Disclaimer
This story is a work of fiction. None of the characters portrayed herein represent any real person, living or dead. It includes characters invented by Chip Masterson including the muscle super kid, "Danny Henderson" who appears in a number of stories created by Chip. These characters are used in this story with his express permission, (Thanks, Chip!) although this story differs substantially in tone and theme from stories written heretofore by Chip. There are inconsistencies between Chip's story line and mine. The characters in my scenario dwell, therefore, in some sort of parallel universe.' Also included in this story is a character inspired by "Billy," the lead character in John D's "Billy Muscles up." One incident is borrowed directly from the "Billy Muscles Up" series and some of the things Billy does in this story echo "Billy Muscles Up." However, although this "Billy" begins with more or less the same personality and physical strength as the original, events take "my Billy'" in a somewhat different direction. My use of the "Billy" character is with John D's express permission. Thanks, John D!
If you are looking for erotic stimulation, please look elsewhere because you won't find that here. Aside from some coarse language and violence, this story could almost be rated "G." But if Chip's "Danny" series is one you have enjoyed, you may find this story entertaining as well. My interest in Chip's "Danny" series has been mainly, "what are people thinking and feeling?" (Something Chip has preferred to leave to the reader's imagination.) This story delves into that question in just a little bit more detail. Of particular interest to me as well, is how some of these characters respond to situations and circumstance that could happen to anyone as well as how they react to extraordinary situations.
I've introduced my own characters in this story, among them, "Andy Jackson Partlowe," and, to some extent, this is HIS story... how he came to meet Billy, Danny and his friends and how he reacts to their phenomenal strength and abilities.
My thanks to the web master for his work in maintaining this site and for posting this story. I would like to express my special thanks to Chip Masterson and John D. for graciously sharing their characters with me and especially for their work and creativity in creating their stories. This story is dedicated in their honor.
Thanks a lot for sharing, Chip and John D...
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Monday (the fifth)
Although the morning routine had changed for the four "college boys" and even for Salas... Now Salas would spend his mornings on his detective duties... Roy's routine hadn't changed. He had done his "field day" of the admin spaces in a matter of seconds and then settled down to process the morning message traffic at more or less normal speed. He had a small TV-VCR set on the desk alongside his computer console. He was in the habit of watching the ABC morning news and then "Good Morning America." At the start of the first GMA half hour segment, a news slug caught his attention.
Antonio Mora, the morning newscaster, was on screen. "... And now, from Disneyland in Anaheim California... We have this breaking news from our Los Angeles affiliate, KABC...
The screen segued to a young female reporter. Behind her was the wreckage of the "Matterhorn" roller coaster ride. "Thanks, Antonio... Yesterday afternoon at about two thirty p.m. Pacific Time, a horrible tragedy was narrowly averted. The famous "Matterhorn" attraction here at Disneyland in Anaheim, just south of Los Angeles, partially collapsed, trapping over seventy five people, high above the ground, in the perilously teetering roller coaster cars. A band of 'super heroes' appeared on the scene out of nowhere... Let me make sure you understand this clearly, Antonio... these were 'supermen!' ...LITERALLY .. in every sense of the word! ..There were about a dozen of them, all young men except for one... a teenaged boy. They leapt from the ground onto the structure..."
The camera panned upward and a circle appeared on the screen indicating the section of track where, the previous afternoon, the supermen had landed in their phenomenal leap from the ground.
"...Antonio, that is more than one hundred fifty feet above the ground. And these men... all of them... jumped from a flat footed standstill to this height! Seeing is believing. KABC has obtained this exclusive video footage from an eye witness who was visiting the park at the time..."
Again, circles appeared on screen. "Here you see these men standing on the ground. At first, as you see, four of them are leaping high into the air and onto the structure...."
Arrows on screen tracked Salas', Cole's, Scotty's and Billy's trajectory from the ground up to where they landed on a surviving section of the trestle.
"...Then seven more of these 'supermen' joined them on the structure... also leaping over one hundred fifty feet into the air, from a flat footed standstill!"
"...Antonio, as amazing was what you've just witnessed may seem, what follows is even more so... Note the front of the lead car in the roller coaster train. As you can see, the section of track supporting the train has collapsed, falling nearly twenty feet, coming to rest among some cross members of the supporting structure directly underneath. These supermen worked their way from where they'd landed on the track overhead down to the train. Here, you can see the teenaged super boy is approaching the lead car in the train. And there..."
The video halted in "freeze frame" momentarily and then resumed.
"...the boy has taken a young girl into his arms... And there... You can see as he leaps to the ground, landing with the girl... there. ...Both.the boy and the little girl ...are completely unharmed from a leap to the ground of about one hundred thirty feet!"
"... Antonio, this is some of the most remarkable news footage I have ever seen! The video ends there, but onlookers have reported that the entire rescue of over seventy five people, trapped on the crippled amusement ride, took no more than ten minutes. Shortly after the last of the passengers had been removed to safety by these supermen, the broken track shifted and the cars rolled off and fell to the ground! The cars have since been removed by theme park employees, but there is very little doubt, if these wonder men had not shown up when they did, every one of those people would've died."
"We have tried to contact some of the passengers and have managed to identify the young girl you just saw being rescued by the teenaged boy. We have tried to reach her for comment, but have been unable to do so at this point. And so far, we have had no luck reaching any of the other passengers..."
"... Spokesmen for Disneyland and the Disney Corporation have so far been unable or unwilling to comment. A public relations official for the park has denied any knowledge of these super beings."
Mora asked the young news woman, "Has anyone ventured any kind of educated guess as to who, or what, these young men are?"
"Antonio, there are all kinds of rumors and wild guesses floating around... Everything from space aliens to guardian angels... But no one around here seems to know anything..."
The scene segued back to Mora. "Well, 'guardian angels,' indeed! No matter who or what these young men are, they certainly seem to have been 'guardian angels' yesterday. Thanks for your report..."
Mora turned to Charlie Gibson. "... Well, Charlie... Certainly one of the most amazing news stories I've seen since I started in this business..."
Gibson smiled into the camera as the view segued back to him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, don't miss tonight's 'Nightline.' The entire program will be devoted to unraveling this mystery. Check your local listings for time and station. You won't wanna miss this evening's program."
Roy had been mesmerized. He picked up the phone and dialed Salas' cell. Salas answered. "Have you heard the news, Salas?"
"No, Roy. What's up?"
"Well, that little 'rescue' we pulled off yesterday afternoon at Disneyland is all over the news. They just now broadcast the whole damn thing on 'Good Morning America.'. They showed video footage of Danny pulling a little girl outta the lead car and jumping to the ground with her. They got her name and now they're tryin' to run her down for comment."
Salas swore. "I guess I shoulda known this'd hit the news. Wasn't very realistic to think otherwise. Did you get the little girl's name?"
"They didn't give it out over the air... I expect more of this'll start filtering out as the day goes on. Guess it's only a matter of time before those news hounds close in on us..."
"Not if I have anything to say about it. This whole story'll be relegated to the tabloids before I'm done. Just sit tight, Roy. And keep your eye on the news. Muster the guys out there and try to run down Danny. He's still got a cell phone that Cole gave him last week. Mebbe he's got it on him. But, careful what you say to him and, make sure he knows to just listen... not talk. I need those guys out at the base right away. And then call Capt. Meyers at the NROTC unit and explain to him that our guys need all morning classes and that we badly need him to set that up for us."
"Will do, Salas. I'm on it."
"Alexi and Ivan are with me. We'll be there as soon as we can get there."
"OK, Salas. I got a pot of coffee on."
"Good on yah, Roy! Thanks, pal! Yer the best!"
Roy called Danny's cell. He answered right away. Roy said to him. "Danny, this is Roy. Don't talk. Just listen and gimme short answers to my questions., OK?"
"Yeah, what's up, Roy?"
"Are the other guys with you right now?"
"Yes."
"Then all'a you guys get out here to the base... now."
"Well, OK, Roy. But can you give us a hint what this is all about?"
"Just get out here, Danny... All of you... NOW!"
Roy broke the connection.
As Salas arrived in Roy's office with Ivan and Alexi, there was a news break.
They watched it over Roy's shoulder. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we interrupt this broadcast with this breaking news..."
The scene segued. The news announcer, a male this time, addressed the television audience.
"Good morning. We are at the Brith Shalom (Covenant of Peace) Hebrew Day School in Irvine. The young girl shown previously... who was rescued by the mystery teen aged super boy... has been identified as nine year old Miriam Scheinburg, daughter of Doctor and Mrs.. Jacob Scheinburg, residents of Santa Ana... We have just managed to get a few words from young Miss Scheinburg and we'll run that video for you now..."
The scene segued again, this time to Miriam, as she alighted from her mother's mint green Volvo station wagon. "Miss Scheinburg, have you any comment on yesterday's dramatic rescue at Disneyland?"
Miriam looked into the camera with wide eyed surprise. "Rescue? What're you talking about?"
"Miss Scheinburg, the rescue... from the Matterhorn ride at Disneyland... yesterday afternoon. You were there! And a young teenage boy leapt off the ride over one hundred feet to the ground, with you in his arms! He saved your life!"
Miriam laughed. "Oh! That! Well, sir, I mean, really! That was Disneyland. You mean you thought all of that was for real?" Miriam laughed again.
The precocious young Miss Scheinburg continued, "C'mon Mister. ...Hello!!! ...Anybody at home??? ...It was DISNEYLAND! ...Honestly! ...I might've expected better out of a supposedly reputable organization like ABC News! You guys are starting to sound like some kinda cheap tabloid like watcha see at the checkout counter in Vons Grocery!" Miriam laughed again, uproariously.
"But Miss Scheinburg, we saw! It was on video tape..."
Miriam gave a didactic sigh. As if patiently explaining some elementary concept to a child she said, "Sir, I'm sure if you'll check it out, you'll see that hadda be DIGITAL video. You know how they can manipulate digital images with a PC. I do that all the time on my PC at home. And I'm just a kid! Anybody can do that! I saw those Dinosaurs in 'Jurassic Park' ....saw `em with my own eyes. But that was just make believe. Like I said, I'm just a kid and even I know that. And, you know, those people at Disney DO have something of a reputation for that kinda thing... They can make you 'SEE' anything they want!" She laughed yet again. "I can NOT believe you guys!"
"Well, Miss Scheinburg, why do you supposed the Disney organization might be behind a 'hoax' like this?"
"Sir, how should I Know? Maybe they needed the publicity. Maybe they're promoting a new film that's about to be released. Perhaps you should ask them?"
Miriam smiled coquetishly into the camera and there was just the slightest hint of a wink.
"And now, sir, if you will excuse me... I gotta go... I'm late to class.."
And then Miriam skipped up the walk, into the building and out of view of the camera.
The newsman shrugged and said. "Well, ladies and gentlemen. There you have it..."
The screen segued to commercial.
Salas, Alexi, Roy and Ivan just looked at each other, mouths agape!
Finally, Roy whistled... "She's a little pistol! I got all that on tape! I can't wait for Danny to see it!"
Danny and the other super boys hadn't bothered driving. They blurred into view and entered the admin building. Roy was waiting for them on the quarter deck.
"C'mon back to my office, guys."
Billy asked, "What's goin' on, Roy?"
Salas, Ivan and Alexi were waiting in Roy's little office. Roy asked, "Salas, you got that tape rewound?"
"Yeah, all set."
"OK, roll it."
The super boys watched, open mouthed. When the tape had played through, Danny shook his head. "Man! That lil gal's sure gotta lotta grit! ...and she's so young! Almost makes me wish she was a couple'a three years older!"
Roy grinned. "Yah sure yah could handle her, Danny?"
Danny shook his head again, "Noooooo... I'm not at ALL sure. I don't know if there's a man on the planet who could handle her. But it might be kinda fun tryin'. I'd sure like to give it a helluva go!"
Salas said, "Well, one thing's fer sure. There'll be a dozen long stem red roses waitin' at her house this afternoon when she gets home from school! Game's not over yet, but that little lady just knocked one outta the park for us!"
Danny looked over at Andy. "Yah know who that is don'tcah?"
Andy nodded and grinned. "Yup... sure do!"
Danny looked up at Salas. "I'd like tah deliver those roses personally."
Salas shook his head. "Yeah, lil man, I'll just bet you would... But it ain't gonna happen. The roses'll just arrive by floral delivery, the regular way.
Danny mock pouted. "Well, OK. But at least let ME sign the card."
"Well, sure, Danny boy, as long as you don't sign your name..."
That afternoon after school, as Mrs.. Scheinburg drove into her driveway with her daughter, a floral delivery truck was just pulling up to the curb. The delivery man got out and asked. "Is this the Scheinburg residence?"
Mrs. Scheinburg nodded.
"I have a delivery here for 'Miss Miriam Scheinburg.'"
"Well, that's my daughter here."
The driver handed Miriam one dozen long stem red roses. There was a card attached.
Miriam handed the roses to her mother, removed the card and opened it. It read, "Thanks! ...A friend."
Miriam just smiled. Her mother asked. "What was that all about?" Miriam just smiled again.
Salas sighed. "Well, I guess you boys can head on back to campus and finish your registration. But I still wanna see you back here at fourteen hundred."
Danny said, "OK, Salas. We'll be here..."
The four super (college) boys left the building and vanished.
Salas turned to Roy. "Son, could you handle getting Alexi's visa extension?"
"Already done, Salas. ...In your 'in-basket.' Got it via FAX from State in DC early this morning. He can stay another thirty days if he wants."
Alexi shook his head. "What can this boy NOT do?"
Salas answered. "Not much, Alexi. Not much..."
"...Well, I guess, next order of business is to clamp a lid on this news thing. I'm gonna be humpin' all day on this. Sorry, Alexi, Ivan. But I doubt you'd find this leg work I gotta do very interesting... Roy, think you could entertain our guests until around fourteen hundred?"
Roy grinned. "Well, I sure could if you could get me clearance to take `em up in the super harrier."
Salas nodded. "Hey, Roy, that's great! Get Major Carter over at mainside on the line and I'll set it up with him. Take one of the other guys with you."
"Will do, Salas. I'll have the Major on the line in just a few. You can pick up in your office."
They were cleared by Major Carter and Roy, Alexi, Ivan and Robbie prepared to leave. Alexi spoke. "Salas, this is very gracious of you! Unlike the mental gift you have offered to share with me, to this, I CAN reciprocate! When you come to Yekaterinburg, I will take you up in our aircraft. We fly VSTOL (Vertica/Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft as well, the YaK-141. It is the world's ONLY supersonic VSTOL aircraft!"
Salas nodded and smiled. But Roy was a bit more excited. He clapped his hands and rubbed his palms together. "Oh man! I can't WAIT to git over there to Russia and get my hands on that baby! Salas! We gotta GIT us one'a those!"
Alexi grinned. "That would be about as easy to persuade our government to allow as it would be for you to persuade your government to give us one of your harriers!"
Roy said, "Alexi, you and Salas gimme the OK, and I guarantee I'll arrange an even swap!"
Alexi and Ivan both looked skeptical, but Salas just laughed. "If you gentlemen would like to place a little wager on that, I'd wanna be the one to put my money on Roy."
Alexi grinned. "On second thought, Salas. I think I will hold onto my money. I am afraid our young friend here might very well find a way and then I would loose my hard earned money. I would, of course, be in favor of giving young Roy permission to try, just to satisfy my curiosity... to see if he really COULD do it."
Salas laughed. "Yeah! me too."
Roy asked. "OK, I'm hearin' you guys right... right? Y'all just gave me the OK to go fer it?"
Alexi put his hand on Roy's shoulder. "Roy, if you can arrange the trade I will personally fly our aircraft to this airfield and present it to you."
Roy smirked mischievously, "I'll bet you would, Alexi... Any excuse for a 'geedunk run' back out here, huh."
Alexi grinned. "I see I am transparent to you, Roy..."
"Well, Alexi, I might get that Russian VSTOL out here quicker than yah think. Yah see, guys like me... we got us sorta like a 'fraternity,' in all the services all over the world. An' some of us are sorta hooked up in... like this big 'network' ...an' we can just make it happen. Y'all need ANYTHING... anything at ALL... I'm a sunuvabitch if I can't git it for yah."
Roy led Alexi, Ivan and Robbie out the door and drove them to mainside in the van. He got them outfitted at the aviator's equipment office, filed, briefed them through his 'mind link' and transferred all his knowledge of the harrier to both Alexi and Ivan. Both Russians flew the harrier like pros. Roy was uncharacteristically voluble in his praise of both his 'students.' "... Of course, y'all had great instructors... me'n Robbie."
As they walked back to the hanger after landing, Alexi just shook his head. "I never would've dreamed I would ever sit at the controls of an American tactical jet! I cannot believe you did this for us, Roy!"
"Yeah, well, Alexi, wait'll yah got yer own harrier on yer own flight line that yah can fly anytime yah want. THEN yah can thank me fer real! And don't count on that geedunk run back here. I expect to have that YaK-141 on the flight line here at El Toro before you leave day after tomorrow. You an' Ivan can fly yer new harrier back to DC and then you can just fly it back to Russia from there. I'll have midair tanker support lain on for yah from DC all the way back home. Be a long flight from DC back to Russia. So make sure yah take yah a box lunch an' a piss bottle along with yah."
Alex snorted.
"Roy said, well sir, we can always have us that lil 'gentleman's wager..' How much?"
Alex raised his hands in surrender and laughed.
Roy was beginning to revert, just a little bit, to his cocky old self.
By fourteen hundred, Salas had a lid clamped on the 'Disneyland incident' so tight the news story just died. He'd capitalized to the max on little Miss Miriam Scheinburg's 'home run.' She had made a laughing stock of one of the most powerful and influential news gathering organizations in the world. The other rescuees, taking their cue from Miriam's academy award performance that morning, had 'circled the wagons' and refused to give up anything on their rescuers.
Salas walked back into the admin building a little after 1400. The college boys, having gotten exactly the class schedules they needed, with Captain Meyers' help, had returned... as had Roy, Robbie, Alexi and Ivan.
"Well, guys, we got the lid on fer now, thanks to little Miss Miriam the miracle worker. Would've been a bit diceier without her help. But I guess it's only a matter of time before this thing rears its ugly head again."
Billy nodded. "I don't see HOW we're gonna stay outta the spotlight for ever. Cuz I sure wouldn't sit by an' let somebody get hurt or killed just to protect our secret."
Salas answered. "Well, they still won't know who we are. But we'll hafta just watch ourselves and avoid the cameras as best we can if something like what happened yesterday happens again. We don't wanna let `em get our faces on camera if we can help it."
Roy agreed. "Yeah, Salas. `At's about all we can do. Billy's right. Wouldn't do tah let somebody get hurt just to protect our secret."
Salas led the whole band of supermen on a run up to Sacramento. Ivan couldn't run along since he was normal, but Scotty mind linked him with Alexi. "I don't think this'll do to much to you, Ivan. It's take a lot more of this before all this super strength really starts to kick in."
Ivan 'thought' to Alexi, "So, my younger brother... so THIS is what it is like! This is very intoxicating! I cannot believe how fast you can travel!"
Alexi smiled. "And now, Ivan, I will let you run for me. You try this yourself..."
Alexi relinquished control of his body to his older brother.
"This is quite something, Alexi Iurevich! I could certainly become accustomed to this!"
"Have you changed your mind, Ivan? Perhaps Salas' offer to you is still in effect."
Ivan laughed. "Tempting, Alexi... Most tempting. But, no. I believe it is best that I hold onto this little 'taste' of your speed and leave it at that. Such ability as this might actually derail my standing in the FSS. You know how suspicious they are of anyone they perceive as 'different.' And we both appreciate how useful my position has been to you in the past... and now even to Salas. You and Salas will need 'allies' among us 'normals.' Let us leave me in that position... At least for now... And remember, Alexi, there is still the question of the 'gas.'"
Alexi 'though' to Ivan. "Ah yes, Ivan... the gas. I rely on you to work closely with Liam and Sal, as well as with Salas and his men to find out more about that."
"Well, Alexi, perhaps Roy will come up with a sample for us. But, that might prove even more difficult to obtain that than it would be for him to arrange his 'trade' of our YaK-141 for a harrier."
"I would not be surprised if he managed both before we leave here on Wednesday."
They made the round trip to Sacramento and back in less then twenty minutes. Salas led them to Newport Beach and they speed swam to Catalina and back in only minutes. Then they ran back to the base. Salas had Roy run over to mainside where he checked out a single seat harrier. He flew it back to their base and landed.
Salas had Scotty demonstrate how to 'wrestle' the jet as Roy manned the cockpit. Then Alexi tried. When he'd hauled the aircraft back down to the deck, he shook his head. "I believe I have gotten stronger since I have arrived here, Salas. I have never tried anything like this, but I am almost certain I could never have managed anything like this until now."
Salas nodded. "Perhaps the mind link has begun to take effect. Scotty's had it active for you in sort of a 'standby mode' since last night. I wonder if your mind linking has kicked in yet..."
Alexi smiled. "Perhaps I should try it now."
Salas nodded again.
Scotty broke his 'standby link' with Alexi momentarily. Alexi tried to establish an independent link with Ivan, but was unsuccessful.
"Don't be disappointed, Alexi. It's been less than twenty four hours. We'll just keep the mind link active and on 'standby' and, by the time you're ready to leave, we should have you good to go. And then you can pass along your ability to your men. We'll be able to keep in touch that way, with no chance of our communications being monitored by 'unwelcome ears.'"
There were more demonstrations of strength, speed and agility back and forth. Andy and Alexi squared off in a martial arts contest. Danny grinned. "Well, Andy... FINALLY! I get tah see yer Rambo moves!"
Andy grinned back at Danny. "Well, don't be too surprised if Alexi waxes my ass. He's the professional warrior here. All I am is a rank amateur."
Alexi and Andy faced one another on the tarmac outside the hangar. They bowed to one another and backed away. Then Alexi initiated the attack. He ran toward Andy and, in a flash, landed his foot alongside Andy's head, knocking him to the ground. Andy was back on his feet in an instant and turned to face Alexi charged again but, this time, Andy was ready for him. Andy snatched Alexi's shirt, dropped to the ground on his back and flipped him over onto his back. The tarmac cracked where Alexi landed, even though Andy had hardly given the 'throw' everything he had. The two diminutive supermen continued to spar, exchanging the advantage back and forth for over an hour. Finally, Salas called it a draw. The two men faced each other and bowed. Alexi grinned. "Well, my young 'amateur!' You certainly gave this 'professional' a good contest! Good fight, young man! Very good!"
Danny piped up. 'Yeah! I'll say. And I thought I was good! I bet you could give ME a tough fight, Andy!"
Andy shook his head. "Not now I couldn't, bro. Alexi plumb wore me out. You'n I'll just hafta take a 'rain check.'"
Danny laughed. "Naw, you'll be OK in a minute. Guys like us recover really fast. C'mon, man, let's get it on."
Andy said. "Well, OK, Danny, but lemme catch my breath at least."
A few minutes later and Andy was ready to go. "OK, bro, guess I'm ready as I'll ever be..."
Danny grinned. "OK dude, now I'm finally gonna make you say 'uncle' to me!"
They squared off. Danny just sauntered up to Andy tried to "claw" Andy's pectoral muscle but couldn't! Andy's chest was just too steel hard and Danny couldn't get a grip. Andy smiled at Danny. Then he reached around the boy's waist and hurled him over 100 feet into the air! Danny landed on his feet and sunk down into the tarmac to his ankles. Andy lunged and clothes lined Danny to the deck. Danny bounced, regaining his feet and met Andy's second charge. Flipping him onto his back. Danny spun around and dove for Andy, but he missed. He landed on his face and in an instant, Andy was on Danny's back with his arm twisted behind him. Danny tried to muscle his arm down but couldn't break Andy's hold. Then, with a powerful jerk, Danny arched and hurled the surprised Andy into the air. Andy fell into a powerful kick that sent him sailing 80 feet down the tarmac. Andy landed on his feet and met Danny's follow up lunge, kicking him in his chest, knocking him flat on his back. Andy dove over Danny's body and tried to pin him, but Danny arched violently again. But this time, Andy was ready. He shifted his arms around Danny's waist and held on. Then he began to squeeze. Danny chopped Andy's neck from both sides with his right and left hands with no effect. Andy leapt to his feet, hopped into the air and landed on Danny with a brutal body slam. Then he rolled and scissored Danny with his legs and again began to squeeze....
"Yah give, Danny?"
"Never!" Danny growled.
Andy stopped. He held Danny fast between his powerful legs but he immediately stopped squeezing. Then he released Danny and stood up.
Danny stood and faced Andy. "Why'd yah stop, Andy. Yah almost HAD me!"
Andy shook his head. "I can't do this, Danny. I'm really sorry... But I've had enough."
"But, dude, yah HAD me... We'll almost..."
Billy stepped up to Danny. "That's enough, Danny... Andy's had enough."
"I heard him, Billy ...OK! But all I wanna know is WHY? What's up, bro? Why'd yah quit, Andy?"
Billy explained. "It's a 'flashback,' Danny. From way back when. It's how Andy and I first met. I had him in that exact same hold, between my legs the first time we met and I cracked one of his ribs..."
"...You remember, Danny... that's how Andy and I first met. I told you that back at the safe house that night after our first time out at Lassiter's base."
Danny nodded. "Yeah, I guess I know watcha mean. But it was goin' pretty good for yah, Andy... . Good fight, man."
Andy nodded. "I'm sorry I freaked, Danny. It's me, not you. Yah did good, lil man.... Good fight."
The guys broke up and Roy flew the jet back to mainside.
Salas drove away with Danny, Scotty, Alexi and Ivan.
Billy and Andy climbed into ole Nellie Belle and drove away.
When Billy and Andy got home, they went straight into the pool house. They both stopped dead in their tracks. The place had been beautifully furnished in a very tasteful, rustic modern motif, perfectly matched to the interior. They peered into the bedroom. Their new king sized bed was fashioned from a solid, molded aluminum block. The base was solid, from the bottom of the brand new mattress to the floor, with integral solid aluminum sheets molded into the bed at head and foot. There was a note on the bed...
"...There are two dozen pilings driven sixty feet into the ground below the floor beneath the bed. The bed is firmly secured through the floor to the pilings, so this baby'll hold up to anything you two can dish out. We made all the furniture ourselves... Best wishes for a happy lifetime together....
Love,
The guys... Salas Miguel Cole Nguyen Danny LeBlanc Roy Alexi Robbie Ivan
Back in the living area, there were two matching full sized sofas, two love seats, two easy chairs, a blond oak coffee table and a giant screen TV and sound system. There was a beautiful blond oak wood dining table with matching chairs. Of to the side was a matching hutch with a good sized niche for a large samovar, from Russia. The card indicated the samovar was a gift from Ivan. Hanging on the wall was a beautiful Russian icon of the Blessed Virgin with the Christ Child. This was from Alexi.
The two boys looked at one another. They were overwhelmed.
Billy said aloud. "Oh you guys! ...You guys!"
Billy hugged Andy. "Lil bro. Little did I know when you brought me into all this... Little did I KNOW. We gotta be the two luckiest sombitches on planet earth! Man! ...these guys!"
Andy just nodded.
"I feel bad about Danny... I'm gonna hafta apologize to him tomorrow..."
"Well, Andy, you already did. And he understands. I told him back at the safe house that night we were there. He knows the story of how we met... But, yah know, Andy, you couldn't have hurt each other... Danny wouldn't even have challenged you in the first place if he thought he could've hurt you or the other way around. He'd never put either on of you in a position like that... he could never do that to you. Yah know that don'tcha lil bro."
"Yeah, which is why I feel so bad, I guess. I know better. But that all just sorta came onto me and I just couldn't press the attack anymore. I just couldn't do it. I'm really not much of a fighter. Guess I'm more of a lover than a fighter."
Billy laughed. "I'll say, lil bro! An' now's yer chance to prove it!"
They stripped, dove into their new bed and, energetically, made love...
(To be continued)
Comments welcome.
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