The Big Change Vol 2

By Gene Hartley

This is a fun adventure story full of surprises. And it has lots of science fiction. I get fairly technical in some parts which adds to the experience. And who knows, many of the predictions may actually come true. The story will make you laugh, cry, get angry, feel powerful, feel love, and believe there are invisible things out there that you really don't understand. So far the story is in two ebooks. (The Big Change, and The Big Change, Vol 2) The first book is free and this second book won't cost much. This book focuses more on the lives of the young Pioneers and the crazy fun, achievements, and challenges they experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gene Hartley
• Release date: Jul 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310240102

Gene Hartley

Born in New Mexico. University of Texas degree

Book preview

The Big Change

Volume II

Think Big and Make it Happen

July 15, 2018 to August 15, 2019

Published by Eugene E. Hartley at Smashwords

Copyright 2016, Eugene E. Hartley

This free ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. It may not be sold to others or be used for commercial purposes. But you are welcome to give it away to as many people as you like. I retain all commercial rights.

Disclaimer

To add more realism to this story, I name and comment about actual people, actual companies, actual places, and actual things. Please remember the contents of this book are only my opinions rolled up into a fun story. The news media always uses the word alleged to cover themselves, like the alleged offender, allegedly shot the policeman while the officer allegedly was arresting him. So when this fictional story asserts something as true, please first insert into your mind the word or the appropriate derivative of the word allege. For legal purposes I also have to say the following: All hyperlinked internet pages, photos, and videos presented are not part of this book. I’m just recommending them for those who may be interested. And, you may want to use these videos for discussion purposes with your friends. As time proceeds some may not work so I'll periodically remove or change them. Thanks.

The Story

This is volume II of a three volume series. The story's underlying intent is an advocacy for a direct democracy where money is used only to facilitate purchasing and not as a tool to hold people down. You'll understand what I'm saying after you've read the first book. On the surface it's a sci-fi adventure written mostly for young science and tech people. If the reader is a girl, I wanted her to feel she has the ability to do almost anything if given access to resources and lots of encouragement. This volume has a little over 180,000 words. So it wouldn't be boring I took you many places where the characters did some very interesting things. Enjoy.

The Big Change

Volume II

July 15, 2018 to August 15, 2019

Table of Contents

Twelve seconds

Homecoming

Blinking to another world

Young again

The documentary

Landed in San Diego

Arrived at beach house

Nellie and Ben go have fun

Tracy called Lupe to come over

Bandidas wake up

Ben is interviewed

Rosies are interviewed

Trip to Copper Canyon

Visit to Sea World

McDonalds in Orange County

On to Disneyland

Ellen show

Picked up Maggie and Paul

Second day in LA

Yavapai/Apache reservation

Visit to S4 at Area 51

To Seattle and Alaska

Denali

Unalakleet and the USA Russian border

Chicago

St Louis

Independence, Kansas

Oklahoma Prison

Broadway

Middle School in Brooklyn

Millie was distressed

Horace Mann School

Date at the Iridium

The Crucible and the Infinitum

Few more visits in NYC

Hawaii

Before the Memorial ceremony

Second annual Memorial and Benediction

The escape

Home attacked

The Big Change

Volume II

July 15, 2018 to August 15, 2019

Twelve seconds

Thursday morning, August 16, 2018. It's time, Happy. You ready, boy. Over the PA came Next up is an Indian Paint named Happy Feet. He's ridden by Summer Zia from Zia Pueblo, New Mexico.

Summer rode him to the staging area. Happy Feet felt extremely anxious. This is it. You ready, boy? He let out a snort and shook his head. She yelled in her native language of Keres Happy go fast, NOW! He immediately started running like the wind and thought Don't knock the barrel down, don't knock the barrel down, don't knock that barrel down! as he literally pivots on his two front legs around the first barrel. Summer yelled Good boy, faster. He shot forward and rounded the second barrel almost knocking it down. It's ok. Go! Now he's flying so fast he doesn't feel his hooves touching the ground. He felt a gentle pullback on his reins telling him to slow down around last barrel. As he successfully rounds it he thinks That's it, now run like never before for my Summer. As he ran out of the arena the announcer yelled Twelve point zero one seconds! Who is this horse?! You've just witnessed a new world record in barrel racing! Congratulations to Summer and Happy Feet.

Folks, we always hoped something like this would happen. That's why we video record this event using the same timing equipment and exact distances as the Wrangler NFR to make it official. The crowd cheered for Summer and Happy Feet.

Hear that boy, that's for you. After a few minutes of walking to cool down she came up to Standing Bear and jumped off. He smiled. I've seen him go much faster. It's those tight turns he's having trouble with. That's true but don't tell anybody how fast he really is. Let's put him back in his stall. He continued, I'll stay with him. I don't trust the white man. Maybe I should have made him run slower. He said Never hold a horse's spirit back. Our people don't break horses, we honor them. Don't worry, I'll protect him. Thanks, Uncle.

She turned and was greeted by Lupe running full force into her with a gigantic hug. Summer, I told you he was a natural! Congratulations! Before Standing Bear could lead Happy Feet away Lupe reached into her pocket and pulled out the largest cored apple you ever saw. Here big guy, you've earned it. He shook and lowered his head and made a deep friendly guttural sound before snatching it up. As he was enjoying the crispy sweetness he thought Thanks, this is delicious. Got another one? Lupe smiled then pulled out another as she waited for him to polish off the first. As she and Summer were petting his neck he took the apple. Munch, crunch, smack This is really good. Thanks. As Standing Bear was leading him off, Lupe said See you later, big guy. Happy Feet thought Later... And bring some more of those tasty red things with you.

Lupe had already raced Mom and turned in a very respectable thirteen point three seconds. If it wasn't for Happy Feet she would have won. Summer said Mom's time was much better than the fifteen seconds you were hoping for. You broke the San Antonio record. Her speed is world class, Lupe. I know. Isn't it great. Both girls were standing still, touching their chins and thinking. Looking at each other they exclaimed Just imagine how fast their children would be! Lupe giggled. You know great minds think alike. Like a sister she put her arm around Summer's shoulder as they triumphantly walked back to the stands.

As Summer and Lupe were beginning to go up the aisle to sit down, they were greeted by a small mob of excited young fans holding their programs wanting to get autographs and selfies. After a selfie and as Summer was about to sign she asked What's your name. The girl said It's Alice and I'm sooo excited! I've never talked to a famous person before. I have a poster of you on my bedroom wall. At the bottom it says Happiness is Your Passion for Life. This is sooo cool! I didn't know you were a barrel racer. Summer smiled and wrote To my good friend, Alice. Always have a passion for everything you do. Summer gave the program back to her and after reading it she started screaming and ran over to her dad to show it to him.

The program had Lupe's Seri name of Cacosxaj (pronounced Cacös haj) Tepocas (meaning tall one who lives near the north wind). As Lupe was signing Lauren's program she said That's a very unusual name. Is it Indian? Yes. My name means tall in the Seri language. Lauren said So are you and Summer related? Lupe happily said My dad and her mom are dating, so maybe someday we'll be sisters. Lupe wrote on Lauren's program Never stop observing and asking questions. Then push yourself to understand and see beyond. The whole universe is yours to be discovered. Your friend, Cacösxaj. Lauren thanked her and as she was walking back to her seat she wondered why Cacösxaj wrote that. Was it because I asked so many questions? Then she thought Exactly, always wonder and question.

They spent fifteen minutes with their admirers doing selfies, signing and talking. After they finished they went up the bleachers and sat down. Lupe said in a low voice That was really cool. I never had people ask me for an autograph for what I've really done. But this is a nice substitute. Summer glanced over and whispered Don't worry if they all knew, everybody at this rodeo would be here trying to get a selfie and an autograph. You would literally be crushed with love. Yeah, I get your point. Papi says I have to be incognito until I graduate from high school. Summer whispered I would've made it longer. There are people who would kill for your knowledge. They'd give anything to kidnap you. You'll have to have bodyguards for the rest of your life. Lupe laughed and whispered I already do. At least twenty that I know of are around us right now. That's why I'm wearing a blouse and jeans made of a Kevlar/cotton blend. That's why Miss Muscles Tracy is sitting next to you. And, that's why Molly the brain reader is behind us. We have to be protected so I guess it comes with the territory. And if they can't protect us we'll protect ourselves. You'd be surprised what the three of us can do. Summer suggested Let's just make sure our horses are safe. Good idea.

The calf roping competition had just finished. Lupe's boyfriend Austin came in first. His next event was bronco riding in early afternoon. Austin proudly walked up and sat down next to Lupe. Hey cowboy, looks like you did a pretty good job. He was about to answer when two of his classmates approached. A drop dead beautiful sophomore at Lytle High School named Regina said Hi, Austin. I wanted to congratulate you but I couldn't find you. Austin was sitting at the end of the row. Regina started to sit on his lap when he said Regina, I really appreciate the attention but no. Ok? She replied Ok. So she took his cowboy hat off and kissed him on the cheek. Austin said Regina, let me introduce you to my girlfriend Cacösxaj. Regina gave Lupe a fake smile. Well, Austin told us he had a girlfriend. But I didn't think she would be so beautiful. How do you pronounce your name again, honey? Lupe instantly responded The pronunciation challenged just call me Coco. Well ain't that a cute name. Kind of matches your brown skin doesn't it? Lupe whipped back Yeah, I guess. Your name means queen, doesn't it? Quite an anachronism considering every country across the world is becoming a direct democracy. Regina wasn't used to quick sharp tongues like Lupe's. Beth, the other girl standing next to Regina was also beautiful but not so full of herself. She congratulated Austin with a handshake. Thanks, Beth. Are you still dating Tommy? No, he was a little too aggressive. If only I could find a guy as nice you, my life would be so much better. Aww, that's very sweet of you. But I'm just a regular guy. You're the one who's drop dead gorgeous, smart, and fun to be with. After that comment he felt a sharp elbow to the ribs. Ow. I mean I'm really lucky to have a girlfriend as nice as Coco here. Sensing a little hostility, Beth stepped back. By this time, Regina's eyes were boiling with jealousy. She faked a smile and said We'll see you later, Austin. Because of the tension in the air, the girls didn't hang around to meet anybody else. While they were walking down the bleacher Regina asked Beth What does anachronism mean? Beth shrugged her shoulders. Beats me. But I noticed she was sitting next to that redskin Summer Zia. With Coco's crazy name it probably means she's a redskin too. Regina said I'm not about to be bested by a damn redskin. Beth asked What do you aim to do about it? Something she'll remember for a very long time. I've been working on Austin since the 8th grade. And, I'm not about to let some strange bitch have him.

Regina and Beth walked out into the parking lot and casually looked around until she spotted Austin's pickup. Beth, how involved do you get at your dad's repair shop? Well, I ground your brake disks and put new pads on your car last month. Hmm... so you know a lot about brakes, huh? Beth looked at Regina. If I cut his brake lines he could get killed. Do you really want that? Regina said Just poke some tiny little holes so the brakes will slowly go out. Then he'll realize what's happening and pull over. I don't know, Regina. She took her pocket knife out and handed it to Beth. Here, take it. This blade is pointy and razor sharp. Get under there and poke a few holes. I'll lean against the truck drinking my coke while I'm pretending to rest. Beth took the knife and quickly made a few tiny holes in the brake lines. She jumped up and said Done. See, that was easy. They won't get hurt. It'll just scare them. No harm, no foul. I just wish I could see the fear on their faces as they go off the road trying to slow down as he's desperately using his emergency brake.

Back inside the competition barn, Tony was sitting next to Bubba. Hey, it's getting close to noon. You hungry? The brisket they're smoking next door smells really good. Bubba replied I was just thinking that. They grill a bunch of onions with fresh jalapenos and tomatoes then put it on top of the sliced brisket. And they slather on some of their special homemade barbeque sauce. Tony said Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Tony got his daughter's attention. Mija, this might be a good time to go eat so we can be back for Austin's competition. Nellie asked Do they have pizza? Connie replied It's better. Austin told me they have these big slabs of brisket they smoke an entire day so when you take a bite it just melts in your mouth. They call it South Texas Barbecue. Sophia nudged Travis. Hear the live music? You wanna go? Summer looked at her mom You think it's as good as your barbequed snake? K'akana laughed Maybe. She turned to Tony I'm ready if you are. Laurie, are you ready? When my Bubba says he's hungry we better go eat. Bubba added That's right. And when I'm eating Texas Barbecue I have to apologize and tell everybody Mi nombre es Orozco cuando me come, me no te conozco." (My name is Orozco, when I'm eating I don't know you. It's a little Spanish rhyme that means when I eat I enjoy the food so much I forget about everything else.) Tony cracked up. I didn't know you knew Spanish, Bubba. When it comes to good food, I'm ambidextrous. You mean bilingual. Yeah that too. That's why I work out every day. Laurie doesn't allow me to grow any table muscle. Laurie put her arm around Bubba. I require my Bubba to be a slim and trim 300 pounds. So I have him exercise all the time.

Talulah Musk and her five sons were sitting on the bleachers across the arena. Connie and Griffin were becoming an item, so she texted an invitation to lunch with her. With permission from his mom, he casually walked over to the group as they were leaving the building. Hey handsome. Hi, Spunky. What are we eating? Barbecue. And there's live music. Hear it?

The food tent was crowded. They had to sit way in the back. After waiting for a spell enjoying the cool air conditioning a waitress named Sheila finally came running up. Sorry for being so slow, but we've got Carson Peters here and it seems like every kid in Bexar County came to see him. Bubba said That's fine. I love good country music. She asked Well y'all ready. The group quickly gave their orders. It wasn't difficult considering they came for the best food, mainly the drop off the bone melt in your mouth barbecue. In a few minutes four waitresses came back with trays of brisket from heaven. Mmm' mmm. Just look at that food kids. You ain't lived until you've eaten God's gift to South Texas. Connie said Yeah, yeah, Uncle Bubba. That's what we've been hearing you say most of the morning. Tony had the group hold hands as he gave thanks. Then everybody dug in. Lupe exclaimed Wow, this stuff really is good Uncle Bubba. He said It doesn't take much convincing after the first bite.

Carson Peters sang a few more numbers, and then an older group came on. It was Asleep at the Wheel singing Miles and Miles of Texas. Then they took a ride down the New Mexico Navajo trail. Their last song was Route 66. Nellie asked what it meant. Connie said It's now a freeway called I-40 and part of it goes through our grandparent's reservation near Prescott, Arizona. Oh... So why write a song about it? Because it was the first highway that went across the Wild West. Grandpa used to tell us our ancestors were Wild West Indians. That's really cool."

While the music was playing, there was a constant stream of young people coming up to get an autograph and a selfie with Summer.

Tracy commented I don't think I've ever seen so many good looking boys wearing cowboy hats before. What is it about boots buckles and hats? I want to hug 'em all. Lupe laughed. Must be that sweet Southern Belle in you, Tracy.

Lupe asked Austin about Regina and Beth. She didn't like them being so friendly. But he's actually friendly with all the girls at school. They just love him. And he loves the attention. Lupe had feelings of jealously she never felt before. Austin didn't know what to say. Another band came up and played a nice Texas two-step, so he asked Lupe to dance. After being on the dance floor holding her Cowboy, Lupe sort of forgot about Regina, Beth, and everything else in the world for that matter. Strong girls like the tender touch of a Cowboy.

Sophia used this as an excuse to get Travis out on the floor to show him how to two-step. Sophia is drop dead beautiful and Travis was totally smitten. She could have shown him how to slop with hogs and he would have willingly jumped in and started oinking.

During the last few days K'akana and Tony have become very close. He was still a little wary but she was so nice and beautiful he couldn't resist.

A couple skaters came in with their boards and their mom. One of the boys about ten caught Nellie's eye. She boldly walked over, sat down and started talking to him about skateboarding. At first he was uncomfortable with a stranger just opening up a conversation, but after a few minutes he sort liked of it. Nellie can be very funny when she wants. She broke the ice with a couple jokes. After Jolie Holliday finished, a Tejano band came up and played a cumbia. Nellie cajoled the boy to come and dance with her. He loved it as she was showing him the steps. Sophia was also showing Travis. Pretty soon the whole crew was up there dancing. After Tierra Tejana played a few, a group of young girls dressed in nineteenth century Mexican peasant costumes with taps on their shoes came on stage and danced the Zapateado.

Full from a satisfying lunch, the group started back to the arena. Norma's kids, Travis, and Griffin wanted to go on some rides so Bubba and Laurie joined them. On the way they stopped by a petting zoo with baby deer, buffalo, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, and some African herbivores.

Austin placed second in the afternoon's competition. He had some chores to do at home so at 4:00pm he and Lupe decided to head back. The rest stayed for the evening's events.

They were about to arrive at his home. It overlooks the Balcones Escarpment just northwest of the village of Castroville. Like most teenagers, Austin likes to drive fast. He was going seventy on a narrow crushed limestone road. Lupe said Hey Cowboy, where's the fire. What's the hurry? I don't know. It's just so far from everything that I've developed a bad habit of driving fast. I even drive fast between our farm here and the one in Lytle. Isn't that a 90 degree turn we're coming up to? Don't you think we should slow down? Austin began pressing on the brakes. Then he frantically started pumping them. Lupe saw Austin going nuts on the brakes and nothing was happening. She quickly pulled out her device, reached over and grabbed his neck and pressed the button. The truck went tumbling down the escarpment bursting into flames. Minutes later Lupe and Austin reappeared at the exact spot where she Blinked. They dropped about two feet straight down right in front of that 90 degree turn. She had the device set to ping them to the other end of a fused energy/temporal line. So in a matter of minutes they travelled 700 light years out and immediately came back.

What happened. We went for a ride through some of the Milky Way and came back. Austin didn't say a thing. He turned white as a sheet. He remembered vibrations and seeing bright colored lights flashing by and not being able to move and had a tingly feeling while he lost all comprehension of space and time. Even though he knew she saved the old Pioneers last month, he didn't fully grasp the gravity of it all. It finally hit him about who this girl really was. He felt a chill of fear, a little leery, thankful, and speechless. His level of respect jumped astronomically (no pun intended).

When they got up he just stood there kind of numb. As he was staring at her, he slowly said You saved our lives...... Then he humbly held out his arm to shake hands... Hi. I don't believe we've really met. My name is Austin Jacobs. I'm a sophomore at Lytle High School. I play football and do a little rodeo roping and riding. I hear you're Lupe Solis and you accomplished the greatest feat in the history of humankind. It's an honor to meet you. Lupe looked at him and said Stop it with that shit, Austin. I'm just a normal girl. Ok, I'm a normal kick ass beautiful girl who was fortunate enough to discover something big. Flirtatiously looking into his eyes she softly continued And that's exactly how I want you to treat me. Got it, you big handsome blonde blue eyed cowboy. Austin said I'm lucky you decided to sit next to me that day at the museum. Lupe put her arms around him and pulled him in close. I'm the one who's lucky. They were about to kiss when she noticed Oh look. Here comes our ride. It was Cletus rolling up in a white Suburban. He asked Where's your truck? Austin pointed that way and said I think it went off the embankment. Lupe said The brakes went out. That doesn't happen on a new truck. Would you do me a favor? Cletus said Yes, I'll get Molly involved. It might speed up the process if you two give me a list of the people you spoke to today. Thanks, Cletus.

Cletus stepped out of the vehicle. You Blinked yourself out of danger, didn't you? She nodded. With a long face he continued This makes me see I'm not doing my job. Lupe smiled Uncle Elon once told me 'sometimes shit happens and there's nothing you can do about it'. She hugged him. It's ok, Uncle Cletus. He didn't say anything but he realized she just called him Uncle for the first time since he's known her. He smiled hugging her back and thought God, I love this child like she was my own. I have to be more careful. He sadly looked at her and said I'm sorry, baby. I promise this will never happen again.

Homecoming

The third week of September, 2018. It's homecoming week at Las Cruces High School. The Bandidas had tested out of several math courses so they could take senior level calculus their sophomore year with their bud Bannister. At the beginning of the school year they cajoled Bannister to sit with them in the back of the class. She relented because she needed Lupe's help with her most difficult subject.

Since October of last year when the Young Pioneers began attending Las Cruces High School they took Bannister on as a project to improve her popularity. During her junior year she was in the drama club but only worked the lights and curtains. She's also a good artist, so she painted many of the stage sets. Because of Bannister, Lupe and her buds discovered drama class, so they transferred over to try their hand at acting and to give Bannister some encouragement to do some acting herself. But being freshmen they were relegated to small parts while the upper classmen got the primo stuff. Even though they were able to get Bannister to lighten up, they still couldn't get her to do any acting. She was way too shy. But they did have some good times and Bannister did bring them up to speed with the social groupings.

There were the jocks, preps, skaters, thespians, the dirties, cheerleaders, homies, gang bangers, the rockers including guys in bands, and the FFA rednecks. The jocks usually hung together by sport they played. Most jocks concentrated too much on athletics and not enough on school and won't go anywhere in life except for the ones who get teaching degrees and come back as coaches.

Then there are the geeks and nerds who always get picked on. But they'll get their revenge when everybody else works for them later in life. The school has a few gangsters you need to avoid. Some of them are just out of jail and look to be in their early 20s. Then there are the beautiful self-centered girls who don't care about anybody except themselves but since they're so beautiful everyone adores them. After they graduate, the dim beautiful ones will end up being teen moms and the more intelligent ones will find a super-rich boy in college. And of course you'll find a few very wealthy kids who are totally spoiled. After the Big Change everybody is well off so the rest of the school doesn't give a squat when these kids try to brag. In fact they're shunned. Then there are the slackers who don't care about school. They're the future dropouts, funyun eating, video game playing in mom's basement with only their underwear on losers. They just can't or won't get their life together. (For those kids who grow up and won't work, the People are deporting them to third world countries.) The school has a few International students who tend to stick together. The People of America have been pushing foreign student exchange programs as a way to spread the word about the benefits of being a direct democracy.

Then there are the couples who are way too clingy with each other and never let anyone else in. The drug heads are in many groups. You'll see a few Loners. And there are the pampered girls who are big into social clubs.

Then you have the ones who don't identify with any group but instead spend time with everybody. They will be the future high level managers of businesses. And of course there are the band nerds, sometimes inappropriately called band queers because there are more gays in athletics than in the band. And finally there's the rebels who are against everything evil, or are evil themselves.

The first bell rang and the kids in calculus class took a seat. Mr. Hamilton is the teacher. He fits the typical stereotype of a nerd. His trouser legs are a too short. You can see his white socks and black unshined shoes. He always wears a starched white shirt with a bowtie. His face has small pock marks. His dark hair is short and oiled down. His glasses are black plastic frame with thick lenses. He is so skinny you wonder when he had his last meal. And he always has pencils in his shirt pocket.

The first period second bell rang. After a minute Mr. Hamilton came running in, shut the door and apologized for being late. Lupe said That's the second time in the past two weeks, Mr. H. We saw you talking to Miss Sweeny down the hall. Just remember... no PDAs. The class laughed. Don't worry Lupe, I already have a girlfriend. Tracy said Yes, you told us you're in love with Miss Numbers. That's right. Molly spoke up Hey Mr. H, I really like your red bowtie. Thanks, Molly. But I sense you're injecting a little flattery in hopes of currying favor because you didn't do your homework again. I'm sorry Mr. H, but I was tied up doing other stuff yesterday. Can I come up to the board and show you the answers? No, that's ok. I know you know the answers. But as an alternative, why don't you turn in a week's worth of homework each Monday so I can legitimately give you a grade. Ok? You got it, Mr. H.

Ok class, you ready for another adventure into the wild wonderful wacky world of calculus? The class said No. Good. Let's take out your homework and go over the problems. Who wants to explain the first one? Lupe raised her hand. Lupe, Lupe, Lupe... We're three weeks into the school year and I already know you could probably teach this course. Right class? They laughed. He continued So let's give someone else a chance to shine. Bannister was sitting next to Lupe. How about you, Bannister? Would you like to give it try? Lupe whispered You go, girl. Just remember what we talked about last night. Bannister slowly walked to the front with her homework in hand. Mr. Hamilton handed her the chalk. It was a problem on integrals. She wrote out the answer perfectly. Mr. H said I think someone's been tutoring you. As I remember, you had a tough time last year in my pre-cal class. He looked to the back where Lupe was sitting leaning back with her hands behind her head and feet up on the empty chair in front. Lupe said Guilty as charged, Mr. H. This stuff is really boring. But it's fun when I get to light up someone else's mind and have them understand this waste of time. Mr. Hamilton said It's only a waste of time because you don't like it. Lupe giggled You got that right. I noticed you said because I don't like it, not because I don't understand it. I understand it and I still think it's a waste of time.

Mr. H scratched his head and asked Ok. I'll bite. Why is it a waste of time? Lupe suggested It's all predictive interrelative set theory which can include space and time and geometrics that deal with the four functions of math in a multitude of ways ad nauseam. But I've always been intrigued with a blend of Euclidean, hyperbolic, and elliptic geometry moving along a temporal event. Or what I call a predictive analysis of an ever moving geometric environment across infinite slices of time. And if you examine this movement carefully you'll start to see a beautiful harmony present. Not moving towards entropy, but harmony. A harmony that embraces not only our four dimensional universe but many other dimensions. Dimension isn't really the correct word. I'd call it intelligence, cognition, understanding, the exquisite elixir of being, versus nothingness.

Mr. H, what we should be doing is teaching courses about methods we use to identify the stuff our five senses can't. And also about mental cognition of stuff our senses pick up.

Mr. H said I'm sorry but I only know how to teach math not inventions. Lupe said It's not inventions. It's the science of being more aware. It's understanding the cognitive process and then developing new relationships where this primitive inter-relative math would be too simple to apply. Mr. H said And your point? What if there was a math that went beyond correlating and relating and predicting. What if there was a math tool that defined understanding and consciousness? Mr. H said I still don't understand. Lupe said If I bang a big brass bell with a hammer it causes the bell to vibrate and thus vibrate the air and then your tympanic membrane will start to vibrate from the waves travelling through the air. The nerves in your ears capture the event and sends signals to your brain and you cognitively hear the sound of the bell. But it's only what your brain interprets the wave movement to be. It isn't actually the sound because the bell makes no sound. The cognitive interpretation of the sound only occurs in your brain. That's another dimension I just mentioned. You see, the leads into our brain are our senses like hearing. We can only hear from about 50 decibels to about 15,000 decibels. But dogs can hear much higher decibels. Why? Is it something in the brain or in the dog's ear that makes the difference? Mr. H said True, but that has nothing to do with math. Lupe said That's true to a point, because you cannot apply our current math to the cognitive process occurring in a brain. I believe there are other functions of math besides addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There are others that exist which I would call the associative and disassociative functions, and the creative function to identify an input item as unique. I also believe there is a dissonant and a harmonious function. And I believe there are many more dimensions of the mind. Mr. H said That's quite an imagination you have, Lupe. What else do you believe? Well Mr. H, today's math uses integers, fractions, decimals, and so on. Like it's a means of calibrating or counting or measuring. Math should really go beyond that. Using math I should be able to write the cognition symbol that occurs in the mind of a person when it hears a big brass bell. Or a large silver bell. Or a car horn. That precious elixir of thought that brings that sound to life is what my math would include. The creative function would be applied here. And see, this stuff wouldn't be variables because there is a sameness across all our minds. The sound of a particular brass bell is the same in every human's mind. Same with sight. We all see the color purple the same. The smell of bacon is the same for every human. Every mind's interpretation of a certain stimulus is the same. Even when the mind tricks you into believing something that is not true, it occurs with everybody. And since all of this is consistent we can apply math to it. But first we have to understand what occurs in the mind. We need to understand the dimensions of the mind.

Lupe continued It's simple Mr. H. Math is more than integers and variables. Way more. It's identifying something that we can conclude is a constant. Something that will never change in this physical world. Like an angstrom unit. But then again I'm talking measurements and calibrations. What I'm saying is math should include the identified magic that has us hear a bell the same or see the color purple the same. And once we understand the electrical impulses in the brain then we can open up the mind and view it. But once that happens this four function math stuff just won't cut it. I think of our math today as the Flintstones cartoons when we should be like the Jetsons.

Like in this calculus class, we need to understand the concepts, but now we have computers to do the detail work. So why fool with it. Let's move on to other theories and understand them. We could finish this course in a couple months instead of an entire school year. The extra time could be spent experimenting with cognition and relating some sort of math to it. Your job would be finished in a couple months. Then guess what. I could show you the rest. Mr. H smiled and said Lupe, you're probably the most confident person I've ever had in any class, but let's get back to reality and finish up today's problems. Oookaaay, Mr. H. Molly sitting next to Lupe whispered I started freaking out when you mentioned temporal geometric harmony. I was worried for a second you were going to bring up temporal/energy threads in dark matter slash energy and how your new math explains it all. I also thought you were going to quickly explain the geometric wave/particle duality theory and why it is only a tiny piece of the puzzle. Lupe made a devilish smile and whispered That would really blow their minds. Or put them to sleep. They both started giggling. Mr. H said Is there a joke back there that you would like to share with the class? No Mr. H. Then please be quiet. Thank you.

Mr. H gave the class ten minutes of free time before the bell. Bannister whispered I was asked to the homecoming dance. Lupe's eyes perked up. Really. Who asked you? Dax Daugherty. Lupe whispered Who the heck is he? He's a FFA guy. He has big blue eyes like mine but he doesn't wear glasses and he's a pinch taller than me, about six one. I've only talked to him a few times, but he's really cute. The bell rang. As they were walking to their Speech and Drama class Lupe got the other Bandidas together with Bannister. Guess what, Bannister is going to homecoming! Tracy and Molly said that was really depressing because they couldn't go out yet. Lupe added Well I can, but I don't want to two-time my cowboy.

Lupe looked at Bannister. Did you go to the homecoming dance last year? No. Nobody asked me. Tracy said Bannister, you're too shy. You needed to ask someone yourself instead of waiting for someone to ask you. Molly said Bannister is shunned by most of the students because she's so smart. You guys... having a bunch of jerks say no would have hurt her ego. Lupe said Yeah, I guess. So are you going with him for sure? Bannister replied Yes, I think so. I hope he's nice instead of a self-centered jerk. It's bad enough he's a farmer. Lupe said Hey, don't stereotype like that. They're not all simple minded. I've got a boyfriend farmer living near San Antonio named Austin. He's smart. But who cares. He's really cute. Bannister replied Everybody in school calls them the Future Failures of America for a reason. The ones here are mostly losers. So I'll give Dax one chance. If I don't like him, he's out of my life forever. Tracy said Now that's the confident Bannister I like to see.

Four days passed. It was now Friday, homecoming day. That morning Dax gave Bannister a beautiful mum with all kinds of decorations. She proudly wore it all day. That evening he drove to Bannister's home in his dad's new Camaro. Mr. Ridgely answered the door. Hello, Mr. Ridgely, I'm Dax Daughtery. Hi, I'm Ted Ridgely, but you can call me Mr. Ridgely. As Dax was shaking hands he said It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ridgely. He squeezed Ted's hand way too hard. Bannister's dad was a skinny nerdy thirty eight year old who didn't exercise very much because he spent most of his time in an office doing program design and writing code for the military. Bannister lost her mom to cancer several years ago, so it was just her and her dad. Ted said Bannister has been in her room for the last two hours getting dressed. I'll see if she's ready. Please come in and sit down while I let her know you're here. Thank you, sir.

Bannister usually wears thick glasses at school, but that night she had her contacts on. As she was coming down the stairs in her new homecoming dress, Dax quickly stood up. Wow Bannister, you look beautiful. Thank you. I was worried this dress wouldn't be good enough. She kissed her daddy goodbye. Have a good time, baby. I love you. Dax said the game would be over about 9:30 and the dance would start at 10:00. He promised to have her back by 12:30. That's fine, Dax. Just make sure she's safe. Yes, sir. I will.

Dax treated Bannister like a lady. He opened all the doors and was very polite and funny. They had a great time watching their team win by two touchdowns. At the dance they sat with the other FFA guys and their dates. She thought they were a bunch of dimwitted goobers. Dax was cute and had a loud boisterous but friendly personality. He really enjoyed dancing with her. Ted had been sending his daughter to dance lessons once a week for several years to prepare her so she wouldn't be teased. It was bad enough she was shunned for being brilliant. Dax appreciated the fact that she didn't use words over his head, and that she laughed at his corny jokes. He really began to like her as the evening went on. Before they left she excused herself to go to the powder room. As Dax was going to the restroom several of his FFA buddies came up. Hey man. She is one cute heifer. You ready for tonight. Dax said Man, I can't wait to get some. One of his buds said Great. Pour this powder in her glass of punch. After she drinks it I guarantee she'll be putty in our hands. Dax said Her dad's really going to be pissed when she comes home drunk. But he's a little wimp. I can handle him. And just remember I'm first. After going to all this trouble, I'm not about to have seconds. His friend said You got it, man. Now get back out there and take care of business.

After Bannister returned and sat down she looked at the band, the other boys with their dates, and the beautiful decorations. It was sad to see such a perfect evening come to an end. Dax treated her like such a princess. In a way she felt like Cinderella. When it ended she'd have to go back to being a faceless wallflower. She gently took his hand. I really appreciate this evening, Dax. It was nice. He said The pleasure is mine. But like with everything good it eventually has to come to an end, so what do you say we finish our punch and head on home. Like a gentleman he helped her as she rose from the chair. He made sure to open the building door and the car door for her. She thought This guy is such a gentleman. She began getting drowsy in the car. He said he was taking her straight home but he took her to a motel where three other FFA guys were waiting. As they entered the room she didn't realize where she was or what she was doing.

The first day the Bandidas enrolled in school they made a deal with Bannister. They would protect her, and in return she would help them integrate smoothly into the school. Per the agreement and unknown to Bannister, Lupe had an agent follow her all the time. This night he called Lupe about the potential problem while Dax and Bannister were in the motel parking lot. The agent advised Lupe that Bannister looked incoherent and was stumbling. She was walking like she had been drugged. Lupe told the agent to stay put and she would be there in a few minutes. She quickly blinked over to Molly's bedroom and whispered Molly! Wake up! Bannister's in trouble. We need to get to her right now. With her eyes closed she muttered What? Lupe jerked the covers off the bed and slipped some flip flops on her feet and grabbed a pair of her pants and one of her t-shirts and her communication device next to the bed. Then she held Molly's hand and Blinked both of them over to Tracy's bedroom. Tracy, wake up! Wake up! Tracy was startled and immediately sat up. Half asleep, focusing on Lupe she said What's the matter. Tracy, put your shirt and pants on. Here's some flip flops. We gotta get out of here now. Bannister's in trouble! She needs us! Tracy snapped out of her sleep. Is she ok? We don't have time to talk. Get everything you need and let's get out of here. By now Molly had her pants and shirt on, and Tracy was also ready. Tracy grabbed her medical kit and quickly gave herself and her two buds some super strength. Lupe blinked the three of them to the coordinates of the motel where the agents stood waiting.

They arrived outside the motel door about ten minutes after Bannister entered the room. Lupe quickly called Cletus about Bannister's predicament. With his concurrence, as a way to make up for the truck brakes being cut, he allowed the Bandidas to be the first to go into the motel room. Before they entered, the agent gave them a handful of plastic zip restraints. Standing in front of room 127, Tracy punched her hand through the door and yanked it off its hinges. Bannister was already disrobed. Tracy smiled and said Howdy, boys. Thought you'd have a little fun with our friend Bannister, huh. Lupe said But shame on you. You didn't invite us.

At lightning speed the girls put restraints on the guy's hands and legs. As they were struggling to get free Tracy said Looks like you boys have a little too much testosterone in your system and it's making you do very bad things. You know the People mandated the punishment for rape is castration. Lupe smiled, grabbed Dax and proceeded to pull his pants down. She pulled a knife out of her back pocket, flipped it open and Tracy stopped her. Wait a minute! I'm the biologist here. Let's don't have him bleed to death. Let me do it, ok? Lupe said Oh, all right. Dammit.

But first Tracy bent Dax's fingers back as she asked what drug he slipped Bannister. After a moment of painful persuasion he was screaming the answer. Thanks, I appreciate the information. Tracy sat her medical kit on the bed. He screamed for mercy and was struggling to get free while she took her sweet time. She reached into her kit and pulled out some surgical gloves and made a sinister snapping sound as she put each one on. She splashed some alcohol and iodine on his private parts. Then with a smile she pulled out a shiny razor sharp scalpel and made cutting sounds as she moved it through the air. He was screaming and squirming while Lupe and Molly were holding him down. Tracy suggested You have to hold him perfectly still so I don't kill him. She thought for a moment and asked Should I give him any anesthesia? Lupe giggled Just wack 'em off. Tracy laughed. Ok. If you insist. The screams were blood curdling as Tracy very slowly and carefully cut his scrotum and testicles off. Then she made sure the arteries were stapled tightly to stop any bleeding. After the deed was done, Lupe smiled and said There you go, sweetie. All that terrible pain will last for just a few days, as she was dangling is testicles in front of his face just before he passed out.

Molly got their attention Hey, let's forget about the others. Let the law take care of them. I'm getting readings from Bannister saying she needs our help. Tracy looked at Bannister You're right. Let's take care of our passed out friend.

But before anything else, Tracy hit each guy in the face knocking their front teeth out. She looked at the other Bandidas What? I've got to leave my calling card, don't I? Lupe said Wow girl, you've got some real anger issues.

A couple of agents were patiently waiting at the opening where the door used to be. Lupe told the agents Gentlemen, they're all yours. Please make them disappear, but don't kill 'em. I want them to suffer hoeing weeds for the rest of their life in a desert somewhere. Thanks.

The agents asked if Bannister needed an ambulance. Molly said No thanks, she's in good hands now. Lupe said She's with us. Thank you for everything... They picked up her clothes, put her panties and slip on and Tracy quickly but carefully carried her out to an agent's Suburban and laid her down across the back seat. Lupe had the agent drive while they made sure she was ok. Tracy and Molly examined her. Tracy reached in her medical kit and gave her a shot to wake her up and counteract the effects of the date rape drug without hurting her. In ten minutes Bannister was sitting up, mostly awake. Where am I? Lupe said You're with us driving in Las Cruces. I don't understand. How did I get here? Lupe said It looks like Dax wasn't such a good boy after all. He drugged you and took you to a motel where he was going to rape you. So we came over and stopped him. Bannister in a sweet innocent confused voice said... What happened? Tracy said Remember the first day we met, we promised to protect you. And in return you would let us know about the kids in school. Bannister said I don't understand... Dax was going to rape me? And you three stopped him? Bannister began to realize what had happened. She sat completely confused. Her eyes were tearing up. She began to cry like a baby. Lupe said It's ok, Bannister. There will always be somebody who will try to take advantage of you in one way or another. You just have to be careful, and don't be complacent and naive. As Bannister was sobbing she responded I've never been hurt like this by anyone in my entire life. He was such a nice guy... but he was just using me so he could have a little fun? That's despicable! She continued to cry. Lupe didn't tell Bannister about the three other guys. But Lupe did say Bannister... Dax won't be at school anymore or anywhere else for that matter. He'll be locked up for good. You're safe now. Ok?

Other than the Bandidas, Bannister was the smartest kid in school and had been wondering about these three girls for some time. Things just didn't add up. Bannister saw she was in a Suburban with a very athletically built man in his early twenties driving. There were two machine guns clipped upright to the dash. And he was being told where to drive by Lupe. She looked at Lupe and asked Who are you? Really... who are you? Lupe said Like the first day we met we said we're your friends. Remember, like Tracy just said, we made a deal where you would help us understand what was going on at school and in return we would keep you safe. Remember? And we really appreciate all the insider information you've given us.

Bannister shook her head. Sophomores in high school just don't have this power. They don't understand math and science like you three. The other kids can't see it, but you guys are unbelievably brilliant. Lupe said But we still suck at English. That has to count for something. Lupe started giggling like crazy. Her giggles are contagious so Molly and Tracy started cracking up. Lupe looked at the agent driving. What do you think about that Michael. We actually suck at something. Michael began laughing. Bannister said I don't see what's so funny......... unless you three really are unbelievably brilliant.

Lupe motioned with her eyes to Molly to take a reading on her. Molly said She's no fool, Lupe. She highly suspects it now. What do you want to do? Lupe asked Can you keep a secret? Half awake, Bannister said That depends. If I don't will you kill me with one of those machine guns? Lupe said Don't be stupid. The worse we would do is erase some of your memory. This time Lupe didn't laugh.

Bannister paused, thinking. She slowly looked at each one of them......... Then after a long pondering moment, she squinted her eyes and asked You can't be the three anonymous young Pioneers...... Can you?...... Lupe smiled and said Afraid so. And we need you to keep it a secret at least until we graduate from High School. Ok? But why? Molly said So we can lead a normal life with kids our own age going to a high school. Please don't rob us of that. We probably saved your life tonight. We're not asking for much, just our anonymity. Bannister paused as she was processing it all. Looking at the three of them she asked Which one of you invented Blinking? Lupe said That would be me."

Bannister completely forgot about her date and homecoming and everything else that just happened. She was totally beside herself with excitement. Can I hug you, Lupe. Is that your real name? Lupe sat next to her. Yes. Sort of. My dad is a Seri Indian from northern Mexico and he gave me a name that nobody can pronounce. So here in the States I go by Lupe. Oh my God, I can't believe I'm holding the greatest human to ever live. Lupe said I don't know about that but you're definitely hugging a friend. Lupe giggled and yelled Group hug!" Molly was on the other side of Bannister hugging and Tracy laid across their laps and started