“See what I mean? Everything turned out fine. People came from all across the country to see my work,” Beauregard gloated.
Giles straightened his hat. “It’s a lovely exhibition. I think the Decopunk theme is quite tasteful.”
“Can I offer you a drink?” Beauregard asked.
Giles shook his head. “I have to decline. Right now I’m working.”
Beauregard looked at the variety of audience members. “You’re the most serious guy I’ve ever met. Why can’t you loosen up?”
“It’s not part of the job description,” Giles responded.
Beauregard eyeballed some of the female guests. “Maybe one of these pretty ladies can give me some company.”
Giles patted Beauregard’s back. “This time, pick a girl with more substance. Men with high profiles like you are expected to settle down. Pick a good one because forever is a very long time.”
Beauregard picked up a champagne flute and sipped. “I’m sure it takes some trial and error.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea to date your consumers? Mixing business with pleasure tends to have repercussions,” Giles warned.
Beauregard glared at his agent. “You should talk. It seems like you and Reb mix business and pleasure every day.”
“Reb and I still get plenty of space because we have different work schedules and live in a big house. We also know how to separate personal affairs from the workplace. No offense, but I don’t sense that level of professional conduct from you,” Giles bluntly stated.
“Maybe we shouldn’t be too picky at first. I don’t even know what type of woman is suitable for me yet,” Beauregard admitted.
Giles looked at the some of the paintings and said, “You’ll know when the right woman enters your life. I’m not particularly romantic or sentimental. However, a fabulous connection is priceless. You’ll get there eventually, but watch out for the gold diggers who just want money and the spotlight.”
Beauregard finished drinking his glass of champagne. “I try to be careful about that part. Our lady, Reb, is the one who needs to coach Malcolm about that problem. I don’t think he has very good judgment.”
“Can’t argue with that,” Giles admitted.
*****
Maggie and Parker sat in their respective bedrooms while they played video games. They communicated with each other, from Nevada to Texas, through their earpieces.
“These graphics are so cool. I think the characters and environment are awesome,” Parker commented as he shot several enemies.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “You’re so nerdy. Sometimes you remind me of Grandpa.”
“Your grandpa is a smart guy. Did you know he’s creating robots?” Parker asked while his character picked up items on the screen.
“Yeah, I’m not sure what I think about that. Robots sound kind of weird,” Maggie commented.
Parker continued playing. “I think the robots will be helpful. We could use them in the military… and for construction.”
Maggie planted a bomb to eliminate enemies on her screen. “That’s probably true. I want to know more about you, Parker. What are your favorite hobbies?’
“Obviously, I like video games. Sports are fun too. I’m really good at playing soccer,” Parker replied.
“Karaoke is one of my hobbies. Drawing is fun too. My friends say I’m a really good tennis player,” Maggie said, as her character climbed down a hill.
Parker tried to find more topics for their conversation. “What kind of movies do you like? Action movies are my favorite.”
“I like action movies, but my favorites are mystery and romance. Don’t tell my parents. They think romance films have too much adult content for me,” Maggie admitted.
Parker killed more enemies. “You like different types of movies. That’s cool. My favorite subject in school is math. What about you?”
“I’m a lot better at English. Reading and writing are my strong areas,” Maggie mentioned.
“You have a nice family. I think they’re really good role models,” Parker commented.
Maggie picked up some ammunition. “They take care of me and Oliver, but we don’t get along sometimes. My mom is a hypocrite, and my dad spends more time at work than home. My grandpa is a science geek, and my grandma doesn’t want to admit that she’s getting older. My uncle is uptight, and my aunt is probably the strangest woman in the world.”
“They’re still cool. My parents spend a lot of time away from home too. They say it’s for business, but I think they spend a lot of time partying with other rich people,” Parker said, while his character hijacked a car.
“Are you going to that event in West Virginia? It would be nice to meet you in person,” Maggie suggested.
Parker sighed. “Unfortunately, I’ll be stuck here in Dallas. My dad is going to a business conference.”
They continued playing the game while they chatted about their interests.
*****
Back in San Francisco, Percy and Savannah watched online footage about atomic power and its effects on human blood cells.
“If we’re going to learn more about the mutation, we need to see what radiation does to our bodies,” Percy mentioned.
Savannah looked at the video footage on Percy’s computer. “What are we supposed to learn from this video?”
“We’re going to see what happens on a microscopic level. First, the video is going to show what happens to a regular human blood cell when it comes in contact with severe radiation,” Percy responded.
They intently watched the video and saw the atomic power destroy a human blood cell.
Savannah crossed her arms. “As expected, the radiation annihilated the blood cell. Does it look different for grafted humans?”
“I assume so. Let’s find out,” Percy said.
The radiation didn’t have any effect on the Steampunk blood cell.
Savannah was confused. “It didn’t harm the Steampunk blood cell at all! That doesn’t make any sense. Nuclear energy mutates us. It should alter the blood cell.”
“That doesn’t mean atomic power kills us. In a way, the video proves that we’re immune to radioactivity,” Percy commented.
Savannah thought about that. “That might be a good thing, but I would still like to know radiation causes the mutation.”
“The video shows that part too,” Percy replied.
They watched more video footage that showed a Steampunk DNA strand. After it was exposed to a massive amount of nuclear energy, the DNA strand shape-shifted and changed until it matched the DNA of a different animal.
“That’s really creepy. Radiation completely alters our DNA. How does that happen?” Savannah muttered.
Percy couldn’t give her a straight answer. “I don’t know. How does alchemy increase our strength and physical attributes? We just don’t have all of the answers yet.”
“I find this information disturbing, but also interesting. Should we be worried about this problem?” Savannah wondered out loud.
Percy shook his head. “No, we’re not going to encounter that much radioactivity. Don’t worry about it. I’m not going to let anything turn you into a monster. You’re going to have that pretty face while I’m still around.”
Savannah couldn’t help herself from smiling at him. “Sometimes I forget where Gable gets his charming ways. Thanks for showing me the video. I guess mutating is better than dying.”
The couple hugged each other and tried to take their minds off the nuclear issue.
Chapter 5
Giles returned to his house in Oklahoma. He opened the door and dragged his luggage inside. Reb heard him slam the door shut.
“I made it back in one piece!” Giles announced.
Reb entered the living room and gave him a hug. “It’s really good to have you back. The house always seems so empty when you’re gone.”
The manly Steampunk gave her a kiss and then said, “I would rather see your beautiful face than Beau’s fuzzy mug. How
are things going at work?”
“Busy, but normal. It seems like our clientele is doing well. I’ve been monitoring their progress and it doesn’t seem like anyone is getting in trouble,” Reb discussed.
They sat on the couch and Giles talked about his trip. “Well, Beau had a wonderful art gallery showing. He’s a very talented artist. However, he’s taking an interest in too many women. I’m afraid his womanizing ways will attract a lot of negative attention from the media.”
“That wouldn’t surprise me. He doesn’t have very good self-control. Women are going to throw themselves at Beau because he’s rich and famous. He’s going to take advantage of it,” Reb logically explained.
Giles rubbed his forehead. “That’s not the worst part. I’m afraid Beau’s going to fall back into his old ways again, including the drug abuse. Everything is very accessible at parties and other social events. He was an addict and it will be extremely easy to slip into the habit again.”
Reb held her husband’s right hand. “Beau needs to prove that he’s strong enough to maintain a clean life. At this point, he has adoring fans, a successful career, a great reputation, money, and plenty of respect from other Steampunks. I don’t think he wants to lose everything.”
Giles tried to remain optimistic. “You’re probably right. I hope he learned a valuable lesson from his past mistakes.”
“It seems like something else is bothering you,” Reb stated.
“Well, I caught Beau with a model in his apartment. It was a vulgar experience,” Giles admitted.
Reb found Giles’ plight somewhat amusing. “That’s unfortunate. I’m sure you’ll never look at him the same way again.”
“It would be nice if I could burn the image out of my mind,” Giles grumbled.
Reb teased him. “Does he have a nice butt?”
“Very funny,” Giles remarked.
*****
A few days later, it was time for Percy and Savannah to prepare for their flight to West Virginia. The alarm woke up the couple, then Percy turned it off. He stretched and turned on his side to face Savannah.
“Good morning,” Percy said.
Savannah yawned as she tried to wake up. “When do we need to leave for the airport?”
“Not for a few hours,” Percy replied.
Savannah stroked the side of his face. “That’s good because I’m feeling affectionate.”
She gently kissed Percy on the lips before he said, “Normally, I wouldn’t resist morning sex with you, but we have a flight to catch.”
Savannah sensually ran her fingers along his bare chest. “I think we can sneak in some personal time. Lay on your back, so we can get started.”
Percy turned over. “You’re such a temptress. I blame you for making me late to work sometimes.”
Savannah climbed on top of him. “You’re the boss. Work hours are subjective.”
He lifted her nightgown and tossed it on the floor. Savannah helped her husband wiggle out of his pajama pants. She grabbed his hands and placed them directly on her bosom. Percy massaged her breasts for a moment and then he ran his hands down her sleek back. He slipped off her panties and clasped her behind. Savannah leaned over and firmly kissed him on the lips. She worked her mouth along his neck and chest. Percy rubbed one of her thighs then straddled Savannah. He passionately kissed her on the mouth. Percy pressed Savannah gently into the mattress and she wrapped her arms around his muscular back. She stroked Percy’s hair as he covered her neck in kisses. Savannah hooked her legs around his thighs and sensually moved her hips. For a moment, they only cared about each other. Thoughts of terrorism, radioactivity, and other problems were forgotten in the moment.
*****
Gable and Priscilla had a disappointing morning. Oliver and Maggie were sick and had high temperatures.
Priscilla felt Oliver’s forehead as he sat in Maggie’s chair. “Both of you are burning up.”
“I feel awful,” Oliver groaned.
Gable checked Maggie’s temperature again with a thermometer. “One hundred and three degrees. Your temperature is sky high. I hate to say this, but neither of you can travel. We’ll send someone to keep an eye on you guys while we’re gone. Unfortunately, your mother and I have to go.”
Maggie clutched her stomach. “This sucks! I already threw up twice! Thanks for making me sick, Oliver!”
“You’re the one who started to get sick last night!” Oliver countered.
Priscilla forced them to stop arguing. “Guys, you need to rest. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
Gable stroked Oliver’s hair. “You need to get some sleep, buddy. Head back to your room.”
“Gladly,” Oliver muttered as he walked away clutching his blanket.
Priscilla sat on the edge of Maggie’s bed. “I’m really sorry, Maggie. Sometimes crummy things happen. Keep your cell phone on the dresser. I want to make sure you guys are okay.”
Maggie was flushed and sweaty. “Maybe it’s not really that bad.”
She immediately dozed off and Gable covered her with another blanket.
“Poor kids. They were looking forward to this trip. Anyway, we both need to get ready. I don’t want us to miss the flight,” Gable mentioned.
*****
Reb rested her head on Giles’ shoulder as they flew to West Virginia. “I’m going to die from boredom.”
“But I’m such amazing company,” Giles joked.
She snickered. “You actually said something funny. That doesn’t happen very often.”
Giles ignored her comment. “I hope you won’t be bored at the fundraiser. We’re not going to a big city.”
“It sounds like the event will have plenty of activities. Besides, Appalachia can be very peaceful and relaxing. I could use a stress reliever,” Reb replied.
Giles leaned against her. “Well, the fundraiser is for a good cause. That makes it worth the trip.”
“Definitely,” Reb said in a sleepy tone.
The couple had almost dozed off before Reb’s cell phone rang.
“So much for peace and quiet,” Giles grumbled.
She sat up and answered the phone. “What’s going on?”
“Reb, it’s Malcolm. I’m waiting in a long line at the airport. It’s really crowded here in Chicago. I’m just letting you know that I’ll be on my way soon,” Malcolm stated, as he stood in a crowded line.
Reb rubbed her right eye. “That’s fine. We’ll see you at the fundraiser.”
Malcolm was bored from the wait. “Do you have a few minutes to talk? It’s really boring to stand in line.”
“Our flight is also boring. I almost fell asleep. What’s on your mind?” Reb responded.
Malcolm stepped forward in line with his luggage. “I’m looking forward to the cool activities. The brochure says the event will have archery, mountain climbing, white-water rafting, hiking, a shooting range, and all kinds of great things.”
“Yes, but nothing is free. That’s why it’s a fundraiser. You’ll have to pay for each activity,” Reb warned him.
“I know that. Are you an outdoor person? You never talk about camping or exploring adventurous territories,” Malcolm inquired.
Reb felt cramped in her seat. “No, I’m not a jock like you. Tell you what, we can catch up when we reach West Virginia. I want to grab a nap while we’re still on the flight.”
“Sure. I’ll see you there, Reb,” Malcolm replied.
“Good-bye, Malcolm,” Reb said, before she hung up the phone.
Giles looked at his wife, curious about her phone conversation. “What did he want?”
Reb shrugged. “Nothing in particular. He’s bored at the airport. I think he was looking for an excuse to chat.”
Giles furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m pretty sure Malcolm has a crush on you.”
Reb held his hand. “You’re right about that, but I’m not interested in him. Beau has a crush on me too. Did you notice?”
“Not quite as much, be
cause you spend less time with him,” Giles commented.
“Don’t worry about anything. Neither Malcolm nor Beau are my type. Back when their parents were chummy with my mom and dad, I had the opportunity to choose either of them for a spouse. I wanted to be with you instead,” Reb explained.
Giles chuckled. “Ironically, neither one of them would have gotten in trouble if they married you. A woman like you won’t let a husband slip into drug abuse and failure.”
Reb rolled her eyes. “I still dodged a huge bullet. You’re masculine, brave, serious, and professional. Those are very attractive traits to me.”
“Are you saying I’m your perfect match?” Giles asked.
“I think we’re a perfect mismatch, but that’s okay because it makes our relationship interesting. Anyway, let’s have fun today. Most of our trips have turned out disastrously for the past few years and I’m looking forward to something normal,” Reb discussed.
Chapter 6
The event in West Virginia was crowded with several hundred people from across the nation. It was an outdoor event in a barren, secluded location that was next to the mountains. The fundraiser was similar to a huge carnival, with games, artwork, photography, food, and sporting events. It was a great excuse for the Steampunks to meet new people and contribute money to anti-terrorism efforts. Most of the attendees had suffered great trauma during the Apocalypse and had lost important people in their lives. As a result, many of the guests identified well with each other.
Gable handed some money to a vendor and then he took several knives for one of the carnival games. “Let’s have a knife-throwing contest. I’m getting pretty good at throwing sharp objects.”
Priscilla fanned herself with a bronze fan. “You’re an accurate marksman, but I can probably do better.”
Gable handed a knife to her. “Bring it on, baby. Ladies first.”
Priscilla looked at the bull’s-eye and aimed carefully. She threw the knife at the target and missed the bull’s-eye by a narrow margin.
“Almost got it,” Priscilla muttered.
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 3
