“Well, for what it is worth, Mrs. Clean is in town selling her services. She’s right across from the slaver’s tent. She told me a lot about Lucifer and his sphere of influence.” Fernando explains, “Now, about that coffee?”
“Good. Now we can have our clothes washed.” Hondo jests.
“Well, now everyone is here, time to set up for lunch. If you need to buy supplies, be aware that prices I seen around here are higher than in the past towns we were in, even higher than Flight Town.” Fernando says. He then point out, “Ruth, if you’re leading the lunch time cook off, I have 3 more Wessens and a 12 year old girl I rescued. They will be under my care with Macey and Ichigo but do teach the Wessen girls how to prepare food if they do not know how. Marvin, Karl, you are with me, Russell and Hondo to get a few things for them.”
With Fernando taking the rolling cart, Russell, Hondo, Karl and Marvin head back into town. Fernando goes off the list in his head, “Sneakers, shoes and boots for the girl, shoes and maybe boots for the Wessens, sox for them all, and then some fire arms. I do not like what Mrs. Clean has said and later verified by those young punks.” He then he turned to Hondo, “How are the dunebuggy teens, bunny girls and the Hamster girls’ crew doing?”
“They’re doin’ quite well. Whatever needs to be done, they do it.” Hondo replies.
“Good. How the food supplies are doing?” Fernando asks.
“Same as usual. Always need the fresh stuff of eggs, milk, juice, meat, fruit and bread though we can make our own bread from scratch if needed. You addin’ four more mouths to feed just adds to the need.” Hondo explains.
“Well, Tammy is a skinny 12 year old girl so I guess she won’t eat much like Macey does. And the other three are sheep Wessens so its salad, bread, crackers, cereal and vegetable soup for them. I’m sure I can get the Wessen girls to put in to the work in preparing their own meals, with Ruth in charge of making the meals, they can learn how to cook from her. Man, you should see the rolling house I am getting them.” Fernando points out.
“Maybe we can check on them later?” Hondo asks.
“We can do that.” Fernando replies. He adds as they approach the indoor market he was in before, “Let’s go in here.”
They pass John’s clothing shop where Fernando picked up a few things for Tammy and the Wessens. A couple shops down Fernando finds a shoe and boot shop which has various several items outside.
“Are they goin’ to need socks?” Hondo asks.
“I already got them socks. They just need sandals, sneakers, shoes and boots.” Fernando answers, adding, “If you want to look around for a firearms dealer, they would need something for self defense. I don’t like what I heard about Lucifer.”
“Hmph... Everyone talks but no one does nothing against that bastard!” An elder bald man in glasses and a shop apron says from behind the display of shoes on the table outside the shop. Hondo, Fernando and the others look at him. He then says, “Need any shoes?”
“Several for my girls and my Wessens.” Fernando says to the old guy.
“Then I’m the one to see. I’m Evens, of Evens’ shoes and boots. Been here for almost 30 years. I guarantee my work and custom make most of my shoes for a perfect fit.” Evens advertises himself.
“While I look at these various shoes, tell me about Lucifer.” Fernando explains.
“Hmmm... you must be new around these parts. Lucifer’s been in a problem for just over 10 years. Before under Lord Garth, all he and his men did was harass you and forced you to pay a toll to be on the highway. But ten years ago, Lucifer killed Lord Garth and he’s been purging for slaves ever since.” Evens explains.
“Interestin’. Another Biggus wannabe.” Hondo throws in.
“And he’ll go down like Biggus went down – hard, face first and with his ass on fire.” Fernando says as he looks at the shoes. He pulls out a simple cloth shoe that looks like a Kung Fu slipper, “You got any of these? I’d like 6 pairs if you got them, 3 in girls’ size 7, 2 pairs in girl’s size 8 and 1 pair in guy’s size 7.”
Evens takes the shoe and takes it the entrance of his shop. There he hands it off to somebody and gives them an order of what to get. Fernando finds an enclosed leather/suede boot that one slips on. He looks it over.
“I’ll take five of these, three in girls’ size 7 and a half and two in 8 and a half.” Fernando says to Evens.
“A Half size? Why not stick with the non-half size of the shoe you gave me?” Evens asks.
“The girls will be wearing double or triple socks, so the boot must fit them with the extra padding.” Fernando explains.
“I’ll see what I have. If I don’t have it in half size, can I go 1 size up?” Evens says and asks.
“Sounds good to me.” Fernando replies as he nods.
Again, Evens takes the boot and takes it the entrance of his shop. There he hands it off to somebody and gives them an order of what to get.
Fernando picks up a MaryJane shoe from the table and looks at it before handing it to Evens. “I’ll take 3 pairs of these – in size 6 please.”
Evens nods before he takes the shoe to the entrance of his shop. There he hands it off to somebody and gives them an order of what to get. Before he leaves, somebody gives him several small boxes with the Kung Fu slippers in them. He brings the boxes to Fernando and opens one of the boxes to show off the pair inside. “Hope it is to your liking.”
“I’m not the one who will be wearing them.” Fernando says as he takes slipper out and examines it. “These look great. I’ll take them.” He says as he puts the shoe back in the box. He takes the boxes and put them into the pull cart. He then finds a Motorcycle style boot and picks it up. “I’ll take 2 of these, one in 13 and a half double wide for me and men’s size 7 for my Wessen.”
Evens steps around the table and looks down at Fernando’s feet, and then over to Hondo’s feet. “You men have some large feet. Mostly everyone here is a between a 9 and an 11.”
“You know that they say about men with big feet.” Fernando says.
“No, what?” Evens asks.
“We got big thumbs!” Fernando answers as he holds his hand open in a letter ‘C’ about a foot away from his crotch.
Evens lightly shakes his head before walking to the door, giving the orders for the boot. There is a discussion about the boot as another hands him several boxes with the slip-on boots and the MaryJane shoes. He puts the boxes of shoes down on the table for Fernando to look at.
Fernando examines the MaryJane shoes, “Excellent construction. You made them? I mean by machine?”
“All the shoes and boots here are made by me and my crew, some of it by machine, the rest by hand as the machine can’t do everything.” Evens explains.
“Excellent work then. How much for everything?” Fernando says and asks.
“Before I can give you a price, I do have a problem. If you want the size 13 boot, you will have to wait until tomorrow for it as it has to be made. We do not have anything in that size. Can you wait for it or forget it?” Evens explains.
“I can wait for it. Tomorrow afternoon good for you?” Fernando replies.
“I was thinking tomorrow morning, but anytime you can come by is fine with me.” Evens says.
“Good. Now what’s the total?” Fernando asks.
“$350 in gold or silver coins” Even says.
“Good enough.” Fernando says as he pulls out gold coins from his pocket and counts off. He gives Evens three $100 gold coins and two $50 gold coins.
Evens counts them off. He takes one of the $50 gold coins and tries to hand it to Fernando, “You gave me too much.”
“It’s a tip, a reward for fast, honest and courteous service. Buy some lunch and feed your staff with it.” Fernando tells him as he takes the receipt. On it says “PAID IN FULL - Size 13 1/2 Double Wide boots due tomorrow for pick up.”
As Fernando packs the shoes and boots away, including the size 7 men’s boot just brought out, Hondo picks up a few shoe polish, brushes, a can of mink oil, a can of saddle soap and other shoe/boot care items and pays for them before putting them in the cart.
“For you?” Fernando asks.
“For the girls. They will need to take care of their footwear.” Hondo answers.
“OK. Before we go to fire arms, Evens – you said something about Lucifer?” Fernando asks.
“You intend to do something about the bastard?” Evens asks.
“Only if we run into him.” Fernando says.
“Heh... sounds like coward talk to me.” Evens said.
“Why I ought too...” Hondo begins to say.
“Easy Hondo. He does not know what we done or what we can do.” Fernando says to him before switching to Evens, “I’ll promise you this, before the sun rises on the fifth day, Lucifer will be dealt with. Now, whoever replaces Lucifer that is who you will have to deal with.”
“You must be either Crazy or Stupid.” Evens says.
“Call me Crazy cause I ain’t Stupid.” Fernando replies, He adds, “I’ll see you tomorrow about the last pair of boots.” He then turns to Hondo, “Let’s find the firearms and load up.”
As they walk looking for a firearms dealer, Russell asks Karl and Marvin, “Are you slaves?”
“We are free wessens. Why are you asking?” Karl answers and asks.
“Well, Master Fernando bought us – my sisters and I, from the slavers. He told me that we are free but there is a lot to do before we are freed.” Russell explains.
“There is a lot to do. But if I had a choice, I rather be owned by either of those two men than to be free.” Marvin throws in.
“I prefer my freedom but if Fernando says you are free, you are free. No one can say they own you. But there is a lot to do. Did he get you a vehicle and camper?” Karl throws at him.
“There is a vehicle being worked on Fernando says is ours.” Russell answers.
“I would like to see it though I am happy with what I got.” Karl says.
“Me too.” Marvin says.
“He also gave me a slaver’s motorcycle.” Russell says, “He got three and said one of them is mine.”
“Slaver’s Motorcycles? Did they tried to attack you?” Karl asks.
“They surrounded us by the front of Fernando’s vehicle and demanded we be slaves or be purged. Fernando killed them where they stood.” Russell explains.
“How did he killed them?” Karl asks.
“He hit one with a bolt of lightning and then sent the other two flying far away. I don’t think they would survive the landing.” Russell says.
“Then by all rights, the bikes are his. And he gave one to you. Damn you’re lucky.” Karl says. “But slavers in this area? Fernando took care of the slavers a few towns away.”
“To my understanding, the slavers there are not the same slavers over here.” Russell says.
“That explains why they want us armed and ready.” Karl says.
“But Fernando and Hondo will get us out of trouble when it comes.” Marvin adds.
“They always do. Seems like they have the devil’s luck” Karl says.
“So what do you guys do?” Russell asks.
“We drive our own vehicles, and we do guard duty at day or night.” Karl answers.
“The female Wessens help make the meals, take care of the children and help clean. We men do those things too.” Marvin explains.
“Yeah. Everybody has a job to. Though beware of the human Maribelle. She can be a distraction from doing your job. And if she gives you an order, verify with Fernando, Hondo, Val, Ruth or Joanne. It could be one of her distractions.” Karl says.
“I see.” Russell replies.
“Do you know the blonde girl in Fernando’s camper?” Karl asks.
“That’s Tammy. She is or was our former master’s daughter. Fernando also saved her by buying her from the slavers and like me and my sisters, he says that she is not a slave to him though he has slavers papers on her like he has on us.” Russell explains. He then asks, “What do you know what a ‘Purge’ is?”
Both Karl and Marvin look at him, with Karl asking, “You and your family have been purged?”
“According to Fernando we were.” Russell answers.
“Well, when you have raiders and slavers attack your home, rob the place of its valuables, take your family to be sold as slaves or turned into Wessens and then sold as slaves, with anyone who fights back being killed as an example to others to cooperate or die, and before they leave they burn down the house and the harvest fields – that is what a purge is. Nearly everyone in the group has been through a purge, including Marvin and I.” Karl answers.
“So, you were Tammy’s Wessens and they purged your place and Fernando found and bought you as his slaves?” Marvin asks before he answers himself, “Consider yourself freed, though Tammy will need a new family. Fernando would probably adopt her like he did Macey and Ichigo. But where are you to go? Staying with Tammy? Go on your own?”
“Where are you all going?” Russell asks.
“Some place called Charlton in Texas. I got a few relatives in the area, get some land and build a new life there.” Karl says.
“Where is Fernando going, if you know?” Russell asks.
“He’s leading us to go to Charlton. But where he goes from there, we don’t know.” Karl answers. Marvin shakes his head in not knowing either.
“Maybe he has a house there. If he does, we’ll stay with him to help with the girls. Hope he has room for us all.” Russell says mostly to himself.
“If not, you can live in your camper at his place. Such things are doable.” Marvin points out.
“Yes. Your camper is your home until you get there and even after if you do not get a home. Not many people can say that they got a home.” Karl points out as well.
Several feet in front of them, Hondo states, “Looks like you got a growing family, Jefe.”
“I’ll worry about that later. Right now we have to prepare for what might lie ahead with Lucifer.” Fernando points out.
They stop by a table of a small arms dealer. Fernando picks up a snub nose revolver that has seen better days.
“A snub nose .38, looks like an old police special from the 70s.” Fernando says as looks over the piece. It has rust on it, the gun metal paint worn off in several places. He shakes his head as he hands the firearm to Hondo.
“Fixable but it would take too much time.” Hondo points out.
“What do you mean ‘fixable but it would take too much time’?” A voice approaches the table from the store’s door.
“You the owner of this establishment?” Fernando asks him.
“I’m Albert, of Albert’s Guns, Rifles and Shotguns. Now - What do you mean ‘fixable but it would take too much time’?” Albert says and asks.
Hondo hands back the firearm, “Too much rust and wear. Parts may still work but will need to be replaced soon before they break. I would not trust that gun in a life and death situation.”
“All the local police officers use that gun.” Albert says.
“Yeah, the .38 Smith & Wesson Snub Nose Revolver was a favorite with police everywhere until they switched over to 9mm and other formats because of their limits. Unfortunately the .38 was not a man-stopping round. This was.” Fernando says before pulling out one of his double-stack 1911 .45ACP and handing it to Albert.
Albert stares at the gun for a moment, going through an initial check of it and handing it back, “You guys part of Men in Black?”
Fernando turns and shows off his EMT Shoulder Patch, “We’re rescuers, not Men in Black. Why? They have been around?”
“A few days ago, during that big fight the ‘Time Walker versus The Lich’ Death Match. Then they left when Fight Town started to burn the next day.” Albert explains.
“Did they take anyone or anything?” Fernando asks.
“Not that I know of. They did wanted me to give them the inventory list of my store but bought no weapons or ammo.” Albert says.
“That’s odd.” Hondo lets out.
“No, not really. If you want to know the capability of those you run into, if you can get their full cooperation, asking for a list of what they have would be the best way to do it.” Fernando explains.
“Hmmm...” Hondo ponders of the situation.
Fernando turns back to Albert, “I just bought this and 2 other wessens today, I need them armed and be able to shoot back in a fire fight. What you have for them?”
“Depends on what you want?” Albert asks.
“Karl, hand them over for a second.” Fernando says as he points to his shoulder and ankle.
Karl looks at the others, seeing Hondo nod. He pulls out his shoulder mounted .38ACP and hands it to Fernando, followed by his ankle mounted .22
Fernando hands over the .38ACP first to Albert. Albert looks at it, dropping the magazine and ejecting the round in the chamber. He puts back the gun together, giving it back to Fernando who gives it back to Karl. Fernando hands over the .22 to Albert. Albert looks it over and hands it back to Fernando, who hands it back to Karl.
“I’ll be back.” Albert says before going into his shop. He comes out some five minutes later, with a couple of wooden boxes. The lettering on the boxes are faded and blurred into the wood as just a stain. He opens and gives Fernando the firearm inside: a .32NAA.
Fernando looks over the gun, asking “Don’t you have anything larger like the one I shown you?”
“That’s all I have. Take it or leave it.” Albert tells him.
Fernando takes the firearm and hands it to Russell, “How does that feel in your hand?”
Russell holds it in the firing position, extending his arm in various positions before giving it back to Fernando, “I can manage with it.”
Fernando turns to Albert, “Can you get two more of this then.”
“I can look. How about the other one?” Albert says and asks.
Fernando takes the smaller wooden box, it is in the same condition as with the other box – faded lettering to where it is blurred into the wood. He opens the sliding panel and pulls out a similar .22 that Karl has. The leather holster inside the box is dried out. He tells Albert, “If you have it, I’ll take 5 more of this one. And 5 boxes of ammo for these little guns and 3 boxes of ammo for the other. While you are at it, a clip holster for all of them.”
“I’ll see what I have.” Albert says before he goes into his shop.
Hondo steps up to Fernando, “Getting rifles and shotguns?”
“Let’s see what he has first. I’ll pay for these and then we’ll talk about long arms.” Fernando tells Hondo. He then turns to the Wessens, “Karl, Marvin, take Russell to that store over there and see if they have those moving blankets like that we got in Center Town. Buy a pack or two. Make it three packs if they have it. We’ll be here.” Fernando then hands a cloth bag with several $10 Silver coins in it to Karl.
“Will do, sir.” Karl tells him, he then turns to the other Wessens, “Marvin, Russell, come with me.”
The three of them walk to the other store as a favor to Fernando. Albert comes out with several boxes, placing them by the other two. A couple of them are opened for Fernando to inspect them. Hondo takes a box and looks over the gun inside. After a couple minutes, all the guns were looked over at least once.
“How much for this set?” Fernando asks.
“$1200 for the set.” Albert says to him.
“What a rip off!” Hondo lets out.
“I can go back to Center Town and the exact guns I want and need for $300.” Fernando tells him.
“This ain’t Center Town, and I doubt you can. I know who sells guns in every town around here, including Center Town.” Albert shows off.
“If you mean Tom and Jerry of Tom’s Firearms, go to the communication center and leave a message with them that ‘Fernando and Hondo says the guns he sold us are great! They saved us from a couple of scrapes on the way over here.’” Fernando tells him.
“Yeah right.” Albert says.
“Let go the communications tower and send them a message. It should only take two, maybe three hours to get a reply.” Fernando tells him.
Albert stands there unimpressed at the request.
Hondo takes one of the mini revolvers and puts it to Albert’s face, “Look! Rust. How you rust stainless steel is beyond me but it is going to take a lot more work to get them cleaned and in firing order. And these leather holsters are half rotted away. What you got is shit here. You’re lucky if I give you a silver coin piece for this mess!” He puts down the revolver and picks up one of the rifles from the table, cocking it open and inspects the barrel. Then he puts the opened breach to Albert’s face, “You call yourself a gunsmith? This thing would explode if you try to fire a round through it!”
Hondo’s loud voice gets the attention of those around him. That includes the local constabulary.
“Is there a problem here?” A man with a beige shirt and a shiny piece of metal on its chest walks up to him. The shield definitely has seen better days.
“Yes. Sheriff Collins. These two are not willing to pay the price of what is being offered to them!” Albert complains.
“I say its junk!” Hondo tell him.
“You aint no gun expert!” Albert tells him back.
“Who are you two and why are you here?” Sheriff Collins asks.
Fernando pulls out his wallet and shows off his EMT and NY Aux. Police Shield and identification, handing it to Sheriff Collins. “I’m leading a convoy to Texas, this is Hondo, he’s the head of my convoy’s security and safety. We recently went through Center Town and Fight Town, and helped General Jastrey in fighting Lab Towns.”
The Sheriff looks at Fernando’s items. He pulls out a beaten up old walkie talkie from his hip and talks into it as he presses its button, “Johnson – make a call to a General Jastrey of Center Town and verify with her the name of Fernando G. and Hondo.”
“You know that will take some time to get a reply!” a voice answers back on the radio.
“Just do as I ask before I replace ya with somebody who is willing to do some honest work for a day’s pay!” Sheriff Collins replies.
“Doing it now! Will get back to you as soon as I get a reply!” The voice on the radio replies.
Sheriff Collins puts the held-held radio away and still looks at Fernando’s identification before asking, “New York is a long ways away from here. Where in Texas are you going?”
“I’m leading the group to a place called Charlton because that is where they want to go and have the best medical facilities for some sick ones we are taking there. But I and a few others are not going to stay there, we will probably repeat this journey a couple more times.”
“I see. Well, we do not care for troublemakers around these here parts.” Sheriff Collins begins before he takes his night-stick and taps it against Fernando’s chest.
All the sudden, the sheriff’s radio begins squawking. Sheriff Collins takes the radio and answers back, “Is that you Johnson?”
“This is Lieutenant Benson. General Jastrey is out of radio contact range, thus I will handle all communications request before she returns. Now what seems to be the problem with our two best scouts?” Lieutenant Benson says on the radio.
“Excuse me? You know these two men?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“One is an Emergency Medical Rescuer and Medical Doctor from New York City, dressed in black EMT jacket, black cap and dark glasses?” Lieutenant Benson asks.
“Yes.” Sheriff Collins answers.
“That’s Fernando G. The one with him in a leather trench coat, blond hair, glasses and a cowboy hat?” Lieutenant Benson asks.
“Yes.” Sheriff Collins answers.
“That’s Hondo. Now explain to me what is going on with them, any of them hurt?” Lieutenant Benson says and asks.
“Before I answer that, tell me how do you know them?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“Those two heroes you have in your possession led to the clean-up of corruption in Fight Town and Flight Town and in the taking down of several Lab Towns that was kidnapping our citizens and turning them into Wessens. Now explain what is going on with them?” Lieutenant Benson explains and asks.
Albert stands there with his jaw dropped. Sheriff Collins had to blink several times in order to register things in his head from what he is hearing. He replies “There was a slight altercation and accusation with our weapons merchant claiming that his wares are junk.”
“If Fernando and Hondo call what they find in arms as junk, you better listen to them. Thanks to their work, we have restored our firearms and got rearmed and restock to defend ourselves again! So you either listen to what they have to say or deal with some shady arms dealer that is selling you duds, junk guns and no good weapons. Now, are they OK?” Lieutenant Benson states.
“They are fine. Just a bit riled up about a deal with bad guns. Nothing more.” Sheriff Collins explains.
“Then listen to them on how to fix those bad guns and get your town rearmed. We are willing to help out but we won’t help anyone who won’t help themselves. And beware that your town is next in the railroad rebuild that is going on and we will be interconnected again.” Lieutenant Benson points out.
“What about the Slavers and Highway Gangs?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“They are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Either way let Fernando and Hondo deal with them like they dealt with Lord Biggus over here. That’s probably why they are at the Arms Dealer to stock up on some fire power to deal with them.” Lieutenant Benson explains.
“Let me ask, where are you? I would like to verify this information with you or General Jastrey in person.” Sheriff Collins requests.
“My group is in Flight Town, receiving a couple of blimps for our defense. I do not know when anyone of us will be arriving in your Tech Town. Chances are Fernando, Hondo and their convoy would be gone by the time we arrive so give them what they want and give them the royal treatment. Any problems with Slavers and Highway Gangs, let them deal with it.” Lieutenant Benson points out.
“Thank you.” Sheriff Collins replies on the radio. He then hands Fernando his wallet before turning to Albert. “If a customer has a problem with your workmanship, then you need to deal with it. Give these guys your best and take what they offer you.” He then turns to Hondo and Fernando, “I’ll be around. Hope to see you soon. I have a lot to talk to you about.”
“Much obliged, sir.” Hondo replies.
“See you soon.” Fernando replies.
Hondo and Fernando turn to Albert.
“Take these rusted out crap and let them swim in vinegar for a couple days. If you are lucky, you can get them good enough to repair them.” Hondo tells him.
“Now, I’ll give you $450 for these rusted wrecks. Now about your best guns...” Fernando throws at him.
Albert can only give them a sour look before going into his shop. He comes back with a couple assistants carrying a box labeled “M1 Garand.”
Fernando comments, “I got 9 of those. But let’s see how these are.”
“They’re $600 a piece.” Albert says.
“You’ll be lucky for $400 for the set. But first, you know how to shoot these?” Fernando throws at Albert before the box is opened.
“Of course. Anyone knows how to shoot these.” Albert throws back.
“Then let’s see you set it up.” Fernando challenges him.
“Hmph...”Albert replies as his assistants get the box open and pulls out the rifle and hands it to him. They also hand him a box of bullets that came in the box. Albert looks about the rifle but finds no way to insert the bullets. He explains, “It needs a magazine.”
Both Hondo and Fernando hold back from laughing. Albert finds a magazine that fits the rounds, but in trying to fit it into the rifle but can’t.
Fernando puts his hand on the receiver of the rifle, telling Albert, “Give it up. You know nothing.” He then reaches into the box and pulls out a metal clip and after taking the magazine from Albert’s hand. He then exchanges the rounds from the magazine to the clip and shows it to him. He then pulls the mechanism apart with his thumbs and pushes the clip in. The mechanism closes up with a loud “CLACK!!”
He hands the M1 back to Albert. “Locked and loaded, ready to rock and roll.” He then proceeds to explain the rest of it to Albert, “That side lever is your safety. And you need to pull back on the action to start the first round, then pull the trigger to fire, the next six feed themselves after each shot. After the last round, the clip flies out and the rifle opens up to be refilled with another clip.”
“How do you know so much?” Albert asks.
Fernando points to his EMT patch on his sleeve, “My job is to rescue and save lives. But get in my way of rescuing somebody in need, and your blood will be fertilizing the soil where you fall. I prefer not to take a life but leave me no choice and I will take it as I will take this and 2 more like it for $450.”
“I refuse to take such a low price.” Albert tells him.
“$450 and a favor for the three.” Fernando tells him.
“What kind of favor?” Albert asks.
Fernando takes his cane and waves the crystal on its end over the rusted guns on the table. They glow for a moment and then look like they were new. He picks up the .38 police revolver and hands to Albert for his inspection.
“I’ll do the same to the rest of your stock but only because you need to deal with what is left over when I deal with Lucifer. Now you accept my offer or not?” Fernando tells him. He then sees a gleam in Albert’s eye, the gleam of greed. He grabs Albert by his shirt collar and pulls him towards him, “Listen to me and listen to me good. I take care of Lucifer. You, your men, your guns and your police won’t be able to handle what comes next with the shit load of crap you have here. This is not about money, this is about survival. Now stop thinking with your DAMN greedy ass pockets and think with your heart, because you want your heart to continue living even after your greedy ass pocket has been taken from you by those who think they can replace Lucifer. Until then your fat ass is not worth the weight it has.”
“I get what you mean.” Albert tells him.
“Now get me two more and I’m taking $50 off the price.” Fernando tells her.
“Now wait a minute!” Albert says.
“No – you wait a minute and listen up for once in your damn life! Make me wait and I take away from the deal. Make me wait long enough, and I will walk away with what I paid for and find somebody else to buy arms from and these guns return to the rusty crap that they are. You get where I am coming from?” Fernando tells him. Hondo stands there with his arms crossed nodding his head. “Now you got until my Wessens return from shopping to complete this deal. They come back before we are done, I will walk away and you get nothing.”
Unfortunately for Albert, three Wessens approach Fernando and Hondo from the rear.
“Mister Fernando. All we were able to get are these few.” Karl steps up to him and shows him one of the few moving blankets that they had. They were not new but they were not heavily used either. A good wash would clean them up.
“Take them across the road to Mrs. Clean’s washing services. She will know how to clean them up. Tell her it’s from me and I’ll deal with paying her for her services and wait for me there.” Fernando tells him.
“Will do.” Karl says to him, then he turns to the other Wessens Marvin and Russell, “Let’s go fellas.” Together they leave the area.
Fernando looks at Albert. “Like I said, when my Wessens arrive, I’ll be leaving. I have other things to get for my group. I might return.”
Albert becomes all miffed at the situation of losing a valuable deal. He starts yelling at Fernando and Hondo as they leave. Fernando takes Hondo to the vehicle depot area where Russell’s RV is being worked on. They see it on the being worked on by a whole crew of people.
“What do you think?” Fernando says as he points out the large RV to him.
“Whoa... I have not seen one of these bad boys since the 90s.” Hondo says not too loud.
“They got 4 more. I might think of getting one for myself and strapping the electric bus on top and all the motorcycles and Dub Box with it.” Fernando says.
“They are great but they do have poor gas mileage.” Hondo points out.
“Damn, you’re right. I forgot... let me find the shop owner. Come, follow me.” Fernando says.
Fernando spots Nelson inspecting the work being done. Fernando raises his hand and shouts out his name, “Nelson! Yo Nelson!”
The middle-aged man turns around and sees Fernando with Hondo. He walks to them.
“Checking up on my work? You know that is extra.” Nelson jokes around.
“Whatever the costs, I’ll pay for it. But two things.” Fernando begins as Nelson nods, “First off, this is Hondo. He’s my Shotgun and Security of my convoy.”
“Hello there.” Nelson turns to Hondo.
“Howdy.” Hondo replies.
“Yeah, Hondo reminded me, and I hope it is not too much trouble, that RV is going to need 200 extra gallons of fuel in external tanks, like those large hauling trucks have. I do not care how – 2 100 gallon tanks with one of each side or 4 50 gallon tanks with 2 on each side, with a selector switch for the main tank and the other added on tanks and a fuel sensor for each one. If you must, a fuel gauge for each tank if you cannot put it to one gauge.” Fernando explains.
Nelson takes down his notes on what Fernando wants added to the project. He then looks up at him, “What is the other thing?”
“Do you do motorcycle mods?” Fernando asks.
“No, but next door is my son’s shop, Simon. He does motorcycles. Why, you have one that needs work?” Nelson asks.
“I have 3. Formerly Slaver Bikes. The small gas tanks need to be replaced with a large one. And everything else needs to be checked, and the engines silenced with a muffler. I hate loud bikes.” Fernando explains.
“Explain it to my son, but explain how you end up with Slaver Bikes?” Nelson asks as he escorts them to the shop next door “Simon’s Motorcycles.”
“Let just say, 3 slavers tried to take me, my Wessens and my daughters shortly after I left here earlier before, as you can see, I’m still here.” Fernando explains.
“And the Slavers?” Nelson asks.
“They’re dead.” Fernando answers.
Nelson stops at the entrance of his son’s shop, “You know you’re now a marked man with a price on your head.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah... but as I figure, The Time Walker takes no shit from anyone.” Fernando says.
Nelson opens the door to his son’s motorcycle shop and walks in, “Simon, before I hand these gentlemen off to you for some motorcycle work, do you still have the segmented color cube?”
“In the safe. Why?” Simon asks.
“Bring it out.” Nelson tells his son. He then walks to the counter and goes behind it. He pulls out a wired phone’s handset, “Hello Hazel? Call Sheriff Collins and tell him to come to Simon’s Motorcycle Shop. Thanks.”
He hangs up the phone.
“Why you need the sheriff?” Fernando asks.
“Too many idiots claiming to be the Time Walker in search for his treasure.” Nelson tells him, “No hard feelings.”
“None what so ever.” Fernando tells him.
Being nearby, Sheriff Collins arrives at Simon’s shop almost immediately.
“What seems to be the problem?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“Another one claiming to be the Time Walker.” Nelson points to Fernando.
“You again.” Sheriff Collins says as Simon returns with a wooden box. The box is put on the counter and opened. A mixed up Rubix Cube is taken out from it and placed on the counter.
“I have not seen one of these since entering Northern Montana.” Fernando says.
“The deal is simple. Put all six sides to one color in 15 minutes time, and we have a long talk. Failure to do in the given time and you and your pal here goes to jail with me and my boys.” Sheriff Collins says.
“Fair enough.” Fernando says as he takes his cane and taps the cube with the crystal sphere on the cane to loosen it up from any material that might have frozen over in it. He then takes the cube in his hand and holds it out towards to the sheriff. “Tell me when.”
“Start.” Sheriff Collins says.
Fernando takes the cube and twists it in the memorized 27 moved that solves it, doing it solution in under 15 seconds before handing it to the sheriff. Sheriff Collins stands there with his eyes wide open and the others with their jaws dropped and gawking at the cube in its solved configuration in the sheriff’s hand.
“It can’t be.” Sheriff Collins says.
“Mix it up and I’ll solve it again.” Fernando almost boasts.
Sheriff Collins hands the cube to Simon and tells him, “Mix it up again.”
Simon takes the cube and spins it, “How is this possible?”
“What are you talking about?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“I glued the cube in a couple places. But now everything moves.” Simon explains.
“And why did you glued the Time Walker’s puzzle?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“Because he (Simon) solved it.” Nelson explains.
“It took me over 3 weeks to solve it.” Simon adds.
“The time limit for the puzzle is 15 minutes, not 3 weeks.” Sheriff Collins throws in as he takes the cube from Simon’s hands. Simon partially mixed it up with 5 turns, thus if one knew which turns he took. He looks at the cube and hands it to Fernando.
Without looking, Fernando spins the cube the 27 known twists and turns to solve the cube in under 20 seconds without looking at it. He hands it back to the sheriff. The sheriff looks at him.
“Hondo can solve it too but it takes him longer than I.” Fernando points out.
“That won’t be necessary. Now explain why has the Time Walker returned?” Sheriff Collins says and asks.
“Understand this – As the Time Walker, he and his people are walking through time. For you The Time Walker has returned. To me, this is my first time here. But I will say this – the time for slavery has come to an end. That is why I am here. This is America, home of the free and land of the brave. That means that there is no slavery here at all.” Fernando explains.
“Those are just words. Lord Lucifer controls the slavers in this area.” Sheriff Collins explains.
“I’ll take care of Lucifer and his slavers. You take care of anybody who thinks they can replace him. Furthermore, talk to your idiot gun boy Albert because you are going to need him and any other gunsmiths in town to arm up the town and he thinks he can charge you an arm and a leg for junk guns. I don’t work like that, especially when other lives are involved.” Fernando points out.
“I’ll deal with Albert. Now what brings you here?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“I have three slaver motorcycles that need some work.” Fernando explains.
“How did you acquire these slaver bikes?” Sheriff Collins asks.
“The slavers came and tried to take me, my Wessens and my daughters, so I killed them and send their bodies to Lucifer.” Fernando explains.
Sheriff Collins lets out a sigh. He then says, “I hope you know you will have a price on your head.”
“Then start digging graves. Anyone coming to collect will end up dead.” Fernando tells him.
“Time Walker or not, I am the law here and if you kill somebody outside of self defense, I will have to arrest you.” Sheriff Collins warns him.
“Heh... that won’t be a problem.” Fernando says, “Now, about the slaver bikes. I need them painted, the small tanks removed and replaced with a larger tank, the largest available, a muffler to silence them, and some padded seats. Everything else is to remain the same, maybe trade the saddle bags with something different. And before I forget, tune up the radios they have for maximum range and remove any booby traps you may find.”
“Bring them in, and I’ll see what I can do.” Simon says.
“Off hand, how much would it cost?” Fernando asks.
“Let’s see. Remove bobby traps, check and tune radios, tank replacement, muffler, padded seats, saddlebag trade, paint job... let say $200.” Simon calculates in his head.
“$200 for all three bikes?” Fernando asks.
“$200 per each bike.” Simon says.
“Fair enough. I’ll throw in an extra $200 for you to look them over and tune them up if needed. Write up an invoice and I’ll get the bikes here.” Fernando says as pulls out $400 in gold coins. He hands them Hondo, “Make sure he writes up an invoice and give a down payment. I’m going across the road to Mrs. Clean to get our Wessens and pay for the bill there. I’ll see you there.”
“See you there, Jefe...” Hondo says. He then turns to Simon, “Knowing Jefe, he would want hard case permanently mounted saddle bags. And do you have or make side cars?”
“I can put on side cars, $250 each depending on the size and style.” Simon says.
Hondo nods, “Detachable or permanently attached?”
“That depends on the style.” Simon points out.
“Alright then, I’ll discuss the options with jefe. If you have an invoice of what was discussed before, I’ll make a down payment to get the parts and things needed and started to get them done by tomorrow.” Hondo says.
“How soon can you get the bikes over here?” Simon asks.
“Within the hour.” Hondo replies.
Simon writes up the invoice of the items negotiated and exchanges it with the $400 Hondo has as down payment.
“We will be back soon.” Hondo says before he leaves the shop. Looking across the road, Hondo finds Fernando and the Wessens in Mrs. Clean’s shop area. He walks over to them as he looks about the area and set up. He spots the famous laundry master.
“Lovely set up.” Hondo says to get their attention. Fernando turning to see Hondo just nods for now.
“How can I help you...” Mrs Clean steps over towards Hondo before realizing who he is, “Hey! I have not seen you in a while!”
“I see you are doin’ well.” Hondo replies.
“First time out here but we’re expanding.” Mrs. Clean points out.
“Good, good. I’m here for Jefe, so maybe next time I’ll pick up some laundry soap.” Hondo replies. He then turns to Fernando, handing him the invoice. “Simon says the sooner he can get the bikes, the faster he can get them done, though from the look on his face, I do not think he likes bein’ rushed.”
“Alright.” Fernando says. He then turns to Mrs. Clean, “We’ll be back to pick up the wash.” He then turns to the Wessens, “Let’s go back to camp and pick up the bikes.”
It takes them a few minutes to return to camp. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. After a few quick minutes to put away the things they bought into the Dub Box trailer for now. Fernando then takes the group to between the electric camper and the pushes out his slaver bike out into the open area. Russell takes another while Hondo takes a third. With Karl and Marvin walking along side them with the pull cart behind Karl, the five of them walk through town as they push the bikes to Simon’s shop. They did receive many strange looks and many whispers around them. Least to say it took longer to get there pushing the bikes than it was to walk back with the items they brought. They get to Simon’s shop, pushing the bikes through the vehicle entrance.
The shop workers stop their work for a moment to look at what is being brought in. Simon approaches them from the rear of the shop, “Let’s see what we have here.”
Though the bikes are a mishmash of assorted parts, Simon identifies the engines from their stamping codes and sorts out the bikes accordingly.
“A Yamaha 750, Suzuki 700 and a Honda 750 – all air-cooled, typical short range slaver bikes with peanut tanks.” Simon points out. He adds, “You said you wanted them painted?”
“Yeah, those two can be painted black. As for this one, paint it white with a red cross on the sides of the gas tank and ‘NYC Emergency Medical Services’ in a circle around the tank.” Fernando explains before pointing to his EMS patch on his jacket. Simon looks at the patch and does a quick sketch on his pad.
“Other than that anything else?” Simon asks.
“That should be it, maybe new tires but I’ll hold out for now until I see the finished bikes.” Fernando tells him.
“They should be ready by tomorrow afternoon. Leave them right there.” Simon tells him, signaling to his crew to pick up these three for immediate work.
“We’ll see you tomorrow.” Fernando says before taking everyone out of the shop. A few seconds later they were at Mrs. Clean’s venue. After saying their greetings, Fernando asks, “Are the blankets ready?”
“They are not but they are in the dryer.” Mrs. Clean says.
“Good.” Fernando says to her. He then turns to Karl and Marvin, “I do not remember, but your campers have a washer dryer in them?”
“I don’t think so.” Marvin says, with Karl adding as he shakes his head, “No, I do not have one.”
“I do not know if Russell’s camper has one...” Fernando says to himself. He then turns to Mrs. Clean, “You have any more of those small camper washer/dryers?”
“I got 5 left. But they are not selling.” Mrs. Cleans points out.
“I’ll take 2 for now, maybe a third later on, depending on the camper I’m having built right now. If it does not have one, I’ll buy the third tomorrow.” Fernando says.
Hondo steps in, “I’ll take 5 jugs of liquid soap if you have it.”
“Five?” Fernando asks.
“They are goin’ to need a jug each, and the girls’ laundry mounts up a lot these past few days. So two for me.” Hondo points out.
“I can take care of the laundry for you.” Mrs. Clean adds.
“Much obliged. I’ll send the girls in with the laundry later, but for now, when we are out there, we are going to need somethin’. Besides, that soap is being used to clean other things as well.” Hondo explains.
“It can be used to clean many things, but it is primarily laundry soap.” Mrs. Clean throws in.
“OK, 2 machines, 5 jugs of soap and the laundry- how much and do not discount – you deserve the money!” Fernando says.
“Give me $300 for everything.” Mrs. Clean says.
“I owe you more than that!” Fernando says as he takes out his gold coins. “Here is $300, and have another $100 to feed your staff some lunch from me.”
Mrs. Clean takes the money and signals to her staff to get the various items, telling Fernando, “You drive a hard bargain.”
“It’s only fair.” Fernando replies. Then his radio comes alive, “Daddy, you out there?”
Fernando takes the radio and answers it, “Yes Macey, what’s going on?”
“Miss Ruth wants to know if you, Hondo and the Wessens with you want any lunch?” Macey asks.
“Tell her to make it and set it aside as we will be in and out so we will eat it later. Do me a favor – Go to Val, Mae and Minerva and tell them to get their laundry packed up. Mrs. Clean is here and we have a day’s special for us to get our things washed for free. Well free for us as we already paid for the service here. So as soon as we come back, we will take you ladies to Mrs. Clean for the laundry.” Fernando explains.
“OK Daddy.” Macey answers.
“Macey, any of the adults there, even Ichigo?” Fernando asks.
“Ichigo here.” Ichigo takes the radio from Macey, “What’s up?”
“If you were there with Macey, then you heard – pack up your dirty clothes and inform Val, Mae and Minerva to do the same as I have a deal with Mrs. Clean to do the laundry for us today. You do not have to come out but I’ll take Macey with me when we leave for the washing. You can keep an eye out on things and inform me of anything that happens that needs my attention.” Fernando explains.
“Will do.” Ichigo says.
“Before I go, you and Macey take the Wessen Girls and show them how to set up the bed in the Dub Box. Then set up their pillows, sleeping bags and blankets on bed. They and their Wessen brother are sleeping there for the next night or two before their camper is ready. Tammy can sleep with us in the electric bus. One more thing – Where’s Meeshie?” Fernando explains and asks.
“Meeshie’s curled up on the driver’s seat. And we’ll show them how to get it together. When you coming back?” Ichigo asks.
“Soon enough. See you girls later!” Fernando tells them as Mrs. Clean’s staff stacks the boxed washer/dryers in the pull-cart. A bag of five jugs of liquid soap are placed on top. Fernando tells Marvin to pull the cart while Karl and Russell walk to either side to maintain its balance as they head back to camp. “We will return for the blankets and dropping off some laundry.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Mrs. Clean replies.
It takes a few minutes extra of carefully pulling the cart to make sure nothing would fell off. Hondo took the bag of the jugs of soap, and under Fernando’s instructions Karl and Marvin each took a washer to their campers for future installation. Russell went into the Dub Box to put away the remaining soap in the pull cart. Fernando stops in front of Karl’s truck that was blocking the view of his electric camper. Looking around, he can see a few familiar vehicles from before that are not from his Charlton Convoy; notably, the Native America convoy that was at Fight Town.
(To Be Continued...)
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