 
“Use the cups and bowls from my box camper. I’ll call Hondo to bring the barrel here to put the food in.” Fernando explains.
 
“Alright...” Ruth says before Kiah runs to the door and gets between the door and Ruth.
 
“Hondo’s here? Where? Where?” Kiah says.
 
“Calm yourself down, girl. I said to Ruth I would call Hondo to bring the metal barrel to put in the food for the kids at the hanger.” Fernando tells her.
 
“You better let me know when Mister Gorgeous, I mean Mister Hondo comes!” Kiah tells Fernando.
 
“Yeah, whatever.” Fernando tells her, turning to Ruth, “Thanks for your hard work. We would be in big trouble without it.”
 
“Helping you and the others helps me and my family.” Ruth says.
 
Fernando nods, saying, “See me tomorrow morning with Val after breakfast, like about 10 in the morning. I’ll give you both some money to buy some supplies in town, take the Bunny Girls and my pull cart with you. Buy supplies for the No-Man’s Land trip and anything else we need for here and now.”  
 
“Will you be buying more supplies?” Ruth asks.
 
“Maybe. But first I have to talk with General Jastrey and I have a merchant coming with something I suggested to them. Let’s hope it works.” Fernando explains.
 
“Alright then. I’ll see you and Hondo later then.” Ruth says.
 
“Laters.” Fernando tells her before walking away. He walks around Hondo’s truck camper to front of his electric camper. He pulls out his tiny Yaesu radio and calls for Hondo on it, “Righteous Cowboy, this Medic. Come in Righteous Cowboy.”
 
“Wuz up Medic?” Hondo replies immediately.
 
“Nothing much, but do you still have the metal 55 gallon drum the last meal was sent in?” Fernando asks.
 
“Yes I do, in the hanger in fact.” Hondo says.
 
“Ruth is going to need it in a half hour or so to pack with the kids’ dinner. By the way, it is rice and chili with a vegetable salad. I do not know if she has drinks but I can give you a canister of powdered juice to take with you and you make the juice over there. I think it is mixed berry juice, but you know I can not drink it.” Fernando explains.
 
“A half hour you say? I’ll be there by then with the drum and Marvin to help carry it.” Hondo sees, “See you then.”
 
“See you then.” Fernando replies. He then puts the radio in his pocket and goes to enter his camper through the side entrance. Somehow Ichigo, Minerva and Miniya got the back of the bench pulled up making a short wall between the bed and the bench though it takes away space from the size of the bed when the bench is set up. The three of them were on the bed side, while Naya was on the floor. “What’s going on here?” He asks.
 
“They got tired of standing around, so they put up the bench and got on the bed side.” Ichigo tells him.
 
“Well, nothing it going to happen, not while we have a visitor with us. And nothing is going to happen while we are in this stupid town. Besides, Hondo will be coming here to get you two and dinner for the children that Ruth is setting up.” Fernando explains.
 
“What did Ruth made?” Minerva asks.
 
“Rice with vegetable chili, and a vegetable salad. The meat is separate for those who can eat meat and get it added to their meal.” Fernando explains, adding “I’m giving Hondo a can of powered berry juice for the kids. Just add water to the juice, Hondo knows how to make it.”
 
“A half hour you said?” Minerva asks.
 
“Yes. So there is not much time to get things together. Normally I would have you two help pack up the meals but since the Wessen Killers are out there observing us, I will forego on you two packing the meal and put you both in his vehicle when he gets here and then at the hanger you two set up the food and give it out. Make sure to get Hondo to make you the juice for them to drink.” Fernando explains to them.
 
“Alright.” Minerva says.
 
Miniya throws in “Naya going with us?”
 
“Not today. She will go with you tomorrow, I will bring her. But you guys should be setting up your campers after dinner. Do not sleep inside them tonight or while in Flight Town. But when we leave, they will be your homes on wheels.” Fernando explains.
 
They both nod at him.
 
“I’ll be outside and wait for Hondo to come. When he comes, I’ll get you two in his vehicle. Tomorrow is another day.” He tells them.

Hondo ascended the stairs and entered his room finding Maggie sitting in a chair by the bed mostly asleep, Tonya in a chair off the end of the bed reading a book, and a drowsy, pale, and disgruntled looking Molly half sitting up in bed.
 
“So, how’s the patient?” Hondo asked as he came into the room.
 
“Papa! You’re back!” Tonya said almost excitedly as she put the book down, jumped up and gave him a quick hug.
 
Maggie set up quickly as she was started awake.
 
“Wha .. what happened?! I’m up! I .. I, uh.. oh, I’m sorry… *yawn* …  I fell asleep, sorry.” She said quickly, a look of embarrassment on her face as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.  
 
“It’s alright, Maggie. I know I’ve not let you get enough sleep the last couple days an’ I’m sorry ‘bout that.” Hondo said, as he held Tonya against him for a moment, hugging her back.
 
“It.. it.. it’s fine. I’m alright. Just need to move around and I’ll be fine.”  She said quickly, standing up and checking Molly’s pulse, though Molly’s frown deepened at it.
 
“I don’t need fussed over. I’m fine!” Molly half growled.
 
“You’re not fine!” Maggie hissed back.
 
“Molly’s doing alright, Papa, other than being stubborn. She keeps insisting that she’s good to go and has work to do.” Tonya said.
 
Hondo stepped away from Tonya and walked to the bed side where he looked at Molly. She looked exhausted and extremely pale still. The hand that Maggie was checking the pulse on was shaky and though it was a warm day, Molly was covered up with heavy blankets, showing she was cold. Molly glanced at him and then looked back down again, not wanting to meet his gaze. Though she tried to keep up the annoyed look, a bit of embarrassment seemed to creep through. He was not sure if the embarrassed look was because she was being fussed over or because of what she had gone through.
 
Hondo’s frown deepened as he looked on her a bit longer before turning back to the other two.
 
“Tonya, Marvin is pullin’ out some canned soup. Grab one that’s like a beef bone broth with as few chunks as possible for now, and heat it up for Molly. We can see about more hard food tomorrow but I want something that’s liquid and easy on her system for tonight at least.” Hondo said.
 
“Sure, papa. I’ll be right back.” Tonya said with a nod before scooting out of the room.
 
“Does she need monitored further or will she be alright for now?” Hondo asked Maggie.
 
Maggie sighed as she looked at Molly, and paused a moment before replying, “*sigh* . . .  She’s weak, feeling cold, her pulse is not as stable as I’d like, and her color is horrible. That being said, she did lose a lot of blood so it is all understandable and she is stable for now, though she needs to get her blood volume back up. If she eats some soup and gets some warm tea and water into her system to rehydrate, and stays in bed to rest, she should recover fine without someone hovering.  The problem is keeping her in bed.”
 
Molly turned her head away from them and crossed her arms like an angry child at this but said nothing.
 
“She’ll stay in bed, I’ll see to that. Now, if you would, Marvin could use some help. Tell him to get Karl, Terri, Lala, and Lili to help as well. Tell Tonya to make some of that herbal tea I bought a few days back for Molly as well, the one labeled relax.” Hondo said.
 
Maggie nodded.
 
“I’ll come back and check on her in an hour or two, then.” She said as she headed to the door.
 
“Oh, somethin’ else.” Hondo said, stopping her in her tracks by the door.
 
“Y.y.yes sir?” She asked hesitantly.
 
“It’s alright to be tired an’ need rest, you know?” He said.
 
She hung her head a bit, “I’ll be fine, honestly. They.. they used to make me go for days at a time without sleep at the lab. I’m used to it.”
 
“You’re not at the lab anymore, an’ though there are times I might need to you push it, that is not all the time an’ I expect you to let me know when you need rest.” Hondo said.
 
She nodded, “I.I will s.sir.” She said as she turned to the door once more.
 
“Oh, an’, Maggie?” He said.
 
She paused with her hand on the knob, not saying anything.
 
“I already told Marvin but the military is sendin’ two squads to guard tonight an’ I’ll be monitorin’ things this evenin’ so both of you can get some rest. We have a busy couple day gettin’ ready to pull up stakes here an’ need you both rested. Alright?” He said.
 
Maggie closed her eyes for a moment and smiled softly to herself. She was not used to anyone caring about how she felt, and though it felt odd it felt soothing too, especially to hear that from him, since he was ready to kill her the day she walked into camp carrying Val’s half dead, mutilated body into their camp. They had all been good to her for the most part, but she still felt like all eyes were on her, judging her for her past actions, though they were forced and under duress. Marvin was the first to make her feel she was not some irredeemable monster and maybe even worthy of love, and now Hondo made her feel like a person. She had never felt like a person before, at least not that she remembered, and it felt good.
 
“Y.yes sir. Thank you.” She replied softly before opening the door, stepping out of the room, and closing the door softly behind her.  
 
Once alone Hondo turned back to Molly, who was now pulling off the covers and trying to shakily get out of bed.
 
“Now that they are gone, I can finally get up!” She said, making sure not to meet his gaze.
 
He put a firm hand on her shoulder to stop her.
 
“You need to stay in bed an’ rest.” He said softly.
 
“I’m fine and there are things to do!” She said firmly, still looking away from him.
 
He put a hand on her chin and turned her face towards him. She resisted a bit, but finally turned her head towards him, but looked down. She looked angry, but he could read through it to see that something else bothered her.
 
“Molly, look at me.” He said softly.
 
She looked up briefly before quickly looking back down.
 
“Molly, eyes up here.” He said a bit more firmly.
 
She looked up at him and her angry look seemed to fade and where a woman had sat, a lost little girl seemed to take her place.
 
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
 
“How.. How can you bare to look at me, let alone touch me?” She asked in a quiet, small voice.
 
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.” He replied as he let go of her chin
 
Her lip trembled a bit as she slowly hung her head and look back down at the floor.
 
“I.. I failed you. They.. they almost raped Macey and if you..you hadn’t have come they might have killed and/or raped everyone, even.. even Zoey and Tonya…. I.. I wasn’t.. wasn’t strong enough. I.. I wasn’t smart enough. They.. they tricked me. They over powered me… stripped me bare and.. and hurt me. I’d.. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for you… I’m.. I’m just a wessen, a useless animal, and not only did I fail you all, I’m not worthy to be with you.” She said in a quiet, quavering voice.
 
He sat down beside her and pulled her head against his chest and held her.
 
“How.. how can you bare to hold me?” She asked in a whisper.
 
“You didn’t fail me! Hell, I’d have rushed out too to save Macey an’ not even thought ‘bout checkin’ behind the door! Whoever built this place is an idiot as outside doors should swing inward, not outward.” He said softly.
 
“I did fail you! I .. I should have never let her go out… I should have made her wait! .. I’m just an animal, a stupid, worthless beast! I don’t deserve to be held like this! I’m not strong enough for you! I don’t deserve you!!” She said quickly as she broke down and cried into his chest.
 
He held her tightly as she cried and gently stroked her long, bright red hair.  
 
“Shhh, now. That’s not true at all. Shhh. You’re a smart, beautiful woman, an’ I’m lucky to have you.” He whispered softly to her.
 
She shook her head in disagreement as she let her feelings of weakness, failure, and despair out as he held her.  
 
After a while she stopped crying and just held onto him for a bit in silence. After a bit he sighed as he knew he needed to get going soon.
 
“I hafta go pick up supper for the others soon.” He said softly.
 
She nodded into his chest and sighed, not speaking for a few seconds. When she finally did speak it was barely audible.
 
“I.. I’m sorry.” She whispered.
 
“Sorry for what?” He asked softly.
 
“For not being strong enough.” She replied.
 
He sighed, “Oh Molly… I understand bein’ frustrated an’ feelin’ helpless, but you are strong. You kept your head, you fought for Macey when others would have given up, an’ you risked yourself to try to give her a chance. It hurts me to know you were hurt, an’ when I saw you naked an’ injured I was beyond angry at what they did to you, but I also scared as I care so much ‘bout you. I wish I could take the trauma away that this caused to both you an’ Macey, but I can’t. I do want you to know, though, that I’m proud of you, very proud, an’ though I think you deserve better than me, I feel damn lucky to have you. I love you an’ want you to be mine for as long as time allows.”
 
She sat up quickly and looked into his eyes, a look of surprise, hope, and a little fear mixed together in her blood-shot eyes and tear stained face.
 
“But.. but what about Val?” She asked quickly.
 
He sighed, “She has made no move to make thin’s right. She’s not even apologized to the man that put her back together, which should be simple an’ was the most basic level of my terms for her to stay ‘round. I don’t know who she is anymore. I just don’t see a reason to hope or wait for someone who hates me when I have a woman like you who cares.”
 
She sighed deeply and looked down for a moment before speaking. When she did speak her voice was quiet and steady.
 
“I.. I would love to be yours, despite how inadequate I feel and despite knowing you deserve better, I’d be yours for as long as I live.. But I feel like it is too soon for you to make such a committment. You have known Valentine for years, yes?” She asked
 
Hondo nodded, “Yeah.”
 
She nodded, “Then you can’t give up on her so soon. I know you have a lot going on and though there is so little time and things go by so fast, when you are hurting inside, in your heart, a week can seem like a year and a month like ages. You should give her more time, for both your sakes.”
 
“So… You don’t want to be with me?” He asked almost hesitantly, seeming a bit confused.
 
A couple more tears raced down her cheek as she looked at him.
 
“I want to be with you so much that the thought of not being with you feels like a fate worse than death, and the pain worse than being burned alive. I love you very much, Hondo, and because I do, I want what will make you the happiest. I just fear that Valentine will come to her senses and you will be hurt again trying to make a choice between us. I am not sure what I fear more, getting my hopes up of being yours just to lose you, or seeing you look at me down the road with feelings of regret for staying with a wessen over reclaiming the human woman you loved first. I know what I fear most of all, though, and that is you hurting more because of making this decision too soon. You are a good man and whatever you decide, I know you will do your best to do right by whomever you choose and by whatever you choose to do, whether you choose one of us, two of us, more of us, or none of us. If you are happiest with her, I will be happy for you and endure. If you are happiest with me, I will be elated for both of us. If you choose to keep a harem of women, I will be there in the group if you will have me and waiting, chaste, for your beckoning, and full of anticipation for the time we can have together.” She replied.
 
“You would share me with other women?” He asked, seeming a bit surprised.
 
She nodded, “I told myself a long time ago I would never share a man with another woman, but something I was told a long time ago makes sense now. Honestly, I selfishly want you to myself and I even told Valentine that I would not share you, but I know now that I would share you, as long as the others were yours and kept themselves chaste for you alone as well. So, if that was the only way I could at least share in a part of your life and see you happy, I would. I do not think we could just be friends, if you were to choose her over me, as after sharing intimacy with you I could not help but crave it again, beg for it again, push for it again. I do not have the willpower to sit by and not feel your touch ever again while you love another. I know I am just an animal, and I am willing to be even a toy, if it means at least feeling your embrace occasionally.”
 
He frowned, “First off, you are human just as much as Val or any of the other women are, despite the other features and needs you have due to bein’ wessen. You are a person an’ deserve to be loved fully. I’m not sure I could have multiple women as it just seems unfair to them an’ just seems wrong.”
 
She shook her head, “As much as we all want one man to take care of us, sharing one is not wrong if he is man enough to handle us and do right by us, as I know you are, and we know our place within that relationship. We women were made to help our man and further his goals. I do not know a lot about the creator of everything, the Almighty as you call him, but I know that much. I’ve seen a lot of women, mostly upper-class human women, who try to lead their family or think they are equal or supirior to their men. As a wessen, I see things differently as most wessen woman do and as many women who have been slaves, both humans and wessens alike, as we were taught different, and have seen the harsh realities of the world, face to face. We are not like you men. We are not as strong. We are not as logical. We are more emotional. We often don’t see things as clearly and make bad decisions when we let our fears and emotions guide us. We try but, without a good man we are often lost. I see men out there without women who get along just fine, whether they abstain from sex, or hire a whore for the night from time to time. But women… how many of us out there are single and successful? How many of us find the right man on our own, or make the right decisions?  Those who are successful are often whores in some way, or are angry, bitter, and often down right evil. You think the Grey Lady is a successful, strong woman? She’s crazy and evil, to say the least. I’ve heard she can be very promiscuous, disloyal to her lovers, and backstabbing to those who employ her! Men build businesses and empires to help better themselves and others. Women only do it for what they can get, generally speaking. Women just rarely have ethics without a man, and honor means little to us when alone. I know, I have been alone and willing to sell my body, steal, cheat, or lie for some safety and warmth. I’ve seen you alone and hurting, but still acting ethically and with honor. Not just you but I’ve seen it in other men too. There are always the bad ones that seek power at all costs, but rarely do you see a man in power that does not at least care for those underhim, unless they are some feminized, crazy psychopath… I.. I don’t mean to say that we women are worthless, incapable, inept, untrustworthy, weak, or the like. We are not lesser either, but we are different, very different. Can you say a boat is greater, lesser, or equal to the river it rides on? They are different things! Yet a boat without water has little purpose, as it was designed for the water, yet the river rolls on whether the boat is on it or not. The same is true for a man and a woman. If the man is honorable, true, and strong, and the women know their place, I think more than one can work and it can be a productive, caring relationship.”
 
“Hmm, that all sounds pretty deep. You must have really thought about this a lot.” He said.
 
“I wish I had thought of all this on my own, but honestly, an old woman who cared for me for a short time, when I was young, told me this over and over. That was years ago now, but I remember it like it was yesterday. She said it was something she wished she had even perceived when she was younger, though she thought that if she had she would not have believed it until certain things happened to make her see the truth. She told me all this and said she hoped I would think on it so when the time came to understand it I would be ready, instead of learning it too late like she and others like her had. I don’t know that I still fully understand it all, but over time I have come to more of an understanding of what she said.” She replied softly.
 
“Understandin’ how?” He asked.
 
“Understanding like, I know we are different and can accept that. I know I need a man like you in my life and am not sure I could make it on my own, no matter how strong I am.  I want a man to help who is willing to lead so I don’t have to worry about my emotions clouding the situation, I want a man with goals and purposes who I can help achieve those goals and in such, be a part of it, and I’m starting to understand that even sharing you would be better than trying to make it alone and could even be fulfilling, as long as you could rationalize it as being fine within your honor and code of ethics. Recently I have come to understand way more of it than I did before, and I know that I want to be your mate, to help you at your goals, and dreams, and if sharing you with another woman lessens your burdens and helps you to your goals, I am willing.”  She said.
 
He raised an eyebrow at her for a moment, “That’s a lot to think on, an’ once you are feelin’ better we will talk again as I know you are feelin’ vulnerable. Maybe you will change your mind later.” He replied.
 
She shook her head, “I don’t believe I will. Not about you, anyway. If you tell me its over and I am forced to find another then maybe, as you have ruined me. There are not many men like you out there anymore, and I’m not sure I could settle for less now.”
 
He acted like he did not hear that part as he did not see himself to be anything special, let alone that good. He believed she had to be wrong as he figured if he was that good he would never have lost Valentine in the first place.
 
 “I just don’t see any of this bein’ an issue as I reckon I don’t have a lot of women after me.” He said half-jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.
 
Molly gave him a bit of a confused look, “What do you mean?”
 
“Well, Val seems done with me, and I don’t see anyone else competin’ with you for me, though that teen girl Patricia seems to have a crush on me for some reason.” He replied more seriously.
 
Molly smiled softly and shook her head, “She isn’t the only one. Don’t you know?”
 
Hondo frowned, “Know what?”
 
“You have a lot more women than that after you. I hear one or two of those bunny girls have it out for you. I’m not surprised about the teen and wouldn’t be surprised if one of the others felt the same or Is undecided between you and Fernando. Ruth, her sister, and cousins would all bend over for you or Fernando at the drop of a hat! They act like proper ladies, but I can tell you I know they fantasize about you both and would be faithful to the first one who asked it of them, without a second thought. Though Fernando has most of the sheep wessen girls’ interest, I think Lala, or Lili would go either way if asked. That harsher hamster girl eyes you, though she seems more interested in Fernando. I think if he pushed back on her she’d come after you, as she seems to have a mix of fear and respect for you. Probably because you make her follow orders but have not used her badly. Now, the whinier one would wear a leash and walk on all fours to stay with Fernando, so she’s not one you have to worry about.” She said.
 
“Thank the Almighty for small miracles.” Hondo replied dryly.
 
Molly Giggled softly, “*hehe!* Yeah, that one seems to be a handful! … But still, they aren’t the only ones. Maggie said once she was interested in you but was too scared to do anything about it because of you almost losing it when she brought Valentine in, but that was before her and Marvin sort of found each other.”
 
Hondo frowned, “Yeah, not one of my better moments. Only saw red there for a moment when I saw how she looked.”
 
“She understands, but it still scared her pretty badly… But beyond her, I’ve even seen some of the female soldiers making eyes at you as well. If you were less insistent on Tonya being a daughter, she would be yours in an instant, and even as a daughter she would do anything you asked. Honestly, out of all the women here, I don’t know why you picked me. You could have almost any woman you want, human, wessen, or spirit, and you chose me. I’m honestly dumbfounded by that, and yet somehow you cannot see how many would gladly be yours.” She replied still shaking his head.
 
Hondo grimaced, “You’re the second one today that’s told me this, but I still can’t help but feel it’s exaggerated. The women like Jefe, not me. I’m not sure why you picked me over him.”
 
She shook her head, “Some like him more, but he’s personally rescued a few more, more of the younger ones anyway. Teri, Itchy-cootch, the whiney hamster girl Min-something, Abby and other older teen wessen, a couple of the bunny girls, and others are only interested in him, but that’s not all of the women in camp, by a long shot.  I’m not sure if he’s a bit more welcoming to them, or if they are just needier as they seem to cling to him. You have a different manner of dealing with people though, some of it may be from how you see yourself too, but you have many admirers still. I admit I showed you some animosity at first, but maybe it was because I.. I started liking you before I even lost.. lost James. It’s probably why I lashed out at you so harshly too, as I felt guilty. I don’t know. I just know I found you strong, caring, and felt you were someone to follow. Then the day Valentine lost it on you in front over everyone and almost shot you I.. I knew I had feelings and could not hide them anymore, though I was sure you’d not return them. I was hoping you’d just at least use me, use me for comfort for a time so I could at least pretend for a moment that I would be loved again. I never expected it returned or to even last this long…. You may feel it is exaggerated, all of it, but It’s not, and it amazes me that you don’t see it. What amazes me more is that you picked me despite the others who want you, though I’m so very glad you did…. I do have a favor to ask, if you would grant me one.”
 
 “Ask an’ I’ll do it if I can.” He replied as he took her hand in his.
 
“Don’t tell me I’m yours alone, not until you are sure of it. If you are never sure of it, that is fine too and I will be happy as long as I am with you. I’ll be here until you tell me not to be or I die, whether I have you to myself or If you are shared others. The only reason I would ever leave you is if you choose another over me and ask me to be a friend only, as I cannot see you as less than I see you now, and a friend would be much less. So, please, for us both.” She said, with a deep look of sadness and sincerity in her eyes.
 
He nodded and smiled back at her softly, “Alright. I’ll at least promise not to say some fool thing like that, until we reach Texas at least. By then I feel that we both should know. Alright?”
 
She nodded, “That works for me. If you never say it and I’m still by your side, that works for me too. I’d rather wonder if I will be yours alone or have to share you with another someday, than to be told I am yours alone and lose that status later on. I know you would do you best to not go back on your word, but I also know about life. Life is unpredictable at the very least, and I’d rather you not regret words later. Understand?”
 
“I reckon I do. No matter what else happens, at this moment I do love you.” He said softly.
 
“And for now, that is everything I could ever want or hope for.” She replied.
 
About then there was a knock at the bedroom door that drew their attentions.
 
“Yeah?” Hondo called out.
 
“Just me with the soup! Can I come in?” the muffled but recognizable voice of Tonya called through the door.
 
“Of course!” Hondo called back.
 
The door opened slowly and Tonya came in with some hot beef and barley soup and a cup of chamomile tea on a meal tray.
 
“Sorry it took so long.” Tonya apologized.
 
“You could have just come in, ya know.” Hondo said.
 
“I… I wasn’t sure if you were doing something and I didn’t want to.. to bother you.” She said hesitantly, finding it hard to make eye contact with him as thoughts went through her head.
 
“Doin’ what?” He asked straight faced.
 
Tonya blushed deeply and looked at the floor, “You know, um.. uh, um … making. Uh, making puppies.”
 
Molly shook her head, “You’re embarrassing the poor girl!”
 
Hondo chuckled, “No, Molly needs a couple days rest before she has the energy for that. Besides, not like it’d be the first time you’ve seen our bare asses.”
 
Tonya’s blush deepened, “I didn’t mean to last time!”
 
“Stop teasing her. The poor thing is completely embarrassed now!” Molly half hissed at him.
 
Hondo took the tray from her and sat it carefully in Molly’s lap. As he did Tonya started to creep away.
 
“Girl, stay.” Hondo called out without turning away from Molly, freezing her in her tracks.
 
“You gonna be alright?” He asked Molly as she tried the soup.
 
She nodded, “Mmhm… mmm, that tastes good.”
 
“Good, now you eat up an’ try to sleep, alright?” He said.
 
She nodded.
 
“An’ no gettin’ up unless you need somethin’ or have to go to the bathroom, alright? Promise me that.”
 
Molly sighed then nodded, “I promise… Just be careful and hurry back. I feel so weak and useless… sorry.”
 
“Don’t apologize. Just rest.” He said.
 
She nodded, “I will, but” She paused and whispered to him, “… before you go, talk to Tonya, please, and.. and be nice to her. She’s still feels really bad about turning on you and she’s confused about Hector, and on top of being a teen she’s a wessen, which it’s just a fact that wessens are hornier than human generally, so she has that to compete with as well. She needs you. She needs her father.”
 
They both turned and looked at Tonya, who had her back towards them, but she cringed and trembled a bit, which said that she heard despite the whisper.  
 
Hondo nodded, “Understand.”  
 
He bent down and kissed Molly quickly before straightening up and heading to the door. As he approached the door, Tonya stood frozen in the middle of the room, blushing, and staring at the floor from embarrassment.  
 
“Come on, girl. You’re with me.” He said.
 
She merely nodded and followed him out the door without saying anything.  
 
As they exited the room Zoey came charging up the stairs to meet them, Macey not far behind but staying at the bottom of the stairs acting sheepish still.
 
“Papa!” Zoey exclaimed.
 
“What’s goin’ on, kitten?” He asked.
 
“Papa, I’ve tried to get Macey to tell me what happened and explain what Uncle Fernando was talking about when he said he made those girls, Molly, and Mama Virginians, and but can’t make men Virginians, but she won’t tell me anything and said I should talk to you!” Zoey said loudly, causing even Macey to blush a bit.
 
Hondo tried not to chuckle and managed to keep a serious face.
 
“Well, now I know I said we’d talk soon, but I have to go get supper for everyone right now. How ‘bout we talk later, after supper maybe, alright?” He asked.
 
Zoey frowned a bit but nodded, “Okay papa.”
 
He kissed her forehead, “That’s my girl. Now, you an’ Macey stay in your room until supper an’ don’t bug her ‘bout it, alright?”
 
“I won’t bug her, promise. Love you!” She called out as she headed quickly back down the stairs.
 
 She tried to pulled Macey with her, but after a quick whispered exchange, Zoey when off alone and Macey stood by still, looking sheepish.  
 
As they descended the stairs Hondo spoke over his shoulder to Tonya, “Go wait for me by the door.”
 
Tonya just nodded and did as she was told without saying anything. Hondo stopped at the bottom of the stairs by Macey and waited for Tonya to pass before speaking.
 
“Well, Little Lady, looks like you have somethin’ on your mind.” He said.  
 
She stands there, head down for a moment before speaking.
 
“Would.. would you really sell me?” She asked softly.
 
Hondo put a hand under her chin and tipped her head up so she had to look him the eyes.  
 
“Look me in the eyes, little Lady, an’ ask that again.” He said softly.
 
The fidgeted a bit and trembled slightly as she gazed up into his cool, steely eyes.
 
“W.would you really sell me, Uncle Hondo?” She asked again hesitantly.
 
“No. I would never sell you. I was only teasin’ at first, but when you reacted your father an’ I saw an opportunity to maybe make you understand how Zoey felt when you misused her trust. I never want to hurt you nor make you feel scared or like we won’t protect you. Unfortunately, we have to do things at times like that so you understand how others feel when you treat them wrong, alright?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “I’m sorry. I’m trying to be good, honestly.”
 
He sighed, “I believe you are. I’ve seen a lot of change in you lately an’ I’m proud of you for tryin’. You keep tryin’ an’ you’ll grow up to be a lady that both your father an’ I will be very proud of.”
 
“Like my older sisters?” She asked
 
“You met them already?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “Yeah, a couple times.”
 
“Well, hopefully even better, though I can’t say as I don’t know them too well. They don’t seem to like me very well an’ since Jefe is my friend I just try to keep thing’s peaceful” He replied.
 
“Why don’t they like you?” She asked.
 
“Beats me. Maybe I’m just too country for them or somethin’. It’s no worries, though. As long as you an’ I are good, that’s what’s important to me.” He said as he let go of her chin and took a step back.
 
She paused for a second before launching into him, despite other being around. It surprised him a bit, as she usually would not show such affection unless others did not see.
 
“Thank you.” She whispered quietly.
 
She held onto him for a moment longer before letting go. She wiped a tear from her eye quickly, hoping no one saw it, before turning and retreating to the room she was sharing with Zoey and Tonya.  
 
As she walked off Hondo looked around and saw Marvin behind one of the trailers.
 
“Marvin?” He called out.
 
“Yes sir?” Marvin called out as he turned to where the voice came from and started off towards Hondo at a trot.
 
“You know where that metal meal barrel is at?” Hondo asked.
 
“I think it’s in the back room right now. I think Karl put it there out of the way.” Marvin said.
 
“We need to go pick up supper. Want to grab it an’ meet me at the Bronco?.” He asked
 
Marvin nodded, “Sure.”
 
“Need any help with it?” Hondo asked.
 
Marvin shook his head, “No, I can handle it empty. Might have to move a couple things as we put some of the bigger bags of dry goods there to get them out of the way.”
 
Hondo nodded, “No problem. I need to speak to my daughter a bit, anyway, before we go.”
 
“Zoey?” Marvin asked.
 
“No Tonya.” Hondo replied.
 
“She alright? Something seems to be bothering her lately.” Marvin queried.
 
“Like everyone else she’s been through a lot an’ hasn’t fully come to terms with some of it, I reckon. She’ll be alright, though.” Hondo said.
 
Marvin nodded, “Good… I’ll go grab that barrel and meet you outside.”
 
As Marvin took off towards the back-room Hondo headed to the hanger’s front man door and headed outside, calling to Tonya as he exited, “Follow me, girl.”
 
As he headed to where he parked the Bronco Tonya followed on his heals and continued to follow as he walked passed it a way. He stopped about fifty feet past the Bronco and pulled out his cane, causing Tonya to stop and take a few steps back. He looked around a bit to take in his surroundings before putting the cane to the ground, thinking of this spot in his mind and pressing down on the crystal, like Fernando had shown him to do earlier.  
 
“Wha.what you doing?” Tonya asked timidly after a moment.
 
“Savin’ this spot to teleport to later if needed.” He answered after a moment.  
 
Once done he stood there for a while longer, looking listening, and waiting. Tonya spoke again after a moment, which was what he was waiting for.
 
“Is.. is it safe to.. to be standing out here?” She asked.
 
“For you as a wessen, you mean?” He asked back.
 
She nodded, “Y.yes.”
 
He shook his head, “Probably not.”
 
“Then wh.why …”She started to say before being interrupted.
 
“Then why are we standin’ out here?... Do you trust me?” He asked.
 
“Papa?” she asked back softly.
 
“Do you trust me? Do you trust that I love you? That I want what’s best for you? That I will do my best to protect you?” He asked softly.
 
She paused for a moment, “ … yes papa.”
 
“You paused… Why?” He asked.
 
She sighed and tried not to cry, “I’m … I’m just confused.”
 
“About if I want what’s best for you?” he asked
 
“No. She replied softly.
 
“About if I love you?” He asked  
 
“Of course not.” She replied in more of a normal tone.
 
“About me wanting to protect you??” He asked, a bit more sternly than before.
 
“But Papa, I never …” She started to exclaim but he cut her off.
 
“But what?!” He asked a bit harshly as he spun to look at her.
 
“But I … I..” She stammered.
 
“What do I need to do? What do you want from me? You want me to let you go to Hector an' let him hurt you?!” He asked.
 
“No!” She exclaimed
 
“You want me to turn a blind eye to anythin’ that might hurt you, because you want it?!” He asked, taking a step forward.
 
“Of course not!” She cried out.
 
“You want me to hold you down an' ravish you?!!” He asked
 
“Papa I..! I … I don’t know!” She said, as she started to cry and fell to her knees.
 
He walked over and knelt down by her, “Girl if you don’t talk to me, I can’t help. I know I said we’d talk later an’ I got busy. I’m sorry. I’ve failed you somehow, I know.”
 
“I’m sorry, Papa! I’m sorry!” She said, crying.
 
“Sorry?” He asked.
 
She nodded and took a moment try stop crying enough to speak.
 
“*sniff, sniff* I’m sorry I got mad at you and.. and Mister Fernando, and didn’t just trust you.” She said quietly in a quavering voice.
 
“Mister Fernando?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “*Sniff* I.. I don’t deserve to call him uncle or.. *sniff* or you papa. I’m.. *sniff* I’m not good, like my master used to say I was. I thought I could be different. I thought I could be an obedient daughter. You took me and wanted to be my Papa but I have bad thoughts that a daughter shouldn’t have and *sniff* and I can’t help it! I’m not good!”
 
Hondo sighed, “Well, can’t say I know exactly what to say… You overheard what Molly said ‘bout you, I reckon.”
 
She nodded and stared at the ground, trembling still.
 
Hondo sighed and thought quietly for a moment, “… Look here, girl, I can’t say I understand exactly, but I know what Molly has told me. I don’t know if it was engineered for wessen women to crave sex a bit more or was a side effect of splicin’ in animal DNA. I’ve heard tell that puberty is rougher on wessen teens an’ because of that many wessens have gone through horrible shit, like that boy David we rescued, though it’s no fault of their own. I care ‘bout you a lot, girl, an’ though I want to help, you’re my daughter, an’ as such I just don’t feel I can satisfy that feelin’ you have.”
 
“But.. but I’m not your daughter, really.” She whispered.
 
“As flesh an’ blood, no, but we have somethin’ deeper an’ more special, honestly.” He replied
 
“How is it more special?” She asked.
 
“Well, a father loves his children, no matter who they are, but when they are his biologically he gets what he gets. When someone adopts a child, boy or girl, they are taking someone in of whom they see a need and potential. I could have just taken you in. Maybe if I had an’ things with Val still gone bad, maybe you an’ I would be together instead of Molly an’ I, though I’m not sure ‘bout that. But then things would be different, an’ maybe not for the best. I saw potential in you, though. Saw the young lady you could be an’ I wanted to give you a home an’ help nurture that potential. If I took you in as my slave, as you’ve suggested before I couldn’t give you the care or nurture you to your full potential. I can’t as a lover either, as the love would not bee the same an’ you would not have the chance to grow and mature as you need to still. As my daughter I can do so much more for you, though. We can have a close, special relationship still, and though some say we could have sex since we are not blood related, that would not be fair to you an’ I’d be teachin’ you that you have to have sex to love.” He said softly.
 
“What do I do about these feelings and thoughts, though?! I don’t know what to do! I thought Hector could be it! I thought he could ease these feelings and love me like a woman but I was wrong! I’m blind! I don’t understand how he could treat me like that and be evil but I know he is because you and Mister Fernando said so! How do I know if any guy is right, now?!” She said, crying softly as she spoke in frustrated tones.
 
“First off, for findin’ a guy, that’s why I’m here. You can like a guy but you need to let me get to know him before you commit to anythin’ as I can tell you if he’s good or not. Or at least I will try to, an’ though I might be a bit hard on anyone you bring ‘round at least its someone else to know him and figure out if he’s right or not. About your thoughts, honestly, I’m flattered an’ after all you’ve been through, your age, an’ bacuse we aren’t related I reckon it’s understandable. I hear all girls have some thoughts like that towards their fathers at some times, especially if he treats them like he should, but it’s understandable if yours are stronger. There’s nothin’ to be ashamed of there. I can hold you at times an’ we can talk an’ have special intimate time together, but we can’t act on the desire for sex you might have. There are ways to help with those feelin’s as well, but Molly or Maggie might be able to help better with that discussion as I think it’d be awkward for both of us if I was to try to explain or go out an’ buy an, uhm, relief aid for you.” He replied, feeling a bit awkward about the conversation, but hoping it helped.
 
Tonya blushed deeply again and the thought of him trying to explain masturbation or taking her out to buy her a dildo and seeing the flustered look on his face made her stop crying and even giggle a bit.  
 
“I understand, papa… Is.. is it alright to still call you that?” She asked, half looking up at him.
 
He nodded, “Of course.”
 
“Is.. is there a chance of someday us doing… you know what??” She asked hesitantly.
 
He sighed, “I’d like to say no, as I don’t want you to get your hopes up, but this world is crazy. Let’s say I’d rather you find someone closer to your age, when you are ready, someone who I think would treat you right an’ protect you an’ let you have your first time with him. So unless somethin’ really odd happens or somethin’ really bad happens an’ it’s the only way to help you, then we need to keep what we have as it should be between a father an’ his daughter, alright?”
 
She nodded,” I understand Papa. .. Thank you for not being angry. I felt bad about these thoughts for a while now and then Hector happened and I was so mean to you and you got hurt so bad by him and Mister Fernando tried to help me and I was so horrible to you both… I’ve not been very nice to him since, honestly.”
 
“Well then, you need to make it right. Jefe cares an’ I think likes that you an’ Zoey see him as an uncle, though he’ll probably never say it as that’s how he is, but it’s up to you if you call him uncle or mister. As long as you respect him, I don’t care which, but you need to apologize to him ad soo as possible, an’ be humble. If you hafta get on your knees to remember to be humble an’ respectful, I expect you to do it, alright?” Hondo replied.
 
Tonya nodded, “I will, Papa. I promise.”
 
He stood up and lifted her to her feet. She fell against him and hugged him tightly.
 
“I love you… Thank you.” She whispered.
 
“I love you too, girl.” He replied.
 
Once she let go he nodded to the bronco as he saw Marvin coming.
 
“best head back in an' help Molly. Don't let her get anythin' herself. She's only to get up to use the restroom, understand?” He said
 
Tonya nodded, "I understand, papa."
 
"Alright, then get goin'." He said as he headed to the tailgate to let it down.
 
She nodded and headed back inside, passing Marvin as he came up and threw the barrel inside. As Hondo shut the tail gate again he shook his head at his own thoughts, angry at some of them that between Molly and Tonya now stirred when they had not before.
 
“You alright, Master Hondo?” Marvin asked.
 
“You even been hunting before?” Hondo asked?
 
“Sir?” Marvin asked.
 
“You know, hunting. Gun, tracking prey. Bringin' back food from the wild.” Hondo replied.
 
Marvin nodded, “I know what it is, but never done it. As a slave we weren’t really trusted with guns and since I eat more vegetables I’ve never really thought about it.”
 
Hondo nodded grimly, “Yeah, I reckon that’s true but it’s a good skill to have an’ a good thing for a man to do. Feels good too, bein’ out in nature like that. Lets one’s mind relax an’ connect with the rugged beauty of the world.”  
 
“Never thought of it like that. Might be interesting.” Marvin said more to himself.
 
“What ‘bout gamblin’? Playin’ cards?” Hondo asked.
 
Marvin shrugged, “Played some poker before but never for money.”
 
“It can be a bit of a thrill too an’ it teaches a man ‘bout readin’ other, knowin’ when to strike, an’ knowin’ when to hold back... What ‘bout drinkin’?” Hondo asked.
 
Marvin raised an eyebrow at him, “Not really allowed to as wessen, though I’ve had a drink or two when someone made some wessen wine from scraps the masters threw away. Why? What can you learn from that?”
 
Hondo chuckled, “Other than how much you can handle, how badly you can dance, an’ how big a headache you can get from overdoin’ it, not a damn thing. It’s just a good way to relax an’ clear your mind.”
 
Marvin nodded, “Sounds interesting, but… why do you ask?”
 
Hondo grimaced as he looked back at the hanger door, which was just closing behind Tonya, before turning back to Marvin, “I think once we get the camp safe you, me, Jefe, an’ maybe even goat-man should go on a huntin’ trip. Hunt durin’ the day an’ find a bar to hole up in at night to drink an’ play cards. Just for a few days.”
 
Marvin nodded, “Sounds good, but can I ask why? You and Master Fernando are always busy. Wouldn’t you rather just you and Molly and maybe the girls get away, alone for a few days?”
 
Hondo frowned, “As much as that sounds good an’ I’d like to sometime, I need some time away from them too.”
 
“Why?” Marvin asked.
 
“Too much estrogen ‘round here these day’s an’ I need a guys trip to clear my damn head!” Hondo said shaking his head as he headed to the driver door.
 
Marvin just shrugged and headed to the passenger’s side and climbed in. A minute later the Bronco roared to life and started rolling towards the camp.
 
,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
At a small oasis at the edge of the bad land’s desert, and angry, dark colored fox wessen with a metal arm cussed in a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, and English.  
 
“foda-se esse calor! a la mierda el caminante del tiempo y ese vaquero!! e sua filha cadela! #$@! them! Shit!“ He muttered to himself as laid back on a cot in his canvas tent, trying to hide from the heat.
 
Hector wore nothing as he laid there, his fur making the heat worse, and the dryness did not even allow for sweat to linger to cool his body. No wind blew either and they had been here for days now, day of heat, boredom, military rations, and no one to screw other than his own hand.
 
“Hector, I just spoke with the... Damn! Are you Jacking-off!! Cover yourself, would you!” Sheska yelled angrily as she walked into his tent.
 
“You have seen before, puta. You took it before and scream like little garota.” Hector said grinning at the memory.
 
The scarred fox-wessen woman frowned angrily as those memories were burned into her mind and she did not need reminded of them.
 
“I was a little girl then, you asshole!” She growled.
 
“This is Hector’s tent. You no want to see Hector’s pene then you leave.” He said coldly.
 
“At least stop yanking on it! I have news...” She growled, but was cut off.
 
“Hector cares not.” He interrupted as he continued to stroke his dick.
 
“…From the Grey Lady.”  She continued coldly.
 
Hector sighed and sat up. He grabbed a pillow and put it on his lap.
 
“What is news?” he asked in a frustrated tone.
 
“She says she is getting supplies and other of your surviving followers are gathering new recruits in a little town north west of Chinatown by the inland sea. There is another group that she has contacted and they want to meet up with you at Junktown.” She said.
 
“That pisshole? Why?” He groused.
 
“There are some others there that might be of help but want to meet with you personally before pledging their help. She said you need to meet with them, so we need to start heading that way by morning. There is a place north-east of town, a cave, that is hidden and stocked with supplies that we can go to.” Sheska replied
 
Hector sighed, “If The Lady wishes it, Hector will do… for now.”
 
“She also asked if you have heard from Legacy. Seems like she has gone missing and The Lady was quite upset about that as she could not think who would have anything against her, though I may have a few ideas.” Sheska said, in accusing tones
 
Hector shook his head, “I know not where her dumb prostituta has gone. She probably run away with some stupid bastard with small pene.”
 
“So, someone like you?” She asked, grinning evilly.
 
Hector gave her a cold look but did not reply to that comment, “She say anything else?”
 
“Well, not at first, but I told her a thing or two that interested her.” Sheska said with a grin.
 
“Such as?” Hector asked cautiously.  
 
“Well, I told her about the drop we got from death from above and about the note they sent.” She replied, almost casually.  
 
“Note? What note?” Hector said, feigning ignorance.
 
She walked over to him and dumped a handful of shredded paper on the pillow that covered his lap.
 
“This one.” She said grinning.
 
Hector looked at a couple of the pieces then looked up at her with a glare.
 
“How you find, meretriz?!” He growled.
 
“You should have kept it and burned it later. I don’t trust you, not even a little so I check everything! You want to hide something from me, you will have to try harder!!” She growled back.
 
Hector glared at her for a moment longer before sighing and relaxing to a more mildly-annoyed look.  
 
“What is it you want?! What she say about the money?” He asked
 
“She doesn’t know about the money. No one but you and I know about that and I want half to keep it that way.” She said
 
“One quarter!” He replied back angrily.
 
She sighed and shrugged, “fine. A quarter.”
 
Hector glared at her and stood up, letting the pillow fall and his boner hang out for her to see. She scoffed angrily and turned away, as seeing him like that made the painful memories she tried to ignore see almost impossible to hide from. He walked over to his trunk and pulled out five thousand dollars, walked over to her, stood in front of her with a grin as she tried to look away from him. He folded the money and pulled her shirt front down enough for him to reach inside, run the money down her breast and place it between her nipple and her shirt.
 
“There, a quarter of Hector’s money.” He hissed at her before turning to walk back to the bed. He sat down, legs spread, and leaned back a bit just to show himself off more and make her feel more uncomfortable.
 
“#$@!ing bastard.” She said under her breath.
 
“What else the Lady say?” He asked coldly.
 
“Why should I tell you?!” She asked angrily.
 
Hector shrugged, “You tell me why? Or Should I call The lady and say you are liar and unfaithful to the Lady? I hear she holds Sheska’s slave papers. Would be a shame to see the law in Chinatown by the inland sea send out the paddy-rollers to come get you and publically execute you for being a rouge slave.”
 
“You bastard! Maybe they will take you too? You think of that?!” She growled.
 
“They know Hector is free wessen and what the Grey Lady pays them, Hector adds to it. Hector also gives them hints on where hinding wessen slaves with high bonties might be hiding.” He said with an evil grin.
 
“You sell out your own kind? You really are a bastard.” She said angrily.
 
“You think you are only other wessen woman that Hector have fun with and cut on? No. Though most do not survive and become hard, strong woman like you. You should thank Hector.” HE snarled
 
“#$@! off!” She said.
 
“What else did the Lady say?” He asked firmly as he stood up and walked over to her again.
 
“#$@! off, bastard!” She said as she started to turn away from him.  
 
He grabbed her arm and spun her around and as she tried to defend herself he grabbed her neck with his metal arm and squeezed just tightly enough that she struggled to breath and her head spun a bit.
 
“Tell me!” He growled.
 
“She said she knows about the million dollar bounty and that there are some that are trying to claim it! She will try to hold off death from above but if you fail at Junk town they will try for the bounty themselves!” She said through her teeth.
 
“What about you? You try to collect bounty on Hector??” He asked.
 
“I plan on it!” She hissed.
 
Hector nodded and sighed as he grabbed a large syringe from a pocket in his metal arm.
 
“Wha.. what it that?” Sheska asked nervously.
 
“Is gift from the spirits. It contains small capsule that is tied to Hector’s life.” He said as he jabbed it into her neck, causing her to cry out in a muffled manner.
 
“GAHPH! #$@! YOU!” She hissed through her teeth again.  
 
“Hector thinks you will.” He said with a smile.
 
“Will what?!” She asked angrily.
 
“#$@! Hector.” He said with a smile.
 
“Never!” She hissed.
 
He shook his head and clicked his tongue, “Tsk, tsk. You will do what Hector says or die.”
 
Her eyes got wide “Die? Wha. What was that! *GASP!* THUD! *Cough, choke, cough cough!*”  
 
Hector Squeezed her throat a bit tighter, shutting off her air for a moment before dropping her to the ground.
 
“It is acid capsule, tied to button on my hand and Hector’s life. I hit button, acid goes through veins and you die painfully. Hector dies, acid goes through your veins and you die horrible. So, you will protect Hector now with you life and do as Hector wants, si?” He asked as he grinned at her.
 
She knelt on the ground shaking as that old fear and hopelessness clawed its way through her.
 
“Y.yes sir.” She whispered in a hoarse voice.  
 
“That much better. We leave tomorrow for Junk town, but for now, Hector wants funs, so you come feo prostituta and suck Hectors pene.” He sais as he sits back on the bed again.
 
She nods and crowls over to him, taking his member in her hand gentally, “yes sir.”
 
He hit her in the side of the head and knocked her to the ground.
 
“Puta! No clothes! “ He roared.
 
She got back up and nodded.  
 
“My apologies Master.” She said as she started stripping down.
 
“The puta remembers. Good. Hector will #$@! you proper tonight and remind you of your place once more.
 
As she sucked him off and later bent over as he coked her until she passed out a couple times as he rode her from behind, she was determined to see him die, even if it meant her own life. The money be damned, she had to find the Timewalker and the Cowboy. She knew only with there help could she and the world be free of Hector at last.  
 

Fernando takes a short walk around the area of his camper. He knows he has to talk with General Jastrey but he does not want too. His priority is to the convoy and then to himself. Thus his decision was a simple one; he walks to the driver’s door of his camper, opens it and lets himself in. He looks at the girls.
 
“Time to eat.” He tells them as he takes the bags of food and drink and gives them out to Ichigo and Naya.
 
He sits on the bench seat while Ichigo sits on the bed behind the bend and have their meals. Naya sits on her sleeping gear resting her back against the cabinet while she eats. Halfway into her meal she begins to cry.
 
“What’s going on?” Fernando asks Naya.
 
Naya sniffles her nose a couple of times before she manages to blubber out, “How could you be so nice to me? Give me new clothes, a place to sleep, good food to eat, and medicine to make me well from sickness? How can you do this, without not wanting of me or to service you? Am I ugly or something?”
 
“In time you will do work as I need you to do. But everyone else works together, help each other, and do not make demands. We do not ‘Service’ each other. Even though I own you, it would be wrong for me to make you do things, though you think you need to do to please your master, is wrong to do. You are a person, one I will take care of and help as best as I can, like I do with the others. In the work you do will help all of us in the end and you will be rewarded with food, clothes and a warm place to sleep. So enjoy your rewards for the day. Tomorrow will be a long day.” Fernando tells her.
 
Naya looks at him, holding back from eating.
 
Fernando throws in, “Understand this. You are not ugly, but in the past you did ugly things. If you want to be beautiful, you need to do beautiful things – things like working for your things. No fighting, learn to walk away from a fight. No stealing, no lying, no hording, no refusing to do work you are told to do – all those things are ugly things, do them and you remain ugly, as a person. Understand that a pretty face can hide an ugly person. You do not want to be an ugly person behind a pretty face. I can spot those who are ugly behind a pretty face. So let’s see how pretty you can be.”
 
Naya nods.
 
“Enjoy your meal, you deserve it.” He tells her.
 
Naya nods and then tries to eat again, taking her time to do so. Fernando and then Ichigo finish their meals. He takes their empties and puts them into the bag they were brought in, placing them on the sink counter. Though he does not take off his clothes, he sits back and relaxes on the bench.
 
He was expecting a quiet night, he is not going to get his wish. A knock on his camper’s sliding door interrupts his peace. He gets up to the sliding door and opens it partially, finding the Bunny Girls outside with their blankets and pillows. Kiah reaches over and slides the door to its end and steps inside, though seeing Naya there, she pays her no mind. But Mae complains.
 
“Kiah, we are supposed to get permission before entering!” Mae complains.
 
Kiah looks across the bench before throwing her things over to the bed side and climbs over it.
 
April shakes her head before she enters the camper, throws her things over the bench and then climbs over the bench. Fernando shakes his head before saying, “Mae, June – come in.” They go in and do as the others did to get over the bench and onto the bed side. Fernando reaches over and closes the sliding door. He then says, “What’s going on that you have to move into my camper again?”
 
Mae replies, “Remember yesterday when Kiah open the window in our camper and it got too cold to sleep in it?”
 
“What about it?” Fernando asks.
 
“Kiah must have broken it because it will not close!” Mae says.
 
“I Did Not!” Kiah rebuttals.
 
“You girls stay here, I’m going to check your camper window.” He tells them before stepping out of the camper and closes the door.
 
While he is walking to the Bunny Girls Camper, Kiah kneels up against the back of the bench.
 
“Hey, Goat-Girl. Got a name?” Kiah says out loud.
 
“Huh? You talking to me?” Naya says.
 
“Who else would I be talking to? Only you are the Goat-Girl here.” Kiah throws out.
 
Ichigo throws out, “Kiah, shut up and give the girl some respect. She’s a half Sheep Wessen, half Human.”
 
“Oh, she’s a half breed. Well anyways, what’s her name?” Kiah throws out.
 
“Kiah, Shut Up!” Mae lets out, throwing in “I swear! You need to stop being nosey and mind your own business!”
 
“I’m just trying to make sure she’s not a threat from taking YOUR boyfriend!” Kiah lets out.
 
Ichigo throws out at her before Mae could, “She’s somebody Fernando is rescuing. She is no threat to anybody and worthy of some respect like you are.”
 
[The Bunny Girl Camper]
 
Fernando inspects the open window Kiah and Mae spoke about. Though it is not broken, it is jammed, probably from Kiah hanging onto it while opening it. It takes him a while to unjam it by hitting it against its frame with his bare palm. Eventually it gets loose and he is able to close it. He thinks about doing a permanent fix to it but does not have his tools with him, thus he adds it to his mental list of things to do tomorrow – screw in a large head screw into the window frame to prevent the window from going further to where it would jam.
 
He steps out of the camper, but knowing that sending the Bunny Girls back would have Kiah ‘break’ the window again and they would be knocking on his camper door again. He also wonders why they are not in Val’s camper as they were before getting their own camper. Did she drive them away too? Between the two campers, Hondo/Val’s camper is the warmer of the two. So why his camper? He refuses to sleep in the same bed as them, not that it matters, because it does not.
 
Before he goes back to his camper, he walks about the Bunny Girls’ camper and dune buggy, checking the other windows and storage area doors to find them locked and secure. He walks around the dune buggy one final time. Before he can step away from the dune buggy to go to his camper, General Jastrey steps up to him with her usual entourage.
 
“We need to have a talk.” General Jastrey tells him.
 
Fernando looks at his watch and then at her, “I have not had my dinner meal yet, so I will give you two minutes to discuss what matters you want to deal with.”
 
“You did not have your meal yet?” General Jastrey asks.
 
“No. I always make sure I eat last to make sure the members of the convoy eats first.” Fernando tells her.
 
General Jastrey nods in hearing this, knowing that the army travels on its stomach, some higher ranking officers tend to eat after their subordinates eat first. But this is a minor distraction from her main reason why she was there.
 
“Why were you disrespectful to me and somebody I was in negotiations with?” General Jastrey demands for an answer.
 
“That ‘SOMEBODY’ leads a group Wessen Killing Highway Gang Criminals who has 1) tried to rob from this convoy, 2) killed several guards your army was providing, 3) tried to rape and kill both my daughter and the female Wessen hired to oversee her while I am out providing what this convoy needs, and 4) who have continued to threatened me, the people of this convoy I lead, and the army that protects us and themselves. I do not take threats lightly, and anyone crossing that line with me will find out that not only can I threaten back, I can back up my threats with actions of their demise. So watch yourself around him and his group. Though I have helped in healing a few who were injured for him, I also had to put a few of them into their graves and a couple of them in your jails. He will turn on you, and take you down when you are not looking, and thinking that things are alright because of ‘negotiations.’ Consider that as a warning. And let me inform you on a little known fact – it was they who killed off the lawmen of this town while the lawmen were off to Fight Town to seek a reward that does not exist.” Fernando tells her.
 
General Jastrey fumes as she stands there for he was right. And he is going to be proven right again but for the wrong reasons. The radio chatter increases on the General’s portable unit. It is followed by assorted gun fire, in short, the Convoy Camp is under attack!
 
Fernando takes his cane and twists crystal, summoning a force field around the vehicles of the convoy and around the area of the parking lot. In his subconscious mind, the crystal picks up the command to encase Hondo’s hanger area with a force field like he did before during the tornado storm. He then gets his Yaesu radio and calls out to Hondo.
 
“Righteous Cowboy – This Is The Medic Calling A Code 1 Emergency! Righteous Cowboy – This Is The Medic Calling A Code One Emergency! The Parking Area Is Under Attack! Hold Down And Secure The Hanger!” Fernando says out loud into the radio.
 
Not waiting for a reply from Hondo, Fernando concentrates on himself and his equipment, his samurai blade appears in his hand as his cane seems to disappear (it went into hiding in his pocket) before he runs into the grassy area behind the campers in a blinding speed. He goes through the force field and through the grassy area where the army’s soldiers were in battle with several from the motorcycle gang. He pickpockets a few grenades from the soldiers he runs by and continues to head into the motorcycle crowd. Swinging his sword wildly about, he lops off many heads and arms raised to fire their weapons, continuing to follow through by tossing a hand grenade into the larger vehicles packed with gang members waiting to be sent into battle. He continues running through the crowd, slicing off what appendage was closest to him: arms, legs, necks; leaving a trail of dead and dying as he goes through the road that branches off into two where one loops back to the convoy camp with many biker gang members were fighting with the army soldiers.
 
A long thirty seconds have pasted, though the fighting quieted, it continues, getting more quiet as Fernando runs through the crowd of motorcycle gang members and taking down everyone he passes by. The gunfire goes quiet followed by the moaning of the wounded and dying by the time Fernando makes it to the main entrance of the parking lot. He must have taken down some 225 gang members, compared to 75 by Jastrey’s Troops in their action of defense of the camp. For Fernando almost a half hour of time had passed by for the 30 seconds that happened in the battle since he joined in. He goes back into normal time and looks at the mess.
 
Many of the troops, including General Jastrey and her entourage run over the main entrance of the parking area camp. As they arrive, Fernando looks at the bodies, and notices that several at the gate were not biker gang members but a few merchants he has had trouble with in town. The one person who should be there was not – the Elder Leader of the Wessen Hating Biker Gang nor his Right and Left Hand Men were not there.
 
He looks around into the distance, seeing some old lawmen jeeps going as fast as they can down the side of the airport runway, turning a slow long circular arc to the right to the west side of town (away from the hanger). It is unknown whether that the bikers have the Lawmen’s Jeeps when they massacred group, though it is a secret that they do, but these were not the same jeeps as held in possession by the Biker Gang. General Jastrey steps up behind Fernando.
 
“All deals are off.” General Jastrey says to herself.
 
“Hold off on that.” Fernando says.
 
“What do you mean? They dare to attack while in negotiations!” The General says angrily.
 
“Look. There are some things missing and other things that are not supposed to be here.” Fernando explains.
 
“Like what?” The General asks.
 
“The Elder Leader nor his Right and Left Hand Men are not here. Biker Gangs attack with the leaders leading the way. And these people, they are merchants. Merchants who are Anti-Wessen, and do not want you and your army taking control of Flight Town and Wessen Town. I told the Major not too long ago that this town does not want to change and keep slavery going and humans and Wessens to be separate and Wessens to be under their foot.” Fernando explains as he releases the force field around the camp but not around the convoy vehicles. He adds, “Go do a head count of the men lost or wounded and how many of the enemy was taken down. Also confiscate the arms and recoverable vehicles that they have. I am going to talk to Hondo about this.”
 
From a distance, several vehicles come from the blimp parking area and stop before where the line of bodies begin. Hondo was the first to step out of an unknown vehicle – an open top Jeep, with several Wessens coming out of it and the other vehicles.
 
Hondo walks up the parking lot gate with a small Wessen army behind him.
 
“We came as fast as we could.” Hondo says as he and his small entourage looks about the bodies lying on the ground, saying “Looks like the party is over.”
 
“How’s the hanger?” Fernando asks.
 
“A group in green and black jeeps tried to attack it but we noticed that their bullets were not going through so we stood there and mocked them until they ran out of bullets, which was quick. So they quickly ran away when The Wessen Guard came in from Wessen Town.” Hondo explains.
 
“We heard over the radio some chatter about gathering to causing trouble at the hanger and at the parking lot. Some we know by voice as former lawmen who are now merchants. Others we do not know but they claim to be from the Wessen Killing Biker Gang.” Fred the Jägerbar Wessen explains.
 
“Just enough to storm the gates, kill those inside and take ownership of what is inside.” Fernando says.
 
Several of the army men arrive with 3 men they caught playing dead, having their hands bound behind their backs. One was from the biker gang, the other two are from the Town’s Merchant Circle. Fernando steps up to one of the merchants.
 
“Who ordered this attack?” Fernando tells him.
 
“God made man in his image! Wessens are an abomination of Satan! Those Who Side With Wessens Must Be Eliminated!” The Merchant tells him before spitting Fernando in the face.
 
Fernando lashes out, grabbing the merchant by his neck and lifting him off the floor. The merchant squirms and tries to kick Fernando, only to be body slammed onto the floor and have a knee thrust onto his chest. He then backhand slaps the merchant across the face.
 
“Listen you idiot! I have ways of making you and your friends talk. But I do have must more enjoyable ways of watching you die. Now which one shall it be?” Fernando growls at him.
 
“You’re a nobody! You are worse than a nobody, you’re a Wessen Lover! You will get nothing from me!” The Merchant tells him as he wheezes for air.
 
Fernando gets off him and orders the soldiers to untie them and help the one on the floor onto his feet. At the same time he pulls out his cane and restores it to his hand before he starts twisting the crystal on his cane as he steps away from them. He then turns around and looks at the merchant, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the spit of his face and glasses.  
 
“See you in hell, mother#$@!er!” Fernando tells him before pressing the crystal on his cane. The three of them disappear.
 
Hondo steps up to Fernando, “Sent them to meet Lucy and her friends?”
 
“Damn hell I did.” Fernando replies before twisting the crystal on his cane and pressing it. A portal opens and the three of them fall out of it and back to their world. As the portal slowly closes, Lucy the T-Rex sticks her head into the portal and lets out a loud roar before going back in to her side of the portal. The three men grovel on the floor, crying like babies, demanding for their mothers and forgiveness from god. The scent of urine and feces reek from the three of them.
 
Though the soldiers were scared at the sight of Lucy’s momentary appearance it was only momentary as Lucy left with the closure of the portal, they find the three scared sniveling captives on the floor shaking and crying like abandoned kittens on the side of the road.
 
Fernando taps the merchant with his cane and says loud enough to be heard, “I want names or I’m sending you back to Hell.”
 
They howl as if they were in pain but it is more from mental anguish and fear. Fernando yells at them, “I want names or I’m sending you back to Hell!”
 
The other Merchant yells out “Grey Lady!” followed by the other merchant yelling “Hector De La Cruz!” and the Biker letting out “Giovanni!”
 
Fernando, Hondo, General Jastrey, Major Fred (the Jägerbar) and those around them look at each other. Fernando tells the troops to gather the men and to lock them in detention. They remain silent while the men are picked up and taken away by the troops.
 
“Hector is not around anymore.” Hondo says.
 
“He’s not around, but his name still carries a lot of influence.” Fernando explains.
 
“Hector De La Cruz is a Wessen. And these are Wessen Haters.” General Jastrey points out.
 
“Soldiers do not care about who is paying them for the job they hired to do as long as they get paid. Hector is operating inside the shadows, making sure he is not seen or heard, but cause problems for Humans and Wessens to continue and increase the Human Wessen War.” Fernando explains. He adds, “This war will ends when both the Grey Lady and Hector are dead.”
 
“What about Giovanni?” Hondo asks.
 
“We have a poker game with him tonight. It looks like it might be his last poker game.” Fernando says.
 
“Poker Game?” General Jastrey asks.
 
“By Invite Only, but I think I can get a couple more in. I just need a sack of gold coins, which I can get.” Fernando tells her.
 
“Count me and a couple of my men in. I’ll bring in my own sack of gold.” General Jastrey says.
 
“Count me in as well.” Major Fred (the Jägerbar) throws his hat into the ring.
 
“Alright then.” Fernando says.
 
For the next few minutes they plan out where to gather the gold, and meet before going to the poker game at Giovanni’s. They soon separate into their separate ways, only to meet later for the poker game some 3 plus hours away.
 
[To Be Continued...]

As Fernando walked away from them, Hondo pulled out his cane, placed the tip to the ground, put an image of the area in his mind and pressed the crystal down on the cane. It took less than thirty seconds and was barely noticed by those around him. Once done, he dematerialized the cane and climbed into the Bronco, making a mental note to himself to do this at all their stops first thing.  
 
The ride back to the hanger was uneventful, which both Hondo and Marvin were glad for, and Minya and Minerva, who sat in the middle seat behind them, said nothing the whole trip which only doubled their relief. Once back they unloaded the barrel of food and Hondo showed Minya how to mix the drink for the children while Minerva and the other older teen wessens helped unload the food, gather the children’s meals up, and hand them out. Since things were busy in the hanger, the children were taken to the basement game room to eat, as to be out of the way. Once they were gone, Maggie, Terri, Lala, and Lili went through the rest of the food, grabbing out the meals for the others and setting the spares to the side.  
 
 As Marvin and the other wessens took a break to eat, sitting on the couch, and on various chairs and stools around the hanger, Macey and Zoey grabbed food for Tonya and went upstairs to eat in the room with her and Molly to keep them company. Both Groups asked Hondo to join them, but he had a lot on his mind and a lot to do yet, so he declined both offers.  
 
Everyone was fairly quiet, eating in silence with only a few comments. The feeling had been tense around the camp, and doubly so at the hanger as of late, and it was wearing on everyone, kids and adults alike. Everyone was just bone tired and ready for some rest, though it would be a while before any real rest was to be had.
 
Hondo stood in the kitchen and scarfed his food out of the container it was in, finishing before any of those who started before him were even half done. Though he was not extremely hungry, his system was crying for food, as the bio-boost Fernando gave him had stabilized his system for now, but had not stopped the poison. With his system feeling temporarily better it called for fuel in its ill attempts at fighting the sickness building inside of him, though it could not win, which in reality he did not expect it to win. What he expected, or hoped rather, was to hold out long enough to at least get everyone to safety. He knew Fernando might could help him and the longer he waited the less change he would have of success, but something in him told him he was beyond hope, and that any trying, on his friends’ part, to save his life would only drain precious time, resources, and energy that Fernando could not afford while also putting the group at risk for his sake, which he could not do. He had decided a long time ago that being a rescuer was his life’s purpose and knew it could mean his early death. The pill Fernando gave him to make him more resilient and nigh immortal did not come until after that decision, so though he had not expected it to happen, he had prepared himself for the fact that death may await him at any corner and it could be the price he must pay to help others. Those he rescued and/or was rescuing, they were the mission at hand and his primary goal. His life and health were not even on the top ten at the moment, especially since there was no obvious solution. It’s not like he was bleeding and the bleed could be stopped. He was bleeding time, but that was something that could not be staunched, or so it seemed.  
 
After he was done eating his meal, he decided to take a walk around the building to check on things himself. He checked inside first, stopping to check on everyone, but stopping a bit longer with Molly and the girls to talk, though it was nothing more than normal conversation between them at the moment. As they stood talking, the radio in his pocket issued forth a familiar voice.
 
“Righteous Cowboy, this is the Medic. I know you’re busy so call me back when you can.” Fernando called out over the radio.
 
Hondo sighed, “Well I’d better see what’s goin’ on.”
 
“You going to be late tonight?” Molly asked
 
Hondo shrugged, “Don’t know. Jefe said somethin’ ‘bout a poker game at Giovanni’s. Think the idea is we catch him cheatin’ an’ take him down. Jefe has already rescued three gals from him an’ each one has been in rougher shape than the previous one. We want to head out of this hell hole the day after tomorrow, so we probably need to handle this asshole tonight. We leave it to the military an’ it might never happen.”
 
Molly frowned, “I understand, but just be careful. If you’re really late, don’t worry about waking me. I just want you back with me safely.”
 
Hondo shook his head, “ ’Fraid I won’t be comin’ to bed tonight. I’m gonna be takin’ night shift with the army so Maggie an’ Marvin can get some sleep. They need to be back used to day an’ rested for the trip anyway.”
 
“What about you, papa? You need to rest too.” Tonya piped in.  
 
“I’ll rest when I have time, but I’ll be fine.” He replied.
 
“I’ll see you again tonight, though, right?” Molly asked.
 
He nodded, “I’ll be back to check on ya before it gets too late. If we go to the game I’ll probably need to change clothes anyway… I’d better go check on the soldiers an’ see what Jefe wants.”
 
“Okay my love.” Molly replied.
 
“I’ll be down to clean up in a bit, papa.” Tonya said.
 
Hondo nodded, “Alright, get those two” Pointing at Macey and Zoey, “to help, then y’all are free until bed time. I hear Karl is horrible at poker, if you can get him into a game.”
 
Tonya grinned, “It would be fun to beat him. I still owe him a few beatings for playing us like he did.”
 
Hondo chuckled and shook his head as he headed out. Once out of the room and headed down the stairs he pulled the radio from his pocket and keyed the mic.
 
“This is Righteous Cowboy calling for the Medic! You out there, Medic?” He said into the radio.
 
A moment later the radio crackled to life, “This is The Medic, I am here.”
 
“You called?” Hondo replies.
 
“Yes, I did. About those radios... They are very much like the Yaesu radios we have – 2meter and 73centimeter bands but also have FRS and GMRS band and 120 channels. I set them up with five 2meter frequencies for now and will expand on them when I go over their software.” Fernando explains.
 
“Interestin’. Decided who’s gettin’ them?” Hondo replies.
 
“I have and I’ll have a meeting with everyone in the hanger about them. But between you and I, written on some notes I found, there is some sort of hack for them to access 220MHz frequency bands. Once I figure it out, I’ll do it on the radios but make sure only you and I have a few channels for them.” Fernando explains.
 
“220-eh... Interestin’” Hondo replies. He adds, “Maybe we should go back an’ buy the other radios.”
 
“Well, there were 10 boxes for 10 radios, but there was a bag of part for a few more, which I assembled 2 more for a total of 12. But there are parts for 2 or 3 more but they would need a day or so to assemble them and there is only one charger for them all.” Fernando explains. He adds, “Marvin and Karl each get one. The Bunny Girls get two, as well as Minerva/Miniya and the teens each get two, that leaves with 4 left. Unless you can think of anyone you trust to give them one, I would give Ichigo, Macey and Zoey a Yaesu after teaching the younger girls proper radio usage.” Fernando explains.
 
“I see your logic of one unit per camper vehicle, but why the Bunny Girls get two radios? They only have one camper vehicle.” Hondo explains.
 
“Yes, but as a group, they tend to be two separate groups of Mae with June and April with Kiah.” Fernando explains.
 
“What about Ruth an’ Joanne?” Hondo asks.
 
“I thought about them but until Val turns around, I do not want Val to get access to such a radio through them, otherwise I would give them the last 4 units.” Fernando explains.
 
“I’ll talk to Ruth an’ Joanne about it. I can trust them with a radio. Besides, Val has access to my other Yaesu in the truck an’ she has not used it.” Hondo says.
 
“Alright, I’ll take your word on it. We will discuss it with them, but you, I and the two of them will have a separate meeting in their camper.” Fernando replies, He then asks, “About Joanne’s truck, what you know of it? I’ll look at it later but if it has a single tank, it should be updated with two 50 or 100 gallon tanks. It won’t do the run through No-Man’s Land without stopping to refill a single tank.”  
 
“We’ll look at it tomorrow an’ have that Mechanic Sergeant to help us out.” Hondo says.
 
“There is a speed shop on the opposite side of town where you are, not far from Maddies’ place. You can get the tanks, gauges, and plumbing there so the army does not have to give up their supplies. In fact, get some other things you think he would like. Once the truck is being worked on, we can continue with the rest of the day and get it when he is done, then fill it with fuel.” Fernando explains.
 
“We can do that.” Hondo replies and asks “Anythin’ else?”
 
“Well, not much. One more night to rest up, and we gather after breakfast and distribute a go-meal lunch before we roll out to the next town.” Fernando replies.
 
“Sounds good to me.” Hondo replies.
 
“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Fernando throws.
 
“See ya then.” Hondo replies.

Once done with their conversation, Hondo pocketed the radio again and headed to the man-door that lead to the outside, to check on the soldiers. As he exited through the man-door and closed the door behind him, the woman Sargent walked right into him and would have fallen had he not grabbed her and held her against him.
 
“Oh! Excuse me sir! I.. I wasn’t watching where I was going! I’m sorry!” She exclaimed in embarrassment as her cat like eyes stared up into his steel greys.
 
He just smiled softly back at her, still holding onto her, “My fault too, I reckon, but just glad it was you an’ not one of the fellers. Would be a might more awkward holdin’ onto them like this.”
 
She blushed deeply and pulled away, obviously flustered.
 
“I. I. I am sorry, sir! I didn’t mean anything by it and understand if you want me replaced for being unfit!” She said quickly, staring at the ground.
 
He chuckled a bit and shook his head, “Not necessary, an’ sorry I got you flustered there.”  
 
She sighed with what seemed like relief and shook her head, “It’s alright, sir. I.. I’m just glad you are not angry.”
 
“Why should I be angry? You were busy lookin’ for threats comin’ at us that you missed me comin’ out of the place. It was an honest mistake, at least it seemed like it was, unless ya wanted to bump into me for some reason.” He replied.
 
She blushed and shook her head, “NO! It was nothing like that! Not that you aren’t an attractive man, but I’m just a wessen and a lowly Sargent at that!”
 
Hondo frowned a bit, “You know one thing I want to change in the world?”
 
“What’s that, sir?” She asked, cocking her head curiously.
 
“To change how wessen see themselves.” He replied.
 
“How should we see ourselves, sir?” She asked.
 
“Please stop with the sir.” He replied, sounding a bit annoyed.
 
“Yes sir, I mean Mr. …. Hondo? I think that’s what the Captain called you, right?” She said.
 
“Please just Hondo.” He replied a bit gruffly.
 
She took half a step back at his tone, “Sorry sir, I mean Hondo.”  
 
He sighed and shook his head, “I did not mean to sound harsh, just hate bein’ called mister. Makes me feel … old.”
 
She nodded, “Yes s.s.s. Hondo.”
 
 
“Heh. I guess I shouldn’t fault ya for fallin’ back on your trainin’…. Now, as I was sayin’, I’d like to see wessen see themselves for what they really are.” He replied.
 
“What are we? And, please understand, sir, I’m not trying to be rude. I.. I just don’t even know what I am some days.” She said sincerely.
 
“Well, you aren’t like Hector De La Cruz or other Wessen extremist believe, better than man or the next step in human evolution but you are not animals either.” He replied.
 
“Then what are we? … What am I?” She asked.
 
“You are a woman.” He replied firmly.
 
She gave him a bit of a sour look, “I know my gender, I know I’m a woman but what am I as in human, animal, an abomination to the creator?”
 
Hondo shook his head, “I didn’t say you are female. I said you are a woman. Only human females are called women, no other creature is.”
 
She frowned, “But I’m a quarter wessen! Yeah, I don’t have fur, and my ears aren’t as big as a half or full blooded Klausstreich,” She said, taking off her beret and showing him her short cat ears, “my face could almost pass for human if it weren’t for my eyes, and I had a tail but was forced to have it docked. How could I be considered human?”
 
“You were forced to have your tail docked?” He asked.
 
She looked down, “Yes. I .. it. It was my fault. I messed up when I was a recruit and our captain had my tailed docked as punishment.”
 
“I thought he said he cared about wessens?!” Hondo replied angrily.
 
“Oh! No, not Captain O’Rielly! It was the captain before him. Captain O’Reilly only was made our Captain about 14 years ago. I was sixteen when this happened. My family was killed and the army rescued me and my younger sister, I was fifteen then. Our last Captain said we owed the military for helping us. It was either I join as a soldier or he would take my sister as his full-time maid, which would have made her effectively his personal slave, so I joined up so she could be free. He might have saved us but he was not a good man at all, not like Captain O’Reilly.  I.. I shouldn’t talk bad about officers, but I think he got pleasure out of us being scared of him, and he knew he could do almost anything to us and get away with it. I’m not the only one who has had things done to me. He’s docked tail, cut ears down or off, had body hair chemically removed, forced us to undergo reconstructive surgeries, and even forcibly castrating a few. He always said removing body parts was his favorite form of punishment as we would never forget… He also used to say we were abomination and needed to be changed to be more human like, anyway, as our animal features displeased the creator. Funny that he seemed to screw enough of his female soldiers, even though he said our animal traits made us ugly.” She said, a hint of sadness in her tone.
 
Hondo shook his head angrily, “Damn! That’s #$@!ed up! An’ Jastrey knows ‘bout this sorta stuff?”
 
She shrugged, “I don’t know, I guess so. She has a lot of more important things on her plate than a bunch of wessens like us, though.”
 
Hondo shook his head again, “No, it still ain’t right! Like I said, you are a woman, bein’ full or part wessen doesn’t mean a damn thing other than what special abilities or needs ya might have. An’ as far as bein’ an abomination to the almighty? The abominations are these folks playin’ god, the humans an’ spirits that made wessens by changin’ their DNA! An’ for what? To make a super human race, is what I’ve heard. If that’s so then how are you all just animals? Those who altered humans to be wessen are the abominations, not those changed, who had no say in the matter nor their offspring. Like I said before, the wessen superiority groups have it wrong, dead wrong, but so do those who see you folk as lesser too! You’re not animals! You are humans an’ deserve the same respect an’ treatment!”
 
She smiled softly and blushed again, looking away from him as she spoke as being treated as human, being told she was human, and seeing someone else other than their captain fighting for this nearly overwhelmed her.  
 
“Thank you, sir.” She said softly.
 
“For what?” He asked, cocking his head a bit, questioningly.
 
She looked up at him, “For fighting for us. For believing in us. You don’t understand what it’s like. We have had no one, well barely anyone other than the Captain and you two. For a while it was just Captain O’Reilly and he can only try to help our group and a few we come into contact with. Until you both came, there was no one out there trying to make things better for all of us. Years ago, the Time walker and the Cowboy fought for us, then they seemed to disappear, no one has heard from them in years. We get news that they are spotted from time to time, but… but if they are still out there they seemed to have forgotten us, or the spirits have them on the run. Then there was the Sackett Clan. They were the ones that actually drove away those that killed my family. The military just moved in to clean up and found us, honestly. Had the Sacketts been able to stop instead of continuing the chase, things might have been different for my sister and I. They are still active I hear, but can only do so much these days. The army refused to help them after a while as the slavers threatened utter chaos on the towns if we aided them further. The Spirit Galactic Government put their leaders  and their whole clan on a wanted list and put high bounties on their heads. After that the Sackett’s seemed to go underground.… Wait, Sackett, isn’t that’s what the captain called you before he left? Hondo Sackett? Any relation to H. I. Sackett??”  
 
 
He frowned, “Honestly, I do not know the guy, an’ I’m not kin of his, which is why I don’t want my last name used. The medic, Fernando an’ I have work to do. If folks thought I was kin of his or somethin’ it could hurt things. I don’t know where your Captain heard my last name from, but I need you an’ anyone else who knows it to never repeat it or tell anyone what it is, understand? I want to keep helping folks but I can’t if I have those who hate the Sackett clan after us too.”
 
It was not a lie, technically, but it seemed like walking the edge of one. Though it really did not matter, the whole truth was complicated and too much for most to fully understand. Even if they did, the more who knew, the more danger they and the whole camp would be in, as if those who wanted the Sacketts, The Time Walker, and The Cowboy dead, even thought they were somehow not the same as their future selves, they would do their best to kill them to hopefully change the future. Though none of them fully understood how convoluted the timeline was, even if they knew they would not understand that killing them would not get rid of them, only trigger another instance of them, further messing with time.
 
She nodded, “I understand. But again, thank you. From all of us. We all know what you are doing out there, what you are risking and we know we cannot thank you enough.”
 
Hondo shook his head, “Don’t thank me. Just tryin’ to do what’s right.”
 
She nodded and took a step towards him, close enough that he could almost feel her breath.
 
“But I want to, and .. and while I know it’s not enough, I want to give you something. Know that there is more if you ever want it, much more from me and almost every woman in our company if you want it.” She said breathily.
 
He raised an eyebrow at her, questioningly.
 
“I’m not sure what you MPHFF! …”  
 
He was cut off as she quickly got up on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He was half taken back for a moment, but not knowing what else to do, he went with it and placed a hand at the small of her back to hold her against him, trying to make it not be more awkward than it already was.
 
She held onto him tightly and kissed him passionately, even sneaking a little tongue in there as she pressed and ground her body against his. Once she was out of breath she pulled back and he let her go, allowing her to take a step back again. She blushed deeply as she gazed into his eyes, and smiled at him, almost hungrily as she panted for breath.
 
“Anytime *pant, pant* I’m off duty *pant* I’m yours if *pant* you want.” She said.
 
“I appreciate it but, like I said ..” He started to say but was cut off again.
 
“We know, sir, but… the offer stands, for you and the medic too, if he so wishes… I.. I need to get back to patrols so…” She paused, feeling flustered at the moment.
 
Her blush deepened partly at thoughts of what they could do together and partly due to some general embarrassment, as she could not believe that she had acted so brazenly towards one of the men, of whom were considered superior in rank, who was fighting for them. Unsure of what else to say she snapped off a quick salute to him, turned and marched quickly around the building and out of his sight, where she stopped and leaned against the building for a moment trying to settle the flurry of feelings inside of her. As she stood there, heart racing, mind reeling, lungs heaving, she heard the distance sound of jeeps, which she figured to be night shift approaching. She sighed and tried to settle herself down. She was hoping not to face him again so soon, as she felt she had used all the bravery she could muster to kiss him and could muster no more. Unfortunately, she had not heard the door open or close up front and she had to go there to get to their jeeps and handle pass off. As the jeeps started to appear in the distance she put on her brave face and headed back up front.  
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
Hondo stood there for a moment staring in the direction that the part wessen woman Sargent had gone, with a look of bewilderment on his face.  
 
“Molly was right… damn” he muttered to himself.
 
He stood there for a moment, shaking his head as he gathered his own thoughts on the matter. He had never been a play-boy and was unaccustomed to this type of attention, though it intrigued him a bit. He had been happy with Valentine and wanted none other. His code of honor and sense of morals had even played some havoc on him when he had turned to Molly after Val’s rejections and betrayal, though he had come to terms with it and had determined to stay with Molly, if she would have him. But then today happened. Patricia hitting on him and Marvin saying how many other women liked him, he could have written off. Molly’s speech about sharing him and about him being blind to the other’s interested in him, on top of the other stuff gave him pause, though he tried to ignore it. This, though, added to it all, really made him question some things. He did not know what he would do, exactly, though taking the Sargent up on her offer was not even on his mind. As much as he doubted he and Val would ever sort out their differences, he did not put her into the equation even, but he did wonder what he would do if this escaladed any.  
 
His thoughts were thankfully derailed by the sound of jeeps in the distance, seeming to be approaching them. At first, he thought they could be the army’s night crew approaching but as he listened the direction seemed wrong.  
 
He stood there looking towards the sound, watching for the site of them. As he started to make out their outlines the Sargent came around the side of the building. He glanced at her and saw her look away from him quickly, seeming a bit flustered. He could not help but grin slightly at her flustered look, the memory of the kiss still fresh on his lips. It was not the best kiss he had ever had, but he knew she put her whole being into it and that amused him slightly and flattered him even more.  
 
“I.. I think that’s the night shift.” She said, stammering a bit as she came up beside him, only looking at him out of the corner of her eye before looking off at the distance.
 
He grinned at her, as her being so flustered made her seem cuter than she already was, but his grin faded as he looked back into the distance.
 
“That direction doesn’t seem right.” He said shaking his head.
 
“They probably drove through town first to make sure there was not any trouble.” She said, as the jeeps got closer.  
 
Hondo squinted at them, feeling something was off, but not sure what. He trotted back inside, leaving the Sargent to stare in his direction as he went inside and soon reappeared with a shotgun in hand.
 
“You don’t have to worry. I believe everyone knows we stepped up our game and I was told over the radio that the General and the leader of that biker group made a deal to work together.” The Sargent said.
 
Hondo nodded, “I know. The General told us ‘bout it when I was grabbin’ supper for my group. I had a bad feelin’ then an’ I have it again now.”
 
She looked at him and then back to the distance, “There are no motorcycles that I see, but … maybe you are right… Something does feel wrong.”
 
She reached into her shirt and grabbed a metal beaded chain that hung down between her breasts and pulled out a metal whistle that was hidden by her cleavage. She wiped it on her shirt before putting it to her lips and blowing into it, its shrill blast leaving Hondo’s ears to ring a bit. Seconds later all nine of the other soldiers rushed up behind them, ready for action.
 
“What’s wrong, Sarge?” One of them asked.
 
“Hondo has a bad feeling about these jeeps coming, and I’m starting to get it too. Could be our duty relief, but …” she paused, “ … Just be ready.”
 
As they approached closer the occupants seemed to have on military garb, shirts and hats at least.  
 
“They look like ours Sarge.” One of the others said.
 
“Just be ready!” She barked, that flustered girl look completely vanishing and being replaced with the look of someone in charge.
 
The jeeps approached steadily, not seeming to make any threatening action, but as they drew near they seemed to speed up all of a sudden.  
 
“This isn’t good.” Hondo growled.
 
About the same time the radio went off in his pocket. The loud, alarmed sound of the voice told him all he needed to know.  
 
“Righteous Cowboy – This Is The Medic Calling A Code 1 Emergency! Righteous Cowboy – This Is The Medic Calling A Code One Emergency! The Parking Area Is Under Attack! Hold Down And Secure The Hanger!” Fernando voice rang out over the radio’s small speaker, as if it were a megaphone.  
 
As if on cue the jeeps sped up for a moment before sliding to a stop. Before they had completely stopped moving, men poured out of them, armed with machine guns and semi-auto rifles, and they were shooting before their feet hit the ground.  
 
“Take cover!” The Sargent yelled at those under her, who promptly hit the ground, taking cover behind Hondo’s Bronco and their jeeps.
 
The Sargent found herself too far from the vehicle to take cover with those under her. Though more an instinctual decision over a thought out one, she resigned herself to being cut down, as there was just nowhere to go and no time to think about what to do. She paused, taking what she thought would be her last moment alive, to look towards her troops and see that they were safe, but she was not afforded the chance as something or someone hit her hard, knocking her to the ground, and half laying on her, shielding her from the incoming bullets. Whoever it was, was big, and the force they hit her with, along with their weight knocked the breath out of her. As she regained her wits, and breath, she realized that it was the large Cowboy, Hondo, who had taken her down and now shielded her from harm.  
 
Had her training not kicked in, it would have been almost too much for her to take. She and others had women in her company were already ready to give themselves to this cowboy and his medic friend for all they had done, but to see it in person and to have one of them so selflessly give themselves for the protection of one such as she was beyond overwhelming. Her training let her push it back in her mind, for now, as there were more important things to deal with.
 
As the jeeps stopped and the men jumped out, Hondo knew they were in a bad spot. He half had thought they were soldiers too, as they worse similar berets and shirts, but it had all been a rouse. He cursed at himself for not being readier. His gut said something was wrong but his gut said that about almost everything these days. Since getting the cane and being inducted as a timelord by Fernando there was a feeling of static at the edge of his mind, a feeling that he knew should be of something else, but of what he did not know. It made him question his feelings and senses at times, but not to where he had made a mistake like this before. Not seeing bikes, but jeeps, tan jeeps exactly like the army had, made him question his feelings even more, and now he had to face that mistake. Had he been standing there alone he would have fired the scatter gun, attempting to hit as many as possible before he fell, but with the Sargent standing there his instincts to protect kicked in. He knocked her to the ground and threw himself on top of her, barely registering what he was doing as he did it, but knowing it felt like the right thing to do.  
 
As they lay there the Sargent finally found her voice, “We need to move!”  
 
“Wait!” Hondo barked as something else was off.
 
HE glanced around and saw they were still in the open, and the guns were pointed their way but he felt nothing. A slight shimmering of the area between them as the bullets seemed to reach a point in the air and then be deflected told him the answer to what was off. He got to hiss knees and tried to stand but the Sargent pulled him down.
 
“You’ll die!” She yelled.
 
He pulled her hands from his shirt and stood up, turning to those who would slaughter them, and glaring at them angrily. The Sargent turned her head and closed her eyes for a moment, not wanting to see the man who saved her cut to shreds before her, but hearing no cry of pain nor falling body she glanced back up to see him sanding tall and facing them.  
 
“H.h.how” She stammered as she looked up at him.
He looked down for a second, bent down to grab her hand and pulled her up. She cringed as he did so, expecting to be hit with bullets but no impact happened, though angry shouting and the sound of gunfire continued. She looked at them and then at Hondo then back at them. She took a step away from him, towards them and noticed a shimmer for the first time. She quickly turned back to look at Hondo with a questioning look.
 
“Spirit tech?” She asked.
 
He shook his head, “Old world. Very old an’ very rare.”
 
The others, who had been looking for a way to return fire, now saw the two standing there and stared at them in amazement.
 
“Sarge?!” One of them called out in a worried tone.
 
“I’m alright! .. We’re.. alright.” She said, finding herself amazed and having trouble keeping back all her emotions now despite her training.  
 
“Can we come out too?” Another yelled.
 
She looked up at Hondo who nodded in response before turning back to her troops.
 
“Yes, come out! They cannot hurt us! We are shielded! … somehow.” Her voice falling to barely a whisper at the last word as she looked back at the cowboy beside her.  
 
The others came out cautiously, but one they too saw the shimmer and bullets bouncing off an invisible wall, deflected harmlessly away from them, they started to cheer and then to taunt the other outside the shield. A few of the attackers tried to rush them, only to plow into what looked like nothing but felt like a brick wall. Though this terrified them, the taunting soldiers made them angry so they kept firing, but to no avail. As they fired their ammo started to run short, and in desperation, one jumped into one of the jeeps, fired it up, backed away and then attempted to run the jeep through the invisible wall, only to hit it hard and have their body ejected through the windshield and breaking their necks as they hit the shield and fell to the ground, chocking and shortly dying from their wounds. Once out of ammo a few started using the guns as clubs and few started stabbing at the invisible shield but still no luck.
 
“Should we return fire?” one of the soldiers asked.
 
“No. I’ll deal with them.” Hondo replied as he threw the strap of the shotgun gun over his arm and shifted it behind his shoulder with one hand as a cane seemingly materialized in his other.  
 
He was not sure exactly how to get through the barrier, but he was sure trusting his feelings was the right step forward, as he had been questioning them all too much as of late.  
 
He started questioning himself about the time he had accidentally started the last purge, when rescuing Ruth, Joanna, and their sisters from the slavers. He still thought about how many had died because he just acted on his gut impulse to save them. It had only gotten worse from there with Zoey running away and him letting Valentine go look for her, losing valentine in the process. Then not finding her, the fighting they had to go through to try to find answers, the state in which she was returned to them, losing James in fight town and the despair he had seen on Molly’s face. On top of all that, Valentine’s rejection, his getting sick, almost losing Tonya to the likes of Hector, Macey and Zoey’s disappearance, his getting wounded fighting Hector, and all the other shit they had gone through and seemingly barely made it through by the skin of their teeth, each episode had made him more tired, angrier, and question his feelings and senses more with each passing day. He was not sure he could turn it around in a single thought, but he knew something had to change, and it was something that he felt was broken inside of him.  
 
Though he knew this and the realization of it all seemed to flood his mind, he pushed it back, knowing the time for contemplation would come later. He looked around quickly, noticing that where he originally made the mental teleportation spot at was outside the barrier. He made a second on the concrete pad in case he had to come back in, and then in the blink of and eye, a twist and press of the crystal and in a flash of green, his disappeared for a moment and appeared again outside the barrier.  
 
The sight of him disappearing and reappearing left everyone astonished, as they all stared at him with gaping maws, unsure of what to do. He used that moment, and with a flick of his hand the cane seemingly disappeared, and his shotgun slid off his shoulder and into his hands. He gritted his teeth as he started to bring his shotgun to bear, fully prepared to kill them all, armed or not, as their acts against his group fueled his anger to the points where once he started there would be no holding back. As the looks of horror as to what was coming started to show in their attackers faces, the sound of approaching vehicles, six open top jeeps in total, drew everyone’s attention.  
 
As Hondo turned to glance at the approaching vehicles the attackers seized the moment to pile into the remaining jeeps and flee.  
 
Hondo angrily turned back to them and fired off a few rounds, peppering the jeeps and damaging a few of those fleeing in the process, but doing no real damage, much to his chagrin. He turned back to the approaching jeeps, furious and ready to kill anyone who twitched wrong. He relaxed a bit as he saw a familiar Jägerbar, Major Fred, leader of the wessen militia, standing in the passenger side of the lead jeep.  
 
Hondo lowered his shotgun and reloaded the spend shells as they approached, their jeeps stopping just shy of him.
 
“Everyone alright?” Fred asked.
 
Hondo nodded, “Yeah. Little old world tech shielded us until they ran outta ammo. Lucky for them you came as I was ‘bout to kill every last damned mothers son of them!”
 
“Should we give chase?” One of the others from the jeep behind Fred’s jeep asked.
 
“You want us to take them out?” Fred asked Hondo.  
 
Hondo shook his head, “No, let them go. I need to check on the main camp.”
 
Fred Nodded, “We’ll go with you.”
 
Hondo nodded back before turning to the Sargent who still stood staring.
 
“Sargent Melissa, Keep everyone inside an’ the place secure until I get back.” Hondo barked out.
 
She nodded and snapped off an almost involuntary salute, “Yes sir!”
 
Fred piled into the back of the jeep and made space for Hondo up front.
 
“Climb in and we can go!” Fred said.  
 
Hondo jumped on without a word and before he had sat down the jeep lurched forward, quickly gaining speed as they drove cross county, towards the blimp parking area, as it was a straighter line than taking the established road.
 
A few minutes later they crossed the blimp parking area and continued towards the camp, stopping short by the parking area gates, as they saw Fernando with a group a soldiers, a few jeeps, and a field of bodies before them. As They stopped Hondo jumped out and started forward towards them, as the other wessen militia members piled out and fell into step behind him.  
 

“We came as fast as we could.” Hondo says as he and his small entourage looks about the bodies lying on the ground, saying “Looks like the party is over.”
 
“How’s the hanger?” Fernando asks.
 
“A group in green and black jeeps tried to attack it but we noticed that their bullets were not going through so we stood there and mocked them until they ran out of bullets, which was quick. So they quickly ran away when The Wessen Guard came in from Wessen Town.” Hondo explains.
 
“We heard over the radio some chatter about gathering to causing trouble at the hanger and at the parking lot. Some we know by voice as former lawmen who are now merchants. Others we do not know but they claim to be from the Wessen Killing Biker Gang.” Fred the Jägerbar Wessen explains.
 
“Just enough to storm the gates, kill those inside and take ownership of what is inside.” Fernando says.
 
Several of the army men arrive with 3 men they caught playing dead, having their hands bound behind their backs. One was from the biker gang, the other two are from the Town’s Merchant Circle. Fernando steps up to one of the merchants.
 
“Who ordered this attack?” Fernando tells him.
 
“God made man in his image! Wessens are an abomination of Satan! Those Who Side With Wessens Must Be Eliminated!” The Merchant tells him before spitting Fernando in the face.
 
Fernando lashes out, grabbing the merchant by his neck and lifting him off the floor. The merchant squirms and tries to kick Fernando, only to be body slammed onto the floor and have a knee thrust onto his chest. He then backhand slaps the merchant across the face.
 
“Listen you idiot! I have ways of making you and your friends talk. But I do have must more enjoyable ways of watching you die. Now which one shall it be?” Fernando growls at him.
 
“You’re a nobody! You are worse than a nobody, you’re a Wessen Lover! You will get nothing from me!” The Merchant tells him as he wheezes for air.
 
Fernando gets off him and orders the soldiers to untie them and help the one on the floor onto his feet. At the same time he pulls out his cane and restores it to his hand before he starts twisting the crystal on his cane as he steps away from them. He then turns around and looks at the merchant, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the spit of his face and glasses.  
 
“See you in hell, mother#$@!er!” Fernando tells him before pressing the crystal on his cane. The three of them disappear.
 
Hondo steps up to Fernando, “Sent them to meet Lucy and her friends?”
 
“Damn hell I did.” Fernando replies before twisting the crystal on his cane and pressing it. A portal opens and the three of them fall out of it and back to their world. As the portal slowly closes, Lucy the T-Rex sticks her head into the portal and lets out a loud roar before going back in to her side of the portal. The three men grovel on the floor, crying like babies, demanding for their mothers and forgiveness from god. The scent of urine and feces reek from the three of them.
 
Though the soldiers were scared at the sight of Lucy’s momentary appearance it was only momentary as Lucy left with the closure of the portal, they find the three scared sniveling captives on the floor shaking and crying like abandoned kittens on the side of the road.
 
Fernando taps the merchant with his cane and says loud enough to be heard, “I want names or I’m sending you back to Hell.”
 
They howl as if they were in pain but it is more from mental anguish and fear. Fernando yells at them, “I want names or I’m sending you back to Hell!”
 
The other Merchant yells out “Grey Lady!” followed by the other merchant yelling “Hector De La Cruz!” and the Biker letting out “Giovanni!”
 
Fernando, Hondo, General Jastrey, Major Fred (the Jägerbar) and those around them look at each other. Fernando tells the troops to gather the men and to lock them in detention. They remain silent while the men are picked up and taken away by the troops.
 
“Hector is not around anymore.” Hondo says.
 
“He’s not around, but his name still carries a lot of influence.” Fernando explains.
 
“Hector De La Cruz is a Wessen. And these are Wessen Haters.” General Jastrey points out.
 
“Soldiers do not care about who is paying them for the job they hired to do as long as they get paid. Hector is operating inside the shadows, making sure he is not seen or heard, but cause problems for Humans and Wessens to continue and increase the Human Wessen War.” Fernando explains. He adds, “This war will ends when both the Grey Lady and Hector are dead.”
 
“What about Giovanni?” Hondo asks.
 
“We have a poker game with him tonight. It looks like it might be his last poker game.” Fernando says.
 
“Poker Game?” General Jastrey asks.
 
“By Invite Only, but I think I can get a couple more in. I just need a sack of gold coins, which I can get.” Fernando tells her.
 
“Count me and a couple of my men in. I’ll bring in my own sack of gold.” General Jastrey says.
 
“Count me in as well.” Major Fred (the Jägerbar) throws his hat into the ring.
 
“Alright then.” Fernando says.
 
For the next few minutes they plan out where to gather the gold, and meet before going to the poker game at Giovanni’s. They soon separate into their separate ways, only to meet later for the poker game some 3 plus hours away.
 
 
(To be Continued ...)