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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:38:33 GMT -8
The Night of Pandora’s Box by Cris Hart
Freshly shaved and buttoning his shirt, James West quietly entered the parlor car of the private train he shared with his partner Artemus Gordon. Artemus, shirtsleeves rolled and collar open, was standing on a chair in front of the window across from the desk.
Jim watched, furrowing his brow in puzzlement, as Artie reached up and ran his fingers along the top edge of the dark green curtains. As Jim opened his mouth to ask what he was doing, a shower of sparks shot from the spot Artie was touching. Artie turned his face away quickly and stepped back off the chair. Off balance, he tumbled onto his back on the floor, his head hitting the side of the desk.
Grimacing in sympathetic pain, Jim hurried to help his partner up. "Are you hurt?" he asked.
"Just my dignity," Artie answered allowing Jim to pull him to his feet. "Thank you." He rubbed the back of his head gingerly.
"What were you doing?" Jim asked glancing up at the smoldering curtain. He stepped up onto the vacated chair and patted at the smoking material before it flamed then opened the window to let the smoke out.
"A message was coming in from Colonel Richmond. When I signaled ready to receive, I got a shock from the key and the telegraph went dead," Artie explained. "I was looking for a break in the wire."
"I guess you found it," Jim concluded teasing. "So what now?" he asked stepping off the chair.
"I just need a length of new wire and I'll have it back up and running in no time," Artie replied pushing the chair aside. He reached up to measure the amount of replacement wire he would need.
"Oh. That's good," Jim nodded, "but I was really asking what the Colonel wanted. Is it a new assignment?"
"We never got that far. I don't know what he wanted. Hey," Artie snapped his fingers smiling brightly, "Maybe if I don't fix this, we won't get a new assignment just yet."
"Good idea, Artie," Jim answered sardonically, "And when we're discovered,” he poked his friend lightly in the chest, “you can explain it to the Colonel. He's probably already cursing us for not answering."
"You're right," Artie conceded. "It was just a thought.”
“Well, I’m glad it was just a thought,” Jim grinned tucking his shirt into his trousers.
“Can you ask Orrin to stop at the next town so I can get some wire?" Artie asked Jim as he climbed back up onto the chair and began taking down the burnt wire.
"Sure. Uh, Artie," Jim paused as he reached the door, "I'm not going to come back and find a pile of ash on the chair or a fried partner on the floor, am I?" he joked.
"Ha, ha. Very funny. Just ask him will you?" Artie answered returning Jim’s grin with one of his own.
A few moments later Jim returned neat and trim with his vest and jacket in place. Artie was reading a book at the desk. "I see you survived," he continued to kid his partner.
"Oh ye of little faith," Artie quipped turning a page without an upward glance.
"What's that you're reading?"
"The specifications for replacing the wiring. We've never had to replace it before and I want to be sure I know what I'm doing before I start," Artie answered.
"Maybe you should have consulted that before you almost cooked your own goose," Jim chuckled softly.
"Oh you are in a mood today. I wasn't tearing out the wire. I told you I was looking for the break," Artie retorted.
Jim read over Artie’s shoulder and pointed to a passage that instructed to disconnect the wire from the source of power before attempting to fix it.
"Did you know this?" he asked.
"Yes I did," Artie answered emphatically.
"Then why didn't you do it?"
"I…," Artie began and realized he had no good answer. He grinned sheepishly and sheepishly offered, "Stupidity?"
"As long as we're both in agreement," Jim teased.
"Thank you, James," Artie continued to read, “your confidence in me today is staggering,” he mumbled.
He closed the manual and looked up at his partner. "Should be easy enough. How far are we from the next stop?"
“Orrin says there’s a new little town just up the line,” Jim told him.
As he spoke, the train slowed. "I think we've arrived," Jim quipped.
"Good. You want to come along?" Artie asked rising.
"I think I will. We can get some lunch in town," Jim answered grabbing his hat.
Artie rolled his sleeves down and put on his brown corduroy jacket and his hat. He opened the door to the corridor and bowed for Jim to precede him. "What’s the name of this town, anyway?" he asked as he closed the door behind him. He looked out a window and saw nothing but desert. “And just where is it?” he added.
"Half hour's ride east. It’s a little out of the way town called Pandora's Box," Jim answered over his shoulder as he entered the passageway to the stable car.
Artie stopped Jim, taking his arm. "Pandora's Box?" he asked skeptically. "What's half an hour west?" he asked not sure he wanted to go to a town with that name.
"Nothing. Why? You know this place?" Jim asked eyeing his partner with curiosity.
"No I don’t, but I know the legend of Pandora's Box. And as I recall, it caused all kinds of bad things to happen to good people."
"So what? You aren’t superstitious are you?" Jim now grinned at Artemus.
"No. But why do you think they picked that name for the town?" Artie reasoned.
"I don't know," Jim shrugged, "Because it rolls off the tongue so nicely?" he smirked teasing his partner again.
Artie gave him a withering look, "Or maybe bad things tend to happen there?" he suggested.
"Artie, you are superstitious!" Jim jokingly accused, poking Artie in the chest.
"I am not!” Artie retorted defensively, “I just don't want any more trouble than I've already had today."
Jim held his gaze a moment then asked mildly, "Are we going or not?"
"As though I have a choice," Artie muttered sotto voce, following Jim into the stable car. .
Along the way, Jim suggested they wire Colonel Richmond from Pandora's Box if they had a telegraph office.
"What must he be thinking by now," Jim mused wearing a crooked smile at the thought.
"He's probably given himself apoplexy," Artie quipped. "I can just hear him. What is that Gordon up to now!" Artie imitated the Colonel's voice and manner, "Insubordinate" and then he switched to his own voice, "and he'll finish up that exclamation by proclaiming my parents were not married when I was born," he chuckled, Jim joining in the laughter.
Artie suddenly turned serious, eyes fixed on a point off in the distance. Jim followed his friend's gaze.
"Is that Pandora's Box?" Artie asked slowing his horse.
"It must be," Jim answered coming to a stop next to him.
They stared disbelieving at the town of Pandora's Box. In the middle of the desert that surrounded them, was a lush green patch. They could see brick houses with white picket fences, cobblestone roads, and shade trees lining the streets. The town looked like it had been transplanted from some quaint New England district to the middle of the desert.
"How is that possible?" Artie wondered aloud.
"I don't know. But it sure looks nice. Let's go see what we find," Jim replied and spurred his horse on.
Artie followed, but with more misgivings than Jim seemed to harbor. They stopped in front of a restaurant and tied their horses to the post. The aroma of good food wafted to toward them from inside. Jim nudged his partner and smiled.
"I'm famished," he said taking a step up onto the porch. Artemus did not follow so Jim turned to him. Artie was standing next to his horse stroking the animal's neck absently. "You coming?"
Artie looked up and down the street, shook himself from his reverie and smiled. "Yeah. Right behind you," he said cheerily though he felt anything but. He sneezed loudly as he stepped up onto the boardwalk. “Excuse me,” he said.
“Gesundheit,” Jim said. “Hay fever? Out here in the desert?” he asked chuckling.
“Look around, Jim. This is no desert,” Artie answered seriously and sneezed again.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:39:48 GMT -8
They entered the restaurant and were greeted by a pretty blonde hostess. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. My name is Stella. Table for two?" she asked.
"Yes, please," Jim smiled winningly at her and was rewarded with an equally winning smile in return.
"This way," she answered batting her eyes and leading them into the seating area. She swayed her hips as she walked and Jim looked on admiringly.
Stella placed menus on the table. "You're waitress will be right with you," she said smiling at Jim. Then she turned and walked away.
Jim drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What a sight," he commented watching her walk away.
"You're gaping, James," Artie told him quietly, "It's not very becoming, either." He pulled his chair out but before he could sit, a very attractive dark haired woman flew across the room and threw her arms around his neck.
"Felix!" she cried planting a deep kiss on Artie’s mouth.
Taken aback, Artie pulled back and gently extricated himself. Taking her by the shoulders, he eased her away. "Felix is a lucky man," he said smiling at her, "Sorry to say I am not he."
"Oh, Felix, you're such a kidder," the woman giggled wrapping her arms around him and kissing him again.
Artie again pushed her back gently. "I'm sorry, miss, you're mistaken. My name is not Felix." From the corner of his eye, Artie caught Jim, sitting elbow planted on the arm of the chair, his hand covering the smirk on his face.
"Aww, I know it's been a long time, Felix, but aren't you glad to see me at all?" the woman asked.
"I'd be delighted, if I were the fortunate Felix. But as I said, I'm not. I must resemble your friend," Artie answered politely.
"You're still angry, aren't you? I don't know how else to apologize to you, honey," the woman rubbed against Artie seductively, "Can't you just forgive me and let us get back to our life?" she cooed.
"Miss," Artie said a little embarrassed by how she moved against him in such a public place, "I wish I were Felix," adding under his breath, "really I do," then aloud, "but you have me confused with someone else. My name is Artemus Gordon, not Felix."
The woman pulled back and looked him in the eye, "I understand," she said coldly, "You think you can come back and just ignore your fiancé. Well I won't be ignored, Felix Bunts," she raised her voice, "Just because I wouldn't go with you to Texas, you're angry! Well you're not the only man in this town, you know," and with that she slapped Artie’s face hard, turned and stormed away.
Artie looked stunned and sat slowly one hand to his cheek.
"What was that all about?" Jim asked looking amused at Artie.
"How should I know?" his partner answered still staring after the woman. Then he turned to Jim. "There's something very strange in this town. Let's get out of here as quickly as possible, alright?"
"Why, because some girl mistook you for her fiancé?" Jim asked.
"Yes, and because there's no reasonable explanation for this town to begin extra space with. I mean look at it! Where's all this greenery coming from in the middle of the desert? And that hostess," Artie argued.
"What was wrong with the hostess?" Jim asked frowning.
"She was a little too flirtatious, don't you think?" Artie asked.
Jim shrugged, "I don't know. She was just trying to make us feel welcome," he replied a slow smile spreading across his features.
"She was trying to make you feel welcome. She didn't even notice I was here," Artemus answered.
"So she preferred me to you," Jim reasoned. "Jealous?" he asked a twinkle in his eye.
"Hardly. I'm not in competition with you over the affections, real or imagined, of any woman,” Artie huffed. He placed his hat on the extra chair to his left. “Especially not in a town called Pandora's Box. That can only bring trouble, which seems to have found us already, I might add," Artie concluded.
"Trouble found you, old friend. I'm not the one mistaken for Felix the wandering Texas fiancé," Jim teased.
"Very droll. Ok, so it found me. I told you, I don't want any more trouble than I've already had,” Artie answered emphatically. “Let's leave. We'll stop at the next town," Artie pleaded.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Peering into the dining area from behind a one way mirror, a figure turned to his much larger companion. “What are they doing here already?” he asked furiously.
His brutish companion just shrugged and shook his head.
Annoyed the man turned back to watch the agents, “I’m not ready for them yet,” he murmured angrily. “Go fetch Howar. I want to have a little talk,” he ordered.
He heard the door close behind him. “Lets just see how things go for the time being,” he said to himself. Watching intently he reached over to a box of bon bons and popped one into his mouth. Thinking of the possibilities at hand, he began to chuckle.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
The waitress came to the table to take their order. "Have you decided yet?" she asked smiling at Jim.
Jim smiled back at her and opened the menu scanning it quickly. "I'll have the Chicken Florentine and a beer," he ordered.
She wrote it down then turned to Artemus with a decidedly annoyed look. "And you?" she asked coldly.
The look and tone were not lost on Artie. "The same," he said slowly.
"Hmph," she snorted and turned away.
Artie waited until she had moved away. "What about that?" he asked leaning across the table and lowering his voice.
"What about what?" Jim asked looking confused.
Artie sat back and looked at his friend disbelieving. "You mean to sit there and tell me you didn't notice the waitress was warm as butter with you but was the ice princess with me?" he asked.
"Maybe she's a friend of that other woman and thinks you are Felix," Jim offered, "Or maybe she just didn't like you."
"She doesn't know me. How can she know if she likes me or not?" Artie asked frowning, his frustration growing. Everything seemed odd to him in this town.
"Not everyone in this world is going to like you, Artie. Didn't your mother ever tell you that?" Jim asked feigning seriousness.
"Of course, but…," Artie began, "You know what, just forget it. Let's do what we came here to do and be on our way," he concluded sitting back and staring down at the table.
"Don't sulk," Jim said mildly. He nodded to a pretty woman in pink at the next table who smiled brightly and waved her fingers.
"I'm not sulking. I just don't want to talk about it anymore," Artie answered watching the exchange. He smiled at the woman and her friend and both turned their noses up and looked away. Artie rolled his eyes and unfolded his napkin and spread it across his lap.
Just then the waitress brought their meals. She placed Jim's in front of him with a sweet smile. Artie’s she dropped with a loud clatter and some sauce sloshed onto the table.
"Thank you," he said politely to her. He decided to ignore her attitude and just be polite no matter what.
"Isn't she sweet?" Jim asked smiling at her as she walked away.
Artie looked up at his partner, eyes narrowed. "Very," he answered slowly. Something was wrong in this town, he was convinced of it, and from the vapid look on Jim’s face, it seemed to be catching.
They ate in silence, Artie watching his partner closely. Several customers passed by their table on their way in or out. They smiled sweetly or politely greeted Jim but glared at Artie. When they finished eating, the waitress came back.
"Can I get you anything else?" she asked Jim with her bright smile.
"A cup of coffee would be nice, please?" Artie answered first.
"I don't believe I was speaking to you," the waitress snapped shooting him a look then turned back to Jim.
"Coffee, please," Jim ordered smiling vacantly.
"Cream and sugar?" the waitress asked.
"A little cream, yes please," Jim replied smiling all the while.
"I'll be right back with that," she answered turning to leave.
"Excuse me," Artie interjected, "I'd like my coffee black, please."
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:41:02 GMT -8
The waitress looked disgusted, turned on her heal and left.
"Artie," Jim said sounding disappointed.
"What?" Artie shot back a bit gruffly.
"You didn't have to be rude," Jim answered.
"I was being extremely polite,” he emphasized each word. “She's the one who was being rude," Artie answered in a calm voice. Inside he was seething. Jim seemed to be in the grips of whatever was infecting this town and Artie didn't like it one bit. “What’s with you?” he asked, again leaning across the table so as not to be heard. “Don’t you notice anything odd?”
“No, Artie, I don’t,” Jim replied not looking at Artie but at a pretty young lady across the room.
The waitress returned with the coffee and Artie sat back. Again she placed Jim's carefully in front of him. Artie tried to take the cup from her so she would not slosh coffee on the table but she pulled her hand back, took the cup and deliberately dumped the coffee in his lap. Artie jumped up, the hot coffee scalding, and wiped at it with his napkin.
"Serves you right," the waitress sneered and stalked off.
Jim merely sipped his coffee calmly not seeming to notice the exchange at all. Artie threw his napkin on the table.
"I'm going to go get the wire I need. I'll meet you back here in five minutes," he said angrily. At Jim’s glazed over look Artie almost snapped. “Be ready to go,” he ordered, picked up his hat and stalked away without waiting for Jim to answer. As he reached the door he heard Jim's reply, a dreamy sounding "Okay."
Artie found the wire he wanted at the telegraph office, but was not able to send a message to Colonel Richmond. The telegraph operator told him the apparatus was not working. Artie suspected a lie, but did not argue. The operator glared at him with the same disdainful look he was getting from everyone he'd encountered so far. He could not wait to get out of Pandora's Box. As he stepped off the boardwalk, he sneezed yet again.
Artie returned to the restaurant just as Jim walked out arm in arm with Stella. They laughed at some comment she'd made as Artie approached.
"I got the wire I need. Are you ready to go?" he asked his partner.
"I suppose," Jim answered noncommittally and leaned over and kissed the pretty hostess. The kiss became a passionate embrace.
Mounting his horse, Artie rolled his eyes then glanced back at the couple. They showed no sign of breaking so he interrupted them. "Jim," he called sternly, "we have to go. Now."
Jim glanced at him then reluctantly said to the hostess, "I have to go now."
"Come back soon," she cooed.
"I will," Jim smiled and swung up into the saddle. He followed Artie slowly toward the edge of town looking back and waving at Stella every now and again. Artie slowed letting Jim catch up.
"I'd like to stay here, you know, Artie? I bet we'd be welcome, too, if you weren't so bridling to everyone," Jim said in the same dreamy distant voice.
That does it! Artie’s temper flared. He leaned over and slapped Jim's face hard. "Snap out of it!" he shouted at his partner.
Jim looked startled then his features returned to normal, his eyes cleared and anger flashed across his face. "What was that for?" he asked angrily.
"Well welcome back," Artie answered sarcastically, riding a few paces out of the town.
"What's that supposed to mean? Where do you get off slapping me out of the clear blue sky like that?" Jim was furious, but, Artie was glad to see, completely back to normal.
“Jim, calm down,” Artie tried to placate.
“Calm down? You just slapped me for no apparent reason!” Jim shouted.
Artie did not answer. He kicked his horse’s flanks and rode fast, away from his friend.
Jim was right behind him, growing angrier and angrier as he drew closer. He caught up with Artie and passed him turning Blackjack to block Artie’s path forcing him to pull up short.
“Why the hell did you slap me like that?” Jim demanded, furious with not only the slap but with his partner’s riding away instead of answering.
Artie moved Mesa forward in a sudden jerky movement making Jim back away a step. He sat calmly holding Jim’s gaze.
“Alright,” Jim took a deep breath trying to calm down. He sat still in the saddle, eyes down, thinking.
Clearly his partner was trying to figure out what had just happened. The expression on his face looked like a little boy trying to solve a puzzle.
Artie started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Jim asked a mixture of renewed ire and surprise.
“Calm, Jim,” Artie chuckled and waited for Jim to compose himself.
"Alright, I’m calm. Now would you like to tell me what's going on? Starting with why you felt you needed to slap me like that," Jim asked once again in full control of his faculties.
"What do you remember about our time in Pandora's Box?" Artie asked moving Mesa next to Blackjack.
Jim blinked. He barely remembered anything, he realized. He had vague impressions at best. "We stopped at a restaurant, some crazy woman mistook you for someone named Felix. The hostess was a flirt, the waitress was cute. Other than that, I remember eating but not much else," Jim admitted.
"Right. There's a spell on that place or something," Artie vowed, "Shall I fill you in on what I remember?" He finally had his partner’s full attention.
"Please do. I assume it's different from what I remember," Jim now felt foolish for his anger.
"Dramatically different. I'll tell you on the way home," Artie said turning his horse toward the train.
Jim swung his mount easily around and they rode at a leisurely pace back toward the train. Along the way, Artie told Jim everything that had happened while in Pandora's Box ending with, "That's why I slapped you. I had to bring you back to reality."
"Wow," was all Jim could manage. He was flabbergasted and quiet for five minutes. "Why weren't you affected?" he finally asked.
"No idea," Artie answered shrugging one shoulder. "I'm just glad I wasn't."
"So am I, pal,” Jim replied sincerely. He grew quiet for a few more minutes, thinking about what had happened. “Maybe it didn't affect you because you had misgivings about the place from the start," Jim offered.
"It's as good an answer as any," Artie admitted.
It was late afternoon when they got back to the train. Jim offered to settle the horses while Artie started on the repairs to the telegraph and Artie readily agreed. The sooner they left the better as far as he was concerned.
Half an hour later, Jim entered the parlor. Artie was at the telegraph tapping out a message to Colonel Richmond accepting their new assignment. When he finished, unaware that Jim was behind him, Artie slammed the box closed and swore.
"Damned son of a bitch!" Artie exclaimed aloud tossing the pencil onto the desk.
"Artie!" Jim exclaimed shocked, "I've never heard you swear like that."
Artie turned half way around in surprise. "I didn't realize you were there, Jim," he said chagrined, "I usually reserve that kind of language for private moments. Sorry," he apologized.
"No need to apologize, I'm just shocked," Jim told him. "Whatever brought on the desire to talk about the Colonel like that?" he asked.
"Not the Colonel, our assignment," Artie said morosely.
"I hate to ask," Jim answered quietly closing his eyes in a long blink.
"I hate to tell you," Artie quipped back.
"It's not Loveless, is it?" Jim asked with a hint of dismay.
"It is indeed," Artie replied with a short bow of his head.
"We just put him away. You mean to tell me he escaped already?" Jim asked now full of frustration.
"He did. On the way to his trial. Seems he started a fire in the back of the transport wagon and escaped while the guards were busy putting the fire out," Artie informed his partner.
"All right, so where are we headed," Jim wanted to know, resigning himself.
"Oh, that's the best part," Artie smiled but it showed only disgust and contempt. "We don't go anywhere."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:41:37 GMT -8
"That Pandora's Box is living up to its name," Artie answered grumpily.
"Loveless is in Pandora's Box?" Jim asked incredulous.
"Loveless created Pandora's Box," his partner retorted.
"How?" Jim demanded.
Artie stood and faced Jim, "Now how can I know that?” he exclaimed bitterly. “He put his evil, brilliant, mind to the task and poof! An oasis in the desert, aptly named," Artie waved his hand like a magician producing a rabbit from thin air.
They stood in silence Jim looking at Artie, waiting. There was more. He could tell by the look on his partner’s face.
"Are you going to tell me the rest or do I have to guess?" he finally asked.
Looking Jim directly in the eye, a sour expression on his face, Artie answered. "Seems the service has misplaced one of its scientific agents. One A.J. Howar, expert in irrigation and agricultural chemicals engineering," he stated, then added, "This ringing any bells with you?"
"Never heard of Howar, but the irrigation and mind altering chemicals sounds like Pandora's Box," Jim replied soberly.
"In spades. They think either Howar is helping Loveless or was kidnapped, drugged and is helping Loveless under duress. Either way, one of our own is in league with that madman," Artie concluded.
"So we go back to Pandora's Box," Jim stated.
"So we go back to Pandora's Box," Artie repeated, "But what if that place overwhelms you again, or me, or worse, both of us? And how did it get to you to begin with? Is it in the air?"
“Maybe in the food?” Jim suggested.
“We ate the same thing, drank the same thing. Besides, it was getting to you before we ever even ordered,” Artie replied one arm across his chest the other hand on his chin and frowning pensively.
"Well however it happened it didn't affect you at all last time," Jim began, "and if it was because of your state of mind, I'm of the same mind now as well, so it shouldn't affect me," he reasoned.
"There's no guarantee of that, you know," Artie was skeptical. "How are we going to protect ourselves? What are we going to do once we go back there?" he asked beginning to pace as his mind turned over possibilities.
"There aren't any guarantees in life, Artie," Jim mused aloud.
Artie stopped and looked incredulously at Jim. "Philosophy? I'm asking you for our next move and you give me philosophy?" Artie spread his hands in exasperated question.
"I'm just saying,” Jim shrugged, “we never have any guarantee and we always manage," he concluded chuckling at his partner's frustration. Then he narrowed his eyes. "You're stalling," he stated.
"You bet I am. That place gives me the willies. I want us to have a solid plan before we go back."
"Agreed," Jim answered nodding his agreement, "Do we know what Howar looks like?"
"About 5'4", dark brown hair, very smart," Artie answered quickly.
"Awfully short," Jim noted, "Not much of a description otherwise," stating the obvious.
"That's all the Colonel had. He's working on getting us a more detailed one," he paused thinking. "By now Loveless must surely know we’re here. He'll be looking for us, expecting us, when we go back."
"If we encountered Howar when we were there. If not, he may not know," Jim continued the thought.
"He knows. I'd bet a month's pay on it."
"Careful, Artie, I may take you up on that," Jim grinned.
"Sucker," Artie shot back. "Everyone seemed to sense that I wasn't affected. How is that possible?” Artie wanted to know. There was no answer to that question at the moment so he continued, “That must be why I got the cold shoulder at every turn. If you pretended to be under the influence of whatever's going on there, you could learn exactly what's causing these people to be…I don't know what words to use. Enchanted? Brainwashed?"
"I'll need to signal you to let you know I'm not really being affected," Jim pursed his lips.
"I'm pretty sure I'll know, but that's a good idea. What will you do?"
"It has to be something subtle,” Jim thought for a moment.
“That hostess, Stella, was pretty flirtatious. I'll ask her for one of her hairpins and I'll put it on the breast pocket of my jacket," he suggested, "I'll tell her I'd like something of hers to keep with me."
"Good. If you don't have it, I'll assume you've been affected and I'll get you out of there. Assuming I'm not affected," Artie agreed.
"What will you do?" Jim asked him.
"I have the feeling that will take care of itself. If I'm not affected, those people are not going to be very friendly. Any one of them, but most likely Howar, will want me to be in Loveless' hands, and fast. I'll just wait for a short, dark haired, man to approach me and see where he leads me," Artie shrugged unable to come up with anything else.
"That's a pretty loose plan, Artie. And dangerous. Watch your back," Jim advised.
"You watch my back," Artie retorted with a grin, "We'll try to keep in sight of each other as much as possible."
Their plan set, the agents saddled their horses and began the ride back to Pandora's Box. The closer they got, the more Artie felt the hair on his neck bristle. I hope this works, he said to himself as they entered the lush green town. It was past 6:00 when they arrived and they rode directly to the restaurant and tied the horses to the post.
"Ready?" Jim asked obviously not affected yet.
"No. But let's go anyway," his friend answered, misgiving in his voice then let loose with a loud sneeze.
"Relax," Jim admonished. “And Gesundheit.”
"Thank you and not on your life will I relax. Not until this is over," Artie chuckled.
The hostess turned as they entered. She went directly to Jim. "I'm so glad to see you back. Supper is especially fine tonight," she said hooking her arm in his and leading him into the dining area.
Artie followed scanning the room for anyone fitting the meager description they had of Howar. As she had done earlier that day, the pretty woman who called him Felix approached.
"Felix," she cried arms outstretched, "I knew you'd come back for me," she flung herself on Artie hugging him tightly. "Please forgive me, honey," she said softly, pressing herself against him, "Can't you see how much I need you?"
Artie glanced at Jim who was having a low conversation with the hostess. She pulled a flowered hairpin from her hair and hooked it on Jim's pocket. Artie decided to play along with the woman.
"Yes, I can see that," he said as she ran her hands over his chest.
The hostess looked their way. "Andrea," she said sharply.
"It's ok, Stella, its Felix. And he's forgiven me," Andrea smiled and pressed her body closer to Artie, "Now we'll be together forever, won't we darling?" she looked up at Artie with longing in her eyes.
"That's right, Andrea," he agreed wrapping his arm around her back, drawing her closer by her waist.
"Let me take you to my place," Andrea suggested slipping her arms under his jacket to caress his back.
"Andrea, are you sure about this?" Stella asked tersely.
"I know what I'm doing, Stella, don't worry," Andrea told her. She led Artie away giving Stella a long look.
Artie sneezed as they exited the restaurant arm in arm.
Jim did not like this development. They were supposed to try to keep in sight of each other and already that part of the plan was falling through.
Stella sat across from Jim and took his hands in hers. "Felix isn't like you," she said smiling sweetly.
"No, he's not," Jim agreed a noncommittal, pleasant smile on his lips.
"He'll never be like us," Stella stroked Jim's hand.
"No, I expect he won't," Jim agreed and covered her hand with his. "Where's Andrea's place?" he asked gently.
"Now why do you want to know that?" Stella said sounding hurt, "Don't you want to know where my place is?" she added turning seductress.
"Mmm, very much," Jim played along, "I was just curious how she could want a man like him," he said trying to gain Stella's trust. It seemed to work.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:42:40 GMT -8
"She doesn't really want him," she began, "I mean she wants[/b[ him, but not forever. Felix was her one true love before she came here," Stella said quietly, all the while caressing Jim's knuckles sensuously. She lowered her voice even more, "Now she's devoted to another."
Jim lifted Stella's hand and kissed her fingers, "And you?" he asked in a soft voice.
"Not like Andrea," Stella answered blushing slightly. "Do you really want to eat?" she asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Jim asked gazing into her eyes with what he hoped she read as desire.
She gazed back at him. What wonderful green eyes, she thought wanting him. "You," she answered and lowered her eyes for a second.
"Where's your place, Stella?" Jim asked quietly.
"I'll show you," she answered and stood leading him by the hand toward the door.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Artie wondered where Loveless was. Was he aware of their presence? Was he watching them from some hidden burrow?
He stood in the living room of Andrea's tiny cottage home. She had disappeared into another room asking him to wait there. She was beautiful and deliciously seductive. But that only set his nerves to jangling in this odd town.
Artie began to search the room, in the desk drawers, in the chifforobe, for what he didn't know. Something, anything that would lead him to Loveless, he imagined. The faster Loveless was in custody, the faster, he and Jim could get out of Pandora's Box and away from the madness. And he wanted desperately to leave this place. He felt no effects of whatever gripped the town and hoped Jim was still safe as well.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
“You’ve brought him?” Dr. Loveless asked Andrea in her bedroom.
“Yes, he’s waiting in the living room,” she beamed at the brilliant man she was devoted to.
Loveless cracked the door and peeked out. Closing the door quickly he turned red faced and angry.
“That’s not West!” he cried straining to keep his voice low.
“I know,” Andrea smiled, “It’s Felix. I’ll get rid of him for you, Miguelito. He’s not one of us,” she explained.
Dr. Loveless regarded her with frustrated annoyance. “No he isn’t is he?” he peeked again into the living room. “Insufferable man,” he muttered.
He turned back to Andrea and Voltaire who were waiting for any order their master might have for them.
“Alright, Andrea dear,” Loveless addressed her honey dripping in his tone, “You may take care of Felix,” he giggled softly, “Now get yourself ready,” he patted her hand affectionately.
“Voltaire, it’s time we prepared as well,” he said moving across the room to the open window. Voltaire lifted the doctor and lowered him out the window to the ground then followed him out.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Andrea entered wearing a sheer, filmy, nightgown that left nothing to the imagination.
"Oh my," Artie breathed as much in admiration of her beauty as wonder as to what he was going to do next. In other circumstances, there would be no hesitation.
"I'm yours, darling," Andrea announced arms spread. When he did not move, she added, "Don't you want me?"
"You’ll never know how much," he answered honestly, "It's just, uh," he thought quickly, "been so long since we were last together." His eyes roved up and down her body. Get a grip on yourself, Artemus, he admonished himself Any other time or place, though… .
"That won't matter once you make love to me, Felix," she came to him, wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply.
He truly enjoyed her lips on his but broke away just the same. "Andrea," he began, "I simply can't."
"But why?" she asked leaning into him, pressing her lips against his.
"Because he is too decorous, for that my dear," Dr. Loveless answered for him from the doorway to the kitchen. He began to applaud. "Mr. Gordon, how in control you are," he chuckled coming to them. Dr. Loveless gazed appreciatively at Andrea as she turned, surprised. "I don't know how you can resist," he said admiringly.
"Dr. Loveless. I knew you'd turn up sooner or later," Artie acknowledged the doctor, gently pushing Andrea aside.
Dr. Loveless looked at Artie scrutinizing his features. "Not the first sign of desire," he observed then met Artie’s eyes and held them. "You're exploits with the fairer sex are nearly as legendary as Mr. West’s, Mr. Gordon," he giggled.
"Thank you," Artie bowed his head gallantly.
"Miguelito," Andrea found her voice, "Why do you call Felix Mr. Gordon? His name is Bunts. Felix Bunts," she said looking curiously confused.
"Now don't worry your pretty little head with such matters, my dear," Dr. Loveless told her in a kind voice. "Go to your room and wait for me. I have some business to conduct with Felix," he instructed.
"Yes, Miguelito," she answered and obediently went to her bedroom. She stopped at the door, "Will I be able to have him just one more time, Miguelito?" she asked.
"My dear, Andrea, can't you see he doesn't want you?" Dr. Loveless asked her shaking his head sadly.
Andrea looked crestfallen and closed the door behind her.
"You're under arrest, Loveless," Artie stated calmly.
Dr. Loveless broke into a smug chuckle, "Oh, Mr. Gordon, you do try hard all the way to the end," he snorted.
"Where's Dr. Howar?" Artie continued, ignoring the doctor's comment.
Loveless laughed harder, "You just rejected her," he giggled waving his hand at the closed bedroom door.
Artie looked confused then realization dawned.
"Yes, Mr. Gordon, Andrea Jane Howar," the doctor told him folding his hands in front of him. "You had her in your arms mere moments ago."
It had never occurred to then that A.J. Howar might be a woman.
"My dear Artemus, you look positively stunned," Dr. Loveless taunted, chortling.
"I've had enough conversation," Artie stated angry at himself. He pulled his handcuffs from the back of his belt and reached for Dr. Loveless.
Voltaire entered, silently, through the front door behind Artie, hands clasped tightly and brought them down in a hammer blow on the back of Artie’s neck. He slumped to the floor unconscious.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Stella opened the door to her small cottage home on a green shaded side street just down from the restaurant. She preceded Jim into the living room closing the door behind him. Jim took in the comfortable setting, a sofa in front of a fireplace and plush wing chairs to either side forming a seating area designed for a romantic evening in front of the fire. Vases of flowers adorned the end tables and mantle filling the room with their perfume.
Stella put her arms around Jim's neck, leaned into him and kissed his mouth. Jim returned her kiss placing his hands on the small of her back drawing her closer.
"I want you," she whispered in his ear sliding his jacket off his shoulders and starting on his cravat.
Jim let her take it and toss it onto one of the wing chairs. He knew he had to play along with her to gain her complete trust if he hoped to find Dr. Loveless, A.J. Howar, and the secrets Pandora's Box held within its very population. But he was finding it harder and harder to remember those facts.
Stella was unbuttoning his shirt, pulling it off now. It landed near his jacket and tie. She kissed him hungrily.
Jim's hands finished unbuttoning the last button on the back of her dress. Stella let it fall to the floor standing back a step so he could see her clearly. She was beautiful, Jim had to admire and allowed that the sight of her, half naked, was arousing.
Stella removed the last of her garments then slowly helped him remove his trousers. She was breathing heavily, panting with desire, gazing at his muscled athletic body. He kissed her and Stella melted into him. Jim pulled back slowly, Stella's eyes were closed, her head tilted back. He took her to the sofa and covered her body with his own. Kissing her lips, he felt himself losing his focus. Concentrating to keep his control, he used his thumb to apply pressure to the side of her neck and felt her go slack. He shook his head as he stood looking down at the unconscious woman.
Later, standing at her front window dressed in his slacks, Jim felt Stella come up behind him, wrap her arms around him.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:43:11 GMT -8
"What happened? Did I fall asleep?" she asked.
"You must have," he replied softly.
"I don't even remember," Stella sighed.
A fleeting thought crossed Jim’s mind that he didn’t remember either, but it was only there a second before slipping away.
"What are you thinking?" she asked quietly laying her head on his back and caressing his chest with her fingertips.
"How beautiful it is here," Jim answered, then turned and held her, "How beautiful you are," he added kissing her hands.
"It's a paradise and it can be ours forever," Stella cooed contentedly.
"How did it come to be?" Jim asked curious, "So green and lush in the middle of the desert?"
"A brilliant man, a god, created it for us," Stella told him.
"I'd like to meet him," Jim answered dreamily.
"You will, my love. He greets all new arrivals personally and he will be pleased to have you as an addition," she said now breaking from him to dress.
"Why is that?" Jim wondered aloud to her.
"He wants beautiful, young, strong, people to complete his paradise," Stella replied turning her back for Jim to button her dress.
"Then I can't wait to meet him," Jim told her complying.
"I'll take you to him. Would you like that? We could go now," Stella answered excited at the prospect of presenting him to her master.
Jim smiled and nodded, "I'd like that very much," he said as he finished dressing himself. Seeing the hairpin on his pocket, Jim took it and pushed it into Stella’s blonde curls.
Stella led Jim to a large brick house down a tree lined quiet street. She took him around to the back and entered the house by the kitchen door.
“I’m sure he’s down in his work room,” she told Jim and took him by the hand to lead him down a flight of stairs.
They were in a large dirt floored basement. The room was lined with work tables with experiments in various stages of completion littering their tops. In one corner was a small cell with a single occupant.
Sitting on a short stool, Artie looked up and saw Jim and Stella. He went to the bars of his cell and grasped them, a smile spreading across his features.
“Jim!” he called delighted to see his partner. His face fell when he saw that Jim no longer wore the flowered hairpin. “Oh no,” he murmured to himself.
“He’s not one of us,” Stella repeated her earlier statement, “he never will be.”
“No, he won’t,” Jim agreed frowning.
“Miguelito isn’t here,” Stella said seeing the room was unoccupied other than the prisoner. “We’ll check upstairs.”
They turned to leave but Artie called to Jim again.
“Jim, wait,” he said, “Can I talk to you a minute?”
Jim looked at Stella asking permission. “Do you think I should?”
“Just for a moment,” Artie called desperately, “I have something for you.”
“Just for a moment,” Stella nodded and Jim went to the cell.
“What is it?” he asked Artie stonily.
Artie reached through the bars and grabbed Jim by the lapels, “Don’t leave me in here,” he cried pulling Jim closer to the bars.
“You’re not one of us,” Jim spat out and roughly brushed his partner’s hands away. He gave Artie an icy glare, turned and walked back to Stella.
Artie grinned and slid the lock pick he had taken from Jim’s lapel into the cell door. A few quick turns and he was free. He grabbed the small stool from his cell and ran across the dirt floor.
Stella yelled out a warning at the same moment as Artie lifted the stool.
“Sorry, pal,” he said and shattered the stool on the back of Jim’s head.
Jim staggered forward as Stella flew up the stairs shouting for Dr. Loveless. Jim turned wild eyed and livid, fists ready for the fight.
He saw Artie and blinked twice rapidly. “Artie,” he breathed lowering his hands.
Artie took him by the arm and pulled Jim toward the stairs. “Let’s get out of here,” he said hurrying up them.
As they exited the house a breeze blew, softly rustling the leaves of the big trees. Artie sneezed. Darn this hay fever, he said to himself as they hurried down the street. They got to their horses and began to ride quickly out of town.
Before they reached the edge of town, Jim slowed down.
“Come on, Jim,” Artie called back to him but Jim had stopped and was sitting still in the saddle looking around. Artie rode back to him. “What is it?” he asked concerned.
“You’re not one of us,” Jim replied slowly, the effects of the town returning.
“Not again,” Artie moaned. It worked before, he thought and reached over and slapped his partner’s face and saw instant anger flash in his eyes. “Let’s go!” Artie cried and kicked his horse to a gallop.
Jim followed partly out of anger and partly because of his trust in his partner. If he said go there had to be a reason. They did not slow down until they reached the train.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Jim paced the parlor like a caged panther. “What am I going to do, Artie,” he asked in frustration.
“I say you stay here and let me go back alone,” Artie suggested. He followed his partner’s path the length of the parlor.
“I can’t do that,” Jim answered firmly. “Why aren’t you affected by all this?”
“I don’t know, Jim, but the fact remains that you are and you won’t do either of us any good if you are influenced,” Artie reasoned.
“There has to be a way around that,” Jim pursed his lips.
“Well I could just keep slapping you,” Artie offered with a grin.
This prompted Jim to stop his pacing to glare at his friend, “You do and you’ll live to regret it,” he threatened. Artie merely raised his eyebrows at him and Jim realized that for now, there was no other way around the situation. He sighed.
“Why does slapping me work?” he demanded. It galled him that physical force against him seemed to be the only way to arrest the effects of Pandora’s Box on him.
“Something to do with triggering a strong emotion I suspect,” Artie answered calmly.
“And you?” Jim queried.
“I already told you, I don’t know why it doesn’t affect me. Just be glad it doesn’t,” Artie retorted. “Look, do you think I enjoy slapping you like that?”
Jim gave him a withering look that made Artie laugh out loud.
“Honestly, I don’t, Jim,” he chuckled. “Maybe under other circumstances but not like this,” he teased.
“Just don’t get used to it, pal,” Jim admonished pointing at his partner, “and no more stools to the head either,” he added rubbing the back of his head gingerly.
“Agreed,” his partner replied.
They turned serious. “We have to go back. We have to get Dr. Howar out of there,” Jim said. He shook his head, “I still can’t believe we never thought about Dr. Howar being a woman.”
“Well we did have a sketchy description,” Artie offered in their defense.
“But we should have considered it as a possibility,” Jim insisted.
Artie nodded agreement and leaned forward. “So, Jim, tell me,” he began, “at any time did you feel the effects of…whatever it is…coming on or were you suddenly under it’s spell?” he asked thoughtfully.
Jim resumed pacing while he thought over his answer. “I felt myself losing focus. It became difficult to even remember what we were doing there. I knew it was happening and tried to concentrate on keeping my wits about me but I couldn’t stop it,” he replied. “it did seem to take me over faster this time than before.”
Artie was nodding his understanding. “Cumulative effects,” he murmured softly. “Were you at all successful in staving off the effects?” he looked up at his partner.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:44:03 GMT -8
“Only for a moment when I knocked Stella out but by the time I stood up I think it had me in its grip again. I don’t really remember much until you hit me with that stool,” Jim told him. “Does that help in any way?”
“Only that we know we won’t have a lot of time to get in, get Dr. Howar, and get out again,” Artie answered.
“And get Loveless,” Jim added.
“Mmm,” Artie mused, “I’m thinking it’s more important to get Dr. Howar out with us intact,” he said.
“You can’t mean let Loveless get away?” Jim asked incredulous.
“No, of course not, Jim. But with Howar out, she can tell us what is going on and maybe how to stop it,” Artie posed. “The trick will be finding her quickly.”
They remained silent for a few moments before Jim broke the silence.
Jim sighed. “All right, I’ll try to fight off the effects of whatever is going on in Pandora’s Box. We’ll go to directly Loveless’ house. If they’re not there then you go to Andrea’s house and I’ll find Stella. She’ll know where Loveless is and where he is Howar will be too. I’ll get her to give me her hairpin again to alert you,” he said.
“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Artie said rising and going to the sideboard, “You gave that back to her. You have to have something of your own that you won’t give away.”
“Like?” Jim asked.
“Like this,” Artie turned and held up Jim’s West Point ring. “Wear it facing the wrong way. If you turn it the right way I’ll know you’re under the influence again,” he told his friend.
“Good idea,” Jim slipped the ring on his finger facing the wrong way. “Are we ready?”
“One more time,” Artie answered clapping Jim on the back.
“Just don’t slap me too hard, ok?” Jim told him.
“Just hard enough to get your attention, partner,” Artie assured.
They rode quickly in the moonlit night back to Pandora’s Box. Artie could not help but remember their earlier conversation about bad things happening to good people because of the original Pandora’s Box. Only this time it was not a woman who let loose the evil but a vile little madman. He glanced over at Jim, the moonlight showing the determination on his partner’s face.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Dr. Loveless was not greatly concerned that the agents had escaped. He knew them well and knew they would return. He also knew that the effects of his town were cumulative and would affect West more quickly each time he returned to Pandora’s Box. Loveless smiled. How he did appreciate the name he chosen for his town. From his Pandora’s Box he would loose his own brand of evils on the world.
He chuckled at the thought of having West in his control. At first he had been bothered that Gordon was not affected but now he was unperturbed. West would be his vehicle to Gordon’s end and then he might, just maybe, release West. When he realized what he had done he would come back, then the real fun would begin. His laughter grew from a small chuckle to a ringing maniacal pitch.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Jim and Artie had decided to enter the town from the north end and skirted the edge of town. They did not want to come in by the main road hoping to gain a small measure of surprise in their favor.
They tied their horses to a tree and with an exchanged glance and a nod to each other, slipped quietly into town. It was quiet, almost too quiet. There were no lights on in the homes they passed as they approached the center of town.
Artie was unable to stop the sneeze that came on quickly but suppressed it enough so it was quiet. Two more followed in quick succession.
“What’s with you?” Jim asked softly, “I know you have hay fever but it’s never this bad.”
Artie just shrugged in reply. Jim’s right, Artie thought, I am sneezing more than I normally would. I’ll have to research that later, when there’s more time.
They reached the street leading to Stella’s house and Artie saw Jim smile. Jim turned down the street and Artie grabbed his arm.
“Where are you going?” he hissed.
Jim smiled vacantly at Artie and answered, “To Stella.”
“No you’re not,” Artie told him and wincing first, slapped Jim hard.
Jim blinked quickly and frowned. “Are you back?” Artie asked in a stage whisper.
“That was fast, Artie,” Jim sounded mildly alarmed at that fact.
“Yes it was, so let’s hurry it up. Loveless’ house is this way.”
The agents had barely made it to the center of town, when they were confronted by a group of men. The men lined up blocking the street armed with rifles.
“Gentlemen, your guns please,” a big man at the front ordered raising his rifle.
Jim and Artie exchanged glances quickly. Greatly outnumbered, they surrendered their pistols. The big man gestured with his rifle and the duo, surrounded by the rest of the group, were led back to Stella’s house.
Half the men broke ranks and pulled Jim up the walkway to her door. The big man remained with the rest and nudged Artie down the street. Once again separated, Artie did not hold out much hope that Jim would be able to stave off the effects of the poisoned town.
“So where are we headed?” Artie asked conversationally.
“Quiet down and keep walking,” the big man said poking Artie in the kidney with his rifle.
“Dr. Loveless’ house is the other way,” Artie continued boldly, “Aren’t we going to see him?”
“Shut him up, Mick,” another of the men said to the big man.
“Yeah, good idea,” Mick replied and raised his rifle striking Artie in the temple with the butt end. Artie fell and was struck a second time. Everything went black.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Jim did what he did best. At the door to Stella’s house, he turned quickly and threw himself into the group of men surrounding him. He let his fists fly, connecting with chins and jaws and noses. He was grabbed from behind and he flipped that opponent over his shoulder knocking two men to the ground with the flying assailant. More hands grabbed him and Jim struggled to free his arms. He looked up in time to see a rifle butt but was unable to turn away fast enough. The rifle hit him squarely in the forehead and he slumped in his captors grip.
Jim awoke to a cool cloth being laid on his aching forehead. He opened his eyes and saw Stella perched on the edge of the sofa he lay upon.
Jim groaned as he slowly sat up holding the cool cloth in place.
“I’m sorry that had to happen, Jim,” Stella said sympathetically.
“What did happen?” Jim asked confused.
“You tried to fight Miguelito’s men,” Stella told him, “but that’s over now.” She looked into his eyes and smiled when she saw he was one of them again. “You’ll have a headache and quite a bruise but you’ll be fine now,” she said happily.
“I can’t imagine why I would want to fight,” Jim’s voice lilted vacantly. Something tried to break into his thoughts but flitted away in an instant.
“It doesn’t matter, does it?” Stella gently took the cloth from him and laid it aside.
Jim smiled at her, “No, it doesn’t.”
“I’m to take you to Miguelito right away, darling,” she kissed the corner of his mouth tenderly.
Jim nodded and stood up a little unsteadily. “Is it far?” he asked.
“Not far. We were there earlier, don’t you remember?” Stella took his hand in both of hers.
“I remember now,” Jim answered and noticed the ring on his finger. He pulled his hand from hers and turned the ring so it faced properly. “I’m ready,” he said.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Artie woke slowly, voices coming to him as if from a great distance. He felt himself lifted, his arms above his head, wrists tied tightly so he could not move his hands. His senses returned completely and he opened his eyes. He was tied to a stout block of wood hoisted across two ceiling beams. Artie’s feet dangled, his toes barely brushing the ground. Voltaire came around in front of him grinning and waiting for Dr. Loveless' next command.
“What do you want from me?” Artie asked scanning the room for a means of escape.
“Your death, of course,” the doctor chuckled merrily.
“If I may ask the obvious, why?” Artie looked down at Dr. Loveless standing in front of him.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:45:00 GMT -8
“I can’t have anyone here who is not compliant, Mr. Gordon,” Loveless began calmly, “The people here, as you have witnessed, are under my control. I control their minds, they do what I have conditioned them to do,” he said boasting.
“And what have you conditioned them to do? What’s your purpose in establishing this oasis?” Artie wanted to know.
“When my formula is perfected, these people will be sent out into the general population of the world. They will do whatever I ask of them,” Dr. Loveless lectured. “They will rob banks, if I so wish, or corrupt a government official, or even murder,” he laughed.
“You said your formula. Don’t you mean Dr. Howar’s formula?” Artie needled, “Isn’t that why you kidnapped her and obviously drugged her to steal her work in agricultural chemicals?” Artie glanced at Andrea sitting placidly in a corner watching the proceedings.
“No I mean MY formula, Mr. Gordon,” Dr. Loveless asserted angrily, “She is just helping me perfect it. And, of course, her work with irrigation has been helpful in administering my formula.” He saw the unasked question in Artie’s eyes. “You’d like to know how it works wouldn’t you,” he taunted with a sly smile.
“Now that you mention it, yes,” Artie admitted.
Dr. Loveless shrugged his shoulders and cocked his head to one side. “It won’t do any harm to tell you, since you won’t live long enough to do anything about it,” he replied.
Dr. Loveless chuckled as he turned away from his captive. Artie struggled with the ropes at his wrists trying to relieve some of the pressure in his shoulders and testing to see if there was any give.
Loveless went to a work table and returned with a carved mahogany box. Lifting the lid, he showed Artie a pale yellow powder heaped inside. He held it up high so Artie could see it clearly.
Artie suddenly sneezed turning away from the powder.
“Gesundheit, Mr. Gordon,” Dr. Loveless said politely as he lowered his precious powder.
“Thank you,” Artie answered automatically. He sniffled once and sneezed again.
Dr. Loveless looked annoyed. “If you’re quite through, I’ll continue,” he said.
“Please, go on,” Artie bowed his head.
“I have followed Dr. Howar’s work in irrigation techniques and by implementing her studies was able to create this ‘oasis’ as you called it,” Dr. Loveless began, “Then I read her research in mind control chemicals and found it very similar to my own work on the same subject. I brought her here to help me refine my powder and we found a way to introduce the chemical into the plants and trees and grass growing in our little community,” he continued as he stirred the powder with his finger. The doctor sneezed as he studies studied his powder covered finger.
“Geshudheit,” Artie offered calmly, earning him a glare from Dr. Loveless.
“Every living plant now exudes a gaseous form of my powder, as long as I fertilize them regularly with it,” Loveless’ eyes twinkled. “The very air the citizens of Pandora’s Box breathe contains my chemical. When it is perfected and the effects are permanent, I will have the world,” he began to chuckle, “as my empire.”
“Except it doesn’t work on everyone,” Artie reminded him, “and I can’t be the only person to have come into your community that it didn’t affect. What happened to the others?”
“No, you aren’t,” Loveless giggled, “and they were taken care of as you will be shortly.” His laughter was cut off by another sneeze followed by one from Artemus.
“A question, if I may?” Artie posed.
“Go on,” Dr. Loveless allowed.
“It doesn’t seem to have affected you or Voltaire. Why is that?” Artie asked.
Dr. Loveless’ brows drew together in anger and annoyance, “I don’t know. I’ve looked at blood samples from everyone that isn’t affected and there is something there, but I can’t identify what it is.” His features softened as he continued, “I will know eventually, but for now, it is not important. What is important is that my powder works.”
“You won’t get away with this,” Artie assured the evil little man. His mind was working on a theory about the powder’s effectiveness while still turning over ideas for possible escape.
Loveless giggled again, “But I have, you see. I have Mr. West in my control already,” he told Artie, “and he will be my way into controlling the government. A trusted agent like Mr. West will be able to gain me entrance to anywhere I please. Then a dose of my powder will bring anyone I meet into my control.”
Artie quickly mulled that possibility over. Jim had been fine when he’d last seen him. Was it possible that he had succumbed to the effects again?
"Remove his shirt," the doctor instructed Voltaire ending their conversation.
Voltaire grabbed the front of Artie’s shirt and pulled it open, the buttons flying in every direction. Then using his brute strength, Voltaire tore it from his body. The muscles in Artie’s shoulders strained as the big man forced the material to tear away.
"That was a new shirt. You owe me for a replacement," Artie quipped insolently.
"I'm sure Mr. West will provide you a new one when they bury you, Mr. Gordon," Dr. Loveless replied chortling. “It will be the least he can do to assuage his guilt.”
"You may begin, Voltaire," he said to his henchman.
Voltaire moved out of his line of sight, and Artie heard a loud crack behind him. Then Voltaire applied the whip to his bare back causing Artie to cringe as the leather straps tore into him. He held his breath as he heard the whip drawn back, then whistle through the air. This time the whip slapped around his side, opening gashes on his ribcage. Voltaire began to laugh enjoying his work.
It took all he had in him to keep from crying out, but Artie was determined not to give Dr. Loveless any satisfaction from this torture. The force of the strikes spun him around, his shoulders aching from supporting his dangling weight. Artie looked up, tried to close his hands on the rope above him but could not move his hands enough to grip it. He felt the whip slash across his chest, a warm trickle of blood sliding down his stomach.
"Please, Miguelito, stop," Andrea cried out franticly and for the first time Artie saw her wide eyed with fright in the corner. "Please, I can make Felix join us," she pleaded and took the doctor by the arm.
Dr. Loveless turned on her. "Stupid girl!" he shouted at her and pushed her away. Andrea fell back against the wall where she had been sitting moments before. "This isn't Felix,” Loveless told her angrily, “He's back in Washington wondering what's happened to you."
Andrea looked from Dr. Loveless to Artie. He saw the truth dawn on her face. "What did you do to me?" she asked, serious and obviously clear headed. "You used my own experiment against me!" she cried feeling the full import of what she'd done by helping create the town and drawing the innocent people into it. She suddenly left her spot and ran toward Dr. Loveless only to be stopped by Voltaire who cracked the whip opening a gash on her cheek. Andrea sank to the floor her hand to her face, blood oozing between her fingers.
"Don't try that again," Dr. Loveless warned her.
"Listen to him, Andrea," Artie panted through labored breaths.
"Very good advice, Mr. Gordon," Dr. Loveless answered. He smiled an evil twisted grin and waved his hands at Voltaire, "Bring him to the table," he ordered. “Stella will be here soon with Mr. West,” he grinned at Artie, “who will deliver a lethal bullet to your heart, Mr. Gordon,” and he walked away laughing loudly.
Unable to fight back, Artie could only hang helplessly as Voltaire grabbed him around the waist and pulled down until the ropes scraped into his wrists. There was an audible pop as Voltaire tugged harder, and Artie’s left shoulder dislocated just before the ropes came free of the block.
Andrea averted her eyes ashamed, angry and afraid. She fought the effects of the chemical drugging she herself had helped invent. The pain from her cheek helped her keep her focus.
Andrea turned to look and saw Artie holding his left arm with his right hand close to his body. It hung useless the shoulder grossly out of place. Even so, he tried to break for the stairs but Voltaire caught him.
Again the sound of the whip and a soft tearing sound. She began to shake her head, wanted to cover her ears to block his struggle to control the cry that wanted to escape his nightmare. Andrea's head cleared more with each crack of the whip.
Voltaire let the whip herd his victim to the table where Dr. Loveless waited. Every step Artie took was a faltering one as the sting of the whip made him twist painfully.
Andrea’s eyes filled and she felt her tears spill down her cheeks stinging the open and still oozing gash. She shed tears of shame at having been in league with Dr. Loveless, even though intellectually she knew she never would have if not affected by the drug. Tears of shame that she was not strong enough to stop the undeserved punishment being delivered, and tears of compassion for the man she had mistaken for her own dear Felix. She prayed for a miracle. Let it stop, her mind screamed, somehow, please let it stop.
"Miguelito?" a soft shocked voice called from across the room.
Artie glanced that way and saw Stella enter followed by Jim. He saw Jim wore his ring facing the right way and let his eyes close in a long blink. He slumped against the wall by the table and slowly slid down to sit on the floor.
“Stella,” Dr. Loveless greeted her cheerily.
Stella looked at Artie then back to the doctor.
“Oh, don’t worry, my dear, it’s just part of my work,” Loveless reassured her.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:45:45 GMT -8
“Don’t listen to him, Stella,” Andrea cried out and ran to the pretty hostess and shook her by her shoulders violently.
Stella began to blink rapidly and look around. “Andrea?” she asked hesitantly and received another hard shake in answer. “Stop!” Stella cried and took Andrea’s hands in her own.
Andrea saw that Stella’s eyes were clear and was relieved. “We have to stop this,” she said.
“How? What can we do?” Stella answered.
“Nothing!” shouted Dr. Loveless, “You can do nothing to stop me.” He turned to Voltaire. “Get them out of here,” he ordered.
Jim had wandered over toward Artie. He leaned down and peered at the fallen man.
“Jim?” Artie asked hopefully. Jim just stared and Artie closed his eyes for a second. He raised his right hand to slap Jim once again.
“No need, Artie,” Jim said catching Artie’s hand before it landed on his cheek. Jim’s mind became clear as what he had just seen and heard sank in.
“Thank goodness,” Artie murmured as Jim helped him to his feet.
Jim turned toward Dr. Loveless. Voltaire was struggling with the two women trying to usher them up the stairs. Loveless was shouting orders and did not see that his prize, James West, was no longer his.
“The game’s over, Loveless,” Jim called in a loud voice.
Artie slid back down the wall, exhausted as all activity in the room stopped at once.
“Get him!” Dr. Loveless cried scurrying away.
Voltaire rushed toward Jim hands outstretched. Jim sidestepped his attack, spun and delivered a hammer blow to Voltaire's neck. The big man dropped to one knee but only for a moment. He rose with a grin and turned on Jim. Voltaire seized Jim by the throat and lifted him off the floor choking him. Jim struggled, pulling at the meaty fingers stealing his breath. He drew his legs up between them and drove his feet into Voltaire’s mid section. Voltaire went down dropping Jim in the process.
Dr. Loveless darted toward the stairs, but Andrea grabbed him like a child and held him back.
"Not this time, Dr. Loveless," she seethed at the evil little doctor, her arms wrapped around him pinning his arms to his sides. She felt victorious, detaining him with what amounted to no more than a tight hug to his frail bones. He struggled and screamed at her, but she clung to him.
Jim landed two solid punches to Voltaire’s throat then head butted him in the stomach. Gasping for breath the giant went to his knees. Voltaire could not get up. Jim crashed his clenched fists over the big man's head, stepped back and kicked him under his chin. Voltaire finally slumped to the floor unconscious.
All the while, Stella slowly continued to awaken from her stupor. She looked around as though seeing things clearly for the first time.
"My word," she said looking at Andrea still clutching the struggling Dr. Loveless. "What have we done here?" she said aghast.
"It wasn't your fault," Jim told her as he hog tied Voltaire with a sturdy length of rope. He tossed his handcuffs to Stella and jerked his head toward Dr. Loveless. "Cuff him and don't let him get away," he ordered.
Jim rushed back to his partner. “Let’s get out of here,” he said placing Artie’s arm around his shoulders. Artie hissed and pulled away.
"Sorry, Artie," Jim said softly. He saw the shoulder was dislocated. “You know we need to put that shoulder back in place,” he told him.
Artie nodded, “I know,” he agreed not looking forward to it. “Why don’t you go get a wagon for those two,” he suggested.
“You’re stalling,” Jim stated.
“Yes I am, but do it anyway,” Artie answered.
“All right, I’ll be back,” Jim answered and took the stairs two at a time.
As he exited the house, Jim was surprised to see a column of soldiers gathering the townsfolk into the street. A battalion was leading them out of Pandora's Box. The people looked stunned and confused, the vacant dreamy look that marked their mind control still intact.
Even more surprising was the tall sandy haired man who approached Jim. It was Colonel Richmond.
"James," he said stopping in front of Jim.
"Colonel Richmond. What are you doing here, sir?" Jim asked politely but with surprise.
"We finally figured out Howar's notes. We thought you might need some help. We met these people and started getting them out of here," the Colonel told Jim. "And since the President and I were traveling in the area, he ordered the column to assist."
"Yes, sir. Thank you. I think these people will be alright once they're away from here," Jim answered. “But they have to be evacuated quickly, the power of this town takes hold fast.”
“Why haven’t you been affected?” Richmond asked.
“I have been, sir, a number of times. Fortunately, Artie was able to…knock the sense back into me. Please hurry and get these people out, sir,” Jim stressed.
The Colonel nodded his understanding and shouted an order for the soldiers to make a quick job of the evacuation.
“If some of the men are affected, I need to know what to do. What did Artemus do to ‘knock the sense back into’ you?” Richmond asked.
Jim took a deep breath. There was no getting around the answer. “He slapped me sir,” Jim answered quietly, looking at the ground.
“What?” the Colonel barked.
“He slapped me, sir,” Jim stated a little louder.
A few of the soldiers within earshot covered their mouths to hide their mirth. Colonel Richmond leaned close to Jim so only he would hear.
“Seriously?” he asked in a soft tone.
“I’m afraid so, sir,” Jim admitted, “It’s very effective.”
Richmond straightened and eyed his agent to be sure he was not being kidded. Satisfied that he was not, he continued with the business at hand.
"What about Loveless and Howar?" the Colonel wanted to know.
"Dr. Loveless is in cuffs and Voltaire is tied up downstairs," Jim informed his superior glancing back at the house, "In the basement," he added.
"And Howar?"
Just then a short, thin, red haired man joined them accompanied by the President.
“James,” the President greeted with a slap to Jim’s back. “How are things progressing here?”
“Fine, sir,” Jim answered, “but with all due respect, sir, you should leave the area immediately.” Briefly he gave the President a rundown on the situation in Pandora’s Box. “I don’t know how it works yet, sir. I haven’t been able to talk to Artie about it yet either.”
“Yes, I understand,” the President responded, “If I stay a few minutes, do you think that would be dangerous?”
“Probably not, sir, but I wouldn’t advise more than a few minutes,” Jim agreed.
The Colonel turned to the small man with them and introduced him to Jim. "This is Dr. Howar’s fiancé, Felix Bunts."
"Felix? You're Felix?" Jim asked breaking into a crooked smile.
"Yes, sir. Did you find Andrea?" Felix wanted to know.
"Yes. She's fine," Jim informed him. He turned to the Colonel, "Colonel, Artie’s been hurt. If you could have some of the troops take Loveless and Voltaire away, Dr. Howar will be free to join Mr. Bunts. There's also another woman down there, her name is Stella, another innocent victim of Dr. Loveless," Jim requested.
"How bad is Artemus?" President Grant asked.
"Loveless tried to kill him but he'll be alright. He has some nasty cuts and a badly dislocated shoulder. I'll explain it all in our report, sir," Jim answered.
The Colonel nodded ascent and called to some soldiers to go with Jim to collect Dr. Loveless and Voltaire.
"I'm coming with you," President Grant announced.
"With all due respect, sir," Colonel Richmond interjected, "I think it would be wiser if we got you back to our train."
"Thank you, Douglas," the President answered, "But I would like to remain at least until Loveless and Voltaire are taken out of here. That evil little genius has been a slippery character for too long." he stated.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:46:23 GMT -8
“Please see that Dr. Loveless and that mountain of a man he calls a friend are secured and transported back to jail," President Grant said. He looked around the town, "He really is a brilliant individual, though, isn't he," he said obviously impressed. Then he took Jim by the elbow and walked with him into the house.
Soldiers clambered up the steps carrying Voltaire's dead weight with much difficulty. One lone soldier carried Dr. Loveless in his arms holding him in front of him to minimize his struggling. President Grant watched the soldiers exit with Voltaire but stopped the one with Dr. Loveless. Though he'd sent his agents after this man a number of times and read their reports until he felt familiar with him, Grant had never actually seen Dr. Loveless.
"This is undignified," Dr. Loveless seethed trying to free his arms.
"You're worried about being dignified?" President Grant asked him, "If I were you, I'd worry about the additional time you’ll spend in jail for attempted murder."
"Gordon's too obnoxious to die," Dr. Loveless spat disgustedly.
"Well, a measure of luck in your favor, then," President Grant continued. "Get him out of here," he barked his order to the soldier.
They met Stella and Andrea at the head of the stairs. "Dr. Howar," President Grant said kindly, "Are you all right?"
"Yes, sir. I'm obligated to tell you I will be destroying my notes on this chemical experiment, sir," she told him. “And all known samples of it as well. And I would respectfully request, Mr. Grant, that Pandora’s Box be burned to the ground.”
President Grant nodded, "That's fine. Right now, though, your fiancé is waiting for you outside," he dismissed her.
"Make sure Stella gets out with the soldiers," Jim said to her as the two women left. Stella was in shock and did not speak or acknowledge them. Then Jim preceded the President into the basement.
Artie sat leaning against the wall, eyes closed. His left arm dangled uselessly at his side, he clutched it with his right hand.
“Artemus,” the President spoke to him.
Artie’s eyes flew open. “Sir,” he cried struggling to stand. Jim helped him up.
“I just wanted to see for myself that you were all right and I wanted to see that little maniac in person just once,” President Grant said.
“I’ll be fine, sir, thank you,” Artie answered and winced at a sharp pain from his shoulder.
Colonel Richmond came down the stairs to join them. “President Grant, I have to insist we get you out of town now, sir. We’ve already had to administer the uh…recommended treatment to some of the men,” he said with a sideways glance at Jim.
Jim clasped his hands behind his back and rocked up on the balls of his feet looking straight ahead.
Artie leaned close to Jim, “You told them?” he asked sotto voce.
“I had to,” Jim replied succinctly.
“Gentlemen, we’ll expect your full report,” Richmond nodded to them.
“Thank you, boys, for another job well done,” the President added. He and the Colonel left.
Jim relaxed and turned to his partner. “Ready to have that shoulder fixed?” he asked.
“More than ready,” Artie grimaced as he followed Jim to Dr. Loveless’ operating table. He paused looking down at the table. “First time I’m willingly getting onto one of his tables,” he commented then sat on the edge of the table.
“This is going to hurt,” Jim reiterated.
“Just get it over with.”
Jim slid his arm under Artie’s and held him firmly but gently. Without another word, he pulled Artie’s arm outward and down while pushing the shoulder with the heel of his other hand.
"Arrhhgg," Artie cried out then panted in short breaths as Jim worked his shoulder.
Jim kept pulling, maneuvering the shoulder until it finally slid back into the socket. "That's it, Artie. It's over," Jim soothed.
“I think you enjoyed that,” Artie quipped through clenched teeth.
“Artie, really,” Jim commented as he grabbed a sheet from a stack in a corner cabinet. He fashioned a sling and helped Artie slip it on.
“That’ll hold you until we get back to the train. I can take care of those cuts and welts then too,” he told his partner looking around for Artie’s jacket. He found it and draped it over him.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
The next day, Artie had taken off his maroon robe with the silver and black pattern and lain in across the back of the desk chair. The whiplashes were too painful for him to keep any kind of clothing on them and he also found it difficult to sit comfortably in a chair. So he was perched on the edge of the desk as Jim lay stretched out on the couch and Artie explained what Dr. Loveless had told him about his powder. Artie also added his own theories as to why it had not affected him.
“So you think it was your hay fever that kept you from being affected?” Jim asked with interest.
“I do, Jim. It makes sense. What happens when the hay fever kicks in? I sneeze, expelling air not taking it in. I think every time I sneezed, it in effect blew the powder away from me,” Artie explained.
Jim sat up leaning forward, elbows on knees. “Why didn’t it affect Loveless and Voltaire?” he mused aloud.
“Loveless is a hay fever sufferer as well. We’ve seen him sneeze at dust and pollen,” Artie reasoned, “He sneezed several times while he was explaining his plans to me and stirring his powder with his finger. It’s the only connection I can come up with.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Artie moved around the desk and slung his robe haphazardly around his shoulders and with his right hand pulled it together in front. He nodded to Jim who then opened the door.
Jim stood back to admit their guests. “President Grant, Colonel Richmond,” Jim greeted as the two men entered.
“James, Artemus,” President Grant nodded to each. “How are you doing?” he asked Artie.
“Fine, sir,” Artie answered politely. He stopped fussing with the robe and let it just hang open. “Won’t you have a seat? Would you like a brandy?”
“Whiskey for me,” the President answered taking a seat on the sofa and lighting a cigar.
“Colonel?” Artie asked.
“Brandy, please,” the Colonel said.
Artie went to pour the drinks as Jim began their report to their superiors. He leaned against the front of the desk facing them.
As he imparted the details to them Jim saw Artie’s robe fall to the floor as he poured amber liquid into a tumbler.
“Dr. Loveless had Dr. Howar infuse the plants with the chemical and it was exuded into the air,” Jim said crossing the room as he spoke.
He picked up the robe and put it back on Artie’s shoulders. “Want me to tie this?” he asked quietly.
“And wrap me up like a mummy? No thanks, but you can take the drinks over,” Artie replied. Holding the edges of the robe between the fingers of his left hand, Artie plucked his drink from the tray before Jim left with it.
“Sir,” Jim held the tray for President Grant to take his tumbler then held it for the Colonel to take his brandy. Jim joined his partner in front of the desk as they finished giving their report.
“That’s fine, gentlemen,” President Grant said when they completed their dissertation. “You’ll be glad to know that Pandora’s Box is scheduled to be burned to the ground tomorrow morning,” he added.
“We’ll leave troops behind to make sure no one comes into the area for the next few weeks,” Colonel Richmond told them, “There’s no fear of them being affected, they’ll be issued one of those breathing masks you came up with, Artemus,” he said.
“That is good news,” Artie agreed, “One legendary Pandora’s Box is more than enough.”
Jim turned to answer another knock at the door. He broke into a broad grin as he ushered Dr. Howar and Felix Bunts into the parlor.
“Dr. Howar, you know everyone here,” Jim said closing the door. He turned to his partner. “Artie, this is Felix Bunts, Dr. Howar’s fiancé.” He stood grinning at the expression on Artie’s face.
“Felix Bunts?” Artie asked as the thin little red haired man shook his hand vigorously.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Gordon,” he gushed, “Andrea has told me quite a bit about you.”
“All good I hope,” Artie answered extricating his hand.
“Mr. Grant, Colonel, we’re on our way back to Washington where we’ll be married in a month,” Andrea Howar beamed. She turned to Jim and Artie, “That wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for you gentlemen,” she added.
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Post by qohart on Sept 7, 2009 16:47:13 GMT -8
“We are eternally grateful,” Felix added shaking Jim’s hand. “We just stopped in to say thank you,” he concluded. “Andrea, we have a train to catch.”
“Yes, dear,” she replied demurely. “Good day, gentlemen,” she said to the other men as she and Felix left.
“We should be on our way as well,” the President announced placing his hat on his head. “James, thank you again,” he said nodding to Jim. “Artemus, heal up and don’t worry about a new assignment for a couple of weeks,” he told Artie.
“Men,” Colonel Richmond nodded and preceded the President out the door.
As soon as they were gone, Jim turned a big smile to Artie. “That was Felix,” he said.
“So it seems,” Artie shook his head incredulous.
“So do your theories have an explanation as to how Andrea could mistake you for a little red haired guy?” Jim teased with a chuckle.
"My natural charm and charisma cut through the blinding effects of the powder and she saw her Felix in the dashing figure you see before you," Artie answered applying a couple of light slaps to Jim's cheek. He leaned back against the desk watching as Jim's grin turned sour for a brief moment before both burst into laughter.
The End
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