Sonja Looked a bit Worried as she took the Gun, she had never used a thing like this before. She could use the Guns of her Ship when she needed them but that was something completely different from using such a Weapon that where more Up Close and Personal.
Sonja: Ahm I don't Know John, I have never used a Handgun or Rifle Before. But you are right that I should learn how to use one, there are some people that would Hurt me if they could. So I should know how to Defend myself.
Sonja was instantly in love with those big Horses and came closer to them. She loved all kinds of Animals and this one was so Pretty. She gave Gracie some Cuddles and Pets as she looked at her and the Big Animal seemed to enjoy it as she made some happy sounds. Sonja was never on a Horse Before and it was a bit weird at first but soon she got used to it. Gracie was such a Calm and Friendly Animal that she didn't even care about Niki who was Laying down on the Piece of the Saddle in front of Sonja and looking around the land.
Sonja: How can you ever leave a Beautifull Place like this one John? I am here for just a day and I love it already. I can't wait to see it all, I love it so much to be in Nature, it is a Feeling like Coming Home after a Long day. It Recharges your batteries and makes you feel so Relaxed.
Sonja was instantly Fascinated by those big Horses and came closer to them. She loved all kinds of Animals and this one was so Pretty. She gave Gracie some Cuddles and Pets as she looked at her and the Big Animal seemed to enjoy it as she made some happy sounds. Sonja was never on a Horse Before and it was a bit weird at first but soon she got used to it. She smiled happily as she rides at John´s side and enjoyed the Ride and tried to see every detail of this Beautifull Land.
Sonja: I am so Curious about what the rest of this day will bring to us. And you are Right John Gracie is a Wonderfull Horse for a Beginner like myself.
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The rain was actually more of a drizzle. The ponchos were sufficient to keep them dry. The horses made a walk as they went around the banks of the lake. They would stop to look at various sites be it wildlife or some of the remains of old cabins and such. There were a few around from people of the past who couldn't survive in such wilderness or just moved on. It wasn't uncommon to find scraps from a hiker and ashes from a camp fire as resistance fighters would pass through. They knew it was OK to pass through Doc's land but NOT to fight on it.
They approached one site and stopped. No one was there but it was a good place to teach how to use an old Henry rifle. He demonstrated.
"It is old school technology but oh so effective," he explained. "It will fire as fast as you can charge the weapon."
He charged the lever forward at the bottom before returning it to it's resting position. He then aimed and fired and a tree in the distance. The bullet found it's mark and it looked easy. He then handed it to her. Taking a position behind her, he nestled the rifle butt into her shoulder. He placed her left hand out to support the barrel.
"Hold it firm enough that you can keep the butt into you shoulder," he explained, "then, take your right hand and charge the weapon."
After she did, he positioned her right hand to where it both supported the back and she could fire it.
"Now, take a breath and let it out. When you let it out, squeeze gently. Let the shot surprise you."
Sonja enjoyed the Ride over the Land and the time with Doc. She also liked that Nature Had Reclaimed the old Homes of those that had left this Magical Place. While some Houses only looked a bit Neglected and Run Down, others were Completly Retaken by Nature. One of the Houses even had a Tree Growing through its Roof. She liked how all this looks like and followed Doc with Pleasure through this Land.
Sonja: You Realy have a Magical Place here John.
She Smiled and watched him as he Aimed at the old Rifle and took a shoot at the Tree. She was Suprised at how Loud the Rifle was and how powerful it looked. She wasn't sure if she could do the same but the Help that she got from him made her more Confident that she could. His Hands on her body made her blush as she wasn't touched by a Male since she left her Ex-Husband. But his hands gave her the confidence she needed to use this Gun. She breathes Trough and could Feel how Admete Holds back this time. Admete Knew how to use Guns and such things but she wanted that Sonja would learn that she could and should defend herself. Admete wanted to be sure that she was safe even when she couldn't help her for whatever reason. Sonja Took a Long time to get ready, she did everything that John Told her and then pressed the trigger.
Sonja: I....I did it.....I ahm did I hit? Ouch my Shoulder, this thing has more power than I thought.
She had not, the Recoil was bigger than expected and the but of the Rifle had Slammed into her Shoulder. It wasn't Realy an Injury, but her shoulder would have a bruise and probably get some nice Color in the Next few Days. But she wanted to get this right and so she took aim again and Got the Rifle Ready to fire again by moving the Leaver of the Rifle. She breathes Trough again and closes her eyes for a second before she Pulls the Trigger in a Smooth Motion. The Rifle Fires and this time she was much better Prepared for it and Hits the Tree.
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"You see?" Doc asked with a smile, "it is not that difficult. It is an easy rifle to learn, to fire and handle once you get familiar with it."
He then took his own from the saddle holster on George and began rapidly firing it into the tree. Ten shots in about 10 seconds later, all were in a tight group in the tree.
"Just remember, you have a straight pipe of thirty shots. It is nice to have but it takes a few minutes to load. Still, it is enough shots to last you awhile."
He then re-holstered the rifle.
He then took an old can that he had picked up and tossed it a ways from them. He opened his coat, drew his pistols and began rapidly firing into the can. He never truly aimed. Of the twelve shots he fired at the can, ten hit. Again, he smiled and started reloading his old revolvers.
"In close quarters, more firepower and easier to wield but useless at long range," he stated.
He walked over to Sonja. "It has more kick than a rifle, especially if your wrists are not that strong."
He placed the handle in her hand after he reloaded it. "Now, pull back the hammer. Now same thing, let it surprise you when you fire. Nice and easy on the squeeze."
Sonja Rubs her shoulder as he took the gun back to the horses. She would need some more Training before she could shoot a gun without Haveing a Blue Shoulder afterward. But it gave her a good feeling that she could defend herself if she would ever need it.
Sonja: Does this Rifle really holds that many rounds? That's quite amazing.
She looked Quite Impressed about the level of Marksmanship that the Doc Showed her here and she decided that she would never be on the bad side of this man. She was sure that she would need a long time before she could shoot a Rifle like he did today. She Was even more Impressed as she Witnessed his Skills with the Revolver and how easy it seemed as he shoots the Moving Can. She smiled a bit Insecure if she could make it as she felt the heavy Weight of the Gun in her hand and Aimed Slowly at the Tree as she did before. She Pulled the Trigger and Squeaked for the First time as the Kickback of the Gun Suprised her again. But Sonja Was a Brave one and soon she soots a Second time, and with each Shoot, she became better and better. Her Last Shot was the best and she Hits the Tree Right in the Middle of the Wood.
Sonja: How was that John? These old Weapons sure have their Charm. But I am sure that my Ears would Ring for Days when I would Fire one of those inside of the Small corridors of my Dromedary. But I Now Understand why you have them with you, I might have to get some of my own, even when I hate that I might have to break my Oath and Take a Life to Protect my own.
Sonja Looked Conflicted about these as she Valued the Oath of Hippocrates Greatly and she hated the thought that she could be Forced to take a Life. She knew that Admete would have no of her scruples and would Take Lives if it was necessary. But Sonja was a way too Kind Hearted Soul to Harm someone if she wasn't absolutely sure that it was a Life or Death Situation. But even when she was Conflicted there was one thing that was Absolutely Clear, Sonja wanted to Live and had a Great Hunger to experience the things that her life would show her in the future.
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He thought a moment as he heard it said numerous times by numerous people as he re-loaded the pistols. He remembered a time when he badly wanted to kill someone on a medical mission in Omega 52 several years before when Alvin Katz basically stopped him when he reached for it. He remembered his words. "Don't, John, they will kill you. You are a man of peace."
He finished reloading and placed his pistols in their resting positions, one in his belt in front of him and the other about heart high in a holster, both covered in his clothing. With the rains holding off but the skies still gray, they mounted their steeds and continued with their ride and tour.
"I have skirted both sides of the law," he explained as they walked. "I even once wore a badge but really that was not my thing. I was not always one of peace but when I decided to expand my medical practice, I decided to save lives instead of take them." He shrugged and looked at Sonja. "I mean I still could but and I have had to draw in defense but it is not the way I want to be. I am sure Admete can appreciate someone who would rather seek knowledge without firing a shot which is something the Order or Core do not do with her kind. Putting a weapon into anything only escalates an already bad situation so if I must draw, it is my last option, not my first. Out here though..." He tapped the butt of his rifle, "...this will feed you for weeks when you take down a deer."
He stopped talking about shooting and violence. He made only one quick mention that he would look at her shoulder later if she wanted him to. For the rest of the day, they continued riding as people of the old west in a place and time past once did. They made small talk and quipped a few jokes along the way while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature around them. There was no one to bother them, no one to break a peaceful environment. In fact, thoughts of the next day and Sonja starting anew never once arose. It would be close to dinner time when they returned to the cabin.
Sonja Smiled and listened to John as she enjoyed the Things that John told her about his past and his old Life in Another World. She sees it like him and would also Rather have Safe Lives instead of Take them. She Admired John for the Changes he did in his life and how he turned his Path Around from the bad things he did. She had Seen in his Mind what kind of a Man he was today and that he was one of the Most Honorable and Kind Hearted men out there. She already knew that he had a Good Soul from the way he treated her as he Safed her life and the way he Treats Niki.
Sonja: I think I would be the same as you and only use a Weapon in Self Defense. I mean I know that Admete would see this differently, but I couldn't harm others when it isn't Absolutely Necessary.She smiled and looked over the land and tried to spot some wild Animals.Again I am not sure if I could Kill an Animal if it is not Absolutely Necessary. Especially not a Deer, I still cry every time I watch Bami like I did the first time I watched it with my Grandmother. But I think in some situations you don't have much of a Choice in Life.
She Smiled as they Reached the Farm and she felt a bit relieved after this Day. Everything was so Normal and she had Totaly forgotten what kind of Danger she was in if one of the Hunters would Find her there. But for now, all of this was far, far away from her and she simply enjoyed the little things. Like the Ride on a Beautiful and Friendly Horse with one of her Best Friends. Or the fact that she Learned something New about herself that she never expected to be Capable of Doing. She Would Lead her horse back to the Stable and help John to Take Care of them. She Gave Gracie the Care that she Deserved after she had Carried Sonja on her back the whole day and brought her Safe through the Ride and gave her wonderful Memories. She gave the Horse some Caresses and a Nice big apple as a Reward. She then turned to John.
Sonja: This Day was Reayl Great John. How about I cook something for you tonight? I have lots of Recipes from my Grandma and I am sure I can make us something nice from whatever you have.
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Doc just smiled at the sight of Gracie being fed an apple, one that she made quick work of. "You, Sonja, have made a friend for life." George was given one as well while both steeds received a brushing, fresh water and oats.
Doc was pleasantly surprised by Sonja's offer. With a smile, he accepted. It had been a long time since anyone had cooked for him so it was a rare treat.
"Well, the variety is limited here," he explained. "I either catch or hunt what food there is or harvest what grows here."
They went over to the smokehouse. "I keep the trout that I catch in here as smoking them dry actually keeps them better than refrigeration. Normally, I have venison but it is all fish this time."
The then went into the cabin and went through the cupboards. "Some canned goods, jars of stuff and a few grains." He then playfully bowed to her, "Be my guest. I will get out of your way and clean myself up I mean, we do not want to many cooks in the kitchen..."
He then retreated to the guest room where he got out of his riding clothes and into something easier. The skies were starting to clear to give a glimpse of a late day sun as the rays came through the trees. He got into a pair of his sweats, a t-shirt and a robe. On his feet were a pair of sneakers. He placed the rifles in a corner vault and his pistols were hidden for an emergency. As he went about things, he began to notice the smell of whatever Sonja was cooking filling the house. He just smiled in anticipation.
Sonja Smiled and made sure that Gracie had Everything she needs and gave her pets and cuddles while she made sure that she was the Prettiest Horse in the Stable. Gracie Was really a kind Animal and didn't even care that Niki Sleeps on her back and cuddled at her while she waits for the Humans to finish their work on the Horses. Sonja took her time to give Gracie the Care she Deserved after this long day. As Sonja was done she made a little Whistle Sound to get Niki´s Attention and her friend would jump on her shoulders and snuggled at Sonja.
Sonja: oh don't worry John we didn't have much on Freeport 5 either, and my grandma always made something Super Delicious out of what we had.
She looked through all the Stuff that he had Stored and picked a Can of Grain, some Tomatoes, a Can of Black Beans, and 2 Onions, she also picked some Deer Meat. Last, she Picked some Flour and everything she needed for Fresh Bread. She smiled at John and walked into the kitchen.
Sonja: This will take a while, John. I make Grandma´s Stew and some Fresh Bread for us. But this will take some time so I hope you aren't too Hungry.
She Smiled and hums a Happy Memory as she starts to cook and chop the Veggies and then gets a pot Ready for the Stew. She also prepared Bread Dough and Puts it in the Oven. Sonja looked like her usual Happy Self now and soon the Room was Filled with the Smell of the Stew and the Bread Fills the Room. Niki Also watched each and every move of Sonja and her Tail Waggs a lot as she purred as she looks Greedy at the Food. But she didn't Came near the Food and gave Sonja the Room that she needed to cook. She smiled and watched the Stew Cook as the Bread goes up in the Oven and Soon it would be ready for them to eat.
Sonja: Alright just 5 more minutes and we Can Eat. How about you Prepare the Table for us? I Realy hope you will like this John. Grandma showed me how to Make Bread and Stew. She often made Stew with the stuff we had at hand and taught me that the most important things when you Cook is Love and the Right Spices.
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While she cooked, Doc gave her some space. The kitchen wasn't big so two could be a crowd depending on what was being prepared. He made good use of his time by getting things ready for the next day. As he went about his business, what was to come weighed heavily on his mind. With only a low band com device, he contacted Gilbert to send word to a couple of his people that would be involved with Sonja's transformation. Gilbert's com was heavily encrypted and Doc felt safe for those rare messages he would send. Upon their leaving, a young man would look after the cabin. For him, it wasn't a bad gig. Private, country living and no one to bother him.
He could smell the cooking from outside. Whatever it was she was making smelled oh so good. But as the sun set low, he took a knee before a small gravestone. Softly he spoke in Latin before it as he bowed his head. From his pocket he produced a small toy, an infant's toy and placed it on the stone. "Requiesce in pace, Shane." He then stood up, wiped his eyes and returned to the cabin.
"Alright just 5 more minutes and we Can Eat. How about you Prepare the Table for us? I Realy hope you will like this John. Grandma showed me how to Make Bread and Stew. She often made Stew with the stuff we had at hand and taught me that the most important things when you Cook is Love and the Right Spices." Sonja explained. He just smiled his response. Taking some plates and silverware, he set up the table. It was a rarity to have such a formal dinner in his retreat so it was a welcome thing. Napkins and glasses were set as well. It promised to be a pleasant evening.