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Copyright 1994 ARNOLD'S PLUTONOMIE$, LTD., All Rights Reserved
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Some Beginnings.........................  Various..................02
Poetry -- Thoughts For You..............  Various..................03
DUROPA -- a serial space drama..........  Francis U. Kaltenbaugh...06
THE MONSTER MEN -- a serial.............  Edgar R. Burroughs.......14
SOLDIER BLUE -- a crime of passion......  Rick Arnold..............21   
RAMBLINGS OF A DISEMBODIED MIND.........  Kevin Davies.............31
WhatNots -- bits of StufF...............  Various & Staff StufF....34  
Subscription info.......................  RUNE.....................36
Sysop Offer.............................  RUNE.....................37
Writer's Guidelines.....................  Ed.......................39 
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 02                       MAR 1994
              
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                        POETRY SECTION               
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Some Thought Provoking
     Poetry:              
               
All Poems: Copyright 1994 Francis U. Kaltenbaugh             


    WHATCHA GOT ON . . . YOUR MIND?

The rain is falling within my mind.
Clouds gathering, darkly.

As thoughts pass through, they are dimly perceived,
Not really thoughts at all -- but misshapen images.

Thoughts are too dangerous. 
Synaptic charges,
Thunder and lightening fill the non-void. 

How does one allow grey matter to be a void,
I wish I knew, so I too could be like you.
Content.

Content, without the weight of all things,
Pressing on my continence -- my being. And I, 
Not being able to make corrections to the world,
That I know.
----------------------------------------------------------

    OH WHAT A GAME

It gets so lame
when I play the game.

I try to play fair,
but my minds in the air.

I often get caught,
doing what I thought not.

Hey. What do I care.
I feel I'm not even there.

But, if I am, what can I do?
Can't you tell, I only love you?
-----------------------------------------------------------
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 03                       MAR 1994


    AWAKENED

The birds are screaming,
As morning sun eschews the dew.

Diamonds sparkling beneath,
An ethereal presence rising skyward.

Answering screeches echo loudly.
A warm breeze gently wipes the leaves dry.

I arise to aroma of brewing drinks.
Death -- indeed -- has once again passed me by.
----------------------------------------------------------------

    SLEEP AND DREAMS
                        
Death stalks me every night.
Fits me like a glove.

Surprised to arise, yet another time.
This reminds me of all my loves.

Beginning and ending! Never continuing.
True love, allusive, so's the morning dove.
---------------------------------------------------------------

    GET BACK

Unrequited -- due to you.
Indebted to you, for the void you created.

Deserving of rancor, give to you I do,
your just desserts -- eat it.

With relish and zeal,
bitter sweat, revenge'll make a great meal.
--------------------------------------------------

    HER


Never being told I had no reason to care.
I was so young I had no way of knowing.
How could I miss what I had no realization of.
Just a babe in arms, but; who do they belong to?

I became a part of your life, and you left.
You came back, and it was my turn to leave.
I came back and we were both there.
Never being told I had no reason to care.
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 04                       MAR 1994
Who was I to turn to, was it my turn to leave?
I did not know you, and no you did not know me.
Apart together, together apart but not a part, not showing.
I was so young I had no way of knowing.

As you get older, when you are nearly five, you are just alive. 
The unknown yearning to just be a part, of something.
Facing the dilemma, what is it that is missed, love.
How could I miss what I had no realization of.

You get older, not being told, you learn from questions unasked. 
As time passes, the emptiness changes as you fill the void. 
Replacing, what's missing with things you want to do.
Just a babe in arms, but; who do they belong to?
A mother.
-----------------------------------------------------

    DEAR LORD
                           
Jesus was a teenager,
a bright young lad was he.
Joseph acted as his father,
a good dad, as strict as he should be.

Jesus returned to their home,
at a very late hour one night.
Joseph concerned, waited up for him.
Admonished -- Jesus was a fright.

You kept the mule out far too late.
For two weeks, grounded you shall be.

Jesus pondered and thus spake he,
"I don't have to listen to you. 
You're not even my real father."
----------------------------------------------------

    UNLIKE ONAN

                  
Lying quietly, such a light caress
across my face, from the setting summer sun.
A silken chemise dropped so lightly,              
the sun settles to diffused twilight.
     
Flowing, gurgling, passing so near,
the river summons to be admired.
Gazing at her undulating movement, afloat,
he barely perceptible, in a boat -- drifting.
     
The afternoon rain makes the smells so new.
Wings barely fluttering, so near not lighting,
not touching, a moth, it flies away.
Evening sounds begin, soft moans -- stirring.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 05                       MAR 1994

I lay quite still, as she so gently settles over me,
the night.

My entire body feels the caress, her weight is imperceptible,
the night.

Slowly the undulations begin, I gaze skyward,
the undulations increase, pulsating -- starlight.

That sound drives chills up my spine, oh that sound.
Feeding at river's edge, slurping, memories of the sound -- fish.
A deep sigh escapes my lips, as I feel the full weight upon me 
-- moon light.

-----------------------------------------------------

    WHO ME?
                       
                       
Walking out, I found myself stepping in.
Starring in, I saw myself looking out.

Wondering why, this reality called I?
Seemingly isn't, me, what should it be?

Feeling full of doubt, I pondered thought.
Knowing not what, I truly forgot.

Going on, not rambling, no con.
Speaking of, which I know not -- more?  
No -- be gone.
============================================================================
All Material; Copyright 1994 ARNOLD'S PLUTONOMIE$, LTD., All Rights Reserved. 
=============================================================================
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 06                       MAR 1994

 Part 3, the conclusion of the Serial: 
                 
DUROPA               
  by Francis U. Kaltenbaugh
       
         
     My companions and I arrived at our ship without incident. 
The passengers complained a good deal about leaving the ship. 
But we placated them by explaining it was necessary to prepare 
the duropa. After treating ourselves and the crew with duropa, 
we left two of them behind to care for the passengers and man 
the ship.

     Yag-pes guided us to the berthage for the mining base 
ships. With the element of surprise on our side, we encountered 
several idle ship's crew members and five guards. All were 
playing Lo-low, a gambling game of cards and dice, known to 
every space traveler. We were on them before they realized 
our intent was to overpower them. I did battle with the largest 
guard, who happened to be the senior in charge of the area. 

    I squared off in front of my opponent. I presented to him,
my arms extended with fists clenched, followed by crossing my 
forearms over my chest. Then snapped my fists down to my side 
-- the universal sign of challenge. I awaited his response. 

     He would answer the challenge, by clenching his fists 
and crossing his forearms for a moment, then assume his 
fighting stance. Or, he would extend his arms to the front, 
with palms facing each other, then interlace his fingers -- 
the universal gesture of submission. 

     He accepted the challenge silently. Since he was the 
senior of the group, the others who saw him answer followed 
his lead. The area erupted in violent struggles, as several 
forms of individual combat were taking place. Many still 
practiced the ancient martial arts, while others adopted the 
newer combined forms of martial arts with KDK (Kaiko Dens 
Kormo). I ascribed to the latter method. 

     My skills at KDK were legendary to many, especially to 
those whom have fallen before me. While I was in the U.S.C.M., 
participating in the All Marine Championships, I won each of 
the championships for the six years I participated. But 
finally retired, due to lack of competitors nearing my level 
of expertise at this combined physical and mental sport. I 
had taught all our crew KDK, so they were better able to 
protect themselves when in the violent ports we frequently 
visited.      

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 07                       MAR 1994

     It is a fascinating sport. One eye remains open to 
observe your competitor, to defense any of his physical blows, 
while the other eye(s) remain shut in meditation. The 
meditating portion of your brain transfers thoughts of pain to 
your antagonist. Simultaneously, you are sending thoughts of 
paralysis to his bodily functions. An aficionado of KDK can 
have an assailant on the floor writhing in pain in a matter 
of seconds, or completely paralyzed within 20 to 30 seconds. 
If you have mastered this martial art form, as I have, your 
opponent can be dead within 60 seconds. The strongest mind 
prevails.

     Many freighter crew members were fond of using the 
glasto, a rod that is .66 meters in length. Traditionally 
made from sugar maple, a hardwood found only on Earth. Since 
this wood is one of the long extinct species of Earth 
vegetation, construction is now of synthetics, which simulate 
qualities of the rarest of material -- wood. Whoever owns a 
glasto made of maple wood, has not only a formidable weapon, 
but a possession that is priceless. 

     We subdued all of them without firing a phaser -- my 
most enjoyable method of doing battle. All of our adversaries 
lay on the floor and most were unmoving. A few were screaming 
in pain, as they thrashed about until released from the mental 
hold placed on them. A few of our crew received minor cuts and 
bruises. None of them had a glasto made of wood.

     A little persuasion, forced on the senior guard, brought 
us the information we needed. After we secured the crew members 
and the other guards in a storage room, the senior guard 
escorted us to a lower level. This level had a hanger housing 
five freighter vessels, and all the ships were in a ready state 
for launching. All of these craft sat fully loaded with duropa. 
A check of the navigation computers showed each ship destined 
for flight to one of the five contaminated planets.

     "Yag-pes, your search for the duropa has succeeded. Your
Great Guardians of GarThune can man these vessels and transport 
them to the planets in need," I said.

     "The debt of GarThune and its inhabitants is in your 
favor. You two have created a nexus of allegiance, honor, and 
an onus of obsequiousness, between yourselves and the Great 
Guardians of GarThune. The Reverend Queen of GarThune, 
Kwen-Rek, shall speak the names Bel-onan and Eik-bhilo with 
deification," said Yag-pes.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 08                       MAR 1994

     "If circumstances were in reverse, we would have praised 
your intervention. Finding Sol-ors and destroying this new 
QSVD must take place, or Sol-ors's threat is still possible," 
I said.

     "We'll leave you to make the needed arrangements to 
transport the duropa. Searching for the facility creating the
new QSVD is our quest for the moment," said Eik-bhilo.

     We left in search of the laboratory complex creating 
biogenetically engineered -- death for trillions. 

                            * * *

     There was considerable confusion in all the tunnels. 
Guards were running about feverishly followed by SPS-bots, as 
the search for the Guardians of GarThune continued. To find 
the location of Sol-ors, many of the Guardians were capturing 
and torturing guards at random. Soon there would be an alarm 
raised to capture anyone from our ship, as security measures 
increased to full alert. 

     Eik-bhilo and I sent the crew to take our ship into orbit
and await further orders. Oku-pri protested to remain with us,
however, I forced him to take command of the ship. We made our
way to the upper level, then started for the main control area 
of the base. If we gained access to the main computer, we 
would be able to determine the location of the lab complex, by 
several different means. 

     We were standing at the entrance to the main control room
for the base complex, when two guards entered the hall near us.
They had their phasers drawn. It was becoming easy to tell 
which guards were working directly with Sol-ors, they were 
carrying drawn phasers, in defiance of the U.S.C. mandate.

     "Halt!" one guard commanded.

     Turning to face the guards, we presented our arms out 
stretched, palms up. I turned to Eik-bhilo and nodded, with a
wink of one eye. She knew what I meant. We both faced the 
guards again and waited for them to get closer.

     "Now," I whispered.

     Simultaneously, we both used Kaiko Dens Kormo on the 
guards before us. They fell to the floor and we did not stop 
till they were suffering from paralysis. That would hold them 
long enough, several minutes, allowing us time to investigate 
the control room and access the computer. 

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 09                       MAR 1994

     We entered and easily found the terminal linked to the 
main computer. We subdued the four workers on duty. It took 
only a few minutes for Eik-bhilo to gain entry to the entire 
system. She found the 3-D samplings of the base's structural 
blueprint, then queried for the location of the laboratories. 
There was only one lab equipped for biogenetics. It was in a 
lower level and only 300 meters from our location.

     We took the most direct route to the laboratory. When we 
arrived, there were no guards at the entrance. This did not 
surprise me, since there were two anterooms, before access to 
the laboratory. The guards would be inside. The anterooms had 
no doors, as such, but could become two air-locks; securing 
any catastrophes taking place within the lab. There was only 
this one entrance.

     "Boldness will allow us entry; and quick wits will permit 
us to complete our plan of destroying the laboratory," I said.

     "On intrusion, if more guards arrive to assist those 
within the antechambers, we risk entering a trap." 

     "An unpleasant hazard we may encounter. I'll engage the 
first guard we encounter with questions. As soon as he 
begins to answer, use Kaiko Dens Kormo on those near him, 
more skillfully than you've ever before. Let us take a moment 
and fortify our minds," I said. It was relatively silent; we 
meditated. As I started my mind cleansing, I could hear my 
own slow deep breathing accompanied by a rhythmic coursing 
of essence.

     A minute passed. "Our mental dexterity shall aid us in 
prevailing," she said, in conclusion. We entered the anteroom.

     "I am, Captain Bel-onan, Commander of KerpO' Peku. May 
your great-grandchildren feed you well. We are in search of 
Meg-kwon and request your assistance," I said, encountering 
the first guard. 

     There were four others with him. The next chamber was 
devoid of guards. Three workers were visible beyond the 
antechambers, within the laboratory. No telling, how many more 
individuals were in the main room. When entering the laboratory, 
we would have to take our chances on the number of opponents we 
would encounter.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 10                       MAR 1994

     As I started speaking with the guard, Eik-bhilo mentally 
accosted the two nearest her. I assaulted the guard, who was 
attempting to answer my greeting, dropping him immediately. I 
turned my attention to the remaining guard. He was the only 
one I encountered so far, who had any means to resist my 
initial thrusts of KDK. Reaching for his phaser, while trying 
to defeat my intrusion on his mental abilities, proved his 
downfall. Lashing out physically, I struck a tremendous blow 
to his temple, felling him instantaneously.

     We dashed into the lab and saw only five workers, who 
were cowering from our displays of aggression toward the 
guards. They grouped together into a corner, formed by various 
pieces of lab equipment. They were staring at us nervously. I 
had expected to see Sol-ors striding about within the core of 
his grand scheme; he was not here.

     "Determining who is in charge among them, then applying 
persuasion, to get needed answers about this vile menace to 
all essences, must be our achievement."

     Only one stood out among them; he was much older and 
simply looked as though he expected people to follow his lead. 
Very tall and extremely gaunt, he had the appearance of one 
lacking essence. We singled him out from the laboratory beings, 
all were human except one Crasis. Dropping his fellows with 
Kaiko Dens Kormo, his face turned more ashen than it already 
was. 

     "I am Kerp-nek, Science Officer, imprisoned here by 
Sol-ors and under his control," he exclaimed. "I only do what 
he forces me to do, nothing more." I held him in a mild mental 
grip using KDK. He felt the most minute amount of pain, but was 
unable to move from his standing position. We had undoubtedly 
selected the correct being. Increasing the amount of pain he 
received, I questioned him concerning production of QSVD. 

     Eik-bhilo interjected, "Our purpose is to destroy your 
capability of producing QSVD, and we are going to eliminate 
all your stores. Those who resist will cease to feel their 
essence. Perhaps, you would like to experience this new 
strain of QSVD -- without duropa." His eyes widened with 
terror and his mouth dropped open.

     He quickly offered pertinent information. "The storage 
area is beneath us, along with the mega-computer that guides 
the biogenetic reconstruction of the QSVD DNA re-combination 
process. Gaining access to the area, is possible only through 
me, by retinal detection, voice analysis, and palm-print 
recognition," he revealed.

     "Can you access the computer?" I asked.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 11                       MAR 1994

     "Both, Sol-ors and I, must be present for access through 
the detection systems I mentioned. Sol-ors does not trust 
anyone and he forces me to engage in these evil deeds."   

     I placed him under deep paralysis and turned to Eik-bhilo.
"I sense some underlying dangers with Kerp-nek. He's telling 
us the truth, but he's also capable of sheltering hidden 
thoughts," I told her.          

     "We must follow his lead; even with the possibility of 
treachery, we require him for entry, leaving us little choice."

     "You will take us to the hidden area and aid us as 
needed," I commanded him. "Or you'll experience my abilities 
to release your essence." I released my mental grip from him, 
and quaking a bit, he regained control of his muscles.

     We followed him to the rear of the lab. He opened a 
secret panel containing the recognition devices, then actuated 
them. A doorway opened, from what looked to be solid wall, 
leading to a steeply descending narrow stairwell. A few steps 
beyond the entryway I could see a landing followed by an 
armored door. With a polite bend at the waist and a forward 
sweep of his arm, he motioned us to precede him, instead I 
pushed him toward the steps. 

     Leading the way, he descended to the landing. He opened 
another panel revealing more recognition devices. Instead of 
speaking his name, as he did for the preceding device, he 
blurted out, "Sol-ors!" I instantly locked him in total 
paralysis with KDK freezing any further movement from him. 
Through my open eye I saw a horrendous rush of smoke and he 
magically disappeared from where he just stood. Stunned, I 
looked closer as the smoke dissipated. A half-meter square 
area was missing from the landing. 

     I moved closer and peered down into the chasm. The good 
Science Officer stood, a bit below floor level, immobilized
before an entrance to a narrow passageway. We reached down 
and hoisted him back to our level. I gripped his wrist placing 
his palm on the recognition device. The armored door swung 
open revealing five steps to a main floor and an open expanse.

     We descended the steps to the lower level. When I placed 
one foot on the main floor -- I heard a barely perceptible 
click. I recoiled backward three steps. In my haste, I bumped 
into Eik-bhilo on the narrow stairwell. Twin battle phasers 
erupted firing in rapid succession through the spot I had just 
occupied. The phasers were ripping two-meter chunks from the 
opposite wall. If we had interrupted the path of firing, the 
damage to the wall would surely be less.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 11                       MAR 1994

     The firing lasted only a few seconds, and I decided we 
best revive the scientist to assist in revealing further 
jeopardy. I was excessive in my persuasive technique, evidenced 
by the drool hanging from Kerp-nek's lips. But, he immediately 
revealed, "Ahh . . . there are no more protective measures." 
To insure this, I held him in a minor mental grip, then forced 
him to lead the way for us.

     We made our decent safely to the main floor. As I looked 
about our surroundings -- shocked -- I saw Sol-ors. It 
surprised me to find him, our nemesis, especially in a state 
of suspension. He was lying on a crystal slab, an almost 
invisible force shield covering his physical being, while he 
was away during DDST.

     "He must be contacting the elders of the contaminated 
planets," I said. 

     "Or, threatening the untainted planets with annihilation," 
she said, as Eik-bhilo stepped in front of Kerp-nek, virtually 
nose-to-nose with him. "Kerp-nek, instruct us on destruction of 
this facility, or prepare to greet your gods and ancestors." 

     Before he could answer, we heard someone descending the 
stairs. I controlled Kerp-nek and we leapt to cover behind the 
large crystal slab holding Sol-ors. We waited expectantly for 
them to appear at the doorway. I placed my hand on my phaser,
fearing vast numbers of opponents ready to overtake us.

     An immense shadow dimly cast upon the main floor at the
doorway. I feared they had subjugated the Myrmidons and were
sending them for us. The fighting would be bloody. The 
Myrmidons have so little reasoning ability that Kaiko Dens 
Kormo only slows them slightly, as they doggedly battle to
their deaths. 

     "Bel-onan? Eik-bhilo?" came from the doorway.

     We looked at each other and then stared at the door, 
not knowing what to expect. Then out stepped Yag-pes, much to 
our relief. We stood revealing ourselves. The giant GarThune 
had a murderous expression on her face, as she came charging 
toward us. I cringed a bit not knowing her intentions, as her 
six-meter hulk crossed the distance in a few strides. Then she 
crashed full-tilt into the force field protecting Sol-ors. We 
immediately realized her intent. She struck such a thunderous 
blow, to the force field and crystal slab, she bounced backward 
three meters and landed sprawled on the floor.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 12                       MAR 1994

     I looked to see what damage she had caused. There was a 
large crack in the crystal and a few pieces of crystal on the 
floor. As I looked at the force shield, I saw no change in it,
however, I detected a change in Sol-ors. He appeared to be 
disintegrating before my eyes. 

     "Eik-bhilo, use all KDK force you can muster on Sol-ors, 
so we might snare him before he disappears entirely." I used 
all my powers of concentration, attempting to force Sol-ors to 
remain physically on the slab. Within a few moments, there was 
no longer any trace of his physical being. His mastery of DDST 
enabled him to elude us. There was no way for us to determine 
where he had gone. 

     We went to Yag-pes and I asked, "Are you all right?"

     "No," was her reply. "I have failed as a Great Guardian 
of GarThune, because Sol-ors escaped and still lives."

     "Rise, we have much work to do here; destroying this place
will stop the production of the QSVD," I said. She got to her 
feet and stared intently at me.

     "This is the creation site of the heinous atrocities to 
all essences everywhere?" she asked.

     "Yes, and we have the ability to stop the creation of the
new strain of QSVD. The equipment you see here generates the 
Quadral-Schistosomatic-Viral-Dementation. Everything needed to 
produce it, the formulas, biogenetic data, and the DNA re-
combination process is all under control of this mega-computer. 
Secrecy by Sol-ors, limited storage of all the data that exists 
within this computer. He didn't even trust his Chief Science 
Officer to have access to the computer once it was complete," 
I said.

      What passed for a smile, distorted the thin lips of 
Yag-pes, as she beamed with impending triumph over this menace. 

     "Giving is the way," she said, "and we will give 
destruction to this mega-computer."

     We checked the heavy phasers, used in the trap at the 
doorway, and found them three-quarter charged. After a short 
time, one of them now aimed at the storage device for the 
mega-computer and the other aimed at the DNA re-combination 
equipment. We moved equipment to act as a shelter and took 
cover behind it. Setting the phasers to full power -- we fired. 
We fired till the phasers no longer had charges. Debris bounced 
everywhere in the confined area and dense smoke started to hang 
in the air. 

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 13                       MAR 1994

     We ascended the steps, left the lab, and entered the 
corridor. A personnel carrier rapidly approached us and we 
looked about for a means of escape, however, there were no 
entrances near us. We would have to make a stand -- here in the 
open. As the carrier neared us, Eik-bhilo shouted with glee, 
"Oku-pri, you have come to save me."

     We mounted the carrier then departed, while we traveled 
Eik-bhilo recounted our escapades to Oku-pri. We arrived, where
our ship had ported, without incident. 

     "Fate was kind to us, forcing us to stop here. The older 
duropa would not have saved us. She also smiled on us by 
allowing us to meet and befriend Yag-pes," said Eik-bhilo.     

     "Will you travel with us Yag-pes?" I asked.

     "No. I must regroup the Great Guardians of GarThune that 
remain here. We will then incarcerate the remainder of Sol-ors 
followers, so the U.S.C. may deal with them. Giving is the way.
May your great-grandchildren feed and shelter you very well," 
she said, as she departed.

     "Giving is the way. May your great-great-grandchildren 
feed and shelter you very well," Eik-bhilo and I said, in 
unison.   

     "Prepare the ship for departure, Oku-pri. We'll be aboard 
in a moment," I said.

     "You'd have thought Sol-ors knew better. Like I always 
say, whenever you operate computers always make a backup," 
quipped Oku-pri.

     "I guess it's time we get back to work." I said.

========================      # # #     ==============================
Copyright 1993 Francis U. Kaltenbaugh             
======================================================================
Francis U. Kaltenbaugh is a 40 something computer enthusiast,
who enjoys video stimulations. Two children keep things interesting,
one an 18 year-old Marine, and a ten year-old girl, whose only 
response is, Why? Francis, who has two books in progress and articles 
out everywhere, feels fiction is a mainstay of life for everyone.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 14                       MAR 1994
(Chapter 3 of the Serial THE MONSTER MEN)

THE MONSTER MEN
  by Edgar Rice Burroughs

CHAPTER 3, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

  One day, about two weeks later, von Horn and the professor were occupied 
closely with their work in the court of mystery. Developments were coming 
in riotous confusion. A recent startling discovery bade fare to simplify 
and expedite the work far beyond the fondest dreams of the scientist.

  Von Horn's interest in the marvellous results that had been obtained was 
little short of the professor's -- but he foresaw a very different outcome 
of it all, and by day never moved without a gun at either hip, and by night 
both of them were beside him.

  Sing Lee, the noonday meal having been disposed of, set forth with rod, 
string and bait to snare gulls upon the beach. He moved quietly through the 
jungle, his sharp eyes and ears always alert for anything that might savor 
of the unusual, and so it was that he saw the two men upon the beach, while 
they did not see him at all.

  They were Bududreen and the same tall Malay whom Sing had seen twice 
before -- once in splendid raiment and commanding the pirate prahu, and 
again as a simple boatman come to the Ithaca to trade, but without the
goods to carry out his professed intentions.

  The two squatted on the beach at the edge of the jungle a short distance 
above the point at which Sing had been about to emerge when he discovered 
them, so that it was but the work of a moment or two for the Chinaman to
creep stealthily through the dense underbrush to a point directly above 
them and not three yards from where they conversed in low tones -- yet 
sufficiently loud that Sing missed not a word.

 "I tell you, Bududreen, that it will be quite safe," the tall Malay 
was saying. "You yourself tell me that none knows of the whereabouts 
of these white men, and if they do not return your word will be accepted 
as to their fate. Your reward will be great if you bring the girl to me, 
and if you doubt the loyalty of any of your own people a kris will silence 
them as effectually as it will silence the white men."

  "It is not fear of the white men, oh, Rajah Muda Saffir, that deters me," 
said Bududreen, "but how shall I know that after I have come to your 
country with the girl I shall not myself be set upon and silenced with a
golden kris -- there be many that will be jealous of the great service I 
have done for the mighty rajah."

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 15                       MAR 1994

  Muda Saffir knew perfectly well that Bududreen had but diplomatically 
expressed a fear as to his own royal trustworthiness, but it did not anger 
him, since the charge was not a direct one; but what he did not know was 
of the heavy chest and Bududreen's desire to win the price of the girl and 
yet be able to save for himself a chance at the far greater fortune which 
he knew lay beneath that heavy oaken lid.

  Both men had arisen now and were walking across the beach toward a small, 
native canoe in which Muda Saffir had come to the meeting place. They were 
out of earshot before either spoke again, so that what further passed 
between them Sing could not even guess, but he had heard enough to confirm 
the suspicions he had entertained for a long while.

  He did not fish for gulls that day. Bududreen and Muda Saffir stood 
talking upon the beach, and the Chinaman did not dare venture forth for 
fear they might suspect that he had overheard them. If old Sing Lee knew 
his Malays, he was also wise enough to give them credit for knowing their 
Chinamen, so he waited quietly in hiding until Muda Saffir had left, and 
Bududreen returned to camp.

  Professor Maxon and von Horn were standing over one of the six vats that 
were arranged in two rows down the center of the laboratory. The professor 
had been more communicative and agreeable today than for some time past, 
and their conversation had assumed more of the familiarity that had marked 
it during the first month of their acquaintance at Singapore.

  "And what of these first who are so imperfect?" asked von Horn. "You 
cannot take them into civilization, nor would it be right to leave them 
here upon this island. What will you do with them?"

  Professor Maxon pondered the question for a moment.

  "I have given the matter but little thought," he said at length. "They 
are but the accidents of my great work. It is unfortunate that they are 
as they are, but without them I could have never reached the perfection
that I am sure we are to find here," and he tapped lovingly upon the 
heavy glass cover of the vat before which he stood. "And this is but the 
beginning. There can be no more mistakes now, though I doubt if we can
ever improve upon that which is so rapidly developing here." Again he 
passed his long, slender hand caressingly over the coffin-like vat at the 
head of which was a placard bearing the words, NUMBER THIRTEEN.

  "But the others, Professor!" insisted von Horn.

  "We must decide. Already they have become a problem of no small 
dimensions. Yesterday Number Five desired some plantains that I had 
given to Number Seven. I tried to reason with him, but, as you know, he 
is mentally defective, and for answer he rushed at Number Seven to tear 
the coveted morsel from him. The result was a battle royal that might 
have put to shame two Bengal tigers. Twelve is tractable and intelligent. 
With his assistance and my bull whip I succeeded in separating them before 
either was killed. Your greatest error was in striving at first for such 
physical perfection. You have overdone it, with the result that the court 
of mystery is peopled by a dozen brutes of awful muscularity, and scarcely 
enough brain among the dozen to equip three properly."
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 16                       MAR 1994

  "They are as they are," replied the professor.

  "I shall do for them what I can--when I am gone they must look to 
themselves. I can see no way out of it."

  "What you have given you may take away," said von Horn, in a low tone.

  Professor Maxon shuddered. Those three horrid days in the workshop at 
Ithaca flooded his memory with all the gruesome details he had tried for 
so many months to forget. The haunting ghosts of the mental anguish that
had left him an altered man -- so altered that there were times when he 
had feared for his sanity!

  "No, no!" he almost shouted. "It would be murder. They are --"

  "They are THINGS," interrupted von Horn. "They are not human -- they 
are not even beast. They are terrible, soulless creatures. You have no 
right to permit them to live longer than to substantiate your theory. None
but us knows of their existence -- no other need know of their passing. It 
must be done. They are a constant and growing menace to us all, but most 
of all to your daughter."

  A cunning look came into the professor's eyes.

  "I understand," he said. "The precedent once established, all must perish 
by its edict -- even those which may not be grotesque or bestial -- even 
this perfect one," and he touched again the vat, "and thus you would rid 
yourself of rival suitors. But no!" he went on in a high, trembling voice. 
"I shall not be led to thus compromise myself, and be thwarted in my 
cherished plan. Be this one what he may he shall wed my daughter!"

  The man had raised himself upon his toes as he reached his climax -- his 
clenched hand was high above his head -- his voice fairly thundered out the 
final sentence, and with the last word he brought his fist down upon the
vat before him. In his eyes blazed the light of unchained madness.

  Von Horn was a brave man, but he shuddered at the maniacal ferocity of 
the older man, and shrank back. The futility of argument was apparent, and 
he turned and left the workshop.

  Sing Lee was late that night. In fact he did not return from his 
fruitless quest for gulls until well after dark, nor would he vouchsafe 
any explanation of the consequent lateness of supper. Nor could he be
found shortly after the evening meal when Virginia sought him.

  Not until the camp was wrapped in the quiet of slumber did Sing Lee 
return -- stealthy and mysterious -- to creep under cover of a moonless 
night to the door of the workshop. How he gained entrance only Sing Lee 
knows, but a moment later there was a muffled crash of broken glass within 
the laboratory, and the Chinaman had slipped out, relocked the door, and 
scurried to his nearby shack. But there was no occasion for his haste --
no other ear than his had heard the sound within the workshop.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 17                       MAR 1994
  It was almost nine the following morning before Professor Maxon and 
von Horn entered the laboratory. Scarcely had the older man passed the 
doorway than he drew up his hands in horrified consternation. Vat Number 
Thirteen lay dashed to the floor -- the glass cover was broken to a 
million pieces -- a sticky, brownish substance covered the matting. 
Professor Maxon hid his face in his hands.

  "God!" he cried. "It is all ruined. Three more days would have --."

  "Look!" cried von Horn. "It is not too soon."

  Professor Maxon mustered courage to raise his eyes from his hands, and 
there he beheld, seated in a far corner of the room a handsome giant, 
physically perfect. The creature looked about him in a dazed, uncomprehending
manner. A great question was writ large upon his intelligent countenance. 
Professor Maxon stepped forward and took him by the hand.

  "Come," he said, and led him toward a smaller room off the main workshop. 
The giant followed docilely, his eyes roving about the room -- the pitiful 
questioning still upon his handsome features. Von Horn turned toward the 
campong.

  Virginia, deserted by all, even the faithful Sing, who, cheated of his 
sport on the preceding day, had again gone to the beach to snare gulls, 
became restless of the enforced idleness and solitude. For a time she
wandered about the little compound which had been reserved for the whites, 
but tiring of this she decided to extend her stroll beyond the palisade, a 
thing which she had never before done unless accompanied by von Horn -- a 
thing both he and her father had cautioned her against.

  "What danger can there be?" she thought. "We know that the island is 
uninhabited by others than ourselves, and that there are no dangerous beasts. 
And, anyway, there is no one now who seems to care what becomes of me, unless
-- unless -- I wonder if he does care. I wonder if I care whether or not he 
cares. Oh, dear, I wish I knew," and as she soliloquized she wandered past 
the little clearing and into the jungle that lay behind the campong.

  As von Horn and Professor Maxon talked together in the laboratory before 
the upsetting of vat Number Thirteen, a grotesque and horrible creature 
had slunk from the low shed at the opposite side of the campong until it
had crouched at the flimsy door of the building in which the two men 
conversed. For a while it listened intently, but when von Horn urged the 
necessity for dispatching certain "terrible, soulless creatures" an
expression of intermingled fear and hatred convulsed the hideous features, 
and like a great grizzly it turned and lumbered awkwardly across the campong 
toward the easterly, or back wall of the enclosure.

  Here it leaped futilely a half dozen times for the top of the palisade, 
and then trembling and chattering in rage it ran back and forth along the 
base of the obstacle, just as a wild beast in captivity paces angrily 
before the bars of its cage.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 18                       MAR 1994

  Finally it paused to look once more at the senseless wood that barred 
its escape, as though measuring the distance to the top. Then the eyes 
roamed about the campong to rest at last upon the slanting roof of the
thatched shed which was its shelter. Presently a slow idea was born in 
the poor, malformed brain.

  The creature approached the shed. He could just reach the saplings that 
formed the frame work of the roof. Like a huge sloth he drew himself to 
the roof of the structure. From here he could see beyond the palisade, and 
the wild freedom of the jungle called to him. He did not know what it was 
but in its leafy wall he perceived many breaks and openings that offered
concealment from the creatures who were plotting to take his life.

  Yet the wall was not fully six feet from him, and the top of it at 
least five feet above the top of the shed -- those who had designed the 
campong had been careful to set this structure sufficiently far from the 
palisade to prevent its forming too easy an avenue of escape.

  The creature glanced fearfully toward the workshop. He remembered the 
cruel bull whip that always followed each new experiment on his part that 
did not coincide with the desires of his master, and as he thought of
von Horn a nasty gleam shot his mismated eyes.

  He tried to reach across the distance between the roof and the palisade, 
and in the attempt lost his balance and nearly precipitated himself to the 
ground below. Cautiously he drew back, still looking about for some means 
to cross the chasm. One of the saplings of the roof, protruding beyond the 
palm leaf thatch, caught his attention. With a single wrench he tore it from
its fastenings. Extending it toward the palisade he discovered that it just 
spanned the gap, but he dared not attempt to cross upon its single slender 
strand.

  Quickly he ripped off a half dozen other poles from the roof, and laying 
them side by side, formed a safe and easy path to freedom. A moment more 
and he sat astride the top of the wall. Drawing the poles after him, he
dropped them one by one to the ground outside the campong. Then he lowered 
himself to liberty.

  Gathering the saplings under one huge arm he ran, lumberingly, into the 
jungle. He would not leave evidence of the havoc he had wrought; the fear of 
the bull whip was still strong upon him. The green foliage closed about him 
and the peaceful jungle gave no sign of the horrid brute that roamed its 
shadowed mazes.


  As von Horn stepped into the campong his quick eye perceived the havoc 
that had been wrought with the roof at the east end of the shed. Quickly 
he crossed to the low structure. Within its compartments a number of
deformed monsters squatted upon their haunches, or lay prone upon the native 
mats that covered the floor.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 19                       MAR 1994

  As the man entered they looked furtively at the bull whip which trailed 
from his right hand, and then glanced fearfully at one another as though 
questioning which was the malefactor on this occasion.

  Von Horn ran his eyes over the hideous assemblage.

  "Where is Number One?" he asked, directing his question toward a thing 
whose forehead gave greater promise of intelligence than any of his 
companions.

  The one addressed shook his head.

  Von Horn turned and made a circuit of the campong. There was no sign of 
the missing one and no indication of any other irregularity than the 
demolished portion of the roof. With an expression of mild concern upon
his face he entered the workshop.

  "Number One has escaped into the jungle, Professor," he said.

  Professor Maxon looked up in surprise, but before he had an opportunity 
to reply a woman's scream, shrill with horror, smote upon their startled ears.

  Von Horn was the first to reach the campong of the whites. Professor 
Maxon was close behind him, and the faces of both were white with 
apprehension. The enclosure was deserted. Not even Sing was there. Without 
a word the two men sprang through the gateway and raced for the jungle in 
the direction from which that single, haunting cry had come.

  Virginia Maxon, idling beneath the leafy shade of the tropical foliage, 
became presently aware that she had wandered farther from the campong than 
she had intended. The day was sultry, and the heat, even in the dense shade
of the jungle, oppressive. Slowly she retraced her steps, her eyes upon the 
ground, her mind absorbed in sad consideration of her father's increasing 
moodiness and eccentricity.

  Possibly it was this very abstraction which deadened her senses to the 
near approach of another. At any rate the girl's first intimation that she 
was not alone came when she raised her eyes to look full into the horrid 
countenance of a fearsome monster which blocked her path toward camp.

  The sudden shock brought a single involuntary scream from her lips. And 
who can wonder!  The thing thrust so unexpectedly before her eyes was 
hideous in the extreme. A great mountain of deformed flesh clothed in dirty, 
white cotton pajamas!  Its face was of the ashen hue of a fresh corpse, 
while the white hair and pink eyes denoted the absence of pigment; a 
characteristic of albinos.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 20                       MAR 1994

  One eye was fully twice the diameter of the other, and an inch above the 
horizontal plane of its tiny mate. The nose was but a gaping orifice above 
a deformed and twisted mouth. The thing was chinless, and its small,
foreheadless head surrounded its colossal body like a cannon ball on a 
hill top. One arm was at least twelve inches longer than its mate, which 
was itself long in proportion to the torso, while the legs, similarly
mismated and terminating in huge, flat feet that protruded laterally, 
caused the thing to lurch fearfully from side to side as it lumbered toward 
the girl.

  A sudden grimace lighted the frightful face as the grotesque eyes fell 
upon this new creature. Number One had never before seen a woman, but the 
sight of this one awoke in the unplumbed depths of his soulless breast a 
great desire to lay his hands upon her. She was very beautiful. Number One 
wished to have her for his very own; nor would it be a difficult matter, so
fragile was she, to gather her up in those great, brute arms and carry her 
deep into the jungle far out of hearing of the bull-whip man and the cold, 
frowning one who was continually measuring and weighing Number One and his 
companions, the while he scrutinized them with those strange, glittering 
eyes that frightened one even more than the cruel lash of the bull whip.

  Number One lurched forward, his arms outstretched toward the horror 
stricken girl. Virginia tried to cry out again -- she tried to turn and 
run; but the horror of her impending fate and the terror that those awful
features induced left her paralyzed and helpless. 

  The thing was almost upon her now. The mouth was wide in a hideous 
attempt to smile. The great hands would grasp her in another second -- and 
then there was a sudden crashing of the underbrush behind her, a yellow,
wrinkled face and a flying pig-tail shot past her, and the brave old Sing 
Lee grappled with the mighty monster that threatened her.

  The battle was short -- short and terrible. The valiant Chinaman sought 
the ashen throat of his antagonist, but his wiry, sinewy muscles were as 
reeds beneath the force of that inhuman power that opposed them. Holding
the girl at arm's length in one hand, Number One tore the battling Chinaman 
from him with the other, and lifting him bodily above his head, hurled him 
stunned and bleeding against the bole of a giant buttress tree. Then lifting 
Virginia in his arms once more he dived into the impenetrable mazes of the 
jungle that lined the more open pathway between the beach and camp.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=     ? ? ?     =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
  End Chapter 3 -- THE MONSTER MEN. Get the next issue of RUNE'S RAG 
for the exciting continuation of this story by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Edgar Rice Burroughs has influenced writers and readers for the past
three generations, with well over 100 million books produced because of 
his fertile imagination; this offering is a presentation to those who 
are unfamiliar with his work -- other than the TARZAN series.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 21                       MAR 1994
             
SOLDIER BLUE
  by Rick Arnold
            
     "I can't continue living like this. I simply can't!" she
threatened, as he was entering the door. "It's after 19:30 and
I had supper prepared over two hours ago," Renee complained.
Glaring at him defiantly, while not wanting to be a typical
irritating nag, like his mother, she knew, she must initiate
action -- soon.

     His repeated lateness caused a recurring problem for her;
she was unable to dismiss it conveniently, because it could be
an indication of other difficulties, which she refused to accept.
She would re-heat supper, but hated to do it -- her mother never
required doing it for her father, he was always sitting at the
supper table, punctual and waiting -- like a real family. She
admonished herself on each occurrence; it had happened too
frequently during the last year.

     "Renee, you realize I feel the same way. I'm sorry I
have so many responsibilities, but the Army is like that. Some
locations, where we get stationed, are short of personnel;
someone has to assume those leadership positions," Chris
explained.

     Chris had used the same explanation numerous times in the
past, different words, but similar stories; she didn't accept it
then and wasn't going to concede now.  He knew, but always repeated
it regardless; giving explanations to Renee had become an every day
occurrence.

     "Get out of the Army so we can create a life together. This
is not a life together, I never see you and I detest these
neighbors. It's nothing like home, only acquaintances are here."

     Chris thought, _"Here it comes, the tears; this is going
to be time consuming, she won't drop it, till exhausted."_
Chris reached out to embrace her, more to silence than comfort
her and she abruptly turned away, standing with her back to him
in defiance.

     He studied her and considered himself lucky to have a
wife, who, at thirty, still looked no more than twenty, while
Chris looked his age, but acted ten years younger.  Whenever they
met his superiors, she always left them with an excellent
impression of him, from this, he knew she was instrumental in
advancing his early career and by always helping with unit
functions, until her operation.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 22                       MAR 1994

     "Please resign from the Army," she sobbed.

     "I can't.  It's my career; I've got over eleven years in
and only have nine credits for college.  If I get out now, I
won't have education benefits, no retirement, nothing."

     "We'll have a life together. You're intelligent, we can do
something else."

     "Only eight more years and then retirement, besides, I have
two years remaining on this enlistment, you know I can't get
out.  It's the Army and I can't just leave, even if I wanted
to," he quickly added, "You know I would like to."

     Chris went upstairs to shower while Renee prepared supper
for the third time.  After undressing, he examined his underwear.

"Damn!" he mumbled. He rolled his underwear into a ball, then
entered the spare bedroom.

     Quietly opening the closet, he decided to hide them in his
backpack until he could dispose of them, he stuffed his briefs
into a side pocket. He entered the shower, lathering his body to
ensure the lingering aroma disappeared -- completely.

     As he washed, he reflected on the enjoyable time he had
with the nineteen-year-old soldier, earlier that afternoon, and
started to become aroused, again. Getting with the red-head again
would be a high priority, "Almost a virgin," he mused, "God, I
love what the Army provides me." He was glad he decided on
the custom van, it was convenient with the built-in bed and bar,
besides, he might even take Renee camping sometime.

     Stepping out of the shower, he heard Renee coming up the
stairs.  "I'll be right down," he shouted to her.  After he heard
her stomping down the stairs, he grabbed his deodorant and
sprayed a little on his backpack, to be sure, then went down to
eat.

     Renee complained during their meal and he nodded in agreement
every so often, but he was concentrating on the new private, Star
Burnfield, her freckles, long red hair and their planned meeting
for tomorrow afternoon.  As soon as he finished eating, he turned
on the new big-screen television, he indulged himself to an
action-adventure movie, which Renee detested.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 23                       MAR 1994

     Renee joined Chris, but, at the opposite end of the couch,
she stared vacantly at the screen, and reflected on their past.
Planning their first child after their fifth year of marriage,
she became pregnant, she wanted children as much as he did,
then Chris spent thousands on furniture, clothes, toys, and a
college investment fund for the baby.  During her seventh month
of pregnancy, she experienced complications, lost the baby and
had to have a complete hysterectomy. It was a devastating blow
to Renee, she felt compelled to provide all she possibly could
for Chris.

     Renee knew he had an unspoken contempt for her, after the
operation, he never spoke of children, especially adoption.
Renee couldn't regain her former shape, exercising and dieting
for the past four years still hadn't allowed her to eliminate
the fifteen pounds, which she had gained.  Chris always told her,
"I married a smaller girl. Who are you?" He used those words
frequently and they hurt deeply, Renee knew, he silently denounced
her for not providing the three sons he desired.

     "You could get employment with dad's construction company,
right?" she asked.  He didn't respond.

     Startled, he abruptly turned to look at Renee. "What did you
do that for? I've been listening. You didn't have to throw your
shoe at the television."  She received his attention.  He raised
his hand as though he were going to slap her, then lowered it
quickly, for he realized striking a woman, especially Renee, was
reprehensible and abusive.

"Look Renee. Maybe you should get a job, then you'd have plenty
to occupy you," he offered.

     "You know I can't hold a job because of my fainting. They
would fire me within a week. She thought of their future, "_I'll
have to do something myself -- he won't_."  Who do you think
keeps our home completely spotless?" she asked.

     "That's not what I meant; you do a tremendous job around the
house, but part-time employment would be good. I still have time
left before I can begin thinking about getting out."

     He turned back to the television, but Renee continued and
Chris would nod and grunt on occasion. He got up, "PT in the
morning, physical training, I dislike it, but I need some sleep.
Rough day today and I'll probably have to work late tomorrow too,
so don't start supper till I give you a call. Okay?"

     "Sure. The Army needs you more than I do," she shouted at
him, as he climbed the stairs. She added, "Whose vows are more
important, ours or the Army's?"

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 24                       MAR 1994

                            * * *

     The next morning she awoke on the couch, sounds from the
television loudly invaded her thoughts, gently removing her cat,
Tobi, from around her neck, she got up to start her day.  The
noise grated her nerves, she turned off the television.  As she
entered the kitchen to make coffee, she discovered it already
made. "After 06:00 hours already," she muttered to herself. Chris
wouldn't be returning until late evening -- again, and he departed
without kissing her -- again.

     Renee was a non-drinker -- but decided to start making
changes as of today -- a martini would help her begin a new
direction in life, discovering there were no olives or vermouth,
she poured some gin into her coffee cup. Disgusted with how Chris,
and the Army, had treated her for the past few years, she knew
she would have to make changes to save their marriage.

     She went upstairs to take a shower and change. "I've got to
change this situation.  If he won't -- I will," she said aloud,
defiantly downing the rest of her martini.

     Renee had just finished putting on makeup, which she rarely
wore and when she did, only a modest lipstick.  She heard a knock
on her door and glanced at the clock, 08:05.  She hurried
downstairs to answer the door. "I wonder who that could possibly
be.  I pray nothing has happened," she pondered, as she grabbed
the railing to halt her near fall. She opened the door.

     "Good morning," the tall woman exuded enthusiasm.

     "How are you?" Renee asked her new neighbor, Barb.

     "Deplorable, Kenny's unit is on the way to the field and he
won't even tell me where he's going" Barb said, grinning.

     "What could I do for you this morning?" Renee asked.

     "I just wanted to talk while the kids are in school and
you're the kind of person I could talk to. Do you have any coffee
or would you like to come to my house?"

     "Come on in, the coffee's still fresh."

     Renee served Barb a cup of coffee and while Barb wasn't
looking, Renee slipped more gin into her first cup of coffee.
_"Barb is okay, but I simply don't trust these Army wives. I
wonder what she really wants,_" Renee thought.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 25                       MAR 1994

     They exchanged small talk and stories about where they had
been while accompanying their husbands. Fifty-five minutes later,
Barb got up, "I better get going. I've got to finish some of the
packing chores, it takes a long time, but this will be the last
time."

     "What, are you getting a permanent station?" Renee asked.

     "I thought you knew, Kenny is getting out, he can't take the
Army. We're moving to Florida. There are numerous jobs down there,"
Barb answered, smiling, "He will come back early from the exercise,
then we'll out-process the Army. I'm so glad." Renee listened to
Barb explain more of the wonderful details she had heard about
Florida. Renee felt a painful tugging deep within her.

     "I'm sure it'll work out well for you," Renee said,
weakly attempting a smile.  She would do something -- today.

                            * * *

     Several weeks had passed since Renee had her tantrum over
Chris getting out, he was glad she dropped it. Chris nervously
made his way to where the First Sergeant was vigorously chewing
out another soldier. The First Sergeant dismissed the soldier
and turned to Chris, "Sick call again?  How many times has it
been in the past six weeks, eight?" he demanded.

     "First Sergeant, they can't figure out what's wrong. They
mentioned, if I come back again, I may have to go to another
hospital for testing. I've got headaches and always an upset
stomach, they suspect ulcers, and gave me a prescription, but
the medicine didn't help."

     "OK. Let me know what happens.  Is this why you failed the
Physical Training test?" the First Sergeant grunted.

     "Yes, First Sergeant. But, I will pass the next one."

     Chris went to sick call, where the medics recognized him and
decided he wasn't malingering, so they directed him to the
hospital and a doctor.  He stopped at the barracks, while on the
way, hoping to meet the new blonde, another private, but couldn't
find her.

     At the hospital, he took a seat in the waiting room, along
with twenty other people and after only two hours, was able to
see a doctor, a different doctor, of course.

     "So, what is your problem soldier?" the doctor asked.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 26                       MAR 1994

     "Well sir, I keep having these headaches, pain in my
stomach and nausea, when I was here before, they gave me a
prescription, but it didn't help.  I took all the medicine and
received no relief."

     "Take off your shirt and sit on this table." He applied a
stethoscope to Chris's back and chest.  "Lie back on the table."
The doctor pressed on Chris's lower abdomen, "Any pain?"

     "Yes," Chris gasped, "It's coming from higher up."

     The doctor pressed two fingers into the area just a few
inches below the center of Chris's chest.

     "That's it," Chris grimaced with pain as he spoke.

     "Are you eating three meals a day or have you changed your
eating habits?" the doctor asked.

     "I sometimes skip breakfast, I eat lunch, but always have
dinner, because my wife makes a big dinner and gets upset if I
miss it."

     "Have you had personal problems that cause you any worry?
You may be having problems triggered by nerves."

     "Well, I failed the recent Physical Training test."

     "I'm going to write a couple of prescriptions and I want you
to stay away from spicy foods, cut down on your salt, then follow
the directions on the prescriptions.  Do you smoke?"

     "No. I tried it as a kid, couldn't stand it, but I chew all
the time though."

     "I can see that. I'll want to see you in two weeks, when
the prescriptions are gone and if no improvement, we'll send you
to a larger facility, where they'll do special tests to ensure it
is nothing more serious than gastrointestinal distress."

     Chris decided to go home after he got the prescriptions.
Renee greeted him at the door, "I didn't expect you till tonight."

     "I just got back from the hospital and they still think it's
a minor stomach problem, but it should go away after I take this
new medicine," Chris said.

     "I'm sure everything will work out exceptionally well for
us. You do look like you've lost weight, want something to eat?"
Renee asked, with an unusual air of confidence.
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 27                       MAR 1994

                            * * *

     He knew he was getting worse, but certainly didn't expect
anything like this.  Everything started to spin, as the chants
from the cadence echoed in his ears, the soldiers in front of him
were moving in slow motion.  He fell head first and couldn't
remember what to do with his arms to break the fall, then his head
made a disgusting thunk as it hit the pavement.  Several soldiers
gathered around him and stood there looking.

     The sergeant, in charge of the formation, ran over to Chris.
He turned to a private, "Go call for the ambulance now!"  He
then formed the troops to leave for the morning run.  As the
formation marched past Chris, one of the last to pass him said,
"Yep.  Physical training is good for what ails ya."

                            * * *

     Chris was having a strange dream, where several senior
officers, in dress uniforms, were standing over him, as he lay on
an operating table.  They all held shovels and were arguing over
which one got to dig into his stomach first. Suppressing a scream,
his eyes popped open, as he bolted to an upright position.

     Looking around, he discovered he was in a hospital, but he
didn't know which one. Examining himself, he noticed he was
wearing pajamas, and something was written on the right breast of
the shirt, but he couldn't make it out. He removed his shirt
enough to read it: F A M C, HOSPITAL, AURORA, CO. It wasn't an
easy task, with his arm connected to an IV-bottle.

     "Fitzsimons, how in hell did I get here?" he asked himself,
"The PT formation, I remember passing out, but how long ago?"

     "Over twenty hours ago," answered a voice, near the door.
"While you were unconscious, we conducted tests on you.  I came
on duty a short time ago, so I'm not familiar with all the
details, but the test results are done by now. The doctors should
be coming by in a few hours," said the male nurse.

     "What is wrong with me?" Chris asked.

     "I just got on duty, and don't know the details, but you're
in stable condition, when the doctors get here they'll explain
everything. Get some more sleep and you'll feel better."

     "Good morning, and how are we feeling today?" the doctor
asked, with a cheerful for-the-patient smile.
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 28                       MAR 1994

     Chris awoke and saw six people standing around his bed,
including the doctor, who just spoke. He wondered who the other
people were. "Hmm. . . I'm okay. A little dizzy. My stomach still
hurts," he explained.

     "You're probably dizzy from the sedative. We need to conduct
more tests, but you'll be fine. We've concluded you have lead
poisoning, so we'll determine how severe and go from there," the
doctor explained, then asked, "Have any ideas on the possible way
you came in contact with it?"

     "Well. I don't know. How can you get it?" Chris asked.

     "You can get it from ingesting lead paint, that is how most
children get it, or working in lead mines and factories that use
lead in certain processes. It can also leech from certain types
of dishes and glassware. You think about it and I'll be back later
today after you have more tests."

     "OK. But I couldn't have lead poisoning, I never worked in a
factory and have never eaten any kind of paint," Chris replied.

     "You contemplate on it and I'll see you later."  The doctor
and his entourage moved to the next bed.

     Chris felt sick to his stomach again and his head started to
pound, as he tried to get out of bed, he slipped to the floor
from dizziness. He blushed as he got to his feet. The doctor and
his entourage stared at him, while he walked to the latrine.

     Chris meet with the head nurse later that day. "What time
will the doctor be here to see me? Are any of the results from my
tests back yet?" he asked.

     "The doctor has left for the day. You'll have to ask him
about test results. I'm the nurse, he's the doctor." she quipped.

     Chris spent the next two weeks in virtual limbo.  During that
time, his doctor would leave for a day or two, then return, while
Chris received extensive tests in the interim. While he was having
his eyes examined, a nurse accidentally revealed what was actually
taking place.

     "Have something lined up?" the civilian nurse asked.

     "Huh? Lined up for this afternoon?" Chris responded.

     "I mean, what are you going to do after you receive your
discharge?"

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 29                       MAR 1994

     Chris gave a vacant look, as his mind raced, pondering the
words he had just heard. "I'm not planning on getting a
separation, I'm a career soldier. What do you mean, discharged?"

     "These tests you have been taking are a pre-screening for a
medical discharge, surely you know that?"

     "You've made a mistake.  I'm receiving tests because I have
lead poisoning, that's all."

     The female nurse examined the paperwork in his packet.  She
then realized, no one had informed him of his doctor's decision,
blushing slightly, she said, "You are probably right, an error
on my part."

     During the doctor's evening-rounds, Chris confronted him.
"What is my status, Sir?" Chris asked, as he seethed with anger.

     "You should be home within a week."

     "But, what is my status and what are all these additional
tests I've been taking?  Am I receiving a discharge?"

     "Yes.  Didn't they inform you?"

     "No one said a damn word. What the hell is going on?"

     "Due to the nature of your condition, we find it necessary
to separate you with a medical discharge. They should have given
you an explanation over a week ago, your discharge will be
effective within a week.  You'll probably receive compensation,
but I don't become affiliated with that aspect of the process.
It's conducted through a medical-boarding procedure," the doctor
concluded.

     Chris could not comprehend what he was hearing, mesmerized
he stood there, mouth agape, as the doctor walked away.

                            * * *

     "I'm so high-spirited that you're back, now that we aren't
in the Army, you are mine again, to do with as I please. I missed
you tremendously, while you were in the hospital. I really wasn't
positive it could be accomplished, but here we are, on our way
to reality, the outside world. We're civilians now, as soon as
we leave this installation, all our military responsibilities
will be gone, aren't you ecstatic, I am? " Renee asked.

RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 30                       MAR 1994

     "Yes, I'm happy to be back with you, but I feel they denied
me full retirement, which I would've received, perhaps I should
fight to stay in. But, I do feel very weak physically, I don't
have the strength, compared to what I used to have and I don't
have the slightest idea how or when, lead ever entered my system."

     "Chris, just be happy we'll be receiving a monthly check,
along with hospitalization benefits, then you'll be able to
work at an occupation you like, while collecting your medical
retirement pay.  Doesn't that make you happy?" she asked.

     "Yes, it could be a lot worse, I guess, but it still
confuses me about the lead and how I ingested it."

     "People will be telling you, `To get the lead out.'" Renee
said, then started laughing.  "They will tease you about having
too much lead in your pencil."  She continued to laugh, and it
quickly became hysterical laughter.  After a few minutes, she
sobered, grasping Chris's face between her hands, she looked into
his eyes and said, "I fed it to you, so we could be together."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=     # # #    =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Copyright 1993 Rick Arnold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick is a disenchanted student of life, who has failing grades; and
is still undecided on a major. But, keeps studying.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-= 
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 31                       MAR 1994

THE RAMBLINGS OF A DISEMBODIED MIND             
   By Kevin Davies

    My name is Atraxen. I am the one who rules the night and the 
unconscious thoughts of all. I have kept this chronicle to honor 
the wishes of a most noble man. He has spoken to me through his 
death. Because I know the inner-most parts of his soul, I know that 
he would have allowed others to have heard these ramblings. And so 
now, I, being ineloquent of word, give to you some of the ramblings 
of a disembodied mind.

    It is a night I'll never forget, even through this eternity of pain 
I now endure. On and on through the dismal night we all sat, awaiting 
the fate that would surely befall us. The knowledge that I would never 
get home to see my dear wife, Anna, was enough to eradicate the last 
possibilities of joy that could enter my heart.

    It wasn't enough for them to take my kingdom. No, they had 
destroyed the towns; the fields of my people, once green and fertile, 
were now lands of devastation. My advance scouts had already gone out, 
scouring the land for information of the attack. I knew that nothing 
would be left. I had been told that the kingdom was but a scorched land, 
from the Frescontine River, two-hundred miles to the south of here, to 
the Palation Mountains, only fifty miles to the east.

    Now, looking out the window of my tower room, I could see the thin 
smudge of dust on the horizon, the same one as I had seen as our cavalry 
had invaded other lands, but now they were coming for me. I wasn't sure 
whether to pray for my people to live through this or if I should wish 
for them to die, knowing the hellish slavery that surely awaited them.

    In the stairwell, I could hear the metallic clanking of battle 
armor, as well as the sliding of a sword into its scabbard. I can't 
believe that it would end so soon. I had been certain that they would 
have forced me to watch as my people were decimated before me, and then 
ended my life. No, the breathing; the sound of the footsteps; it is all 
too familiar. It must be Sir Mathew, my sergeant-at-arms. It really 
doesn't matter, since I'm sure that I long ago decided not to bother 
fighting death when it came. This invasion has stripped my soul clean.

	"Yes, Sir Mathew?" I inquired, still not bothering to turn around.

    "Sire, I have come to bear terrible news. Our last force was 
overrun by the Pyrisantian forces. We've no one left to fight," he said, 
the weariness and shame so plain on his face, even in the reflection of 
the window. I noticed that dusk was just beginning to fall. How ironic...

    I finally turned to face him, after a long period of silence. "Take 
all of my retainers to the Shire of Lihindia. There, I have allies. 
Tell all of the survivors to obey the Lord of Lihindia as they would me."
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 32                       MAR 1994

    "Forgive me for asking, Lord Ibam, but where will you go?" he asked. 
Ah, so he did understand that I had no intention of leaving. Good. I 
had picked him to be my sergeant-at-arms because he was intelligent and 
didn't require me to always watch over his shoulder. I was glad that I 
had picked wisely.

    "All of my subjects have been killed. Because of this, I have 
decided that it is better to die the same death as your people, than 
to feel so dead inside."  I then bade him to leave now so no one would 
have to watch the final blow to the cadaver of their nation.

    I left this world at the hand of an enemy, but for ending the pain 
I felt for my lost nation, he had become my best friend in the world.

    I had been scouting the terrain of a neighboring country. I had 
just finished climbing up a steep ravine in a sylvan valley where I 
found a waterfall; no, not a waterfall, it was more than that. It was 
a crystal-clear cascade of water on an incredibly dark and steep granite 
cliff. Beautiful suddenly had a repugnant ring to it compared to the 
splendor of this sight.

    It was then that I saw another kind of movement: the movement of 
life. Quickly realizing that this would probably be a popular bathing 
spot for anyone who knew of its existence, and being the decent person 
that I am, I quickly turned around, covering my eyes as if to raise 
testament to my decency.

    "It's all right. Come here, sir. I, like you are just here for 
the view," she shouted, yet I could barely even hear her over the sound 
of the tumultuous water. No one else would be able to hear us, obviously, 
so while I may be on foreign soil, I am still safe, especially since it 
appears that she thinks that I am simply someone who lives around this 
area, though she obviously had never met me before.

    I proceeded to her, as she had requested, and I was very glad that 
I had. She was quite possibly the most beautiful creature in the lands, 
and she was quite easy to talk to. We found ourselves talking for many 
hours of nothing of any consequence, such as the weather. I fell madly 
in love with her, but she had noticed that the shadows had grown long. 
We bade each other farewell, though I doubt she could ever comprehend 
how final it was. I was to head back into my homeland the next day, but 
she thought that she would see me on another occasion.


    As it turned out, she had been the on who was correct. Three years 
later, we met again, but not in any way either of would have expected. 
We were married to seal an allegiance between our nations. She had been 
the daughter of the ruler of the territory that I had surveyed three 
years hence,  Her name was Anna.
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 33                       MAR 1994

    No longer can I stand the pain in my soul. We killed so many in that 
battle. And I led them. I can still hear the hellish screaming of their 
soldiers tormenting my soul. I'll have to live with the memory of their 
death-howls forevermore. This is the dark side of leading that you never 
hear about. This morning, I heard one of the soldiers praying: "God, let 
me return to my wife and children, please. Forgive me for what I am about 
to do, because I may not be alive to pray when it's over. 

    And then, he uttered the prayer of the soldier: 

       "Lord, protect me today. Save my family and friends from this 
        visiting evil called war; let no retribution fall on their 
        heads. And save my soul from the deep; for it is yours to keep. 
        Save me from death's hand; 'till I fall apart into sand. Amen"  

    I had no idea that the normal soldiers were concerned with life, 
especially their own.

    I had seen my father send squads to hold off the enemy and allow for 
a retreat; they'd do it willingly. But he said it was the SOLDER'S prayer. 
That means that death is something that they think about all the time. 
And since I led him, it's my fault that he was slain. We 'won' the war, 
but now I see that there is no victory in battle. Only loss, for both 
sides. Now I understand why my father would never join in the festivities 
whenever we won a crusade. Never again will I allow us to go to war, unless 
absolutely necessary. We nearly had a border skirmish with the nation of 
Edington, where I had scouted and fallen in love two years ago. 

    Ironic that because we no longer want to fight, I will never marry 
that woman that I had met. Instead I will marry a stranger from the same 
land, all for the sake of avoiding war. Ah, but none of that is important 
now. My soul is darker then the wood of the midnight-wood tree. I must end 
this inner torment. No more war. I must absolve for these  wrongdoings. I 
shall be the kindest, compassionate ruler ever. But is this enough to ease 
my soul?  

    Or is death the only way out...?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=     # # #     -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Copyright 1994 Kevin Davies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin is an emerging writer who sees things with a different eye; the one
in the middle of his forehead. He feels things should be better for all.
==========================================================================
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 34                       MAR 1994
                        
                        =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= WhatNots, Why not? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                        -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-             
News you can Use     
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

STuFF              
=-=-=-=-=
  Well, if you are in your early twenties, here is some information
that will assist you in your financial well being for later years.  
The advise is relatively simple, but can provide you with the funds
to accomplish much that you would otherwise not be able to readily  
accomplish.  Pay yourself before you spend your discretionary
income. 

  What does that mean? Simply take a set amount of your gross income  
and place it into a mutual fund account. Make it as difficult as you
can for access to those funds. These are the funds you will be using 
only for the most dire of emergencies. A growth mutual fund would be
appropriate for someone in their twenties. You do not need to understand
the entire workings of the stock market to use it as a vehicle to make
money over the long run.  Simply do it. You will be glad you did.

  Select a No-Load mutual fund. One that does not charge a fee to 
deposit or withdraw your funds. Read MONEY magazine to get an overview
of how the stock market works, but do not get to involved for it can
be overwhelming, and to assist in selecting a mutual fund.


            
More sTUFf
=-=-=-=-=-
            
  Do you have young children in your home? Do them a great favor,      
READ to them. It won't matter if you read them the newspaper, just
make sure you read to them. Of course, they will probably prefer
something a little more enjoyable than the papers. Try the Classic
Fairy Tales. Who knows? You may even enjoy them. It will benefit the 
children immensely, especially as they get older and start school. 


Even More STuFf
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
              
  What have you done lately to be ecologically conscious?  How about
something simple like recycling? Separate the trash. It only takes  
a few seconds out of your life, and will allow for a better life
for those to follow. No recycling in your area. Make a few inquiries
to your local municipal entity, perhaps you will make the difference,
and they will start a program based on your asking a few questions
about your local recycling program, or lack thereof.  -- RUNE
=========================     #  #  #    =============================
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 36                       MAR 1994

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RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 37                       MAR 1994
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RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 38                       MAR 1994
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=============================================================================
RUNE'S RAG                   PAGE 39                       MAR 1994

   RUNE'S RAG -- Your best Electronic Literary Magazine

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============================================================================
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=============================================================================

