Gray Panthers: Battle for Earth (3 page)

  "No Daniel, the enemy was destroyed so my mission was a success, even if I was not the one to complete it.  Before you continue on, there is one thing I should tell you.  Under our laws and most of the laws of the old League of Planets, by you finding me and there not being a way to be returned to my owner, you are now my master."

  Dan just stopped and thought for a few minutes.  "So I can order you to help destroy the Libras when they get here then, as your master?"

  "I cannot assist you with that, but I can do anything else you wish that does not involve making or using weapons.  I am able to provide you with all my knowledge and abilities' as you see fit. But I will not become a weapon of war." Grub maintained.

"How about gray areas Grub?  A machete is a tool but makes a great close up weapon.  An airplane is for transportation but makes a great missile.  Gasoline is fuel, but can be a lethal weapon. Where do we stand there?"  Dan badgered.

"I cannot make weapons, as you say in black and white."

"Can you provide me with the intelligence you have on weapons made by others?  How about creating counter measures against those weapons?  Dan solicited as he decided to change his tact.

"I can't deny you any information that could assist in your survival.  I will analyze all data I have on potential weapons that can be used against you, and ensure you have adequate protection against them." Continuing on, "I will also see that you have the data on those weapons," Grub added.

Dan got the urgent feeling he needed to move.  Trying once again to get up, his head was clear of any pain as he hopped down onto the cold floor and reached for his clothes, their filth assaulting his nostrils for the first time in many years.  He felt like one solid muscle as he quickly dressed and tried to sort out the many thoughts racing in his head, adrenalin pumping like crazy.

"Grub you've given me a lot that I need to think over.  Can you provide me with a set of nanites like the ones you used on me for a friend? I will be leaving you in an hour and should be back in a couple days.  Please make sure no one discovers you before I get back.  Can you have the droids move all the tools and equipment from this level where we first met to my vehicle outside the mine and make sure it's secured safely and covered up."

"The nanites will be no trouble Daniel; they will work with all humans regardless of gender or origin.  They need to be consumed, or delivered into the blood stream to work.  It should take about half a day to be fully effective.  The droids are en route to load the tools and equipment.  If I may ask, what is the purpose of your mine here?" Grub inquired.

"I'm trying to find gold and any precious metal. Maybe when I come back I will start to dismantle your ship for the scrap metal," Dan jested as he happily pulled on his last boot ignoring the pungent smell from his clothes.  "Now can you can direct me to the exit, Grub," Dan continued as numerous plans began to formulate in his head.

A droid silently came up from behind Dan and tapped him on the shoulder; Dan whirred ready to defend himself until he saw the small vial held out to him.  "And quit sneaking up on me damn it! OK, lead me home ya oversized sardine can."  Dan lost count of all the passage ways and doors until he was finally out of the space ship and fought the desire to explore it further while he had the vial of nanites in his hand.

  Climbing the rope to the upper level was child's play as the newfound muscles and vitality only increased his good mood.  The Earth was at risk of invasion and he could only think about how he felt better than he had in his entire life!  Quickly locking the gate to the mine, and re-covering the camouflage to the entrance, the cool fresh air was nirvana, as he realized the sun was setting and he had a two-hour drive in his cart.  Second thoughts immediately made Dan hesitate as driving well outside city areas after dark was considered bad for your health with all those who preyed on travelers. Nah, he’d be safe just this once.  He breathed in deeply and felt like running the entire distance home.  Maybe I will get a real truck with profits from my load of antiques Dan mused.  The drive across the desert was uneventful as he crossed onto Highway 60 and turned right towards Surprise, and home.

   Half way there, the hair on the back of his neck started to pinprick as he realized he was being followed by an old pickup truck loaded with Outsiders, those who had given up trying to be part of society, and instead were nomads in the desert robbing those who were easy pickings, and the occasional remote house. 

Looking behind him, he realized his M1 was buried under treasure, leaving only the small pick from his belt sitting in his passenger seat as a weapon and an ancient pick handle that was starting to work its way loose from under the tarp covering his treasure.  Anger started to burn in his cheeks and spread through him.  "I am not going to get fucked!" he thought to himself as he turned off the road sharply, seeing the truck tip on two wheels almost spilling its cargo of outsiders.  Dan turned sharply again pointing the cart straight for the outsiders. Adrenalin pumping, he felt his face muscles tighten in a smile as he hollered at the outsiders, while barreling down on them,  "Come on you assholes, let's dance!"  He braked hard in front of the truck as it nearly hit him as it slid to a stop.  The first Outsider that jumped out of the truck laughed as he saw before him the gray hair and beard of the old man, as he charged towards him with a baseball bat.  He did not see or hear the whirr of the pick ax handle as it knocked into his arm shattering the bone as he dropped the bat.  Those behind him stopped so fast it was comical to Dan as he sized up the rest of the ambush party and came up with his plan on the spot.  "Aiiieee! You're not going to steal my firewood you crazy sons' a bitches!"  Dan hollered as he hit the fender of the truck, then the ground ahead of him making a spectacle of himself.  "Who's next damn it?  My fire is going out and I want to go home, let's get this dance goin!'"

The Outsiders, as one, immediately respected the balls of the old man ahead of them, and believed he was both crazy and dangerous, not worth the trouble for an old solar cart or a load of firewood.  If anything, by the quality of his filthy old clothes and demeanor, the old man would probably be an Outsider soon anyway.

  The outsiders parted like magic as their bald leader walked to the head of the pack.  Almost seven feet tall, his black skin was so dark it appeared almost blue in the truck’s light; his one eye seemed to twinkle in the darkness. "Let's get moving boys, help Jimmy to the truck.  Enjoy your evening granpa, we're leavin!" the leader of the bunch said as he backhanded one of his men who was drawing a bead on Dan with an old cowboy six-shooter.  "Put it away Juan, ain't nothing here worth killing over."  He took one last long look at Dan as his men climbed back into the truck; he raised his hand to the brim of his cowboy hat half in salute as he turned back to the truck.

  Dan watched them drive off as he went from silently laughing to himself to laughing louder as he tried to make his legs move him without buckling as the last of the adrenaline left him.  He arrived home an hour later and after a quick shower, was out cold in his bed. 

Surprise, Arizona

3 April 2126

Dan awoke from the sunlight pouring through the window as he realized he was in his own home and safe as he replayed the last few days in his mind. He went to his garage, seeing the cargo area of the solar cart still covered by his tarp. Going back into his kitchen he grabbed a cold soda instead of his regular coffee as he phoned an old friend who he knew would be able to dispatch his load of artifacts without any questions asked, and get a better price than he could.  Trusting his friend, he left the garage door unlocked after piling the treasure into a pile in the middle of the floor.  Returning his M1 to its hiding place in the house, he left for the important business of the day.

  A short drive found him in front of the Surprise assisted living facility.  He gathered up his courage, as he always needed to do before he could open the door.  The overwhelming stench of excrement and disinfectant hit him almost as hard as the sight of the seniors sitting in their wheel chairs in the hallway, each one looking up expectantly toward him. His heart was torn for them as he continued down the hall. Slowly opening the door to his friend’s room, he first saw the machine used to help his old comrade breathe. He looked further up to see cold dead eyes return his look, and then quickly seemed to come to life as he was recognized.  Though unable to speak, the question was there for Dan, "Have you come to put me out of my misery old friend?"

Dan checked to see that the door was closed, as he took the vial from his pocket. Abdul’s eyes were raised in question, as the vials contents were emptied into his water glass, and then the straw was put to his lips. Dan softly spoke to his old comrade, "Try to take it all old friend. I’m here to end your pain."  Abdul surprisingly consumed the elixir in one long drawl of the straw. Abdul made a gurgling sound as he tried to speak before closing his eyes.  Hours later, the heart monitor alongside the bed began to race and then slowed to hardly anything, then began a steady pace.  Abdul’s breathing became steadier as Dan took the chance and disconnected the breathing device.  A loud snore was his reward as his old friend no longer labored for breath and instead began to sleep even more soundly.  The monitor became steady showing a continuous count of 50. 

Dan went out to the nurses' station and waited until one finally appeared and then convinced her to come to Abdul’s room, after promising it would be worth her while.  When she saw the breathing device disconnected, she started quickly after it only to be held back by Dan as he gently pointed to the heart rate monitor and that it was obvious that Abdul was actually sleeping soundly without any assistance needed. 

"Nurse Kimberly, I prayed with my friend for a miracle and then we were bathed in a white glow that filled the room.  Abdul then removed the tube and said Amen before going to sleep.  I will be back this evening, please be sure some dumb ass doesn't try to hook my friend back up again."  Dan directed to the amazed nurse as he fixed her with a subtle threatening look that made the nurse shudder. 

Feeling his stomach begin to rumble, his next destination was automatic as he headed for Brent’s Tavern.  As he entered the tavern, his eyes needed a second as he adjusted to the darkness.  He headed to the end of the bar as he noticed there were a dozen people scattered throughout the establishment.  His longtime friend, the owner of the Tavern gave a large sincere smile as he saw Dan enter.  "Brent ya old bastard, give me one of those big fat greasy burgers, the ones you're always trying to get me to eat, and don't be cheap with the fries, after all these years I'm ready to try one.  Now let's have an ale to soften up the machinery so I can digest it," Dan said in a dead serious tone that was betrayed by his twinkling blue eyes, as he burst out laughing.  "Abdul’s looking good and I have a feeling he's going to be released soon."  Brent looked at Dan for a moment and accused him first of being drunk already and lying for a free meal. "D2 you'd better not be pulling my leg!" Brent said as his eyes began to water. 

"I'll bet he's back working in your kitchen by the end of the week Brent." Dan repeated as he looked around the room and locked on to his next objective.  As he started to devour his burger like he had not eaten in weeks enjoying every bite, he could not help but stare at the source of his long term un-satiated desire.  Sitting on a corner barstool the slim Latina absently brushed her black hair behind her ear.  Dan's attention was drawn to the small firm breasts held in check by a muscle shirt that did little to hide her attributes.  Looking down he saw her daisy dukes appeared to be painted on, not even covering the bottom of her ass cheeks.  Lust started to awaken once again as he ate his food
,
not noticing a slight drool on his chin.  The young woman looked up sensing that she was being watched.  "Danny, I didn't hear you come in!" She squealed with glee as she jumped off her stool, her breasts bouncing from the action.  Quickly covering the short distance, she wrapped her arms around her old friend pressing her breasts firmly into his chest.  "Where have you been sweetie? I've missed you.”

"Aww Maria, you know I couldn't stay away," regaining his breath he continued. "You feel like everything I need, care to be my dessert? I am so hungry." Dan asked as his heart leapt into his throat.

  Maria pulled back a little, looked the old man in the eyes and saw eyes she had never seen before. Blue, sharp and clear, they seemed to look through her in their intensity.  A shiver went up her spine as she actually felt a slight arousal for the old man.

    "Why don't you go into Brent's office and wait for me," Dan nearly panted into her ear.  She reached down between his legs to show that the joke was over when she felt his hardness.  Looking up one more time into Dan's eyes, she walked to the swinging doors towards the bathrooms and the bars office. 

  Dan could not help but notice the way her hips swayed as she walked away.  Heart beating into over-drive, Dan turned toward Brent and breathlessly said, "Hey Brent, I'm going to use your office, OK?"  Brent simply said no problem as he had missed the interaction, as he was busy keeping two drunks from becoming belligerent.

Opening the door to the office, the normal smell of cheap cigars and leather, was instead replaced with Marias heady perfume that nearly made him dizzy as he saw her sitting in the large leather chair, naked with her legs twisted before her, her arms crossed, pushing her breasts up as an offering. Her soft brown skin flawless, her smile the last invitation needed. He picked her up as his lips found hers, his tongue invading hers as he tried to unbuckle his belt as she too started to respond more passionately, helping him get his pants down. Taking charge, she pushed him into the chair as she climbed onto his lap guiding him.

    Two hours later Dan found himself sheepishly returning to the bar.  Brent looked up at him, as did a small crowd of regulars, as a loud spontaneous clapping thundered out from the bar.  Dan’s face burned red at the unwanted attention as all he wanted to do was slink away and get a shower.  The clapping increased as Maria walked up behind him, reached up tippy toe in front of him and gave him a last hard kiss that promised more to come, as her hand pushed something down into his pocket. She also gave an exaggerated tug at the front of his pants and returned to her usual spot at the bar to a barrage of catcalls that she took as a badge of honor.

"Umm I have to go see Abdul, Brent, I'll be by again later, Dan muttered as a new round of clapping followed him out the door. After closing the door, he reached into his pocket for his keys and discovered his wadded up cash he had left for Maria, and a slip of paper that simply said, Juanita, and a phone number. Toes no longer making contact with the ground Dan continued towards his cart slowly, appreciating the sun on his face and a slight breeze that carried the scent of oranges from a nearby orchard.

Abdul was sitting up in his bed, surrounded by what appeared to be half the staff.  Dan pushed by them, as they appeared to be arguing among themselves trying to not only determine the miraculous healing. But the fact that from the neck down Abdul was extremely toned and his muscle mass had returned. No sign of the previous bed sores or loose skin that had covered the bare skeletal frame. There was only a slight discoloration of his skin tone on his neck, where the breathing device had been connected, now a puckered scar.  Dan could hear Abdul arguing that he was going to be released if he had to break heads to do it.  Seeing his benefactor, he cleared his throat and said in a voice that would not accept defiance for everyone to get out of his room...NOW!

   After they were all gone he looked at Dan and could not hold back his tears as he simply said, "I thought when I went to sleep I was not going to wake up and I was so thankful to you for that my old comrade.  Instead I wake up and have a new life ahead of me."

"There's a price attached to it my friend. Tell these Rubes we prayed and that the room was bathed in light and God himself cleansed you.  God is returning to the world soon and is pissed off.  Let them know they need to ask for salvation while there is still time. I'll be waiting for you out front in five minutes.  Don't make me wait."

Dan pushed himself through an even bigger crowd gathering outside Abdul’s room as he made his way to his cart. Word had already spread about “The Miracle” Dan had described to the nurse earlier.

  Five minutes later, he could hear a loud commotion as he saw his old comrade streaking, nearly naked with only an open paper robe.
One of the guards managed to grab his arm as Abdul reversed himself holding the guard in front of him with the guards arm now firmly behind him. He flipped the luckless guard into the second guard as he turned around again heading for the cart. His face plastered into one huge smile!

When he got to the cart, he found the passenger door locked as Dan laughingly began to beret him for his lack of decorum, and to be streaking at his age. Abdul pounded on the glass demanding to be let in as the crowd got closer.

"Get in the back Abdul, I don't want your bare ass on my seats" Dan shouted over the pounding.

Jumping into the back Abdul saw an old set of fatigues, with his nametag.  As he began to dress, Dan gunned the engine knocking him over.  Both of them broke out laughing even louder as the crowd disappeared behind them.  Dan slammed on the brakes throwing Abdul forward.  "OK Abby you can sit up front with me now," Dan laughingly informed his old friend.  "I think we could use a beer, unless you have other plans."

"Lead on McDuff." Abdul gestured for him to get the move on as he tightened the laces on his boots.

The tavern erupted in applause as the pair strode through the door.  Brent came out from behind the bar and hugged his old friend.  The three found themselves in the corner booth, reliving their time together as the beer flowed freely.  Dan and Abdul got up and unsteadily made their way to the door.  Before they could make it to the door, another of Dan's old friends grabbed Dan’s
shoulder and handed him a large paper bag.  "Nice haul my friend, $400,000, my friend the antique dealer is willing to buy any more mining antiques you can get for top dollar."  Dan simply thanked the man and asked him if he had already taken his commission.  The man smiled and said he had been taken care of, Dan just smiled and thanked him again and continue to the door.  Before he could open the door, Maria, unseen, had come up behind him and covered his eyes saying, "Guess who my love."

"I'm guessing it's the pretty senorita that's going to make me breakfast in the morning," was his chipper reply. Abdul looked on in shock as the pretty little woman wrapped her arms around Dan’s neck and melted into him as she checked out his tonsils with her tongue.  "Any chance you can find a friend for my friend here?"  Dan inquired.  Maria looked at Abdul, gave him a smile that reminded him he was a man, then turned and walked away, taking both men's breath away.  Two minutes later she was back with a tall blonde who looked like she had just competed in a Marilyn Monroe look alike competition.  She walked up to Abdul without missing a beat putting her arm around the octogenarian and said, "Come on soldier boy. I hear there's a party to go to."

Opening the door to his home Dan turned around to offer drinks as Maria immediately started to passionately kiss him. Abdul’s date took him by the hand and suggested they find someplace more comfortable.  "Maria, you're spoiling me," Dan gasped out as he took Maria by her hand and headed to his bedroom.  Abdul was trying to explain to his date that he had not been with a woman in twenty years as she pushed him down on the bed and began to perform a strip tease for him.  Figuring she could get him excited, and then finish him off quick and still have time to find a real date for the night.  Abdul watched the blonde strip, noticed she was not a real blonde, and chuckled as he realized he had been sporting an erection since he was in the cart.  Hormones finally taking control, he jumped up and embraced the blonde. Kissing her passionately, he felt her firm breasts and warm soft skin against his chest.  His hands began to explore on their own and Marilyn began to respond to the octogenarian to her own surprise. She unbuttoned his fatigues to see his body was pure muscle and belonged on a 20 year old. She reached for his member and began to feel a desire she could not remember before, other than for her girlfriend.