The Night of the Hell-Fire
An Interlude
This vignette was written as part of a challenge between Andamogirl and me. We wanted to see what we would each come up with for a story, based around the episode, TNOT Flying Pie Plate. The challenge involves two episodes; Andamogirl suggested this episode so I shall suggest the next one.
Artie had laid out a smart charcoal-grey suit, an elaborate, brown, waist-coat, and a brown cravat on the bed in his room, at the saloon. A pair of knee-length black boots stood on the floor, next to him. He was in the middle of changing into these clothes and was currently wearing a crisp white shirt and snug-fitting, black underwear.
"Artie! Artie!" He heard Jim shout, so he rushed into his partner's room, to find him frantically pacing the floor.
"Jim, are you all right? What's going on?"
Jim turned toward him. "Artie, what do you think of Hell-Fire Simon?"
"What?" Artie asked, surprised at the question and his friend's obvious agitation.
"Hell-Fire Simon; do you think what he was saying could be true?"
"I don't know. What was he saying?"
"That what arrived in Morning Glory is a fiery chariot bearing hosts of death and retribution seeking out the eternally damned."
"Jim, are you listening to yourself? I knew I should have called a doctor after you put your head through the banisters." He took a step toward him.
"They're evil and they must be destroyed," Jim said, turning away.
"What?"
He turned back. "That's what Hell-Fire Simon said."
"Look here, Jim, I'm really worried about you. When did you start thinking like this; you were fine just a moment ago?"
"I don't know," Jim said, running his fingers through his hair in consternation. "Do you think I've been affected by those aliens?"
"What? You do remember that this is all a scam, that none of it's real, don't you?" Artie was getting worried.
"Remember?" Jim asked, holding a hand to his head. "Yes I do seem to remember something."
"What do you remember?"
"Let me see, oh yes, I'm going out for a picnic with a beautiful girl and you'll be left behind to guard the gold." Jim smiled broadly.
"Is that what this has all been about?" Artie asked exasperatedly.
"Just wanted to rub it in, buddy," Jim said, laughing now. "By the way, I like the underwear."
"You..." Artie said, and stormed off, back to his room.
"I'll probably end up kissing her," Jim called after him.
"I don't doubt it and what's more I don't care."
"Au contraire, I predict that you'll be green with envy."
"No way will you ever see me go green or any other colour," Artie replied, pulling on his trousers, with gusto.
"We'll see," Jim said, with a chuckle.
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