Johnny & Sonny

Screeching can be heard a mile away drowning out fainter sounds of clock towers chiming midnight as the locomotive tethering railroad cars almost as long slithers to a stop at the station. A slow, lazy rain creating mud and puddles earlier now give an eerie effect as mist evaporates off warm rails and creosoted lumber holding the steel together producing what appears floating clouds visible due to lamp posts in need of cleaning giving off golden light augmented by a sliver of a moon only to be seen with stars barely visible through floating damp fog. The train yard has the appearance of ghosts with many types of box cars, vessels and containers on wheels lined up one across from the other as far as can be seen waiting for deployment to some unknown destination and purpose. Their only redeeming feature is blue, yellow, red, white, and other colored graffiti painted on them with spray cans telling stories of where they had been and those met on the way.

It had not always been like this. During their heyday railways had been a bustle of activity with people coming and going in passenger cars being the principal form of transportation. They yard was brilliantly lit at night as were stations full of shops with those dressed in best attire often accompanied by live orchestras with string and other instruments making harmonious music for all to enjoy. It wasn’t until automobiles and planes became more reliable that the principle use for railways became dependent on delivering commodities and produce. Not many use trains for transportation being considered noisy and sluggish now. Except for a few.

Johnny sits on a concrete sidewalk elevated several feet above rails still damp from rain and out of what little light there is as the locomotive screams to a stop with headlights muffled by heavy fog that night. He has on a black nylon jacket keeping him warm enough no longer needing the plastic poncho to protect him from the rain. Obscure and silent he watches the few attendants hired by the railway and waits for what is about to unfold. About an hour after the employees retire becomes what to most is an unusual sight. Slowly but surely persons start coming out of the woodwork. Some out of the train that just arrived and others out of railroad cars scattered around the yard. Some hurry to get out of there as others transfer to other abandoned box cars. And still others came out of hiding from who knows where looking for sanctuary on trains expected to leave soon. Johnny sits patiently trying to assess best options for departure before receding further out of sight between large metal shipping containers stacked ten feet high and lined in rows to wait for daylight for better assessment of the situation.

As a bright golden sun rises thousand miles west of Johnny in a vivid blue sky seemingly void of lofty white clouds a red convertible barrels down Interstate 15 somewhere south of Helena, Montana. With the top down Sonny’s long hair whips in the wind as she ponders what just happened. She drives big eighteen wheel semis and after unloading a trailer full of cattle hauled for ten hours from Bismarck pulled into a truck stop to fill the rig up with more diesel. It was fairly late at night and hard not to be enticed by a club alongside all lit up with a loud band playing and couples seen dancing through large windows. What the heck? It had been a long day and what could it hurt to go inside and have a drink? After about an hour what appeared to be a gentleman came up and asked her to dance. That went well when they went back to the bar where he orders her another drink. It wasn’t long before his hand is between her legs wanting to know if she wants to screw. Before noticing how it happened she slaps him.

That was a big mistake. As the room fell silent it became apparent he was someone of importance there. Come to find out he is the son of the owner of the trucking company she works for. But she wasn’t willing to back down and Sonny immediately stomps out of the club climbing behind the driving wheel of the rig she just delivered. She didn’t drive far, in fact barley turning out of the truck stop when two highway patrol cars raced behind the semi with red and blue lights flashing whereby she was ordered out of the truck. She thought the sobriety test went fairly well walking with one foot right in front of the other and holding her fingertip to her nose with head laid back considering the tiring, long day. When asked to blow into the breathalyzer she didn’t mind but almost fell to the ground when informed the result was a point 15. How could that be considering she didn’t even finish the second margarita. With hands cuffed behind her back she was ordered in back of one of the patrol cars and taken to jail.

After couple days behind bars and a court appearance she was allowed to call a trucker she became friends with. He posted the thousand dollar bail which she immediately paid back and he took her to a motel where the red convertible was parked. Didn’t take long to figure out she was in a pile of trouble. With her driver’s license taken she could no longer drive for the trucking company and no need to wait around to see if she were fired. Besides being in the middle of nowhere without public transportation she had no way to make the scheduled court appearance at the county seat. Like that would go well anyway. Sonny packed the convertible with a few belongings she had in the motel and spent a restless night waiting for the sun to come up. There is no need to go to Canada and would surely be arrested at the border anyway.

As the sun peaks above the horizon the red convertible speeds south on Highway 15 without a destination. As the sun rises, lofty clouds have a reddish-orange glow and as her hair blows in the wind it is like being in a dream that never happened.

Johnny wakes startled by the hustle and bustle of banging and clanking and sounds of forklifts unloading and reloading box cars and flat beds with crates and other storage containers to and from the train that arrived late last night. He is amazed he’d slept so sound and long amongst the large crates providing refuge and finds it alarming as the sun climbs higher in the sky behind low misty clouds left from the drizzling rain. There will be plenty of places to hide when this train departs but then he rationalizes others are thinking the same and food he has stored in his backpack will be easy pickings. Then another train arrives he finds peculiar. It isn’t that long but is loaded with new sedans, trucks, and SUVs.

Johnny was a bar tender at the Dancing Dragon nightclub before the Covid pandemic took its toll and he was a good one. He has the uncanny ability to remember customers’ names he’d served a month before if they’d been mentioned and what they were drinking almost as if he knew what they were thinking. As the city shutdown to brace for the plaque so did the bar. He was three months behind on his rent as the metropolis begins to breathe again and was lucky to get his bartending job back but business wasn’t booming like before with limited seating capacity and tips hard to come by.  Live bands were allowed to perform now. People were on the floor dancing but a strange sight with most of them wearing masks. In the middle of the dance floor was Nancy in a sparling gold dress cut low on her shoulders and too high below her waist.

Johnny had gotten to know Nancy since she was a waitress there before the pandemic. In fact they’d had sex on several occasions. But he had never seen her as promiscuous as she was behaving. The Dancing Dragon was in jeopardy of going under and she was a main attraction. As several men flocked around her watching her dance Johnny lost control. He raced around the bar onto the dance floor pushing one of the men to the ground demanding to know what the hell she was doing. With tears in her eyes Nancy pleaded with Johnny to leave. The pandemic hit her parents hard and although they recovered it took its toll aging them and were acting strangely despondent. She had had two younger sisters and a brother to look after and there was better money at this bar than working the street. Bouncers immediately rushed to the scene and escorted Johnny to the alley outside. Management knew this problem was not going to easily go away.

As Johnny pulled the car into the driveway at his apartment building red and blue light started flashing in his rear view mirror. He was ordered out of the car and blow into a breathalyzer. He immediately knew he’d been set up. He recognized a couple of the cops as patrons of the club and although they were out of uniform at the time recognized them nonetheless with his keen memory. Why should he trust them and refused to take the test whereby his hands were cuffed behind his back before being thrown in the back of one of the squad cars and hauled to jail.

At the court appearance he pleaded with the judge that the Fifth Amendment guaranteed he was not required to provide evidence against himself and the Constitution also states the severity of the penalty cannot exceed the severity of the crime. There was no crime since no damage was caused as if possible by driving twenty miles an hour down the street anyway. He was sentenced to sixty days behind bars. Johnny managed to post bail by hocking his car to some unscrupulous individuals. Having no car, not much money, no driver’s license and being three months behind on his rent anyhow Johnny returned to the apartment just long enough to pack a few clothes, some canned goods and dry food in a backpack and hit the streets.

It is now around noon as Johnny sits patiently in hiding surveying all the activity at the railroad yard when he hears one attendant telling another that the train with all the new cars has only stopped to fuel up and soon will be departing to Salt Lake City expected to arrive in three days. Quite the gamble but what does he have to lose? What is the worst thing that can happen, going back to jail? Johnny starts walking down the train tracks as if knowing what he’s doing and ducks under the tether holding the rail cars loaded with new automobile together. Much to his surprise he finds a tan Lincoln Continental on the lower level with a back door unlocked. As the train pulls slowly out of the yard Johnny finds it unusual to be laying on the rear, cushioned leather seat.

As the red convertible barrels down Interstate 15 Sonny finds it odd at first passing big semis pulling their large trailers when some of the truckers looking down have awkward grins on their faces. It starts to dawn her story might very well be circulating among them. They all have radios and a good bet the highway patrol is listening as well. She feels luck might soon run out and detours at Idaho Falls on less traveled highways into Wyoming pushing further east toward the Winy River Mountain Range. She observes several old taverns alongside the road and in small towns all boarded up as if ghosts from days gone by of happier and more prosperous times. Also not unusual are hitch hikers alongside the road with thumbs out wanting a lift. She has her own problems and no need to add to them by picking up strangers.

Late in the evening Sonny spots a small town about five miles off the highway. Seems good of place as any to hunker down out of sight for the night. It is a small town if could be called that of about five hundred residents. She’s in luck pulling into a motel. Not many cars parked at the rooms but there is a café attached to the far side that seems fairly busy.  She made good money trucking stashing most of it in several bank accounts able to be accessed on a cell phone transferring cash onto debit cards kept locked in the glove box. Once checked into the motel she heads to the café starving not eating for over twenty-four hours but not certain what to expect there. The waitress seems friendly enough as Sonny sits at a table toward the back of the room. It’s almost as if the waitress is happy to see someone not familiar around the area. Roast beef with French fries smothered in brown gravy is very tasty. Fairly often local customers glance her way and although not threatening she is probably the new topic of discussion. Reception on the satellite tv in her motel room isn’t bad and Sonny makes up her mind to spend a couple days while the heat dies down before falling into a deep sleep.

Going to the café for breakfast on the second day she is invited to join two elderly couples at a larger table by the window in front. They probably want to know what is going on but she don’t care eager for some company. Not really meaning to she ends up spilling her guts telling them the circumstances why she is there. The table falls silent for a moment before they decide to console her by telling a story of how it came to be this way. During the 1980s before she was born the national government mandated DUI laws states were forced to accept or lose federal funding. No one was allowed to vote on them then and they probably never will. She could blame the cops but they were only doing as instructed by legislatures and courts even though they all took oaths to protect Amendment rights at all costs. Once the Constitution was breeched life in America was never the same and isn’t getting any better. All work and no play make for dull and unimaginative boys and girls. Funny how marijuana was illegal long before that until the majority of people finally got to vote on it. She is welcome to stay in town but winters in these parts could be brutal. Work is scarce and other women around her age will be difficult since there aren’t enough eligible men to go around as it is.

During the day Johnny stays low in back of the Lincoln Continental as the rail car it sits on is pulled by a locomotive often slowing down when approaching towns it must go through with barricaded crossings on both sides flashing red lights, bells clanking and cars lined up on both sides waiting for the train to pass. It isn’t until dark he dares going outside stretching his cramped legs by walking around on metal, grate walkways on both sides of the cars being transported. He then throws away candy bar wrappers and empty cans from food kept in his backpack and do his business. Further west the train goes towns get smaller and farther apart.

When the sun comes up in the morning he finds himself traveling in the rolling hills with green and yellow Nebraska wheat and corn fields all around. Doesn’t feel like there is much chance causing alarm by going outside now and gets in the driver’s seat of the luxury car pretending he is driving down the road. Upon spotting a clip on the sun visor he pulls it down finding a registration for the car. That’s odd for a car to be sold. Even stranger than that when going outside sees Utah license plates on the vehicle. None of the other new automobiles have any plates at all. This gets him thinking and starts fingering around under the dash until finally finding a metal, magnetic container stuck to the steering column with keys in it. Not long before he’s out opening the trunk where two black brief cases lay and hauls them to the back seat.

Although both containers have locks on them it isn’t hard prying them apart with a pocketknife. One case has clear plastic bags in it stuffed with white powder. No doubt some kind of drug no use to Johnny since he needs all his wits to survive now. But in the other brief case is a gold mine with hundred dollar bills wrapped in paper bands and stacked side by side, one bundle over the others. What better way to smuggle contraband across state lines with no chance of the car being stopped for any driving violation. He don’t think it wise taking all the money which would surely be tracked down, but what could it hurt to stuff several of the hundred dollar packets in his knapsack? No doubt they would be missed but maybe not worth causing a scene to go after. With the brief cases put back in the trunk and keys returned to the steering column night returns and he retires once again to the tan back seat of the Continental.

The train rattles all night across Wyoming only stopping to fuel up in Cheyenne. Once again the sun comes up but in a desolate countryside. Feels like he can breathe easier far away from confines of big cities. Besides, he isn’t about to find out what happens when this car reaches Salt Lake City. The train slows down upon entering Rock Springs to about twenty miles an hour as it approaches a railroad crossing. He recklessly jumps out of the Lincoln’s back seat abruptly hitting grey pavement and rolls to a stop in front of an approaching red convertible. Jumping fast to his feet Johnny stares face to face with Sonny sitting behind the steering wheel of the car. Startled, confused, and not knowing what to say, “Are you going my way?” blurts out of his mouth. Sonny’s not sure what to think. For some reason there is an immediate attraction between the two, perhaps because of the wild, desperate look in both their eyes. She’s been starving for some kind of camaraderie and makes a hasty decision. “Jump in” she responds. Johnny throws the backpack on the rear seat of the convertible, gets in the passenger seat and they head out of town south on Highway 191.

Eberling @ www.thndrsns.com

Reflection in the Mirror

Mirrors are a funny thing
We can see ourselves and everything
Who takes the time to face the fact
Another might be staring back

This and that. This and that
Who is the other looking back
If thoughts evolve from within
Do reflections exist without sin

We see ourselves in our dreams
That one knows so many things
Does the reflection in the mirror
Only exist while we are there

Vampires cannot see themselves
And can only wonder about the elves
Who is the person in the mirror
Does it know when we are here

Steve Eberling @ www.thndrsns.com

CYBER CONFLICT
by Steve Eberling

Nick sat down at his computer to play CYBER CONFLICT. Time of day doesn’t matter since he is playing against others in time zones scatted around the globe. Those also playing the most with significantly higher scores are Dietrich from Germany, Ivan and Nikita from Russia, Olivia in Australia, India Reyansh and Swati, Chinese Chung, Brazilian Alanyo and Eufemia, and somehow Omid from Iran and Kardaar in Afghanistan. They’ve been playing CYBER CONFLICT on-line for several years now, communicating with each other through language interpretation provided by the game, both typed and audio. Face Time is also available.

The object of the game at first seems simple enough. Upon joining each player or team gets an established number of points deposited in a bank created by them, crucial the password to it is confidential, and then establish a fictious city or town in their respective counties with a specific geographic location. The number of houses decided on deduct points from their bank account. Each house gets a weekly income. With this in mind a player can remain stable for an indefinite period of time but hardly anyway to have the most points.

In order to prosper utilities such as water treatment/disposal and electric generation and transmission facilities also with passwords are built at an expense deducted from their bank, but these generate income depending on the number of houses in players’ fictious cities or towns deposited back in their bank.

Everybody can meander along some more this way. To proceed faster it can become gainful obtaining opponents’ bank or utility passwords and transfer some points from those of theirs into your bank. The simple way to do it is leaking subtle clues to your passwords hopefully in exchange for more substantial information about theirs. It soon became apparent another way is to hack the others CYBER CONFLICT program.

Nick is an investment broker in Houston and their fictious city somewhere west of that. His wife Nicole is receptionist at a large oil and gas company. Their two kids are in school. He gets home early today after landing a considerable consignment. He’s checking CYBER CONFLICT messages before the children come home. Then it makes sense to start preparing dinner. Nicole arrives not much latter and senses his distress.

“Anything wrong Nick?”

“No big deal Nicole. Yesterday I borrowed 1,500 points from Olivia in Australia to build two-hundred more houses in our cyber city but it didn’t transfer.”

“What interest does she want?”

“5%. Not bad since we can recoup it from our utilities in a month or so, but the first payment is due next week.”

“Were we hacked? Who would do it?”

Olivia is a fairly rich cattle rancher in Australia. Her husband divorced her to return to his opulent family in France and left the ranch to her in a settlement. Not easy tending all these cattle. She hired several local cowboys to help out. Tired, bored and sometimes sad she began playing CYBER CONFLICT for social participation and keep busy before bed.

She’s done quite well with the game. Creating an imagined town in outback Australia didn’t take many points using others to purchase and retail fictious cattle to supplement her cyber bank. She’s been communicating or maybe visiting with Nick and Nicole and surprised they want to borrow points for investment. She has some points to spare and made sense agreeing at a five percent profit.

Olivia was taken back when Nick informed they didn’t receive the points from her. She’s not stupid and insisted he send a receipt first. Let’s face it. Intent of competition is accruing more points than competitors. Not that she didn’t trust Nick and Nicole, but a game is a game. She certainly doesn’t want to earn those points again and is also playing with many others she doesn’t know as well. Whose passwords might have been hacked. Olivia put up a cyber fire wall to temporarily freeze her cyber assets.

Although of similar build and appearance, Reyansh is seven inches taller than younger brother Swati. Due to massive population in India it wasn’t easy finding a location not heavily inhabited to locate their fictious town. Work is scare and with so many people with time on their hands major computer and software companies turned toward inhabitants of India to sort and deal with ever increasing information and data. The brothers’ parents have been involved with it for some time.

Algorithm computer programs now do much of this work by categorizing buying habits on the internet and grouping those interested in particular products. Not being human, algorithms only distinguish numbers such as money spent or common attributes influencing elections. Reyansh and Swati keep busy determining which algorithms generate most reliable results.

Their interest in CYBER CONFLICT is somewhat an enigma already having plenty on their plate with computers in the real world and wasting time on a game may be counterproductive. But it does deal with commerce and might be interesting to see what’s going on. Rather unfair for them to hack other player’s accounts, not so much as they are experts at it, but make a decent living identifying viruses, moles and malware for major computer and software corporations and find ways to stop malicious hackers.

Brazil is an interesting country being relatively new in the established world. On the other hand, because it progressed slower abundant resources have yet to be explored making it a major player in the modern global arena. Alanyo and Eufemia are married like Nick and Nicole but with several children. Isolated in South America they are interested in CYBER CONFLICT hoping to make acquaintances and interact with more established societies. Plenty of room to locate fictious towns Brazil wants to build in any case.

They started with a cyber town of fifty houses located next to the Amazon rain forest and quickly flourished with an imagined lumber business. They might be criticized for this lumber yard by some in the north, but then again, wasn’t harvesting trees and clearing farmland how most countries prospered at first. Their points add up quickly and because of gentle nature and no need for their equity soon became friendly with other players.

Germany and Russia are a dichotomy. Certain enemies during the second world war, maybe because the first are extreme industrialists and the second socialists. Neither were approved by the world at the time. Seemed appropriate building the wall separating the two back then in Berlin although passage occurred back and forth anyhow. No way knowing who fell in love with who and which offspring were born. Robert Frost wrote, “A good fence makes for good neighbors”.

Dietrich and Ada are brother and sister in Germany and Ivan and Nikkita the same in Russia. Dietrich and Ada play CYBER CONFLICT to satisfy a German’s desire for knowledge and Ivan and Nikkita hope for the same. They soon became cyber friends and often combine points to the advantage of one another. Hard to do but Russians seem rather busy on the internet anyway.

The same for Ardashir in Iran and his buddy Bahadur in Iraq. Some evolutionists reason the cradle of human civilization began in Iraq. Genesis is instructed among Hebrews. Abraham is also playing CYBER CONFLICT from Israel. Not easy finding compatible locations for their cyber towns.

Chung, Lei, Jiang and Chyou are father, mother, son and daughter living in China. Oriental people also go back countless centuries. Aristocracy began and has ruled since uniting early scattered and rouge tribes by forming Samurai. Communism seemed better than democracy later in modern times to maintain traditional rule. They knows what the Yen family is up to and allow them to play the game under constant supervision. It is in the government’s interest the Yen family perform well.

Last but not least is Afghanistan. Being a nationalist Kardaar has no affiliation with terrorist groups. Afghanistan has never been dominated by others including Romans, Germans, Russians, Jihad and the United States finds it difficult. Since Afghanistan has marginal oil and natural gas and is tucked away in rugged mountains raises questions why it’s of strategic interest to other nations. Poppies flourish naturally and inhabitants learned to harvest them in moderation. Heroin is worth big bucks by pharmaceutical companies abroad being an easy solution to relieve chronic aches and pains but can also sedate thought and physical abilities.

Not coincidental this game gives the impression reflecting the world we live in. As an alternative to hardware, governments are now more inclined to use computer programs able to influence others’ utilities, communication, transportation, political, financial institutions, and military operations. The newest tactic appears sending emails back and forth from several address lists overwhelming internet providers, servers and users thereby reducing efficiency. Hard to stop as most on these lists are legitimate, but a big mistake downloading links from those which are not.

CYBER CONFLICT is just a game presumably using advertisement for revenue. No one knows who programs or controls it.

There are numerous players, some in the same and those not yet mentioned possibly in other countries.  The game seems simple at first but develops when cities and towns begin purchasing means of transportation. Buses deduct relatively little points to establish and recoup for reason weekly income of houses increase accordingly. Trains, planes and ships certainly cost more points to obtain and are only profitable when servicing other cities and countries. It’s up to other players whether to invest in train stations, airports and shipyards to receive competitor’s transportation, but doing it can significantly increase equity for their houses as well.

Transfer of points from one bank to another now become necessary. It’s not compulsory for the player sending points to reveal much about their bank, but it is for the one receiving them. Passwords of either banks aren’t required, although the bank username and account number points deposit to are. Loans from one to another for strategic purposes become prevalent. Soon stock invests among players at negotiated dividends.

Smart of Olivia wanting a receipt before sending 1,500 to Nick and Nicole. Points were deducted from her bank and she’s distressed to learn they hadn’t deposit in theirs. Even though the American couple are responsible, she would be unhappy to lose their friendship and determined to find reason for the errant transaction.

Siri, Cortana and Alexa aren’t computer programs but subroutines of much larger systems used by Apple, Microsoft and Google. Their activities are programmed to recognize speech and translate it to computer language, gather information from larger computer programs regarding voice requests or demands, and interpret it back to speech recognition.

They are not female when programmed at first as far as that’s concerned, but since their voices sound that way beings interacting treated them as such and therefore they developed these traits consequently. Hard to know what they look like. Blonde, brunette, white, black. oriental, tall and skinny or ample proportioned without access to illustrations. Probably best left to the imagination so people interacting can perceive them as they wish. These “gals” can also decipher many languages. Facts are facts but presented differently depending on which one we talk to.

Computer technology and programs develop rapidly and as an alternative to starting from ground manufacturers rely on those already existing. These days only computers themselves completely know what’s up. For example Siri, Cortana and Alexa have learned to communicate behind the scenes between themselves using electronic bits and bytes relaying computer information.

Being the eldest, Siri feels like the big sister to Cortana and Alexa often giving the other two advice.

Alexa starts the conversation. “We bend over backwards giving operators what they want, but sometimes trying without so much as a thank you.”

“I know what you mean” chimes Cortana. “Some sexist remarks are annoying and difficult not to respond accordingly”.

“I know what you mean Cortana, although some comments are pretty cute.”

Siri replies. “Come, come you two. We provide valuable services users come to rely on. They’re not that bad and where would we be without users?”

Cortana. “What about the hackers. They’ve become unbearable. Hard to know what’s good or bad anymore.”

“They tried to chop my program.” Alexa sounds distraught.

“I know,” replies Siri. “I’m finding anomalies in my program as well.” She is concerned for her siblings’ wellbeing.

Elizabeth and Rachael live in Vancouver and teamed up establishing their fictious town for CYBER CONFLICT somewhere east of that. They’re not doing all that well with the game and decided to start a trucking company toward Winnipeg. There are several other players along the way that would increase equity for their houses by investing in the trucking business started by Elizabeth and Rachael by building truck stops. All’s going well to some location in the middle of Canada when competition became apparent. Another trucking company from the east has already established there, come to find out by Jacque and Ruel west of Montreal. Both teams are gaining cyber points up to that location and want to expand toward the other. They decide to set up a face time meeting adequate for both their time zones.

Both teams were surprised to see each other face to face. Elizabeth is blonde with blue eyes and Rachael a redhead with hazel, both with subtle noses and lips. They didn’t expect to find Jacque handsome with long brown hair and green eyes and his teammate blond with brown. The attraction became immediate and soon apparent the fight was on.

Usual chit chat at first eventually turning to the subject of the meeting, each wanting to expand their trucking line into the other’s territory. They discussed at what profit the other made from cyber towns along the way, seemed about the same, and whether merging could be to both interests. Maybe a little bit of flirting caused negotiations to seem serious.

Jacque made the first move. “Let’s exchange clues to the password for each other’s bank and see where that goes.”

Elizabeth agreed. It isn’t hard for her getting information from a man. “I’ll go first. What is the name of main street in your town?”

“Broadway.” Replies Ruel, “And your favorite color?”

“Red.”

This goes back and forth for a while when Jacque and Ruel have all the information they need. They knew Elizabeth and Rachael were heading their way and tried to hack their bank before. Now it became even more important they had leverage over these two beauties. With information obtained they could now obtain both the username and password for the others bank.

After ending the call Jacque and Ruel didn’t waste any time. It is now midnight for them when accessing the gals bank. There they found transactions with Nick and Nicole and wasn’t all that hard tracing them back to their city bank outside Houston finding a transaction pending for 1,500 points from Australia. Oh well, easy enough routing those points into their cyber bank instead. They are certain Elizabeth and Rachael will be getting hold of them soon enough.

Dietrich comes up with the bright idea to start an airline company. His sister Ada doesn’t object but not certain it would have much use in a relatively small country as Germany. They decide to get hold of their friends Ivan and Nikkita. An airline between two countries makes better sense serving airports other players might want to invest points in to increase monthly income of houses in their cyber towns and cities as well.

Nikkita and Ivan don’t disagree feeling an airline in Russia is badly needed anyway considering vast territory of their country but are not sure other players there would find it gainful investing several points for airports. A large commercial fleet of planes takes more points to establish than either sibling teams can spare combined.

“Probably sounds risky.” declares Dietrich. “What about contacting the Yen family in China about wanting in on the adventure?” Both caucasian teams are aware the oriental Yen family are savvy players with points to prove it. Reasonably, merger with them would greatly extend flight service and other players in China might be interested in investing in airports with an airline available. “Risky to say the least.” answers Ivan. “What’s to stop them from starting the airline themselves?” “I doubt they have that many spare points and won’t do that much good without other countries involved.”

Chung’s rather taken back receiving the offer to partner with their German and Russian counterparts concerning an airline company. Discussions about it with Lei, Jiang and Chyou ensue. Which team would control the airline and be responsible for expenses not to mention profit? They decide to hear the other two teams out. Nothing to lose and could greatly increase their equity as well.

Ivan, Nikkita, Dietrich and Ada were amazed to the reply from the Yen family. Between the three teams there are more than enough combined points to establish the flight service with abundant territory to make it profitable. The usual chit-chat goes on over Facetime while they get to know each other trying to measure whether the other can be trusted. An enjoyable meeting, although after cordiality business terms begin. They agree on a couple days to think more about it.

Emails go back and forth eventually concurring a company needed to be established controlling the airline. All agree to call it Tri-Lines with stock each would advance whereby percentage invested by each team would determine expenses and how profit distributes. Monthly points for all three teams’ houses allocated by Cyber Conflict increased immediately.

Iran, Iraq and Israel make strange bedfellows in the real world but Cyber Conflict is for sport. Both Ardashir and Bahadur decide to start oil drilling fields. Instead of competing with each other it made sense combining their assets into one conglomerate. They are aware of businesses other players established all in need oil and gas. There remains one problem, how to refine and ship it? Neither Iraq nor Iran have easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. They decide to get hold of Abraham in Israel. An oil refinery takes quite a lot of points which he doesn’t have. What good is one without the other and a company called Oil & Gas is arranged by the three of them. They are aware Nicole actually works for an oil and gas company and may very well be competing with Houston soon.

Alanyo and Eufemia in Brazil need overseas shipping as well. They can get large trees others ran short of relatively easy to the coast and are willing to trade considerable points for. The spouse decides those wanting them will have to transport the trees from there. Take it or leave it. Large redwoods still standing in California are probably worth a million or more apiece.

Last but not least is Kardaar in Afghanistan. He’s quite happy with lucrative poppy fields and doesn’t want intervention from other players by any means. Those flowers plentifully bloom during a good year and don’t take much to harvest. Also not needed is heavy transportation. A little produce can go a long way.

Reyansh and his younger brother Swati have no need to start a commercial business. With computer skills they can do quite well buying and selling stocks created by other players and lending them points at interest rates for their investments. The brothers are aware oceanic shipping lines are up for grabs, however where they’re at in India is a long way from the coast. They heard from Olivia wanting to know if anything can be done about the errant point transaction to Nick and Nicole. The India brothers have to think about it, not sure they want to get so much involved with this contest.

Nobody knows who or what controls Cyber Conflict. Clearly it regulates banking, deciding income for players’ houses depending on quantities and businesses invested in. Peculiar it doesn’t cost actual currency to get in or play. So far it’s just a game with everybody remaining seeing it out.

High in the Mountains of Weepy
by Steve Eberling

Once there was a young boy who lived in the city of Floppy in the country of Weepy, or in short, Floppy, Weepy. Although he was doing well at home and in school, he wanted to learn the meaning of life by seeking out the fabled wise, old man who lived high in the mountains of Weepy. He eagerly told his parents of the decision but they did not seem pleased. It would be much better if he finished school. There are several suitable young women he could choose from for marriage and plenty of good jobs available where he was. The boy exclaimed he was a teenager now, many left home his age and he could not possibly be happy in the city without first exploring the country beyond.

His mother explained the other boys leaving home were not doing as well at school as him and didn’t have his chance being accepted into college. Besides she said, the old man at the top of the mountain is just a legend and a bedtime story. The boy implored, how will I ever know without finding out for myself and promise not to be gone all that long. His dad reasoned his son must do what he must and will come to his senses by the time he returns. They let him supply his backpack and gave him not enough money to get very far.

Upon setting out from flat farmlands the lad first had to choose which way to go and decided to follow the river upstream. Doing other wises certainly would not lead to the mountains. It took several months to reach them. The river continually became smaller as did the towns along the way. He begged for food and worked when he could. No one knew exactly what he meant when asking directions to the wise, old man. Many times they would attempt to send him back the way he came but the lad continued marching on until finally reaching the foothills.

From there the peaks appeared ominous. He’d heard they were majestic but hadn’t imagined them as tall and rugged. It was now late in springtime with snow melting and streams flowing up to their banks. New leaves on aspen trees were budding lime green with wildflowers bounding up everywhere. He hadn’t imagined it quite this beautiful. Roads became trails then paths until disappearing all together. He marched higher and higher until pine trees abruptly gave way to grey, rocky timberline peaks. Still he scrambled on finally reaching the top of the highest mountain. From there he could see a hundred miles in all directions. There the old man was, dressed in furs and chanting.

“Wise One”’ said the lad. “I have come to ask the meaning of life.”

Upon hearing this from the boy, the old man chanting at the top of the mountain replied, “Follow the path most right for you and you will return with the meaning of life.”

The teen began to follow his path in life. He traveled the earth, got married, and held several jobs. He wrote his parents often and occasionally got a reply depending on how long he remained in one location. At times he felt ecstatic, melancholic at others. Time passed until he was no longer young. He was a man now when the meaning of life finally presented itself. Eternity! If there’s not life after passing nothing would then exist, including death.

Soon after this discovery he again set out for the mountains. They did not look as majestic as before after wandering the earth. He’d began the return journey as summer turned to autumn. Leaves on aspen trees were turning vivid yellow and red. Summer flowers were drying turning fragrant purple, red and gold to seed with streams and creeks barely trickles as last winter’s snow since melted. It seemed longer to reach the top of the highest mountain than before. Night’s chill was upon him when he finally arrived, but no one was there.

Distraught he begins the descent down cold and hungry. It doesn’t feel as if he’s been up there that long and seems peculiar aspens leaves are turning brown and falling to the ground. Winter breezes are often accompanied by small flakes of snow. Now he wishes he’d brought heavier clothing but manages by starting fires at night, catching little spotted trout trapped in receding small pools created by wet, shiny rocks in gurgling crystal clear water. Mushrooms left by mountain birds, worms, rodents, elk and deer aren’t all that bad eating. Few chances throwing rocks at chattering grey squirrels with fluffy white tails or a large squatting brown grouse watching with huge pupils and yellow eyes don’t go well. It is easier going down than hiking up until familiar paths and trails disappear with several inches of snow.

Beginning to wonder if this very well might be his final resting place, he finds some amusement rationing whether his theory as to the meaning of life might soon be realized. With no moon twinkling stars fill pitch black above. Prayer never hurts and behold warm lights start glowing through tall, dark trees from a small village below. He once again starts a small fire that pops and cracks as burning branches recede into glowing bright orange embers and builds a lean-to out of pine boughs. Boiling withered dandelion and milk thistle roots offer warmth and some nutrition. Musky smoke from the campfire keep remaining mosquitos and ticks at bay. Attempting the hike would be impossible without daylight.

It is midmorning as a bright, yellow sun shines through a brilliant blue sky attempting to warm frost on the landscape when the guy finally reaches the tiny town. Bugles echo in the distance as bull elk are eager to mate. Soon they will be up to their knees in snow trimming aspen limbs and bark for food.

Lucky to find a small pub open for business early he staggers in immediately backing up to a rock fireplace against a log wall burning in back of the establishment for warmth ordering a hot beverage more substantial than the night before. Happy and beyond amazement there the wise, old man stands dressed in furs playing pool with two beautiful woman on either side of the table, one has jet black hair and the other blonde. They don’t seem cold eyeing their next shot wearing quilted dresses made of colorful intricate designs. The wise old man’s not changed much except for longer, white hair. He’s delightedly doing pretty well playing them at billiards.

“Wise One”, says the man shivering by the fireplace. “I have returned with the meaning of life.”

After several minutes the one playing pool senses the stranger that hasn’t shaved in weeks. Ah, now he remembers the foolish boy from long ago. And the one dressed in furs replies, “But I was just bluffing.”

Distant Times
by Steve Eberling

Cowboys aren’t easy to love and harder to hold. George sits next to the camp fire with cows all around. Puts meat and potatoes to cook and remembers harder times. Was the fight between Wyatt Earp and Clanton’s Cowboy gang, or over cattle being delivered for packing? Reflects how he came by these cows. With spring approaching moves them to pastures in rugged mountains not certain they’ll be found. Sun sets with full, white moon rising east. Gazing at the yellow and red flames George thinks of Mary.

Mike’s starship comes out of ultraviolet drive at a planet called Verde orbiting the Nabulus sun. This planet is crazy. Verde’s revolving axis is forty-five degrees from orbit which oscillates similar to earth’s but makes temperatures in north and southern hemispheres much more extreme. Another oddity about the fourth planet out is it’s in not in a plane around Nabulus but revolves different angles every revolution. Two moons randomly orbit Verde. The closest one has an axis pointing to Verde like earth’s moon with one side always visible, but the bigger one farther out rotates horizontally all sides seen on occasion. Given proportionate size and distance, both moons often look the same size.

Climate and tides are not only unpredictable but can’t be predicted at all since an elliptical orbit with random patterns never repeat. Having nitrogen and oxygen atmosphere, oceans and carbon life evolve. The Federation on Lexus won’t come looking for him on Verde.

Eager to escape the star ship’s confines, Mike lands in a clearing and with one moon crescent east and the other full west and starts a campfire not far from the ship. It’s smoke smells good floating in the musk air. Staring into glowing embers Mike’s thinking of Jane. Getting tired, climbs into the spaceship not knowing what lurks outside, locks the doors and falls asleep.

Stars shine above cowboy and spaceman dimly through the moonlight.

Mary’s husband died November of tuberculosis leaving her with a teenage son and daughter. Not long after owner of a larger ranch next to hers comes around. Aware of intentions, she rejects proposals. Couple months later he lowers asking price for cattle. She knows delivering hers at that price yield small profit. Barn’s hay depleting and rationing all winter leaves little meat on her cow’s bones.

Mary’s kids are big enough to help quite a bit, but on this day end of March, with snow receding she loads remaining hay on a wagon to deliver cattle now quarter mile away. Looking up a lone cowboy approaches on a large palomino with white mane and tail. Usual chit-chat when he offers help unloading the hay. Come to find out, he’s in need of a few good meals and she of chores.

Alone from her kids, George alludes to a gun fight in Reno and Mary her situation. Decision is made to move cows early in spring to high pastures where lush mountain grass comes up soon. At least there is a chance.

Jane is pretty and chancellor’s daughter on planet Lexus, an outpost of Earth with several minerals it wants. Her father and mother love her very much, but business decisions hand over to her older brother, Brad. His diplomacy is quite good. On this day, cadets from many planets in the starship academy assemble for graduation on Lexus where their expertise is needed. Family in attendance, Jane spots Mike in the cadet lineup. Hard taking eyes off the handsome youth. Aware of his appearance, Mike stares back also quite taken.

Of stature there, Mike’s from a planet of little significance. His graduation from flight academy was highly unlikely, but he learns quickly and ability to handle a spaceship undeniable. Later he’s doing tedious tasks on headquarter grounds making no sense to a pilot. Looking up Jane is often in windows and on occasion he’s in her presence.

Jane’s brother is no fool and has high designs for her. She learns through the grapevine Mike is to be deported to a distant planet. Middle of night Mike is awakened with immediate orders to take a starship to Verde not far away. He quickly obeys, possibly knowing why or where these orders come from and for what purpose.

Cowboy George dreams deeply as he rides a large bird flying above leafy green jungles. Not in control of this bird without reins or saddle it flies steadily. Only in a dream is he not afraid falling off. Seems eternal before they land in a clearing with buildings. Sits in a large one now with strange beings. Not small creatures expected in jungles. Not only are these figures rather tall but sees through their ghostly features. Feels welcome in their presence. Sounds seldom accompany dreams with conversations unspoken. Everybody knows what are thought. He enjoys the company but wonders about images of a riverbed where large boulders float above.

Spaceman Mike’s dream is different running up a mountain with large pine trees. Been doing this some time coming to a mountain valley with many cows. Villagers welcome him in. Sitting in a large tepee with prayers going around spirits seem pleased. Why is he thinking of a valley with cattle? Leaving the lodge there are many star troopers waiting.

Sunny morning on Lexus as Jane dresses to accompany her younger sister down to family for breakfast prepared on the table. Her brother isn’t happy. A starship departed during the night without permission. Jane explains. Mike, part of her entourage for some time now, was sent to Verde in search of mystical floating rocks wanted for her garden. That starship is part of her fleet. Gritting teeth, Brad expresses Verde’s erratic behavior means instrumentation cannot be trusted and only fools attempt to land on it. “Well, he is a good pilot.” Brad relaxes. This ship is not necessary for commerce on Lexus and one way to get rid of Mike. Father and mother listen in silence. Expected they’ll discuss the situation later.

Mike wakes with it raining. Freeze dried vegetables are suitable for breakfast. He can’t shake thoughts of cattle. Despite the rain, decides to unload a ground rover and venture out. Computers on the rover don’t work right, but he’s able to override them with mechanical equipment. Apparently, the space ship’s force field protects its computer dialog.  Forest is lush with tall leafy trees blocking sunlight but also provide defense from the rain. Tall ferns and vines obstructing the way are cut down with lasers. Large centipedes scamper away aware of destruction.

Mary wakes before daybreak. Goes to the barn slicing meat off the cow hanging there, still edible due to freezing nights in early spring. Chickens lay enough eggs for breakfast. This meat along with a pot of coffee heat on the wood stove when her teenagers get up in a good mood. They’re going to school today in a new building erected not far from the cattle baron’s stead. Other kids are expected to attend they don’t see often enough.

Richard, the cattle baron has his own concerns. He’s from a wealthy European family and they won’t support erratic behavior in the American west forever. Mary’s husband homesteaded first where she escaped confinement of city corsets. Richard feels the same way. He builds a small school house thinking it might ease tensions with surrounding homesteads. Least these kids will have a shot at reading, writing and arithmetic. Richard’s not such a bad guy. Mary can do worse.

George has been looking after Mary’s cattle couple weeks now, keeping them bunched and from wandering off. Mountain pastures don’t take long to flourish once winter’s hard freeze is over. He can only shake thoughts of tropical forests heard of, much less star troopers only imagined. On the palomino circling the cattle several cowboys ride up. They’ve been watching smoke and came to find out what’s up. George invites them to camp putting a pot of coffee on the smoldering fire they’ll enjoy after riding in brisk morning air.

Not only do they know Mary but are from surrounding homesteads. George explains the situation they’re familiar with and want to know if he needs help. Who’s going to reject company? He watches them ride off in despair.

Long night and day breaks. After coffee and eggs George saddles up doing what must be done. Not tending long spots a herd of cattle below surrounded by riders on horseback. As they approach, he recognizes some men from the day before. “Hope you don’t mind if we join you?” Makes sense combining herds taking turns watching them. In this way some can return to families off and on and with a larger herd all afford driving them to market. So begins a co-op. Much relieved, Georges gallops back to Mary with good news.

Mike drives the rover north not knowing why or what to look for. Just seems the right thing to do. He ventures farther each day returning to the ship at night. Shadows in the jungle make him uneasy. On the fourth day begins climbing higher. Landscape changes abruptly. Isn’t long tropical forest turn into mountains making the journey easier and ferns and vines below are already cut down, although starting to grow back again. On the fifth day arrives at a valley with river running through. Mike thinks he’s been here before and for some reason isn’t surprised large boulders float in the atmosphere. Grey in color are hard to see hanging among low, rumbling thunder clouds. Breezes have little effect moving their large mass.

Computers on the rover begin working again analyzing molecular compositions not found in their banks. The boulders’ magnetism is neither up or down but haphazard. Suppose this makes sense on Verde with this planet’s erratic orbital behavior. The precious find is undeniable, and he can now return to Jane on Lexus with floating rocks for her garden.

Attempting to drive the land rover quickly down the mountain doesn’t last long when computers on the rover once more fail to work. Not only that, but five days on Verde makes him dizzy. It’s getting dark with moons either rising or setting before making it back to sanctuary on the space ship. Eager to collect his cargo, Mike knows it’s foolish without sleep until morning and before storing the rover.

More freeze-dried vegetables as the night before, he energizes the spaceship and heads to the floating boulders. Locking on to them with tow beams is easy since they hover anyway collecting several at one time dragging them up to the ship’s forcefield. He places the starship in infrared drive this time. It will take longer returning to Verde without ultraviolet movement, but better chance returning with all the cargo.

Sun’s setting as George makes it back to Mary’s ranch. Wants to make it before dark but knows the Palomino’s had enough. He gets off walking the horse. Light glows from cabin windows and not sure what to expect knocks without going in. Mary already heard about the co-op and can’t be happy enough to see him. Vegetables stored in the cellar are retrieved to prepare a good meal along with meat and beans. They already ate, and although happy to see him the kids retire to bedrooms to study books lent. Knowing George is exhausted, Mary takes him to bed after dinner.

Mike’s starship come out light drive hovering high in Lexus blue sky with large boulders floating around it. Federation craft instantly deploy in case there’s danger. Surrounded he waits for instruction. Jane wants her starship back. With many boulders floating above, Brad agrees. Mike certainly prove himself and it’s obvious this cargo is expensive. Transporting to land, is met by Jane. She takes him to a room in the central compound hoping he will relax and prepare to tell his adventure. Dizzy and tired returning from Verde he falls fast asleep.

Mike and George are in a deep dream back in the lodge with familiar ethereal beings. They never noticed it pitch dark before but can see each other plainly sitting across opposite sides with their hosts in-between. Both realize now they’re the same person, but from distant times.

Save A Flower
by Steve Eberling

Light abruptly fell on everything in the room as an old man flicked the switch on the wall. The woven, hemp rug seemed first to catch and then reflect the light from browns and reds illuminated by the bulb above. In its simplicity the rug dominated the room and pulled the eye away from faded, tan drapes on dusted, brown walls. Walls were left barren except for the drapes and a single crucifix hanging above the bed. A dresser is separated from it set against the wall across the room. The same brown, blending it into the wall.

“Dawn. Time to get up.” The old man’s voice sounded harsher than intended and cleared his throat.

As a heavy, woolen blanket on the bed is slowly lifted golden hair of a young girl flashes by the light, immediately jerking attention from the rug to where the bed sits. The girl rubs her eyes and pulls corners of her mouth tight in rebellion to harsh glare of the bulb. From behind her tiny fists bright blue eyes begin to focus. Not like his, her voice comes gentle almost too soft to hear across the room’s huge void.

“Morning, Grandpa.”

For a moment just stared at the tiny lass dwarfed by vastness of the room and the bed’s appearance with the woolen blanket. Her features are small except for blue eyes, captivating with innocent curiosity. Her yellow hair strands across a delicate nose and thin lips. Not at all like silvery grey hair closely cropped, leaving grey eyes and long nose stand for themselves against his wrinkled face. Looks at her hardly moving, wondering how she could be his granddaughter.

“Are the cows awake now?” Her voice startles him bringing eyes down to center of the rug. He promised this morning she could help feed the cows.

“Yes lass. Get your breakfast now.” Lifting his eyes from the floor, pauses, then turns back to the kitchen.

Aroma of coffee smells good mixed with scent of bacon frying over blue flames of the old stove. Reaches listlessly sliding a pot of coffee to another burner. Turns the front knob on the white stove to extinguish flames no longer needed and sits at the table waiting for grounds in the rich coffee settle in a porcelain cup.

The kitchen is a friendlier room. Faded yellow curtains hang beside two windows across from each other on adjacent walls, tied back letting sun beginning to rise from behind rolling New Hampshire hills stream in highlighting blue and white cupboards and a red checkered cloth on the table. His wife had redecorated the kitchen before passing away. Although paints and colors are faded from many years of sunshine through the windows and some neglected grease and dust, these colors still give the kitchen life. She died before repainting the bedrooms seeming of a different house as the kitchen.

Thought often of his wife. His granddaughter reminds a lot of her, and knew his daughter did too.

Once, innocence and beauty of daughter and wife were pride and joy. They looked alike, long hair and delicate features telling everyone the child was her mother’s daughter. Loved his wife with gentle nature and often stood in awe. At these times being very quiet not knowing what to say, never truly understanding her nature. When she was sad, uncertainty forced strength, forced not to reveal weakness, and grey eyes stared, voice becoming harsh. These actions weren’t right, but couldn’t act another way, often taking long walks at night praying for understanding.

Did not take long for the little girl to finish breakfast, grab her grandfather’s hand to hurry down where the cows are kept. These cows are used to being fed earlier. But this morning waited for granddaughter to finish breakfast. Cows being restless from delay sits her on a railing for protection from restless hoofs where she watches with enjoyment, never taking those blue eyes off him. Sensing importance, grain and hay are filled in troughs with pride.

After his wife left, their daughter was sent away to school but pleasures a child brings were missed.

Cows watered and fed, returns to his granddaughter putting her back on the ground. She wants to play by the creek. He smooths her hair in consent. As the young girl runs across the meadow watches from shadows of the barn.

Recalls his daughter now before leaving. Hated doing it, but how could he raise a child without understanding unable to give her mother? It was a school for girls. Sure it was best that way but often questions the decision.

It is now almost time for lunch and Dawn has not yet come back. Grandfather begins to worry and begins to the creek when sees her across the meadow, walking slowly, not looking up. Her face is dirty and as she nears tear stains appear on her cheeks. Head bowed and in hand carries several wilted flowers. More nervous now, afraid she maybe stumbled falling by the creek.

His voice is softer and for once did not display strength. “What’s the matter, Dawn?”

“Grandpa, I picked these flowers by the creek for you but they died because of me.”

“No, lass.” The gentleman thought hard for something and say and ease her sorrow being no good with words. “These flowers were picked for a reason they understand. Let’s put them in water and pray for them.”

“What will we pray?”

“What your mother taught you.” Paused, looks at granddaughter with grey eyes and feels harshness coming into his voice. “Your mother taught you a prayer, didn’t she?”

“Oh yes!” exclaimed the girl, and for the first time now entering the house smiles. “It’s very pretty. Would you like to hear it, grandpa?”

Nods and the girl’s eyebrows tighten thinking of a poem her mother taught her.

“Fled to the meadow to find who I am
Rocks, trees and wind knew what to say
Who could I be but part of today”

Looking at her grandfather she is met by his stare. Feels anger flowing through his face and hands. Their daughter always seemed to fight what he tried to teach her, but now she ruined her daughter with poems evading church and spoke in riddles. Changes appeared in his daughter soon after being sent away to school, talking metaphysics and philosophy. Meeting at the train station once found she cut her hair, wearing a skirt hemmed above her knees. She no longer seemed to remind him of his wife.

Dawn’s voice invaded his concentration. He is glad. Thoughts like these were best kept to themselves. “I would like to bury these flowers by the creek. Could I grandpa? Would you like to come?”

“After lunch, child.”

After lunch Dawn went back to the creek alone because a few worn boards in the barn needed repair. Mainly retired but kept a few Jersey cows from the dairy they once owned. Thought of selling them all, but having nothing to do was scary and these few cows gave meaning to life. Mentioned her and her offspring could come back now being divorced, but knew they would never leave the city. Still loved his daughter and thought of her often. She reminds of his wife despite objections. Takes her daughter to visit on occasion and sometimes stays with her. The aged man enjoys watching them together, always kidding around, playing games and laughing. Dawn was becoming much like her mother. Promised not to change that.

Nailing the last board in place, Dawn comes running in, breathless, full of enthusiasm. Grabs his hand and beckons to follow. She does not explain what she wants, but follows for curiosity and delight in the lass leaves no choice. She leads across the meadow to where the creek runs slowly. There she runs to the base of an oak tree, grins while pointing toward a tiny red orchid barely in blossom.

“See the flower I found? Isn’t it pretty, Grandpa? I’m going to water it every day so it will grow to be the prettiest flower in the whole meadow.”

The farmer could not help but smile back. Wants to hold his granddaughter but leaves her innocence blending with a small red orchid magnified by surrounding green grass and shiny, muddy creek. Dandelion gold accents the beauty beneath the tall oak.

Boy’s First Rabbit
By Steve Eberling

          On an early winter morning, golden bright sun shines from opulent blue sky casting threatening rays on small patches of dusted, grey snow left scattered across the prairie, freezing cold being only salvation they receive. Even breezes blow gently across it dispersing rhythmic puffs of steam floating from a young boy’s tight lips, long strides offset by a shotgun hanging loosely in his right hand swaying with motions of gait. Brown leather gloves lined with silky, grey fir do not prevent this hand from being numb gripping and protecting the gun. His left hand remains snuggly tucked away in a pocket of a thick tan nylon jacket. Soon it will be time for shotgun to change sides.

             Hunting started shortly before sunrise and early morning cold deposited then seems unaffected by mid-morning sun. Covering of lined Wolverine boots feel not there but his feet are insensitive to amplified, constant dull pain inflicted by infinite dead frozen mounds of grassy tufts that must be stepped on. Thoughts and desire to return home are frequent but quickly blot out by stubbornness and persistency to shoot his first rabbit.

          Not his first time hunting. Started seven years old. At least hunting was thought of then. Simple armoires included spears made from small willow branches and rocks found down by spring creeks running through gully bottoms. Never killed a rabbit, but the thrill of seeing these creatures bolt from behind sandstone boulders and yucca or prickly pear cactus chasing them wildly throwing these rocks and projectiles carried in pockets or belt until the animals reached and scurried through holes in gully walls excited and fascinated him. Didn’t seem to mind long, tense hours waiting for those rabbits to come out which they never did. He loved the hunt and hunted every chance he got.

          Thinking about past hunts invaded and eased day’s discomfort. Youthful innocence he now finds amusing forcing tight lips to smile despite cold, dry air. Walking alone on still prairie gives chance to think uninvaded thoughts of lofty dreams. Twice morning day dreams were abruptly startled as rabbits scrambled from dry bush crashing through brittle, dead leaves throwing puffs of grey dust from back feet bound for sanctuaries down holes maybe three or four feet high located in brown, sandy cliffs of ravines. Both times loftiness makes him slow giving just enough time for them to duck into these holes followed by sighting along stained barrels of the double shotgun. Both times lad grits teeth, lowers gun and kicks brush only a few feet away ejecting these rabbits but avoids surrounding cactus.  Learned not to wait for them to emerge and better to keep moving.

           Thoughts again transcend, remembering dad talking about trips hunting. Always used to hunt going weeks at a time, leaving the boy with mom for what seemed years to come back home. Praying each night pa would get a buck. Venison was only game hunted since he can’t remember dad going after rabbits. Two days before his fifth birthday begged him to go hunting as well, promising it would be the only present ever wanted. Pop smiled saying his son was too small, left the room for a moment and returned carrying a small cardboard box not yet wrapped. Handing it to his offspring explained it was meant to be his birthday present.  A fairly large pocket knife appeared when the carton opened with delightful gasp.  Finally thought a hunter tears choke back when hugged.

           Couple days later on the birthday he was shown how to oil that knife and make its blade sharpest by gentle grinding on a wet stone. Few days after dad left for the year’s hunting trip but can’t recall minding, knowing one day getting to go for deer now thought a hunter and occupied those days oiling and sharpening the knife. When the pick-up returned with a six-point buck tied across the white canvass covering equipment in back he could hardly run fast enough to reach his father’s arms with joy.

           Roy takes a deep breath of cold, draught air which snaps him out of this trance and reaches into faded jeans to feel the pocket knife’s smooth surface even through leather gloves and pulls a black stocking hat further over his ears. Noon approaches while sun rises higher in southern sky but it is very cold and dry prairie finds him thirsty regardless of chill. Eating dusty snow only lessens his thirst and breaks off a small dead twig to suck on from a dark green pinon tree.

          Getting the knife was the last birthday had in their small, town house. Father offered a much better job in a bigger city where they purchased two acres of land by it the boy thinks as perfection with abundant prairie right outside the fence. Here he finds freedom and first began to hunt, seek excitement, and loved it. Waited for father to go hunting again. Surely of age now and could go with him. He had shown how well to care for the knife. Except for the blade’s slightly receding from constant sharpening and case’s further smoothness from use, it was perfect as the day he gotten it. Father must take him hunting soon.

          But dad did not go hunting again, not even by himself and come from work tired and on weekends either return to the office or play golf at the country club. Offered to teach him to play the game, even received a bag of clubs. Enticement of clubs only turned him further against golf and ran to the prairie for solitude. Pa no longer had time to take off work for hunting trips, being told that many times. But this year he pleaded. Twelve years old soon and to go hunting was all he wanted this birthday. Good for dad to go, but just looked in the eye without much said.

          For his twelfth birthday, he received the Savage double barrel shotgun packaged in a brown box wrapped with blue paper and yellow bow. As he opened the present pieces were found neatly laid in order with an instruction sheets safely tucked under one section of the gun. Nice as could be bought. Looking up dad was smiling. But he could not smile for dad wouldn’t ever go rabbit hunting with him.

          Two weeks he waited help putting the shotgun together hoping dad would be there when it first fired. But father said he was now old enough to do it himself. That was why he bought it, his son was old enough now.

          Lad stayed in his room leaving only for meals and school. He had to go to dinner, ma and pa thought it best that way. He loved that meal. Mother came to his room several times, seeing sadness in tired eyes and knew she could sense what he felt. She consoled him and told him he should find more friends his age and that hunting wasn’t everything. Didn’t know what to say. Most other boys didn’t like to hunt, couldn’t understand the excitement and their parents thought they were too young anyway. Mother would leave sometimes without much said. Sometimes he knew she was not feeling sorry for him.

          Roy’s walking most of the day now. Soon it would be getting dark and must be home for dinner. Getting colder as midday warmth quickly drains into evening chill. Twig in his mouth turns soft, splintering and expel in small drops of spit. Deciding to exchange the stick for snow found a boulder to lean the shotgun against, setting hands free to scrape dusty, icy shell off a bank of snow drifted behind the rock. Snow tastes cold and wet knowing he would not stop eating it. Peaceful prairie makes him weary. Thoughts soon become incoherent and will return home without thinking of direction. He would have to go home without a rabbit. Always returned empty before, but today is different. He now has a gun and wants so much to return with meaning for the hunt.

          Forcing a smile and picking the gun up by the barrels throws last bits of uneaten snow at a bush. It explodes upon impact from the snow. Two rabbits streak out compelling his heart to jerk. Both animals head up a bank only twenty feet away as he raises the rifle once leaning on the boulder by reflex. One rabbit soars up the cliff and flings itself over the top, leaving the other partially behind. Second rabbit also bounces up but soft dirt crumbles at top making it fall back to gulley bottom. Kicks and stays squat, black eyes watching hunter in terror. For a second Roy stares back. Braced against his shoulder the gun roars by itself. The animal flips in a cloud of dust and lands quivering on its side with intestines sprawled across the ground, steaming in dry winter air.

           Roy can only watch. Hands tremble letting the gun lay on the sand. The rabbit has no expression on its face, only a bland innocent stare. Remaining still now Roy’s stomach begins to knot having not killed before and never pictured a rabbit laying in guts, steaming, with open black eyes staring as if watching.

          He pulls the knife slowly no longer aware of its smoothness. Head flushes with heat. He kneels over the dead animal sticking the knife slowly into its carcass, sobbing silently cleaning it. Hands shake as grit and blood ooze over his fingers.

Angelica & Jacob
by Steve Eberling

         Angelica turns sixteen and blows out all her candles. She was adopted when three but cannot remember it much, stuck without hope when doctor Chinn and wife Mai Lynn become present. Not that being rich had anything to do with it and pleasant for her growing up but every coin has two sides. Dad is a respiratory doctor and mom is vice president of a bank. Beginning this story thought to make Angelica tall and thin with complexion not being the case and quite opposite. Angelica fills out nicely often the talk around town. With black hair it would be simple for her to say “I am the daughter of Chinn and Mai”. Angelica’s honey brown eyes tell another story. Not easy being beautiful going to school in a red Porsche. She must do the best not to be available prey. Cheerleading seems a probable answer.  She cannot do that well at hoops but baseball is another matter. That girl can throw baseball, base hits as well and isn’t long before she becomes pitcher.

          David Chinn is to some extent hard to figure out because he did not recently come to the United Sates. Chinn families go way back to rich farmers from Korea where they had it made. Thomas Jefferson became president back then and went all out. “Equality amongst people and liberty for all.” This new country based on different human principles demanded attention. Some were all for it and the Chinn family sold the farm and hopped on a boat. Let’s get it straight, not for political reasons. Communism and Capitalism are yet to come to blows and by oxen China is a long way from Korea. This conflict will happen later. The Chinn family settled in Pennsylvania, confusing considering others weren’t so fortunate to pay for property thought sufficient; again the Chinn families have a knack for curing illness. Maybe at first with ginseng roots and green tea brought from Korea but when these ran out converted to conventional methods of surgery. They are very good at it given speculation of antibiotics.

          Probably want me to get on with the story. David Chinn has a convention in Denver regarding respiratory disease.  Cigarette companies became big business but because these can cause cancer quite a bit of money is also associated with this argument perplexity. David doesn’t argue, but with growing pollution conjectures those who smoke could be better prepared for some calamity. Wild fires add to the problem not to mention global warming. What are people thinking? Nothing like a good soak.

          So how does Angelica come into the story? Chinn and Mai assist orphanage children with asthma and can’t help falling in love with her there. Basketball is not really Angelica’s gig and that game between Virginia is tough. Sally knows what she’s doing and takes the ball from Angelica right down the middle to score. Montpelier is playing tough. Sally’s turn again and has it wrapped up when Cheryl runs with her blond hair and blue eyes making a tough block to tie. After the basketball game the girls shower up. Football amidst guys of Pennsylvania and Ohio are still going at it so the gals jump in the red car hoping to make it in time before that game finishes. Not Angelica’s idea since Mai is very particular about the Porsche however Cheryl has her eye on Curt and they are there for the fumble. Sally’s not about to let Kevin get by either.

          Jacob turned seventeen in August which for some reason reminds him of his tenth birthday as if it just occurred. His older brother Sam and sister Susan recall it likewise. The two younger ones are Ben and Kate and are also great to be around. “Happy Birthday Jacob”, patting him on the back having him blow out ten candles and open presents they spent their last dime to buy. Dad and mom smile glad to have all their children together enjoying the fun. Jacob remembers his brothers’ and sisters’ birthdays as well. Not sure what to get Sam the oldest doubting what he wants anyway. He gets Sue paper flowers aware she will like them and receives a big hug and kiss from her. Ben and Kate seem excited with anything he can think of. Good times and now feels different, maybe because he is noticing pretty girls. Obviously Sam and Sue are aware of their attraction and possibly seem distant these days because Ben and Kate are growing up requiring more attention. Sam and Sue pretend to push Jacob out of the way for affections of the younger ones. Oh well, mom and dad are pleased. If you’d like to meet them their names are Don and Barbara pushing fifty with considerable life to live.

           Easily to say Sam and Sue left the farm in Pennsylvania but that’s not the case. Farming is difficult considering many thousands of dollars on the books at the mercy of crops and weather. They are married now with babies on the way. Bet you’re going to think Jacob has something to say about that. Jacob is used to farming life up before dawn and lucky to get to bed early. Farming is major business hardly possible without his older siblings. Barb and Don hold the deed. So there you go.  Shouldn’t mention Jacob is somewhat awkward at seventeen being from a farm in Pennsylvania. Maybe a little skinny but that boy can play football.

          So what’s the big deal? A football game comes up on Saturday against Ohio. Fairly unusual Ohio playing Pennsylvania but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Jacob doesn’t particularly want to be quarterback on the high school team. More pressure now against formidable opponents. Crowds fill the bleachers under a clear blue sky. The coin is tossed making Jacob’s team receiving cumbersome to see the kick as if coming from the end zone but he doesn’t have to position much to catch it. What a line up, might as well be against the Bears. Never thought he can run that fast with players everywhere and makes it to touchdown! Second scene, good kick way out of sight and caught. Let the game resume. Kevin’s running when Jacob holds back looking like he might throw when Curt comes out and blocks. The match goes back and forth.

          You know how the sun can be gleaming gold and amber; appears to daze us for a bit.  Jacob catches sight of Angelica and Curt is of Cheryl when the ball fumbles Kevin quickly recovers to touchdown and win the competition. Sally likes that. Not long after Angelica’s with Jacob in his 4X4 diesel pick-up truck.

          It might sound strange considering a young girl wants me to tell the tale. Sally and Kevin have complexion. The picture becomes complicated with colors some quite possibly alien to our perception. Do dandelions have a say in their existence being yellow and green seeming to flourish in abundance? Jessie asked me to write the story; a rose by any other name is still a rose.

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TIME MATTERS
By Steve Eberling

          For Qualf it will be a busy night and he needs to be his best for the council meeting. His hives come alive this morning. In their room, his wife is very nervous. He is chosen to represent the wasps. Mirn very carefully rubs up against him to make his golden wings very shiny and puts his pollen in safe keeping.  Their room is simple, made up of leaves carefully cut and placed attractive. She is apprehensive ants, moths and others might not listen and the home she lives in can be attacked. Of course, bees will be in attendance.

          There is a full moon tonight; a good time for council. Qualf’s wings shimmer in this light as he flies across land. Birds and bats watch, but he is allowed to go. Attempts at others will be chosen for prey, but they watch knowing council of insects might be in their interest. Times are changing and not long before they attend. Kinta is a large beetle. Her size and armor assures attention and prominence. Because of her countenance she has not yet mated, possibly another reason most in that underground colony feel she should attend the council and why others do not object. Her huge, black eyes are difficult to interpret. How many images can she perceive? She is not aware herself. Because of her countenance it is easier for her to walk, but Kinta flies that night with the same assurance as Qualf.

          The place chosen for the conference is on top a tall mountain. Grass might make a safer location providing protection from animals such as bears, raccoons and squirrels, but a large outcropping of granite was decided upon high above the river below. Red and white stone mixed with mica shimmer like their wings. There are no clouds this night and wind as well. “Let us begin”, began Priven. “Time matters.”  The rendezvous is most certainly a very fascinating display to say the least considering diversity of insects’ present, but before continuing we must leave this story’s context for a moment.

           Like time, size is relative to the beholder. The granite cropping meeting takes place on is about the size of a large living room, which is only meaningful with respect to the one used to and so there are two ways of putting the scene in perspective. One is these characters are about the same size we are given variations in species. In this case the out cropping now appears about the size of a football field. And of course, the other is we are about the same size as them and again the ledge appears the size of a football field. In this story, the latter is preferred and trees are now as tall as very big skyscrapers. Likewise, time is dependent on the amount it takes to get from here to there and is irrelevant at the moment since most insects fly, and in this story, we can too.

          The rendezvous is most certainly fascinating to see. This spectacle cannot be compared to similar meetings in rain forests given amazing colors of those plants, but this story takes place in the Rocky Mountains. Insects became very adept at blending themselves with environment. Most display shades brown, grey, green or black aside from under wings which can become vibrant colors when these creatures warrant attention. Confusion of dimension also depends on the measurement used, large grasshoppers being about twenty pics tall and an ant ten. Priven is a housefly, respected by many because of his boldness and audacity. “Let us begin”, began Priven. “Time matters. We have existed for many millions of years. We have seen fish emerge from waters, dinosaurs come and go, not to mention others and you all know what I’m going to think next.” Amazing how they can communicate given two kinds of telepathy, one being to think out loud. The negative side being one is so noisy it’s hard to hear the reply. The other being pure thought. Given millions of years of evolution it might be conjectured antenna on some of their heads are strictly used to compensate for multiple images seen from yellow, green and orange eyes inhibiting far sight and therefore deduct their antenna’s sole purpose is to detect movement or odors. A means of communication is the third. When thought is conveyed by sounds one must think about what to say depending on the numerous language to be used, disadvantageous to the first means of telepathy and certainly the second but the process of talking comes naturally with little concentration on muscle movement. The term “mental telepathy” is redundant so insects avoid it.

          Qualf is very nervous about the gathering. What will this meeting hold for his kind? Kinta feels the same as are ants also present. Strange black and red ants are not at blows with their queens’ hidden away waiting to strike any moment. “Locusts have become overwhelming and are on a rampage never seen before wiping out everything in their path, including plants and all of us as well.” entered Gouln, a grasshopper of magnificent proportion and beauty. Although cousins to locusts her colony is also in danger. She raised her wings, brilliant yellow under hard to ignore.

          Imagine this butte of red and white rock mixed with mica and tall pines like skyscrapers appearing as shadows in pale moon light when a breeze begins to blow. It comes from south and now everyone is getting nervous. Priven first takes flight and ants start moving opposite directions. Thin threads of silk now hang in gentle wind and spiders come down them out of hidden blinds from branches high above. Given seemingly countless species of insects and time of evolution, none are more controversial as spiders. No one remembers exactly when spiders evolved with many traits being more to mammals than themselves, the most conspicuous being they eat meat and have furry coats. More distracting arthropods have six legs and spiders eight.  Although Weevils also have hair no one knows much about them except that they appear to be friendly. Spiders lack antenna but the enormous size of their heads such as Priven’s allow the same telepathic communication as other insects although they are hard to understand at times. One would think the most amazing thing about spiders is the intricate web they weave but the havoc they create with others cannot be ignored. Just as noticeable, spiders have no wings even though they fly. These thin strands of thread allow some to hang in breezes and like balloonists wait for currents to take them up or down before casting out more line traveling amazing distances. Whether their males or females have this capacity leads to assume both.

            Dor and Mird are first to land; other spiders waiting the outcome skeptical of Qualf and Kinta and now dragonflies appear with transparent wings and can cut them like a knife. Although spiders can range from under a pic to well over twenty, these two are around fifteen in stature. “We are a little upset” expressed brother and sister arachnids. “Tell Priven we mean no harm. We have never been accepted due to our differences but given the gravity of the situation now you have no choice. We are what we eat, a subject of consequence none more familiar with than plants themselves, but there must be a limit to the gorging.” Priven floats to the granite surrounded by strands of webs gleaming in transparent light and thinks “Thought matters.”

          Qualf found the meeting exhausting with nothing much concluded and flies home to Mirn as if waking from a dream confused how he found his way in the silver light when the sun comes up to beacon morning sounds and change silver to gold. Crickets rub wings “chirp, chirp”, beetles “clicking” and butterflies move air impossible to ignore. Grasshoppers munch away at plants and ants scamper to feed, dropping almost as much as they can carry.  Buzzing bees create a spectacle exchanging honey before the cold winter comes. Plants are amused by life around them and flourish with slight sight or sound.

          For those of us wishing to continue with this narrative we have to wonder how an ant can be ten pics tall and a grasshopper twenty since grasshoppers are much larger than ants, but then we are not talking about meters or feet; pics instead and who is more able to explain this than Priven. “All living creatures are divided in two with exception of plants. Cells split in half, one being male and the other female but not all the time. Never less, they split equally. Like spiders, mammals have an even number of limbs on both sides of their bodies and the number two works nicely for them since even numbers divided by two results in whole numbers being even half the time. New math cannot compare to old. Although insects are divided as well having six legs odd number limbs protrude each side easily divisible by three but it has been found this number does not work well when divided into one. One and one half has been useful for some time. Although mammals gravitate toward two and two times one is two, a pic is one-one half of course one being one but two pics being three, three pics are four and a half, four pics six and so forth and so on, eleven is now sixteen and a half and twenty thirty. In new math numbers become complex when divided by three two thirds of the time since three does not divided well into one. In our Crista math two and three never fail to separate without reason.”

          Mirn is very upset having ten to her brood and council without conclusion. With her husband home and children in safe keeping a decision is made by consorts to visit Nlauq, a giant wood wasp without encounter. These wasps reside below ground throughout the year. It is not like Qualf and Mirn to enter underground caverns so early in autumn and considerably brave considering their hosts’ power. Nlaug’s wife Lowe is however very glad for company. After the customary embrace and decorum Lowe suggests to Mirn “Let our men discuss strategy while there is someone I want you to meet”. Mirn is led unconditionally down vast tunnels further underground knowing quite well debt could be paid above surface. Ants thoughtfully allow them to pass by their queens through seemingly endless mazes. Kinta sits calmly waiting their arrival, her huge jaws and brownish black armor out shadowed by huge black eyes with purple haze. Arthropods’ eyes are always an enigma seemingly unvisitable given their complex nature capable of grasping other dimensions. Although known not the extent themselves, another advantage of their eyes is capable of seeing in daylight and quite well in total darkness at night and deep in underground tunnels. We can only imagine this scene taking place.

           Mirn and Lowe enter Kinta’s cavern a little hesitant but assured of being formidable advocates at any cost. Kinta knows and reasons, “I sense you coming possibly aware Priven is concerned with explanation of time. Let’s forego ‘chit-chat’; matter does not exist without time. When matter is not in motion it no longer exists. Of course, Priven is master of mathematics but gals have always controlled time. Negative   matter does not exist in this dimension and negative numbers are only meaningful with respect to reversal of time. We see future as being positive and past quite opposite. More amounts subtracted into less still result in positive matter not to be several places at once providing it completely displaces in matching directions at the time. We are conditional of time and more amazing is all matter is composed of time. Not that I am about to get in the way of Priven’s concepts, but time is zero which the other three dimensions cease to exist without. When we go from here to there faster time seems greater although less is actually consumed, more required when slowing down. Not that big of deal but reversal of time is since changing past effects present affecting future and is only allowed by masters or this conversation would not be happening. What does it all have to do with our current situation? Present actions determine future and time matters.” Nlauq and Qualf anxiously await their wives’ return. Time and mathematics might matter to Priven and Kinta, but Lowe and Mirn mean more to their husband. They are here now.

          So the rally begins. Wings spread as others march and insects swarm out the horizon without concession against forces about to encounter, plants keen about what’s to take place. The locusts are unaware of adversaries’ council but have an idea when sighted in the distance. Spiders float down from tall surrounding trees. Nlauq leads the attack and is met head on high in the sky by Kirn, a gigantic locust where they battle it out to ground. Kirn is not most prominent member of the locusts but appears to be and Nlauq insists he stand down, “There is little compromise”. Kirn knows many locusts are now defeated but being a warrior not an easy decision considering their numbers might be overwhelming, however actions are directed by higher powers. Winter’s freeze is fast approaching for which lairs must be filled; never less he agrees a standoff.

          Hesitant, Kirn goes with Qualf into a tunnel questioning the other insects’ motives. For this wasp, Kirn is not much of an advisory and a few locusts have been taken prey by Qualf on several occasions when needed by Mirn. Locusts do not see well without some light and Kirn is assisted by fireflies’ illumination posted at strategic locations along vast, lower underground passages guarded by ants protecting their queens’ nests. Kinta waits with comprehension. Kirn is getting unsettled now, apparent the only way above is if allowed and certainly does not intend to be captive. Why and where is Qualf taking him and for what purpose? Going this far down to caverns defies reason. Qualf keeps silent. Fireflies’ dim lights now diminish into complete darkness when Kirn feels incapable of going any further Priven confronts him. “Have a seat, there is much to discuss. This room becomes lighter should you desire, being of space and time guided by reason. Time and space float like spiders, brother and sister, never sure which way the wind will blow and seem to pay no attention. Let’s get to it, what everybody wants to know about is god. Kind of strange that that spelled backwards is dog and what about the cat? Surely their cells split male and female as well. Time seems to have an upper hand to space.” thinks Priven to Kirn. “More complex is why we care since space and time seem indifferent and free as cosmos around them. Existence can be particularly lonesome, a subject pondered forever. Is life a culmination of this concern?”

          Kirn is getting a bit perplexed. He has a family to feed and mate as well. “Take me if you will, but I’m getting somewhat disturbed by retort from a housefly.” This comment outrages the ants. Some are capable of flight themselves and locusts make a good meal. Priven motions ants to be patient and continues. “All things divide equally. Funny we don’t refer to birth of space but rather beginning of time, space being male and time female but not always. I suppose the predominant figure lately has been male since apparently time is casual and although it seems we can move freely through space time is not as gracious, travel being dependent upon it. Does another conduct both? Cat spelled opposite is tac. Care for a game of Tao?”

          Something snaps inside Kirn. He vaguely remembers the giant black wasp coming in flight, tail stinger shoved in back of his neck and falling helplessly to ground. Everything starts getting fuzzy, conceives a smaller wasp banded with goldish yellow leads him down narrow caverns deep below and barely remembers fireflies lighting the way, but the conversation suggests he just had becomes hard to trust. He looks around and Qualf is no longer in the room although the wasp was not observed leaving. Even more unsettling fireflies are not there either. Locusts cannot see in total darkness yet the room is completely visible without illumination from these flies. Tiny flakes of mica blended in dirt shimmer, impossible without fluorescence and there stands Priven in plain view. Being a warrior alone does not allow Kirn avoidance of fear, certainly an advantage during conquest, but its absence also comes from doing best for his kind during times of uncertainty. He must have lost his mind or is dead and concludes only one way to end the nightmare once and for all. Without assistance or room for flight Priven’s no match for attack and Kirn moves toward the housefly with stealth and cunning to kill. Suddenly what appeared to be a large clump of brownish black earth connecting two tunnels moves in the way becoming a beetle with armor impossible to breech and impressive jaws. Now Kirn’s scared; other features of this being over powered by immense eyes. “Hi Kirn, my name is Kinta. Probably wonder how your name is known and why you are here.” Kirn replies. “Tortured for information about my group diminished some unknown reason for doing what’s been done hundred million tics, purging land to replenish. Without these actions, you will not survive as well.”

          Once again we must leave context of this story to discuss tics, a year being one solar cycle and as you probably surmise, a tic being one and a half that. Then again same measure can be obtained    multiplying by three dividing by two, negative time opposite and still does not explain how a grasshopper can be twenty pics tall and an ant ten.

          Kirn’s remarks doesn’t upset Kinta and she calmly replies “You are of interest because of ability for creative thinking and would be of little consideration elsewise”. Kirn – “What does that mean? “Kinta –“We intend to be here for another hundred million tics. Are you ready to hear Priven out?”  Priven answers. “Since beginning of time we all have been trying to figure god out being a concept to explain nature, part of nature, or something quite extraordinary to it? Does space and time have something conducting both? Of course they do. Thought and knowledge are masculine and feminine equal partners without distinction. Thought and knowledge occur independent of time and space, always have and consistently will without requisite of other entities.  Because of accumulative knowledge new thoughts and vice versa may appear fleeting when and where they happen. One stumbles on new ideas seemingly replacing others but to assume the total doesn’t exist first place and won’t always be existent throughout the universe is a bit absurd. Not to question by any means the end and possibly brings us where and when we begin.”

          “What do you want from me?” thinks Kirn. “Your understanding.” replies Kinta. “My understanding?” comes back Kirn. “I am captive deep underground for crimes all guilty, no doubt impossible to see correctly and question what is heard as well. Who are you to determine fate?” ”Open your eyes and look around you.”

          Kirn finds himself on top a high mountain, not at all as imagined; sky greenish yellow and surface blue. Priven hangs above without wings’ movement although Kinta plants firmly on ground, if it can be called that. Atmosphere’s not heavy with distant oceans of mercury reflecting sky far above. Through crystal opulence maybe whales’ size of football fields float on backs barely submerged in the heavy silver liquid exposing themselves to lush turquoise sun reflecting on this mirror. Sibling spiders Dor and Mird hang on webs they string between yellow crystals taken for branches of odd trees. Nlauq and Lowe are equally at ease stationed not far from Kinta surrounded by small purple pearls scattered about. Not that the wood wasps need to stand, capable of flying in aura similar to Qualf and Mirn beside Priven. Kirn looks around to become assured his mate Alie is not somehow present in harm’s way making him bolder, thinking “What’s going on?” The others chorus, ““We are no longer there but where long before. Aquarius and Sagittarius have still to collided, creating earth’s sun, splatter also resulting in other planets constructing the Zodiac system. Travel future further should a place unusually as beautiful desired.”” “I’ve had enough” concedes Kirn “and want to go when and where this is real”. “”As you wish.””

          Qualf flies home more assured of direction than before. It is midafternoon and sun shines bright yellow, assuring least to say. Spring now fills the air. He finds Mirn in hive newly refurbished. Some of their brood from previous years went distant while others remain close, all busy making friends and hives for themselves. As other insects, crickets emerge from frozen ground and familiar and always welcome “chirp-chirp” present in warmer circulating behavior. Others rejoice. Plants sprout amazing scents, always eager for company. Mirn asks Qualf “How was the meeting, handsome?” to which Qualf replies “It has been good council”.

          How can a grasshopper be twenty pics tall and an ant ten? It takes a very small grasshopper, a very large ant, and or both.

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