The saucer wobbled again and sparks fell out of the aperture. Suddenly it dropped from the air and crashed into the cow paddy.

The other saucers promptly shot away in the same direction.

”Nice shooting, partner!”

The McKries jumped down and rushed the saucer.

”Oh no you don’t!”

The masked one jammed his weapon into the turret on top of the saucer to prevent it from aiming.

”Come out with yer hands up, Skrull! No funny stuff!”

Breaking the shotgun Kludge inserted a 'gentler' round of 00 Buck, palmed several more shells and slipped them in a pocket, then climbed down from the cab. "Son of a Biscut Eater!" Noticing the front driver side tire was flat he turned a steel melting glare toward the saucer. "That is just Bull Shirt! Get your arses out of that Frisbee right now or I scrap it with you in it! Try anything funny and your own Momma won't recognize the bodies!"

Only the sound of frightened mooing comes from inside the craft.

"Ok, how do we crack this tin can?" Jeff asked his temporary allies. "I might be able to use the truck Jack to crack a hatch. I think it's too big for the crane to shift."

”Get some wood and some moonshine? Light a fire under’t, git that Skrull hoppin’ out!”

”That’s mean to th’ COW! I ain’t havin’ it! Try th’truck jack!”

Returning to the truck Kludge opened one of the side bins and removed a long hose with a set of quick disconnects on the ends. Plugging one end into the port inside the box he uncoiled the hose over to the saucer then returned to the truck. Engaging the PTO he started the hydraulic pump then with a grunt from the weight grabbed the large jack and a set of hardened steel points along with a large persuader bar and carried it all back over to the saucer. Stabbing the bar down into the ground so it stood upright he quickly attached the points to the jaws of the jack and attached it to the hose. Looking over what he assumed was the hatch he flipped a mental coin and jammed the jaws into the narrow gap on one side. "This could get messy, keep me covered."

The groan of metal finally snapped the shop open like a crab shell.

A terrified and bewildered cow lay on top of a short green humanoid with wrinkly skin and pointed ears.

”Get…get it off me!”

"Green skin? That man has a serious condition." Jeff looked at his temporary allies. "So do we help the cow or the guy with a skin condition?" Grabbing the pry bar he handed it to one of the McKree boys. "Get in there and see if you can help him up."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Wed 18 Oct 2023.

Two of the pink hillbillies each grab an end of the cow and carry her out of the saucer.

”That Skrull musta broke down ribs or he’d be disguised by now.

the green one groans.

”My ribs…I think I bruised my gizzard…”

"I'm beginning to get the feeling you folk are from a lot farther away than Appalachia. Nobody picks up a full grown cow and moves it that easily. Now, I have no beef with you McKree boys, you approached me openly and honestly. By the way, one of you might want to go gather up all that gold that got scattered around on the road." Turning his attention back to the Skrull he let his displeasure show clearly. "As for you Mr. Skrull or whatever your name is, I don't like thieves, I don't like kidnappers, and I particularly don't like people who shoot at my truck. Your merry little band has manged to do all three. Cattle Rustling is an automatic hanging offense in this state so I could string you up right here, right now. Give me one good reason I shouldn't."

The green prisoner looks up at Freddy in all earnestness as a couple McKries slip out to grab the gold.

”This cow…is my cousin!”

He spits out some green blood from his mouth.

”The McKries been zapping my kinfolk with brain rays and…”

”LIAR!”

The masked McKrie slams the butt of his musket into the Skrull’s bulbous head, knocking him unconscious.

”Never ever listen to a Skrull. it’s lies all the way down!”

"Brutal, but effective. Believe it or not I didn't believe him." Stepping off the side of the Saucer Jeff dragged the Jack and hose back to the truck and positioned it under the front axle and began the laborious process of changing the front tire.  "Considering your truck got blown up if you are interested in riding back into the City I can probably bang together something that will at least get you back home. It'll be rough and ready but it will.get you there."

The McKrie pulls off his mask to adjust the straps. His face is sky blue with a silver beard.

”My kin can pass in town but I can’t. besides, the air’s too thick. I gotta stick to the mountain range up where it’s thinner. Around where the chestnut trees never died out.”

He lays his hand on Freddy’s shoulder.

”My boys’ll go with you. And as an original Captain, with witnesses I, Mar Vell McKrie, do hereby declare you an honorary McKrie. You’re welcome to the Starsteps anytime.”

He gets a sudden cough and quickly straps his mask back on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Fri 20 Oct 2023.

"I need to go and explain to Mrs. Morris that her Husband is missing along with a few of their cows and they have a hole in the fence they need to fix." Jeffry sighed in frustration. "This was just supposed to be a simple salvage buy, not 'Tales From The Weird.' Looking at the masked McKree he asked, "As much as I would like whatever powers that Frisbee I don't have anything big enough to shift it and I don't have time to scrap it right now. If you think you can get it back in the air you can take it. I can send some tools and parts back with your brothers or bring them myself when I come for another load. What ever you decide I wouldn't stick around long, I think people are going to start getting interested in this place."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:02, Mon 23 Oct 2023.

[End of Episode]

Freddy sighed as he swung down out of the truck cab. While his big truck could haul a hell of a load it's ride left a lot to be desired. Maybe he could come up with a ride damper for the seat? He had compressed air... It was something to think about anyway. It had been a hectic five days what with getting the McKree Brothers a way back home, loading and hauling the scrap, then attending to whatever issues had come in while he had been away not to mention doing random patrols through the area in The Beast and stomping around a bit with Stomper just to remind folks that he was serious. But finally, the last load was safe in his yard and unloaded, tucked away neatly behind a stack of crushed cars until it looked like just another pile of waste metal. Now maybe things could get back to normal and he could start tinkering again on some personal projects.

There had been a recent article about something called a jet engine. They tried to treat it like a joke, but there was something there....

Jeff looked up from his paperwork as the door to the office closed. A tall slender man wearing a very expensive suit stood just inside flanked by two other men that may as well have been wearing signs that read THUGS tried to look intimidating. Looking down beside the desk he addressed the large black and tan head resting on a blanket. "Some guard dog you are." Lifting his head the giant Mastiff produced a slobber filled yawn, blinked, then let out a half hearted growl before setting his head back down. "No, it's ok, I got this. Don't trouble yourself. Really." Turning his attention back to the man at the door  he quietly flipped three switches under the desk before resting his hands on top. Raising his voice slightly he politely inquired, "How can I help you?" In the back room several relays clicked in a rapid sequence and things began to happen. The front gate began to clkse and did so at a speed much higher than it's normal rate. The barbedwire that topped the concrete wall around the yard  became electrified, much to the surprise of several birds and a few cats, and the door to the office became very solidly locked in place.

"You said you wished to speak with me Mr. Bender."

"I find that hard to believe since I have no idea who you are."

"I was told you wouldn't build my device unless I spoke to you in person."

"Oh you must be 'Da Boss' of that idiot with the doorbell fetish. He told you wrong. I said I don't work for people I don't  know and if the boss wanted me to make something then he could come down and we would discuss it business man to business man. See, there is a difference there."

"That's another thing, I can't have people threatening my employees."

"Then train your monkeys not to be assholes. Now are you here for a reason? I have business to attend to."

"You are being difficult Mr. Bender."

One of the thugs started to step forward and Jeffery held up a hand palm out. "If any of you want to keep anything functional from the waist down I would stop right there." The thug froze in place, looking uncertain. "Like I told the last idiot, I don't  make threats and I give one warning. Consider this your warning. If any of you come back here, if any of your 'employees come back here, they will never find you, they will never find any trace of you and they will never find your vehicals. You will just disappear. Looking the slender man dead in the eye he let all of the emotion drain from his face and voice. "Don't cross me. Ever. I DO know who you are. You're a small fish trying to make a big splash in what he believes is a big ocean. Remember there are sharks. If you force as to meet again you will die and never see it coming. Now get out" Jeff had to give the man credit, on the surface he kept his cool but he had seen the man's pupils flare and the bead of sweat slide down his cheek.

At a brusque nod from his boss one of the goons turned and tried to open the door only to find it wouldn't budge even when he hit it with his shoulder. Oh, did I forget to mention you were all locked in here with me? You may want to search the fence line, some of your thugs could be unconcious or injured around it depending on how dedicated they were. Remember what I said." Unbolting the door he nodded for them to leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 25 Oct 2023.

Jeffry stood beside the large switch, his eyes glued to the meter in front of him as two pointers swept around the face, one moving slightly faster than the other. Around him four large generators roared as they pumped out power. A small tweak on a nob synchronized the speed of the two pointers and as they both reached the top of the dial he slammed the breaker closed tieing the fourth generator into the output of the other three. there was an audible crackle and snap as the heavy cables crossing the floor whipped and snapped from the current coursing through them. Several steel tools that were too close to the cables spun and reoriented themself to align with the strong magnetic fields.

Looking across the shop to where a strange device was set in a nest of electrical cables. The amount of power being pumped into the device was terrifying but so far it didn't appear to be having any effect on it. If it hadn't been for that little place in the back of his head saying he was on the right path he would have stopped, but it insisted. The device was unlike anything he had ever seen. It wasn't metal, it wasn't any plastic he had heard of and it seemed to be made as a solid unit of matte black material that had resisted all attempts to so much as scratch it. There were no seams, no bolts or clips, just four silvery lugs to which he had clamped the electrical cables.

Suddenly the sound of the generators spiked, there was a loud crackle then snap as all the breakers tripped. two of the generators had smoke rolling out of them. "Well, that sucks." Moving quickly Jeff shut down the generators. One of the control panels gages was showing 2680 volts still being available and it was coming from the device. "Ok, that's interesting, fried meter? A battery or a capaciter? Something else?"

A SEVERAL HOURS LATER

"This is either black magic or some science I don't understand. Fortunatly, I don't believe in magic." Freddy wore a fascinated frown as he studied the array of meters annd gages  before him. While it may have looked cobbled together out of spare parts, (it was) it was still none the less accurate and precise. "If this is correct then I've pulled 4 times the amount of power in pure wattage out of this gizmo than I pumped into it and there has been no noticeable drop in output. If it stays stable I could replace all the batteries on Stomper, reduce it's wweight by almost 300 pounds and increase its strength at the same time. If I can figure out how to work that metal I could increase the strength of the frame by an amount I can't even guess at. I think it's time to go into design mode again."

Freddy uncrouched from the design table, braced both hands against the small of his back and leaned back with a groan as he tried to easecthe cramping muscles. A glance at the clock in the corner showed it was a bit past 8 in the evening and there was a feel of growing quiet as the outer parts of the city started to slow down. "Junk Yard, how do you feel about Momma Kahtz for some dinner?"

Lurching to his feet the large dog fanned the air eagerly with his stump of a tail.

"I thought so, let me grab a jacket and my hat and we can go." It was only a mile and a half to the small diner so the two of them traveled via shanks mare, enjoying the cooling evening air and in Junk Yards case chasing and chewing on sticks.

Momma Kahtz didn't look like your typical Diner. It was located in a solidly built, 2 level brownstone building set back from the street by about 12 feet. There was enough space in front of it for three cars to park if a person was careful and a small parking area on one side if you didn't mind parking on dirt. A green light above the door let those in the know that they were open and there were seats available. If the light was red it meant they were full and if the lights were off they were closed. It was a system the regulars respected. The small bell above the door chimed as Jeff pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Junk Yard, Kludge! Come in!" Momma Kahtz was a big woman,  not fat or overweight, but in shear presence. She filled the Diner but it was with,a feeling of welcome and homecoming. Right here, right now, you could lay all your troubles down. "Sit,sit,sit! I'll be right with you!"

Jeff drew in a deep breath savoring the aromas coming out of the kitchen. A shadow behind the windowed doors showed that Mr. Kahtz was  in the kitchen. He was as reclusive as his wife was outgoing but the two of them worked perfectly together. JYD's claws clicked as he crossed the white and black tiled floor heading for their regular booth. Jeff nodded and smiled to those he knew as he followed. The hardwood benches that made up each booth were former church pews that had been salvaged, repaired and refinished and he felt gave the place a little more comfortable feel.

Bustling up to the table Momma placed a large mug of coffee with Jeffry's name on it along with a glass of ice water. A large bowl of water was placed on the floor. A menu quickly followed. "Do you boys need a minute?"

"I'm thinking a big plate of whatever is smelling so good in the kitchen would be perfect for me. Some trimmings for Junk Yard then a slice of that apple pie you make so well."

"That would be the pot roast. There are potatoes and roast carrots and bone stock gravy to go with it."

"That sounds like Heaven on a plate."

"Then I'll get it right out to you."

"Thank you kindly Momma."

The problem with the food at Momma's was that everything  was so good it was impossible to pick a favorite. The Regulars all knew to just order whatever she recommended and then pray you had room to finish it all. Jeff was eyeing the final forkful of potatoes wondering if he could find space for it when the bell above the door chimed and several men entered.

"Hello! Please help yourself to a table and I'll be right with you." Momma Kahtz cheerful voice came out of the kitchen where she was doing something mysterious and wonderful with spices.

"You're closing now. Clear this place out. We have business to discuss. Everyone can leave their cash and valuables on the tables." Five of the Roughnecks had formed a half circle behind their appearant leader and were smirking with confidence.

My god, are these idiots really this stupid? Looking around the eatery  Jeffry could see his thoughts reflected on the faces of several of the Regulars, many hadn't even looked up from their meals. haven't they ever heard of this place? He signaled Junk Yard to stay put as he quietly released the snap on his holster and eased the 1911 out onto the bench where he could grab it quickly but it was still well concealed.

Momma came out of the back drying her hands on her apron. I'm sorry Dear, but we don't close for another two hours. If you would like to wait I have some fresh pie."

"What flavor Mom?"

"Blueberry Lemon."

"I would like a slice of that."

"I'll bring it right out Bill"

"I said you are closing NOW! Get this scum out of here or my boys here will do it for you!"

"Young man, I have owned this business for 30 years. Not once in all those years have I let anyone come in here and tell me what to do. Not the Bank, not the City, not even the Government. If you think some yapping infant that still needs his nappies changed is going to start then You're sadly mistaken. Now I suggest you leave before someone gets hurt." All traces of Momma's normal friendly and warm voice had disappeared to be replaced by a hardness that was unbreakable.

"you stupid cow!" Raising his arm the man began to swing it in a backhanded slap. "How dare yo..." Before the blow could land the arm slapped into an open palm and stopped cold. Face totally impassive Mrs. Kahtz drove her other fist into the side of the man's immobilized elbow to the sound of a loud gristly POP and cracking. With a scream the man went down, his elbow bent almost 90 degrees in a direction it shouldn't have moved. Distracted by the events in front of them the five thugs didn't even notice as Mr. Kahtz slipped silently through the door and slammed two of their heads together before driving the point of his elbow forcefully into the base of the spine on the third.

"You got this Dear?" A grunt was the  only reply as he blocked an awkward punch from one man and rocketed his elbow back, and up under the ribs of the other. "Ok, have fun. I'll clean up any blood so don't worry if you break one to much. Now Bill, you wanted a slice of pie?" The warm and caring Momma was back. "Let me just wash my hands and I'll have that right out to you."

"Thanks Mom."

and that's why you don't cause trouble at Momma Kahtz Jeff quietly slipped his pistol back into the holster. He would have used it if needed but it would have meant being banished from the Diner. Neither of the Kahtz liked firearms. They didn't mind if you carried but using on in their business and home was a major No-no.

Jeff was just finishing his slice of apple pie when Mr. Kahtz paused at his table. without saying a word he dropped a slip of paper then proceeded to the kitchen. Written in a cramped and uneven hand was the make and model of three autos along with their tag numbers. He had the distinc feeling the owners would not be back for them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Tue 14 Nov 2023.

Walter tucked his napkin in his collar to dig into his apple pie after enjoying the show.

Egg Foo Young followed by apple pie. One really could eat their way through New York. He reminded himself to ask for an extra slice to store in his fridge back on the moon.

OOC: Several days later ...

Kludge crouched inside a heavy metal box that was bolted securely to the shop floor. A periscope arrangement of mirrors let him see out to the middle of the floor. All of the door to the large shop were not only closed and locked but also chained shut. Ths Stomper suit hung suspended two feet off the floor by thick hemp ropes with the overhead crane moved well clear.

The suit looked as if it had been stripped down to its bare bones and those bones were now a crystal metal blue. Heavy hydraulic cylinders and hoses had been replaced by far less bulky tubes and electrical cables. A dozen control cables were plugged into the back of the suit  and ran to a panel at Kludge's feet.

"Ok, time to see if we have a fireball or a miracle." He muttered as he turned a key and pulled up. A large red mushroom button. There was no explosion, which was good. A deep electric hum filled the shop.

One system at a time Jeff put the large frame through its paces, testing the range of motion and speed of each component. When he was satisfied with the individual systems he moved on to testing composite systems, his eyes always glued to the meters displaying loads. After almost two hours and finally satisfied no magic smoke was going to escape he shut it down. "I guess there's nothing left but to suit up and actually test it out."

It took almost half an hour to get the frame standing back on its feet and the external controls disconnected then Freddy went through the familure routine o f securing himself in the core of the exo-suit although it was acbit odd to do so without all the external armor and internal padding in place. "This would probably be a good time to pray... Oh well." Initiating the power he felt the frame come to life around him. It straightened slightly, systems zeroed themselves and stabilized and the whole framework hummed. More than that, it felt light. "Ok, walking. Small steps. Get a feel for how things move..."

"Junk Yard, I don't know if I should shake my own hand and slap myself on the back, or take that suit out and drop it and the schematics for it in the smelter then try to get drunk enough to forget all about it." As food or walks hadn't been mentioned Junk Yard continued to diligently lick his unmentionables as he lay on his blanket beside the bench. "Frankly, this thing almost scares me. I lost a little strength by switching out the hydrolics but the response time is almost twice as fast as before. The reduction is strength is more than ofset by the overall reduction in weight and if I do decide I need the extra strength there's room for more actuators when I can get the materials to build them. The best thing is I'm not hauling around a couple hundred pounds of molten sulfer batteries. I was always sweating a rupture of some kind. On the plus side, without the heat of the sulfer batteries the cooling system even works. With the new armor Stomper is going to look less like a walking scrap heap and more like a something I hope people can trust."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Mon 20 Nov 2023.