Richie Millstone, Evil Daryl & the Dragon Planet

By E. H. Allen

Richie Millstone, Evil Daryl & the Dragon Planet is the fourth book in a ten-book series about the adventures of a teen boy and his friends as they travel through time on a machine built by the teen’s father. They meet tons of new people along the way and help those that need it. The fifth book in the series will be the final book where the kids are teens. The sixth thru tenth books will be more on the kids’ lives as they grow into young-adults thru their older years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781490799834

E. H. Allen

Richie Millstone, Evil Daryl & the Dragon Planet is the fourth book in a science-fiction fantasy series about a boy, a dragon, and time-travel. E. H. Allen has published three books previously in the series and had done extensive research for the necessary qualifications to write science-fiction fantasy novels. Six more books in the series are planned, with the fifth book ending the adventure for Richie and his companions as teens. The six through tenth books will delve more into Richie and his friends as young-adults through their older years, with occasional stories reminiscing about their teen years. E. H. Allen, 49, lives in the Mid-west and has been there his whole life. He is a veteran full-time railroad employee with 26 years of service. He writes in his spare time.

Book preview

Copyright 2020 E. H. Allen.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9982-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9984-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-9983-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020903145

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Trafford rev. 02/14/2020

33164.png www.trafford.com

North America & international

toll-free: 1 888 232 4444 (USA & Canada)

fax: [phone]

CONTENTS

Prologue: End of a New Adventure

Chapter One   Coffee, Tea, and Croissants

Chapter Two   Older Than Universe Dust

Chapter Three   Operators and Area Codes

Chapter Four   Blue Roses and Red Violets

Chapter Five   Breadcrumbs, Cinnamon Rolls, and Cold Milk

Chapter Six   Rainbows, Diamonds, and Cake

Chapter Seven   Invisible Hide-and-Seek

Chapter Eight   Sweet Rolls, Blond Hair, and Black Cats

Chapter Nine   Magic, Rainbows, and Chocolate

Chapter Ten   Boots, Chalkboards, Tricks, and Gifts

Chapter Eleven   Big Afros, Aluminum, and Lava

Chapter Twelve   Drills, Nails, Barf, and Cake

Chapter Thirteen   Aliens, Subs, Saucers, and Flies

Chapter Fourteen   Chalk, Faux Aliens, and Vacuums

Chapter Fifteen   Green Tints, Blue Flames, and White Circles

Chapter Sixteen   Green Dots, Yellow Icons, and Orange Cones

Chapter Seventeen   Vanishing Angel and Red Balls

Chapter Eighteen   Paint Balloons and Green Straps

Chapter Nineteen   Chocolate Fever

Chapter Twenty   Frozen Paint Balloons

Chapter Twenty-One   Balls, Hawks, and Cupcake Traps

Chapter Twenty-Two   Vanishing Alien and Pumped Fists

Chapter Twenty-Three   Dummies, Bacon Treats, and Cake

Chapter Twenty-Four   Houseflies, Catfish, and Strawberries

Chapter Twenty-Five   Toons, Chumps, and Pot Roast

Chapter Twenty-Six   Bees, Lines, and Pyramids

Chapter Twenty-Seven   Wormhole Pranks and Heart Butts

Chapter Twenty-Eight   Sand, Buggies, and Whales

Chapter Twenty-Nine   British Secrets, Blazing Trails, and Cocktails

Chapter Thirty   Milky Wars and Evil Ways

Chapter Thirty-One   Worms, Blood, and Truffles

Chapter Thirty-Two   Golden Angels and Deep Water

Chapter Thirty-Three   Glowing Lightning Crystal Skirt

Chapter Thirty-Four   Puzzles, Buffoons, and Pointed Ears

Chapter Thirty-Five   Cucumbers, Pearls, and Giant Moons

Chapter Thirty-Six   Tilt, Recline, and Swivel

Chapter Thirty-Seven   Cherries, Mangoes, Coffee Beans, and Blue Tea

Chapter Thirty-Eight   Babies, Cakes, Meteors, and Ham

Chapter Thirty-Nine   Blue Potatoes, Yellow Tails, and Orange Boxes

Chapter Forty   Gold Rings and a Silver Discus

Epilogue—Naughty or Nice

To my deceased mother and all the people who have inspired

me through the years and supported my writing efforts.

PROLOGUE:

END OF A NEW ADVENTURE

July 13, 2077 the Florida

Keys, just before noon

R ichard-Bryce Millstone, eighty years old, was feeling surreal because this was the last time he would ever see his younger, teen self. Even though Richard-Bryce was certain he would see his former time-traveling companions for years to come, this would be the final visit with Richie, and he was okay with that. Richie and his companions had their entire lives ahead of them, and Richard-Bryce was excited for the adventures all these kids were about to embark on. However, even though his life was winding down, he was certain he still had some adventures left in his final years. He was reminded by a time-traveling superhero that just because you were old didn’t mean life was over.

Richie and his companions spent several days visiting with Richard-Bryce, his wife, and his grandson, Thurston. Richie wanted to spend a little more time with his future self, but Richard-Bryce reminded them they needed to get going. The time machine had been repaired of all damages and was able to travel again. Richard-Bryce couldn’t keep a grin off his face knowing where Richie’s next adventure would be.

Thurston had grown quite fond of Richie and the others in the short time he’d known them, and he was having a hard time saying goodbye since he knew he’d never see them again, or so he thought. He was wiping tears from his eyes and was sniffing quite a bit. Richard-Bryce, his wife, and Thurston were in the woods behind the mansion while they said their final goodbyes to Richie and his companions. Thurston gave Hyacintho a gentle hug from the side since her pregnant belly was showing quite a bit. She had her fluffy tail half-wrapped around his body as he hugged her, and she hugged back.

I’m going to miss you and your fluffy tail, Thurston said with a shaken voice as he hugged her while he caressed part of the tail.

I know, but it’s my understanding there are currently aliens on Earth that have fluffy tails like mine, Hyacintho said through the translation system.

Yeah, there are, and there’s even some furry alien kids at my school, but they’re all a little snobby. None of them have ever let me pet their tails, but they let other kids pet them. I think it may be because I’m a UN, Thurston said with rolled eyes as he wiped more tears away from his cheeks.

Uh, what’s a UN? Lena Vaughn asked with slightly narrowed eyes, knowing it was probably some kind of insult. Kids tended to be mean toward students who were even the slightest different.

Richard-Bryce also narrowed his eyes as he glanced over at Thurston when the UN remark was mentioned. Lena was now certain it was a slanderous remark judging from the slightly agitated look on Richard-Bryce’s face. He obviously didn’t appreciate other kids insulting his grandchildren, and Thurston was no exception. Even his cousins tended to give him a hard time, unless their grandfather was around. Richard-Bryce didn’t tolerate any meanness or insults among family members, especially among the younger ones. He was the patriarch of the family, and he took no crap from no one. Everyone respected him, and the kids never talked back to him. It was something he learned from Prince Dakota Angel, who taught him never to take disrespect from no one; unless it was your boss, then you might have to.

It’s what they call an ‘uppity nerd’ for short, Thurston said with an ashamed tone. He acted as though he was embarrassed about the insult.

Lena Vaughn suddenly adopted the tone of a defensive mother who was sick and tired of being sick and tired of mean kids picking on other kids. She wanted to laugh upon hearing the wacky insult but decided against it since she didn’t want to offend Richard-Bryce. So she buried her amusement while she consoled Thurston.

Thurston, listen to me. You can’t let any of these kids, including your cousins, get to you. Just stay strong and hold your head high, okay? Lena Vaughn said as she looked him directly in the eyes.

Richard-Bryce felt a wave of pride welling up inside him as he watched preteen Lena slowly transforming into the great woman she was destined to become. Her travels with Richie and an adventurous life were what would make her such a great politician. There was an event coming up in a few days that the adult Lena would be attending. She was now the much-respected president of the United Galactic Alliance (UGA). Richard-Bryce would be attending the event, and he couldn’t wait to see the look on Thurston’s face when he met the adult Lena. Thurston had no idea that twelve-year-old Lena was destined to be UGA president once she grew up, and he would be in shock once he met her adult persona.

Okay, I’ll do my best. Thank you, Lena, Thurston said with a big grin even as he wiped more tears away from his face.

You’re welcome, Lena Vaughn said as she briefly hugged him, and he hugged back.

You know, it’s weird knowing you’ll be traveling back to a time before my parents were even born. I’m envious of you and all the adventures you’re about to go on. You must be having lots of fun, Thurston said with a big grin. He appeared to be a bit happier but still sad his new friends had to leave.

I am, but I envy you too.

You do? Thurston asked with a shocked look.

Yes. You get to grow up in a super advanced society where people can jump on a starship and visit other planets and galaxies, just like we travel from New York to LA on a jet. In my era, it’s just sci-fi to travel to other planets, Lena Vaughn said as they broke their embrace. Richard-Bryce couldn’t help but grin knowing Lena was destined to be president of a galactic organization. She had her own grand adventures ahead of her.

Uh, well, you’d be surprised to know that it no longer takes four hours to fly between those two cities, Thurston said with a wicked grin. Richard-Bryce also grinned because he knew Lena Vaughn would be shocked at what she’d learn next.

So how long does it take? Josh asked with a half grin as he joined the conversation. He was a big fan of transportation technology and was excited at the answer. Thurston was no dummy, and he paused to let the excitement build. Less than an hour. All air transports now fly in the stratosphere to minimize sonic boom noise on the ground. We learned in history about how long it took the pioneers to cross the country back in the nineteenth century, Thurston said as he held his head high. He acted as though he was proud to be so smart. Lena Vaughn buried a giggle as she now understood why other kids gave him such a hard time. He tended to be a bit arrogant when he talked as though he was smarter than God.

Wow, that’s pretty fast. Do people still ride trains? Josh asked. He loved to ride passenger trains since the scenery was so beautiful. He didn’t care that it took three days to cross the country by train. He enjoyed the adventure.

Yes, they do, but most of them are high speed now. There are people that ride the slower trains so they can enjoy the scenery.

What are the two speeds? Cody asked as he joined the conversation.

High-speed trains run at 400 mph, and they’re all maglev based. The traditional trains still run on rails and run at 150.

Gee whiz, and I thought 150 was high speed, Zach said as he shook his head in amazement.

Humph, not in this era, bro. Four hundred is pretty fast for a train, Cody said with semiwide eyes.

I’ll say, back in our time, not even the Japanese bullet train goes that fast, at least not in revenue service, Josh said.

What do you mean ‘revenue service’? Karlen asked with a confused look. Cody resisted rolling his eyes at Karlen’s lack of knowledge of such a simple term.

Normal, everyday service. They may have tested them at higher speeds but use lower speeds for efficiency, safety, and less maintenance, Josh said. He resisted giggling at Karlen’s ignorance about what he was talking about. He knew better than to glance at Cody for fear that he’d go into hysterics at the annoyed look on his face.

Oh, right, I knew that, duh, Karlen said as he rolled his eyes and shook his head at forgetting something so simple.

Well, trains in my era are lucky to do thirty. I can’t even imagine four hundred. That’s nuts, Xavier said. He appeared shocked at hearing about the crazy speeds, let alone going from New York City to Los Angeles in one hour. People in the nineteenth century would think it was outright witchcraft to go that fast.

Well, if you ever get to ride a high-speed train, riding nineteenth-century trains again is going to be painfully slow for you, Cody said.

Cody, just hearing that any travel will be so much faster in the future will do the same as riding a faster mode, Xavier said with rolled eyes. He was no doubt annoyed he’d have to ride 30 mph trains for years until nineteenth-century tech caught up to slightly faster speeds. He’d already gotten a taste of fast trains while time-traveling with Richie and company.

Well, guys, you’d better get going. You’ve got a long voyage ahead of you, and don’t you worry, I’ve got a lot of years ahead of me. I’ll be okay, Richard-Bryce reminded them as he looked at all of them.

His wife, Marie-Ann, stood by patiently while he bid them all farewell. She was heading to a tea party later, so she had on a knee-length light-blue dress, and her shoulder-length hair was in perfect order with not one strand out of place. She currently had on a pair of gym shoes since she didn’t want to be out in the grass and dirt with a pair of high heels. She had on jewelry to match her dress. Her wristwatch was inlaid with small sapphires, and she had a sapphire necklace hanging around her neck. Richie nodded his understanding to Richard-Bryce, and then he grinned as he walked up to Marie. It was nice to meet you, ma’am, Richie chuckled as he walked up and briefly shook her hand. It was strange knowing he’d one day be married to this woman.

Likewise, young man. You know, when Richard confided in me years ago what his youth had been like, I thought he was crazy and weird, but I was also intrigued at the outcome. Now I’m glad I stuck around. This has been an interesting visit. I’m glad I got to meet the younger him, Marie-Ann said as she chuckled and glanced at a grinning Richard-Bryce.

And now I have to wait sixty-five years for this moment, Richie said as he chuckled and shook his head.

Don’t worry, son, it’ll fly by, and then you’ll be me looking at you. Yeah, I know, that statement sounded weird, Richard-Bryce said.

Well, after everything I’ve been through, it’s not so weird.

Oh, you should know that you and all your companions have counterparts from alternate universes that are MUG candidates, Richard-Bryce reminded him with a wry grin.

Yeah, we know. We’ve already met some of them, Richie said with a wicked grin.

Oh, that’s right. I forgot I’d already met several of them by the time I landed on the old man’s yard. I bet it was weird meeting another you that was the same age, well, close to it.

Close to it? Marie-Ann asked with a confused look as she glanced at him.

The MUG Richie is only twelve. I’m fifteen, Richie said.

Yup, buddy, you’ve met an old version of you and a younger version. I’m going to lose it if you change your own infant diapers, Matt said as he snickered. Several other people snickered at that comment.

Me too, Richie said with rolled eyes. They all said their final goodbyes, and then Richie and his companions climbed aboard the time machine. Richard-Bryce, Marie-Ann, and Thurston looked on as it thrummed to life. The concentric rings began to spin, the ship began to hover, and the landing gear retracted. The time machine disappeared into the rainbow vortex moments after the sixth ring began to spin, and then it was gone.

Well, they’re gone, Richard-Bryce said with a somber mood as Marie-Ann patted his back to comfort him.

Well, it’s obvious they’ll be fine, darling. You shouldn’t worry, Marie-Ann said with a sweet smile.

"Yeah, I know they’ll be okay," Thurston said with a happy mood. He seemed to be upbeat again, even though he’d been saddened to see his new friends leave so soon.

Yeah, me too, but I’ve got this weird feeling, Richard-Bryce paused as the wind suddenly picked up, and then swirls of color lights began to appear in the air like the time machine was returning.

Uh, don’t tell me it’s coming back. Does it? Marie-Ann asked dumbfounded as she turned to look at her husband.

I don’t think so. I don’t remember ever coming back after this visit. I don’t have a clue what’s happening, Richard-Bryce said as the swirls of lights suddenly transformed into a vortex two hundred feet in the air.

Some type of ship about the same size as Richie’s appeared in the air. It was obviously much more technologically advanced, and they all wondered if someone was visiting from the future. The machine lowered several pairs of landing struts and gently set down where Richie’s ship had been moments earlier. If it was a time machine, it was a much different design from the other ship. There were no concentric rings on this ship, just some glowing lights that swirled around its surface. This ship obviously had fewer moving parts but still had the same basic round shape as the Rachel Ann Millstone (RAM).

They waited patiently while a set of stairs was deployed, and the front door opened. A handsome young man walked out soon after and strutted right up to them. Marie-Ann chuckled as she got a good look at the tall man, who was wearing a pair of blue jean shorts and a blue and white tie-dyed T-shirt. Marie and Richard-Bryce both glanced at Thurston and then back at the man.

What? Why’re you guys looking at me? Thurston asked with a shrug as the man introduced himself.

Good afternoon, folks. I’ll get right to the point. I’m your grandson, Thurston, and I’m from twenty-eight years in the future. I’m thirty-six, adult Thurston said as he held out his hand for Richard-Bryce to shake. Young Thurston just stood and looked at his adult counterpart with gaping mouth and wide eyes.

"Oh well, this is damn peculiar," Marie-Ann said as she glanced at young Thurston again.

You got that right. This is all new territory now, Richard-Bryce said with wide eyes. They suddenly realized adult Thurston was from the twenty-second century.

62425.png

Several days later

Richard-Bryce, Marie-Ann, and Thurston were standing in an elaborate hotel grand ballroom while they waited for an event to start. They’d traveled to a planet in the Sol system called Taonos. It was the planet Prince Dakota Angel brought to the Earth system years before when Richie was still a teenager. Dakota used advanced technology and his superhuman abilities to move the planet from one star system to another. It was a feat of major proportions, and the whole world was in awe. Very few people complained about the accomplishment, and even the few protestors had to admit it was extremely wicked. But those days were long past, and everyone was ecstatic there was more than one planet in the Sol system that could support life without having to terraform it.

Taonos came from a system whose parent star was due to become a red giant very soon. The entire ecosystem, as well as the infrastructure already on the planet, would have been destroyed once the star began transforming into a giant. Taonos was originally colonized nearly four million years ago by the Alterans in Richie’s universe. They abandoned it when they left the Milky Way Galaxy after the respiratory plague struck their civilization, which left intact the entire infrastructure that had been built up over centuries.

In other universes, the planet was eventually destroyed by its star that became a red giant. However, since the Taonosian star became a red giant over a million years ago, Dakota had to do a little time-travel magic to save the planet surface from destruction. He then brought the planet via wormhole into the Sol system. Taonos sat between Earth and Mars, almost exactly centered between the two planets, 25 million miles away from both. Daryl and the Alteran scientists in Dakota’s flying city helped with calculations and such. Taonos was a bit larger than Earth by 500 miles, but the difference in gravity was negligible. Taonos’s gravity was 1.2 to Earth’s 1.0, so most people didn’t notice the slight weight gain. The Taonos moon orbited at 650,000 miles; it had a breathable atmosphere and was a bit larger than Mars.

Darling, are you still with us today? Marie-Ann asked with a hint of a smirk on her face as she gently nudged one of Richard-Bryce’s arms. Thurston was too busy gawking at the glamorous ballroom to notice that his grandpa was spacing out.

Oh, I’m fine, darling. I was just daydreaming about the day Dakota brought Taonos to this star system. He sure is a miracle worker if I ever saw one. Richard-Bryce chuckled as he waved a dismissive arm in the air.

Yeah, I remember seeing that on the news when I was little. But I just wanted to make sure you weren’t losing your mind. I’d hate to have to take you to the psych ward and miss the birthday cake, Marie-Ann said with mock annoyance as she half-grinned at him.

Thurston’s nosy ears were eavesdropping while he gawked around the ballroom, and he rubbed his hands together in anticipation as he grinned devilishly. Ooh, I can’t wait to get me some birthday cake. Uncle Cody made it, so I know it’s going to taste good, Thurston said as he licked his lips.

Leave it to Cody to insist on making his own birthday cake for him and Zack. He’s just as picky now, as an old man, like he was when I traveled with him and Zach. And those two still bicker like they’re thirteen, Richard-Bryce said. He chuckled as he glanced around the room for his buddies. Today was Zach and Cody Mansfield’s eighty-fifth birthday, and they were celebrating on Taonos. Neither one had arrived yet.

"Well, if you ask me, I think he’s worse now. I laugh about it now, but I was pissed he had the nerve to criticize our wedding cake. That thing was a fortune, and everybody else but Cody thought it was gorgeous. Even Zach argued with him about it. That was the funniest part," Marie-Ann said with a chuckle as they saw Cody saunter into the ballroom like he owned the place. But with all the things Cody owned, it was a possibility. He started glancing around as if he was inspecting it and the decorations for flaws. Even at eighty-five, he still dashed around like he was running to put out a fire. Most people thought Zach and Cody were only forty-five years old, if that.

Huh, well, speak of the devil, Thurston said. He snickered as he glanced in Cody’s direction. Marie-Ann stifled a few giggles at her grandson’s wise choice of words.

Cody spotted them and immediately headed in their direction. Even though he was eighty-five, he and Zach still had mostly light blond hair with a few streaks of gray. They’d learned some secrets on staying youthful while they were visiting Prince Dakota’s flying city. Those secrets were one of the reasons people were living so much longer. Zach and Cody had hardly any wrinkles anywhere on their bodies, and they were both in great physical shape for their ages with flat abs. Yeah, Zach lost his baby fat years ago.

And I can’t believe he’s still clean shaven, Marie-Ann said as Cody briefly stopped to talk with one of the hotel employees working the party that evening.

Yeah, he refuses to grow even a mustache, yet Zach has a perfectly manicured mustache and goatee. It’s not too thick and not too thin, just right, Richard-Bryce said with a snort as Cody finished his short conversation with the employee and continued in their direction. It was a bit of a walk. Cody entered the large room at the opposite end from where Richard-Bryce and the others came in. Cody had to maneuver around several tables and hotel employees to get to the other side of the room, so he couldn’t exactly dash through the room without running into a table or person and falling on his face. They struggled to keep grins off their faces as Cody walked up. He seemed agitated that he had to take his time avoiding so many obstacles in the room, and they were amused at watching him. He smirked while walking up.

I take it you all are amused by me having to play dodge derby with all the crap in this room, Cody said with a snort with a half grin on his face. Marie-Ann rolled her eyes at his complaints right in front of his face. She made no effort to hide her annoyance, but she still grinned as he walked up and gave Richard-Bryce a bear hug. The two good buddies hadn’t seen each other in several months due to their busy schedules.

Oh, you don’t know the half of it. But if you’d rather eat on the floor, I’m sure the staff will remove some of the tables so you can walk faster, Marie-Ann said smoothly with a wicked grin as he hugged her as well. She loved him dearly, and he was a good friend, but he could get on her last nerve most days. Thurston stifled giggles at her slick comments. Cody briefly glanced at the eight-year-old, who was looking at the floor to avoid his agitated stare. Richard-Bryce couldn’t help but grin at his wife’s smarmy comments.

Oh, that’s okay. I’ll gladly walk slower if it means eating on a clean table and not on the carpet that’s been cleaned with harsh chemicals, Cody said as they broke their embrace. He glanced at Thurston again since the boy couldn’t seem to stop giggling.

Nothing like a little yummy carpet shampoo residue in your steak and potatoes to ruin a fine evening. Marie-Ann chuckled. Cody couldn’t resist and snickered at her comments. She always knew the right things to say to break the ice.

Too true, Cody said. He paused as Thurston continued giggling. And what are you amused about, nephew? he asked as he slightly narrowed his eyes at him. They all grinned at him while Thurston brought his amusement under control.

I’m laughing at you, Uncle Cody, Thurston said as he gave Cody a bear hug. Cody was his great-uncle, and Zach was his great-grandfather. One of Zach’s granddaughters was married to Richard-Bryce’s eldest son. Even though Richard was eighty, his eldest son was only forty-four, and Thurston was the youngest child in his family. Richard was thirty-five before he got married, and Marie-Ann was twelve years younger than him. Zach got married younger and had several great-grandchildren. Richard had several grandchildren but only one great-grandchild—for now.

I see. Have you been behaving yourself while at your grandpa’s house? Cody asked with slightly narrowed eyes.

Yes, sir, I have. My visit has been great, Thurston said happily.

Keeping your grades up? Cody asked with a half grin, already knowing the answer. Thurston was an honor student with straight A’s and had been since kindergarten. He was a definite nerd, albeit not as stuck up as Cody had been at the same age. Marie-Ann rolled her eyes again at Cody’s stupid question.

Of course, Uncle. I plan to be the top student until I graduate college, Thurston said as he held his head high.

That’s my boy, Cody said as he lightly patted Thurston’s back.

"Seriously, Cody, do you really think we’re gonna let him slip? He’s a bigger nerd than you are, but he’s nicer, of course," Marie-Ann said. Richard-Bryce erupted into a short guffaw at her slick words. Cody grinned and simply shook his head. She was right; they’d never let Thurston’s grades slip, and neither would Thurston. He was too proud of his honor roll status.

Yeah, you’re right. What was I thinking? I guess it’s in my nature to question everything, Cody said as he shrugged. Marie-Ann was surprised that Cody let his hair grow a bit as it was just past his shoulders. He once swore up and down that he’d never have long hair again, and now here he was with just past shoulder-length wavy hair. Even though he was eighty-five, his face still looked the same as the day he turned forty. The only difference was the few gray streaks in his hair.

Well, I’ll have to admit, if you didn’t question everything, you probably wouldn’t have been as successful with your company. What are you worth now, about two hundred billion? Marie-Ann asked with a wicked grin.

Two hundred ten billion, four hundred fifteen million, six hundred seventy-five thousand and some change … but who’s counting, Cody scoffed with a wry smirk. Marie-Ann just grinned and shook her head in amazement as another voice joined them.

"Wow, will you ever stop being an arrogant, prissy nerd?" Zach snorted from behind them. They all spun around to see Zach standing there, wearing his full-dress white uniform. Cody was wearing a royal blue tuxedo with a blue and white striped bow tie. But since Zach was still an active Inter-Galactic Military Services (IGMS) admiral, he opted to wear his full military dress for his birthday party.

Several dignitaries and celebrities were attending the event, and Pres. Lena Vaughn-Mansfield was one of them. Yup, Lena and Zach were married and had been for fifty-five years. Everyone was shocked that Zach made the decision to not date any other girl until Lena was old enough to date him. He’d been smitten with her while traveling on Richie’s ship all those years ago and knew there was something special about her. Everyone thought it was weird that he didn’t date any girls seriously for years, from the time he was thirteen until Lena was eighteen, and he was twenty-five. Zach went out on a few dates from time to time, of course, but he never had a steady girlfriend until he took Lena out on their first date. Travis even approved. He appreciated Zach’s dedication to waiting for the right woman, and Lena was intrigued and charmed that he was willing to wait so long for her. And deep down, she’d hoped he would wait for her. She was ecstatic he’d done so and said yes without hesitation when he finally asked her out at her graduation open house.

Lena’s parents had known Zach and Cody for years since they became regular visitors to Richie’s home once Richie and the others finished their travels through time. It was weird hanging around nineteen-year-old Zach and Cody since they were only thirteen when they were traveling on the ship. Time travel was indeed weird. So her parents weren’t too shocked when Zach asked her out. They’d eventually been told of the time travels of Richie and the others, so they understood the situation. They were impressed a boy would wait so long for their daughter. They knew he was special.

Zach, it’s always a pleasure to see you, Marie-Ann said with a half grin.

Why, thank you, Marie, as it is a pleasure to see you as well, Zach said as he greeted his longtime friends with bear hugs.

"Good lord, will you ever stop calling me a prissy nerd?" Cody asked with an extremely annoyed look as he glared at Zach.

Oh boy, here we go again, Marie-Ann said with rolled eyes as she snatched a glass of Chardonnay off the tray that a passing waiter held in his hand. She took a drink and just shook her head at the about-ready-to-bicker twins.

"Um, no, I will never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever to infinity and beyond stop calling you names. I love you dearly, but it’s just too much fun to mess with you. I’ll be messing with you until I’m a crusty old man confined to a wheelchair in a military retirement home. If I must gum the words after I lose all my teeth, I will," Zach scoffed with a half grin.

Oh, that’s cute. And in case you haven’t noticed, you’re eighty-five. You’re already a crusty old man, Cody said, trying to get back at his twin. But it didn’t faze Zach the least.

Yes, I’ve noticed how old I am, Cody. I’m at our birthday party. I may be eighty-five, but I’m not crusty yet, maybe when I’m 110, maybe, Zach said as he snatched a glass of red wine off a tray from a passing waitress. Several employees had begun passing out appetizers, wine, and champagne. Thurston was already snacking on mushrooms stuffed with spinach, crab, lobster, and three types of cheese. He also had a glass of cherry cola. The mushrooms were on a napkin in his other hand.

Well, I see the hors d’oeuvres have arrived, Marie-Ann said, trying to change the subject from two bickering eighty-five-year-old twins. She couldn’t wait to see what comments Cody had about the appetizers. She was certain he’d have some criticisms about the food. He usually did.

Good, I could use a snack. Where’re all the servers? Zach inquired as he glanced around for a waiter. Cody gestured with a hand to get the attention of a waiter nearby. The waiter saw him and immediately headed in their direction.

"All you have to do is gesture to get their attention, Zach. It’s not that hard. They’re more than happy to serve you," Cody said with a smarmy tone as the waiter walked up with a tray of delicious-looking appetizers. Zach just narrowed his eyes at Cody before he turned to survey the tray.

By the way, isn’t Dakota supposed to be here? Marie-Ann asked as she glanced around the room like he might be hiding somewhere.

"It’s Crown Prince Dakota actually," Cody said with a straight face. It was everything he could do to keep a smirk off his face. He just loved correcting and teasing people, and Marie-Ann was no exception. But she was an expert at returning fire. She just grinned and stared at him for several awkward moments before she responded.

Cody, I swear I will plant my foot so far up your ass the heel of my stiletto will get stuck in your throat, Marie-Ann said with a wicked grin as she shook her head and tried not to laugh at his smarmy talk.

"Wait, the Dakota is actually going to be here? He’s from another universe. How’s that going to work?" Thurston asked with a mouth full of food and wide eyes.

Don’t forget he can travel between universes, Richard-Bryce reminded him.

Oh, right, Thurston said as he continued chewing the food in his mouth.

And what have we told you about talking with your mouth full of food, Mister? You know better, Marie-Ann said with an extremely agitated look as she glared at Thurston. He quickly swallowed the food before he responded.

Yes, Grandma, sorry, Thurston apologized like his life depended on it.

I was actually wondering when he’d get here. I’m curious to see how he’ll arrive. I haven’t seen him in years, Cody said with a somber mood.

I’m right here actually, Crown Prince Dakota said from behind them. They all spun around to see Dakota standing there. He was wearing the nicest tux any of them had ever seen in their lives. He’d decided to go all out and was wearing a very popular rainbow tux custom made by his personal royal tailors. Every single color in a rainbow was represented in his tux. Tons of people loved Dakota and emulated him in whatever way possible, including wearing clothes like his. He even owned a clothing manufacturer that made a Crown Prince Dakota Royal Line, and it sold very well. The rainbow tux was one of the most popular, used in weddings.

There was even a rainbow wedding dress that had a waiting list to buy. The rainbow wedding dress was mostly white, but it had small amounts of colors sewn into the fabric. It was a flowing pattern and was very popular. Dakota had the fabric made into an African wedding gown. It wasn’t your typical long dress with a train since he didn’t want to be perceived as a woman, even though he was a male-female hybrid. The gown looked like what African men wear during formal occasions. It was unique and set Dakota apart from his fiancé’s tuxedo. He didn’t think it was kosher for both the bride and groom to be wearing a tuxedo. Since Dakota would be the one having the babies, it made sense for him to be considered the bride even though he still had a functioning phallus.

Wow, nice tux, Your Majesty, Zach said with a half grin as he looked Crown Prince Dakota up and down. Cody seemed to be inspecting the tux in detail as if he was trying to find a flaw to point out. The only thing missing was a top hat on Dakota’s head. His dress shoes were also custom made and were navy blue leather.

Indeed, Marie-Ann said with a half grin as she checked out the tux.

You should’ve seen my wedding gown. Women were so impressed by it they started asking for dresses of the same fabric. I started a fad that continues to this day—well, in my universe anyway. I’m a bit older than all of you, Crown Prince Dakota said with a half grin. Cody seemed to be intrigued by this bit of info. Exactly how old are you? Cody asked with slightly narrowed eyes. He had a feeling the number was high since Crown Prince Dakota was a time traveler.

On my next birthday, I’ll be 1,250 years old. You could say I’ve been around the block a few times, Crown Prince Dakota said with a wry grin. Everyone was in shock with mouths agape.

You look fantastic, and you’re over a thousand years old? Thurston asked with wide eyes. Marie-Ann grinned at her grandson’s skills at complimenting important people. Marie was curious what Thurston had to say about President Mansfield.

Yes, young man, I am. And you are? Crown Prince Dakota asked with a friendly grin as he held out his hand for Thurston to shake. Thurston handed the napkin in his right hand to Marie-Ann so he’d have a free hand to shake.

I’m Thurston. Richard is my grandpa, Thurston said happily as he shook Crown Prince Dakota’s hand.

Yes, I see the resemblance, Crown Prince Dakota said as he chuckled.

So since you’re so old, I take it you time-traveled to come to this party tonight? Cody asked with a half grin.

Yes, I did, and it’s a long story why I waited so long to come here. I’ll be here for a few days. We’ll have to get together later and chat about it. It’s an intriguing story you don’t want to miss, Crown Prince Dakota said with a half grin.

Now that’s a story I’d like to hear. You don’t look a day over forty. I’d love to know what creams you use on your face, Marie-Ann said as she hugged him. Crown Prince Dakota had been at her wedding, but he was only fifty at the time. A few years had gone by for him since he’d seen her last.

Heh, the secret to my youth longevity is due to supernatural human wonders. If I were any normal human, I’d have turned to dust long ago. But as you all know …

Yeah, you’re no normal human, that’s for sure, Zach said as he took a drink of champagne.

I have to ask, are you still into trains? Cody asked.

Of course, but the ones running in my era are a bit more advanced and different from what existed in the early twenty-first century. I’ll tell you about it later, Crown Prince Dakota said as he waved a dismissive hand in the air.

Works for me, Cody said with a shrug as he took a sip of rose wine. He stopped when he noticed Zach just glaring at him with a slightly annoyed look. What now?

Cody, for the umpteenth time, if you have a question, just ask it. Don’t tell everyone you have a question to ask. Good grief, you’ve been doing that since we learned to talk, Zach said with rolled eyes as he drank more champagne.

Sorry my form of talking bothers you, so get over it, Cody said as he drank more wine.

Will you two ever stop bickering? Crown Prince Dakota chuckled as he shook his head in amazement.

Yeah, when we’re dead, Zach said with a snort as he polished off the rest of his champagne. Cody rolled his eyes at that smarmy remark, and several people giggled uncontrollably.

Richard told me you have some interesting railroad stories to tell, Marie-Ann asked with a half grin. Crown Prince Dakota chuckled at that remark.

Indeed, I do. I’ll tell you a few when we get together later. But I’ll give you this tidbit: Soon after I purchased the Virginian & Atlantic Western, I caught a trainmaster molesting a kid in a company vehicle parked by the tracks. That official was ratted out by some employees who didn’t trust him. A locomotive engineer supposedly saw him with the kid another time while on a passing freight train at night, Crown Prince Dakota said with a disgusted look on his face. The incident obviously still made his skin crawl.

How’d he see them at night? Cody asked.

The morons left the inside dome light on, and that engineer saw everything as his train went by at 30 mph. The story eventually got around to me. I had a homing beacon put on his car so I could track his movements. It paid off big time, Crown Prince Dakota said. He acted as though he’d enjoyed busting the bad railroad manager.

Wait, didn’t that violate privacy rights or something?

No because it wasn’t his vehicle. It belonged to the company. I checked with my lawyers, and they said I was within my rights to track company vehicles. Had he used his own car, I would’ve just had to follow him the old-fashioned way.

I can’t wait to hear this whole story, Marie-Ann said as she shook her head.

Yeah, I bet you read that official the riot act, Thurston said with a snicker.

Oh, I did a bit more than that. I did about everything short of breaking my foot off in his ass. Some of the bull crap railroad management tried to get away with over the years about drove me mad. Those stories are interesting, Crown Prince Dakota said.

Is your significant other with you? Cody asked.

Daryl, yes, he’s here. He didn’t want to miss this party. He’s still getting ready. He’ll be down in a bit, Crown Prince Dakota said with a big grin.

Daryl’s still alive? Zach asked with a shocked look.

Oh yeah, still kicking. He looks as good as me, and he’s my second husband. My first died long ago. He lived a long life but not as long as me. It was sad to lose him. I loved him dearly, Crown Prince Dakota said with a somber mood.

I’m sorry to hear that, Dakota. How long have you and Daryl been married?

A little over a thousand years, Crown Prince Dakota said with a wacky grin.

Damn, you got me and Lena beat, Zach said in total shock.

Where is Lena by the way? Marie-Ann asked as she looked around the room.

She was finishing getting ready when I came down. She’ll be down soon.

Your Majesty, how old was your first husband when he died? Thurston asked.

He’d just turned 201 when he died. I knew he wouldn’t live as long as me, so we made the best of every day, Crown Prince Dakota said.

Oh, that’s sweet. I’m sorry for your loss, Thurston said as he patted Crown Prince Dakota’s lower arm to comfort him.

Thank you, Thurston. I appreciate your candor. But it was a long time ago for me. I’m okay now, Crown Prince Dakota said as he patted Thurston’s shoulder. So did Richie and his crew enjoy their visit? he added as he glanced at a smirking Richard-Bryce.

Yes, they did. Their ship took off without incident, Richard-Bryce said.

You know about Richie? Thurston asked with wide eyes.

Well, of course. He and his buddies were in my city. I’m sure you know the story about my flying city, Crown Prince Dakota said with a wicked grin.

Oh, right, of course, you’d know. My grandpa told them all about how you brought this planet to this star system. I saw the video. It was cool, Thurston said happily.

What’s everyone talking about? Pres. Lena Mansfield said suddenly from behind them. Everyone but Crown Prince Dakota jumped slightly at her sudden voice. Cody narrowed his eyes at realizing Dakota hadn’t been startled.

Not much. We were just reminiscing—and lovely gown by the way, Crown Prince Dakota said as they all looked her up and down. It was a beautiful evening gown that went all the way down to her ankles. It was maroon with four solid gold buttons placed vertically down the chest of her gown. She had on matching shoes. As president of the United Galactic Alliance, she was always dressed to impress whenever she was in the public eye. Her black hair shone and went a few inches past her shoulders. Thurston was wide eyed at her graceful appearance since he’d never met her before—the adult version, that is. He was excited to meet the commander and chief of the UGA military.

Thank you, and I like your outfit too. I can’t wait to see what Daryl has on. I’m sure it’ll rival what anybody has on here, Pres. Lena Mansfield said with a chuckle.

Lena, you have no idea. Daryl told me he wanted to have on the loudest tux anyone had ever seen. If you think my tux is eye catching, wait till you see his. Your jaws will drop, Crown Prince Dakota said. And at that moment, Daryl waltzed in through the main ballroom doors, and everyone in the room stopped talking when they saw what he was wearing. It was fascinating.

Well, Daryl’s sure gifted at making a scene, Marie-Ann said as she watched Daryl walk as if he owned the entire universe.

CHAPTER ONE

62437.png

Coffee, Tea, and Croissants

One month and three and a half

weeks into Richie’s trip

P rince Dakota sat quietly as he reflected on the events of the last month and a half. He’d managed to save Richie’s lover, Hyacintho, after she’d lost part of her tail in an accident with a tree on the planet Venus 1.8 billion years before modern times. She was recovering well and was quickly relearning to use her fluffy tail again. Dakota also managed to save billions of lives of a civilization, the Fantasia-Gemini, that lived on prehistoric Venus. They’d been successfully relocated to another colony world. The Multiple-Universe Guardians (MUGs) and Star Gate-1(SG-1) officers from Stargate Command assisted Dakota with the entire operation.

And nearly three hundred kidnapped Venusian children had been rescued from an isolated, private island owned by the senior chancellor, who subsequently had been captured shortly after the neutron mass hit Venus. The three starships Admiral Benicia dispatched to go after the senior chancellor’s starship yacht met with some resistance from two Venusian destroyers that were accompanying the yacht. But it was an even match since one of the Alteran starships was a heavy frigate. It was discovered that one of the Venusian captains was involved with the whole kidnapping scheme on Venus. A few other Venusian officers on the ships were also involved, and they were quickly rounded up once it was realized the Alteran ships had the advantage and could quickly disable the yacht and the two destroyers. The Venusian first officer on the ship with the criminal captain quickly relieved his superior officer of duty once it was discovered the man was involved with crimes against children.

Dakota was assisting the Venusians in rebuilding the maglev system on the new colony world. He couldn’t do it all at once since he had other matters to attend to. The Venusians had been informed about Dakota’s whereabouts, and they understood his dedication to the MUG soldiers and his Alteran constituents. They were being patient while they waited for him to finish his part of the rebuilding efforts. He wasn’t going to do the whole thing by himself. They were a prideful people and, of course, wanted to do some of the rebuilding themselves. Dakota was going to build it up enough so they could finish the project in under five years instead of fifteen or twenty.

Voulez-vous que je chauffe votre thé, Monsieur Dakota Angel? a teen male voice asked in French. But the French words made sense since Prince Dakota was currently in France. He was sitting outside at a table of a café in a small French town that was ninety miles from Paris. The café served light meals as well as coffee, tea, juice, soda, and various snacks. It was a beautiful spring day, the sun was shining brightly with a few puffy clouds in the sky, and the temperature was a comfortable sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.

Dakota was currently evading several of his MUG soldiers on another hide-and-seek mission. They were competing with Daryl to see who could find and capture Dakota first. The soldiers were barely staying ahead of the formidable Daryl, who was determined to outwit them. They’d gotten started soon after Dakota captured the neutron mass and placed it in a containment vessel.

Dakota glanced up at the handsome teenage Caucasian waiter who was serving him. The boy was fifteen, had shoulder-length wavy dark-brown hair, and captivating dark, bluish-green eyes. The boy’s light-olive skin had a perfect dark tan since he went to the beach nearby often to bask in the sun. It was early June just before the start of summer, and the boy worked at his parents’ café on weekends a few days after school and most days during the summer. School was out for the summer, and the boy seemed to be happy he didn’t have to go to school for two months. The boy had a pearly white smile on his face as he gazed down at Dakota. The boy was older than Dakota, who was fourteen, but only a bit taller.

Oui, Rene, ce serait charmant. Le thé Earl Grey est superbe, Prince Dakota said with a friendly grin in perfect French. His abilities to speak any language with his supernatural powers came in very handy. The boy asked if Dakota wanted his tea warmed up. Dakota told him yes, that it would be lovely, and that the tea was superb.

Being the telepathic superhuman he was, Dakota sensed that Rene was attracted to him. Rene always had a big smile on his face whenever Dakota was around. He figured Rene was gay since it wasn’t obvious Dakota was a male/female hybrid. The boy was in for a surprise if he went out on a date with the magical prince. Since Dakota was telepathic, it gave him a big advantage in determining if someone liked him or not. And this wasn’t the first time he’d ever visited the café. Dakota came here often while traveling around, and he made sure to visit while Rene was working.

There were two other servers, but Dakota found out one day from another employee that Rene insisted on being his server whenever he visited. The other servers didn’t complain since his parents owned the café. Rene had been away that day at a dentist appointment and was extremely disappointed he’d missed Dakota. As much as Dakota visited, Rene still had no idea that he was serving a nearly omnipotent person.

Dakota hadn’t yet performed any tricks during his visits, but the French government had asked him not to so no citizens would go into panic mode at seeing an alien human doing magic. The French government was working with U.S. secret agents to assist him whenever he was around. Dakota gave them info on small amounts of advanced tech in exchange for their assistance. The year was AD 1961, John F. Kennedy was the U.S. president, and French, U.S., and British agents with a high-security clearance knew Dakota was the leader of a superpowered kid army he routinely tested to keep their skills sharp. It usually took three or four days, sometimes five, for Bryce and the others to locate Dakota, so he would usually relax for a day or two in France and other places before he’d have to dash off to avoid being caught too soon.

I know you speak English. Why do you speak French when you’re here? Rene asked with a half grin in a thick French accent and slightly narrowed eyes. Prince Dakota chuckled a moment before he gave his answer. He wondered how on earth this boy knew he spoke English since he never spoke it when Rene was around. Rene poured some more hot tea into Dakota’s porcelain cup while he answered.

Uh, before I answer that, how on earth did you know I speak English? Prince Dakota inquired with a mock suspicious tone and wry grin. Rene finished pouring the tea before he answered. Easy, it’s your accent, Rene said matter-of-factly with a shrug.

"My accent … seriously? I was speaking fluent French. Are you clairvoyant or something? Prince Dakota chuckled as he poured some honey in his tea and stirred it with a small teaspoon. Rene giggled a moment at Dakota’s smarmy words before he answered. No, not clairvoyant, just observant. You were speaking very good French, but I could tell you were not from around here. You speak with an American accent much like I speak with a French accent when speaking English. You sound like you’re from the Midwest, or am I mistaken?" Rene asked with a slick grin. He’d make an excellent detective someday. Most people Prince Dakota spoke to in France never even noticed an American accent, or they did and just didn’t say anything. This boy had no clue Dakota was a human alien from another universe and future era.

No, you’re not mistaken. I’m from the Midwest. Would you like to guess which state I’m from, Inspector Clouseau? Prince Dakota asked with a wacky grin.

"No, that’s okay, I’m not that good, but I can tell when people are from the Southern U.S. because even if they speak fluent French, there’s still a thick Southern accent. They are amazed how good I am at guessing what region they’re from."

No doubt. You’d think their thick hillbilly American accents would be obvious to them, Prince Dakota said with a chuckle as he sipped more tea.

You’d think. Uh, who is Inspector Clouseau? Rene asked with a half grin and slightly confused look. Prince Dakota chuckled for several moments before he answered. He seemed to forget what year he was in. The Pink Panther movie hadn’t even premiered, and the cartoon didn’t exist yet. It’d be a couple of years before it was created. Oh, uh, it’s a cartoon character that’s French and is always after a pink panther that constantly antagonizes him. It’s a new American cartoon I heard about that’s being developed. The inspector is a bumbling detective that’s always being made a fool of by the panther. Once it comes out, I think you’ll be amused by it, Prince Dakota said as he took another bite of the lemon cream supreme cake with his dessert fork. The bistro made fresh cakes and pies every day, and lemon was the daily special.

I’ll have to watch it when it comes out. Uh, so are you saying I’m a bumbling detective? Rene asked with a straight face. He tried to act mad, but he was amused at the reference and knew Prince Dakota meant he was very smart and observant. But Dakota couldn’t be fooled since he was partially telepathic and could tell Rene was only joking even with the mock irritation on his face. Dakota calmly finished chewing his cake and swallowed it before he answered. Rene waited patiently and knew Dakota didn’t like talking with food in his mouth.

Yes, I am, Prince Dakota said as he tried to act serious. But he couldn’t and started giggling as did Rene. No, of course not. I’m kidding. I couldn’t resist since the character is from France. But I forgot it hasn’t even been released yet, he added as he took another bite of the delicious cake. He’d also had a large buttered croissant, two fried eggs with melted goat cheese, and a small bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. He was finishing it off with the cake and tea. He’d had a tall glass of cold milk with the breakfast.

That’s okay. I look forward to watching the bumbling detective.

So what about you? I noticed you speak two languages, Prince Dakota inquired with a wry smirk as he sipped more tea.

My father is from England. My mother is French. They met during the war and married when it ended, and I was born a year later. They opened the café when I was five. Been working here since I was eight, Rene said.

Ah, so you learned English from being around your daddy?

Yes, but when I don’t want my English cousins to know my personal business when I’m in London visiting, I speak French whenever I’m talking on the phone to someone back home. They are very nosy and always up in my business, Rene said with rolled eyes.

Wait, I’m confused. I would assume you would speak French anyway if you were talking to someone in France.

There are other kids around that have American, British, and French parents that speak both languages. One of my friends even speaks Spanish. I’m taking a class in school. That’ll really throw off my nosy cousins. Rene chuckled.

That it will. So I’m guessing they used to eavesdrop on your phone conversations, Prince Dakota said with rolled eyes as he finished off his cake. He couldn’t stand nosy people either.

Still do. One of my English cousins even bought an English-French dictionary just so he could figure out what I was saying. He’s nine and is always up in everybody’s business, Rene said as he noticed Prince Dakota was done with his dessert plate.

Yeah, I have nosy cousins too. But the funny part is that some of them are in their twenties and thirties, Prince Dakota said with a giggle as he continued sipping tea.

Ha, age doesn’t stop nosiness. We have a next-door neighbor who’s an old woman. She always pokes her head outside her apartment door to see who’s there when we walk by. She’s such a nosy hag, Rene said. He chuckled as he shook his head.

Yeah, there’s a lot of those around, Prince Dakota said with rolled eyes.

I’ll take your plate if you’re finished, Rene said with a sweet grin.

I am. Thank you. You give excellent service, Rene, Prince Dakota said with a friendly grin as Rene scooped up the plate and fork with his free hand while he held the white porcelain teapot in his other.

Thank you, Mr. Dakota. We take care of our guests. I’ll be back with your check, Rene said with a grin as he spun around to head inside the café to grab Prince Dakota’s bill.

Okay, Rene, I’ll be waiting, Prince Dakota said sweetly as he watched Rene walk away. He couldn’t resist looking at Rene’s rear as he walked away. He had a nice one, and the black work pants he