Chapter 15

(Goggle's House)

Vanessa stared out the window. She placed her hand lightly over her stomach. The test was positive. She was carrying the next generation of Sawney Bean. It both made her extremely happy, and very scared. Her rank was still very low; and Vanessa feared invoking any punishment for failing to produce desirable offspring. From the looks of things, boys were the desirable offspring among the hill people. While girls were acceptable; boys could become leaders of clans and soldiers for clan leaders. Goggle would surely want at least one boy. Vanessa paced around the living room. She then her the door open.

"Vanessa, I'm home darlin'." Goggle said.

"I'm in the living room." She replied.

Goggle stepped into the living room. He gave his wife a kiss.

"I need to speak to Papa about something important. I'll be right back." He then said.

"Goggle wait. I have to tell you something."


"Oh shucks Vanessa; can it wait? I really have to go."

Vanessa nodded. Goggle grinned and hugged her.

"I promise ya can talk to me in a bit."

Before Vanessa could utter a word, Goggle hurried out of the house. Vanessa sighed and sat down on the couch.

(Papa Jupiter's House)

Papa Jupiter laid out the maps charting the various parts of the hills and desert.

"Where exactly did you see the soldiers son?" He asked.

"They were passing through Sectors Six, Seven, and Eight Papa." Goggle said.

Goggle then marked on Jupiter's maps the route General Ryan and his soldiers were following. Jupiter studied what his son drew.

"They're taking the fast route to us. Goggle, I want you to take this map of our entire territory. Scout the entire perimeter of our land. Cyst will go with ya, just in case the soldiers get the drop on y'all." Jupiter then said.

Goggle nodded. He then turned to Cyst.

"You ready?" He asked.


Cyst nodded. They then went on patrol. As they left the village, Vanessa rushed over to Goggle.

"Goggle! Goggle wait! Please wait!" She said.

Goggle paused. Vanessa threw her arms around him.

"Mama told me what you had been talking about with Papa Jupiter. Oh Goggle do be careful. I almost lost you once."

"I have to go do patrol Vanessa; but I promise I will be home by tomorrow."

"Wait, before you go; I must tell you something." Vanessa then said.

"What?" Asked Goggle.

"Goggle, I'm pregnant." She replied.

Goggle stared at her in amazement. He kissed her and place his hand over her stomach.

"That is wonderful news my darlin'. Now, I must be on my way." He then responded.

Vanessa nodded and watched, as Goggle and Cyst walked out of the village.


(Three Hours Later)

Cyst and Goggle had covered most of their territory. They were deep in the hills of Sector 16. Goggle was setting up camp; while Cyst cooked some thin slices of beef.

"All right Goggle. Dinner is served." He said.

Goggle finished putting up his tent, and sat by the fire. He took his share of food and thanked Cyst for cooking the meal. There was a moment of silence. Goggle then spoke.

"Vanessa is pregnant. Jeb was right about why she was sick." He said.

"Congratulations to ya Goggle. You are gonna be a swell father." Cyst replied.

"Y'all hoping for a boy or girl?"

"It don't matter to me what sex my barin' is Cyst. S'long as my wife 'n' them are healthy; s'all I am concerned with."

Cyst nodded. He then raised his flask of beer.

"Well then, a toast to the good health of your future son or daughter." Said Cyst.

Goggle clanked his flask of beer against Cyst's.


"Cheers." He responded.

They drank the toast; and then Goggle heard it. He heard voices just beyond the boundary line of where they were in Sector 16. Cyst quickly snuffed the fire, and Goggle climbed up the hill. He peered through his binoculars; and saw a few soldiers walking by. Cyst was hiding among the rocks; but watched for any sign of trouble. Goggle then quietly made his way over to Cyst.

"How many did ya see?" Cyst asked.

"Two male soldiers. They must be scouts sent ahead to report any findings." Goggle responded.

Cyst nodded.

"I think we can take them. What d'ya think Goggle? You take one, and I'll take the other."

"No. If they go missing, we'll have the rest of their unit on our ass. I'll take first watch tonight."

Cyst nodded; and quickly packed the remaining food away. Goggle took the first watch; which lasted until midnight. Cyst then took over from midnight until dawn. Goggle and Cyst quickly took down their tent and finished patrol on their way back to the village. They reported their findings to Jupiter who was very concerned.

"Goggle, I know Vanessa is with child. However, you must be prepared to move her. Despite her delicate condition, she is our hope for the future and must be protected at all costs." Jupiter said.

Goggle nodded in understanding. He then went home to his beloved wife.


(Six Months Later)

Vanessa felt the tiny life inside her kick. Goggle grinned, as he laid his head over the baby bump; and felt a tiny hand press against his own.

"Hi baby." He said softly.

"Y'all dunno me yet; but I am your Papa. I can't wait to finally meet ya."

Vanessa smiled, as Goggle talked to his baby. He rubbed her growing belly, and kissed it. As excited as he was for his baby's arrival. Goggle was very worried. The soldiers were getting closer and closer. Father McAdam was currently amongst the villagers seeking refuge from interrogation. He warned them of the General in charge of the manhunt for the remaining Sawney Bean family. Goggle felt the very marrow of his bones freeze. General Ryan was a long time enemy of the Hill People. When the Hades clan was still united with Jupiter's clan; he had come after them with a small army. Thankfully, his cruel father and uncle were able to beat him back. The conflict lasted longer than that though. Goggle knew there would come a day when the last Sawney Bean family member would breathe their last. However, it was clearly not yet time for that. Goggle trained harder and longer with Pluto, Jupiter; and other clan mates. He wanted to be ready to defend Vanessa and their baby.

Goggle was walking through the village. He kept his wits about him as he wandered. Suddenly, Pluto came charging out of a house, and headed right for Goggle. Goggle dodged the giant mutant's attack and countered attacked. Pluto was relentless, however; and grabbed Goggle by the neck. Without choking him, Pluto lifted Goggle into the air by the neck. He then threw Goggle a few feet away. Goggle landed hard on his back. Cyst cane running out from behind another house and pinned Goggle down. The three mutants sparred ferociously. Goggle soon had Pluto disarmed; and at his mercy. Cyst then tackled Goggle. however, Goggle was able to push Cyst down. Pluto and Cyst tapped out and ran away. Goggle was feeling victorious, until a pick ax landed at his feet. Goggle was surprised, as Papa Jupiter leapt down from a roof and got him down on the ground.


"You have been getting it too easy boy. Now, try and beat me." Jupiter said.

Goggle nodded and tried to shake Papa Jupiter off him. The patriarch of the village was too strong though. Jupiter got up and helped Goggle to his feet. He handed Goggle a pick ax.

"Now, I want you to give me all ya got Goggle. When you're ready, attack."

Goggle nodded. Taking a cleansing breath, Goggle gripped his ax and charged at his father. Papa Jupiter blocked the attack, and easily disarmed Goggle. He then Knocked Goggle to the ground and rested his own ax gently against Goggle's abdomen.

"I killed ya. It didn't even take much effort. Get up, and try again." Jupiter said.

Goggle got to his feet, and retrieved his pick ax. Over and over again, Goggle came after his father; but Jupiter defeated him just as easily and swiftly. At one round of the sparring, Goggle was barely holding his own. Jupiter had disarmed him; and he was scrambling to take a mock shot with his pistol. However, Papa Jupiter twisted Goggle's arm enough to cause his son to drop the gun. The elder mutant then backhanded Goggle Knocking the younger mutant flat on his back. Papa Jupiter then pinned Goggle to the ground and raised his hunting knife.


"I can either slice into your throat, or stab you in the heart. Either way, you'd be dead." He then said.

Jupiter then helped Goggle back to his feet. Goggle looked at the ground. Jupiter sighed and placed a hand on Goggle's shoulder.

"I know you are reluctant to fight Goggle; but hard times are comin'. General Ryan won't rest until every last one of us is dead. Your kin, your wife and baby are gonna need ya to help keep them safe. Even if it means you have to spill the blood of seemingly innocent outsiders."

Goggle still looked disheartened. Jupiter's gaze softened.

"Goggle, you are my son. The only son I got left. I don't want to bury you. I have buried enough of my family already. I know ya can deafest me. Think of your wife. Think of your sister too if it helps."

Goggle lifted his gaze back up towards his father. He nodded. He was ready to try again. Jupiter once again gave Goggle an axe. The two mutants then readied themselves. Goggle thought about Vanessa and Ruby. He thought about his mother, and the rest of his family. They needed him now more than ever. Papa Jupiter watched as his words sunk into Goggle. He had no time to react to his son's attack. Papa Jupiter barely managed to block Goggle. It took some effort; but Goggle was able to eventually disarm his father. He then knocked Papa Jupiter to the ground. Goggle then rested his axe gently against Jupiter's midsection.

"You're dead now Papa." Goggle said.

Jupiter smiled and stood up. He patted his son on the shoulder.

"That's my boy." He replied.

Goggle grinned. He then went home to Vanessa.


(Three Months Later)

Goggle was on watch duty when it happened. Ruby had called him over the walkie talkie.

"Goggle? Goggle do you copy?" She said.

"This is Goggle. What's going on Ruby?" He replied.

"Vanessa's water broke. She's starting to go into labor."

Goggle felt his heart leap with joy. His baby was coming. The day was finally here.

"I'm on my way home." Goggle then said.

"Copy that."

Goggle stood up and hurried back down towards the test village.

As Goggle entered the village, he saw Ruby and Amy hurrying to his house with rags and water. Big Mama exited the house and waved Goggle over. Goggle ran into his house. His face glowing.


"How is she Mama?" He asked.

"She's just about ready." Big Mama replied.

Goggle ran up the stairs to his room. Vanessa laid on the bed, panting, as sweat trickled down. Amy rubbed her shoulder.

"It's okay Vanessa. Just breathe. That's it. You're going to be so happy to see your baby." Said Amy.

Vanessa smiled when she saw Goggle enter the room. He took his place at her side.

"You're here." She said.

Goggle kissed his wife on the forehead.

"I would have been sorry if I wasn't." He replied.

Vanessa gave a cry of pain. She instinctively grabbed Goggle's hand.

"You're just about ready." Big Mama then said.


Vanessa nodded.

"Now Vanessa, I want ya to take a nice deep breath. When I say push, you push as hard as you can."

"Okay Mama."

"Breathe in 1,2,3,4,5. Good. Now, push 6,7,8,9,10. Beautiful. Do it again."

"Ah! Oh it hurts!"

"It's okay Vanessa. The pain won't last long. Just keep breathing in and pushing."

Vanessa cried out. Her grip on Goggle tightened. Goggle helped wipe the sweat off Vanessa. He watched, his beloved wife screamed time and again. After what felt like hours, a shrill cry pierced the air. Goggle lifted his gaze to see his baby being taken to be washed. Vanessa was crying tears of relief and joy.

"What is it?" She asked.

"It is a baby boy." Replied Ruby.

After the cord had been cut and the baby was dried; Vanessa was helped out of bed to tidy herself up. After the sheets were replaced, Vanessa was back in bed; and the baby was placed into her arms. Goggle was at her side; and could not believe he had produced such a wonderful little baby.


"What will your name be, my boy?" Goggle asked.

Vanessa and Goggle looked at their son. He had his father's blue eyes and a under developed nose, but he looked more human than mutant. The baby looked up at his parents and smiled. His little face was practically glowing.

"Apollo. That's what we will name him. Apollo Sawney Bean." Vanessa then said.

Goggle smiled and nodded.

"I like it. Apollo it is." He responded.

(A Few Days Later)

"I baptize ye, Apollo Sawney Bean. In the name of the Father, and of the Son; and of the Holy Spirit. God bless ye and God save ye." Father McAdam said.

Everyone present for the christening applauded. Papa Jupiter smiled as he hugged his son.

"You have done me well Goggle. The Sawney Beans will live another generation, thanks to you." He said.

"So, when is Apollo gonna have a little brother or sister?" Cyst asked.

Goggle and Vanessa looked at each other and laughed. Cyst laughed along with them.


"I think Vanessa has earned a well deserved break from baby making. Poor girl will loose use of her legs they way Goggle goes at her." Jeb said.

Goggle blushed. He had no idea he had so much pent up sexual tension; until he got with Vanessa. It seemed even the good son of Jupiter Sawney Bean had his savage side. Goggle went over to thank Father McAdam for everything he had done for the family.

"Father McAdam, I want to thank ya again. Y'all are too kind to have not only married Vanessa 'n' I; but also have christened our son. If there is anything I, or my kinfolk can do for you sir - please say so." Said Goggle.

Father McAdam nodded. He then looked down at the baby in Goggle's arms.

"He has yer eyes Goggle. They're very blue." The priest then said.

"Yep. They're as blue as the Bonnie Blue Flag." Goggle replied.

"I suppose yer family fought for the south during the American Civil War?"


"The Sawney Beans did for a while; whilst living in the bayou and along the coastline of Texas. However, they realized their participation in the conflict would not help their long time soiled reputation. So as soon as they could, they left the fight."

Father McAdam nodded in understanding.

"My congregation will be wondering why I closed the church today." He then said.

"Tell them there was an issue with the air conditioning." Goggle replied.

The priest nodded. Goggle saw Vanessa was over by the prayer wall for those who had gone missing by the foot hills of the desert. Father McAdam saw the look of remorse on Goggle's face. The priest knew that he knew all those people were dead.

"Actually, Goggle. There is something ye can do for me. I want to bring closure to the loved ones who went missing in the hills." He said.


"But Father, those people are all dead." Goggle replied.

"Aye; but do ye think ye can find something o' theirs in yer mines an' such? At least return one item o' each victim to their families. They deserve at least something lad. E'en if it is a small item o' their lost loved ones."

Goggle nodded. Father McAdam then smiled and patted Goggle on the shoulder.

"I'll send Jeb to ye with the first list in a few days."

Goggle nodded in understanding. The task would be difficult; but it meant helping his family change their ways. On the way back to the village, Goggle told Vanessa, Ruby, and Hansel of his task.

"Well, count me in. Don't think for one minute I'm lettin' ya hog all the glory." Ruby said.

"And me. I help too." Hansel spoke up.

"I'll do my part as well. Remember Goggle, you're no longer alone in your movement to change the Sawney Bean way of life." Vanessa then said.

Goggle embraced them, and kissed his wife. He was so happy to have such strong support in his life.


So Ends Chapter 15. Reviews are love.