Chapter 9: Chapter 9

“PEACEFUL MEETING”

Lacy was in the kitchen frying up her famous catfish with her Mom’s special homemade seasoning. French bread was cooking in the oven, and Lacy was opening up fresh raw oysters from the shell. Rain was pouring down outside as the lightning flashed and thunder struck. Lacy looked out the window.

“This rain is soaking up the whole driveway back here. It’s all mud and puddles now, and I need Quazum to take a look at my brake pads,” mumbled Lacy as she pointed at her car. “I’m getting a squeaking sound every time the computer hits the brakes.”

“I’ll take a look,” answered Quazum quietly. “I think it might be time to rotate those tires.”

“How’s the electricity in the kitchen,” asked Gabriel from the couch. “Since Quazum adjusted the solar panels on the roof, I think it’s been better. I even got a little AC in my room yesterday. The power is only down now based on afternoon showers. Right Quazum?”

Quazum didn’t answer. Lacy continued cooking dinner and looked at him sitting quietly at the table. “Good for you, Quazum. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“And Quazum also made changes to the satellite position. Right?” asked Gabriel. “Isn’t that what you said?”

“Yeah,” replied Quazum softly. “I just adjusted the angle slightly for better reception and internet access.”

Quazum sipped from his special cup of salt water as Lacy began serving plates of fried catfish with French bread and homemade sauce. Gabriel finally walked over and joined Quazum at the table.

“Oh boy!” replied Gabriel. “Nothing I love more than fresh catfish with Lacy’s special sauce! It’s one of the bayou’s best! You won’t get food like this anywhere in the world, Quazum. Remember that!”

Lacy laid out a tray of raw oysters in front of Quazum who didn't show much interest. Lacy looked confused, and finally pushed the salt shaker over and waited for a response.

Quazum reluctantly took a bite before he started asking questions again. “Can I see those pictures you took of people around the big city?”

“I got pictures of the different stores on my phone. And I took some pictures of the various cars on the road. And I got some other photos of some shelves at the grocery store...”

Quazum interrupted, “I just want to see people. What do people look like around local spots in town? We don’t have mirrors in the house, and I know I don’t look like you. Does anybody look like me?”

“I told you,” answered Lacy as she collected oyster shells around the table. “Everyone looks different. Everyone’s got their own look. It’s not something you need to examine.”

“I just want to see someone who looks like me. Or someone who looks like my Dad, whoever that is!”

Lacy immediately looked up at Gabriel who seemed upset with that comment. “I told you, Quazum. That’s none of your business. Your Mom was a scientist that went around exploring the universe. It was her decision to have a baby and move back into the marshland, The Back Bayou. Now just drop it. Let it rest. Let’s move on.”

Lacy reached out to the near invisible reptilian hand of Quazum who sat deep in thought, “You have to understand. I left my job and my career at Science Exploration because I just wanted to be with you,” explained Lacy. I wasn’t interested in a career studying rocks in other solar systems when I could live in a beautiful open area like Grampa’s swampland with the two people I love most in the world.”

“So, you won’t tell me?” asked Quazum. “I can’t know who my father is?”

“It’s not something I want to talk about,” replied Lacy without hesitation. “When the time comes, I’ll tell you about your Dad, and all the exploration adventures I did with the Science Exploration Agency.”

All was quiet around the table before Quazum spoke up again, “You know they’re going on another mission.”

“Who is?” asked Lacy.

“Where did you hear something like that?” Gabriel dropped his spoon and appeared angry.

“I just read it online,” replied Quazum calmly. “It’s the original crew and some other scientists at SEA. They’ll be going to that Quazmopolis moon in just a couple of weeks.”

“Well, who cares?” said Lacy. “That’s really none of our business anyway. They can go wherever they want any time they want.”

Quazum sat staring at his catfish plate before mumbling, “I think I want to go.”

“What are you talking about?” replied Gabriel angrily. “That’s nothing anybody can just decide they want to do! Especially not a teenage boy!”

“I was reading about Quazmopolis,” answered Quazum with hesitation. “There's a special colored rock that doesn’t exist on earth. And there’s no sign of life. And I read the temperatures range from twenty below zero to one hundred fifty degrees. It sounds like some place I could live.”

Lacy looked up at Grampa, and they both seemed shocked as Quazum continued playing with his fried catfish.

“We’re going to have a talk,” Lacy finally replied. “I’ll tell you all about our Quazmopolis exploration, and what I learned all those years ago. I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

“When?” asked Quazum.

“I’ll tell you when I’m ready. Now eat your catfish.”

The three then continued eating quietly.

Ben was driving in his freshly washed car, looked clean shaven and was wearing freshly washed clothes. It was a cool morning in Southern California, and the computerized map in the car began speaking, “Good morning Ben, you’re out early. Is there anywhere special you’d like to go this morning? The interstate ten freeway is moving fast across Southern California.”

Ben interrupted and spoke politely, “I’m going to SEA.”

“Are you referring to the beaches in Southern California?”

“No,” answered Ben proudly. “I’m referring to Science Exploration.”

“Is that the main headquarters, on the south side of Anaheim?”

“Yes. Just get me there the fastest way possible,” answered Ben.

“Not a problem. Science Exploration is located nearly thirty-seven miles south. We’ll start by heading west on Pixley Drive.” said the computer. “Then turn right at the corner.”

“Please stop the play by play, and just drive.”

“Understood,” answered the computer before music started to play. Ben then studied information on his phone as the car drove.

After thirty minutes, Ben’s car computer spoke up again, “The driveway to Science Exploration is coming up on your right in one hundred yards.”

“Fine,” answered Ben as he pushed buttons on the dashboard and turned down the long driveway and up to the security station. Charles, the same guard stopped him at the gate. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Yeah,” answered Ben politely. “I’m here to visit with Dr. Palmer at the Science Exploration Agency?”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No Charles. I used to work here.” Ben then turned and smiled.

“Hey! I remember you! You’re the one and only Ben Thomas! Ain’t that right?”

“Yes, I worked here a long time ago,” answered Ben. “And I just want to visit some old friends.”

“I thought I recognized you!” responded Charles with a smile. “What have you been doing since you left Science Exploration? Are you still with Miss Lacy?”

“No, we parted ways about the time I left.”.

“Oh,” said Charles politely. “I’m sorry to hear that. You guys both left about the same time. I remember that. I thought maybe you just eloped! Got married and quit.”

Ben thought for a second, and then continued, “Can I go in now to see Dr. Palmer? I don’t have an appointment, but I really need...”

“Sure, you can!” Charles then opened the gate and smiled. “You and Lacy will always be welcome when I’m working. I promise.”

“Thank you, Charles,” said Ben with a heartfelt nod before driving into a crowded parking lot to look for a space. Ben finally parked and climbed out of his car and walked into the front of the SEA building.

Blanche, the receptionist, put down the phone and stared at Ben as he walked into the lobby. Ben smiled as he walked up.

“Is that who I think it is?” asked Blanche.

“Good morning Blanche,” answered Ben. “Yeah, I know it’s been a long time.”

“I don’t believe it! Give me a hug!” Blanche said as she got up and walked over to Ben. “This place just hasn’t been the same since you and Lacy left. What are you guys doing now?”

“We’re not together anymore. She and I kind of ended, on a sour note ten years ago. We broke up and cancelled the big wedding. I haven’t seen or heard from Lacy ever since.”

“Oh! That’s too bad. No one knew what happened with you guys,” replied Blanche with a confused face. “You both just disappeared overnight.”

Ben shrugged his shoulders in thought, “Yeah... That was a long time ago.”

“So, what are you doing now? What’s the star scientist been up to?”

“I’m kind of between jobs at the moment. I guess I’m just here today to talk to Dr. Palmer. Any chance he might be available? It’ll just take a minute.”

“Oh, he’s been here every day since they started planning this new mission,” answered Blanche. “That name, Quazmopolis, hasn’t even been mentioned for the last ten years. Now it’s all we hear.”

“Quazmopolis. I haven’t heard that in ten years either. Just let Dr. Palmer know I’m here to see him.”

Blanche picked up the phone and pointed to a seat in the reception area. “I’ll get him. Just sit down.”

Ben walked over to chairs and picked up a Science Exploration magazine. He looked at pictures and looked around at exploration pictures on the walls. Ben continued reliving his experience working at Science Exploration and the time with Lacy.

“Okay Ben,” said Blanche with a wave. “Dr. Palmer will see you. Head on in.”

Ben got up and nervously walked towards the sealed door when it suddenly opened, and a curious Dr. Palmer walked out.

“Ben Thomas?” asked Palmer. “It’s certainly been a long time!”

“Yes sir,” answered Ben as he shook Palmer’s hand. Ben then followed him up the long SEA hallway smiling at some employees he hadn’t seen in ten years.

“So, Mr. Thomas. What have you been doing for the last ten years?” asked Palmer. “Did you start a new career?”

“Lots of things really,” answered Ben politely. “I’ve just been getting by day to day.”

“So, you’re not using any of the training you learned from Science Exploration I guess.”

Ben laughed, “No, not really. No moon explorations anyway.”

“How is your old fiancé, Lacy Meaux? Have you talked to her?”

“I guess that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

As Ben sat in the chair in Palmer’s office, Dr. Palmer closed the door. Ben looked around the room, then asked curiously, “What can I tell you about Miss Lacy that you don’t already know?”

“I read on-line that she also quit SEA about the same time as me. I didn’t know that and just wanted to find out why.”

“Well, much of that is classified information. I told you everything I knew ten years ago,” answered Dr. Palmer as he opened the computer and began typing. He then touched icons on the screen flat pad and information began flashing by.

“I know Lacy loved Science Exploration. It was her life,” says Ben. “She would have given anything SEA. I don’t understand why she quit.”

Dr. Palmer was reading from a file before looking up, “Lacy was given the option of ending her unapproved pregnancy and continuing her career at SEA. But she chose to quit and start a new career and a new life.”

“So, which of the explorers on Quazmopolis mission was the father?” asked a surprised Ben “Were tests done?”

“Tests were performed. Yes. The DNA of all scientists on the mission were tested.”

“So what did you find out? Who was the natural father?”

Palmer smiled and thought for a second. “The father was no one from Science Exploration. That means she got pregnant before the expedition.”

“That’s not possible,” replied Ben. “There’s no way it could have been my baby. I’m sure of that.”

“Unless Lacy had a one-night stand the night before the mission, there is only one man that could be the father,” answered Dr. Palmer as he closed the file.

“We were waiting till after the wedding. We only had sex... ‘protected’ sex a few times in the two years we were dating. And then we used birth control, and we were careful with everything.”

“Ben, even if you had protected sex, with a 99.9% certainty, that still means Lacy had a point zero one percent chance of conception.”

“There’s no way I could be that baby’s father. I know it.”

“I’m sorry Ben,” answered Palmer politely. “Unless Lacy Meaux slept around the night before she left, you are the father of that baby.”

Ben looked down and was deep in thought. He seemed confused before he asked, “So what did she do? Where did Lacy go?”

“I have no idea. She insisted on having the baby, and left SEA with no documentation and no explanation. The Science Exploration Agency has no record of Lacy since the day she left.”

Ben was silent and considered all possibilities.

“She may have returned to her family in Louisiana,” said Dr. Palmer. “I have no way of knowing.”

“No way,” replied Ben. “She swore over and over never to return to the Back Bayou. That was an ongoing pledge.”

“Well. Lacy burned all bridges at SEA and left pregnant with no husband and no father. That’s all I know.”

Ben thought before standing up. “I’ve got to find her. I’m going to find Lacy, and my kid.” Ben then got up and walked out the door leaving Dr. Palmer deep in thought.

“What are you playing?” Lacy walked over to the computer where Quazum was pushing buttons with one hand and quickly typing out information with his other hand. Loud sounds were coming from the computer as Quazum concentrated.

“It’s just a new computer game,” mumbled Quazum.

Lacy examined the hi-tech graphics flashing on screen and asked, “Are we paying anything for this computer access?”

“No. It’s all free,” replied Quazum as he concentrated on the flashy screen. “At least it’s free if you know how to unlock the feed and unscramble passwords.”

Lacy walked over and pulled up a chair. “You know? I’ve wanted to talk to you about your history and your father for a long time. I’ve just been waiting for the right moment, just a time when it felt right.”

Quazum was wearing a shirt, pants, shoes and hat over his invisible body. He continued pressing buttons and playing the fast action computer game when the lights finally flashed, and the computer screen lit up. “Congratulations,” said the computer. “You have topped your previous record score.”

“Looks like you got the highest score again, hunh?” asked Lacy as Quazum shut off the computer and turned to his mom.

“Yeah, I just broke my own record. No big deal.”

“Well, what I wanted to tell you is...” Lacy paused nervously and looked into the eyes of Quazum and pulled up a chair. “Quazmopolis was the moon in the Kepler Solar System that I was exploring, on my last mission.”

“You don’t have to tell me Mom. I understand.”

“That’s the thing. I really don’t think you understand,” answered Lacy as she looked up in the air thinking. “I was a proud member of the Science Exploration Agency, and I went on this big exploration.”

Quazum looked curious as he listened.

Lacy continued trying to explain, “When we went on that mission, I was one of the leaders. We just wanted to find something... New elements of rock... Or maybe new life.”

“Yeah? So what did you find?”

“I saw motion, and no one could explain it. They didn’t believe me. And I just had no proof.”

“So you kept looking?” Quazum seemed confused as Lacy struggled to tell her story.

“I kept looking, and I found a possible cave under the mounds of heavy rock on Quazmopolis. What I saw was incredible.”

“You think you saw a new life form?”

“I saw an entire planet of life.”

Quazum looked confused, “I read that you were injured, with possible brain damage. And you were unconscious.”

“The rest of the crew saw nothing. And they thought I was seeing things. But I believe I discovered a tiny opening in that rock surface, which uncovered an unknown life form that human explorers had never seen. The rest of the crew just spent the week testing rocks.”

“But I read there was no recorded video of what you saw,” answered Quazum. “And no reports of any rock openings, or even motion detected by the solar jet.”

“That’s true. No one but me ever found anything. And I had no proof.”

“Did you tell them? Did you have any proof?”

Lacy then shook her head. “Science Exploration concluded the moon of Quazmopolis could never support life. It could never even support plant life.”

“It was an Aric Cactus plant, and they want to try to plant it again on the new mission.”

“How do you know all this?” asked Lacy, amazed with Quazum’s knowledge.

“I read about the mission online. There were lots of details about Quazmopolis and your last mission.”

“It’s posted on the computer? That’s all supposed to be top secret.” Lacy then got up and walked around thinking.

“So what do you think about Science Exploration planning a new mission to Quazmopolis.”

“Who cares? It has nothing to do with you or your family. We don’t care what they’re looking for.”

“I just want to go. I think I want to see what it’s like.”

“What are you talking about? That’s not something you can just decide to do. You have a home, and you can live a peaceful life here with me and Grandpa.” said Lacy as she stood up. “You are my son, and Gabriel’s grandson. Just get all that out of your head.”

“Mom, I don’t belong in Back Bayou. I want to return to the moon I was named after, Quazmopolis.”

Lacy stared at Quazum deep in thought as Quazum returned to the computer.

Ben was sitting at home on the computer examining any information he could find about Lacy, but nothing was coming up. The computer continued speaking out. “No documentation can be found of Lacy Meaux in the southern area of California.”

Ben pushed buttons on the screen and then asked the computer, “Where was the credit card of Lacy Meaux last used for purchase?”

Again, the computer spoke out, “No documented purchases have been made by Lacy Meaux.”

Ben touched the screen and began pushing new buttons and starting new searches. He finally opened a new full screen page and spoke into the computer, “Is there any record of a Lacy Meaux in the entire country of the United States?”

Screen flashed suggestions and unrecognizable names before announcing, “No documentation of Lacy Meaux with that name spelling can be found in the United States. Other variations of names can be...”

“Fine. That’s enough.” Ben then stood up and pulled out his personal computer phone. He searched in the phone directory and pushed buttons when the speaker phone finally began ringing. Ben continued pushing buttons and scrolling when a woman answered, “Hello?”

Ben quickly pushed buttons on the phone and put the phone up to his ear. “Hello, this is Ben Thomas calling from the ‘Lottery Rewards Identification Center’, and I want to speak to the landlord of this apartment complex.”

“I’m the landlord...”

Ben listened to the voice on the other end then responded, “Great! Hi, I’ve got some great news for Miss Lacy Meaux... and I just wanted to get some information.”

“I’m sorry. Miss Lacy Meaux moved out a long time ago,” said her old landlord, Isabelle. “Did Lacy win something?”

“Well, yes,” replied Ben as he searched for information. “It’s something I need to personally deliver if you can just give me some information.”

Isabelle was excited and opened up old files and searched for Lacy Meaux. She then read out, “Lacy was a scientist that worked with Science Exploration. She was on the news a few times... and she went on a mission.”

“Can you just give me information on when Lacy moved out of this apartment and where she might have gone?”

“It was right after she got back from a mission,” answered Isabelle. “I remember she was going to get married and get promoted at her job. But she just ran out of her apartment when she got back from some mission. She left all her furniture and clothes... but she never said exactly why she was leaving.”

“So she left with her apartment still furnished?”

“She said she was going to a place called ‘Back Bayou’... I’ll never forget. She carried out her bird cage and a little aquarium.”

“Would that be in Louisiana? The Back Bayou?” Ben returned to his computer and begins typing.

“I don’t know where that is really... What did Lacy win?”

Ben continued searching on the computer and began trying to hang up, “Uhhh. That’s information I can only give to Lacy Meaux. Sorry.”

“Well, tell Lacy I want her back,” said Isabelle. “Best tennant I ever had... And I’ve got a room opening up in just a few weeks.”

“Thank you,” answered Ben while trying to hang up. “I’ll give her the message.” Ben hung up the phone and immediately continued typing and searching.

Computer began speaking up. “Land of one hundred forty-seven acres in Back Bayou is today owned by Gabriel Meaux. Gabriel lives alone, and no information of family or nearby relatives is listed. No photos available.”

Ben continued searching roads and zooming into photos taken from satellites showing trees and areas of swamp. Computer announced, “Meaux property in the bayou is undeveloped and is not connected to phone lines or power cables. Local swamps in Back Bayou carry fresh crawfish and catfish in the summer months, ducks and geese are hunted in the swamps during the winter. Alligator season begins in August.”

Ben finally jumped up and hurried across the dirty apartment grabbing a suitcase. He rolled it across the room, threw some dirty clothes in, then immediately rushed out the front door.

Ben’s apartment manager, Francis, noticed Ben leaving and immediately followed him to his car. “So, do you have your rent money?”

“Here you go,” said Ben as he pulled out a stack of one hundred-dollar bills. “Take this along with my thirty-day notice.”

Francis held the money and looked surprised as Ben climbed into the car. “And you can have all the furniture. Just rent the apartment as furnished.”

“You’re moving out?”

“I’ve got a few things I need to settle. Good-bye Francis!” Ben hopped in and drove his car out the driveway and down the street. Francis seemed confused.

“Bam! Bam!” Gabriel fired his gun into trees as he raced across the marsh. The sun was rising slowly in the distance, and the temperatures felt normal.

Gabriel walked slowly next to the swamp wearing heavy boots when an ugly rat ran across the mud. Gabriel quickly held up the gun, aimed down at the rat, then stopped. “I ain’t wasting no shells on you.” He then lowered his rifle back down and continued walking slowly and listening.

Wind blew lightly, and the moss in the trees began to shake. “You can’t hide from me today, Quazum. I know you’re out there.” Gabriel slowly turned his head looking out for a motion. “I’m going to find you if it takes all day.”

With each sound coming from the old swampland, Gabriel pulled the shotgun up to his shoulder and stared down the barrel. “Come on! Just give me a sign, Quazum. Anything. This really ain’t fair.”

“Pow!” Gabriel fired a shot from his gun at a target next to a tree, but nothing moved.

Lacy was sweeping dead grass from the porch when she heard the gun fire. She looked annoyed and yelled out, “I told you Dad. No firing shots!”

Ben drove slowly into the parking lot of a Back Bayou neighborhood store, Grocery Mart. He climbed out of the car and walked inside looking around. He then walked up to a cashier and asked politely. “Hi, I’m looking for a girl named Lacy Meaux? Can you tell me if she may have shopped here any time in the last few years?”

“I don’t know a Lacy Meaux. Not out in these parts,” answered Nancy the cashier as she stacked groceries.

Ben then pulled out his phone and held up an old picture. “She used to work for the Science Exploration Agency, and I know she grew up here in the Back Bayou.”

“No one ‘round here named Lacy,” answered Nancy. “I know that.”

The store manager noticed the conversation and walked over to see the picture. Ben pointed his phone to the manager and asked again, “Do you know this woman?”

“I don’t know any fancy dressed women around here.”

“How about her father? His name is Gabriel Meaux.” asked Ben. “He’s a man now around his mid-fifties? He owns some property in Back Bayou?”

Nancy finally laughed, “Maybe you talkin ‘bout the ‘Swampland’ man?

“Do you know where he goes?” asked Ben. “Or where he hangs out?”

“Meaux is one crazy old man living alone deep down in the bayou. I ain’t seen him in a while.”

Manager then laughed, “Yeah, no power, no phones. Brews his own whiskey and lives off the land. Comes in town once a year for new bullets for his guns and new fishing lines.”

“No one knows nothing about him,” said Nancy. “He could be dead for all we know. His swampland is just a hundred old acres in the wild marsh.”

“It’s a hundred forty-seven acres,” responded Ben with a polite laugh. “Well, thank y’all very much for all your help. I’ll let Gabriel Meaux know I talked to you if I see him.”

“Tell him we say hi,” said Nancy as she and the store manager laughed.

“I will,” replied Ben with a wave as he walked back to his car. Ben looked around nervously as he backed out and began driving down the old road looking at “Warning” signs.

Ben made turns and continued down the bumpy road taking directions from the computer, “The old Back Bayou swampland owned by Gabriel Meaux is coming up on the right. In one hundred yards make the left turn onto the dirt road.”

The dirt driveway was hidden behind bushes with “No Trespassing” signs along the street. Ben parked alongside the road with his blinker flashing and thought about what he might find. The computer then spoke out again, “Turn left, and drive down the gravel road for about a quarter mile.” Ben then turned off the car computer and made a slow turn onto the dirt and gravel driveway. At a slow pace, Ben began driving through mud and puddles of water.

Ben finally stopped when he saw the road dip into a wet three-foot ditch across the path. He got out of the car and saw a snake moving across the water from side to side. Ben crossed and walked up to an old rusty wired fence and climbed under the wire looking around nervously.

“The sun ain’t setting, and this has got to be the hottest day of the year,” said Gabriel as he carried his rifle through the swamps. He looked up into the trees and studied the tree bark and low-hanging leaves. Gabriel continued walking carefully through the swampy area. Sweat dripped down his face, and he wore light shorts and a t-shirt, with muddy boots. “I don’t care if this takes all day, Quazum. I just need to get one shot.”

Gabriel continued slowly following the strange footprints in the mud and looking around. No sound or movement could be seen across the swamp area of trees as Gabriel looked for any sign of motion.

“Tweet, tweet.” The sound from chirping birds rang from up above, and Gabriel immediately swung the gun up into the trees and moved around pointing the gun straight up.

“I got you now,” mumbled Gabriel with a smile. “I know you’re up there. Just come down slowly, and give up. Or I’ll have to shoot.”

Marshland colored green and black Quazum began changing shape and color as he began crawling down the side of a tree towards Grampa.

“Ha!” yelled Gabriel in excitement. “I knew that had to be you. There was just no getting away!”

“I give up,” answered Quazum. “Plus, it’s getting late, and I kind of have to go to the bathroom.”

Ben heard the talking voices and hurried around the trees, then stepped out with a smile.

“Mr. Meaux? Hello?” Ben stepped over mud as he approached. “I’m visiting from Science Exploration, and I just have a few questions. Mr. Meaux?”

Quazum spun around and saw Ben making his way down the path. He immediately stood by the tree becoming invisible as he blended in. Moss covered the old oak trees around the swampland. Gabriel looked surprised, then ran behind a tree and out of sight.

Ben noticed the movement and continued down the path to where he heard voices. “Hello?” asked Ben again. “I’m looking for a Mr. Gabriel Meaux. I just have a few questions?”

As Ben continued walking between the trees, he looked around curiously. “My name is Ben. I’m from Science Exploration and just wanted to talk to someone about a girl named Lacy Meaux? She’s just a girl...”

“POW! POW!” Gunshots suddenly fired, and Gabriel stepped out holding his gun up and looking down the barrel.

In shock, Ben held up his hands and said, “I’m unarmed. I just came to see if you might know Miss Lacy Meaux?”

“POW!” Gabriel fired another warning shot.

“Lacy Meaux is off limits to you and everyone at your Science Exploration crap,” yelled Gabriel. “Now get off my swampland!”

“I just want you to understand,” answered Ben politely. “Lacy is a good friend. I just need to talk to her.”

Gabriel then stepped out and held up the shotgun as he walked towards Ben. “Get off my land! This is your last warning!”

When Gabriel cocked his gun, Ben finally turned and ran back down towards his car. “I’m leaving!” Ben looked back at Gabriel and was confused as he climbed through the old fence and climbed into his car. Ben started the engine and began to pull out.

Quazum then walked over to Gabriel and asked, “Why did you do that? I think he knows Mom. He might be her friend.”

“He’s got no business trespassing on my swampland,” answered Gabriel. “I could have shot him dead. He’s lucky. Now let’s go home!”

Gabriel then threw Quazum his hat and bag of clothes, and they began walking back towards the house. “I thought he seemed like a nice guy that was friends with Mom. I wanted to meet him.”

Gabriel was deep in thought as he walked and finally replied, “We don’t need to talk to no jerk from the big city. That’s why we’re out here! We want to keep the peace.”

The two walked quietly through the swampland and up to the fence. When Quazum saw Lacy in the distance, he ran up to the porch. “Mama, we saw somebody! And he asked about you!”

“Asked about me? No one knows I’m here.”

“He said he knew you,” replied Quazum.

“He was some creep trying to get private information.”

“So why did you fire the gun?” asked Lacy. “You should just say I’m not here.”

Gabriel looked confused as he walked up. “We didn’t know what he wanted! I just wanted him to mind his own business.”

“I told you not to shoot!” yelled Lacy.

“But they were just rubber bullets!” answered Gabriel. “Only meant to scare him.”

Lacy was mad as she put her arm around Quazum and made her way to the house. “That’s not the point. Now he’s going to get more people involved.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I think Grandpa just scared him off.”

“You Dad,” answered Lacy as she turned to Gabriel. “You have just opened a can of worms.”