by Jerry Boyd
John said, “Well, Sir, you’re gonna have to wait a while for all that. We’ve got you patched up. You want to go upstairs and see Wilma?”
“The docs said there wasn’t any hope, not even clinical trials. What did you boys pull?”
I spoke up. “Mr. Johnson, we got help from somebody the docs don’t know about. If you go running your mouth about it, we’ll all get to be guests of the Government until they figure out everything we know. Wouldn’t you rather just enjoy what you got?”
“When you put it like that, I see your point. These folks are from out of town, then?”
“Yessir.”
“I always thought there were too many stories for all of them to be baloney. Where are they from?”
“They never really have said. Quite a ways off, I’m thinking.”
“Little grey folks?”
“Nope. Look a lot like us. Not sure how that worked out.”
Dingus walked over. “We’re not sure about it either, but I always have liked this planet. Especially the States.”
“You’re telling me you’re not from around here? That’s hard to believe.”
“I can see how it would be. You don’t have to believe anything to enjoy being healthy again, though.”
“You have a point there. You fellas say Wilma’s waiting upstairs?”
“She is.”
“I have one question. You boys have this wonderful machine that brought me back from fixing to die. Why are you using it on dumb old hillbillies, instead of people that can pay for it?”
John said, “I bought a nursing home. I need good people to work in it. Your daughter was recommended by somebody I trust. She couldn’t come to work if she was looking after you. Just patched you up because I need Wilma to work for me. Not any big deal.”
“You make it sound like no big deal, Mr. Branham, but it’s a big deal to me, let me tell you. You boys ever need anything, you let me know.”
“We’ll do that.”
Mr. Johnson got himself dressed. John said, “Wilma didn’t think to bring you shoes. Here’s a pair of mine. Think they’re good enough to get you home.”
“Thanks again, Mr. Branham.”
“Call me John. This is my business partner, Bob Wilson, and that fella is Dingus Sloan.”
“Nice to meet you gents. I’m Frank Johnson.”
“You too.” Dingus and I said more or less in unison.
We all headed upstairs, John steadied Frank as he got used to walking again.
Wilma heard the door open and came running. “Dad, are you okay?”
“John here just doesn’t want me to fall down the steps and tear up his good work. I’m fine.”
Max poked his head around the corner from the kitchen. “You’re probably hungry. Come and eat something.”
“Now that you mention it, I am a little hungry.” Frank wandered into the kitchen. Max had fixed him breakfast. “That looks really good. Could I get a cup of that coffee I smell? Haven’t had any in ages. Doctors tell me I’m dying, and nothing to be done, but they still won’t let me have coffee. Danged if I understand that one.”
Frank dug for China, and Max made him another round. He slowed down after the second plate. Wilma said, “We better be getting home, Dad. I’ve got work in the morning.”
Frank looked at John. “You weren’t kidding, were you?”
“No Sir. Good help is hard to find. I’m lucky to have Wilma.”
“Wilma, honey, do you have one of my business cards with you?”
She dug in her purse and handed him one. “Here’s my card. If there’s ever anything I can help you fellas with, don’t hesitate to call.”
“Thanks, Frank.”
“Thank you, John.”
Jane and Wilma helped Frank to the car. Jane came back in to wait for our other patient’s family. Mrs. Jones showed up not too much later. She came in and asked, “What should I expect? I don’t want to get my hopes too high.”
John said, “Brain damage is tough, even with these amazing machines. What I’ve read says he’ll have his faculties again, but he probably won’t get back all the memories he had before the accident.”
“Just him being functional again would be great. I hope he remembers me and the kids.”
“He’ll for sure have all the memories he’s made since he got hurt. Just have a seat, and we’ll go get him.”
Rick woke up combative. With three of us, we were able to restrain him long enough to calm him down.
“Who are you guys? Where am I?”
John said, “I’m John, this is Bob, and the guy holding your legs is Dingus. You’re in my basement. Creepy as that sounds, we’re trying to help you. Can we let go now, or do you want to go another round?”
“Sorry. You can let go. I remember things, but I don’t understand. Was I brain damaged for a while?”
“Yes. We’ve fixed what we could. I don’t know how much of your memories you will still have, but you should be better off than you have been for quite a while.”
“You, fixed me? You guys don’t look like doctors.”
“Long story. Probably needs a couple of beers and a steak to tell it right. Think you can just roll with it for now?”
“I guess. Is Rita here?”
“She’s upstairs.”
“I can’t believe she stuck with me when I was so bad off. The woman is a saint.”
“Don’t tell me, tell her.”
He swung his legs over the edge, and realized he was flapping in the breeze. “Oops. Suppose I ought to get dressed first.” John handed him his clothes. He felt them, marveling. “Even when I didn’t know enough to care, she kept buying me the kind of stuff I like. I’m going to be a while paying her back for all that.”
“Just seeing you with your wits about you is going to be a big down payment, I think.”
He looked skeptical, but he got dressed and we went upstairs. He went through the door first, and said, “Rita, honey, thank you!”
She ran and hugged him. “Are you really alright?”
“John says I may not get all my memories back, but I remember you taking care of me when I was a slobbering fool. Thank you! I never will be able to pay you back for staying with me through all that.”
“I’m just glad you’re back! The kids will be so happy their Daddy is a Daddy again.”
They went on like that till Jane said, “Sheesh, you two. Get a room!”
Rick said, “Thank you all for giving me back my life. Anything you need, anything at all.”
John replied, “I need to get to bed. Big day tomorrow.”
Rita said, “We better get home, then. See you at work. Thanks again.”
Jane turned to the rest of us and said, “You turkeys can shovel that load of crap about just needing good help for Shady Oaks all you want, but I know you’re the good guys. What you did for Greg is a miracle. Thanks for helping all of us.”
John replied, “You’re welcome. You would have done the same, had the situation been different.”
“Maybe. You guys are still my heroes.”
I said, “Dingus, I’m heading home. You coming?”
“Yep.”
Snitz had rested enough to meet me at the door wanting to go for a walk. We got things inspected, and headed off to bed. All too soon, the sun rose and it was time to inspect again. I started coffee on my way out. It had gotten chilly overnight, I wished I had grabbed a jacket. Of course, that meant everything needed a closer inspection, and the decision of exactly which plant needed watering required more deliberation. Dee had started breakfast when I got back. I asked her, “Do you mind taking Snitz in with you today? My truck still smells of snake, and he doesn’t like it.”
“No problem, Bob. Everybody likes Snitz. They get fussy when he doesn’t show up.”
“Okay if I steal Jim again today?”
“He’s working on my house. How do I say no to that?”
“Thanks.”
Dingus came out, hair wet fr
om the shower. “So today’s the big day.”
“Yep. Nikki gets back today.”
“I was talking about Phonelia, Bob.”
“That seems like all we get done, lately. Talking about Phonelia.”
“You’re right about that. At least after today, we’ll have an idea what to expect.”
“Is there any way this comes out good? All I see are downsides.”
“We’ll find a way through, Bob. We always do.”
“Hope you’re right. I’m beginning to like how things are. I don’t want to have to root it all up and start over on some other planet.”
Breakfast was ready, and we all dug in. When the dishes were done up, I said, “I’m going to go get Jim, before all the excitement starts. He thinks they can get pretty well finished today.”
Dee said, “So soon? That’s great!”
I replied, “I’m kinda used to having you guys around. Once you have your own place, it just won’t be the same.”
“C’mon, Bob. It’s not like we’re leaving you an empty house. Nikki will be back today, and Joanna’s still here, even if she never makes it out of bed in time for breakfast.”
“You’re right, it’s not like you’re moving out of state, anyway. I better get going.”
When I got to Shady Oaks, Leann had the desk. “Morning, Leann.”
“Morning, Bob. No Snitz?”
“He’s coming in later with Dee. I’ve got a smell in my truck right now he doesn’t like.”
“What smell is that?”
“Came out of the restaurant yesterday and found a rattlesnake in the driver’s seat.”
“I wouldn’t like that smell either.”
“I’m not fond of it. I figure I’ll get it detailed this afternoon, if I have time.”
“You busy today, then?”
“Nikki is getting home today. I hope to spend quite a bit of time with her.”
“Newlyweds. Give it a year and you’ll be hoping she goes out of town.”
“You may be right, but I don’t think so.”
“You here for Mr. Bailey?”
“Yep.”
“Sign on the line.”
I signed for Jim, and met him coming down the hall with Molly. “You ready?”
“Yep. We should be able to get things finished up today. That crew of yours still amazes me. They will have figured out things I wouldn’t noticed, and got them fixed, before I realize it’s a problem.”
“They’re something else, that’s for sure.”
Molly wasn’t crazy about the truck, either. Jim said, “That’s strange, she likes riding in vehicles.”
“Somebody left a big snake for me yesterday. Truck still smells like rattler.”
“Nasty. You get bit?”
“Nope. Snitz warned me before I opened the door.”
“Good dog. Where is he today?”
“Riding in with Dee. He’s on Frisbee patrol again today.”
“The folks at the home really like that little dog.”
“Me too.”
When we got out of town, I asked, “Okay if I stop at the house and let you have the truck? I’ve got some things I need to take care of today.”
“That’s fine. It’ll be good to drive again.”
I parked the truck and got out. “All yours, Jim. Call if you need anything.”
“Sure thing, Bob.”
He took off, and I went in the house for another cup of coffee. About halfway through it, UPS pulled up. I went out to see what she had. “Package for Dingus Sloan, care of Bob Wilson?”
“I’m Mr. Wilson.”
“I’ll need some ID, please.”
I showed her my license. “Something special, that you need ID?”
“Package is from Gun Parts, so I’m guessing that’s what it is.”
“Okay. I know what it is now.”
“Sign here, please.”
I signed, and she said, “Thanks, Mr. Wilson, have a good one.”
“Thanks. You too.”
I put Dingus’ package on the kitchen table, and sat down to finish my coffee. My comm rang. “Bob Wilson, what can I do for you today?”
“You really need to turn on the caller ID, Bob. Was that my package that just came in?”
“I like the surprise, Dingus, and yes it was. Where are you?”
“In the little shop. Could you bring it down, please?”
“Only if I can bring my coffee.”
“Deal. How are you at hand fitting parts?”
“Not as good as you, I’m guessing, but I do alright.”
“Need some practice?”
“You’re offering me something to do while I’m waiting for everything to happen? Oh yeah!”
“See you in a little bit.”
I topped off my coffee, and grabbed the package. Joanna and Lyla came wandering in, yawning. “There’s more coffee, but you’re on your own for breakfast. Dingus and I are down in the little shop if you need anything.”
Lyla said, “Thanks, Bob. See you afterwhile.”
When I got to the shop, Dingus was up on a stool by the workbench. He had all the chimney guns apart and cleaned, each in its own box. “Hey, Bob. Why don’t you start with this little Savage here. All it needs is its new barrel fitted.”
“Okay. You may have to show me some things, I don’t do much gunsmithing.”
“No problem. We’re just killing time anyway, right?”
I had just got the barrel fitting up like it should when my comm rang. “Caveman, could you open the barn?”
“On it.”
I hung up and ran the app to get the bots to open up. Then I ran for the barn. Nikki was just coming out of the saucer when I got there. “How’d you open the door?”
“Your Grandpa wrote an app that gets the little bots to do it. It’s good to see you, Space Cadet!”
“You too, Caveman!”
I braced for the flying hug, so I could stay upright. By the time we came up for air, Dingus was there. He was on the comm with John. “Yes, she’s home early, we’ll come on over, and let’s see what the deal is.”
“How did you get back so fast?”
“Ozzie didn’t optimize those emitters when he put them in. I found a little more power.”
“He will be jealous.”
“It’s more power, it’s Ozzie, he will be thrilled!”
“You’re right, what was I thinking?”
My comm chimed. It was a text from Topper. “The boys finished going over Mikolec’s logs. They have three possible planets we should look at when we get a chance.”
Nikki asked, “What are you talking about, Caveman?”
“Mikolec said something about knowing another planet to maroon people on. We’re trying to figure out where it is, in case we need a fallback position.”
“You really are worried, aren’t you?”
“I am, Space Cadet.”
We collected Lyla. She had to grab some gear out of her saucer, and then we headed to John’s. John said, “Good. You’re in uniform, Nikki. I think you should be the one to wake her up.”
“Whatever you think best, John.”
Nikki went into the saucer, and we stood by the door so we could hear what happened.
Lyla went aboard with Nikki. Nikki called out, “Any last minute problems?”
I looked around and saw no objections. “Nope. Clear to proceed.”
I heard the ’doc open, and a strange voice said, “Kwichkamaduum”. Nikki answered, “Pardon me?”, in Galactic.
The strange voice said, “Pardon me, I’m used to speaking Mojave. Phonelia Rottum, at your service.”
“I’m Benikkious Slongum. Nice to meet you.”
“Slongum? You must be related to my crew chief. Wish I had listened to him. He told me this heap needed service before I flew it.”
“He’s my ancestor, but I’m not entirely sure how many generations are involved. You say he warned you about this craft?”
“Yes, he did
. I didn’t listen to him and wound up marooned. Why do you ask?”
“Your clan didn’t believe him when he told them the same thing. They thought he caused you to be marooned.”
“That’s crazy. I suppose they started some stupid feud over it.”
“They have been marooning and sabotaging Slongums ever since. Most of us left the Guide. My Grandpa was the first to come back. He got marooned for his trouble.”
“Really? Where?”
“Same planet as you, oddly enough.”
“I’ve been asleep for a long time, I take it?”
“Somewhere around four or five hundred years, local. These old power cores are built to last. Grandpa had one of the later models. It was lucky we found him when we did, his core was failing after only 140 years.”
“Sounds like I’ve got some catching up to do. I had some uniforms in that locker, are they still fit to wear?”
“I’ll look.”
I heard a locker open. Nikki sniffed, and said, “That’s amazing! They’re still fresh!”
“I filled the locker with nitrogen, to keep them from decaying.”
“Smart!”
We heard her rustling around getting dressed, then Nikki said, “Can you boys back away from the door, please? We’re coming out.”
All of us backed up. Dingus and Max actually came to attention. John, seeing them, followed suit. I tried my best, but I was never in the service. Nikki led Phonelia out, and introduced us all. Dingus said, “I believe you knew my Grandfather, Brammelus.”
“I did. He was a good man. It’s a shame what my family did to him.”
“Thank you for saying so, Ma’am.”
“Are there more of your relatives here?”
“This is my son, Regimax. You’ve already met my Granddaughter, Benikkious. This is her husband, Bob Wilson.”
I nodded to her. Dingus went on. “You must be hungry. I know I was when they woke me. Let’s go in the house and have some lunch.”
“That sounds wonderful. I can’t remember being this ravenous.”
We all started for the house. My comm rang. It was Topper, frantic. “Boss, come quick! Mr. Bailey was bitten by a small animal in your truck. I have dispatched one of the small bots to kill it. Mr. Bailey does not look well. The animal must have been venomous.”