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Doc returned momentarily as he went in to get beverages, bringing the bottle out in one hand and a large, long cloth bag over his other shoulder. Only a trace of daylight remained over the horizon but the fire and some lighting from an oil lamp in the house kept things right. Setting the bag down, he filled her glass and then his. Putting his down, he began to open the bag.
"You will be using one tomorrow," he explained, "I'm just curious as to whether or not you have ever used something like this."
He produced not one but two old world style Henry rifles. They were pristine with gold plated receivers, walnut stocks and fine steel barrels.
"I don't think they make these anymore so, I had a gun maker build them from research I had done. They both work, are both extremely accurate and oh so fun to fire and neither George nor Gracie will spook at their firing." He then handed her the rifle as he took the other.
"It'll hold 16 rounds in the tubular magazine with one in the breech and fire a 44 caliber round up to 1000 yards so you can reach out and touch someone!" he explained, "I always load an extra tube before a hunt as it will fire as fast as you can cock it."
As she looked at it, he continued, "it's old world tech but the ammo makes it as deadly as any modern day weapon and I have 4 of them." He then loaded magazines with cartridges as she admired. He knew she approved by the smile on her face.
"I've never seen anything like this before" She looked at him with an expression somewhere between curiosity and nervousness. "I wouldn't know how to use one." She thought about her own gun, nothing about this one was even remotely similar to her own.
She didn't understand what he was saying about the gun. If she was honest, she didn't even know much about guns at all. She only acquired hers when she realized it was needed for protection. "This is amazing. As far as guns go, it really is quite beautiful." She looked over the gun again, admiring the work that had so obviously been put into creating it. She eventually looked at him, the same curiosity across her face as before "Why this style though.... Wouldn't have using one made in this age have been easier?"
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"Yes and no," he answered, "sure, they may have been built easier to use or even more powerful to a degree but sometimes there is no substitute for a classic." He began pointing out various things, "You only have one safety to fight with, it's mechanically simple, requires no power cells, has a lot of range and stopping power but unlike some of these modern day things, I can through this in the mud, pick it up and it will still work not too mention the specialized ammo makes it every bit as deadly as anything current." He smirked, "when I get done with you, you'll be a pro at this."
He let her look it over as he turned the grilling food over. Realizing it was done, he removed it from the heat onto a large iron plate and began unwrapping what needed to be. Everything steamed as he removed foil and cut into the meat to see how well through it was cooked. Everything seemed perfect.
"Shall we eat inside or under the stars?" he asked of her, her focus on the rifle.
"You reckon I'll be a pro...." grinning, she wished him luck. Thinking for a moment, she handed him back the rifle to put away. "Under the stars." She was content where she was, enjoying the peace and the view. She realized she was hungry and the food smelt great.
"So, why did you choose Erie for this? I mean... What made this better then any other planet." She looked out over the water, and shook her head "Silly question really. I mean... This place is perfect." She didn't expect him to answer her question and turned her attention back to the fire where she held her hands up to warm them.
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He just chuckled a bit at her question but gave an answer, "Well, since Erie was and still is predominantly Zoner, it made my choice easy for a place to escape to. I'd rather not get into politics but I don't like the government presence over the planet......."
He put the rifle down. He handed her a plate of food and then prepared one for himself after putting another log on the fire. The meat was just right. Well done but tender. A little butter over the veggies and potato made it just right. He was just waiting to get her approval.
The night was perfect. All the stars in Sirius and beyond. The frogs singing, the crickets chirping, the haunting songs of the loons and a slight breeze made it perfect. An added bonus for Doc is that he wasn't alone. He saw something in her that he liked but still had much to learn about her. For now, sharing a meal in company and casual conversation kept his spirits up.
"I guess that would be a good reason." She had forgotten about the politics and rulings over planets for a while. "government presence and politics is something I don't know anything about" She shrugged slightly "It's not relevant to survival."
She tried the meal, nodding in approval. "This is amazing!" She was quiet for some time while she ate, it had been a long time since she had a meal of this quality. Unable to finish it all, she hoped he wouldn't be offended. "If I was able to finish, I would... And I so want to, but I am full." She brushed her hair out of her face again, this time tucking it behind her ears. It was starting to annoy her. "Thank you."
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Doc finished his and once finished, brought both plates in before returning outside to the fire and Ashlea. He brought out a couple of reclining camp chairs and set them up. He then filled their glasses with wine and laid back in his chair. The glow showed his smile as he drank his wine and he was comfortable. He motioned to the empty chair, "Lay back and enjoy the view."
The crackling of the fire added to the night's sounds. As he lay, he began to softly sing. For a moment, he forgot that he wasn't alone but still, he sang as he was relaxed.
I had nothing to do on this hot afternoon but to settle down and write you a line.
I've been meaning to phone you but from Minnesota hell it's been a very long time.
You wear it well. A little old fashioned but that's alright.
He then looked over and remembered, Oh yes, I'm not alone. He smiled at her and winked and finally chuckled. "Sorry about that. I get relaxed and some fine wine and well....you heard it I guess."
She curled up on the chair, making herself comfortable. Listening to him sing, she couldn't help but smile. What are you sorry for..... I was enjoying that." She Pulled her jacket across her to keep herself warm and watched the stars, the night was clear and light pollution wasn't a problem here. She was amazed at how many stars could be seen. She spoke quietly "You weren't kidding when you said that you sing.... And you do it well."
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Almost as if it were a request, he just laid back and continued,
Well I suppose your thinking I bet he sinking or he wouldn't get in touch with me. Oh I ain't begging or losing my head I sure do want you to know that you wear it well. There ain't a lady in the land so fine....oh my.
Remember them basement parties, your brother's karate the all day rock and roll shows.
Them homesick blues and radical views haven't left a mark on you, you wear it well.
He stopped and took a drink. Realizing his glass was empty, he re-filled it, making sure that her's was topped off as well.
As he stretched back out, the sound of a nearby owl caught his attention.
"Owls, great predators," he said, "they see in the dark better than we do in light and they're deathly silent. Good thing they aren't hunting us I guess."
She smiled as he started singing again, he was good and she was enjoying listening to him. She nodded a thanks when he refilled her glass, taking another sip of the drink. "Imagine if they were.... we wouldn't stand a chance." She couldn't see the owl, but had heard it. "Humans really do have a high opinion of ourselves..." she sat up, and slipped her jacket back on properly before lying back in the chair. "More often then not, its not warranted. We aren't a perfect race."
Shrugging, she thought about what she had said, this led onto other thoughts and eventually she just shook her head not wanting to make sense of them "So, John, you don't believe in luck.. What about fate?"