Mech-Row: Wheels of Dreams

1

FIRST GEAR-WHEELS IN MOTION

In the early morning summer hours of a small, southwestern town in the state of Arizona. The forecasted weather was just another sunny, clear sky day with expected high temperatures. The dawning of this new Arizona day buzzed with local activity as the still warm asphalt is assaulted with the spinning wheels of early morning risers to beat the heat of the new day. Gleaming desert vistas unfold as the glow of a local café’s neon sign loses its desperate battle against the mighty glare of the rising sun. After having a hearty, county style breakfast, two customers emerge from the café to continue on their passing through town road trek.

As they strolled toward their awaiting supercharged sports vehicle, its gleaming, high-tech surfaces leaped out in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding desert. They needed to complete the last leg of their scheduled highway testing campaign, professionally termed the Durability Evaluation Run. It was a grueling journey, involving thousands of miles through every kind of harsh territory imaginable. They had to apply established testing patterns to evaluate new automobile on the open market.

It was an inclusive testing procedure that compiled applicable performance information for an automotive publishing firm. The publishing firm rates every make and model to provide the best-up-to-date auto reports for its readers.

Before continuing on their journey, Mark Axton, the lead driver took a moment to visually inspect the running condition of the test car. He seemed self-assured. He was approximately thirty years of age, tall, and athletic. He sported a shock of sandy-blond hair. Outfitted with the latest of modern, sleek sheet metal attached to gripping road wheels, Mark Axton was armed with a high rate of occupational interest. On a professional level, he found each road trip as exciting as the last and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his nonstop activity of zooming around the test tracks, the open highways and back road byways.

In the busy automotive world of sophisticated engineering, Mark loved cars with a passion, it wasn’t what he did for a living, but what he lived for.

With an examining eye, Mark took an few moments to check the tires and look over the car’s exterior surface while his rookie driving assistant, Frank Scott, impatiently stood by gazing about at the surrounding desert terrain. Frank was younger than his lead driver and completely inexperienced at the car testing trade. Despite being the same height as Mark, he somehow appeared shorter. Seemingly weary and just plain tired of the elongated test run, Frank lazily leaned back against the front fender and shielded his eyes from the glare of the rising sun.

Oh come on man, Frank impatiently said. Hurry up so we can get the hell out of here. But taking careful measure as to not overlook anything, Mark purposely ignored Frank’s grumpy comment.

We need to pressure check the tires before hitting the open road, Mark told Frank only to find him take exception and drape himself over the stylized front fender.

Oh come on man, Frank moaned. The tires look just fine to me.

Facing up to Frank’s impatience, Mark again spelled out his usual training guideline. Stop rushing me, how many times do I have to repeat myself? Mark said wanting him to pay better attention. I told you to never assume anything because it’s not worth flirting with trouble down the road.

Hedging upward to a standing position, Frank reached for the sky in a breaking stretch and growled back in a muttering yawn of indifference.

If those tires are low, lunch is on me, Frank bet Mark to the contrary. Standing up to his full height, Mark faced Frank over his shortsighted bet.

Well then chum, I’m certainly looking forward to a free lunch,

Mark knowingly laughed. Let’s get this asphalt burner to the nearest service station to prove my point, he said.

Finally, Frank said and bolted at the given word, picked at his teeth and spat off to his side with a smirk.

Mark certainly didn’t appreciate Frank’s grouchy attempt at ruining the beautiful new day, and readied himself behind the steering wheel and let Frank know just that, Keep it nice, otherwise pay the price buster.

Well damn it, I can’t stand this barren desert region that’s all, Frank muttered amid Mark’s ill-fated attempt at humor and woefully, dropped into the passengers seat closing the door behind him.

Firing up the powerful engine with a resounding roar, Mark gunned the car out of the parking lot onto the main drag. After playfully zigzagging for a block or so down the slow lane of the town’s main drag, Mark pulled into the first available service station to check the car over for the homeward bound journey. Departing from the car, he instructed Frank to take care of the servicing details.

All during their long, road testing voyage, Frank had grown just plain tired of Mark’s insistent manner of placing the training work-load on his shoulders, and he hesitated with a questioning smirk. Mark headed for the stations mini-market for some traveling supplies, stopped and glanced over his shoulder to ask Frank what he wanted from the store. We don’t have all day to play personality games Frank, Mark said frowning over his dilly-dally behavior and pointed a directing finger to get a move on.

Consider it done, Frank assured his lead driver and tiredly shrugged his shoulders before jumping to the boring task. And make sure to buy anything that’s cold and wet, cause we’ll need it around this forsaken hellhole. Frank insisted.

After making sure the check-over chore of the test vehicle met with his full satisfaction, Mark then happily paid for the gas fill-up. Before Frank got into the car, he curiously sorted through the bought goods to make sure Mark got what he wanted.

There’s cold drinks aplenty, Mark assured Frank. That among many other good things to stuff that bottomless pit of yours. He toyed with Frank over his early-mourning grumpiness. In an appeased manner, a pleased smile broke across Frank’s face and he placed the bought goodies into the cooler chest.

Eager to hit the open road for home, Mark started up the engine and steered the low-profile wheels onto the town’s main street. With a resonating roar, the red sports coupe peeled away in straight-line gripping acceleration.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the quaint suburban of the sun community, the morning desert sun had arched higher in the sky and Mark maneuvered onto major highway number 10 that aimed westward toward the State of California. Cruising along at the legal speed limit, Mark brought up the matter of Frank’s lost bet.

Well buddy, he looked over at Frank with a winning grin, Looks like you owe me lunch on that one.

Pursing his lips, Frank hoped Mark had forgotten about the stupid bet.

Damn it Mark, Frank objected. He believed Mark had purposely let some air out of the tires when he wasn’t looking. Okay, jokes on me. Frank acknowledged.

Comfortably settled into their form-fitting, bucket seats for the long journey home, the gleaming red sports coupe headed deeper into the open desert region as Frank busied himself with punching in the updated information into a laptop computer cradled on his lap.

We’ve got enough stinking data on this wheeled monster to write a damn book, Frank grimaced over the complicated mess.

Mark took a quick side-glance at the compiled report and readily pointed out that it was exactly what their boss had ordered; a comprehensive cover story. Mark was pleased with the final results, and asked for Frank’s personal opinion.

Only too aware of Mark’s fishing technique, a coy smile played on Frank’s face, Now how could anyone ever go wrong under your expert guidance?

Purposely-ignoring Frank’s snide remark, Mark modestly invested another thought, I’ll remind you once more that the very best evolves from first hand experience, Mark said in a half-grin. In effect, after which flows seasoned expertise. It takes more than just a good workable system. And due to Frank’s natural talent at copyediting, Mark shared his hopeful belief that Frank stood a fair chance at becoming a candidate for the car-testing program. That was if he cared enough to continue with the training program. However, despite Mark’s personal encouragement, after experiencing this grueling, first time run, Frank found himself harboring strong doubts about that.

No, not very for sure about it, Frank replied glancing over at Mark skeptically. Why he ever entertained the crazy idea in the first place was now beyond him. In comparison, he much preferred the easy comfort of his usual desk job back at the corporate headquarters.

Training his full attention on the desert road ahead, Mark furrowed his brow over Frank’s expressed reservation. From the very start, he had done his very best to go easy on the first-time-out rookie, and he didn’t hard press the issues. At least he didn’t think he did. But after a while, he soon found out how difficult it was at breaking Frank’s unacceptable, bad habits. In addition to that, because of their distinct character differences, most of Mark’s productive attempts usually ended up in a contest of wills that essentially set them apart. Mark felt that Frank was basically a nice guy, but he had a sensitive chip on his shoulder that grew harder to deal with. His continual negative attitude was far more than Mark had bargained for. He felt he had to baby-sit an unstable, character.

In abiding regard to the company guidelines of dealing with all the complexities and required skills, Mark was patient and forgiving in his caring manner of utilizing the ideological manner of doing things right the first time. From whatever angle or perspective the automobile is viewed, from either behind the wheel or from the office desk, the required testing guidelines is a serious and expensive on-going race with time itself.

With a well-rounded and seasoned reputation as a lead test driver and skilled mechanic, Mark Axton savored every moving moment from behind the steering wheel. With his far-reaching interest in automotive works and design, his chosen occupation gave him the hands-on advantage with all the latest automotive technology produced in the global markets. In his designated position, he loved being an integral part of the red, white and blue American love affair with the automobile. In his eyes, it was the perfect wheels of dreams come true, and he was willing to share that sense of pride and purpose with anyone. However, after getting to know his driving partner Frank Scott a little better, Mark realized that it takes more imagination wit and humor than he had.

Mark even noticed the quirky guy sometimes even acted like he was a dime short of making a full dollar. He just didn’t possess the deep-rooted interest for this on-the-go line of work. After numerous miles of riding silence between them Frank broke his focus away from the laptop computer screen in eye rubbing relief, and then set his sight on the passing desert scenery.

Look at all that sagebrush and cactus, nothing but standing monuments to a dead land, he muttered in a derogatory tone. It’s beyond my comprehension why anyone in a right frame of mind would choose to live in an area like this. Frank’s comment didn’t sit well with Mark and he wondered why the guy was so cynical about everything. By most means, Mark was an easy person to get along with, and he realized that he wasn’t in the business of altering another person’s attitude. But in Frank’s case, he mindfully wished he could. He didn’t like having to do it one bit, but Frank was in dire need of some corrective attitudinizing. Mark was tired of his constant complaining and without further thought, he leveled with Frank concerning his unlikable behavior by informing him that he had run his limit with his blatant, derogatory slurs about everything and wasn’t going to tolerate it any longer. Surprised by Mark’s stark criticism, Frank dropped the laptop to the floorboard in tempered reprisal. Get the fuck off my back, he responded fighting mad. I don’t complain any more than you do, he adamantly denied. Caught off-guard by Frank’s blazing retaliation, Mark now suspected he suffered from a mental health problem with his unrestrained anger and bouts of anxious depression.

Ever since we pulled out of the motor pool you’ve acted all wound-up like a coiled spring ready to snap loose, Mark fired back at the habitual complainer. And I find it extremely uncomfortable to be around, Mark leveled.

Resenting Mark’s attack on his character, Frank looked at him slack-jawed in readiness to argue it out, but smartly let it pass and glared out the windshield in hurtful silence.

Traveling along under the deep blue, cloudless sky, there was rolling desert terrain lined with giant Saguaro cactus as far as the eye could see. And Mark kept to himself by quietly counting the road markers as they disappeared under the hood, and then watched them reappear in the rearview mirror. He just didn’t understand why Frank was so unhappy about everything. And the worst part was, he had to tolerate his irritable tantrums all through the training episode. After numerous passing miles of the boring task of counting road markers, Mark broke the mind numbing, silence to smooth things out with Frank.

Tell me about the parts of life that you happen to like, Mark asked.

But Frank was still upset over Mark’s condescending manner and glumly avoided any direct eye contact without a spoken word. In spite of Frank’s silly behavior, Mark prodded him to please speak his peace. And after a hesitating sullen while of clearly thinking it out, Frank gradually emerged from his moody shell and shared his personal preferences of likes and dislikes. He admittedly supposed he was overly picky about most things in general, and mentioned that he much preferred the greener type of landscape compared to the dreaded, desert wasteland.

Hey man, Frank said jerking his head sideways in a sudden mood change. I really didn’t mean to act so bitter. In light of Frank’s repentance, the kind guy that Mark Axton was, he justly forgave the oddball, character with a one-time favor of fun.

What say we stop somewhere and buy you a pair of cowboy boots and a matching western style hat for a fitting feel for the area? Mark lightheartedly suggested.

No way man, no how, Frank declined in protest over the dreadful idea.

Oh be a good sport, Mark said. I can picture it now, Frank Scott, a much sought after distinctive cowboy, He uproariously, chuckled over the zany notion.

Yeah right, me of all people, Frank chuckled along. No thanks, it just doesn’t fit, He refused to be suckered into such a ruse.

Withdrawing from his ostentatious offer, Mark let go of the steering wheel with a flamboyant, gesture of disappointment, It sure would be fun. He continued to chuckle over the mere idea. Frank hated being made fun of in such a manner, so he relaxed back in his seat, and then closed his eyes in riding silence.

Partaking in some casual car talk along the way, Mark discussed the impressive virtues of their test vehicle. He liked the excellent balance of the road handling and it’s impressive performance. Responding to Mark’s critiquing, Frank joined him with a quick review of the documented statistics from the handy clipboard. He was especially impressed with the interior ergonomics that was perfectly suitable for snoozing. And in quick critical review, Frank mulled over Mark’s habitual running late mannerisms.

No need to worry, Mark assured Frank in utmost confidence.

We gathered a comprehensive cover report exactly as the boss ordered, Mark credibly concluded. However, despite Mark’s personal assurance, Frank still dreaded the thought of having to face their tough corporate boss over the late circumstances.

I’ve seen how steaming hot old man Henry Gibbs’ gets under the collar over late reports, he said in a troubled tone. The old goat sure can rant and rave with his stinky cigar smoke filing the room. He grimaced over the probable consequence.

I said not to worry, Mark readily excused Frank’s trepidation. I can handle the old man, He said and contracted his brow in self-confidence. But despite Mark’s claimed creditability, Frank still harbored strong doubts about all the unauthorized overtime and shook his head in exhaustive boredom.

2

TWO CLOSE CALLS

Cruising onward at a high rate of speed over the sun drenched, desert roadway the two lanes suddenly turned into a narrow passageway that cut between two crested hills. Not far off in the distance like magically appearing out of a hazy desert mirage, an old building structure came into view. At first glance, the frontal structure looked like an outdated old service station from out of the distant past.

Riding along in isolated comfort through the blistering heat rising off the desert highway, Frank dismally shook his head over the broken-down, lonesome sight, That setup sure reminds me of the yesteryear (last chance) catchphrase, he joked.

Curiously focusing on it for a better view, Mark took quick notice of the posted road sign. Desert Major Motion, Auto Service at its Best, is what the sign read.

Service at its best out here in the middle of no-mans-land, what a last chance joke, Frank critically, snickered over people choosing to live that way.

It’s actually open for business, Mark said in amazement as they speedily passed by the old outpost. Then suddenly, like a striking bolt of lightening from out of the clear blue sky, a blinding burst of light shot directly thought their windows followed by a rumbling, shattering blast. Startled by the rocking shockwave, the two road travelers protectively reeled over for cover and Mark impulsively slammed on the brakes sending their speeding vehicle into a side-winding, spin over the two-lane highway. Frantically working the steering wheel to regain control, their careening car chaotically veers across the highway onto the roadway shoulder scattering a huge cloud of dusty soil into the air. Doing his best to pull out of the side-winding skid, Mark jerked the car back onto the pavement directly into the oncoming lane where a large travel van is fast cutting its way at them with blaring horn and flashing headlights. Quickly averting the imminent impact speedily bearing upon them, Mark jammed the pedal to the metal and maneuvered the drifting sports coupe down the centerline divide narrowly avoiding a deadly, head-on collision as the fast traveling van ferociously swished past them.

His pulse rate now pounding, Mark skillfully brought the sports coupe to a tire smoking, red-hot panic stop. Tightly gritting his teeth over the close call, he immediately pulled off to the shoulder of the roadway and promptly sprang from the car. Inhaling a fortifying breath of relief, he then took a surveying look back down the highway to see what in the living hell had caused such a catastrophic explosion.

Focusing his sight on the old service station location they just past by, Mark’s eyes narrowed on a streaming smoke cloud climbing higher into the sky.

And then suddenly caught sight of a person fanatically running towards the fiery site. From what it looked like, it clearly spelled trouble and a high degree of concern set in.

Wedged petrified in the passenger seat over the harrowing too-close-of-a-call, Frank popped open his eyes, You almost got us killed by that nerve-racking maneuver? He screamed in a panic stricken, riveted fit of anger, then pounded at the dashboard and bailed out of the car kicking furiously at the front tire. Then adding to his already fuming anguish, the acrid, smell of burnt rubber engulfed him.

Probably zero tread left after your idiotic move, He said scornfully at the top of his voice. Mark’s full attention was now focused on the fiery mishap and Frank’s contentious outburst went right by him unnoticed.

Look at that burning mishap Frank, Mark pointed at the bellowing smoke cloud. Something exploded and it’s burning like an inferno straight out of fiery hell.

Oh, who gives a shit, Frank said now mad as a hornet and stomped his feet about in the desert soil. It’s no damn reason to get us killed over.

The running mood between Mark and Frank grew tense, and Mark leered over his shoulder and instructed the uncaring guy to shut his foul mouth and get a grip, then once again trained his full attention on the fiery site.

Whatever happened at the old station location could be nothing at all, or yet on the other hand, it could be urgent. Closely watching what was taking place, Mark again caught sight of a frantic someone who was attempting to squelch the fire with an extinguisher. And then simply disappear from his view into the enveloping murky cloud of smoke

Annoyed by Mark’s usual time wasting antics, Frank questioned his stalling motive, Don’t go getting involved, it’s not worth our wasted travel time, Frank objected in a fuming rage compounding the conflict between them.

Stop being a damn pest and get off my back, Mark yelled at Frank.

Well whatever happened back there isn’t any of our concern, Frank argued back in frustration over Mark’s time wasting manner. You’re aware of the fact as much as I am we don’t have time to be sidetracked again, Frank pointed out as Mark now purposely ignored his combative eruption while maintaining a vigilant eye on the horrifying event that was taking place.

Then suddenly during the hurried rush of the double troubling event, Mark once again caught another brief glimpse of the same person scrambling about the swelling smoke cloud. With heightened concern, he closely watched the person stumbled about the perimeter of the burning object, and then once again vanish within the smoky shadows.

Within the smoldering haze, a frenzied service station attendant with the identity of Milo McCormack was on a rescuing mission to save his lifelong business partner who had been working on the old car. Groping about in the dark smoke in search of his friend, Milo blindly lost his footing in a scrambling attempt to reach for him and uncontrollably tripped and fell to his knees. Summoning all his available strength, with a surge of energy, Milo burst to his feet and found his friend draped over the hood of the car in a semiconscious state. Attempting to boost the large sized person over his shoulder, the physical weight was too overbearing and Milo’s legs buckled under. Despite the griddling pain crippling his legs, with all his gathered might, he ponderously carted his friend out of the fiery site for a distance of forty feet to safer ground. Physically exhausted and dreadfully out of breath, he staggered to a level location and lowered his rescued friend and collapsed to the ground beside him.

Curiously watching the tragic event take place from afar, Mark quickly decided to backtrack to the troubled site and offer his help. However, to his dismay, Frank tried to stop him by holding back the car’s ignition key.

Don’t make a foolish mistake, Frank withheld the key from Mark’s reach. Totally pissed-off by Frank’s uncaring move, Mark lunged at him with commanding urgency to give him the key. But in spite of Mark’s staunch, determination to do the right thing, Frank unbendingly fought back agitating the mounting conflict between them.

Give me the damn key Frank, Mark warned him for the very last time in nose-to-nose, fury. Left with zero option in his lost cause, Frank resentfully complied with Mark’s unyielding demand. And with the ignition key now back in Mark’s hand, he started the car, stomped on the accelerator sending the powerful sports car into a tire squealing, u-turn and drove back to where fiery trouble lurked. Resenting Mark’s bad habit of wasting valuable travel time, Frank braced himself for yet another unexpected delay in the ever seemingly, long way home.

Lying side-by-side flat on their backs in an exhausted state, both Milo and his rescued business partner, Jett Morrow, convulsively coughed off the inhaled toxic smoke. Wearily lifting his head, Milo rubbed clear his irritated eyes in utter fatigue only to notice more flames shooting out from the smoldering car. Rolling to his side with a catch of new breath, he groggily rose to his feet and stumbled back to locate his trusty fire extinguisher.

Once found, he stationed himself at the perimeter and doused the flaring outbursts sending additional plums of spherical smoke signals streaming high into the blue desert sky.

Rushing back to his injured friend, You all right Jett? Milo asked in a shaken voice in hope of any normal response. In a disoriented, weak state, his friend and business partner, Jett Morrow attempted to rise-up in searching relief, but lacked the strength and plummeted back to the ground. Giving off with several deep, reaching hacking coughs to clear his throat, Jett rolled to his side and focused his blurred, sight on his now smoldering car. It was a desperate disaster.

I’m still alive, Jett murmured in a scratchy, voice. At the mere sound of his pal’s voice, Milo knelt down to Jett’s side in deep felt relief and nursed him along by rubbing his shoulders to relieve his discomfort, and then brushed off the debris that covered his face. Before uttering another word, Jett reached out in a fit of anguish, grabbed a fistful of desert soil and tossed it at his burned-up project car. He was furious with himself for making such a stupid mistake. Through his many years of mechanical engineering know-how, he certainly knew better. Damn troubling thing, his scratchy, voice cracked in self-disgust.

At least you’re alive, thank heaven for that, Milo replied nervously.

That damn good for nothing scrap pile of yours was almost your undoing this time old pal, Milo swore in critical judgment.

Reaching for his trusted friend’s lifting assistance, Jett gritted his teeth and grimaced over the crimping pain in his back. Jett sat up now, rubbing his aching muscles. His emotions a torrent of confusion and appreciation. He was a man of true integrity, and he thanked Milo for his valor.

I’m indebted to you once again old pal of mine, Jett dizzily looked into Milo’s caring eyes. He felt a swelling burn on his left hand that hurt terribly. His back ached like hell, his face sore and scorched from the impacted blast. His thick brown hair was singed at the tips and left in a disheveled mess. With his reliable old friend supportively at his side, Jett Morrow gave off with a deep-reaching, huff and shakily attempted to rise to his feet.

Think you can make it? Milo asked with worry now helping him to a standing position.

I think so, the tall figured Jett Morrow said unsteadily standing to his feet. I’ll certainly watch it better next time, that’s for sure, Jett moaned in a throaty, grown while staggering and wobbling about to limber the numbed feeling in his legs. The pain was severe, he hoped it wasn’t serious, cause it surely left like it was. Experimenting with hydrogen fuel is a risky business, he cursed under his breath.

Recognizing the same familiar words coming from Jett’s mouth just like the last time this sort of ill-fated incident occurred, Milo nervously shook his head over his frightful efforts. The year had been tough on Jett, and Milo feared for his safety. While other people were sleeping, Jett was working. While others were playing, Jett was working. Jett loved getting his hands dirty, throwing wrenches around in pioneering some weird new pollution free manner of powering a car. His skill lies in an uncanny ability to visualize a mechanical system in precise detail long before he picks up a wrench. It was obvious that he was tired from pushing himself too hard. And that’s when mishaps occur.

It was a saving miracle Jett even survived this hazardous close call and his unsafe activity definitely had to be stopped, one way or another. But due to Jett’s ironclad obduracy, Milo faced the daunting task of convincing the strong willed, guy otherwise.

Now with Jett hopefully safe and back on his feet, Milo’s other chief concern was the attention-getting smoke signal streaking higher into the sky. He felt sure it was plenty visible enough to summon a county fire alert. And that was one quandary they couldn’t afford to happen again. Hell and damnation, Milo cursed under his breath. The very last time something like this occurred; the local town’s governing safety council issued a stop and desist order whereby instructing Jett to abstain from his precarious experimentations. All simply because of a prominent businessperson in town who disliked Jett and violently objected to his challenging endeavors of change. Wealth and power equates to domineering political influence, and that one powerful Kingpin oilman who possessed a gripping influence on the city and county officials then filed an official safety risk petition set against Jett’s hazardous operation. And Milo now feared the undesirable worse was yet to come down on them. What a crushing development with the up-to-no-good influential industrialist on the attack. The unavoidable showdown with the rabble-rousing wealthy oilman on a vindictive mission to destroy them was bound to get real ugly. The situation just didn’t look good, Milo tormented.

Backtracking to the facility at full-speed-ahead urgency, Mark Axton pulled down the main drive to the old service center and slam-parked his red sports coupe. Reacting to the screeching racket, both Milo and Jett caught sight of an unfamiliar person racing toward them at a rapid pace across the open field. Jett quickly collected himself and stood up to his full height and brushed his hair back in place to address the approaching stranger. Under the trying circumstances, he certainly wasn’t in a decent mood to deal with another human being, yet alone a complete stranger. And due to the present danger involved, he didn’t want anyone near the unsafe area and alerted Milo to get rid of the guy whoever he was.

Perceptively nodding to Jett’s safeguard instructions, Milo still shaken by the distressful event, peered up at the ominous smoke plume streaking higher into the blue desert sky. It was an attention-getting, high-reaching smoke signal bound to bring nothing but trouble.

Is anyone injured? They heard the excited voice of the approaching stranger call to them in a huffing, breathless pace. Stepping forward to greet the fair-haired, tall young man, Milo informed him that everything was safely under control, and then cordially thanked him for his Good Samaritan concern. Mark was relieved to hear those reassuring words, and paused for a moment to catch his breath from the taxing run. From what he had witnessed down the roadway, he had expected much worse and took an inspecting look at the burning debris.

What the heck caused such a massive explosion? Mark resumed with a catch of a second breath.

Merely a little unexpected fireworks, Jett smugly said in a smoky-throated voice. Amused by his excusatory disguise, Mark peered at the frazzled looking person in disbelief, and then paced around the two desert gents in close-up inspection.

So you claim, Mark said in a see-through smile to further ascertain what had truly happened. Visually examining the physical condition of the shaken, tall desert mechanic who possessed a muscular physique, Mark could see the guy was totally disheveled from the horrific experience

Impatiently holding back at their car awaiting Mark’s return, Frank Scott hesitantly stepped out of the car and angrily kicked aside a rock that lay in his path. In his pounding pissed-off mood, he glanced over at the trouble site where Mark stood conversing with the two desert gents. His exceeding impatience wore thin over the senseless time wasting delay, and he strolled over to the distant outfield to hurry Mark along.

What‘s all the fuss over? Frank said looking unconcerned at his driving partner.

Have a look for yourself, Mark suggested as the weary, tall desert gent sternly advised them both to leave the danger zone.

Already overly Anxious to depart from the desert scene, Frank waved a come-along gesture to Mark, Let’s hit the road, we’ve got a long trip ahead of us.

Stop rushing me Frank, Mark said in first making sure everything was safely under control. Jett and Milo’s eyes collided over the apparent static between the two young strangers, and for the second time, Milo instructed them to depart from the fiery site.

But before leaving, Mark took one last glance around and pointed out a still sparking electrical line. Visibly shaken by the overlooked fact, Milo McCormack promptly raced to the nearby connecting lines and unplugged it averting another possible disaster. Promptly returning to thank the observant young stranger, in the very same breath, Milo unwittingly scolded his working partner for his troublesome catastrophe.

Don’t ever do this again, Milo leered into Jett’s despondent eyes. My heart can’t stand it any more, Milo said in a shaky voice.

Milo’s emotional words of grief evoked Jett’s already wounded nerves, and he suddenly turned belligerent over the distressing situation.

Everyone evacuate the danger zone, and I mean now, Jett irritable yelled at the two well-meaning strangers.

Swiftly responding to his commanding order, Frank beat a quick path directly past the still sizzling old clunker. But Paused for a brief look at the ugly hunk of metal and noticed something oddly strange in appearance.

Have a look at this odd-ball thing, he called for Mark’s attention. Joining Frank at fender side, Mark curiously brushed aside the burnt debris for a better look.

What the heck is it? Frank asked in puzzlement.

Have absolutely no idea, Mark reacted with surprise, his curiosity about the intriguing devise evoked a sudden ripple of excitement. Never seen anything like it ever before, his eyes widened.

Outwardly annoyed by their nosiness, Jett rushed over, grabbed hold of the raised hood and pulled it down with a slamming thud sending both Mark and Frank defensively reeling out its striking path. Intervening to curtail any further commotion, Milo insisted that everyone vacate the area, And I mean now!

Obediently responding to Milo’s order, Frank made way for their awaiting parked car. Hurry up Mark, he called out. Can’t you see we’re not wanted around here? Purposely ignoring Frank, Mark stalled back for a better look at the old car.

I said clear out of the danger zone, Jett impatiently confronted Mark to get a move on. With the fire now out, Mark didn’t see any imminent danger, but having no choice, he obediently complied, but not without a couple of backward glances.

Leading everyone back to the service facility, Jett suddenly stopped in his tracks and painfully gripped his injured hand. With everyone looking on, Milo paused to examine the extent of his injury only to conclude it was luckily nothing more than a superficial wound. For a resting moment, Jett cradled his hurting hand and closed his eyes in gritted pain while Milo shot ahead to get a first aid kit. Upon reopening his eyes, Jett checked to make sure the strangers were still with him. But to his dismay, he discovered that the nosy one of the two was backtracking towards his experimental project car.

Totally irked by the young mans defiant nerviness, Of all the stupid things to do, Jett bristled and straightened up to his full height and pungently confronted his travel friend.

Does your disobedient buddy have a listening problem too? Jett angrily shouted into Frank’s face. Shrinking away from Jett’s imposing gruffness, Frank yelled for Mark to get his prying ass away from the old car before it was too late. In Mark’s vein attempt to get a closer look at what he only got a brief glimpse of, he paid zero attention to Frank’s warning and simply waved him off

I’ll get his dragging ass, Jett declared and instructed Frank to go wait in his car. And then shouted out a very last warning for Mark to move it or else.

Instinctively, curious as Mark Axton was, he was also smart enough to avoid probable trouble with the gruff guy, and he wandered over to where Jett staunchly waited for him. Mark didn’t mean to be disrespectful in any way, he was just keenly curious about the interesting looking contraption on the old car.

Approaching Jett, Mark apologized for his unorthodox conduct and then informed him about being somewhat of a decent mechanic himself.

But at that unsettling moment, Jett Morrow, a widely admired master mechanic couldn’t have cared less about whatever the irritating person claimed to be.

Listen here chum, Jett said to Mark in red-faced livid anger. Around these parts people don’t stick their nose where it doesn’t belong, he looked at Mark with piercing eyes that cut straight through. Because it could get rearranged real fast like, he fixedly glared at Mark in face-to-face dismissal.

Do you savvy? he asked Mark in a stern tone.

Why yes sir, Mark swiftly replied now stepping away from his imposing threat while holding to his still intact nose. Acknowledged and fully understood, Mark humbly submitted with the sinking feeling that he was about to get his ass soundly kicked by the tough looking mechanic.

Good for you kid, Jett grumbled and escorted the meddlesome sightseer off the premises. Walking side by side across the open field, Mark quizzically peered at the tall man. He couldn’t believe something like this was actually happening to him out in the middle of the Arizona desert badlands.

Mark had never been involved in a direct face-off confrontation like this ever before, and the stark actuality of an imposing, ill mannered man booting him off the premises was a hard pill to swallow. He always did feel awkward around bigger-than-life individuals. There seemed an unpredictability about them, which made it even harder to accept.

You in need of some gas or anything? The tall desert mechanic asked Mark in turn-about recompense for his Good Samaritan gesture. Gauging by the upset man’s turn-about offer, at least the intimidating guy wasn’t hard as nails all the way through.

Meeting up with Milo who now held a first aid kit in hand, Mark purposely made a point of hanging around the old boys. Come on guys, he nudged them in a chumming way. What’s the odd-looking devise on the old car? He insistently pressured for an answer.

Milo stopped nursing Jett’s injured hand and fixedly starred at Mark in irritation. By golly young man, forget the wasted pile of junk, he said while at the same time fighting back Jett’s ready threat to physically force the pesky intruder off the compound.

Well now there then, Milo further addressed Mark curiosity with a wave of dismissal. What you happened to see in the outfield is simply nothing more than junkyard debris, Milo said to Mark and then resumed doctoring Jett’s wounded hand as Mark studied him eye to eye unconvinced.

After castigating Jett’s treasured mechanical toy, Milo then kindly offered the two travelers a fitting, reward for their goodwill gesture.

Standing nearby in