Chapter 8

The Drive

Beau’s Ranch

11 January

~6 am

It’s real, I can feel it, the world has changed. In this cold dreary morning with the slow and lazy rain providing random teardrops, there are a few questions on my mind. Not the questions that one would normally ask on a cold rainy morning. Those questions, what is the temperature? What is the exact time of day? What will the weather be like later today? Are not the questions running through my head.

Granted, the loss of technology has removed the answers to so many of life’s everyday questions. Sitting on a log, hunched over by the fire, staring into a cup of coffee, those are not the thoughts that are rattling through my head like a cup full of dice before a mass AOE spell. No, instead there is only one main thought that keeps erupting through all other conscious thought.

How many Sapient beings did I kill last night? I was a medic in the Army, I saved lives. Then I repaired medical equipment that helped to save lives. I don’t take lives, I save lives. That argument didn’t erase the question, perhaps it only served to amply the contrast of my previous life. It repeated over and over again. How many Sapient beings did I kill last night?

First, there was the De’Rashka contender. Yes, I killed him, but I am not sure that I can count him in my total as I only ran him over with my car. Technically, I tried to avoid him. So, his death doesn’t seem like it’s my fault, but he still died. Then there are the three goblins that attacked me on the road, the two or three I killed with the bow, the two or three I killed with the battle-ax, and lastly the goblin contender.

So, not counting the De’Rashka contender, it was at least eight and could be as high as ten or eleven. I am not what used to be called a Tinhorn in the ole west. I will not be filing notches on my battle-ax for each person I killed.

Perhaps this is all just a dream. Everything is a little blurry since I left the hospital earlier. Maybe the blurry feeling is why I didn’t seem shocked earlier. It felt so much like I was playing a fantasy video game. Watching my coffee trimmer in my cup because of my shaky hand. I know, it’s real this morning.

At least I have coffee. I wonder how long that will last. Thinking back to those cold mornings, waking up on an island, when I was playing a survival reality tv show with no coffee. Or in basic training when we went on the training exercise. Those experiences made me thankful for the cup in my hand.

I was still avoiding the question. Did I want to know how many I had killed? Suspecting that if I wanted to, I could look through all my notifications and figure it out, but maybe it was better to not keep track. What purpose would it serve? Deciding it doesn’t matter right now, I am finally able to move on.

Now that I thought of notifications, I asked Pansofia, “Can you please reduce my notifications in combat so that I am not distracted?”

“Sure”, she answered. “Do you want all of the notifications turned off? Or would you still like to receive some notifications?”

I paused, thinking about what information did I want to know. “I want almost all notifications turned off. I just want an indicator of a notification. Can you update the settings to alert me when a spell is cast in my vicinity? Also, I want to know when someone in my party is below 50% hp, and when I level up. Can you update these settings?”

“I can do most of these,” she replied. Unfortunately, there is not a system setting that will detect spells cast in your vicinity. The closest, then I can do is activate that setting, alerting you to any spell that is causing damage to you or another effect. It will not provide you with the name of the spell, but it will provide the magical spheres.”

Nodding, I acknowledged, “That will work for now. We may need to adjust later.”

I continued to sit there for a few minutes. Taking the occasional sip of my wonderful coffee, before, I admitted to myself that the notification discussion was just a topic that I brought up to avoid having to deal with the second large dice rattling in my head. Glancing down to my right, I looked at the female goblin. She is squatting near the fire holding her hands out to warm them. What was I going to do with the goblin prisoner?

Activating my Help tab once again, I asked, “Pansofia, are there any rules like the Geneva Convention for dealing with prisoners or those that surrender during combat?”

Pansofia turned her head slightly to the side and stared at me. At first, I thought she was regarding me carefully and perhaps trying to understand how I think. When she answered, I realized the delay was for another reason. “After reviewing the Terra Firma treaty called the Geneva Convention, I have determined that there is no similar galactic law that regulates the rules for the treatment of prisoners. Nor is there an established rule in the Memphis Accords of 2020 that would require special treatment of prisoners.”

“Thank you for the information Pansofia. I wonder though, can you tell what is typically done with prisoners with wherever these goblins come from”, I queried?

“Unfortunately, the parameters of my programming do not allow me to discuss the races on other worlds in the galaxy, nor on their customs”, she replied. “However, what I can tell you is that the system allows for the creation of binding verbal or written contracts that would prevent the goblin from harming you. As the victor, the system allows you to determine the level of the relationship with a variable range from slave to servant, or even companion.

Once a contender captures a territory additional options may be available or may eliminate options. Remember that if you are seeking the creation of a binding contract, the prisoner must agree to the terms and conditions and some factors will be more or less agreeable to the prisoner. If terms are not reached, the captor has the option to terminate the prisoner, release the prisoner, or keep them caged or under guard until an agreement can be reached. Does this information help you?”

Pausing before I answered her question, I considered all the information she had provided. In some ways, this new universe was very much like the earth that I was accustomed to. Those in power could be as caring and compassionate as they chose or they could be as cruel and evil as they wanted. Without a government in place to enforce care and compassion as cultural norms people without power would suffer unless there was a just ruler.

Returning to the conversation, I responded, “That is extremely helpful Pansofia, but it raises some additional questions that I would like you to clarify. First, how do we agree to a verbal contract if we don’t speak the same language?”

“The system will translate for you. Initially, this will take longer to translate than it will in the future as the system attempts to learn your idioms and those of the race you are trying to communicate with. Perhaps you noticed when conversing with the Goblin Contender that there was a delay in the translation”, she asked?

I was extremely pleased to learn that I would be able to communicate with the other races at some point. Even at this early stage, I recognized that we would need to be able to communicate for there to ever be a cessation of hostilities, but this seemed like it was way off in the future.

The next topic that I wanted to know is what would happen if the prisoner broke the contract in the future. Would I be notified or have a chance to prevent an attack or information from being supplied to my enemies? There is a lot to consider in a binding oath that can affect the relationship of both parties.

“Pansofia,” I asked, “How does the enforcement of the terms in conditions applied, and would I receive a notification?”

“If the terms of the contract were violated the offending party would receive a burst of pain, the length of the pain and the intensity of the pain would be based upon the severity of the infraction. If the event occurs inside a territory that is owned by the injured party or their faction, then the severity is more intense and can result in the death of the violating party if they persist in the offense.

The injured party receives a notification that alerts them to the violation of the terms of the contract such as the violator's intent to cause harm to the other party. Merely thinking of causing harm does not violate the terms. The party must intend to follow through on their thoughts. Ultimate the injured has a wide range of punishment that can be applied to the violator of the agreement based upon the severity of the infraction or the intent of the infraction. Additionally, relationship status can be significantly impacted by a broken contract.”

Grateful to have this information, I was beginning to understand this new universe that I was exposed to. Realizing that I was going to have to carefully consider the verbal agreement that I made with the female goblin before offering the terms. Fortunately, I could consider the Geneva Convention, my military training, and the other experiences that I had with contracts from servicing equipment. Ultimately, I had to ask myself. Did I even want to take responsibility for this goblin?

On the other hand, if I released her, I was also taking some responsibility for her. If I sent her away with weapons, she could harm another human. Alternatively, if I sent her away with no weapons, it would most likely mean her death. Wondering what other information could be available I decided to ask another question.

“Pansofia, how can I read a copy of the Memphis Accords of 2020,” I asked?

“A copy of the Memphis Accords was provided to the human World Leader that signed the document at the time of 2020 Summit. Additionally, Territory leaders can access the Memphis Accords of 2020 through their Territory Management System,” she replied.

Not knowing who signed the document, I realized that I would need to wait until after I claimed the Territory to be able to read the document. With all that I was learning, it put more pressure on me to go to OKC and claim the territory.

Leaning over, I picked up the blue ceramic-covered metal coffee pot that was sitting on the stones around the fire. Glancing at the female goblin to ensure that she was still sitting by the fire pit. Seeing that she was still resting comfortably, I refilled my coffee cup, I resumed my brooding on what my next steps should be.

All these changes to the universe would result in secondary and tertiary effects that I still couldn’t anticipate. Many of those effects, I was beginning to realize would not be evident to me until much later, if ever. It was imperative that I gained additional information and that I needed to be cautious in my decision-making.

Making a few mental notes of the items that I wanted in the agreement with the female goblin. Then I reviewed it several times to ensure that it encompassed all the articles that I wanted to include. Once satisfied, I called out to the goblin and motioned for her to come over to me. As she walked towards me, I realized that she had been taller than the other goblins. Not as tall as the boss contender, but taller than the others had been.

It occurred to me suddenly that I hadn’t taken time to see what the goblins look like. Taking a closer look, I noticed her fern green skin was much easier to see in the daylight. She had a bald oval-shaped elongated head, with long ears that pointed back behind her head. A sharp beak-like nose and caramel-colored eyes. Her long arms ended with three-fingered hands instead of four. The fingernails looked thicker and more like claws.

What struck me the most was the expression of dread on her face. She came and knelt before me and extended her arms straight out with her right hand on top of the other. When I asked her to look up, slowly, she obeyed.

“What is your name,” I asked her?

We waited for the translation to occur and then she replied, “Lonk”.

“Lonk, my name is Shea. I don’t want to kill you, but I cannot let you go. Also, I don’t have a prison to lock you up in. Honestly, I am looking for other options. Would you be willing to swear an oath,” I asked hesitantly?

With a surprised look on her face, Lonk replied “Lonk swear an oath of slavery?”

Shocked, I responded quickly, “No, not an oath of slavery. I don’t believe in slavery. but instead. I would offer you a role as a servant. Is that something you would agree to?”

As I was talking her look of dread was replaced by a look of surprise before shifting to a look of amazement before she bowed her head again. I could see the tears in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. I could tell by her reaction that there was a vast difference between an oath of slavery and an oath of a servant.

Your relationship with Lonk has improved from Unfriendly to Neutral.

“Yes,” she said, “Lonk will swear it.”

“Okay,” I said. Making sure to include everything I had thought of, I wanted it to include now and in the future. “Do you solemnly swear that you will not cause any harm to myself, my friends, or a citizen of my territory either directly or indirectly unless you are attacked first or they are trying to attack me? Do you promise to keep my secrets and my plans hidden and pledge not to reveal them, by word or deed? Do you vow not to try to escape? Do you confirm that you will undertake the duties of a servant to the best of your abilities? Do you guarantee that you will serve faithful until I release you from this oath or until my death?

To all these questions, she sobbed out a “Yes, I swear it.”

Lonk has performed a Pledge of Servitude. This Pledge will remain in place until LordShea’s death or until he releases Lonk’s from his service.

Seeing the system message, I knew that the oath was successful. Looking down encouraging at Lonk. I told her, “I, LordShea, do solemnly swear that I will protect you to the best of my ability. That I will treat you justly, and that I will provide for your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs within my capabilities.”

Your relationship with Lonk has improved to optimistic.

While I thought that these words would provide her comfort. Instead, they only seemed to make her cry harder. I was startled when I received an additional message.

LordShea has performed the Pledge of a Leader. This Pledge will remain in place until LordShea’s death or until he releases Lonk’s from his service.

Lonk seemed to have received systems messages from the Pledges. Immediately after I had read the message, she wiped away her tears, and hopped up and went over the to fire pit and returned with the coffee pot, and warmed my cup. Returning to the coffee pot to its place near the fire, she glanced around and started finding things to do. First, she went and brought more wood for the fire. Then, she requested that I take off my armor. Once I removed it, she started to clean all of the gore and grime off of it. I watched her for a little while and then resumed my brooding.

After sitting for nearly half an hour considering what next steps to take. I heard someone approaching and Leighann call my name. Before I could turn. I felt her put a hand on my shoulder. Because of the events last night and this morning, I realized that I wanted to be comforted, and instead of turning to face her, I put my hand on top of hers. Turning back to the fire, and continued to and think about the next steps. She should there quietly seeming to realize that I wanted to be comforted without having to say anything.

Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, I took my hand off hers in about a minute and turned towards her. Now that she could see I was ready to engage with her, she sat down on another log next to me.

With a concerned expression on her face, she asked, “How are you doing?”

Responding with a cheesy grin and some false bravado, I replied, “I’m doing great.”

I could tell that she didn’t believe me. Noticing that Lonk had approached us, I turned towards her to head off any additional questions from Leighann.

“What do you need Lonk?” I queried her.

Bowing she asked, “Does Mistress Leighann want any coffee or food?”

Before Leighann could respond, I told Lonk, “You don’t need to bow anymore.”

Despite my instructions, Lonk continued to bow. Chuckling to myself, I was finding it a little humorous that we were offering Leighann her coffee and food. Shrugging, I turned to Leighann and asked, “Can she get you something?”

Leighann nodded and said, “Sure, I would like some coffee please.”

At the word please, Lonk’s eyes got wide and she went to get Leighann a cup and fill it with coffee.

Turning back to Leighann, I wanted to get ahead of her before she could persist down the line of how I was doing, and asked, “How are you and your family doing?”

Noticing my effort to change the topic from myself, she grinned slightly, before a look of sadness came over her face as she thought of her response. “We are doing okay. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt last night.”

As she was talking, I could tell that she was looking me over to check if I still had any wounds. After the combat was over, I had used my healing spell to recover my hit points. I still had the chronic condition debuff and hadn’t taken the time to address that yet. Realizing that all my wounds were healed, she continued.

“We have been talking, and we would like to take you up on your offer to travel to OKC. If you will still have us. After the attack last night, we realize that we cannot remain out here by ourselves. Can we go with you?” she requested.

I nodded to myself slowly but didn’t immediately respond. Leighann sensing that I was in thought didn’t push for an immediate answer. While sitting by the fire contemplating my next steps, I had considered this to be one of the possible outcomes. In all truth, I had been delaying getting up and leaving as I wanted to see what they would do.

Earlier this morning, while sitting and waiting, I realized that the people in OKC were going to be getting hungry. Most people without electricity run out of food within three days. If we could bring their cattle, and perhaps some others we found along the way, it would make a big impact on any humans still alive. That thought brought up a lot of emotions that I could not deal with. Shielding my mind, from focusing on what could be going wrong there, I continued to think through the options. Having already thought through this possibility, I recognized that it would be better to bring in a food supply than it would be to rush to get to OKC, only to find the people starving.

On a personal note, I recognized that after living most of my life with no responsibility for anything other than a pet, I was now responsible for a goblin. Glancing towards, Lonk, I noted that she was now cleaning the battle-ax. I started to shake my head at how quickly she was making herself useful. Refocusing on Leighann’s family, it was a little bit daunting to consider that in addition to the goblin, I was also going to be responsible for a family of five, and possibly the entire population of Oklahoma.

Without actually answering her question, I requested her knowledge and experience. “Would it be possible to drive your herd of cattle to OKC and how long would it take?” I inquired.

Thoughtfully, Leighann considered my request. “Fortunately, we have some extra horses right now that we are taking care of for the winter. Otherwise, I don’t think we could do it. Another factor in our favor is that we wanted to keep the cows close, so we feed them so grain this morning.

They are all close to the gate and wouldn’t take long to start them moving. Depending on the route that we took, I think it’s possible to make 12-18 miles a day. From here, that is three or four days. We also have a wagon that we can pull to take a lot of the supplies that we will need along the way.”

I couldn’t remember the exact mileage, but I was estimating that it would take me two days to get there by running/walking. Another day or two to bring in what I suspected would be a much-needed food supply, seemed to be the best option.

“Okay, let’s do it,” I exclaimed coming to my feet.

I heard a ding and noticed I had received a new system message.

Leighann, Beau, and Granny Ann have accepted your quest to accompany you to OKC.

With a surprised laugh, Leighann said, “Alright then.” Laughing again as she shook her head, she continued, “Beau has already started to put the reigns on the horse that will pull the wagon. We didn’t anticipate that you would want to bring the herd, but that won’t change the plans that much. Cody and Gabby will need to ride horses so that we can put as many goods in the wagon with Granny as we can.”

“That makes sense,” I agreed. “Once we get the wagon brought over here by the fire, , Lonk can help load it with everything we pulled out of the house. While we saddle the rest of the horses and get the cattle ready to move. We should keep an eye out for an attack. I doubt we will get another one so soon after the last one, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. It feels like it is about 8 am. If we can be loaded up and moving out within the next two hours that would be great.”

Without a watch, it was hard to know how long it took us. Leading the herd, riding my chestnut quarter horse down the driveway, Lonk running next to me, I glanced up at the clear sky. Thankfully, the cold drizzling rain had stopped. From the position of the sun, I guess that it is about eleven am. It’s a little bit later than I wanted to be leaving, but I also knew that it is important to get all the supplies that we could fit. Reaching the end of the driveway, I block the east direction of Rt 66. Watching the white-faced Hereford’s turn onto the road and start their meandering pace down the road. Glancing eastward on Rt 66, with a grin on my face, I thought back to one of the reasons we were running late.

Earlier this morning, Leighann had brought me my share of the coins and a couple of the small gems. After my horse was saddled, I had ridden back up the road to collect my missing loot from last night. Everything was still as I remembered it, minus some carnivores nibbling on the bodies in a few places. I wasn’t sure what the economy would be like in this new world, but I hate leaving any loot behind.

The 15-minute ride to collect the loot was definitely worth it. Looting each of the goblins had given me about four silvers and five coppers. While the minotaur had netted me one gold, eight silver, and four bronze all by himself. The best loot on my trip back was the bag. Laying in the middle of the road where the car had hit the minotaur was a leather sack. In the sack was a significant amount of coins and a small bag of gems. I hadn’t even bothered to thoroughly examine everything in the bag. What I saw was enough for me to jump for joy in the middle of the road I screamed louder than Jerry McGuire “Show me the money”.

Cody riding up next to me on the road brought me back out of my ride down memory lane. With a smile on my face and a pat of the leather sack tied to my saddle horn, my horse and I started trotting west to get back in front of the herd of 107 cattle. Even though we had only been on the drive for such a short time, I had already received skill level one in horseback riding and short-handled weapons. Thankfully, the riding bonus had come on my way back from the accident. It had been years since I had ridden, and I wanted to stay in the saddle. Hopefully, it would help my backside from hurting as much at the end of the day.

Based upon the route that Beau and I had picked out using the map that was in their truck and his local knowledge we had a long ride today due to our late start. Fortunately, the cows were excited to be on the trail. If everything went according to plan, we could pull into the youth sports complex in Chandler before sunset.