The Calm before the Storm!

[The Scholar]

In the town, the lake is still. The wind sends a gust every now and then. The only sound the fishermen hear is the that of the anchor chain hitting the boat with an occasional clang.

The afternoon sun is bright. In their boats, on their porches or in a chair in front of their workshop, people lay about napping under their straw hats.

The dogs lay on the cool cement while the cats curl up under the shade of the trees. The birds let out an occasional chirp. The squirrels watch them like a hawk.

In the distance, a train whistle is heard. The conductor, at the station, flicks the switch to indicate that all is safe for the train to enter the station. The people on the platform wait anxiously for the arrival of their loved ones. The children giggle.

The train whistle becomes louder. The wind picks up its gust. The lake begins a wavy motion. In the town, the people are slowly waking up from their nap. The dogs let out a bark; here and there. The cats run after the squirrel. The birds fly away.

The train whistle becomes louder. The locomotive is chugging away and its coal engine churning out thick, black fumes. The whistle becomes even louder.

The calm before the storm.


Regards.

 

[eyeofthedragon]

The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests

 

[papasmerf]

Ones skill is never challenged by the routine

 

[eyeofthedragon]

There is a point right?

 

[Cardinal Fang]

On top of Sheik's head.

 

[drlove]

I thought his head was flat... no wait, that's Goober!

 

[papasmerf]

Instead of being so cryptic, get to the point.

to think beyond the normal demands is to find a leader who can respond.

 

[red]

the eagle has landed and the fatman walks alone

 

[xarir]

The calm before the storm.

Calm is. The storm is only what may be.

 

[The Scholar]

The whistling of the approaching train hurts the ears. It is so near. Suddenly, the locomotive begins to choke. The engine struggles to keep going as it sends one plume after another of black smoke from the burning coal into the sky.

The wheels begin to slow down. Chug, clank, chug, clank as the steel wheels come to a stop.

As the passengers disembark, there is much hugging, kissing and teh occasional fondling. Children tug at the coats of those arriving wanting to be part of the action.

The Scholar peers thru the window of the first class section. He scans the town and ponders whether to get off or to stay onboard and continue to the next town.

The conductor comes down the aisle and lets the Scholar know that the train will depart in approximately an hour. "Should I have your luggage collected for you, sir", the conductor inquires. "Give me twenty minutes to think", replies the Scholar.

The Scholar is pensive in thought. As he gazes out the window, a voice is heard. "If I were you, my friend, I would sit tight and go to the next town", says a tall fellow with reddish hair, Elvis-style sideburns and wearing robes that remind one of Lawrence of Arabia. "Besides, the ladies at the saloon in the next town are far prettier than the ones here", exclaims the stranger.

The Scholar looks over at the stranger saying "May I ask why you say that?" to which the stranger, while removing his Tilley hat, replies "I know this circuit like the back of my hand. I am the Alpha and Omega when it comes to the saloons and the ladies."

"Why should I not get off here and see the town for myself", questions the Scholar. The strange man motions to the station saying, "The ladies are as old and beat up as that train station you are looking at. Besides, I like slim blondes. The only slim blondes in this town are the golden retrievers."

The cabin steward approaches the Scholar and asks "Tea for you, sir". "Oh, yes, absolutely. I have a few minutes for that."

"What shall I do?" whispers the Scholar as he takes a sip of this soothing cup of English tea.

Regards.

 

[Goober Mcfly]

When does the train explode, killing all aboard?

No offense, Scholar...

 

[eyeofthedragon]

Are you trying to derail this thread Goober? You really do have a one track mind

 

[The Doctor]

When does the Latin Pool Boy come into the story?



*waits*

 

[The Scholar]

*the Scholar ponders at what point to incorporate Latin Pool Boy, Comic Genius and Buttons into the storyline*



Regards.

 

[thunder0702]

Are you trying to derail this thread Goober? You really do have a one track mind

1/2 track actually..........lol

 

[The Scholar]

As the cabin steward walked into the next train carriage, the strange fellow piped up "So, are you planning to get off here or stay on until the next town?". The Scholar turned away from the window and looked at the stranger saying, "I am troubled, indeed!".

Just at that moment, there was a commotion outside and many voices could be heard. The Scholar peered out the window and saw a small group of people gathered around the conductor. One man appeared flustered as a lady hugged him tightly and showered him with kisses. He showed his ticket to the conductor and handed his luggage to the baggage steward. The man stepped up the stairs into the first class carriage of the train.

The Scholar leaned away from the window and looked down the aisle to see the gentleman walking towards him. Turns out his seat is opposite the Scholar's; directly beside the stranger sitting on the other side of the aisle. "Hey, how ya doin'?", barked the man. The Scholar was a bit startled at the sudden pronouncement, but extended his hand out to the man saying, "I am very well, thank you. I'm the Scholar; you are?". "Yo, latin pool boy here. Man, I'm glad I'm gettin' away from this town".

The stranger, sipping on a cup of black coffee added his voice saying, "Oh, problems in town?". "No problems at all. Just that them ladies don't do nothin' for me. Hell, I have seen prettier cows on a farm than I have here", replied the man who then stated to the Scholar, "I'm Drago, also known as the latin pool boy". "Oh, I see", responded the Scholar.

The conductor walked through the carriage reminding all passengers that the train would be leaving in thirty minutes. "Hmmm, I must decide whether to get off here or go to the next town", said the Scholar in a questioning voice. "What are ya lookin' for, bud", asked Drago. "Oh, just a peaceful town where I may find some good food, excellent wine and a fine lady for companionship", stated the Scholar who took another sip of the wonderful English tea. "Well, the food and wine will be fine, but the ladies are another story. Like I said, I have seen cows that were better looking", said Drago. "See, what did I tell you?", piped up the stranger.

Drago looked over at the stranger, suddenly recognizing him and exclaimed, "Holy fark, how the hell ya doin'?". The Scholar looked on the conversation with interest. "Hey, latin pool boy, long time since I seen ya", replied the stranger. The Scholar now was curious what the stranger's name was. It was certainly odd that these two very differently dressed men would seem to know each other so well.

Scholar noticed that Drago was dressed in such a way that he would win awards for his 'stud style'. His shirt had the first four buttons undone. He wore a gold medallion around his neck like a proud peacock. His dark blue shirt had big stylish collars and his sleeves were left unbuttoned. A thick gold bracelet hung from his right wrist. A Rolex watch hung on the left wrist. The Scholar thought to himself, 'This fella must be quite the stud. Also, I have two guys telling me to avoid this town'.

"Excuse me, but I do not think I got your name?" the Scholar inquired of the stranger.

"Oh, my bad. Sorry, just that everyone KNOWS me. Like I said, I am the Alpha and the Omega", the stranger said in an arrogant tone. "Ya, ya, ya. Guy thinks he is God's gift to women just because he has banged almost every chick in the area. It's just that the ladies love him for his pockets, if ya catch my drift", added Drago.

The stranger stood up and leaned over to extend his hand. The Scholar reached over and the two gentlemen gripped each other with a firm handshake. The stranger, in a very dignified manner, stated, " I am Mister Jerkbouti".

Regards.

 

[eyeofthedragon]

I lost your train of thought

 

[The Doctor]

Don't worry pool boy, er...um, eotd, you can catch the next one.

 

[red]

this story is running out of steam

 

[The Doctor]

What happened to the next installment Scholar?