New Title 1 (The traveler)

by Robin Marienus Miller

  "Butts in the ashtray, powder on the floor.

  Remnants of a visit, still damp the towel she wore.

  Perfume on the pillow, a razor out of place.

  Quickly bring back memories, of last I saw her face.

  The angel of the doormat, within the car a can.

  Surely bring back memories, now were they poor or grand?

  Midnight came and gone again, to work I soon must go.

  Thinking about what was said, and all that I now know."

  The waitress brought us our soup as the Mayor said, "you take memories and tell them in a poetic way. You express your feelings in short story ways that we do not. This is a bit new to us, but I like it. We tell stories about things that happened to others so that those that could not be there will enjoy their moments. But no one here does it in a poetic way."

  I said, "we tell stories like that as well, but they take time to tell. A poem is like a taste of a moment. It can be repeated to share a thought, a feeling, or even a lesson."

  Mayor, "a taste of a moment, I like that. I hope we will soon have time to hear a long story from you. I'm sure I would find it interesting."

  I said, "it would be my pleasure."

  We then ate our soup. Owsee was right, they made very good soup.

  Then the Mayor excused himself to find the two boys and put them to work.

  I asked the waitress where they got their brew.

  She said, "as I told Goo da wa, we get it from a man about an hour down the road. The man from the hardware store brings it by from time to time. He is the closest one sense Owsee’s father stopped making it."

  I then asked her how much we owed. She said no one that sits with the Mayor pays, he will take care of it.

  And Owsee said, "and he will be paying the debt with the poem you gave him. Pretty smart aye? Why do you think we made him the Mayor?"

  We then went over to kitty’s shop and went in to see how things were going. The display case with half the length of the shop and filled with things like clothes: shoes, boots, belts, hats and small things like that. There were a few women in there, looking for something new for the party. So we just waved hello to Kitty and went to see if Goo da wa needed any help.

  As we drove up, we could see he had cleared an area for people to park and raked the entrance to the cave smooth. He had a number of torches at the entrance, and along the path to the cave. Come nightfall they would be helpful. Just inside and to the right, was the bar. From there, he could see all that came or went. In the center of the grand hall was a huge fire with large rocks around it. Goo da wa said he lit it early to see if the smoke would rise, and float out, rather than filling the cave.

  He said, "there seems to be some vents at the top. If you stand outside, and to one side, you can see where the smoke comes out."

  There were tree stump tables with have-barrel chairs. And large cushions around the cave, next to the walls. He had even built a platform, at one end of the cave, for the musicians.

  There were small lamps at each table and a torch on both sides of the stage. The whole place looked grand, for just a day's work.

  We asked him if he got the brew for tonight and he said yes, the man from the hardware store got him a load.

  We asked if he needed anything and he said, "not that I can think of. Everything seems to be falling into place nicely."

  So we said we would see him tonight and went back to the house.

  We sat down for a beer and a smoke, then started talking about how things were going.

  “Time to reflect”

  I said, "it seems like they don't need our help anymore."

  Owsee, "it only seems that way. Big things get done because you just can’t ignore them for long. But there are a lot of little things that will add up over time. They are the day to day problems that make up life, you will see."

  I said, "every day has its own problems, and you can always find something to do if you look for it."

  Owsee, "that's why it's nice to take small breaks like this. To look over what you have done and what else there is still to do. We all need time to gather our thoughts, and rest from time to time."

  I said, "talking about rest, how early did you get up to catch those fish?"

  Owsee, "not that long before you, about an hour. We used my father's old cast net. Once we found the right spot, on this side of the lake where the fish were, it only took three throws to catch what you saw. If we put my boat in the water we can catch the big ones. Some are so large you can feed two or three people with just one fish. The local boys only fish the river, they will not fish my lake without permission. Therefore, that lake has had 35 years to produce some big fish. My father would sometimes smoke them in a barrel over a small fire. They would have such a wonderful taste to them. I remember how to do it, but it never came out as well as my father’s. The farm was hard work, but after 35 years in space I need to say that, I never went hungry here; or thirsty and I never had trouble falling to sleep."

  I said, "and we have not had to kill anyone this week. If we stay out of the big cities we may be able to go a long time without that kind of trouble."

  Owsee, "I don't know. I seem to get drawn into situations like that. It never seems to be my fault. Unless it's because I don't like take shit from any one. What do you think?"

  I said, "I think we both don't like to take shit from anyone. That's why I'm still wearing my Elvin ware under my cloak. I was the one to sell that last load of water to the station. Maybe the CM will send an android after me one day."

  Owsee, "you need to do more than screw them over on the price of a tank of water before they send a gun after you. The corporation is very patient. They like to wait until a person is far from home and then deny them the use of a Star gate. I don't think they know you are a Mining Guild member, so that can work for you if you need it one day."

  I said, "yes, that's a card I hope not to play until I need it most. I notice you don't show your hand until the last minute. Landing here, then telling us you own another mountain."

  Owsee, "I wanted to get your reaction first. I think it's a nice place, but you can never tell what others will think until they see it."

  I said, "why did you buy the mountain?"

  Owsee, "remember I told you that the planet has a layer of crystals on it, just under the surface? Well they have no value here, because there is so much of them. And we have very little space travel because the CM cuts us off at the start gates, just because we will not sell to them. This makes those crystals worth more than water if you can get them two or three gates from here. The CM does not want us to flood the market and drive the price down."

  I said, "but if we sell a shipload here and there, we can get a good price for them before the CM knows what we are doing."

  Owsee, "now you understand why I bought the mountain and the lake, as well as a part of the desert. One day soon I will take you into those hills and show you how to mine pure crystals."

  “What’s up Doc.?”

  There was a knock at the door and a hello. It was the Mayor, with the new doctor. We both went to the door to greet them.

  The Mayor said, "the doctor is ready to see the new clinic, but I thought he should meet you first since it is on your property line, and you built it."

  "That was very considerate of you," Owsee said.

  After our greetings, we all walked to the clinic just half a mile or so down the road. There was some small talk about where he had done his residence work, and why he chose to come to a small town to do his community service.

  When we got to the clinic Owsee said, "we have not had time to build you a place to live yet, but if you want to get started right away we have an extra room in the house. First let's show you what we have here."

  The doctor walked in and started to look over the supplies and equipment.

  Then he said, "what did you do, raid a space station?"

  Owsee said, "it was more like salvage."

  Dr.,
"you have a full body scanner, a cryo tube, and nano surgery. This is better than what the hospital has, how did you get it all to work?"

  Owsee, "well, we had to buy a lot of chips and rig a new motherboard, but it came online. If there is anything else you need just let me know."

  Dr., "I can't imagine what else there could be. You understand it may take a little time for me to learn how to use this kind of equipment."

  Owsee, "better you than me doc., by the way, we are having a party tonight. You're welcome to come and stay the night if you like. It's a good way to meet people you will be taking care of."

  Dr., "yes, I will stay. As you said, it's a good way to meet people."

  "Good to hear it," said the Mayor, "now let's go to my office and I'll show you the contract."

  As the Mayor walked off with him, we could hear him say that the town provided room and board as well as a monthly allotment for whatever else may be needed.

  We also noticed that the power line had been buried and the grass cut. There was also a foot wiping mat in front of the door, I thought that was a nice touch.

  I asked Owsee how long it would take to build a place for the doctor to live in.

  He said, "there is a place, just an hour away up the road, which makes prefab homes. They can make one in less than a week. They are not big homes but it will do. We will put it up right next to the clinic."

  I said, "I was thinking of asking him if he had any knowledge of interspecies reproduction."

  Owsee, "I doubt it. The medical community on this planet is not keen on treatment of aliens. Wait until he gets a good look at Goo da wa, I bet he has never seen anyone like him before, I know I have not."

  I said, "where is he from anyway?"

  Owsee, "he won't tell me. I asked him a couple of times and all he will say is that they have never given their planet a name, so no one can find it. He will not even tell me what system it is in."

  I said, "have you noticed he is beginning to lose his color a bit. He is less orange than before. I hope he is not sick, that would be one for the new doctor."

  Owsee said, "the scanner has him on file. We could run a comparison if need be, but I have seen him turn almost yellow from time to time. He told me it depends on how much o2 his skin gets. Who knows what color he will turn here."

  As we got back to the house Owsee said to me, "I have something to show you in the barn."

  In one corner, under a large tarp that he pulled off, was what Owsee called his father still. Next to it, under another tarp, was a winepress. And on the other side of the barn was Owsee’s boat.

  He said, "it's not big, but it floats. I have had up to five people in her but it's better with just two or three. The sail is not very tall but it's better than rowing, when there is some wind. Sometimes I would take her out and just lay back, sleeping the afternoon away; floating in the lake until it was dark. When I opened my eyes I could see the stars so bright I felt I was among them."

  He banged on the side of the boat and said, "I don't see any rot yet. Only one way to be sure it will not leak, and that is to put her in the water, maybe tomorrow. But for now let's grab the swing blades and cut some weeds, I want to reclaim some more of the back yard."

  So we cut around the house and some of the backyard before we got tired. Then we gathered up the weed bud stalks and tied them up to dry in the barn.

  After that we went into the house to drink some rum with fire powder in it. Washed it down with a tall mug of beer. We sat on the sofa for a time, eating some nuts and berries, talking about the little things that needed to be done around the house and yards.

  “The party and a power revealed”

  Then we heard the drums from the Goo da wa’s bar, just a mile away, and noticed it had gotten dark outside.

  I said, "I guess we better head up to the party."

  Owsee, "sounds good to me," and we headed out.

  As we started toward the caves we could see others on their way as well. The torches by the cave and on the path were lit, and the people were all carrying things for the party. The Mayor had two boys pushing a wheel barrel of beast and bird to BBQ.

  We followed them to the flickering lights of the cave. As we walked in the entrance we saw a great fire in the middle, with sparks that rose high toward the cave ceiling. The ban was slamming out some good tunes, and there was a table at the front end of the bar just waiting for us. So we sat down at the table that already had a pitcher of beer and two mugs on it. We drank a beer and said hello to people as they came in. The band had a rich sound to it from the horns and drums, plus the acoustics gave it a big band sound.

  All the tables had their own small lamp, as well as fruit and nuts. And Goo da wa had set up to overhead projectors, one at each end of the bar. Each was showing one of my poems on the wall. High on the wall, toward the middle of the bar, was a large sign that read, "The Poet's Lounge."

  Kitty showed up before long and joined us at the table. People were passing around things they had brought and the smell of meat on the fire was wonderful. It was not long before someone brought us some. People were dancing near the stage and around the big fire as the drums rocked the hall. Goo da wa was opening keg after keg of beer without charge and seemed to be having an excellent time.

  The doctor came by our table and said that the town sure knows how to throw a party. Owsee told him that Goo da wa would be staying here tonight and that he was welcome to any of the upstairs rooms at the house. He thanked us and went to dance with someone.

  I asked kitty if she would like to dance. She's said she only liked slow dancing, but this was fun to watch. She had worn a white gown cut in the Roman style with one arm and shoulder bare. She also had her jeweled collar on, I'm sure most didn't know what it meant but it looked great and so did she.

  Then I felt strange, as if there was danger. I turned my telekinetic device on, not knowing what was about to happen. Then I could see a large rock, about 6 feet across, was coming loose from the top of the grand hall. It started to fall toward the great fire pit in the center of the room. I reached out with my hand and mind, grabbing it and held it for moment. Then I set it down next to the fire pit as people moved out of the way. Feeling tired I sat back down, and turned my device off.

  The drums had stopped and there was a dull murmuring from the

  crowd. Then someone said to the band to play on, and the music started again.

  Owsee said, "that was a lot of control, I did not know you could do that."

  I said, "neither did I."

  Owsee, "if a rock that big had hit the fire pit there would have been a shower of fire all over this cave. A love of people would have been hurt. How did you know it was going to fall?"

  I said, "I just had a feeling, that's all."

  Owsee, "well here's to your feelings, may they never let you down."

  And we toasted with the rum Goo da wa had saved just for us.

  Kitty asked, "are you feeling all right?"

  I said, "it takes a lot out of me each time, but I'll be all right in a few moments."

  Owsee put a large pinch of fire powder in a shot of rum. Then stirring it well gave it to me and said, "this will fix you up."

  I said, "I didn't want this power to be known, and now the whole town will be talking about it. It’s sure to bring some unwanted attention."

  Owsee, "maybe we could ask the Mayor to tell people to keep it a town secret."

  I said, "a secret is the power of knowledge just waiting for the highest bidder. And a story is only forgotten when everyone thinks that everyone else has already heard it."

  Kitty, "so the best thing to do is nothing and just watch your back."

  I said, "that's right kitty, just like on the station."

  We ate, drank and talked as the time went by.

  The doctor left before it was very late, thanking us for the room for the night. However, Owsee, Kitty and I stayed as one by one the rest of the town went home.

  It was only a few
hours before dawn by the time we went home. Goo da wa stayed at his new home, the bar.

  After the three of us walked home, we went to bed with no more than a quick goodnight.

  “The day after”

  Day 6

  The mornings seem to come only minutes away. I thought the bird I heard was a Nightingale, but then I remembered I was not on Earth. I opened my eyes to see Kitty lying next to me with her eyes open too.

  I said, "I'll go back to sleep if you will."

  She said, "I have a store to run," with a yawn in her voice.

  She gave me a quick kiss and rolled out of bed. I was going to go back to sleep for a bit but heard Owsee in the kitchen talking to Kitty. So I got out of bed and went to the kitchen to see what was for breakfast. We were having the fish that had been caught the other day. Owsee was drinking a brew he'd made from some black and green beans he ground-up and boiled, then added some sweet tree sap and milk to it. He said it was a traditional after party drink and gave me a cup of it. The taste was like old been juice with honey, and I didn’t like it much, so I drank it down fast.

  Owsee asked if I would like some more but I said no thank you. I asked him if he still wanted to go fishing and he said, "you bet, right after breakfast."

  Them I asked if the doctor was still in bed.

  Owsee said, "no, he went to town to send for his things and to eat at the restaurant. He said he had a request to make of the Mayor, about the new house."

  I said, "so it's the town that is providing him with a house, not you."

  Owsee, "yes, he is now part of the town and they will take care of him for the next four years at least."

  I said, "so what happens then?"

  Owsee, "he will stay or we will get another doctor."

  That was all we said about the matter, and not much else was said during breakfast.

  Then Kitty went to her new store while Owsee and I got the boat out of the barn. We put a large net and some wine in the boat and took it to the lake. We put the boat in the water, and after Owsee was sure there was no leaks we sailed to the middle of the lake.