Target practice is a fine thing, and something of which Ellen wholeheartedly approves. In fact, she would probably be engaging in some right now, except that she's currently got another project to engage her: getting her Brahmin used to the idea that there will be both a weight on her back and shooty noises back home.
Okay, given the cow's previous stint as a pack animal for a mercenary company this is not really new territory, but one step at a time. We're not talking someone who knows animal training well here.
We are, however, talking about Ellen leading a two-headed toasty brown cow towards the target range, a number of sacks full of gravel strapped to its back at about the point where she estimates a human would sit. She's not going downrange from the shooting line, of course. Just near enough for sound and smell acclimatization.
Ben checks the clip for the Glock; satisfied, he jams the magazine home.
He's racking the slide when he sees movement in his periphery. He doesn't quite double-take when he sees the Brahmin, but it's close enough to count in horseshoes.
Ellen nods. "That would've been Leah and Rachel's calving," she says. "She and the calf are at home, in Megaton. William and Kate Barlow were a tremendous help with that- I've never had to be part of a birth before."
That was not where she had been planning on putting her arm that day.
"Shiphrah and Puah here are pretty mellow, which is why I brought her here."
"Good folks to have on hand at a time like that," he says, with a slight nod. "I've only helped out with a couple foalings, myself."
He digs into his pocket, and withdraws two spare sugar cubes. He holds up the cubes for Ellen's inspection and approval, not wanting to treat Shiphrah and Puah without permission.
"Five adults," Ellen says, "and Leo and Fawkes makes six. I didn't set out to raise Brahmin, but I wound up with them after... it's a long story." She glances at the cow, which seems to be happier with the sweets than Ellen herself will ever be. "Basically, they used to be pack animals for people who were trying to collect a bounty on my head. Since the people who helped me put a stop to that were all Milliways people, I wound up taking the Brahmin and some other supplies home."
"Actually, she hasn't carried much in a while," Ellen says. "I'm hoping to get her used to the idea of carrying stuff in a certain way so I can get her to let me ride her. We don't really have vehicles at home, and no horses other than the robot horse I put together."
"I know," Ellen says. "On the other hand, it's something to do while I'm here, and it might be useful when I take her home. Armor's nice, but walking all over the Wasteland in it is very tiring."
At the question, she shakes her head ruefully. "Horses need grass, don't they? And a lot of water? Brahmin can live on very little water and any kind of scrub plant they find."
Plus, they scare the bejabers out of her, but she's not about to admit to that.
"If it's not grass, it's hay and oats," he says, with a note of what almost sounds like apology in his voice. "They tend to drink quite a bit, even if they're bred for desert life."
Okay, given the cow's previous stint as a pack animal for a mercenary company this is not really new territory, but one step at a time. We're not talking someone who knows animal training well here.
We are, however, talking about Ellen leading a two-headed toasty brown cow towards the target range, a number of sacks full of gravel strapped to its back at about the point where she estimates a human would sit. She's not going downrange from the shooting line, of course. Just near enough for sound and smell acclimatization.
Reply
He's racking the slide when he sees movement in his periphery. He doesn't quite double-take when he sees the Brahmin, but it's close enough to count in horseshoes.
Reply
Reply
"No, no, you're not interruptin'," he says, raising his voice to carry. "I've heard good things about this two-headed beauty of yours."
Reply
"Mooooooooooooo," the cow offers in response.
Reply
He sets aside the nine-millimeter for the moment, and ambles closer.
"William Evans told me he helped out with a calvin' not too long ago."
Reply
That was not where she had been planning on putting her arm that day.
"Shiphrah and Puah here are pretty mellow, which is why I brought her here."
Reply
He digs into his pocket, and withdraws two spare sugar cubes. He holds up the cubes for Ellen's inspection and approval, not wanting to treat Shiphrah and Puah without permission.
Reply
The left head just slants an ear in her direction, then turns away.
"The calf's at home. Leo and Fawkes is doing pretty well so far."
Reply
He glances toward Ellen.
"Do you have yourself a herd at home?"
Reply
Reply
He tips his head toward the sacks of gravel.
"Are you trainin' 'em for heavier loads?"
Reply
Reply
"Gettin' her saddle-bred could be a pain in the - "
Half a beat, and he catches himself.
"Well, you know."
He adjusts his hat, and looks from Puah to Ellen.
"Could you use a horse or two out there?"
Reply
At the question, she shakes her head ruefully. "Horses need grass, don't they? And a lot of water? Brahmin can live on very little water and any kind of scrub plant they find."
Plus, they scare the bejabers out of her, but she's not about to admit to that.
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment