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Flame
Trail Stop #7
From Tasmania to California with the NWRC
Day 1
William jumped on a plane and headed to a small town in North Central
Pennsylvania named Hughesville where he intended to join up with Mike
and his brother John B. After a plane flight of about three
hours, the plane landed at Hughesville where Mike and John B. both got
on board. After a wait of about thirty minutes due to bad
weather, the plane finally took off and headed to Tasmania where they
would get the Flame from the International Sim Club and bring it to the
States.
After about four hours in the air, William spoke up, “Dang nab it,
Mike. How much longer is it to Tasmania?”
Mike replied, “Well, William I do think we are about halfway there. Now
just simmer down and before you know it, we will be there.”
“Okay, Mike," said William calming down. "Oh, by the way, the people
from the International Sim Club that have the Flame said they would be
at the airport to meet us but I will believe that when I see it!”
“Let’s give them a chance, William. You never know. They could be
there ready to hand over the Flame,” Mike soothed.
“Okay, Mike but I still feel that I will believe it when I see it,"
William said skeptically. Mike shook his head, realizing that no
matter how much he tried, he would never changed William’s mind.
After an eight-hour flight, they landed in Tasmania and stepped out to
meet the residents of the International Sim Club. However, when they
stepped onto the tarmac there was no one from the International Sim
Club and no Flame. “Well, Mike I don’t see anyone from the
International Sim Club and there is definitely no flame," William said.
“Hey Mike, I hate to say that William was right, but William was
right,” John B. pointed out to his brother Mike.
Mike gave his brother a quelling look. “Just hush up, John. I don’t
need a reminder that William was right. I can see that. I am going back
on board the plane until they get here!” Mike turned around and got
back on the plane, followed by William and John while they wait for the
people from the International Sim Club and the Flame.
A few hours later the International Sim Club residents showed up with
the Flame. William, Mike and John got off the plane to meet them.
“Well, I'm glad you folks finally showed up with the flame!”
William said to Shagger, Dkyoung, and Skunk, the residents from the
International Sim Club.
“Hey cool off!" Skunk scowled at William.
Shagger stepped in diplomatically. "Sorry mate. It took longer getting
here than we thought. Here is the Flame.”
Dkyoung held out the Flame in its ornate torchiere.
”William, why don’t you take the Flame and bring it on board the plane
for the trip to California,” Mike said calmly. Dkyoung handed the Flame
to William who eyed it carefully. Mike and his brother John said
goodbye to the International Sim Club residents and got back on board
the plane. William turned to board the plane for the long flight to
California.
“Good luck on your journey with the Flame,” Shagger told him, stepping
back on the tarmac, as the door of the plane began to close.
William put the Flame in the storage container they'd brought and sat
down. As the plane started to taxi for takeoff he said, “Once the plane
gets going in the air I will be taking a small nap since it will be
several hours till we get to California and start the journey to the
tracks with the Flame.”
“I have no problem with that. I think I'll take a small nap too. John,
please wake me after a few hours so you can get in some shut eye
yourself,” Mike said.
“No problem, Mike," replied John. "Enjoy your naps." Just then the
plane lifted off into the air and headed to California and the first
stop on NWRC's Flame trail, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
Day 2
After being in the air for 4 ½ hours, John went over to Mike and
gently shook him awake. He actually had to do this a few times before
Mike finally woke up. “What do you think you're doing waking me?” Mike
asked grumpily.
“Hey, be cool. Remember, you said to wake you after 4 hours? I actually
gave you an extra half hour, ” John answered with a grin at his brother.
“Oh yeah, that's right!" Mike yawned and stretched. As John went back
to his seat to take a nap, Mike said, “Hey! Any problems with William
over there?”
“None at all. Just be careful, he turns over every so often,” John
answered with a laugh.
“Okay, thanks," Mike grinned. "See you when we land in California!”
John chuckled. “Okay. Thanks, Mike.” He slumped down in his seat and
fell fast asleep.
A half hour before landing in California Mike woke both William and
John. William stood up and walked around a bit to work out the kinks
after sleeping for so long. “Thanks for waking me before we land, Mike.
How is the Flame doing?”
“Yeah, thanks Mike, ” echoed John as he stretched.
“No problem," Mike told them. "The Flame is doing great, William. You
better take your seat. As you can tell, we're starting to
descend.”
Both John and William returned to their seats as the plane began to
land. Once on the ground, the plane rolled to stop. An escort was
waiting to take them to the racetrack in Arcadia, California where they
would celebrate the Flame before moving on to the next stop.
As they reached the ground, Mike told John and William who was holding
the Flame, “Well let’s pile into the car and head out to Santa
Anita!” They drove through the Los Angeles traffic on the way to
Arcadia, California east of LA, near the mountains. As they drove onto
the grounds of the famous racetrack that had been the home track of
Seabiscuit, they saw that a crowd was waiting for them. When the car
came to a stop, Mike, John and William, who was carrying the Flame, got
out and all three of them stepped onto the podium set up in front of
the statue of Seabiscuit. William put the Flame into the sconce set up
for it and took his own seat next to Mike and John.
The President of Santa Anita welcomed the residency to the track and
spoke about the Equinics for several minutes. Then the Mayor of Arcadia
went into a longwinded speech about horse racing and it's popularity
and what it had always stood for in the city of Arcadia. Following the
mayor, Mike stood up and spoke.
“Good morning," he said. "It's great to be here at Santa Anita where
today the NWRC will begin our personal journey with the Equinics Flame.
The Flame has already made a long journey across the continents of Asia
and Australia to the shores of North America. And it has a much longer
journey still to come. As the leader of the NWRC residency, it's my
pleasure to introduce to you our keeper of the Flame, William!”
William stood up and grabbed the Flame before stepping to the
microphone to speak, “I am pleased to be here today and I thank you
very much for coming out this early in the day. We are here today
to begin the journey of the Flame throughout the United States for the
2004 Equinics. Santa Anita is just the first of many tracks here
in the U. S. that will host a visit from the Flame. So with no
further ado, it is with great pleasure that I officially set the Flame
on U.S. soil!” Then William took the Flame and set it in the
sconce at the front of the podium. The wind coming off the San Gabriel
Mountains whipped the bright flames higher and higher. The crowd broke
into a big roar.
After the crowd settled down, the President of Santa Anita got up
again. He thanked Mike, John and William for bringing the Flame to
their corner of the world. After that the NWRC residents all
stood up and waved to the crowd. When the ceremony concluded the
residents went back to the car. They were given a full police escort to
Burbank Airport where they would get on a plane to Portland, Oregon
home of Portland Meadows Racetrack. In the car John remarked, “Well
Mike that was a nice little gathering and a very nice speech from
William. Gosh, you might have a chance becoming a speech writer
for someone someday!”
“Gosh thank you, John! But I think I'll keep my day job doing what I do
now. Which is not much now as it is,” William said with a wink toward
Mike.
Mike sat there and shook his head at John and William with a wry smile.
Once at the Burbank Airport they unloaded their belongings and checked
in with the airline. John and William stood to one side with the Flame
while Mike took care of tickets and boarding passes. The Flame drew a
crowd immediately and was exclaimed over by everyone. When the
loudspeaker called their flight, Mike spoke up. “Alright you two, time
to board the plane. Let these folks get back to what they were doing."
“Okay, Mike. Let’s go William, don’t want to keep the people in
Portland waiting now, do we?” chuckled John.
“Guess not. Let’s rock and roll,” William said as he boarded the plane
with the Flame. He stowed the Flame away and took a seat next to
Mike. As they lifted off he asked, “So what can we expect in Portland?”
“More of the same, William. I wish they would liven it up a
little bit but I doubt they will,” Mike said.
“Very likely true, ” William agreed and John nodded.
“I'm going to grab something to drink. Care for something, William and
John?” Mike asked.
“Please. Need help?” William asked.
“Nah. You two stay put, I got it.” Mike got up and headed toward a
stewardess. While he was gone William put a whoopee cushion under the
cushion of Mike’s seat. When Mike came back with the drinks, he
gave one to John and one to William. Then he sat down. The whoopee
cushion went off loudly and Mike nearly spilled his drink as he jumped
up out of his seat. William and John broke out laughing at Mike’s
reaction.
“Alright you two. Very funny," Mike said brushing himself off and
getting a drink refill from the stewardess who was grinning too. "Just
wait you two! There's plenty of time for me to return that favor to
either one of you.”
In a few hours, the plane started its descent to the runway at Portland
International Airport. Below, they could see yet another escort waiting
for them to take the Flame to Portland Meadows.
Written by William
McCausland
Day 2 (continued) and
Day 3
While William, Mike and John
were in the air preparing to land, down on the ground Greg, Dee, Goody,
and Kurt were waiting outside the security gate at PDX, waiting
anxiously for them to arrive with the Equinics Flame. “Why are we here
again?” Greg asked the others. “We could be over at the Multnomah
Kennel Club watching the dogs run, but no, we’re stuck here waiting for
that silly Flame.”
Sighing at the question, Dee reminded Greg that once the Flame was sent
on its way, they could go over to MKC. Until then, they had
orders to stay and wait for the Flame to arrive. To appease the
impatient men of the group, she suggested ice cream cones for
everyone. Goody was the first to yell “Yes!” so she sent
him off to get five triple fudge cones – two for Greg.
“Delta Airlines Flight 542 originating in Burbank, California will be
arriving at Gate B3 momentarily,” said a tinny voice over the
loudspeaker.
“Yay, the flame is almost here!” cried Goody.
“Dee! Greg! Where are you? Goody! Kurt! I’m heeeeere!” came a
yell over the din of the PDX concourse. The four NWRCers turned
toward the escalators and watched someone dressed in a wild Hawaiian
shirt barrel toward them. “Guys, did I miss anything? Are they
here yet?” panted Jef, as he leaned over to catch his breath. “I
swear, that parking lot is terribly far away, I had to run at least three miles to get here.”
Dee looked at Jef oddly and gently asked, “Did you happen to see those
buses driving all over the parking lots and lined up outside the
terminal? You could have hopped on one and been taken straight to
the door.”
“Now you tell me!” Jef groaned. “But I’m okay. Really. Just a bit
of a stitch in my side is all. Now, is the Flame here yet?”
Just as Kurt was starting to speak, oohs and aahs went up all over the
terminal. Murmurs of excitement were heard everywhere as people
began to notice the three men, surrounded by TSA agents, carrying a
large Flame toward the security gates.
Jef, his three mile run forgotten, jumped up and down, waving excitedly
to Mike, William, and John as they passed through the security gates
and walked toward the four waiting NWRCers. The two groups became
one and the eight began chattering wildly. “You guys should have seen
Mike’s face when we got him with a whoopee cushion,” William
laughed.
“William snores like a banshee,” Mike retorted
with a grin.
“Isn’t that Flame heavy?” wondered Goody, eyeing it.
“Whoa, man, don’t set my hair on fire with that thing!” cautioned Kurt
as he ducked out of the way of the Flame that William was swishing
around for the crowd.
The gang piled into the shuttle bus, Goody assuring the driver that the
Flame was allowed in the van and reminding him that the faster he drove
the faster the Flame would be off the bus. With a squeal, the
driver took off, knocking Kurt to the floor and Dee off her feet onto
John’s lap. Luckily, Mike had a good grip on the Flame or the
group might have been turned into a flambé.
In two minutes flat the eight tumbled out of the bus and headed for
Greg’s station wagon. Jef claimed the right to sit in the back
and hang the Flame out the back window. No one had the heart to
tell him no. Greg
carefully drove the wagon out of the lot and decided to give everyone
the scenic tour on the way to Portland Meadows. As they drove
along Marine Drive, Greg pointed out every houseboat and stop sign
until Mike and John begged him to stop. It didn’t take long to
get over to Jantzen Beach. As they drove by the mall, William saw
the sign for the carousel and persuaded the others to stop in to give
the Flame a twirl.
“Mike, can I carry the Flame on the carousel? Please?” begged
Goody, his eyes lit up at the prospect.
Mike gladly handed the heavy torch over and generously bought eight
tickets for the old amusement ride. Everyone piled onto the
wooden structure, carefully choosing mounts for the ride.
“The seahorse is mine,” said William, while Dee chose a fanciful white
unicorn. Greg selected a big chestnut warhorse. Kurt hopped on a blue
donkey and John and Mike chose to sit on one of the chariot
seats. Jef had a minor skirmish with a 7-year-old over a pretty
purple pony but eventually was persuaded to take its pink twin
instead.
Goody picked a tall giraffe to ride and as the carousel started up
leaned towards the outside edge, showing off the Flame to the gathered
crowd. “Wheee!” he crowed.
Just as the group was reluctantly leaving the
mall, Mike’s cellphone rang. “Where in tarnation are you guys?!
You were supposed to be at the track already!” Clearly Mr. Fabulous had
missed his morning dose of Paxil. “Relax, Fab, we’re 5 minutes
away. Just meet us on the backside, okay?” Mike soothed.
Piling back in Greg’s wagon they zipped on and then off of the I-5
right to Portland Meadows. The old track was mostly empty but
Fabman had been nice enough to put up a big neon orange sign reading
“NWRC here” over the gate leading to the barns.
As the wagon pulled to a stop next to the barns, Mr. Fabulous strode
over to the car followed closely by Ken riding his prize mare Your
Notebooks and Denise aboard her colt Lucky Mon. “You guys are
late,” Denise called out cheerfully, as she reined Lucky Mon to a stop.
“Ready to hand over the Flame?" Ken added. "We want to get up to
Seattle with it sometime before winter, ya know.”
Jef tossed the Flame up to Ken, who caught it easily and pouting, asked
why he wasn’t allowed to escort the Flame up to Seattle, too.
Denise looked at Mike, sighed, and reminded Jef, “You don’t know how to
ride, remember? And we decided the horses needed a long galloping
work now. But you can hop on Amtrak and beat us to the Space
Needle, if you like.”
Jef perked up at that and Melissa and Goody asked to go along as
well. Dee begged off, saying she wanted to get back home.
Kurt and Greg decided they’d go hit MKC before heading home as
well. Mike, John, and William were exhausted and asked Greg to
drop them at a hotel before hitting the greyhound track.
As the station wagon disappeared into the Portland sunset, passengers
waving, Ken, Denise, and Mr. Fabulous jogged back to the barns where
Rafa and Gavin waited holding their star Thoroughbreds’ reins. “Whoa,
man, would you look at that Flame?” Gavin exclaimed. “That sucker
is HUGE.”
Denise, hearing Gavin’s remark grinned and replied “Sure, it’s a big
Flame but it represents some big ideals. You know, courage,
sportsmanship, excellence. What would a dinky little
lighter-flame say about the Equinics?”
“That’s cool. We NWRCers are all that and more: we have very fast
horses,” Ken laughed. “Now let’s get this Flame on the road!”
Rafa gave Gavin a leg up onto Livvi’s Lass’ back then mounted
Brabawells as Mr. Fabulous handed Denise a credit card with the
warning, “Do NOT use this unless it’s an emergency. If I find you
let Gavin buy Twinkies with it, it’s going to take a couple of cases of
Seattle microbrews to calm me down.” With a wave, four NWRC riders and
their champion horses trotted away heading for the freeway.
“Now, don’t forget, the Washington State Patrol has shut down I-5 all
the way to Seattle just for you guys so don’t lollygag on the way. I’ll
see you in Seattle! ” Mr. Fabulous hollered after the quartet.
Ken led the way to the Columbia River, holding the Flame high.
Rafa and Gavin flanked Denise as all eased into a gallop on the way to
the Interstate Bridge. Ken slowed Your Notebooks down to a walk and the
others followed suit as they stepped onto the bridge itself.
“Hey, Rafa! Aren’t you afraid of heights?” teased Gavin.
Rafa didn’t answer, his gaze was firmly fixed on the swift current of
the river below. Denise, noting Rafa’s preoccupation, checked
Lucky Mon and swung around to Rafa’s other side, blocking his view of
the water and getting his mind back on task. Seeing that even
that couldn’t keep Rafa from focusing on the waves, Denise called out,
“Hey guys! First one to Washington gets to carry Mr. Fabulous’
MasterCard!”
With that kind of incentive Gavin pulled away to a 2-length lead and
Rafa dug his heels into Brabawell’s sides, wanting to hit dry land
first with the prospect of getting Fab’s credit card as a bonus.
Gavin’s lead slipped away as Lucky Mon lengthened his stride and Your
Notebook stretched her neck low. The four horses raced neck and
neck toward the bridge end, Ken hollering in delight and Denise loudly
coaxing her mount on. Sweeping off the bridge onto Washington
freeway, Rafa had a neck lead. All four riders galloped out the next
quarter mile, slowing to a steady canter and back down to a walk to let
the horses cool.
Denise rode up to Rafa, offered her congratulations for a fine race and
handed over the credit card, reminding him not to let Gavin buy
Twinkies with it or “Fab would explode like a case of Twinkies with
dynamite filling.”
Riding four abreast they made good time up through Vancouver and
Ridgefield, only stopping in Kelso when Ken saw the “Open 24 hours”
sign blinking at the MickeyDs just off the freeway. After
refueling on fries and Coke for the horses and Big Macs and coffee for
the humans the fearless four were once again on their way, trekking
north through the dark night.
Alternately walking and trotting through the night with just the glow
of the Flame, the stars and occasional headlights on the southbound
side of the freeway to light their path, Ken, Rafa, Denise, and Gavin
trekked on. As the rising sun began to cast a warm glow in the
eastern sky over the Cascade Mountains, Denise yawned sleepily then
noticed the State Capitol Building spire in the distance. “Look,
guys!” she pointed, “That means we’re almost there, just a few more
miles to go until we hand off the Flame. A piece of cake.”
Reenergized, the riders urged their horses back to a gallop. Ken
had handed the Flame off to Gavin as they rode through Centralia so
Gavin took the lead with the others closely following. As the
four rode through Olympia they began to see more and more people lined
up on the overpasses watching the horses and riders escorting the
Equinics Flame. Watchers held “Go NWRC” and “We love you guys”
banners and cheered as the horses galloped onwards.
Continuing their gallop up I-5, Gavin saw horses in the distance.
“Look, guys, there they are. Get ready for the handoff.”
The three riders ahead prepared for the handoff, moving from a dead
stop up through a canter into a gallop, riding single file with Richard
(Lobo) in the lead, Scott A and Will right behind. The four escorting
the flame thundered up alongside the three other NWRCers as the
watchers lined up along the freeway screamed their approval and delight
at watching the historic moment. For a few minutes the horses ran
side by side in two columns, the fresh horses on the left and the tired
ones on the right. Gavin passed the Flame over to Richard with
the laughing admonition “Be careful with it! This thing is special ...
and very heavy. Don’t drop it.”
Rafa, riding right behind Gavin, handed Mr. Fabulous’ MasterCard to
Scott and told him, “Fab said you guys should buy lots of Twinkies.”
With a shouted “Good luck!” Rafa, Ken, Denise, and Gavin eased their
mounts down to a walk and headed for the trailer parked on the
shoulder, more than ready to head home.
Richard, aboard Code Gone Gold, held the Flame high as he led the way
through Tacoma and up to Seattle. Scott and Will, riding Cavern
Pit and Party Thief, tried to puzzle out just how many Twinkies Mr.
Fabulous wanted.
The trip went by in a flash, literally. The hordes of spectators
lined up alongside the freeway were taking thousands of pictures,
flashbulbs popping wildly. It was a good thing the three horses
were all experienced campaigners who took the photos as their due. As
the horses entered downtown Seattle, Richard called the group to a walk
and tried to figure out how best to get down to the ferry docks.
Leaving the freeway, the three rode single file down Yesler winding
their way through Pioneer Square. Scott called a halt outside a
convenience store and Will held Cavern Pit while Scott ran in to buy
the agreed upon 12 boxes of Twinkies Fab had requested. Scott
came back out, bags bulging with boxes and somehow managed to get back
into the saddle before the trio moved off again.
Richard was the first to step onto the Colman Docks with Will and Scott
close behind. They headed straight for The Tacoma, stopping at
the walkway onto the jumbo ferry where Mr. Fabulous, Ted, and Laura
stood. Fab had flown up on the redeye to get to Seattle in time
to coordinate the handoff. And because there was a little bar
near Pike Place Market that served an excellent rum and Coke.
Richard dismounted and walked up to the waiting trio, shaking hands
with the guys and giving Laura a big hug before handing the Flame to
her. Will and Scott followed suit, Scott handing the bags of
Twinkies to Mr. Fabulous, who opened them and miraculously burst out
laughing while still demanding his credit card be returned. The ferry’s
horn blasted, reminding Ted and Laura it was time to go. They
were headed straight for Canada on this part of the Flame
journey.
Hurrying up the gangplank, they staked out a spot in the stern of the
boat and waved as the ferry pulled away from the dock. The pair
were mobbed by curious passengers, wondering what the Flame was all
about. Lauara explained the Equinics and explained the purpose of
the Flame, telling the audience about the Flame’s journey from Greece
to Seattle thus far. Ted relaxed against the rail, holding the
Flame and occasionally adding to the tale.
Several hours later, the ferry pulled into the Victoria docks and Ted
and Laura walked off the boat to see Casey and Mano waiting for
them. After hugs all around, Casey took hold of the Flame and ran
with Mano over to where their seaplane waited on the waterfront with
Johnny inside. Mano slid into the pilot’s seat as Casey buckled
in. After a quick pre-flight check and a smooth takeoff, the
plane was airborne, soaring over the Strait of Georgia straight to
Vancouver’s English Bay. Mano guided the plane down handily, landing
smoothly and taxiing up to the dock. Casey carried the Flame off the
plane and the three men stood there, looking around.
“Where do you suppose they are? Didn’t Fab say he had a couple of
guys coming here to take this torch off our hands?” Casey asked. They
all stood there in silent shock, alone with the Flame in British
Columbia with no idea what to do next.
Written by Tracy
A is for Apple
A is for apple
the kind that you
eat.
Just like the one
bought on a
Vancouver street.
Kurt's stable was
Badnews
in name as in form.
Betting his horses
each day
was his daily norm.
B is for beatings
the kind that Kurt
took
Every single day
at the BC Sportsbook.
He did have the apple
but the Flame was in
hock.
He'd "loaned" it for
money
to bet on Jabberwock
(Id 64242)
C is for Casey
who saw Kurt and
said "Greets!
That's a fine
looking apple.
Should be mighty
good eats."
But Kurts face was
as red
as the apple in
shame.
The Flame had been
lost
and the NWRC was to
blame.
D is for Dave
he ran Goody Farms.
He saw that the Flame
was not in Kurt's
arms.
He could tell by
Kurt's face
that the Flame was
now stuck
because Kurt had bet
it all
against
Goodrunofbadluck (Id 27734).
E is for easy
as some problems go.
Casey knew this
wouldn't have happened
if Kurt had bet on
Placebo (Id 60591).
But Kurt had bet
poorly
and the Flame was
now lost,
but Goody now said,
"I'll get it back,
no matter the cost!"
F is for fixed
meaning the problem
is gone
carried away to the
winds
as fast as Dr. John
(Id 16318 )
G is for Goody
who spoke up as we
groaned
and told us all
about the great
stakes runners
(former claimers) he now owned.
"It's easy you see
if you understand
breeding
and shoeing and class
and training and
feeding.
and jockeys and form
and speed figs and
pace
and what did they do
in their very last
race.
And your horses will
go
from claimers to
stakes
if you separate out
the winners from
fakes."
H is for help
which was then truly
needed
as Goody described
the opponents his
horses defeated.
Help arrived shortly
from a smelly old
hobo
who was holding the
Flame!
Wasn't a bum. It was
Lobo!
I is for icky
the way Lobo smelled.
"This is just a
disguise!"
at everyone he
yelled.
"While you all were
here
critiquing Kurt's
betting
I was at the
pawnshop.
The Flame I was
getting."
"J is for jury
which I will be
facing
if back to America
we don't start
aracing."
Lobo's story was true
he's not a bad guy
but to get the Flame
back
he did have to lie.
L is for laws
which Lobo had broke
the things that he
did
and the words that
he spoke.
He claimed to be an
official
sent from the king,
to examine the Flame
for any dent,
scratch or ding.
K is for king
that Lobo did
construe
and he snatched the
Flame and rode away
upon High Five II
(by Seattle Slew) (Id 80360).
He did get away
and bought a bottle
of cheap rum.
threw on some dirty
clothes;
Voila! Disguised as
a bum.
M is for mistake
which apparently I
just made.
L before M
shoulda stayed in
first grade.
But that's the way
it is now
and it ain't gonna
change.
This is my silly
story
so the alphabet I
rearrange.
N is for nervous
which describes
everyone.
On the run from the
law
which really ain't
much fun.
NWRC on the lam
and where should
they go?
They look at their
map;
Next stop... Idaho!
O is for Ojai Dude
trained by John K,
who met the rest of
the gang
between Canada and
Le Bois; halfway.
And on the road they
were
and they made it
through Idaho
and they got to the
racetrack
with the Flame
intact in tow.
P is for Pascal
drunk at the track
bar.
A bottle of Martell
and a smile
he'd bet every
winner so far.
Kurt went up to his
friend
and said "You son of
a gun!
I write the tipsheet
here every week!
and the most winners
for me is ONE!"
Q is for the quiet
that the track bar
became that night
worried that the two
gamblers
might begin to fight.
But Pascal looked at
Kurt
and Kurt's tipsheet
he pulled out
"I bet your picks
every race!
Winners without a
doubt."
R is for the relief
that everybody felt
because their would
be no fight
and no blows would
be dealt.
Kurt looked at the
tipsheet
and said with a
frown,
"Those are my picks
but you're reading
it upside down!"
S is for smiles
which everyone had
when it was shown
crystal clear
that Kurt's picks
really were that bad.
But Kurt didn't care
that they laughed
and with a smile he
did say
"The fifteenth race
is next,
my Incredibly Stupid
Bet of the Day (TM)!"
T is for trouble
because his bet was
the four
a horse in a stakes
with only one win
and all the rest had
several more.
He explained, "His
last 18 races
were all at this
track
and he's run 43
times;
Experience that his
foes lack."
U is for underdog
and a long shot as
well.
Kurt's horse was
ninety to one
and he bet hoping to
do well.
They lined up for
the feature
all in a row,
The bell rang as the
announcer
called "And there
they go!"
V is for victory
within the four
horse's grasp
but into the first
turn
the four horse was
last.
Hung wide around the
first turn
the jockey urged on
and the crowed
roared excitedly
as they stormed down
the backstretch so long.
W is for wide
wider and even wider
The favorite was
midpack
Suddenly the four
was beside her!
Into the far turn
they went with jocks
urging
The odds flashed on
the screen
as the pools were
done merging
X marks the spot
in the stretch run
so long
that the four horse
while widest
zoomed past them all
and was gone!
"One hundred to one!"
shouted Kurt with
great glee
I tore up my own
tickets;
I'd bet on the three.
Y is for yelling
Yell! Yell! Happy!
Happy!
Kurt had made a
small fortune.
"On to Vegas! Make
it snappy!"
So we packed up our
things
and skipped the last
race
While Kurt counted
his money
a big grin on his
face.
Z is for zooming
to the train station
to take
the Amtrak to Vegas
past Tahoe and it's
lake.
So on the train we
went
The NWRC and it's
horses
down to Nevada.
Do they even have
race courses?
by Kaif
BC to Vegas With Apologies (NOT) to Sophocles
(Tracigone: pronounced Tray-sih-go-nee)Intro:
Lady Sierra, Queen of the lands, had finalized her empire's
preparations for the Equinics. The races were declared, the competitors
chosen and the feasts were being cooked. All that was needed were the
final horse selections and the parade of the Equinic's Flame.
The Flame was on a path through the far reaches of her empire, touching
the four corners of the known world. While sometimes flawed, the
procession was a noble affair with all who carried it standing tall
with pride and all who witnessed it overcome with the beauty and
majesty
of the pageant.
The Flame had travelled midway through the northwest, crossed the
Canadian border and was heading back through America, on to its center
of sin and debauchery, Las Vegas. A procession and party like the world
had never seen was in wait for the Flame and the group of men and women
entrusted with carrying it; the finest of the NWRC.
Sir Bullfrog, ruler of the NWRC empire had chosen his stoutest and most
honorable fighters and warriors to carry the Flame. These men and women
were led by Bullfrog's brother Johnathon B. Johnathon led a party of
nine to gather the flag from up north and the procession led it's way
southward.
Not everyone agreed with Bullfrog's selection of the finest. While
brave and true, some that were excluded, led by Badnewsius, felt
betrayed by their leader's exclusion and wounded by the fact that
Bullfrog's brother, while obviously a great warrior, frequently spent
much time away from the NWRC buried in other facets of his life.
"Woman-chaser" and "Philanderer" were some of the insults thrown his
way by Badnewsius behind the closed doors of his little group of rebels.
"A disgrace!" he roared. "We come here every day and what do we get?
Nothing! We too are warriors for the NWRC, are we not?"
"We are!" his small group cheered back.
"And are we not loyal and brave followers of the NWRC?"
"We are!!" they all responded with enthusiasm.
"Are we not the strong and honorable men of the NWRC?"
"Yes, we are!"
"Then we must do something about this!" Badnewsius declared bravely.
"It is our duty as followers of the NWRC and of the gods that we go
meet the band carrying the Flame and demand that we get to march with
pride and glory like the rest of them. It should be our honor as well!
We will not be excluded, standing in the lines of parade watchers like
women and children. This must be done!"
And with that, they set out to meet the procession carrying the Flame.
The encounter took place at dusk, just three short hours north of Las
Vegas. Wearing masks to hide their faces until they were able to judge
the response of the ones carrying the Flame, they set upon the
Flame-bearers and began making demands. The Flame-bearers, thinking
they were being robbed (as they had to fight off GSR rebels attempting
to interrupt the Flame and bring disgrace to the NWRC) again, responded
by drawing their weapons.
Shocked, the gang led by Badnewsius had no choice but to draw their own
weapons to defend themselves. A battle ensued. The Flame-bearers
defeated and
killed all the insurgents but in the battle the mighty Johnathon B was
stabbed in the back by the poisoned blade of Badnewsius. As he fell, he
turned and with his spear piereced Badnewsius through the heart and in
his last breath recognized Badnewsius' eyes through his mask.
Second in command of the Flame-Bearers, Hijacked Theodorus, looked
about in dismay at the remains of the battle. The insurgents were all
killed, the Flame was safe, but Sir Bullfrog's brother had fallen.
"Bury the dead save Johnathon and their leader. We bring them back to
Vegas with us."
The men went to work burying their former comrades. After the grim
ordeal was finished, they unmasked the rebel leader. "Badnewsius?!"
they gasped. "But why?"
The remaining nine members of the Flame-Bearers put the two dead on a
wagon and finished the short journey back into town to confront Sir
Bullfrog with the tragedy. Also waiting was Badnewsius' sister,
Tracigone, who had no idea of his plans.
So Bullfrog, undisputed master of the NWRC, resolved to make an example
of the insurgent Badnewsius and ordered that whilst the body of
Johnathon
received all honourable rites of burial, that of Badnewsius should be
left in ignominy, unwept and unburied, upon the plains outside of
Bullfrog's palace in Las Vegas, the Mirage. Penalty of death was
promulgated against any who should defy this order; and the voices of
the NWRC, whether in consent or in fearful submission, were silent.
Scene: Before the Mirage in Las Vegas
Enter Topicountene from the Mirage. Tracigone follows, and closes the
door behind them.
TRACIGONE: Sister! How are we meant to suffer like this? There is no
pain, no suffering, no dishonour that we have not shared together. Now
there is something more. Have you heard the new order from the Lord of
Las Vegas, Bullfrog? How our dearest brother is being treated like an
enemy?
TOPICOUNTENE: I have heard nothing, other than that both Badnewsius and
Johnathon fell in combat over the Flame.
TRACIGONE: I thought you hadn't. That is why I brought you here.
TOPICOUNTENE: What is it? Black news, I can see already.
TRACIGONE: What do you think it could be? What else could it be?
Bullfrog has given funeral honors to his brother Johnathon, but to our
brother Badnewsius, shame. He still remains unburied, a feast for the
wolves and crows. He is to remain unburied forever, to decay and drift
away into the dust. The noble Bullfrog! This decree is against you and
me. Yes, against me! Soon he will decree it for everyone to hear and he
means to enforce it. This is no idle threat. The penalty for burial of
Badnewsius will be death by stoning. So now you know. It is now time to
show if you have the same true blood as Badnewsius and me.
TOPICOUNTENE: Help? How can I help? The decree is from the Lord of Las
Vegas himself. I cannot go against his will.
TRACIGONE: Help me by burying our brother. Covering his dead flesh with
the earth as the gods command.
TOPICOUNTENE: But how could you dare when Bullfrog has explicitly
forbidden it?
TRACIGONE: He has no right to keep me from my own. He has no right to
challenge the god's decrees on what should be a proper burial. We only
have a short time to spend among the living. It is our duty to do the
god's will, even against the orders of our ruler. We spend but years
with the living. We will spend eternity among the dead. We must not
defy the holiest laws of the heavens.
TOPICOUNTENE: I do not defy them; but I cannot act against the state.
TRACIGONE: Let that be your excuse then. I will go and do what I must
do.
TOPICOUNTENE: I fear for you. You go on a hopeless task. What chance do
you have? Whatever happens, I will keep your secret.
TRACIGONE: Fear not for me and keep no secret for me. Proclaim it to
the world. I will honor my brother!
TOPICOUNTENE leaves the Mirage. TRACIGONE leaves through a side exit.
Creon makes his proclomation. "Concerning the fallen: Johnathon has
been accorded a proper burial according to the gods, for fighting
gallantly and his noble behaviors. Badnewsius, traiter to the NWRC, is
to have no grave, no burial, no mourning from anyone; it is forbidden.
He is to remain unburied, left to be eaten by dogs and vultures, a
horror for all to see."
Scene: Two days later, Bullfrog sits in his royal chambers. Enter
Sentry Jubal from the courtyard.
JUBAL: Lord Bullfrog! Someone has disobeyed your edict! Overnight a
stranger snuck outside to the body, under the cover of darkness and
covered it with dirt! There was no sign of pick or shovel, no footprint
in the ground. It was as if a ghost from the gods themselves did the
work.
BULLFROG: This is no message from the gods! This is the crafty work of
some other traitor to the NWRC. Our gods work in ways we don't
understand, but they did not send a ghoul to come and bury the corrupt
Badnewsius. My decree is from the gods! They demand loyalty and those
that aren't must be punished.
JUBAL: But there was no sign -
BULLFROG: I don't care about signs! It was merely some clever lightfoot
able to sneak past your incompetence! What did you do about the body?
It was uncovered as I ordered.
JUBAL: Yes, it again remains uncovered, naked against the sky.
BULLFROG: Good. Double the guards around the body and let it remain
undisturbed until the wolves and vultures have had their fill.
A disturbance is heard outside. Guards Mano and Pascal come rushing in
while Jubal rushes out to find what has happened.
MANO: Again, the body of Badnewsius has been covered by soil! Again
someone has tried to bury him.
PASCAL: Yes, once again the body of Badnewsius has been buried. Only a
small amount of dirt was able to be put upon him before we discovered
the culprit. They are bringing the person in now.
BULLFROG: What a sad day this is. I must be true to my edict and be
right in the eyes of the gods. Bring in the person who dared to defy my
orders!
Sentry Jubal comes back in, pulling a chained Tracigone along behind
him.
BULLFROG: What manner of idiocy is this Sentry? Why have you brought
Tracigone in to me like this? Tracigone is one of the most loyal and
good members the NWRC has; How can you do this?
JUBAL: You ordered me to find the one who dared to bury Badnewsius.
This is the one.
TRACIGONE: Yes! It was me! You ask how I could dare defy your orders?
You ask how I could go against your decrees? You defy the gods. You ask
me to stand by and watch my brother's body lay in the sand while beasts
are feeding on him. You ask that I sit by and watch while his soul is
trapped because he has not received the burial decreed by the gods. I
defy you only while you defy the gods themselves!
To be continued...
Written by: Kaif01
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