Chapter 20: WALLY’S LAST STOP

Hey Doc! Regular scheduled weekly check, and an important update. How’s everything there?” Olé’s voice is invariably upbeat and cheerful.

“How you doing, Olé!” Doc is almost always pleased to hear his voice. Today, she’s a little pressed for time.”We’re all fine. Busy as hell. What’s up?”

“Me and the wives decided what to do with that shit Wally.” Olé is serious, almost somber.

“I’m listening.” Doc has many years experience and practiced patience with Olé’s rambling conversations.

“Sounds like you’re alone, Olé. No party racket background noise.”

“I want your input, and no eavesdroppers predigesting the intel, before I sort out what parts to share.”

“Glad to advise and help where I can. Discretion with raw data is always wise.”

“Bella, Dan-no, Pike, and I have this great idea of bringing my new brides families here.” Olé sounds already committed.

“Don’t like raining on your parade, Olé, but I see glaring defects in that plan. Defects can be overcome, but only if you recognize their full ramifications, and if the committed course of action is unavoidable and you are willing to tolerate certain limited difficulties as an acceptable inconvenience.”

Doc is skeptical.

“Who’s this Pike? A new member of your privy council?”

“Actually, there’s three. Wally’s clones. Pike, Pete, and Pole.”

“Cute. Walleye Pike and Pike pole? I get those. Where does Pete come from? I can’t see the connection.”

“Pike’s Peak. Changed to Pete.”

“Got it. Have you considered that those families you plan to invite, are extended families? Not just parents and a few siblings. You may be feeding an additional couple hundred folks. How long will your hoarded groceries withstand that scale of assault? Why wouldn’t the tribal elders annex the Ranch, once it’s occupied by their tribal representatives? Equipped with a wealth of arms and munitions, wouldn’t they be tempted to recapture the entire region for the tribe? Don’t forget, they owned all of this territory, several states wide, before the whites arrived. They have not forgotten, and you shouldn’t.”

“Only female family members and older men will be invited, and the total number severely limited. I will keep close watch over and control all the arms. My clones and I are the only warriors the ruling warrior class. I can call up unlimited thousands of copies of me, as reinforcements, if needs be.”

“Groceries? Your stockpile is not unlimited, Olé”

“We’re starting hydroponics gardens, have already. Pole is concentrating on that project. Wally knows lots of stuff more than and beyond brewing. Wally is expert about subjects like chemistry, mechanical and electrical systems. Valuable skills.

All three clones are equally savvy, and know it all.

Each possesses Wally’s memories and skills, but Pole was selected for the hydroponics gardening, simply because I happen to like pole beans.”

“I believe you will create major problems, if you proceed with those plans to invite the families. They will resent being under armed guard all the time. The family members who are not welcome, the young men for example, will be resentful. You might, as an alternative, consider rotating visits, of small family groups, a few members at at time. Short visits of three to four days only. Allow your wives to return home for visits as well. I see less problems with this suggestion. Now, on the other hand, your hydroponics project, I heartedly endorse.”

“Thanks, Doc. Sounds like a lot of transportation and logistics problems doing it your way, but, I’ll think it over real careful.”

“What’s the verdict on Wally himself?”

“The families of the hostages have the greatest complaint. When they’re here, I plan to turn Wally over to them.”

“You’re confusing several issues and ignoring others, Olé.”

“I don’t really think...”

“Exactly the problem, my dearest friend.”

“Oh!”

“Cruelty, damages those who inflict it, nearly as much as the inflicted receives. Less visible wounds, but real enough. Scars and sears their conscience. Inures them to the suffering of others. Lessens their humanity. Becomes easier to be crueler, next time. Destroys civilization, as it devolves into savagery. On a personal note. How will your role in allowing a gruesome death, causing Wally to die cruelly, and in agony, affect you?”

“What will be your attitude towards these people afterwards? Towards your wives? Your children they bear you? What will people feel about you later? Someone cruel and powerful, to be feared, rather than loved and admired? Be careful what you sow, Olé. The harvest is always the fruit of the seed.”

“I didn’t consider all that.”

“Are you still there, Doc? You’ve been quiet a long time, now.”

“I was giving you an opportunity to consider all that.”

“Then what can I do? I’ve already promised them, I’d turn him over to them.”

“Discourage them. Make it difficult for them to choose a cruel end for Wally.”

“How do I do that?”

“Talk to you next week, Olé. Sleep on it. Sleep well.”