Choice of the Gallant_Paradox Equation I

by Sharon L Reddy

  "Hello, Tessa. Parker, you're looking well. You had us worried for awhile."

  "I'm much better, Ma'am. Been healin' right well."

  "Sare, that's a real pretty dress."

  "Billy picked the material for me, Tessa."

  "Think I'll have him come shoppin' with me. I never know what's goin' to be pretty made up. Not many men have the knack. Musta' got it from his pa. He always picks you pretty things too."

  Lane worked to keep his hurt for Dutch out of his eyes and smile. He really had found Snow White, but she'd already found her prince.

  "Billy, I think Clete will want you. You'll be testifying. I think he'd like you to meet the judge. I saw them go into the hotel."

  "I want to meet him too, Lane. It'll be easier sayin' what I got to say if'n he's not a stranger. I'll head over there. All right, Ma?"

  "Certainly is. You got important things to do. You get 'em done."

  She smiled as he ran across the street. Parker made a swipe as he went by and laughed when he missed.

  "Amazin' how this town's changed since you boys come. How you been, Lane?"

  "I'm just fine, Sare."

  She watched Parker and Tessa enter the hotel, then turned and grinned at him.

  "Yep. Amazin' how healthy everthin' got after the Gallant boys walked in from somewhere."

  Frontier justice was swift. The judge heard the testimony, asked the prisoners questions and made his decision. The fifteen men and women set the punishment. The six, who had attacked them, were given the maximum of twelve years "confinement and labor." The other six, who had made a loud and foolish attempt to scare the town into letting them go, were given one year. If Lane had died, six would have also died.

  With the town and jail empty of 'bad guys' and Parker on his feet, they weren't really needed there any longer. Clete turned over his badge to Parker and they headed out to solve the real problem.

  "Do we check the mine or the farm first?"

  "You choose."

  "Again, huh? I hate doing this when we're riding, Lane. I'm afraid I'll hit something big and you'll fall off. The farm. CLETE! Help me get him down!"

  "I've got him! What happened, Dutch?"

  "I asked him farm or mine and he told me to choose."

  "While we were riding?"

  "That's what I said."

  "You picked?"

  "The farm. I don't think he expected this."

  "I didn't. Find us some place in the shade. This is.…"

  "Bring the horses, Dutch. He's clear out. We hit something bigger than one planet in trouble. Shade. Get water. I hear a stream over that way."

  Clete settled Lane and sat down.

  "Clete, wrong choice. Bad choice. Both wrong."

  "Lane! Lane? Dutch, we've got to decide to do something totally different. We've got to change things fast."

  "We use Melissa?"

  "Done."

  "Roller coaster. Swoops and dives. Flying."

  "Lane, we're going back to Melissa."

  "Good choice, Dutch."

  "Here. Cold water. Do you need me? Do you want me to come in?"

  "No. Just give it time to steady. They're not what they seem. Six of one. Half-dozen of the other. We have to choose the right ones. Our key. Snow White. Everything follows."

  "The men we put away?"

  "No, Dutch. Twelve await. Our test. Our judgment. Our choice."

  "Clete, he's not making a lot of sense."

  "He's worried, but not lost. Still confused. Getting better. Scared a little. For us."

  "I'm worried all right. We're about to undergo a very strange test. It's waiting for us in the clearing with Melissa. We'll be given one clue. Snow White. Just that. I don't know what it means, but that's what we're given. Each of us must make exactly the right choice. We're facing judgment. I'm ready."

  "Do you have any images after we reach Melissa?"

  "No, Dutch. Once we ride into the clearing, everything ends. We're given the clue and told we must choose on our way there."

  "No point in putting it off. I'll get the horses."

  "Clete, somehow, everything we've done, everything we are, has been leading to this. Dutch is our center, but he still feels like the weak link. As if he doesn't really belong."

  "I know. Our talents are obvious. He isn't really capable of envy, but he gets wistful about them. He puts his life in our hands with a trust that frightens me. If we asked him to die, he would cheerfully give up his life and only ask if we were sure it was necessary."

  "That's some progress. A few years ago he wouldn't have asked. You know, he's the only one who belongs here. We're outsiders. Both born on the other side of the doorway. This is his home. He's our touchstone with this universe."

  "The choice must be his."

  "Yes, Clete, the choice is his. We have to believe in him, as he does in us. Are you ready to die if he says it's necessary?"

  "A very good question. I need-- No I don't. The answer is yes. His lack of faith in himself makes it hard for me. I have to look past it. I find it's his and not my own."

  "Good. I think we have one major problem."

  "Convincing him."

  "That's the one."

  "They weren't real happy about leaving that nice fresh clover. I finally convinced them. Told them too much would give them tummy aches. All right. You're both looking at me like... I don't know, but something's up."

  "Yes, Dutch. It's time you carried your load. We're handing it to you."

  "Lane, I don't know what you're talking about."

  "He's telling you the choice is yours. Whatever it is, it will be the right one for us. We give you ourselves. Use us as you deem necessary. Stop it! Why can't you trust yourself? We have complete faith in you. You must know that. You don't know it. Lane, he just doesn't believe me."

  "Then we show him. Sit down, Dutch. Between us. We're going to take you apart and put you back together again. Decide now. Are we doing the wrong thing?"

  "You never do the wrong thing."

  "There it is. That's the problem. Of course I do, but I do the best I can. So does Clete. So do you. That's all that really matters. Take our hands. You must decide. We can't join together unless you will it. You are our binding force. I'm not even sure we'd exist in this universe without you."

  "That's silly. Of course you'd exist."

  "Would we, Dutch? Clete's from the past of another universe, created out of one woman's love and determination to give him existence, an impossible feat. I helped bring my own mother to my father, but you brought her into our reality. You are real. Your mother made a choice and used well-known biological techniques, the tested methods of science. Clete and I are impossible. You are not. We're dreams come true. You are firmly real."

  "Lane, you're scaring him."

  "Good. He needs the courage it takes to overcome fear. He can't go on being fearless. It's not real."

  "All right. You want to show me. Do it."

  Dutch reached for them and pulled their minds to his. He fought down his fear and conquered it. They broke him apart. They showed him what he was to them, their faith in him. Their absolute, unquestioning, trust. The union was complete. He was one being and three. His doubt died. He learned himself. His was the power of choice. He was their freedom and his own. Mistakes were unimportant. Trust and striving were all.

  They gave him their love. The ultimate gesture of total trust. He showed them his. They had always known. He had been afraid of failing them. He learned he could not. He slowly separated them from himself and found they remained bound to him. He would always know where they were, when they were, and how they fared. He had taken his place and accepted his burden.

  "Wow."

  "I believe that expresses it nicely. All right, Dutch. Now I think we're ready. How about it?"

  "It'll take me awhile to get my feet back on the ground, Lane, but yes, we're ready."

  "Good. I'm drowning in your pleasure. Put your backside in the saddle. Let's get this
done."

  "Clete, you're a fraud. You're singing inside."

  "Dutch, if we don't start riding, it'll be outside too."

  Actually, they all sang several songs their father had taught them. The folk medley from the 'Sixties' just seemed appropriate somehow. They were going to be tested. They were ready.

  Dutch reined in and just stared at her for a few seconds. This was more than a likeness.

  "Snow White, right out of the cel."

  "Yes, Dutch. The test awaits you. It is life or death and you three must choose. You may choose only six. No more. The powers of this universe have met and you are their battleground."

  "Good and evil."

  "Do you think it that simple?"

  "No. Chaos and order; life and death, shadow and light, endings and beginnings. They can't exist without each other."

  "You are so very young to have the wisdom to see it. I am here because it is your wish to serve that which also possesses the wisdom. Remember, no more than six."

  "That's your clue, Dutch. We have faith in your decision."

  "I know, Lane. I'm ready."

  They rode into the clearing and stopped in surprise. Twelve beautiful women stood awaiting them. They dismounted and their horses trotted off. One of the women stepped forward and smiled.

  "We are companions for you. You have the choice of six."

  "What happens to the others?"

  "They will be slain."

  "And if I choose none? What happens to you?"

  "We will live, but you three will be slain. Do not choose that way. You are needed."

  "I've made the choice. We'd rather die than be the cause of death to innocents. Kill us. We're prepared."

  The women lifted the bows laying at their feet and they fell in a rain of arrows. Lane whispered, "It was the right choice, Dutch." He knew it was. He smiled as he died.

  "Awaken."

  Dutch opened his eyes. Snow White sat on the ground near his feet. He sat up and checked Lane and Clete.

  "They live, as do you."

  "I'd assumed I was alive. I was dead?"

  "If life was not truly risked, it would not have been the testing you wanted. "

  "I guess we did, I did, want it. That's why you're Snow White and not Lane's or Clete's dream girl."

  "Why did you choose this way?

  "We want to protect life. Want to serve it. Choosing life for some and death for others may be necessary sometime, but if we had the choice, it would be life for all. The choice we were asked to make had no compassion. Without compassion, we are a force for destruction. It is not what we have chosen to be."

  "You have chosen a symbol. It is fitting. Awaken your brothers."

  "Clete, Lane, wake up. We have company. Seems I made our decision correctly."

  Lane and Clete sat up and grinned at him. They hadn't had any doubts.

  "Kneel before me. You have been tested and found to be pure of heart. Your oath to serve life was given in your choice."

  Snow White produced a gleaming sword from somewhere and tapped Dutch, then Clete and Lane on both shoulders.

  "Roberrin, I name you Knight Champion. Pericles, I name you Knight Guardian. Apollo, I name you Knight Judge."

  Suddenly she was gone from the clearing.

  "How about that? We have official status. Our side, three. Opponent, zip."

  "Dutch, I've got memories again. We've still got a change to make."

  "And I'm absolutely awash in brotherly love. Horses or Melissa, Lane?"

  "Both, Clete. Round them up. I'll see if I can talk Melissa into a new shape. Dutch, I'll need you. She listens better if you're around."

  "Right, Lane. Sure she does. You neglect to mention she only listens to you."

  They spent the night in Melissa and set out on the road in the morning. Lane had been successful. The bright painting on the side of the wagon said "Gallant Brothers Traveling Show." The buckskins didn't mind pulling it. The black tossed his head and danced down the road ahead of them. They headed for the farm first. It didn't take them long to find the evidence they'd expected.

  "We're on the right track, Lane. Tessa's father was working with radioactive materials. I found residual traces in his workshop. Is this the piece you meant?"

  "That's it. Dutch, come over here. What do you think of this?"

  "I think our time traveler is stranded without it. He wouldn't have left it behind unless... He doesn't want someone else to have time travel! He's a fool, but not intentionally destructive."

  "Most of the stuff in the shed looks like they were working on power generation."

  "That would make sense, Clete. All right. I've got a clear image of the way to the mining camp. Put that piece in Melissa. He kept it out of their hands. We have to do the same. Let's see... Dutch you drive. I really need some rest. I spent most of last night trying to pick a clear path through the jumble in my head. Wake me when you need me."

  "Lane, why don't you go in and go to bed?"

  "I like the feel of the sun. Oh, hide our keys. Yours and mine. Clete can keep his around his neck. Three alike is too many. They'll... Ah, that's better. Good choice. They'll never notice."

  Dutch shook his head and tucked the keys into the horses' harness. They became one more decoration in the gaudy equipment. He smiled, as he looked at Lane curled up behind the seat of Melissa-as-wagon. He felt a surge of protectiveness.

  Clete grinned at him as he climbed up beside him. It was a new feeling from Dutch. He'd been waiting for it a long time. He chuckled softly when Dutch arranged himself to keep the sun off Lane's fair face.

  Clete tapped Lane awake at the crossroads. He pointed and went back to sleep. They maintained their cover by camping at a spot that showed frequent use. Lane stood watch while Clete and Dutch slept. They dawdled over breakfast and took their time breaking camp. They knew they were about to have company. Everything was put away and Dutch was hitching the horses when it rode in.

  "What are you doin' here?"

  "Hitching a horse to a wagon. Oh. Traveling. We're showmen. The Gallant Brothers. I'm sure you've heard of us. I'm Dutch. My brothers are around here someplace. We took so long over breakfast, they decided to fix lunch."

  "This road doesn't go anywhere."

  "You mean it doesn't go up to a big mine?"

  "What do you know about that?"

  "I know where there are hard-working men, there's money to be made. Sounded like a big enough operation to be worth the trip. There are my brothers now. All right! We eat good today."

  "Hi there. Company for lunch. Come on, Clete. Bring those fish over here. Let's stuff them. I've got some wild tubers and herbs. Dutch, where are your manners? Introduce us."

  "Sorry, Lane, we hadn't gotten that far. I'll stir up the fire. Ouch! Stones are good and hot. Hmm... Ooh, those leaves smell good. The fish will be nice wrapped in them. Won't you join us Mister... "

  "Carna. Lef Carna. Don't mind if I do. Sure looks good."

  "In a few minutes, it'll smell that way. I'm Clete. That's Lane. I catch the fish, but he turns them into a feast."

  "How do, Mr. Carna."

  "Jes, Lef. Where'd you boys come from?"

  "Down south lately. We've never really had a place to be from. Our dad's a traveling man, quite a magician. Never could figure out how he made all those flowers appear. We're on our own now. Put together our own kind of show. Got enough material we can vary it to suit the audience."

  "Where'd you hear about the mine?"

  "Dutch, do you remember?"

  "Not right off hand, Lane. Yes I do. A pretty girl told me about it. I stuck it on our route."

  "What was the girl's name?"

  "Lef, you just asked my brother a question he probably can't answer. He doesn't remember their names. Just tells them they're beautiful and gives them a farewell kiss."

  "Clete, I remember their names. I just don't always remember which name went with which girl. I usually just give them one I think suits them. Let's see... I
called her 'Snow White.' She had soft white skin and big blue eyes. Wasn't too long back. I spent an afternoon with her. I had dates for the evening. Twins I think. Sisters? Four of them, anyway. All with soft brown hair. No, they were just friends. Yeah, friends. Or...maybe that was the night I woke up with a whole bunch and I couldn't remember where I found them all."

  "See what I mean? A question he can't answer."

  Lef laughed. He liked these boys.

  "Well, the boss keeps a pretty tight lid on things. We don't see many strangers, but we could use a good show. We had a bunch of boys ride off with our supply list and they ain't come back. They were carryin' a little money, but not a lot. I figure they got drunk and spent it and lit out. You boys could make extra if you're carryin' good drink."

  "Sorry, Lef. Got enough trouble with Dutch sober. Drunk he gets in more. Forgets to ask if they're married. Lane and I hate having to leave town in a hurry."

  "Too bad. Even the saloon's gettin' low."

  "You have a saloon?!"

  "Dutch, we got everthin'. Good-size town, all in all."

  "Women?"

  "Them too. Jes be careful. Right number of 'em's married."

  "Yippee! This isn't going to be as boring as I thought."

  They'd needed Lef. He got them through the guards and Dutch to the mine owner's office. That person wasn't pleased.

  "Boss, we need somethin' new. They're jes' showmen. I jes' don' see no problem."

  "You aren't paid to make decisions. I told you not to let people come here, not guide them in. Get out of here, Lef. Before I forget you're a good miner."

  "Sir, we put on a good show. We're even getting pretty well-known places. We're here. Why don't you let us do what we're good at?"

  "All right, but keep to your own business."

  "No problem. A mine is a mine. You've seen one hole in the ground, you've seen them all. I like sunshine and moonslight. And women. You don't find any of them in a hole."

  Dutch grinned at the man who made his skin crawl. He'd already figured out what was being hidden. There were other things being pulled out, but he was standing over a uranium mine.

  "We'll put on a big show day after tomorrow."

  "Why so long?"

  "You want to give everybody a day off? You do, we'll do it sooner. We just figured you'd want it on the day most of the men aren't working."