Chapter 16

(Test Village)

Goggle was working on his task given by Father McAdam. Ruby, Hansel, and Vanessa all were helping find items belonging to the victim's over the course of the past few decades.

"Okay, let's divide this first list up. Ruby, Hansel; you two have the letter 'A'. Vanessa 'n' I will take the letter 'B'. Let's try to cover as much ground as possible. Remember, treat their items as if they were the remains of the people missing." Goggle said.

Hansel and the others nodded. They then walked about the test village. As Goggle and Vanessa were walking, Cyst came out of his house. He took a puff from the cigarette he was smoking.

"Word travels quick about what that priest has y'all doin'." He said.

Vanessa and Goggle exchanged glances. Cyst then reached into his pocket and tossed Goggle his wallet.

"Here. I believe my wallet once belonged to one of the missing." Cyst then said.

"Thank ya Cyst." Replied Goggle.

"If I was lookin' for victim's belongings; I'd go see Pluto or Zeus. Zeus likes anythin' shiny; 'n' ya never know what Pluto has hoarded away at his house."

Goggle nodded. Taking Vanessa'a hand he lead her away from Cyst. They were soon heading towards Zeus' house.


(Zeus' House)

Zeus was a young mutant of 16 years. His parents were named Martha and Levi. Sadly, his parents had died days before his sixth birthday. Both his parents had been chronically ill; and they finally succumbed to their conditions. Papa Jupiter gave Zeus to Big Mama to care for in his parents' stead. However, when he turned 13, he was sent back to his house to start helping the clan. The duty he performs is sorting any treasures found from hunts. As his reward, Zeus is able to keep anything he likes that is shiny. One could say the young mutant was the family treasurer. Currently, Zeus was polishing his shiny silverware. His right hand was normal; but his left hand was deformed and looked like a lobster claw.

As he polished his shiny silverware, Zeus looked at the nearby picture of his parents and sighed. He missed his mom and dad greatly. His thoughts were shaken; when he heard knocking at his door. Zeus answered his door; and grinned when he saw Goggle and Vanessa.

"Howdy y'all. Come on in." Zeus said.

Goggle tipped his hat.

"Thank ya kindly Zeus." Goggle replied.

Zeus stood aside to let Goggle and Vanessa into his house. Goggle looked around. Zeus had many shiny objects.


"Zeus, can I look through your shiny collection? I need to find a crystal swan figurine. It belonged to one of the missing people on my list." Goggle said.

Zeus nodded.

"My shiny figurines are my special treasures. But if it is for a good cause, sure." Zeus replied.

"Thank ya Zeus. I promise, I'll get ya another swan."

Zeus nodded. He then gave Goggle the key to open the cabinet his collection of crystal figurines were in. Goggle opened the cabinet; and looked around for the swan. He soon found it. Carefully, Goggle retrieved the swan figurine. Zeus brought Goggle the box it had been in.

"Say Goggle why don't ya give me a few names. I'll look around my treasures for other stuff." Zeus said.

Goggle nodded.


"Okay then. I want ya to look around your stuff for a silver medallion of an angel. It belonged to a missing woman named Beatrice. I also want ya to find me a glass chalice, a diamond necklace, a gold pocket watch; and an emerald bracelet. Can ya do that Zeus?" Replied Goggle.

Zeus nodded.

"Sure I can."

"Good. I'll be back before supper for those items. C'mon Vanessa, let's see if Pluto has anything."

As Goggle and Vanessa left Zeus' house, Zeus set to work on looking for the items. Polishing his silverware could wait.

(A Few Days Later)

Word of Goggle's task reached everyone in the village. With Jupiter's clearance, Goggle told every single one of his kin what he was trying to do. He even explained that this would be a step in the direction of improving life out in the hills. Many of his kin thought he had gone mad; and were refusing to help. However, when they saw Papa Jupiter and Big Mama give Goggle a few items; they softened up to the idea. By the week's end, many of the hill people no longer thought Goggle crazy for his compassion and sympathy for outsiders. Instead, many had begun to abstain from eating human flesh. It was tough; but their bodies adjusted well to the change. It was a slow but steady progress.

Papa Jupiter surveyed the villagers from the top of his house. His tiny kingdom was having a silent revolution against his iron fisted tyranny. Their liberator, was Goggle. Jupiter grunted, as he jumped from the roof and landed on his feet. He hated to admit it, but he had been starting to feel his age. He sat down on his porch, and watched his kin and clanmates go back and forth, fulfilling their daily duties. Cyst passed by with a small box of stuff.


"Howdy Jupiter. How is everything?" He said.

"Good I guess. How has Goggle been handling the task?" Papa Jupiter responded.

"He's a natural born leader. Although I ain't surprised by that. You are his Papa after all. Yessir, I think Goggle is gonna be a fine leader. If he ain't already."

"What's that supposed to mean Cyst?"

There was a pause. Cyst looked down at his feet. Jupiter quirked his eyebrow.

"Cyst, has the family been talking about having Goggle take over? D'ya think it's time for me to retire?" Jupiter asked.

"Well, to be perfectly honest Joop; ya ain't gettin' any younger." Cyst replied.


Jupiter nodded. Perhaps, Cyst was right. Perhaps Goggle was ready to take over. For the past few days, more villagers were asking for Goggle's help. Papa Jupiter looked at his reflection in his flask. He saw his beard was greying, as was his hair. His body ached more, and his pick ax was starting to feel heavier. Jupiter always knew that he wouldn't live forever, but at the same time; he wasn't ready to give up his place as leader. He then sighed, as he realized he had to make his last decision as leader.

"Are ya going to see my boy?" He hen asked.

Cyst nodded.

"Yep. Amy 'n' I found some more stuff for him to give Father McAdam." he replied.

"Good. Tell Goggle I wish to see him as soon as possible." Jupiter then said.

Cyst nodded and left.

Later that day, Goggle went to his father's house. Papa Jupiter smiled as he saw his son enter his house.

"Cyst said ya needed to see me Papa." Said Google.

Papa Jupiter nodded.


"Yep. Goggle, I think it is time I stepped down as leader. Many of of our kin now come to you for help. Besides, you are gonna take over anyway, as soon as I die. I might as well make sure ya get settled into your new position before then." He said.

Goggle nodded. He placed a gentle hand on his Father's shoulder.

"Thank ya Papa." Goggle said.

"Don't thank me son. Ya earned it." Replied Jupiter.

Goggle nodded. Suddenly, the call for alarm went up.

"Papa! The alarm!" Goggle said.

"It's okay son. Get to your family and stay hidden." Jupiter replied.


Goggle nodded and ran back to his house. Jupiter got on his walkout talkie.

"Cyst, d'ya copy?" He asked.

"Yes. I copy Jupiter." Came Cyst's voice.

"What did ya see out there?"

"It's Ryan 'n' his soldiers. They're comin' Papa Joop. They are headin' for us!"

Jupiter felt his blood freeze. He then went to help evacuate the village.

The Hill People were panicking and scrambling. Papa Jupiter and Goggle were trying to keep everyone calm.

"Everyone, please settle down! Remain calm and head to the shelters deep in the mines! Let the women and children go first!" Jupiter instructed.

The village residents nodded and slowly, calmly abandoned their homes for the mines. They only carried what they needed. Big Mama was bringing Mercury and Venus to safety. Jupiter hugged his wife lovingly.


"Please be careful my love." Big Mama said.

She then looked at Goggle; and remembered her bad omen dream.

"Oh my son. Please come home to me." She continued.

Goggle hugged his mother. He promised he'd be safe. Jupiter then kissed his wife lovingly.

"I love ya Aileen. Everything will be okay. I promise." Jupiter said.

Big Mama nodded. She then left with the other women and children. Vanessa then passed by. Apollo was bundled in her arms. She didn't want Goggle to fight the soldiers. They had better weapons.

"Goggle, please don't go." She said.

"I have to. I need to keep you and our baby safe." Replied Goggle.

"But what if the soldiers…"


Vanessa trailed off, she didn't even want to think that Goggle could die in battle. Goggle tilted her gaze up towards him. He leaned forward, and kissed her. His heart burned with love for her and their baby.

"If anythin' happens to me; just know that I love you 'n' Apollo very very much." He said.

Vanessa nodded, and was lead away by Ruby and Amy. Goggle took a deep breath. Jupiter looked at his son. He noticed how tightly Goggle was holding his pick axe.

"Are ye scared boy?" He asked.

Goggle nodded.

"No shame in bein' scared. Just don't let General Slaughter know that." Jupiter then said.

Goggle nodded. The clan fighters all prepared themselves to fight the soldiers. When the soldiers arrived; all hell broke loose within the village once again.


(The Battle Of Yuma Flats)

General Ryan came with his guns and fancy military gear. However, him and his soldiers had their work cut out for them. Lead by Papa Jupiter and Goggle, the fighters of the village were able to protect their town. They managed to take the fight into the hills. There, they had a huge advantage. General Ryan was fighting with Papa Jupiter; and Crank was facing off with Goggle. Goggle was trying to get to General Ryan.

"I really don't wanna hurt you. Just stand aside." Said Goggle.

"And let you kill my commanding officer? Hell no!" Crank replied.

Goggle growled. This young soldier had no idea who he was dealing with. Goggle slashed at his legs with his axe. Even now, the new leader of the Sawney Bean Clan did not wish to kill. He was perfectly satisfied with crippling the soldier. At last, Goggle managed to knock the soldier he was fighting down. Goggle punched Crank, until he was unconscious. Goggle then saw General Ryan disarm his father. Goggle scrambled to his feet and ran towards the General. He would be the only one victim Goggle would enjoy killing.


Just before General Ryan could blow Papa Jupiter away; Goggle got in between him and his father. The two fought fiercely with each other. Papa Jupiter had never seen his son look so angry, and murderous.

"Goggle! Goggle, my son! Get back! This is my battle!" Jupiter said.

Goggle turned, and looked back at his father. For the first time in years, Goggle saw concern in his father's eyes.

"Papa, I want you to head back! Take the family with you!" Goggle said.

"But Goggle…"

"That is an order!"

Papa Jupiter nodded. He could only watch, as Goggle turned the cruel General's attention towards him. However, Goggle had the upper hand, as he knew the hills of Sector 16 very well. Goggle lead the General further up the hills. Goggle then knocked General Ryan down; and was ready to chop him up with his axe when…BANG! General Ryan had gotten a good shot at Goggle. Goggle yelped from the pain of the bullet piercing his flesh. He then looked to see it was in his shoulder. It was a painful wound; but not deadly. Goggle could feel blood trickle down his arm. He sighed, that arm was now practically useless. However, he paid no mind to it, as he kept his focus on the general.


General Ryan was ready to take another shot. He pointed his gun directly at Goggle's heart.

"This time, I won't miss." He said aloud.

Goggle ran towards him. Just before the trigger could be pulled; Goggle disarmed him with ease. General Ryan then began to run away. He pulled his soldiers from the conflict. The hill people cheered and celebrated, as they watched the soldiers leave.

"This isn't over Sawney Bean! I'll get you yet! Just you wait!" General Ryan shouted.

Goggle was the only one not celebrating victory. He knew General Ryan would return. Clutching his shoulder, Goggle made his way back to his father and kin. He received a hero's welcome, as he came down from the hill top.

"Look what Goggle did! He sure taught that General a lesson!" Said one mutant.

"Ol' General Slaughter better watch himself."

"Goggle sure gave him a what for!"

"Let's hear it for Goggle! Our new clan leader!"


Goggle grinned, as his fellow hill people started chanting his name. His grin faded when he saw his father was still looking hurt off to the side. Ignoring the admiration of his fellows, Goggle went to see if his father was all right.

"Papa, are ya hurt?" He asked.

"A little, but I'll live. Not the first time my leg's been hit with a bullet. Hahahaha. Well, I'll be damned boy. Seems to me like you also have taken a hard hit to your shoulder." Replied Papa Jupiter.

"I'll be fine. It's only a flesh wound."

Jupiter nodded, and with Goggle's help; he rose to his feet. Cyst helped Jupiter back to the village, while Pluto helped Goggle.


(Test Village/Yuma Flats)

At his house, Goggle's wound was looked at by Jeb. Vanessa was holding Apollo in her arms. Goggle winced, as Jeb examined his shoulder.

"You shall be all right Goggle. But that bullet shall have to come out. It will not be pleasant. Luckily, I have something that will put ya out while I work." Jeb said.

Goggle nodded. Jeb then pulled out a small bottle filled with a clear liquid. He opened it, and passed it to Goggle.

"Drink this. It's my Grandpappy's moonshine. It'll help ya sleep." Jeb then explained.

Goggle nodded and drank it. He soon began to feel sleepy. Jeb helped him over to his bed. Vanessa had already put down towels. Jeb noticed how worried she looked for Goggle.

"Once Goggle is asleep; I shall remove the bullet. He is going to hurt when he wakes up, but he will live to fight another day." He continued.

"Good. It very well may be the case. I don't think General Ryan is through with us yet." Vanessa replied.

"Us? Y'all consider yourself one of them?" Asked Jeb.

"Well, Goggle is my husband; and I had his baby. So yes. I do consider myself one of them." Vanessa replied.

Jeb nodded. He then noticed Goggle was sound asleep.

"Well, I better get to work." Jeb then said.

Vanessa nodded. She busied herself with other work, as Jeb worked on Goggle's shoulder.


(Later)

Goggle woke up in pain; but otherwise in good health. He looked at Vanessa lovingly; and smiled. His wife was resting against his chest. She had been keeping watch over him for hours; and tending to the baby. Goggle tenderly kissed his wife. Vanessa opened her eyes and smiled.

"Vanessa, ya got anything to ease the pain?" He asked.

"Yeah. Jeb left some stuff in a bottle. Motrin, I think." She replied.

"Do you need some?"

"Yes please."

Vanessa nodded and got the medicine. When she came back, Goggle slowly sat up. He took the medicine with a glass of water.

"I'll get started on cooking dinner." She then said.

"Ya go do that; but I don't mind if you'd stay with me a bit longer. Perhaps we could start workin' on a brother or sister for Apollo." Goggle said .

Vanessa and Goggle laughed. He then kissed her hand. Vanessa got up to make dinner. Goggle playfully swatted her butt, as she rose to her feet.

"Jerk." She teased.

Goggle laughed.

"Love ya too honey." He said.

Vanessa grinned as she left the room, and went down into the kitchen.


(US Army Base, NM)

General Ryan was furious. Everyone knew to stay out of his way. Missy knocked on his office door.

"Enter." He said.

Slowly, Missy entered the room.

"You called for me sir." She said.

"Yes, have a seat Missy." He replied.

Missy nodded and sat across from the general. He slowly drummed his desk and then spoke.

"How is Crank?"

"He's feeling better. That 'thing' knocked him out cold."

"I see." Was all Ryan said.

"Sir, can I ask you something?"

"Go on."


"What exactly are they? Those deformed people in the hills? They looked like something out of a horror movie."

General Ryan sighed. He hoped his subordinates wouldn't ask these kinds of questions. However, he knew the best way to beat an enemy was to understand them. However, this wasn't some rag tag group of fanatics hiding out in the desert. They were much more than that. They were a hive, a colony, a self governing community of cannibals.

"What you saw Missy; was the surviving descendants of the Sawney Bean Clan. Now, before you say anything. Yes, the history books are in fact wrong. I have been fighting against those Goddamn Sawney Beans since the start of the nuclear age. I was a Lieutenant back then. They tried to kill me. I tried to kill them. We've been craving each other's demise since." General Ryan explained.

Missy nodded in understanding.

"Is that why we are looking for those three missing youths from New York?" She then asked.

"Yes." Ryan responded.

"Those youths were among the recent disappearances. These are not your run of the mill criminals Missy. They are bloodthirsty, homicidal maniacs. They all deserve the death penalty for their crimes."

Missy nodded. She then recalled something she heard a family member say, as she retreated with her unit.

"General Ryan, there is something you should know. While retreating, I heard one of those hill people say something about a new leader called Goggle. Such an odd name." Said Missy.


General Ryan recalled the young male mutant that he fought with. The older male mutant had called him that name.

"That young male Sawney Bean I fought with that day. That was him. Goggle. He's their leader you said?" Ryan replied.

"Yes sir. Their new leader, to be exact."

General Ryan nodded. He thanked Missy for her time; and dismissed her. General Ryan then reached into his desk and pulled out paper and a pencil. A plan was forming in his head.

(Test Village/Yuma Flats)

Apollo cried, as he awoke from his nap. Goggle got up and hurried over to the cradle.

"Hey, hey, it's okay son. What's got you all fussy? Ya hungry? Perhaps, it's time for a change?" Goggle said.

He then checked Apollo's diaper.

"Oh yeah. You my boy, need to be changed."

Goggle then set up the changing area. He then brought Apollo over; and got to work. When he was done; Apollo was back to being a happy little baby. Goggle smiled. He was so happy his baby wasn't as deformed as he was. Yes, the nose was a little underdeveloped; but at least he had an actual nose of some sort. Goggle held his son close to him.


"You are the best thing to happen to me Apollo. You're my little boy." Goggle said.

Vanessa then came into the room. She smiled, as she saw Goggle holding his son.

"He needed a change." Goggle said.

Vanessa nodded. She then sat next to Goggle.

"I have to feed him. It's time for our boy's supper." She said.

Goggle nodded and handed Apollo over. Vanessa unbuttoned her blouse, and Apollo instinctively began to suckle on her breast. Goggle rubbed his wife's shoulders. When Apollo was full of his mother's milk; Vanessa burped him and wiped his mouth. She then went into the bathroom and brought out the medical supplies. Goggle groaned. He didn't like changing his bandages. However, Vanessa said it was necessary. Goggle relented, as Vanessa removed his shirt.

Slowly, and gently, Vanessa changed the bandages. Goggle's wound was healing nicely, and in another week, the stitching could be removed. She gasped slightly, when Goggle pulled her into his lap. He then kissed her passionately. Vanessa then wrapped her arms around him. He soon had her lying beneath him on the bed.


"Goggle. Goggle. Your shoulder." She said softly.

"I don't care. I want you. I want to you now." He replied.

Vanessa deepened the kiss, and felt Goggle remove her panties. He was soon deep inside her. Vanessa had missed making love to him. She softly cried out in pleasure, as she felt her orgasm build and release. Goggle growled softly when he came.

"God that felt amazing." Goggle said.

"Just take it easy on your shoulder my love." Vanessa replied.

Goggle nodded. He then stood up.

"I'm getting a beer. Ya need anything darlin'?" He asked

"Get me some water please." She answered.

Goggle nodded; and came back with her water. Life for the couple was still very good, for now.


Enjoy Chapter 16. Reviews are love!