Editing Game Log - Raphael (section)

==CHAPTER TWO: FORT GARLAND==
*Michael James Watson

After six hours on the road, Raph is getting tired.    He comes up to a Intersection and sees it is busier then anything he has seen on the road yet.    There is a clear guard post ahead, looking well defended.  Created of Cars stacked for hundreds of yards left and right.  It would be hours back to find any reasonable way around it.  

He sees an American flag on one side of the gate.  Then other flags.  State flags, team flags.  Must have hit a tourists shop.  The one across the gate from the us flag is a familiar one but hanging limp he can't see it all.  It might be... but he can't see it all.
Slugger says..."I got wee.  Are we stopping?"

There is a sign on the gate but he'll have to get closer.  Its in large letters and in three different types of script 
He sees 6 guards in what looks like improvised armor, each with AR-15s.  One is casually smoking a cigar as he waves.

As he sees the sign clearer he sees its written in English, Spanish, Russian... and Elvish. 

'''Welcome to Fort Garland.  Everyone welcome except Orcs.  Peacebond all weapons.  Food to the left.  Gas to the right.  Pay for everything.  Gold, Silver, Ammo, Luxury Items Accepted.  There is a Doctor with free food 10 miles South and to the West 2 miles. Be calm of we'll kill you.'''

The words in the Black Speech is only one sentence.

'''Orcs-go away Nart Nart! we'll Taag Okak'''

Despite terror of the least few months and the 6 hour ride, Raph is feeling better. Not coughing much. His hands feel steady and less arthritic. His breathing is better.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Yes, Slugger, we're stopping. I gotta wee too. And I'm sure the animals do too."

As I approach the gate closer and see the sign and the different languages I start laughing out loud. I kill the engine as I reach the guards.
"Elvish? Black Speech? No Orcs?" I say with mirth. "Gotta love the Gamer Nerd Culture! Great way to keep the morale up with some levity. No worries guys, no Orcs with me" I say to the guards. "We hates Orcsz, preshush!" I say like Smeagol.

I look at the sign again and then over to the guard.

"Peace Bond, huh? Well I got a fair number of weapons. Is it your job to peace Bond them, or do I do it myself?"

*Michael James Watson

A man jumps down and walks up. Sniffing. He looks like a Seattle hippster in what once were designer overalls, with a well trimmed red beard and a scully hat.

"Well sureing you don't look like an orc. But coming up from the south you must have had some run ins. I'm Marko Doyle, 3rd Mayor of Fort Garland. Let me look over your gear, eyeball the guns. I'll take your tempurate and do a quick swab test. If you are clean I'll give you a pass token. I don't think someone on a bike like that is part of the Bruised Hand. and coming from the south you are probably not with the Sylvan Horde. We are still part of Colorado but everyone is dealing with things differently. There is a federal presence up in Colorado Springs you know. Air Force, Space Command, CDC, Feebies and Atfas. Denver is the national capital of course, but i suspect you know that. As long as you give the feds a wide swing you should be ok. The Feds get a bit grabby. I suggest gassing up first.; You might stay a few days and then discover the pumps are dry till supplies come in from CARTO. After that food is to left. You can get most anything if you got trade goods. Camp space is north of the road. We don't have spare indoor lodgings. sorry.."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

As the man begins talking I realize his talk of Orcs seems serious. No hint of humor at all... Odd. And the mention of the Bruised Hand and Sylvan Horde... Even more odd. This confuses me slightly, but I let it slide for the moment as I listen to the rest of his information. Some of it doesn't sound quite right, but a lot has happened in the last few weeks... it is possible that some part of the government survived and relocated to Denver... but again, something doesn't seem quite right.

"Pleased to meet you, Mayor Doyle. My name is Raphael and this little one behind me is Slugger. I also have three dogs and a cat back in the trailer. Hope pets are okay. Fortunes have favored us as we had no run-ins with anyone on our trip getting here. Guess we're the lucky ones. I appreciate your information and will definitely take advantage of some of the services here; I do have some goods to trade. Definitely should gas up before we move on. Headed to the Emergency Center near Colorado Springs; Slugger here has been completely symptom free during all this craziness... I think she might be immune, which is why we're headed there. I had a slight cough when I woke up this morning, but have been feeling considerably better as the day has progressed. Guess it was just allergies."

I chuckle softly, to ease any tension. But I do find it a bit odd that I am feeling much better now than I was this morning, especially considering the normal progress of the virus once symptoms begin and the 6 hour road trip. I should be feeling wiped out but I don't... again, odd.

"And I'm not too worried about housing, I am used to spending time outdoors and have plenty of gear for such. Just need a place to pitch my tent and park the trike for the night."

*Michael James Watson

"Pleasure is all mine, Raphael. Hey there Slugger. Pets are fine. You say you came up without trouble? Passing through Albuquerque? Did you go through the reservation land? The Navaho, Ute, Hopi and Zuni seemed to have handled the change well but they have some serious internal problems with the smaller groups. If you came up the 25 I don't need to tell you that. The change hit them hard and they are managing it. Becoming real big time earth Indians. They struck a deal with the officials at Durango. The word is leave them alone and they will buffer us from the Bruised Hand. The Mescalero over at Hollman, ya know, White Sands took the change bad. Half-breed like Orcs but Indian. Feathers, not dots. Look its none of my business how you got here but If you talk to Mayor Carl, give him the skinny you saw south, he'll give ya a token too. 2 tokens is 2 months inside Fort Garland. As for going to the CDC at the Springs, its your business but they don't know anything more about the change then any of the rest of us do. Six months and the best they can say is people changed. Like duh."

He looks over things casually, clearly whatever makes him nervous isn't on the bike. He takes temperatures and hands Raphael a cheek swabs,
"Just a swirl inside the cheek. We don't need a blood draw. Though, if you want to hold up in Garland for a few months Mayor Christine will give you a token for full scans, blood, piss, and interviews on how the change effected you."

He collects the swabs and dips each in a tube.

Nodding, "Good. Ok, you're clear. Gate will open in a sec."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

The logical part of my brain begins to reel; Orcs. Sylvan Horde. Six months. People just changed! What in the actual fuck is going on!? I think to myself. And from what I could see, there sure seemed to be a lot of people in this community for a devastating worldwide pandemic. A pandemic that nearly wiped out everyone in Tucson, near as I could tell. And worldwide too, for that matter, according to the news reports I heard before all systems and services went down. And how did I get to Fort Garland Colorado in just 6 hours? That trip should have taken at least 10 to 12 hours.

Then the more imaginative part of my brain kicks in. My Gamer Mind takes over and I begin thinking about the role playing games I used to play, especially the Amber game. Different worlds. Different possibilities. All sitting right next to each other with only a thin Veil separating them. Is it possible that I have crossed over into a different world? Is it possible that everything I read in those books and played in that game could be real? Did I just move from one Shadow Earth to another? Did I somehow stumble across a Shadow Path that brought me here?

I knew I had to be cautious. I needed information, but I knew I had to be very careful about how I asked questions. And more importantly, how I answered questions; I knew I had to guard my words and be careful what I told anyone about where I came from and what I saw.

"Well, thank you again for the information, Mayor Doyle. And the hospitality." I hold up the Pass Token he gave me. "But I'm not sure how useful my information will be, considering I didn't run into any problems or really see anyone on my trip here. Maybe it was my choice of little-used highways. Or maybe just the timing of my trip. Either way, I consider myself lucky that I had such a peaceful and uneventful ride."

Once the gate opens up I start up the trike and head in moving towards the gas pumps. Once we are out of earshot of the gate guards I lean back to talk to Slugger.

"Slugger, don't talk to anyone. Just pretend you're shy and look away from anyone that talks to you or asks you questions. Something weird is going on and we need to be careful until I can figure out what it is."

*Michael James Watson

"Well, Uncle Buck told me to shoot anyone you tell me to. Not that I want to but it was like the time when the bad men came into the house. Sometimes you gotta. I got to wee bad though.. And im powerfully hungry."

Turning into town its clear this place is well armed. To one side is a resteraunt area with a BBQ going outside. The other is an Arco station.
Turning in to Arco, up to the pump, a dwarf walks out of the door, shotgun over his shoulder. His beard is dyed colorfully. He walks up to Raph.

"Just getting in? Ok, We got gas. Whatcha got to trade?"

Slugger says, "I got to wee"

THe dwarf laughs, "Do you? Well thats a start. In the door on the side, little lady. There is a yellow can. Pee in that. If you got to pinch a loaf use the brown toilet seat."

Looking up, " Nitrate, Fertilizer, you know. So two peeing i guess. That's a start. What else?"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

At the site of the Dwarf... not a Little People Dwarf, but a Dwarf like from an RPG, I am mildly shocked, but at the same time, not really. I am a Gamer after all. If there are Orcs and Elves here, why not Dwarfs as well. I force myself not to stare, but his beard of many colors makes it difficult. I try to take it all in stride, mainly because I have to.

“Ok, Slugger, wee first, food shortly. When your done, come straight back and let the poodle-boys and the kitty cat out so they can wee as well; but make sure to leash all three dogs first. You take them over to that dirt spot right there.”

I point to a spot nearby that I can easily keep an eye on, then I look to the Dwarf. “If that's ok with you? Or is there somewhere special for pets to do their business?”

I get off the trike and pickup Slugger then place her on the ground, then pull a partial roll of TP from an outside pocket on my backpack and give to her. Then I give her a playful little shove in the direction of the indicated door, then turn back the pack and pull out three 6ft leashes and put them on the seat of the trike, then I turn to the colorful Dwarf.

“I'd like to fill the gas tank and the two gas cans on the trailer, if possible. What is your preferred type of payment? I have a variety of goods. What is considered most valuable here? Or most in need?”

*Michael James Watson

"Well, you seem well heeled and none to effected by the Change. You'll be giving water for the cause but lets say 100 rounds, any ammo will fill the bike and a couple cans. Ammo is scarce. Six months and three days ago I was leading 12 tank trucks up from Galveston with Texas's finest go-go juice. We stopped here and one of the boys got in a fight and it took a couple days to get Mayor Clyde to see reason. Just a bar scuffle. That night the Change hit. Went to sleep as 6'6", 400 pounds of muscle and beard and I woke up like this. The good people of Fort Garland saw the reason in protecting ourselves. But we run low on ammo as the Southern biker gangs went orc and on a killing spree. So Ammo is like gold. Not that I wouldn't take gold. For some reason I like it well."

He waits to see what ammo Raphael offers

*Michael James Watson

Looking over the ammo he says, "Looks nice and clean. You know, there ain't shit worth seeing up north. Denver is like madness on crack. The Change hit big cities hard but seeing how you roll i can't imagine i need to tell you that. And the feds at Colorado springs aren't much better. Still think there is a USA and the rest of us should just do what they say. Who they kidding?"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I would have initially offered up any spare ammo I collected from the biker camp back in Tucson, whatever went with the throw-away handguns I grabbed, and a lot of .45 ACP. I do not offer the 30-06 or assault rifle ammo.

"To be perfectly honest, friend... I'm not really sure where I'm headed now. The whole reason I was headed to The Springs really is kind of moot, knowing what I know now. Got a bit to ponder on it seems. If you're willing to take mixed ammo, I'll trade 100 rounds for the gas tank and cans. If all one type, 75 of the .45 ACP. What do you say? Have we a bargain?"

*Michael James Watson

"Mixed is fine. They all fit in something. I'd be willing to deal for the .45 ammo though. Thats for me, not the Arco Boys. I pack 12 g salt loads. I'd trade ya 200 salt loads. Good for when you just want to piss someone off, not kill them. Hey...If you got no place to go Fort Garland is up and coming. We got good relations with the Indians. Most went Old School Indian but the Navahos went elven, mostly. We got us a genuine Nez Perce shaman over at the tavern. Got good rep with Denver and Durango. The Feds work with us. Talk to Mayor Clyde. He runs a lot of the wall defense.. Could always use a good gun. There are kids here too. Slugger would fit in well.. "

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

This new information about a Change that took place overnight and people becoming Elves and Dwarfs and Orcs and such is just like an RPG I played... once or twice... Shadowrun if I recall correctly... it was a long time ago. I was trying not to freak out or geek out on this guy while I finished sorting out the ammo.

As I sort out the ammo, I realize I only have 100 rounds in my reserve of backup ammo I scrounged, mostly of the varying handgun calibers for the throw-away guns I scrounged and the rest in .45 that I managed to find.... that would leave only the ammo I brought from home for my .45, my 30-06 and the ammo I scrounged for the scrounged AK47 assault rifle. And since ammo was scarce, and I only have ammo for the weapons I am carrying, I suddenly decide to switch things up, so I put all the ammo away.

Then I reach for the leather 'fanny pack' at my waist, open the zipper just enough to fish out a single gold coin, which I do not show off in any way and carefully hand it over to the Dwarf.

“Since there's a shortage of ammo, and my back-up supply is only for what I'm carrying, I think I'd rather pay with those. How many of those do the Boys at Arco need for their fuel? And I'll have to get back to you on the trade for .45 ammo; I don't have a shotgun and when I pull the trigger my intent is to kill, not piss off. I'll be staying the night for sure, possibly tomorrow as well, maybe more. Got some thinking to do... and probably some talking... and certainly a lot of listening."

"So, what's that coin worth here, friend? And you can call me Raphael.”

As I introduced myself, I swear I felt myself 'slip into character'... like I was playing myself in an RPG... it felt weird... but not that weird. ~I love being a Gamer... this shit is sooo cool...~ I think to myself. ~But it's also real, you idiot... you should be scared shitless...~ I also think to myself. But I'm not.

*Michael James Watson

He flips the coin around several times, "Well the elves do love the maple leafs. Arco Boys.. That's what we call ourselves. We all seemed to have become dwarves and the owners of the Arco station are in Dubai so they can come bitch us out for not sending good gold their way. Raphael, call me Rodak. You tell anyone around here for the next couple days that you have a tab with me. Lets say a weeks lodgings, food bars for meals. There are cargo containers out behind Woodies's place. Tell woody to put it on my tab. You can back the bike right up in it. Use your own lock. An I'll fill your tank and two containers twice. So don't go riding too far. If the walls are attacked I hope you'll join the fight."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

So... the gold has some weight; very cool. And Rodak just saved me some time and effort. I think I made a friend... or business partner at the least... and perhaps a key contact here in Fort Garland.

"If the walls are attacked, I will help defend; you have my word. And since you have weight here... and my gold has weight with you..." I hand him another coin, looking at it first to make sure it matches the one I handed him, "let's upgrade the lodgings to include pets and separate but attached rooms and upgrade the food... that BBQ smells good. And how about Woody or one of his boys keeps an eye on things as well... I'd hate to lose any of this. And I'd like to make sure that my poodles and Slugger's tuxedo cat are not mistaken for food or sport."

"And I'm pretty sure I will be staying on a while... at least a week or so. Pleased to meet you Rodak. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again quite soon and perhaps often."

I turn to look towards the door, hoping all is well with Slugger. I grab the leashes and open the trailer door to let the animals out. I leash the poodle boys and head over to the dirt spot I told Slugger to take them, a spot near the door Rodak had told her to go in. I let the cat do what it wants; it's a cat.

*Michael James Watson

"Here now pilgrim... I ain't in charge of Woodies and I ain't in charge of the motel and I ain't your butt boy. This ain't the Waldorf. You wanna run a tab, that's fine with me. Tell people you got a tab and do your own bartering. We don't have enough folks to run your errands. Now, Woodie puts your gear in a container it as safe as my stuff. But you barter past these two pretty coins it not my ass they will be renting out. Frankly it won't be yours neither. Savvy? So be careful what you buy, we don't know you. But..."

He flips the two gold.

"but. I got a good feeling we going to get along. You and your rig don't look haphazard. And the change kept you human"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"My apologies, Rodak. I didn't mean to offend or overstep. And I am really sorry for coming off as a snobbish entitled asshole, because I'm really not."

I chuckle then let out a sigh and continue.

"A lot has changed since... well, the Change, and I'm still trying to catch up and get a read on things. I hope you'll forgive me; I've been isolated for awhile... been spending a lot of time away from people and civilization. Before the Change I had kind of gotten tired of people and their ways so I headed out to the sticks and have been spending a lot of time in the more isolated parts of the Southwest. It's only been within the last couple of days or so that I returned to civilization. That's how I ended up with all this gear and how I met Slugger... and how we ended up here. I found her at the site of a huge massacre, all her family was dead and her uncle was near death; he begged me to get her to safety before he passed."

I let out another sigh, this one a bit deeper with a bit of weariness on it, and I shake my head.

"I thank you for your candor and the information. It is greatly appreciated. I'm sure we'll get along fine, and I'm sure I'll fit in well enough, just got to remember how to be 'civilized' again."

I chuckle again and give him a broad smile while I tend to the animals as they do their business. I look over towards the door, hoping Slugger hurries up because I've been holding it a while too and I gotta pee pretty bad as well.

I ponder my next several moves while waiting my turn and watching the animals: Food for all of us... bbq for me and Slugger and maybe the same for the animals. But I really should secure the trike, trailer and excess gear... so, Woody's first, then bbq. After that, lodgings. I needed to figure out what happened; how Slugger and I ended up in another world... and I needed to talk to Slugger about what has happened, once I figure out a bit more, and talk to her about her future, now that she has one... outside of being a human pincushion in a lab somewhere back in the Colorado I was headed for, as opposed to the Colorado I reached.

*Michael James Watson

When he talks to Woodie he learns several things. Woody, a human, says 6 months ago he was an elderly hippie. Now he feels like a 25 year old. His hair even got darker and filled in bald spots.

He ran a campground and still does. He also ran a storage area for big stuff. Tractors, combines, a lot of the farm stuff. He had leased a huge lot to a company that brought storage containers here to ready for shipping down south. So when the Change hit he had 40 storage containers out in the back lot. Half had all been empty. Now storing vehicles is good business.

As for the campground, Raph can have any one of a dozen camp spots. Back in the day he also had storage RVs. 60 of them. People from Colorado, New Mex, Kansas, as far as California, stored their RVs here and picked them up on their way up into the mountains. Now he rents them out by the week. Of course if anyone shows up claiming one they can have it. He's no thief after all.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I rent an empty storage container nearest the campground possible, and I rent a campsite nearest the storage yard possible; with any luck (hehe), they might be right next to each other. I also rent a large RV for Slugger to stay in while we are here and park it in my rented campsite space. I stay in my tent outside the door of the RV. And though I mentioned Rodak and his tab, I withdraw a single gold coin, the same type as the ones I paid Rodak with and tell Woody:

"Don't bother charging Rodak's Tab; I'll pay with this" I hand him the gold coin "and have some credit with you for later, if and when I need it. If that's okay with you."

I smile in a friendly manner, my speaking manner and tones are friendly and upbeat, my body language is non-threatening. I am normally a friendly and outgoing person, at least I was before the Pandemic.

After backing the trike and trailer into the storage container, I collect some belongings and put them on, strap them on or put them on a belt or in a pocket.

As I exit the storage container I am bearing my Moro Sword on my left hip, my Khukuri knife on my right hip, the .45 still strapped low to my right thigh, a set of three flat steel throwing daggers in a nylon sheath next to the Khukuri and a matching set and sheath on the other side next to the sword. There are also four matching square nylon pouches on the front of my belt, two to either side of the buckle, each containing 3 tri-pointed throwing stars.

I place my Kryptonite lock on the storage container, make sure I have the keys, then close and lock it up, placing the keys back inside my pants pocket.

I still wear the Army Field Jacket and the AK47 is slung over my right shoulder and Slugger is at my side and the poodles on leashes between us, Slugger holding the leashes, as we head to the BBQ place. Slugger is still armed with her Daddy's backup gun and her shotgun.

*Michael James Watson

Woodie looks at the gold, "Far Out... ah... Ya...this'll keep you in a RV for a couple months. If you decide to stay in FG I can help ya find one of the abandoned houses. The Change may have made Orcs of some people but it also wided a third out who didn't wake up. We've made sure no one is living in them but they are still furnished.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Well, Woody, if I have need of long term housing, I will let you know. For now the storage container and RV should do it."

Slugger and I walk over to the BBQ place to get some food and perhaps meet some of the townsfolk.

On the way to get food I decide to talk to Slugger about what is going on, near as I can tell it, anyway. She seems pretty smart. I was at her age, and they say girls mature / advance faster / sooner than boys, so... here goes.

"Hey Slugger, slow up a bit. I know you're hungry, and so am I... but we need to talk about some things. Some important things. Things like; what has happened. Where we are now. What I promised your Uncle Buck. What is best for you and your future."

I pull out a square green foil packet, unopened; with a chocolate covered brownie within; the MRE equivalent of a candy bar. I've seen guys fight over these during my time in the Army National Guard while on days long field operations. I am about to open it and offer it to Slugger, but then stop myself and hold it out, unopened.

"First; an important lesson, to keep yourself safe: Never accept an opened food package or food container or an opened drink from someone you don't know very well; it could be drugged or poisoned."

I show her the foil pouch is unopened then hand it to her.

"This will tide you over for just a little bit. Let the poodle-boys sniff about while you walk slowly, eat and listen. Do not give any of that to the dog-boys; chocolate is not good for dogs and can make them sick."

"When we left Tucson your Uncle told me to take you to the Disease Emergency Center near Colorado Springs, because you are immune to the Virus and they would have taken care of you so they could figure out why you're immune, and them make everyone left alive immune too."

"But in our travels from the place we met, we have somehow arrived at a different Colorado; a Colorado that is not in the same world as the Tucson we left. It's kind of like that animated movie; Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse, where there are other Earth's, other 'dimensions' is what they called them in the movie. Well, Slugger, it looks like we ended up in one. Another Earth where instead of a deadly virus killing everyone, there was a Change that happened overnight and people suddenly became Orcs and Elves and Dwarfs... like from those Lord of the Rings movies."

I pause, giving her a moment to let things sink in.

"I have more to say, but I need to know; do you understand any of what I told you, Slugger?"

*Michael James Watson

"Ya... we're fucked."

"What's your cat's name?"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

After laughing at Slugger's succinct assessment, I say:

"I thought it was your cat? It was on the little stack of tires outside the tarp shelter your Uncle Buck was lying in, back it Tucson. That was the first time I saw it. I assumed it was following you or that you brought it along."

I turn my head and look down at the cat, raising my right eyebrow into an arch, just like Spock. "Curious."

"And we are not... totally fucked..." I say, turning back to Slugger, "But yeah, we are a bit fucked. But we are somewhat better off than most due to the all the gear and gold we have... and the fact that I am a Gamer and you are a smart child, still able to accept the fantastic as real without missing a beat; which means: we both just accept new things, strange or not, and just deal with it."

"So, anyway, all of this means that what ever your Uncle Buck told you and what ever he told me, and any plans that you or I had upon leaving Tucson, is all moot... doesn't matter anymore. Everything has changed, and we have to adapt or die."

"Now... I want to do right by the promise I made your Uncle... and being a mostly decent Human I want what is best for you... BUT... I am not looking to adopt and care for a child. No offense, Slugger; you may be a great kid, but I am not a good role model nor a good parent; I know I am a bit too selfish to raise children... this I already learned in my previous life, in that other world."

A remembrance of the past, a brief silence, a sad look, then I continue.

"I don't know how long I will be staying here in Fort Garland. I don't know where I will go next or what that next place will be like. While I am here in Fort Garland, I will look after you, but if I find a suitable home for you here, then you will stay if and when I depart.... and I hope you find it suitable too. If I find nobody suitable here, then you will come with me until I find you a suitable home and family. Until then, be careful talking about things before we got here... don't talk about people getting sick and dying everywhere. Tell people you don't remember much, or you don't want to talk about it, if you like."

*Michael James Watson

"Ah, ya, I'm going to stick with you. Uncle Buck insisted. He told me to never let you leave me behind. I got my own gold and I can shoot things. Ya know.. .if this is like the spideyverse, and where things are kinda the same, wouldn't the place Uncle Buck wanted you to take me be kinda the same too?"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Yes, it will be kinda the same... and kinda different, too."

I smile with real admiration for this smart kid.

"But the reason your Uncle Buck wanted me to take you there, in that world, not this world, was because you would have been cared for there because you are immune to the virus of that world."

"None of that matters here, in this world."

A short pause for effect.

"Taking you to the same place here, in this world, will not be the same, because you are not from this world and your immunity does not apply to what has happened here. It is very likely you will not be treated the same way, here in this world. It is possible they will not see us or listen to us and will turn us away."

"And neither of us can truly afford to tell the people of THIS world that WE came from a different world. A world with a sickness that killed everyone. They might think us crazy and lock us up... or kill us. Or they might believe us and kill us for bringing the sickness here... or lock us up to prevent it from spreading... or worse; they might experiment upon us."

I pause for a moment, to let Slugger process all of this. I recall the cigs, so I pull out the pack of smokes and Bic lighter, pull a cig from the pack, light it and put the lighter and pack away. I puff a couple of times, then continue.

"But if you insist on going to the CDC in Colorado Springs, like your Uncle Buck wanted, then I will take you there. If that is the only place you will part company with me, then that is where I will take you. But know that I am also considering other things, perhaps some better options for you, for your future, here in a different world. I know I'm selfish, but I'm not an asshole or a bad person."

I continue to puff on the cig, wondering how much Slugger understands... wondering how much of an asshole I really am... wondering what might happen if / when we go to The Springs.

"You think on it, Slugger. We will talk about it more, later tonight and tomorrow. We should eat, and learn about how things work here and learn more from the townsfolk... by just listening to them talk. Most people like to talk, and most like to talk about themselves... all you have to do is ask a question, or make a comment, then listen. So, BBQ?" I ask ,then take a final puff, drop the cig and snub the butt with my boot.

*Michael James Watson

She nods, "BBQ sounds good. Curios will look after the dogs. Keep them from BBQing them!"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Oh... So, you've named and claimed the cat now, have you?" I say playfully and with a smile.

"And you're just going to order the cat around and make it do things for you, are you?"

"What? Are you some sorta Jedi? Wavin' your hands around..." I say in a gruff voice, like Watto (the little winged blue dude) from one of the Star Wars prequel movies. Then I smile again and laugh playfully as we head for BBQ.

*Michael James Watson

"You called it that. Good name though. The dogs like him. And you don't order a cat around! Everyone knows that. You ask nicely. Dogs you can order but they might not like it. You go ordering a cat around it'll poop in your shoes."

The bbq turns out to be a nice safe beef. They have taken cows in trade.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

A huge smile splits my face as I begin laughing at Sluggers assessment of cats versus dogs; it's spot-on... and she's a really smart kid.

"Actually, I didn't name the cat Curious, I was just making a commentary on how it is curious that the cat has glommed on to us. But you are right, it is a good name for a cat. And you are even more right that you don't tell a cat to do anything, you ask nicely. Otherwise you get poo in your shoe... Or other places."

If there is a table and chairs outside the barbecue place, that is where I choose to sit, that way I can have a smoke, and the dogs won't bother anyone inside. I know that most businesses didn't allow pets inside, or at least that's how it was before. While eating, I feed the dogs a bit of the BBQ.

"You are all good boys for not chasing the cat and for playing nice. Good boys. And if the cat gets into any trouble, you're supposed to help him now, poodle-boys. It's your friend now."

I also feed a small amount of BBQ to the cat.

"You are a good cat and thank you for not beating up the dogs. We are going to call you Curious. This little girl's name" I point to Slugger, "is Slugger, and I think she is supposed to be your Human now. I would appreciate it greatly if you would keep an eye on her. And Slugger would appreciate it greatly if you would keep an eye on the dogs and make sure they don't become barbecue."

As I continue eating I ponder my current situation. As incredible as it may seem, impossible even, Slugger and I have ended up on another world. It makes me think about the Amber RPG I played for many years. It makes me think about how the Amberites can travel from Shadow to Shadow at will. It seems that this is what has happened to us, that we have traveled to another Shadow of Earth. But what is really boggling my mind is how this happened. I eat a little more barbecue as I ponder.

Then I began thinking about all that has occurred since I left my apartment back in Tucson. I think about that weird foot shaped medallion that I found at the park... The medallion that disappeared after I picked it up ... no, wait... It didn't disappear, or fade away, I think it absorbed into my hand, now that I think back on it. I stare at my right hand, looking at my palm wear The Medallion had been before it disappeared, or absorbed into me... Or whatever happened. For some reason, The Medallion seems familiar... like a dusty old memory. Something from my Amber RPG that I had been playing with my favorite GM for years online. Perhaps something I read on the wiki pages that he had set up with all of his gaming information. I reach behind my chair to grab my backpack so I can retrieve my laptop where I have all of my Game Master's Wiki information downloaded to the hard drive. But then I realize that I left my backpack with the trike and the RV in the storage container. Guess I'll just have to check on that later.

After I finish eating I pull out my little bag of weed and rolling papers and I twist up a joint, then light it up and enjoy.

"After I finish this, let's walk around a little bit and get familiar with the town and let people get familiar with seeing us. I think we'll go to the tavern as well. Wouldn't mind grabbing a drink and meeting some of the locals. What do you think Slugger?"

*Michael James Watson

While addressing the cat it seemed to pay particular attention. It looks at Slugger when directed and back again. It seems to nod its head in agreement then starts grooming its paw. It looks up as Raph talks to the dog, the rolls over, raises a leg to do some personal grooming.

When he thinks of the medallion that melted into his hand the image of it appears on his palm, vibrant, like an exquisitely intricate tattoo. Parts of it seem to have a light of their own. There is a sense of contentment in the medallion itself, not the wearer. But by observation Raphael feels tight somehow. Stretching his hand he feels strength in his hand. Somehow he feel less winded. Something just beyond the ability to perceive is happening.

After mentioning getting a drink and meeting people she says, “Sounds good. I could use a brewski.”

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I try not to choke on my hit off the joint as I'm overcome by laughter yet again.

"Well, if you know how to handle your alcohol, then who am I to stop you." A mirthful snort. "I told you I'm not a good role model for children, right? So, what say we amble on over to the saloon and get us some brewskiis, eh Slugger."

I stand, then bend down to unhook the leashes from the chair leg, then hand the leashes to Slugger. I pull a single gold coin from the leather 'belt pouch' (I refuse to call it a fanny pack ever again.) and take it to the proprietor of the BBQ Place, give the coin to him/her and say:

"Call me Raphael. Slugger and I enjoyed the food and will be coming back for more; we will be staying for several days or more... as will my three miniature poodles and tuxedo cat... so make sure they don't become bbq by mistake." I chuckle. "Please and thank you. I know I mentioned Rodak's tab, but I'd rather just pay with that coin, for now and later. If that's okay with you."

I ask for directions to the tavern then depart with a smile and a wave, heading the way I was told, with Slugger holding the leashes for the Poodle Boys and Curious nearby, surely.

*Michael James Watson

The cook, a large burly man in his 80s, but vigorous takes the coin, rolls it over his finger and hands it back.

"Raphael, I'm Old Bruce and its a pleasure to meet you. Keep your gold, I'll bill Rodak. He's something of a banker around here. He won't tell anyone how much gold you gave him and if you out spend it he'll send one of the Arco boys to tell you to stop or to get more. In the mean time I don't get a reputation for having anything worth stealing other then my secret dry rub.

He breaks open two rolls and stuffs them with three fingers of beef. Wrapping each, adding a small collection of bones, wrapping the lot and putting it in a brown bag.

"Bones for the dogs. Before the Change this town had less then a 500 people. Now it has over five thousand. Not all of them good people. Don't go flashing that gold around, you'll get a reputation. I saw you come from Woodies. He's safe. Hes gpt a reputation himself to protect. . But if you go any where else, drop Rodak's name. The biggest shitkicking Orc in town doesn't want to have trouble the with Arco Boys. Oh ya.. The Orcs in town are not affiliated with the out of town ones. Mostly Fort Garland and Blanca natives that went Orc. Just so you know. "

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I slip the gold coin back into my belt pouch and close the zipper.

"Old Bruce, it is my great pleasure to meet you; you make one helluva barbeque... been missin' that. I appreciate your candor, the information and the advice. Not lookin' to get rolled or get on anyone's bad side while we're here... so thank you for the heads up on the gold, the Arco Boys and the local Orcs. Slugger and I will be back again, I'm sure. Have a good evenin'."

As we leave, heading to the tavern, I think to myself: ~Dwarfs. Orcs. Elves. This is so cool. Gonna take a little getting used to, but still cool.~

Along the say I find myself singing a Led Zeppelin tune in my head, so I continue it out loud... but not too loud.

I ain't tellin' no lie~
Mine's a tale that can't be told~
My freedom I hold dear~
How years ago in days of old~
When magic filled the air~
T'was in the darkest depths of Mordor~
I met a girl so fair~
But Gollum, and the evil one~
Crept up and slipped away with her~
Her, her, yeah~
Ain't nothing I can do, no~
I guess I keep on rambling~
I'm gonna~
Sing my song~
I gotta ramble on, sing my song~
Gotta work my way around the world baby, baby~
Ramble on, yeah~
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, my baby Doo, doo, doo, doo Doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo