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May. 22nd, 2023 at 8:56 PM
[So this is how he gets away with it, then. Cruz, a skeleton, with a skeleton horse, lives in a skeleton of a house with a skeletal barn attached - and he remains unseen, his home apparently abandoned, all the way on the outskirts of this thing that's barely a town.
Well, you do what you gotta do, and Johnnie won't turn down a kind offer of a safe place to stay the night. He can't help but grin at Chrissy having such a good time riding that bony horse as he pulls the bike in through the barn door and parks it to the side, then hops off.]
Hey man, we owe ya for this. Here.
[See, this is yet another reason it's good to stock up on alcohol. He finds their most recent stolen bottle of tequila and pulls it out as he saunters over to their host and offers it in an outstretched hand.]
On us. Uh, if you drink, that is. You do drink, right?
[Normally that would be a dumb question to ask but the guy appears to be actual bones. But, bones that can smoke, without lungs, so he can probably drink without a mouth, right?
That earns a laugh from Cruz.]
I sure do, fella. You don't have to, though. I'm not looking for any kind of repayment, just helping out a couple folks in need.
[Johnnie shakes his head and waves that attempt off.]
Nah, it's all yours. Or if you really insist, we can all split it tomorrow, the three of us an' the rest of your crew. Can't wait to meet 'em. They all skeletons too?
Well, you do what you gotta do, and Johnnie won't turn down a kind offer of a safe place to stay the night. He can't help but grin at Chrissy having such a good time riding that bony horse as he pulls the bike in through the barn door and parks it to the side, then hops off.]
Hey man, we owe ya for this. Here.
[See, this is yet another reason it's good to stock up on alcohol. He finds their most recent stolen bottle of tequila and pulls it out as he saunters over to their host and offers it in an outstretched hand.]
On us. Uh, if you drink, that is. You do drink, right?
[Normally that would be a dumb question to ask but the guy appears to be actual bones. But, bones that can smoke, without lungs, so he can probably drink without a mouth, right?
That earns a laugh from Cruz.]
I sure do, fella. You don't have to, though. I'm not looking for any kind of repayment, just helping out a couple folks in need.
[Johnnie shakes his head and waves that attempt off.]
Nah, it's all yours. Or if you really insist, we can all split it tomorrow, the three of us an' the rest of your crew. Can't wait to meet 'em. They all skeletons too?
Comments
Nah, it's all right. I'd rather you or anyone else gets to really feel shit an' mean it. Even if it means you get hurt sometimes. 'Cause you know what's fucking sad are the people who try an' hide everything inside an' don't let themselves feel anything. I love that you're not like that.
[So she gets another kiss, and a brighter smile, before he takes a drag from the cigarette and then offers it to her, just in case she wants some.]
For what it's worth, I think if Cruz is cool with people bein' slaves then he's an asshole not worth our time. Just so you know.
[No point in speculating about it, but also, she's right.]
I'm really glad you told me that. Because I was starting to wonder.
[But now that they're on the same page as far as that's concerned, she's content enough. The cigarette is passed back as she claims one more kiss, just in time for the sound of something rumbling in the distance to draw her attention away from him. She's curious and goes over to the window, where she sees a dust cloud approaching. It's easy enough to see lots of hooves in that dust, and she gasps as she taps at the glass.]
I think they're here! Let's go outside and meet them.
[If it isn't obvious, she's 100% excited for Duke's return. She's running out of the room and right out of the shack in order to wait by the barn for that skeleton horse's return.]
He strides on out behind her, then waves a hand as the men pull up. Men who, despite their varied choices of fashion, all share a few things in common, namely that they too are all skeletons and so are their mounts. Johnnie shakes his head, entirely pleased to see that this is the case.]
Well! Good to see the two of you up and smiling. I hope you're ready for some fine fare.
[Cruz grins that toothy grin of his as he swings down onto the ground and gives Duke a pat on the shoulder. The horse trots right toward Chrissy immediately, sticking its bony nose in her face.
Meanwhile, the others all dismount also. Some are carrying burlap sacks, others old rifles or other gear, but all take their hats off in greeting as Cruz introduces them.]
Just as I was telling you about. Mr. Johnnie Redmayne, and Miss Chrissy Cunningham. You two, why don't you say hi to Diego, Hugo, Nibaihi, Guillermo, Bobby, and Oliver.
She does eventually pull herself away from Duke though, so she can go stand by Johnnie to make introductions. Her hand lifts up in a wave, and she plasters herself in close to Johnnie's side as she feels a little overwhelmed with the presence of everyone all at once.]
It's really good to meet you!
[The siren call of the other horses is strong, but she maintains her distance for the immediate future. It would be rude to make Duke jealous, after all. ]
What were you out doing all day, anyway?
[what could skeleton cowboys possibly have to do? Cruz chuckles and tips his hat back, so he can wipe the non-existent sweat off his brow.]
Just keeping an eye on things, Miss Chrissy. Nothing you need to worry about.
[One of the shorter men answer, right as Duke approaches her with a nudge to her arm. It's clearly time for more pets.]
Johnnie watches, curious, then leans against the counter next to the guy who he's pretty sure is Oliver, who is currently using a cool old knife with a handle made of antler to chop up onions.]
So where do you guys get all this stuff? From what Cruz said it sounds like nobody sees you, so you're not buyin' it, right?
[Oliver shakes his head, and smiles that eternal smile all of them wear.]
Some of it we grow, some of it's paid as thanks for what we do. It's all the freshest the land has to offer!
[And Johnnie doesn't doubt it, with how the onion is stinging at his eyes. He squints against that feeling. What is it that they do that they won't talk about, but that gets them bags of fresh produce for impressive cowboy cookouts?]
[Chrissy's helped with the horses, and she's just slid right into the group to assist with getting food ready. Someone's handed her a knife and she's helping go to town on those onions. Tears are streaming down her face, but she's having a good time.]
I don't think I've ever -
[She pauses to wipe at her eyes, and Oliver laughs in amusement at her enthusiasm.]
Smelled anything this fresh?
[He helpfully finishes for her and she sniffles, nodding.]
Do you guys grow your own gardens? Or do you make other people do it for you?
[Well, there's probably a less blunt way to ask about their feelings on slavery. Given the fact they all get quiet and look among one another, she isn't sure if she's crossed a line. But the good news is, she already has their bags packed in case she's said something to offend them and they're told they need to go.]
Miss Chrissy, I was shot, right here,
[He raises a hand to his chest.]
- while sending some good people north where I knew they'd find friends. Diego, my brother there, was hanged the next day for helping. We don't make anyone do anything for us, here.
[The others nod, while Diego tips his head to look at her. The sense Johnnie gets is that they're now trying to suss out Chrissy's feelings on the matter based on how she reacts to that info.
And Johnnie doesn't like her being on the spot like that, so he steps over to stand at her side and rests a hand on her shoulder. There's a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.]
Good. 'Cause if any of you said otherwise, me an' my girl here would kick your ass.
I'd do most of the butt kicking actually.
[If this were any other subject matter, she might laugh. But given what they're talking about, she's serious. It may not be a fight she'd win, but she'd go down trying.]
And then I'd figure out a way to get the people working at that farm next to us out of there.
[Diego looks over to Cruz, who suddenly looks increasingly uncomfortable. He approaches Chrissy and tosses her a small sack of carrots.]
Why don't you go feed these to the horses. We'll keep Johnnie busy for a few minutes.
[He motions for her to go and she nods, taking the sack and heading out to the barn for a few minutes. When she's gone and out of range of hearing, Cruz looks back to Johnnie as everyone resumes what they're up to.]
People here can see the two of you. Make sure no one hears her talking like that. They won't think nothing of hanging her right up next to you.
[He's defiant as ever, and unafraid of what people think. Cruz suffered terribly and didn't deserve any of it, but it's made him timid. His caution is a weakness, not a virtue.
Johnnie starts pacing, full of explosive energy.]
We look after each other, but we don't hide our heads in the sand an' play nice just to stay safe. What you got right down the road, there? That's fucked up. Rich people don't get to own other human beings for profit or any other reason. They should hear people say that! You can't let that shit go without a challenge!
[And Cruz just watches, lets him get it out, before saying anything.]
You have a good thing going for you, Redmayne. Don't throw it away. There are other ways to help that matter just as much to the people who need it. You can do the right thing and not hurt yourself and the girl you love in the process.
Are you guys talking about me?
[It feels like they sent her away so they could do that. Which makes her a little uncomfortable, but not as wary as the fact she can tell Johnnie has something brewing within him. It's just waiting to explode.]
It won't hurt for you to hear it too, [Cruz looks to her, so serious that it makes her uncomfortable.] You two aren't from this time or this place. You try to do anything like free those people, you'll both end up regretting it. You may have already died, but other people can see you.
Yeah, man! [Diego chimes in.] And you're both clearly hurt, you got healing wounds and bruises all over you.
[Chrissy finds her way to Johnnie and her fingers brush against his before she takes hold of his hand. Maybe she can diffuse that imminent explosion just by being there.]
If they get their hands on either of you, there's no telling what they'd do once they realized they could torture you as much as they want. Anything to make an example.
[That scares her, how can it not scare her? But she feels so strongly about this subject that she has to interject.]
Okay, I'm really afraid of what they might do to us if they catch us. But I'm more afraid of not trying to do something. Cruz, you said they can't see you! Why can't we use that to our advantage and get a wagon full of people that you guys can get out of town tonight?
And it turns out, it's Chrissy who helps make a real effort to do that. He nods along with what she says, but Cruz speaks up before he can get a word in.]
What, just steal one? Take people in a horseless, driverless wagon?
[He says it like that's ridiculous, but Johnnie nods.]
Yeah. I mean, why the hell not, right? Better than stayin' put, isn't it? We can get the word out, they might see us. We'll be careful, okay? Let 'em know that there's a wagon comin' to pick 'em up, right before midnight. An' some of your guys can ride ahead, make sure the way's clear of cops or whatever you have here.
[She's close to crying, because this is something she's feeling passionate about and desperately wants these cowboys to be the good guys. They need to be heroes, not cowards that just watch terrible things happen around them.
Cruz looks to every member of his little gang before going back to chopping up vegetables. Diego and Oliver follow suit, and no one says anything for a minute until Chrissy speaks up.]
Hey, don't ignore me! You heard me, didn't you?
[She manages to find her voice and shouts, giving Johnnie's hand a tight squeeze.]
We heard you just fine. [Diego insists, and Cruz continues where he leaves off.]
If you two are that determined to get this job done, we'll help you. But we're not doing it without a solid plan, you two understand?
Fine. But you guys know the land better than we do. You know where to take 'em so they can get somewhere safe. You gotta, right? You must run into people when you're out riding, people who can hide 'em or feed 'em. You guys figure that part out, we'll do the rest.
[That's the hard part, anyway. And giving that to them to plan means he and Chrissy can tackle the easy part - destroying the farm, making a big distraction while everyone else gets away. Of course, they also have to get word out somehow, make sure people know which way to go, but that'll happen.
Cruz, Diego, and all the rest look between each other like they're deciding if that's something they can do. It's Nibaihi who speaks up, this time. The tallest man in the room, but the quietest one so far, his accent is unfamiliar to Johnnie. He stops beating eggs a moment.]
I know people who will take them in. I can scout ahead of the wagon.
eventually Cruz leads everyone and their ingredients outside, so he can set up a fire in an area that looks like an outdoor kitchen of sorts. There's a big wooden stand with a black pot hanging off of it, that's clearly been used for cooking time and time again. Rather than taking over just because she's the only girl here, she lets Cruz and Diego take over. They all seem to be great friends, but Cruz and Diego are definitely close pals.]
Have either of you ever rode a horse before?
[Nibaihi speaks up, looking to Johnnie and Chrissy as everyone else works to cook lunch. He's focused enough on what they want to do, and figures talking plans will help keep them both calm and settled.]
Only a little last night, when Cruz put me on his. I've never actually rode before though.
An' I sure never have. Dunno where I'd even find a horse in LA.
[The thought is pretty funny, though. Somewhere on the outskirts, probably, but then who knows what goes on in weird places where rich people live up in the hills.
Nibahi's smile somehow seems kind as he sits himself down on the ground to watch the cooking, and waves for them to sit down with him, which Johnnie does.]
It's not too hard, but it'll be good for you to know how. Your... machine, the motorcycle? I would avoid using that for this. I've been told it's loud. We have a few extra horses we can bring by, we'll get them saddled up for you. They're good horses, well-trained. You just hold on, they'll listen to us. They know their way back here if you get separated from the group. I'll give you Niish, [he says to Chrissy,], she's the smart one. She'll keep you out of trouble.
So, you'll give Johnnie the wild one that runs right toward trouble?
[She jokes, giving Johnnie a playful nudge with her elbow. It's a good thing he can handle anything, otherwise she might be worried about him with this plan. They won't be on the motorcycle, which will be new to them both. And they won't be riding together, also brand new. It'll be worth it, if they can save some people that really need it.]
That's right. [Nibahi laughs along with her, playing along with the joke for the time being.] He looks like a man that can handle it.
[She has to cover her mouth, her giggles would be too loud otherwise. It might scare the horses.]
Oh, he is. He really likes a wild ride.
[He snickers and playfully punches Chrissy in the arm for that. Fuck. He'll show her a wild ride...
The sound and smell of sizzling onions grabs his attention away for a second. Goddamn he's hungry, that piece of jerky didn't count as breakfast. Those onions have him drooling.]
He can ride Nayáwsa'. If I can round him up, that is. The horse, not Redmayne here.
[Johnnie laughs at that too, as he takes out a cigarette to help keep his stomach quiet while food is being prepared, then offers the pack out to the others with him just in case anyone wants one. He's set for a while with all the smokes he grabbed back in New Orleans, that's for sure.]
So how do ghost horses come to be, anyway? We've only seen ghost people so far. Were they yours when you were alive?
[Oliver pipes up, cracking eggs to put on with those sizzling onions.]
Others we found. Couple found us after long days out. They're all family now.
[Cruz adds on, nudging Diego so he can tend to the onions and start adding potato the mix. Chrissy watches this all with mild amusement, and tries to ignore the way her stomach growls. She's been able to do it for almost eighteen years, she can ignore it for another 18-20 minutes.]
Maybe I could help you round up Nayáwsa.
[She offers, and Nibahi shakes his head as the others laugh.]
That's not one horse you should try taming. You're likely to get a hoof to the head.
[Well, that would hurt. She rubs at the side of her head like she's already been kicked, before hopping up on her feet to go investigate the food that's cooking up close. It smells so good, she's pretty ravenous for it.]
We could both just ride on Niish. [It's a helpful suggestion up over the sound of everyone else.] We're not that heavy put together, she'd have to be able to carry us.
[Somehow, that makes all the skeletal men laugh louder than ever, Cruz even patting her head affectionately like she's just said something precious.]
[Johnnie shakes his head, then turns again to look toward the food. Hugo, who's coming by with the platter of tortillas to warm once the rest is all cooked, pauses and nods to the back of Johnnie's jacket.]
What's all that mean, anyway? Those letters on the back of your outfit.
[Johnnie brightens at the question, not that he hadn't already been cheery enough anyway. But it's that pride in him, he just wants his gang to be known worldwide and across all of time and space.]
'S my crew, man. The World Enders. Back in California. We're the guys you don't wanna mess with, everyone knows about us back there. Hey, you guys need a cool name though, right? Like, for all of you. Or colors or somethin'.
[Hugo gives a polite, but perhaps, puzzled chuckle as he sets the platter next to the comal with its sizzling onions and potatoes.]
Do we? It's just us.
[Chrissy pipes up, like she's an expert on all things gang related. Johnnie's got the right idea though, and she's animated as she gives a bounce and starts pacing a little to think of name ideas.]
You could be the Skeleton Crew!
[Oh no, that's awful. She hates that one. Even she has to groan at it, both hands pressed against her face for a few seconds.]
Hey baby, how do you say skeleton in Spanish?
Oh, shit. That's good. Uh, el esqueleto? But, man, I dunno. Could be cooler, like the Calavera Crew! Now that's got a ring to it.
[Between them they've definitely earned a few smiles and laughs among those grinning skulls.]
Can't promise we'll adopt it, but I like the spirit behind it.
[That's Cruz, as he sears some tomatoes off to the side of the potatoes and eggplant, and tosses another onion on next to those tomatoes, cut in half only. He lets those blacken while Diego pours beaten egg over the potatoes and onion and gets it all scrambled together. Johnnie's stomach is about ready to jump out of his body and smother it all. It's hard to be patient.
But soon enough, that tomato and onion get seared hot until they start to smoke, and are taken aside to mash into a salsa with some salt while the rest gets cooked, scooped onto a big plate, and the tortillas are set on the remaining oil to puff.]
All right, get over here, time to eat up!
You need the fuel for this big mission of yours.
[And somehow, that skeletal head is able to wink at her. She looks awestruck for a second, but smiles and takes her plate over next to Johnnie to sit and slowly eat.]
I've got a wagon in the barn. [Cruz offers once everyone settles in and enjoys their food.] If you two are willing to help patch it up, we can use it tonight.
Yeah man, sure thing. Hey, can we decorate it too? You got like, cow skulls around? Man, we could make it look so fucking badass. Actually, shit, I want one for my bike.
[That is such a good idea, he wishes he'd thought of it years ago.]
I bet we could find some, sure. Might as well make this driverless wagon look extra haunted, hm? We'll spawn all kinds of new legends.
[Johnnie beams and raises a fist to the air.]
Fuck yeah, you will! Bet that'll scare some a' these fuckin' assholes off from chasing after it in the first place.
Wait!
[She calls out over them all, waving her hands to get their attention.]
It's really only the white men we need to worry about, right?
[Which is debatable, because a lot of white women are just as terrible as the men are. Especially in this time period. But she's got an idea brewing, and she wants to contribute to the conversation.]
There's nothing that freaks them out more than women being loud. If people can see me, why can't we make them think that I'm some kind of vengeful spirit or something? I could start the distraction and Johnnie can trigger the fire, and then while I'm busy wailing and being dramatic, Johnnie can start getting the people out to the wagon!
[That plan leaves her alone and in range for immediate danger, and she second guesses herself the second the words are out of her mouth.]
[Guillermo says teasingly, to another round of laughter - which really had already begun anyway, at Chrissy's idea that white men are afraid of loud women. She's right enough, certainly.
Bobby pipes up, then.]
Hell, if my pa had been afraid of loud women my ma woulda laughed that man right outta the house. I swear you could hear her comin' from a mile away.
[To which there's general, jovial agreement. Clearly most of them either know Bobby's mother and her large presence, or have heard some stories.]
Hey Miss Chrissy, what are white women afraid of? In case we run into any. You should see some of 'em out here, they sling shotguns like you wouldn't believe.