Recruiting Drive: Jethro 4 (Jethro Goes to War)

by Chris Hechtl

  “Tell them that. Lay down the law.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “I've tried. Believe me I've tried. I get a sob story, or …,” she shook her head. “I can't be consistent, and I admit some of them scare me.” She shivered, wrapping her long arms around her body.

  “I bet. Some are pretty big, and you are a delicate lady. It's not right that they are imposing like that,” Jethro said gallantly, making a note to help where he could. “Some are rough customers.”

  “That's another thing. Some come here expecting jobs to be waiting for them. Jobs, homes … they can't hack it.” She shook her head. “Many end up in the Marines or on the docks or as bouncers and bully boys.” She shook her head. “Those that don't get stupid and get in trouble with the law,” she said with a grimace. He nodded. Crime was up; he'd read that in a newspaper recently. “And I've had to patch up way too many here in my own house when they get drunk and fight.”

  “Yeah, that's not good,” Jethro said, looking at tall ears perked up above the grass. He snorted. She turned, feeling the wind on her sarong. She saw the ears and nodded her chin to them. One of the cheetah cubs looked up and chirruped. “They are the reason I'm doing this. For them and for others like them.”

  “The cubs … just yours or …” Jethro turned to her.

  “No, I'm okay with the other youngsters, at least the ones who are polite. They didn't choose to come here. They don't know better, but they are learning. A few though …,” she shook her head. “But caring for them …”

  “Now wait, you've got enough on your plate. The lazy ones can step up, damn it!” Jethro scowled.

  “Try telling them that. I did.”

  “I will,” Jethro vowed.

  When they reentered the house, a young lion snarled and spat at the cheetah. “When are you going to have dinner finished, female? Or do I need to start eating your cubs?”

  She shrank away instinctively, but Jethro stepped in. “You do and you'll be feeding the others here,” Jethro growled. The lion stared at him, flexing his claws. “Just try it,” Jethro murmured softly, eyes glittering. “I could use another rug. My last one is getting a bit dirty and tattered,” he said. The lion backed off, now unsure of the situation. “You are a guest here,” Jethro reminded the lion and others who had come into the kitchen behind him. They all stopped what they were doing and stared at him. “A guest in this woman's house. She has opened her heart and her home to you. The least you could do is help out with the chores,” he said, pointing to the pile of dirty dishes near the dishwasher and sink as well as the fridge. “If you don't have a job, you can work around the house until you find something,” he growled.

  “Who made you boss?” a mutt demanded.

  “No one. I'm a guest too. But there are going to be some changes here. Or I'll kick everyone's ass out myself.”

  “You and what army?”

  “Marine actually,” Jethro said, grinning enough to show his fangs. A few laid back their ears at the display of teeth. “Gunnery Sergeant McClintock. Some of you know me as Jethro. I am Jet's son.” He could see a few eyes narrow or go wide at that little bombshell. “Yes, that's right, I kill people for a living. Get over it. Hope I never have to come here to render services. If anyone harms this lady … well,” he paused and nodded to the cheetah. “Well, I'll just leave it to your imaginations,” he said.

  One by one the room emptied.

  “Thanks. But you can't be here all the time,” Cheetahra said quietly.

  “No, but the threat of my stopping by might deter the stupidest among them. And it should keep the others into keeping them inline and curbing the worst of their own offenses. Maybe it'll guilt trip a few into getting off their asses and getting some work done. Get them to rebuild their self-confidence.”

  “Many barely did anything on Anvil in the first place. Menial jobs.”

  “Then they can do the same here. Or they can apply for work in the town or in the stations in orbit.”

  “There are stations building in orbit?” a voice asked from the living room. A curious pug looked in the room to him, flipping his floppy ears. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. Orbital warehouses and docking stations have been built in orbit of the planet as well as at the jump points.”

  “No one told me that!” the pug said.

  “I just did. Look into it if you're interested.”

  “I certainly will!” The pug said with a nod. Jethro's enhanced hearing picked up the conversation with the pug and another dog. They were shushed as the vid audience got annoyed at their distraction.

  “You'd think they would have picked up on that earlier.”

  “I think many are depressed. When you are out of work, it tends to hit you like that,” the Cheetah said, starting in with the dishes.

  “Here, I'll help,” Jethro said.

  “Good because I need to get dinner started soon,” she said.

  “Mama, I'm hungry,” a kit said from the other side of the screen door. Another crowded in behind him with a pitiful expression and loud mew of agreement.

  “See what I mean?” Cheetahra said, waving a helpless hand.

  “Barbeque,” Jethro said. “It's easiest to feed a big group, less clean up.”

  “Hmm …,” she flicked her ears. “I usually go with soup or stew since it's so filling and can be stretched but okay.”

  “I'm going to take a group grocery shopping. You …” he stepped aside as the kits came in to help. “And the brood,” he flicked his ears when he saw a couple of the cubs of other cats come in to help. “Get the basics going.” He snorted when her tail was tugged.

  “Okay. I'll get someone to pull some of the tubers from the garden. They will be good baked.”

  “I'll do it! I love digging!” one of the bear cubs said excitedly, bouncing and rushing out before she could volunteer anyone else.

  “He's going to need a bath tonight,” one of the other cubs said in disgust, shaking her head. Jethro snorted as he left.

  <(>~^~<(>

  He called a meeting in the evening after dinner. The barbeque had been a hit as had his grocery shopping spree. It had put a dent in his credit balance though. Cleanup had been interesting, but once it was done, he asked that they assemble so he could have a “fireside chat.” Cheetahra and a few of the Neo adults and cubs cleaned up with him. She even allowed some horseplay with the water and dishtowels.

  No one was initially interested in listening to him, but he took a stand near a bonfire of trash and wood and told those willing to listen what had happened in Pyrax. His story of what had happened to the Matriarch had already started to make the rounds, so those who wanted it straight from him stopped what they were doing and listened. Quickly word of mouth got around and many came to hear. “I know everyone is happy about the end of the Neo-Alien tax.” Jethro held up a hand. “No, I don't know about if you can go back. You'll have to look into that yourself. But you are here now. Don't waste it. There is no air tax here,” he said. Many nodded. “But I'd like a moment of silence for Hrriss and the Matriarch please,” he said.

  “Definitely,” a black bear murmured. Others agreed with growls or nods. Only the kids fidgeted, looking up at their parents as they lowered their heads and closed their eyes to pay respects to the fallen

  <(>~^~<(>

  The following morning Jethro got them up early and organized them into helping out. He assigned everyone chores to do, stuff to learn. It would all be rotated, so no one would get bored and to keep it fair.

  Those who had kids were organized into a daycare. That way they could look after the cubs and pups while the parents were working. He even organized a couple of the families into looking into building a daycare building nearby, turning a shanty someone had made into something more useful. “You want it up off the ground, right? To get out of the heat and mud when the rains come?” Many shook their heads. “And we need to educate the cubs like the Matriarch would want. So, let's get started.”

  “Bu
t we don't have anything. If we cut the trees down for wood …,” one of the bears indicated the tree nearby that the cubs were climbing and swinging from. “Then we'll have no shade.”

  “We can fix that.”

  He cajoled a few of the Neos into going to a nearby town to get materials and tools, then rented a truck to bring it all back. He organized them into building a simple structure, a building about thirty meters long by ten meters wide. It would have a small kitchenette on one end and a large play area for the rest. One of the black bears Jessie was amused by the rough carpentry and his crude design but saw his point. She made it clear to the others that the free rides were over, and that they should all pitch in. There was a bit of grumbling and dark looks, but she cajoled everyone into lending at least some sort of help. He didn't blame anyone for taking time off in the afternoon heat though; even though it was spring, it was still harsh.

  When they had the basic structure up, Jethro led a few of the better outdoorsmen on a hunt while the others worked under Jessie's guidance to finish the structure. They brought down a couple of big bull elks and brought them back to the sprawling home to cheers from the hungry crowd. They spitted the meat and roasted some of it. A few of the Neos took their portions raw or at least rare.

  Cheetahra watched everything with shining eyes, as did her three youngest cubs. When he came over to her side she was thankful. “That should give you a breather. And something for them to do. I told Jessie,” he indicated the black bear. “That she could probably sell some of her work in town. If she could dry it and stain it, it'd sell even better.”

  “True.”

  “She's interested in carving. Something about a chainsaw?” He shook his head. “She said she saw a small wooden sculpture of a bear in town and wants to try it. Go figure,” Jethro said, shaking his head. Cheetahra flicked her ears to him and then snorted.

  “She wants to help. Good for her. And she's willing to help out with the daycare. Even better. One step at a time.”

  “But you can't be here every day, Jethro, or even every month.”

  “No. Unfortunately not. And I wouldn't want to impose on your good graces either,” Jethro said.

  The female stroked her daughter's head gently, scratching her ears as the little one purred. “Jethro, I'll take you on as a guest any day of the week. These others ….” She shook her head, clearly frustrated and frazzled despite his recent efforts. “There are limits.”

  “Help them get out, then don't take anymore.”

  “For the matriarch and for you, I'll do that,” the cheetah said. She picked up the sleeping kit and nuzzled her with her cheek. The kitten nuzzled right back. “For the future. May it be a bright one.”

  <(>~^~<(>

  When he returned to town, he carried a group of Neos with him. Two of the pugs had applied for work through his implants, and they had interviews at the spaceport. The other six Neos had ideas to work at the growing spaceport or in space. One of the domestic cats was making noises about joining the corps. He wished her all the luck in that.

  They seemed eager, and more than one was appreciative of the changes in the spaceport and small capital city growing around it. Apparently a bit had changed since their arrival.

  “We couldn't find work before. I mean, I didn't know where to go,” one of the pugs said, flicking his ears. He seemed happy that Jethro had the window open; he had his mouth open and had his head out a bit. “I tried to work as a bouncer, but I'm too short. Damn near got stepped on,” he grumbled.

  “Better work on that,” Jethro said, shaking his head. “I bet a neo like you could work as a PI or in law enforcement or some other job,” he said.

  “Why, cause of my sniffer?” the pug demanded. Jethro turned to him. He shrugged. “Sure, you think we're all alike? I ain't no bloodhound cat.”

  “Nor am I. But it's more than just that. You have senses. And you said you were interested in a bouncer. Think about it. Someone your size can get in and out of places others can't.”

  “Hmm …,” the pug seemed interested. “You know, that's an interesting idea. I know an elf who was doing that on Anvil. I helped her out from time to time. I can certainly explore it.”

  “Don't try to jump in. See if you can get hired by an established company. Build contacts,” one of the domestic cats said. The pug looked at her. “That's what I'm going to do,” she said. She flicked her ears. “I heard Chung Li settled in the suburbs here. I put in a call; she said she's willing to put us up for a week to help us get on our feet.”

  “Beats living in an alley in a box or something,” one of the tomcats muttered.

  “True. Too true.”

  “Just don't overstay your welcome. I know I did.”

  “Yeah. Cheetahra was good to take us in. I owe her.”

  “You all do,” Jethro said, reentering the conversation. “If you ever get the chance, help her out as a thank you. Maybe pass her information or something. Take her out to dinner when you get on your feet or something.”

  “She helped you out too?”

  “No, I helped most of you out.”

  “You did?” All the Neos stared at him. He flicked his ears, now embarrassed. “Where do you think the money for your tickets came from?” He cocked his head at each of them. “I bet none of you could pay for it, right?” One by one they shook their heads. “Right. Well, I donated a lot of my income to the Matriarch. So did some of the other Neos like Hrriss and those in the military. All so you folks can get a fresh start here or elsewhere. Don't blow it,” Jethro said as he pulled up to the corner where they wanted to be dropped off. It wasn't busy.

  “We'll try not to,” the pug said as he popped the latch and climbed out of the truck.

  “Don't. And if you do end up going to Cheetahra's again or send others, tell them to lend the lady a hand more. She deserves all the help she can get.”

  “Yeah,” a cat said as she climbed out. “Thanks. What was your name again?”

  “Jethro McClintock. Jet was my sire.”

  “Oh, Letanga's cousin, M'wvekii's nephew.” The female Neocat turned in surprise. “I know you now,” the tomcat said, drinking in his scent with a flare of his nostrils. “I won't forget. Thanks panther.” The female beyond him flicked her fingers to him in a goodbye.

  “Don't mention it. Remember, you can join the corps if civilian life doesn't work out. But it's harder than it looks,” he said wryly.

  “Gotcha,” the tomcat said as he hefted a small bag and then slammed the door. He patted the side of the truck. “You're good to go. Thanks for the lift.”

  “May lady luck shine on all of you.”

  “To you too,” the cat said as the group broke up into smaller groups and dispersed. Jethro pulled away, wondering how many would end up in trouble with the law before the week was over. He shook his head. It wasn't his problem he reminded himself as he went to return the truck to the rental agency.

  <(>~^~<(>

  Jethro blinked when he got an incoming call. He was on the boat headed back to the island so he wasn't sure who would be calling until Bast ran a back trace and put up a name, Chung Li. “Oh boy,” he murmured, clicking the talk button on his HUD. “Yes?”

  “You know those six waifs you dumped on me?”

  “I wouldn't say dumped,” Jethro said.

  “Well, fortunately they are housebroken,” the Siberian Neotigress growled. “And I'm bigger than all of them combined so they won't give me any shit. But I've already had a few things go missing in my apartment.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah, I narrowed it down to Miss Bell, she left right away. Most likely to pawn it. Hopefully she just pawns the knickknacks and doesn't sell them. She'd better get me the credits and my stuff back.”

  “Oh boy,” Jethro sighed, slumping. A few of the other Marines returning from liberty or from the spaceport eyed him. “How bad is it? I take it you two have a history?”

  “Yeah. You could say that. She's got quick fingers. She saved my ass
a couple times on the station so that's why I'm giving her this chance. This one chance,” she growled. “She's already blowing it.”

  “I see.”

  “Don't scratch the couch, damn it!” the tigress snarled to someone in the room. “Yeah, I found it in a back alley, so what? It may be free, but it was a pain in the ass getting it in here! Now if you want to haul that one off and get another, feel free. Otherwise … and not the carpet too!”

  “So much for housetrained,” Jethro sighed. “I take it they are stressed and taking it out on your furniture?”

  “And the carpet. You watch, the drapes will be next.”

  “You said something about credits?”

  “Yeah. I told each of ‘em they have a week to come up with one hundred credits to stay here another week.”

  “Each?” Jethro winced.

  “Yeah, each. That'll give them some incentive to get their furry butts to work. They'd better not bring the law down on me. If Bell hooks or gets light fingered, she's on her own.”

  “Agreed. So, why are you calling me?”

  “I guess to vent,” the tigress admitted. Jethro snorted. “And to let you know if you ever want to go out for drinks sometime, you know, for old time's sake, let me know. Only I work weekends so …”

  “Yeah, rough. I usually only get weekend passes. This leave was a fluke,” Jethro admitted.

  “Gotcha. Damn it, I gotta go. The pug is so short he can't get his damned tiny wiener above the edge of the toilet to save his wretched life. And he'd better learn or I'll end his life,” she growled darkly. Jethro winced and then snorted.

  “I heard that. Men,” she growled thoroughly in disgust. “Quit standing there shaking like a leaf! Go get a rag and clean it up then! Must I do everything?” She snarled to the dog as she hung up.

  Jethro shook his head and sat back. She had her work cut out for her he thought. “Add Miss Li to my contacts please, Bast. And remind me to watch my … crap,” he said, checking his bag. “Yeah, watch for Bell,” he sighed, noting his gear had been ruffled through but nothing taken. “Definitely.”