Reb placed her hands on her hips. “Do you want my leg to get better, or would you prefer my body to be more athletic? There’s a big difference.”
“I just think you’ll be able to walk easier if you had more rehabilitation. Personally, I think you’re exceptionally beautiful. I don’t consider myself an athlete like our buddy, Malcolm. Cardio exercise keeps my mind and body in good condition. Actually, I think the scar on your leg is sexy. It gives you character and shows that you survived a significant battle. I have a preference for strong women,” Giles said, as he grabbed Reb around her waist.
Reb took a whiff of her dirty and sweaty clothes. “I’m not sure if my filthy clothes are very sexy.”
Giles smirked. “A hot shower can fix that. By the way, we haven’t talked about the ponies for a while. Are you selling any of them?”
“Yeah, I try to sell them to buyers with good reputations. I want people to take care of them,” Reb mentioned.
Giles nodded his head. “That’s good. I like how you care about what happens to them even after they are no longer yours. You know, you’ve always been very elusive about exactly why you wanted this ranch. Are you ready to explain it to me yet?”
Reb removed her cowboy hat. “The Apocalypse changed my way of thinking. Lives were destroyed, so I wanted to create life instead. I suppose this type of lifestyle fits within our Steampunk aesthetics. Nature and a leisurely lifestyle are part of Romanticism. It might even bring us a little bit closer to God.”
“Spoken like a true idealist. Now you can go shower,” Giles replied with a chuckle.
Later, Reb got comfortable in bed next to her husband. Giles wrapped his arm around her torso and snuggled close.
“It seems like we have a lot of sex. I’m not complaining about that, but we’re not the most romantic couple. Hopefully, we’re not substituting sex for a real connection,” Reb discussed.
Giles rested his head on Reb’s shoulder. “I think we’ve always had a great connection. We just don’t talk about our feelings very often. It’s perfectly normal for us be intimate on a regular basis. That means we enjoy bonding with each other.”
Reb smirked, then she asked, “Do you want to bond again?”
Giles climbed on top of her. “Absolutely.”
He kissed Reb on the lips and she wrapped her arms around his strong back. Giles planted several kisses on her neck, shoulders, and chest. Reb closed her eyes and felt the euphoria pass through her body. Giles pressed his body against hers while she grabbed his rear end. They passionately kissed each other again and then Reb stroked his firm chest. The lovers panted as they quickened the pace. Giles massaged her slender leg while she gently kissed his neck.
“We don’t have to talk about emotions. This moment speaks louder than words,” Reb cooed.
“You’re right. I know how you feel and vice versa. Let’s just enjoy the evening,” Giles said.
*****
The following day, Percy visited his wife at her corporate headquarters. He walked into one of her sewing rooms carrying two cups of coffee. “I’m bearing gifts this afternoon!”
Savannah took a cup from him. “This is wonderful, considering I never see you at home anymore.”
“I’ve been so busy lately. Anyway, are you looking forward to our trip? I haven’t been to Washington D.C. for a long time,” Percy mentioned.
Savannah sipped on the coffee. “Of course. Do you remember how many botched vacations we experienced? I want us to have a normal trip for once.”
“It will be educational. I’m glad we are visiting the nation’s capital to learn more about our history,” Percy responded.
Savannah was working on a new outfit. “But we can’t forget to have fun. A vacation should be about personal enjoyment.”
Percy examined the prototype dress. “Certainly. This is interesting. I’ve never seen you working on an outfit before.”
She held up some metal mesh. “This is part of the grafting process. A wire mesh is made out of the same metal that we have in our bones. Then we sew it between the layers of clothing. It’s much more flexible than the metal in our bones, but still difficult to destroy.”
“You’re a brilliant woman, Savannah. How did you find a way to make these clothes comfortable?” Percy wondered out loud.
Savannah sewed part of the outfit. “Trial and error. The mesh needs to have the right balance of flexibility and durability. If it’s done the right way, people hardly know their clothes are grafted.”
Percy took a sip of coffee. “This makes my job look easy. You’re definitely smart enough to be my partner in life.”
“Perhaps you’re the one who needs to be smart enough for me,” Savannah said in a smug tone.
*****
In Las Vegas, Gable and Priscilla enjoyed dinner with their two children. The four family members sat at the dining room table while they ate Priscilla’s Southern fare.
Gable ate a forkful of black-eyed peas. “I saw your report cards. The two of you are doing very well.”
“I’m surprised that Maggie has any time to spend studying, because she’s always on the phone with her boyfriend,” Oliver remarked.
Maggie barked back, “Shut up! I don’t have a boyfriend!”
“Guys, can you be civil at the dinner table?” Priscilla asked sternly.
Maggie picked at her dinner. “Oliver started it. You don’t have to worry about Parker. We haven’t even met each other yet.”
“Actually, that’s the part I do worry about. How much do we really know about this boy?” Gable contemplated.
“Dad, we’re just friends. There was a time when you thought he was Aunt Reb’s son. You welcomed him with open arms at that point. Why does it make a difference now?” Maggie protested.
Priscilla took a sip of red wine. “You’re only eleven years old and that means boys shouldn’t be a priority yet. A friendship needs to be built on trust. It’s kind of hard to trust someone who’s a stranger.”
Gable cut up a piece of fried chicken. “We just want you to be careful. A lot of kids get in trouble when they mess around online. I’m sure Parker is a good kid, but you still need to watch out. Remember that your schoolwork comes first.”
Maggie couldn’t argue with her father’s logic. “I guess that makes sense. One day, Parker and I will meet in person. You’ll learn to like him.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Gable said, before he sipped on his wine glass.
*****
Meanwhile, Reb worked in her office. She was inputting data into one of the computer programs when her cell phone rang. The attorney checked the incoming call and recognized Malcolm’s name.
“What do you need? I’m kind of busy this evening,” Reb responded sternly.
Malcolm sounded guilty from the other end. “Reb, I’ve been avoiding this conversation for several days. I got really drunk at some party and woke up next to a woman. Apparently, I got married to her.”
Chapter 2
Reb tried not to laugh. “Don’t expect sympathy from me. Your mishap isn’t news. I saw your elopement in the media nearly two months ago. Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“I was too embarrassed. You’re so critical and intimidating. I thought you would call me an idiot,” Malcolm admitted.
“You are an idiot. However, fate has a funny way of bringing people together. Give your lady a chance. Maybe it will work out,” Reb commented.
Malcolm groaned, “I’m already done with that part! She drives me nuts!”
Reb typed on the computer while she conversed. “You’re whining again. What’s her name?”
“Brigette Sylvain. It’s some type of French name. She’s a pop singer. She’s really hot, but she’s also manipulative, selfish, materialistic, petty, and a gold digger,” Malcolm complained.
Reb stopped typing momentarily. “It sounds like I have a lot in common with your wife. I don’t understand the problem because you’re smitten with me. What’s the issue?”
<
br /> Malcolm was not amused by Reb’s comment. “Look, Brigette only wants to be with me for money and fame. Your marriage probably started out as a business arrangement, but it seems to be legitimate now. Help me, Reb!”
“Maybe you should have stayed away from the booze! Obviously, it clouded your judgment!” Reb snapped.
“Well, you’re still my agent. That means my problems reflect on your reputation! Do you feel cocky now?” Malcolm argued.
Reb rolled her eyes. “The solution is very simple. Get an annulment. You’ve been married for less than a year.”
“It’s not that easy. I already threatened to get an annulment. Brigette promised to smear my name online if I broke up with her. She’s a persistent woman,” Malcolm explained.
Reb sat back in her chair. “Fear not. I should be able to persuade her. I’ll be flying to Chicago soon anyway. Then I’ll continue on to Washington D.C. I promised to fix your legal problems. Next time, I want you to be more self-sufficient. You’re an athletic and good-looking man. Why are you letting an immature girl call the shots?”
Malcolm felt relieved and insulted at the same time. “You always have to emasculate me. I’m looking forward to going to Washington too so I can be miles away from Brigette. I’m tired of fighting with that woman.”
“It’s going to be okay, Malcolm. This problem will pass,” Reb said in a reassuring tone.
Malcolm sighed. “I’m sure you’re right. We can talk again later. I’m glad you’re wise enough to avoid these kinds of mistakes.”
“You live in the moment. Instead of planning ahead, or thinking about consequences, you act on impulse. So you’re going to make a lot of mistakes. I’ll see you in Chicago, Malcolm. Try not to stress out about your failed marriage,” Reb discussed.
“Thanks for the advice. Bye, Reb,” Malcolm said, before he hung up the phone.
Giles was next door to Reb, in his own office. He was engaging in a digital conversation with Beauregard. The attorney watched Beauregard’s face on a computer monitor.
“Why does the Steampunk culture have to be so confusing? I’ve been part of this society for almost four years and it still doesn’t make sense!” Beauregard griped.
Giles fiddled with a pen and educated the painter. “You’re overcomplicating it.”
Beauregard responded, “But there are too many details! It’s worse than a history lesson!”
“Our history is very important. The concept of Victorianism is a major part of the Steampunk image. Even though we’re a modern society, our aesthetics grew out of the 19th Century. Steampunks are supposed to embrace Victorian morality. However, mankind struggles with that aspect. People have a tendency to prefer hedonism over morality,” Giles explained.
Beauregard was skeptical. “There’s a lot of gray area in that discussion. Morality is very subjective.”
Giles continued the lesson. “That’s why we refer to the past. It gives us a vivid picture of these ideals. Steampunks also take a lot of elements from Romanticism. It was an important part of culture and art in the 19th Century. We place great importance on the middle class. The wealthy elite like us have their place in Steampunk culture, but you might be surprised to know that ordinary people have a significant amount of power.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Beauregard said.
“Think about it. You have paintings to sell and a reputation to uphold. Who’s going to promote you? Wealthy people might buy expensive paintings, but the general public will advance your popularity. Life is a big popularity contest. Your reputation depends on support and promotion from the middle class,” Giles warned.
Beauregard played with his mustache. “I never thought about it that way. What else can you tell me?”
Giles flipped through some notes. “You should do some research online. There’s a lot of information. Steampunks thrive on industrialization, freedom, nostalgia, imagination, and spirituality.”
“Dude, this is like a foreign language. You’re listing a bunch of words and I don’t understand the meaning of them all,” Beauregard complained.
Giles tried to find another way to explain. “This is a Victorian revival. People like us need to lead by example. Be creative and artistic. Build your own business. Embrace spirituality and all of its possibilities. Find the love of your life. Express your dreams and values. Don’t hide behind false words like authenticity. A healthy dose of morality can help fix our broken nation. The 21st Century became a disaster because people allowed laziness, promiscuity, entitlement, anarchy, and substance abuse to control their lives. Our culture can do better.”
Beauregard absorbed the information. “You’re a very intense man, Giles. However, I understand the point. What about bravery? Do you think Romanticism embraces the idea of courage?”
“Plenty of literature and music from the 19th Century illustrates bravery. I think courage is a great asset in the Steampunk culture. We live in a competitive and brutal world that is plagued by terrorism. I would say bravery is an important aspect of our survival,” Giles explained.
Beauregard thought about their upcoming trip. “Hopefully, I won’t need to worry about these issues when we fly to Washington D.C. I’m sick of being attacked by terrorists.”
Giles smirked. “It gave you a lot of experience. You won’t have to worry this time. Sky pirates will feel intimidated to attack our zeppelin. It’s huge and loaded with weapons. That zeppelin is almost like a battleship in the sky.”
“Good point. It will be an interesting trip. I heard the zeppelin is like an aerial cruise,” Beauregard mentioned.
“That’s what I heard too. We can talk about history and culture another time. I need to work on some paperwork. Take care and I’ll see you in Chicago,” Giles said, then he pulled out some additional office work.
“Same to you, Giles. Bye.” Beauregard logged off the computer program.
The attorney worked on his paperwork and felt confident about their upcoming trip.
*****
Later that evening, Gable noticed Oliver playing video games in the living room. Gable placed his hands on top of the chair. “You’re playing that Post-Apocalyptic game. It’s a lot of fun, but I’m not the best. Your top score is a lot higher than mine.”
Oliver maneuvered his character through the landscape in a Jeep. “Pretty soon, I’ll catch up with Aunt Reb’s score.”
“Speaking of your aunt, that Jeep looks awfully familiar,” Gable said as he looked at the television screen.
“It’s based on Aunt Reb’s Jeep. Her Jeep is really popular and she gave the video game company permission to use it,” Oliver mentioned.
Gable was surprised. “That’s very interesting. I never thought an old Jeep would become a celebrity.”
Oliver’s character hopped out of the Jeep and attacked some enemies. “Dad, I’ve been wondering about something, why can’t I be grafted yet and does it hurt?
“It’s nothing you can’t handle. You might not realize it now, but splicing is very important. It protects our bodies from a dangerous world. You can’t be grafted until adulthood. Our bones can’t grow anymore once the metal binds to them,” Gable lectured.
Oliver continued playing the game. “Will I like being a Steampunk?”
Gable placed his hand on Oliver’s shoulder. “Everyone likes it.”
“So, why do people protest against our culture?” Oliver wondered out loud.
Gable carefully thought about the question. “It’s hard for me to give a straight answer about that. Your aunt says a few groups of people can’t let go of the 21st Century. We live in a different time period and they won’t accept it. I have a different theory. Steampunk culture expects a certain level of righteousness from people. That’s part of the Victorian ideal. Some people don’t want to live by those standards. They might call it conformity, but that’s just an excuse to behave like crazed anarchists.”
“Well, I’m definitely looking forward to those cool abilities. I would like to have
better strength, speed, and agility,” Oliver replied.
“You don’t need to be in a hurry. Enjoy your childhood while it lasts. Alchemy can wait a while. One day you’ll have the same abilities that run in our family,” Gable commented.
*****
Meanwhile, Percy had finally returned home after a long day at work. He left his roller bag next to the front door and plopped several files on his desk. Percy hung up his coat and stretched. The burly man felt unsatisfied from his quick meal at the office. Percy checked the time on his pocket watch. It was nearly 10:00 o’clock.
Savannah greeted him in the living room. She hugged Percy and said, “I wasn’t sure if you would be home yet. It seems like you’ve been working late quite a bit.”
“Yeah, I’ve been spending a lot of time on those robots. I’m also the one who designs most of my products. My company is going through a lot of growth. I appreciate Steampunk culture, but it’s challenging because my technology isn’t antiquated. Computers and electronics are futuristic and that’s not part of the Steampunk image. It takes a lot of work for me and the staff to create computer technology that fits in to the Victorian fashion,” Percy explained.
Savannah stroked the side of his face. “At least your products are in high demand. It makes the difficulties worth your effort.”
“Public demand is part of the problem. Consumers want to see robots sold retail stores, but I can’t produce the bigger models yet. The smaller robots that resemble animals are for sale, but I’ve had some setbacks with the humanoid ones,” Percy mentioned.
“Like what? Everything seemed fine when I looked at that prototype in your lab,” Savannah said in a confused tone.
Percy sighed. “I’m still working on the artificial intelligence. The bigger robots aren’t consistent yet. They seem to have behavioral problems and tend to malfunction. I can’t release my robots to the public until they’re completely safe.”
Savannah understood his point. “It’s going to work out. Just be patient.”
“I’ve been missing you lately,” Percy admitted.
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 13
