West of the Texas Nebula by Dan Devine and Lyndon Perry

Smashwords Edition Copyright 2012 Dan Devine and Lyndon Perry Published by ResAliens Press

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West of the Texas Nebula Ive heard it said that running away from your problems never solved anything, but Ive learned to get out of Dodge before the shooting starts Only this time, I was almost a little too late. At last nights banquet, while honoring the visiting dignitaries from Tau Ceti, Sols Mayor, Wit Thomason, had a heart attack. He spent a good couple of minutes twitching on the floor, soiling his finest suit, right there in front of aliens, citizens, and everybody. This morning, in bed but cussing, hed tried to shrug it off. He told the Posse to put the word out that it was an allergic reaction to the interstellar dust our esteemed guests had inadvertently brought with them, but we knew we werent fooling nobody. People already figured he was ill before he made it obvious at the dinner reception. Word was that Doc Brown had ordered bed rest and urged Wit to cancel the event, or at least use a movingchair when appearing in public. But Thomason knew that staying out of sight would damn him as much as attending the festivities sitting down. So hed spent the day prancing about town, making a ruckus and showing off his manly vigor. Only anybody paying attention couldnt help but notice the sweat on his lip, his fevered brow, and the occasional shakes that sat him down even though he played that it was his idea. And there were a lot of interested parties paying attention. Me and Wendell had it figured it was even odds that hed drop before sunset, but the tough old coot surprised us. He made it through the banquetwell, almostand it looked like he might even recuperate if he got the chance. I suspected he wouldnt get one. But I wasnt gonna wait around to find out. Normally in a situation like this, youd worry about which of the sons would take over, but Thomason had just the one boy. And Brett was a lanky, timid little man with shaky hands and nearsighted eyes. I didnt figure him to show any ambition, and since no one respected Brett enough to consider him a contender, hed probably fumble his way through this thing alive if he didnt do anything stupid. That left the usual suspects to attempt a coupthe towns gunslingers and some of the higherranking members of the Posse. Gunslingers, we had a few. Bart Blackstar and Chester Gitts were a couple of the fastest draws in this part of the galaxy and there was no doubt theyd make a run for powerand try to become legal bullies. One young hotshot or another who didnt know any better would probably give it a go, as well. I could see Denny Clairboix or Whiskey Tim throwing their hat in the ring.

The Posse was harder to reckon. Thomason had never endorsed a successorthat would have been painting a bulls-eye on the mans back and handing one of us his pistol. Royce Bowland had served the mayor the longest, and pride alone would force him to make a claim. Problem was, he had too much love for the old man to be the first to act, and I was betting that someone else would catch him flat-footed before he ever had the chance. Wendell wasnt smart enough to win, but he certainly was dumb enough to try. The others could go either way. I made a mental note to shoot Spikey at some point just for the hell of it; I never did trust his slimy ass. I decided it was time to pack my bags. The trick to provisioning was not to pack too much. You look a tad conspicuous if you canter off to a shuttlebay carrying a rack of lamb on your shoulder. Youve got to remember that the next watering holes never all that far away. So I made sure that my saddlebags werent much heavier than usual. Not that my chestnut mare, Tally, didnt nicker in complaint anyways. She was as stubborn as she was strong. Wendell walked up while I was tying on the last of my bags. Whereve you been all afternoon? he asked. He was trying not to sound suspicious and doing a bad job of it. Had to run some errands, I grunted and waved my left hand vaguely towards Tally as a bit of misdirection. I stared him square in the eye. Why? His scowl softened and his expression became a little uncertain. You really havent heard, have you? Someones done in Royce. So it had started already. I drew with my right and put a bullet into Wendells big fat head. Thats what he got for asking questions first. It was too bad, I sort of liked Wendell, but I couldnt risk him deciding he needed to take me out. No one came running at the gunshot, not the rarest song sung at the best of times in these parts, and anybody worth their snuff already knew theyd be hearing a lot more singing before too long. I took Tally down the alley and wasnt ten paces from the jail when a piece of lead took my hat off. My left hand fired back before I had time to turn and look at what it was doing. Seventeen year old Denny Clairboix dropped into the dust, a hand clutching his chest. I was lucky. Hed planned a good ambush and an older, steadier hand wouldnt have botched his first shot. If Royce was already dead that meant Thomason wouldnt be long in following. I turned Tallys head away from my former responsibilities and set her hooves firmly on the shortest path to the

nearest shuttlebay. There wasnt much point left in trying to look casual, so I rode like a bat out of hell. There was some sort of commotion near the edge of town, so I had to pull up short. Fortune favored me, though. They was all so busy shootin at each other that they didnt see me coming. Gave me a chance to take in what happened to the last of the loyal Posse. Jordan and Spikey had met their ends staying true to the Oath. Whoda thunk it? Mayor Thomasons body was propped up against a wagon wheel; he was staring glassily at the holographic blue sky. There wasnt a mark on him, his heart must have finally given out from all the excitement. Bart Blackstar and Chester Gitts had turned the road ahead of me into a crossfire. Bart was firing from between the window slats of a boarded up saloon. Chester was hunkered down behind a big stone well with just his six-shooter showing. Most likely the two had worked together to take down the mayor and his men, then turned on each other the moment the deed was done. I shook my head. If theyd just stuck together theyd be running the show by now. I shot Chester in the hand and he cursed and dropped his gun down the well. As his other hand came up I dismounted, and his bullets whizzed over my head. He peeked over the lip of the well to see who he was shooting at, and Blackstar blew his brains out from across the road. Morning Bart, I called out, running up to the side wall of the saloon and placing it at my back. All the windows faced the street so he wouldnt have a shot at me unless he came outside and leaned around the corner. That you, Cale? he asked. The same. You never struck me as the mayoral type. I shrugged. Never said I was. It just happens that Im still standing. Well then, said Bart cheerily, how about you and me work together. Im gonna be needin some good men and it appears that Royces old job is now open. Count me in, I said. While I was speaking a bullet splintered through the wall to my left. I nearly pissed myself and cursed my momentary lapse in judgment. Another lucky moment. I hit the ground. That didnt work, I observed. I figured, what the hell, replied Bart.

I was glad he hadnt said it was worth a shot. We were silent for a moment. Tally, standing over by the well, began pawing at the ground impatiently. Another horse was coming down the road. I tensed, ready to bolt for better cover, then relaxed when I saw it was Brett. He rode up cautiously, noticed me lying flat, and opened his mouth to speak. I put a finger to my lips; I hoped my standing in the Posse and the boys natural docility would stop him. It did. I pointed towards his fathers corpse and his eyes got real wide. I motioned around the corner towards the door to the saloon. Whatre you up to out there, Cale? said Bart, right on cue. Brett nodded, I didnt reply. I was busy devising a plan whereby I could use the unexpected arrival of the mayors son to my advantage. Unexpectedly, the boy screamed, You murderer! Jumping off his horse, Brett let loose a wordless howl of animal rage and threw himself through the saloons swinging doors, guns a blazin. Thatd do. I swear the kid came closer to hitting me than taking out Blackstar, even with me standing behind him like I was. But at least he created a bit of a diversion. Bart guffawed as he unloaded a few rounds into the boys chest, then he smiled and lowered his gun. His grin slipped when I stepped out from behind the falling Brett and he realized his mistake. Blackstar was quicker than Id expected, and I think his last panicked pull of the trigger would have done me in even as I put my bullet between his eyes. But he was fresh out of bullets from his earlier exchange with Chester so Ill never know for certain. Not that Id want to. I kicked Brett over onto his back. The kid had breathed his last. At least hed died trying to avenge his father, exactly the sort of stupid thing Id knew would get him killed. Barts fine black hat would be of no more use to him, so I took it to replace the one Id lost. Then I spent a few moments cleaning and reloading my guns. The deathly quiet finally brought the townsfolk out of hiding like rats after a rain. They all wanted to have a looksee at their new mayor. I gaped at the gathering crowd. I guess I would never stumble upon a better opportunity to move into a swanky mansion. There wasnt hardly anybody left alive who could stop me if I tried.

Instead, I gave Tally a drink from the well, led her toward the city limit sign, and waved the town goodbye. Never did have much interest in public office. Too dangerous. I preferred me the cushier job of sidekick. Being a part of the Posse had always served me welluntil the mayors death did us part. Ill miss Wit, of course. But you know, theres always another mayor who needs a deputy with a steady hand, and hes never much farther west than the next star system. I admit, running away from your problems doesnt solve much, but Ive learned to cut my losses. Id just have to time it better next go round. The End

About the Authors Dan Devine writes science fiction and fantasy and occasionally other things that pop into his head. He has had numerous stories published online and in print. Most recently, the second novel in his Cull Chronicles series, The Enemy of My Enemy, was released in May 2012 by Writers Exchange E-Publishing. His short story The Coming Storm was just published as part of a Sleeping Cat Books anthology entitled The Storm is Coming (Dan suspected it might fit the theme). He will also have a story included in the Danse Macabre anthology from Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy coming out in October 2012. You can find news, links, and free fiction at http://mysite.verizon.net/dandevinefiction. Lyndon Perry writes a variety of speculative fiction from SF and fantasy to mystery and supernatural thriller. He is also the founding editor of Residential Aliens, a magazine of spiritually infused speculative fiction online at www.ResAliens.com. He also edits Fear and Trembling Magazine, a zine of spiritual horror and suspense online at www.FearandTremblingMag.com. You can discover more of his stories at his Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lyndonperry.

More from the Authors If you enjoy speculative fiction, you might like the following: + The Next Best Thing to Heroes (Cull Chronicles, Book 1) by Dan Devine The Earth has been conquered by a technologically superior race called the Grath, and humanity toils away in dank factories to support the alien war machine. Jason Cull and a select few have been recruited to help fight their masters battles. Thrown into the midst of a resistance movement that wants him to fight against the Grath instead of alongside them, Jason must make a decision of a lifetime, which will ultimately affect the lives of millions. + The Enemy of My Enemy (Cull Chronicles, Book 2) by Dan Devine Captain was a title Jason Cull never imagined hed own. The Freedoms launch may have been a disaster, but Mr. Lucas had been there to keep the crew focused. One botched mission had taken care of that, and now the crews vote put Jason in charge. Great. All he had to do now was figure out how to save the world. The Cull Chronicles are available at Writers Exchange: http://www.writers-exchange.com/Daniel-Devine.html. + A Lesson in War A Sword of Otrim Story by Lyndon Perry Otrim is a fierce yet contemplative warrior. Fighting the barbarian hordes for Queen Philipa of Idessa, his only desire is to complete the campaign against the Korreti infidels and return home victorious. What he hadnt considered was that his real enemy just might be his commander,

Ardus Telemachii Atellus. When Ardus challenges Otrim on the battlefield, the bronzed warrior must quickly determine where his ultimate loyalty lies. This short story taps the spirit of battle and intrigue reminiscent of classic sword and sorcery but with a spiritual foundation. Available at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70606 + Zero Hour Stories of Spiritual Suspense by Stoney M. Setzer Are you into tales of suspense reminiscent of the days of pulp fiction? Then you'll enjoy these 15 Twilight Zone-like mysteries served up with a spiritual twist. Editor Lyndon Perry pulls together an anthology of supernatural thrillers by Christian author Stoney M. Setzer that will transport you to that shadowland where anything is possible. Available at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/117798

About the Cover Art From NASA and the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC): Q. Can I use the images from NSSDC's Photo Gallery or do I need to obtain permission from somebody first? A. All of the images presented on NSSDC's Photo Gallery are in the public domain. As such, they may be used for any purpose. NSSDC does ask, however, that you acknowledge NASA and the NSSDC as the supplier of the data. In addition, where the source of the image (by project or as a specific person) is credited in the text, you should also acknowledge that, too. In addition, NASA further requires that NASA images cannot be used to imply endorsement by NASA. Cover Photograph: PHOTO NO.: STScI-PRC99-20 Credit: Wolfgang Brandner (JPL/IPAC), Eva K. Grebel (Univ. Washington), You-Hua Chu (Univ. Illinois Urbana-Champaign), and NASA