To all,
Due to the interest in this series, here is part 7. This chapter is about the choices we make in life.
Any aliens, real or imagined in this story are purely a construct of my twisted and warped mind. My attempts to enter a realm (writing), that has always eluded me, has been exciting. I hope you enjoy my continued tale of Drew Jr.
Part 8
Drew was saddened and worried for the future of humankind. Drew had deeper thoughts in quick succession, 'Humanity had come so far. When aliens arrived, the color of human skin became a non-issue. Racism as it had been, died out. Human tribalism had become one tribe, human. But that tribal defense had only shifted to the hatred of aliens, no matter how benign they were.'
Drew looked at the Alpha, and lifted his chin bearing his throat. The Alpha stared and cocked his head. He moved his muzzle over Drew in a show of dominance, but Drew knew it was respect. Respect between species. The Alpha then lightly shoved Drew's head and Drew knew it was time to leave.
Drew stood, and looked at the weasel Dick crying and bleeding into the grass. "It's time for me to leave, I wish I could have done this myself, but your games have cost too much to too many already."
"You are a fucking liar. You said we would be free if we made it...we are free." Ostram yelled.
"I said, if you touched the tower. You have not touched the tower." Responded Drew as he walked off around the edge of the glade gathering younglings as he went.
Ostram looked at the large Alpha standing on the raised foundation of the tower. He then realized it looked like a raised dais of a king. Ostram looked around him, he was a powerful man, but here in the glade surrounded by timber wolves it meant nothing. Here he knew he was insignificant. Around him, slowly creeping out of the edge of moon shadows he saw the pack. Loyal to the Alpha standing on the dais.
Drew signaled younglings that it was time to leave and let nature take its course. Alexander was gathering the stragglers from the other side of the glade. There were some that wanted to watch the deaths. Drew knew he was going to have to spend more time with those selected few.
As they walked back down the trail for home, they heard the screams. The screams of un-honorable men that had cost one of the Pride her life.
Honor and respect for life would have to be reinforced. Patience and forgiveness...well at least to a point, would need to be retaught. Vengeance and bloodlust had no place in this earth-bound family they called the Pride.
***
Honor and respect. There was a lot to think about on the way back to the Pride sanctuary. It was a good 10-mile hike through rough terrain to make it back to the main lodge.
The younglings had immediately sprinted ahead, probably to be away from the 'grown-ups'. He had sent the security detail back via the sleds so the watch dog satellites would not pick up shuttle movement.
Tiffany and Thing One had stayed at the border of the sanctuary, so it was just Alexander and him walking and picking trails as they descended the mountain.
After the excitement and sadness of the previous week, Drew was glad for quiet time to reflect and contemplate what he had just done. What he had just done, was potentially start a war with the Northern Alliance.
Rich playboy billionaires would be replaced but killing one of their own bureaucrats brought their little game too close to home. Not that he actually killed anyone, but that nuance of law would be immediately forgotten if the social media got hold of their story. Too many politicians, providing secret direction to nameless bureaucrats to carry out orders that 'did not exist'. All in the name of power. It would be very frightening to that dubious chain of government, to know that they could be made to answer for their deeds.
How was he to teach this to the younglings? How was he to keep them understanding, that overall humanity was good. It was just a few evil humans that repeated this same un-honorable pathway, again and again throughout human history.
"Lord?" Alexander questioned him.
"Yes Alexander. I was wondering when you were going to start asking questions. What may I do for you?" responded Lord Drew.
"I have been trying to formulate a series of questions, but I am not sure where to start?" questioned Alexander.
"How do you eat an elephant?" Drew asked.
Alexander grinned. It was one of those odd human sayings that was always a powerful lesson. It drove the younglings crazy and just sounded plain stupid when you first heard it. As Alexander had grown, the lessons had finally taken hold, patience, and perseverance.
"One small bite at a time," responded Alexander.
"So, start with any question, and see where it leads," responded Drew.
"I understand why you chose the pathway to death for those with no honor," stated Alexander.
'Hmmm' thought Drew, 'I have been right to keep elevating Alexander'
"How do I teach the other younglings about honor, but the different honor of humans? And how do I try and explain how the lack of honor is not a lack of honor to humans? How do I explain the making of money and creation of personal power, above all else, is acceptable in human society?" asked Alexander.
"Humans have been trying to understand that themselves since we became sentient. There is no true answer. Humans are incredibly adaptive. We have found our way into most ecospheres, societies, and cultures. We adapt. But with that comes loss. We can lose our identity. We seek balance, even though that balance may come with terrible consequence," Drew paused.
He stopped walking and found a rock to sit on and looked down the valley to watch the dawning of the morning sun.
Alexander stood still watching him. Drew turned his head and viewed the hopeful future of the Pride.
"We do it by talking, teaching, discussion and deeper talks of what honor actually is," Drew paused again, "the more we talk, the more they talk. The better chance we have in teaching the younglings."
***
Tiffany and Meme were waiting on Drew when he arrived back at his suite. They stripped him and dragged him into the shower. All three barely fit, but they were enjoying the close comfort of the warm water and the gentle touches as they scrubbed his body. The toweling off had some of the same sensual effect.
Drew tried to walk towards his private sleep pit but was pulled back.
