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The annual pilgrimage of Burning Man attendees have been passing through Reno, the city is almost complete and lots are now being built on.

 One of my favorite memories of the art event was the Spanish Gallion called Contessa.  It was an exact replica of a Spanish Ship and they played it up with pirates, silk acrobatics off of the mast spreaders, sword fighting etc.

The story goes something like this; it was stored on a ranch, the ranch was sold, the new owner not knowing he had a million dollar replica (or caring) torched it.  The picture of it burning was a mock burial at sea in San Francisco.

The author has gave me permission to post her story about Contessa:

                                                           A ship is born

 

Ask any sailor and he will tell you that ships are living creatures. From the Navy’s finest aircraft carrier to the Titanic, they all have their own personalties as unique as any person you know. Most ships are good and noble, but they can also be haughty and vain. If you don’t treat a ship right, she can become surly and mean; a dangerous situation for all aboard. For the most part though, ships are quite easy to please. All they need is water under their hull, wind over their decks and the devotion of their captains and crews. Of course, they all secretly dream of becoming legends, but not every ship has what it takes. To become a legend, a ship must have extraordinary strength, courage, compassion, and most of all she must have a loving heart. And the sad truth is that with rare exceptions ships only make the history books when they meet a tragic end.

 

Ships come from that magical place where all mystical creatures live, and they are always girls. Their mothers are ships, of course, but their fathers can be almost any kind of magical creature their mother falls in love with. When the couple decides to have a baby, they have to look for an extraordinalry human called a shipbuilder. Because, a baby ship can only be born on Earth in the dream of a shipbuilder. However, their time on Earth is only the beginning. When they finally rest in a watery grave, the shell rots on the bottom of an ocean or lake while the heart and spirit of the ship returns to that magical land.

 

La Contessa was a ship that started out just like any other. Her parents held high hopes for their little one just as all expectant parents do. They searched eons for the perfect shipbuilder with whom to trust their little one. Finally they thought they had found him. They watched Captain Cheffins doing battle with dragons, and rescuing beautiful women in his dreams. They marveled how he could create entire worlds from his imagination, like his geometric forests filled with million petaled flowers in every concievable color. “Yes, this man is perfect” they said to themselves. And on a night when winds howled, and rain pounded windows like machine gun fire, La Contessa’s parents placed their daughter in the dream of her shipbuilder.

 

They chuckled with delight watching Captain Cheffins bound out of bed full of ideas and electricity as their little ship hatched in his mind. They protectively monitored the preparations and construction over the weeks and months. Then the unthinkable happened. Their delight turned to horror as they realized that Captian Cheffins had no intention of ever setting sail on the seven seas or any body of water at all. Their little Contessa would never know the rush of the wind in her sails. She would never feel playfull dolphins tickling her bow. She would never heroicly save her crew from an harrowing storm. Forget about ever becoming a legend, their little girl was destined to be nothing more than a carnival ride. Word of their child’s fate got around and soon well meaning friends came by to offer encouragement and condolance. “We’re so sorry to hear about little Contessa”… “You two are still young enough, you can have other ships”… “You’ll see, she could still make it to the sea, or maybe a small lake, maybe, someday?”….

 

 

 

The Perfect Guardian

 

Contessa’s poor parents were depressed and angry (at themselves). “How could they have been so wrong about Captain Cheffins?”, they thought. He was young, handsome, full of imagination; he seemed so perfect. Who ever heard of a human that wanted to sail a ship ON THE LAND!! “Well what’s done is done”, they finally conluded. After all, they loved their little ship more than anything, and even if she would never smell the sea, they were proud of her. They looked down on Captain Cheffins and his friends working so hard to bring their little Contessa to life. And they saw the way Contessa would hold her masts high when she caught her reflection in a car window; she was happy. And so were they. She was almost finished, she was going to be beautiful. It was time.

 

The time had come when Contessa’s parents needed to go and secure a guardian for their child’s time on earth. They traveled to the underwater world of magical sea creatures. When they came to the busy market place there were parents of other ships buying charms and negotiating with guardian brokers. There were three kinds of guardians; Sea Sprites were inexpensive but not all that reliable, Sirenes were dangerous, but fiercly loyal, and Nymphs were beautiful, but fragile. Unfortunately, the world of ships is a small one and just about everyone had heard about “La Contessa the land locked ship”. They were prepared to pay any price, but no one wanted to be Contessa’s guardian. Contessa’s mother began to cry. “Please, please” she begged, “I know our little girl is different, don’t judge her for that. She is also beautiful and happy. She needs a guardian all the more. Being different doesn’t make her inferior, why can’t you see that?” The whole marketplace was silent for a minute, then one by one everyone aquwardly went back about their business. Crestfallen, and with heads hung low, the forlorn couple turned to leave. Then from the far end of the square they heard a musical voice shout out. “I will be her guardian” said the still faceless voice. The crowd cleared and they saw it was a beautiful nymph named Molina who spoke. They couldn’t believe their fortune, a beautiful nymph like that? How was it that she wasn’t spoken for already? As Molina stumbled her way toward them their question was answered. Molina, the beautiful nymph was blind. No responsible parent would hire a blind guardian for their ship. Contessa’s parents were out of other options. They were grateful and thankful for Molina. They knew she would love Contessa as they did. They each took one of her hands and sealed the deal with the traditional words. “Guard her well” they said in unison. “Rest assured.” she replied. From that moment, until the day Contessa left the world of humans, Molina would be at her side.

 

 

Contessa Sets Sail

 

Molina flew like starlight to the studio of Miss Monica Maduro, a member of Captain Cheffins’ crew who was sculpting the figurehead that would be the exact likeness of Molina herself. The figurehead would be the crown, and La Contessa the queen. Captain Cheffins had assembeled a fine shipbuilding crew. Master designer, Greg Jones gave Contessa a sleek and strong body. A modern day Spanish Galleon, her masts and rigging would have made The Nina, The Pinta, and The Santa Maria all drool. Inside, was a lush cabin fit for a King, with a rockin’ sound system and a bar to whet your whistle. Her parent’s were wrong, Contessa was built to withstand many a harrowing storm. She skillfully made her way through the congested city streets on her journey to place that would be her home for the rest of her time on Earth.

 

After a long, slow, stop, and go trek Contessa finally arrived at the Black Rock Desert. She liked this place. There were all sorts of strange and wonderful people who lit up the night and techni-colored the day. There was music and dancing non-stop. A Kelidescope of flesh and paint, fire and feathers. Artwork sprung up like grass in a meadow, and she was the most beautiful of all. She knew it, too. After much primping and polishing, like a teenage beauty queen she was ready to make her grand entrance. Oh baby! What and entrance she made! “Gorgeous!” “Sheer perfection!” All the citizens of Black Rock City adored her, they positively worshiped her! “Contessa, we are yours. Take us with you.” they cried. But only those she deemed worthy would be allowed to board. She was Contessa, most beautiful of ships, she made the rules. Some might not like her rules, but they would follow them because no one says no to a beauty queen (at least not for long). Contessa was as vain and spoiled as she was enchanting.

 

 

Contessa Meets Her Man

 

While the wild citizens of Black Rock City, Burners, as they are called, loved her, the Masters of Black Rock City did not. The Masters did not like those who didn’t follow their rules. They sent their rangers after La Contessa to slow her down. They told her who could board her. They threatened to expell her from the city. Nevertheless, she would not be stopped. She was Contessa, most beautiful of ships if she felt like teasing the shining, blinking people, she would, if she felt like chasing a whale, she would and if she felt like just chasing the wind, she would do that too. There was no one or nothing on Earth that would or could slow her down. That is until she saw him. He had been there all along, she just hadn’t noticed; she was too busy noticing herself. But, he had noticed her. He stood perfectly still, watching. He towered over the city. Nothing phased him. Not the wind. Not the heat. Not the rain. The burners worshiped him, too. He didn’t have a name, he was just The Man. Contessa decided that he was the only one that could ever be worthy of her and she vowed to make him hers. She sailed up next to him and haughitly announced: “I Contessa, most beautiful of ships grant you the honor of my hand. Together, you and I will rule this land of the Burners forever.” The Man smiled at Contessa, for he loved her, as well. “I don’t think you understand this land. But that doesn’t matter, you amaze me. Never before have I seen the Burners worship anything other than me. For that alone I could love you. But, I also see in you strength possessed by none other than myself. I am proud and honored to accept your hand, my queen.” Contessa felt a warmth spread throughout her oppulent hull.She smiled coyly at the man and said “Then it is done, my King”. At that moment a volient wind storm erupted, sending naked, feathered bodies scrambling for cover. The skies opened up and all heaven rained down on the land, blessing the magical union. Contessa joyfully sailed around the city, and the Burners blessed and paid homage to their new queen.

 

One night the entire city gathered around The Man. There was music and fire dancers, fury and revelerie. Burners were dancing in and on and all around La Contessa. From time to time she would lock eyes with The Man, reigning supreme, and her heart would fill with love for him. She was so happy, she thought she would burst. Then fireworks exploded from The Man, turning night into day. Contessa filled with pride at the sight. The Burners screamed and contorted with excitement and frenzy. Suddenly, in the next second, a huge fire broke out at the foot of The Man. Within minutes the fire was at his waist, then swallowing him whole. She filled with panic, and desperation,”NOOOOOOO!!!” The Burners, in contrast, were sent into fits of bliss as The Man came crashing down; this is what they had come for, this is the moment they had been waiting for from the start. He too, was enjoying the spectacle. They all came to burn The Man, and he would not dissapoint. He looked toward Contessa and with utter satifaction said “until next time, my love” as he completely surrendered to the flame. Nothing had prepared Contesssa for this and she was brought to the depths of despair.

 

 

Nothing But Ashes

 

 

As the sun crept up over the black hills Contessa prayed that it had all been a dream. Unfortunatly, a sail around the hidious pile of charred rubble told her it was all too real. Her man was gone. There was a new mood enveloping the city. It was somber and reflective. The Burners, it seemed, knew something Contessa didn’t understand. Already, the city was half it’s former size and people were leaving all the time. Day’s end brought another ceremonial fire, this time as the fire raged not a sound was heard from the crowd. They just sat and watched the temple burning and when they had gotten their fill, they quietly walked away. It was as if her growing depression was infecting the whole city. She couldn’t bring herself to care about the Burners when her whole world was disapearing before her eyes. By the next day everyone was gone or leaving and only a handful were left to clean up the city. They toiled like ants, shoulder to shoulder clearing the land of everything from dirty couches to single solitary sequins. Shortly, absolutely nothing was left of the magnificent city. Nothing! The empty Playa was as desolate as Contessa felt.

 

A New Home

 

Captain Cheffins had arranged a foster home for Contessa. It was a ranch on the far end of the Playa. Grant Ranch was a modest place, but it had enough space to house Contessa comfortably, as well as a few large art pieces from Black Rock City. Joan Grant was a nice old lady and she loved La Contessa, but it wasn’t the same. She wasn’t allowed to sail, no one told her how beautiful she was, and there was no Man. Still, she tried to make the best of it.She spent the months that followed recounting the glory days with Molina, and Joan Grant. The desert, Contessa discovered, was a wonder. The wind was as constant as the sun, and the Playa which at first glance looked like a dead, barren place, was actually teeming with life. Winter brought rains, and to her surprise, the Playa became a shallow lake. She didn’t get to set sail on it, but she did get to enjoy it. She thought about Captain Cheffins and was thankful that he cared for her so much. She loved her new home, and she was happy.

 

Winter turn into spring and spring into summer; each season bringing new and interesting changes to her beloved Playa. She was basking in the sun one warm summer day when she heard the unmistakable sound of dry playa dust crunching under Captain Cheffins’ boots. He had brought his crew with him. “He’s back, Molina, He’s back!” She squealed.

 

 

Return to B.R.C.

 

La Contessa loved all the attention being paid to her as Captain Cheffins and his friends got her ready for her return to Black Rock City. The year she had spent exposed to the harsh elements of the Playa had only deepened her beauty, matured it. Time passed quickly and soon the day came for the gates of Black Rock City to open once again. This time she entered the city with a newfound appreciation for it, knowing that in a week the entire city would be gone. She took her premier sail around the boundaries of the city, and the people worshiped her once again. Still nothing in the city could hold a candle to her beauty and elegance. Her heart filled with love and joy when The Man came into view. There he was, standing tall and proud over his city. She sailed right up to him. “I should be angry with you, you should have warned me. But what’s done is done and if I only have a week with you I will not waste one minute of it in anger.”she said to The Man. “Ahh, Contessa, I had not thought it was possible to love you more, I see you have only grown more beautiful in our year apart. I think you are becoming too good for even me. Still, you are my queen and I’ll never let you go, I love you so.” vowed The Man. There was something different about Contessa this year. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful, she had become magical as well.

 

When the neon people of the city boarded her, they were transported to the open seas in another time. When aboard Contessa, the people actually became Pirates or Spanish Sailors sailing the seventeenth century seas. Captain Cheffins understood, because this was the vision that came to him when Contessa was first placed in his dream. In fact, Captain Cheffins and some of his crew felt the magic the year before, even before Contessa could feel the magic herself. They fashioned themselves pirates, of course. In fact, it took a month for the captain to stop begining every sentence with a gutteral ARRGGG when he returned home the year before.

 

This time, however, everyone was touched by her magic, even the Masters of the city. They, on the other hand, feared it. Contessa was too powerful. She could do whatever she wanted. They sent their Rangers after her. She loved chasing them. She loved going fast. The Masters were adamant, EVERYONE IN BLACK ROCK CITY MUST GO SLOW!!!!! They hollered at the captain as he flew by. It all got out of hand, they said Contessa was a danger to the entire city and they told Captain Cheffins that she would not be allowed to return the next year. When word of their decision spread, something they hadn’t counted on happened. The Burners rose up and begged for the Masters to reconsider. In the end, a deal was struck; Contessa would be allowed to return, but changes were in store. She was just glad her place was secure and spent the remainder of her one-week-reign throughly enjoying every minute of it. When The Man burned that year, she reveled in his glory right along side the racus Burners.

 

 

The Wheel Turns

 

Satisfied, she was glad to be going back to Grant Ranch and Joan Grant. During their time in Black Rock City, Molina and Contessa hardly got to speak to each other. There were always so many vying for Contessa’s attention; Molina had her own admirers as well. The city was so surreal and full of color, the one week left them with stories to trade over an entire year. As seasons changed one to another, a year had gone by sooner than they realized. Time speeds up, it seems, the happier you are.

 

Again the unmistakable sound of the Captain’s boots on the dry playa dust broke the silence of a sun scorched day. He and his friends were back to get her ready. In no time her deck and hull were full of helping hands scrubbing, polishing, sanding and varnishing her ’till she shone. When the work was all done, Contessa was radiant and Molina looked like an angel leading the way. While the music from her rockin’ sound system blared, The Captain started her engins and charted his course straight to Black Rock City. She couldn’t help noticing that something seemed a little off this time. Under the music, cleaning and dancing there was just a hint of regret. Molina felt it too, especially from Captain Cheffins and Greg Jones. They were keeping a secret from her. When they neared the city, Molina and Contessa learned the terms of the deal struck the year before.

 

 

The Deal

 

Captain Cheffins would not be allowed to sail her while within the city walls. Neither would Greg Jones or any of the steady hands she was used to. The Captain looked uneasy and meloncholy as he handed the wheel over to the new helmsman. Contessa coudn’t stand to see her captain so sad. She showered her magic on him and Molina left the figurehead and planted her best kiss on him. After that he felt much better. With Mr. Snook at her helm and the Captain on her deck La Contessa returned to her city to reign supreem. Like devoted subjects the Burners immediately crowded her, each wanting his turn aboard. Her magic was great and the entire city sensed when she entered. The Man was so excited that he shook with love for her, much to the concern of the engineers who had constructed him. Black Rock City, as usual, was an entirely diffrent place from the year before, but nothing had changed for Contessa. She had to go slow like the Masters wanted, but that didn’t slow her down. What she gave up in speed, she made up for with loud music and non-stop dancing. She loved to stop right next to The Man and see how many people she could get to dance on her deck. The Burners marveled at her speed before, now they marveled at her strength. She perferd having the Captain on her deck all the time, his slightly graveled voice rolled around the deck like the comforting sound of surf lapping upon a sandy shore. He loved being the ring master and didn’t miss for a second the feel of her wheel in his hands.

 

 

The Accident

 

Her new crew of helmsman were also having the time of their lives, but one illfated night their enthusiasm got the better of them. The lure of her renown speed was too seductive. They decided to take her outside the city walls and let her run. They knew Captain Cheffins would never allow this, so they waited until he fell asleep at their camp. Contessa knew what they were up to, but of course she didn’t mind. Molina, on the other hand was sick with anxious worry. When it was clear that there was no stopping them, she decided to leave the figurehead and rouse the Captain. And with her gone, there was no one left protecting La Contessa. Even though Captain Cheffins ran like an antelope, he was too late. Within minutes of leaving the city walls the novice crew had run Contessa into a sand dune, ripping a huge gash in the side of her hull and bending one of her wheels. The crew was just as sorry as they could have been, but no one felt worse than Molina.

 

The Rangers had been alerted and arrived on the scene moments after the Captain. They ordered everyone to leave Contessa where she was, and go back to Black Rock City. It was understandable, there was nothing that could be done in the dark and it would have been dangerous to try and sail her with a bent wheel. Reluctantly, they all left, resigned to return at the break of dawn. However, theives had also heard of the accident. As soon as all the Rangers and crew were accounted for they snuck back to where La Contessa sat stuck in the sand. Then they stole anything they could carry; including her state-of-the-art sound system and solid brass telescope. It was a devestating blow for her, but ships never wallow in self pity. Besides, she had to comfort Captain Cheffins and Molina who each blamed themselves. Not to mention, calming down The Man who wanted to avenge her. He vowed to take those holligans with him when he burned. It took a little time, but finally she was able to convince him that might not be such a good idea. Of course, all the Burners came and offered to help fix her up. Materials were donated, anything the crew needed to make the repairs was given to them. In the end, she wasn’t perfect but she could sail again.

 

 

Downward Sprial

 

That year ended like all the others. The Man burned while the Burners danced. The spirit of Black Rock City was, and is a generous one; and while the theives were never caught, they were forgiven. Captain Cheffins and Greg Jones, though, had decided that La Contessa would not be coming back next year. They broke the news to her as they were sailing back to Grant Ranch. “It doesn’t mean you won’t ever be back, we are just going to give you a little rest.” She tried to put on a brave face, but that was more than she could take. When her crew was gone and Joan Grant was out of sight she wailed her heart out. She was a ship and didn’t cry like a person does, when a ships cry they wail and lurch as if they were going through a hurricane. It was quite a sight to see Contessa there on that still, sunny day thrashing about like she was navagating the Bermuda Triangle. Even Molina was helpless to do anything.

 

 

Contessa couldn’t have known that by carring on that way, she was signing her own death warrant. You see, they say misery loves company and it must be true because in no time the most miserable man in the land was there sniffing around. When he came and saw the great La Contessa there seemingly, alone, and broken his mouth watered with muderous thoughts. His name was Mike Stewart, he was the richest man in the land, and the most rotten. He was kicking in Contessa’s newly repaired side when Joan Grant fired off a shot from her riffle into the air. “Hello, Mike. I saw your truck out front. Mind telling me what you are doing on my property and why your foot is where you know it doesn’t belong?” He stammered out an insult aimed at Burners in general, and tripping over his own feet hurried to the safety of his truck. Then he sped away in a cloud of dust. Joan Grant climbed inside Contessa and cooed soothing words, stroking her soft velvet sofa. That was all she needed. She was out of her funk, but the damage had already been done. She had awakened a dragon, and now it was only a matter of time.

 

 

The Devil in the Dragon

 

Mike Stewart didn’t know Contessa wasn’t going back to Black Rock City. He only knew that the Burners loved her and he hated all Burners. As far as he was concerned, if he couldn’t get rid of the Burners, he was at least going to get rid of their precious Contessa. Joan Grant was the only thing standing in his way.

 

He offered to buy her out, but that didn’t work. Actually it backfired. She sold him her land for the huge price he was dangling like a carrot, but had her lawyer write a lifetime lease on her home and surrounding land into the contract. He was furious. But she didn’t care. She knew that it was up to her to protect Contessa.

 

“Well, he thought, I’ll just have to get rid of her the old fashioned way.” He sent three of his thugs to the ranch to “take care of her”. Contessa saw them first. The three of them crawling around the bushes. She shook her masts and shifted from side to side trying to wake up Joan. The three poured gasoline all over the front porch. She knew all too well what they were planning to do. MOLINA DO SOMETHING! she screamed. Molina was sleeping in her figurehead and woke with a jolt. As soon as she saw what was happening, she rushed at one of the would be murders. She clawed at his face and body. One of the others tried to pry her off of him and wound up getting torn to pieces himself. But, the third stayed just out of sight, and egnighted the gasoline. In seconds the entire front of Joan’s house was on fire. Molina had to save her. Through the thick smoke she found Joan gasping for breath on her bedroom floor. She grabbed the dying woman and brought her outside. Once outside, Joan was able to breath again. When she saw her house she fainted in Molina’s arms. There was nothing to be done about the house, at least she had survived. Molina laid her on Contessa’s velvet couch and held her head. The fire department was able to keep the fire from getting to the surrounding area, the house burned to the ground. Just like The Man, there was nothing left.

 

Goodbye Joan

 

Joan stayed at the ranch for the next few days, sleeping inside Contessa’s hull at night. She had to pack up the things around her property that had survived the fire. Mike Stewart came by and gloated. He practicaly admited he was the one responsible. It’s a good thing that Joan’s riffle had burned in the fire, or she would have shot him on the spot. She packed the last of the things she cared about into a box and began to cry. Molina came to her and wiped her tears with her skirts. “Oh, Molina. I have to go. Who will watch over you two?.” Molina assured her that was her whole reason for being. Joan wasn’t convinced, but she had no choice. When her son came to pick her up she had to go.

 

Mike Stewart was watching the whole time. When they were gone he and his three thugs came to finish off La Contessa. They had brought axes. They were going to chop Contessa into fire wood. He had dreams of using broken bits of La Contessa to heat his home all winter long. What he hadn’t counted on was Molina. Molina had a mean streak too. She wanted payback for what they had done to Joan Grant. With one sweep of her hand she had all four axes in her hand. One by one she crushed and pummeled the arsonists without mercy. Then she turned on Mike Stewart who just happened to be facing the figurehead. “You!”, he rubbed his eyes. “You’re the figure head!” He was frightened out of his mind. He didn’t even pretend to care if his men were dead or alive. He ran to his truck fast as the wind. He was too far for Molina to catch him. She setteled for pelting him with the ax handles. The first one she threw split his skull, the second broke his arm, the other two broke the windshield of his truck as he ducked inside the cab. Again he sped down Grant Ranch’s long drive. The plumes of dust covered the unconsious men and made them look like corpses in the light of the full moon, and when paramedics arrived they thought they were all dead. Mike Stewart had driven himself to the local hospital, in his pain and confusion he blamed the attack on Joan Grant. However, Joan had been eating dinner with one of the Sherrif’s deputies in the local diner when the attack happened, not to mention that the woman was nearly 80. The Sherrif couldn’t figure out what happened. The three men were all in comas and couldn’t speak at all. He told Mike Stewart that he wouldn’t stop until he found out who did this. That was the last thing Mike wanted. He had always conducted his business outside the law and couldn’t afford to gamble on what an investagation might bring to light. After all, how was the Sherrif going to arrest a wooden figurehead? For the moment, Contessa was safe.

 

 

Bottled Fury

 

 

Mike Stewart’s injuries healed, but he couldn’t forget that night. He thought about nothing else, though he never spoke of it. When summer came he heard the sounds of Black Rock City coming to life, and couldn’t contain his fear and fury any longer. He wasn’t the only one who was moved by the sounds of Black Rock City. Contessa longed to be there. When she didn’t arrive, The Man called out to her. To her surprise she could hear him perfectly and he could hear her as well. Not being absorbed with the people of the city left her able to spend time with The Man. She felt truly blessed. The contstant thump, thump, thump of the city was welcome like an old friend, and The Man was all hers, nothing could be better. For everyone but Mike Stewart that is.

 

Even after the city had dissapeared again, he still couldn’t get the thumping music and the happy reveliers out of his ears. It was driving him crazy. He was boiling over and he had to lash out before he exploded. His lawyer called and Mike bawled him out. The lawyer quit and hung up on him, adding fuel to the fire. He was burning with rage when his wife spilled some coffee on the carpet, so he beat her till she bled. It didn’t make him feel any better, in fact he was worse. Then he thought about La Contessa, especially Molina. He called one of his friends and told him about the “priceless” figurehead that was just sitting there in the desert waiting for someone to take it. He thought that with the figurehead out of his way, he could do whatever he wanted with La Contessa. When his friend arrived he grabbed a chainsaw and drove to Grant Ranch to face Molina. The ship was just in sight when he let the chainsaw roar. As he expected, Molina was on him in seconds “get it” he frantically yelled. He kept her busy while her home was being stolen. He swung his weapon wildly, but of course it had no affect on her, when he saw his friend running out of the ship with the figurehead in his hand, he ran back to the truck and sped down the long drive. He was battered, Molina had broken most of his ribs and his leg too, nevertheless, it was with utter satisfaction he checked into the hospital.

 

 

Getting Rid of Molina

 

When he got out of the hospital he offered his friend a fortune to hand over the figurehead, but he underestimated the power of a nymph. It was the likeness and home of Molina and he fell madly in love with it. He treated it like it was a real person. He put her to bed at night and proped it up in the livingroom during the day. As for Mike Stewart, when he was well enough he tried again to chop La Contessa into kindling. With his foot in a cast he hobbled all the way from his house to La Contessa. “Who’s going to save you now?” he cackled. When Molina appeared right in front of him larger than life, he passed out from fright. She laughed at his bloated, bandaged carcass lying limp and helpless at her feet. He was so pathetic that she couln’t bring herself to beat him again. Instead, she hefted him by his collar and flew him back to his house. He regained concienceness in mid air. He screamed, and called out for his mother. “Oh, shut up” she smurked and then threw him onto a pile of horse manure. He was flat on his back, she got in his face and told him that she knew where he lived and wanted her home back. Then she was gone in a flash.

 

Molina needed her figurehead. Nymphs have to live in the water or their figureheads to stay healthy. Contessa was worried about her. She was okay for a while, Contessa’s plush surroundings would make a great home for anyone. It was winter that was her weakness. As the weather got colder and colder, Molina got weaker and soon she was quite sick. “Molina! Molina!” Contessa had to call her several time before she woke up. She told her to go the nearby hotspring. Molina refused, she wouldn’t leave her. Contessa resorted to ordering her to go. She loved her, she couldn’t see her hurting like that. Molina knew Contessa was right, she couldn’t hurt a fly in her current conditon, so she went.

 

Molina wasn’t strong enough to fly. The hotspring was only two miles away, but she had to crawl the whole way over the hard frozen ground. The trip nearly killed her. When she finally arrived, she slipped into the warm water, gently floated to the bottom and slept. Finally, relief as the mineral rich water healed her. There she laid all winter long. By spring she was feeling better. She still wasn’t strong enough to fly, but she was able to walk to check in on La Contessa. Contessa was glad to see her. She stayed for a few days but still being weak, she began to get sick again. Back to the hotspring she went. She let herself fall into a deep sleep at the bottom of the pool.

 

 

The End of Contessa

 

Mike Stewart was out riding his horse when he came to the hotspring. His doctors had told him a soak in the spring would be good for him. When he saw Molina laying motionless at the bottom, he fell off his horse. She stirred a bit, then went back to sleep. Cautiously he crept up to the edge of the pool. He silently watched her peacefully sleeping for over an hour. He convinced himself that she was not a threat in that condition, and he began to get an evil idea. He was careful not to make a sound until he was well away from Molina. Once he was, though, he rode like he was on fire back to his ranch.

 

In a shed outside his house he grabbed four gallons of gasoline, loaded them into his truck, and sped away to Grant Ranch. Wasting no time he ran back and forth delivering the heavy cans to the spot where La Contessa rested. He kicked in the door to her hull and began soaking the plush velvet with fuel. Contessa swayed violently side to side, but he would not be deturred. Up to her deck he climbed dousing the whole ship. Contessa put up a brave fight, she crashed her masts upon him, she flung nails from her boards at him. Unfortunatly for Contessa, without Molina to help her Mike was too much for her to handle. Contessa got in a few good blows, Mike’s face was pock marked and bleeding from the nails, in the end though, he was able to jump down and light the match that ended her. The flames seared and crackeled. Contessa screamed for Molina. Vibrations ripped through the calm water. Molina could feel her Contessa’s terror, and was at her side within seconds, seconds too late.

 

“Noooooo” Molina cried. She tried in vain to put out the flames, but there was nothing she could do to save her. The only thing she could do was make sure she did not leave this world alone. Molina rushed around the little town sounding the alarm. From anywhere and everywhere people ran to be with Contessa in her last moments. Even the most unlikely people came to send her off. People that had never been to Black Rock City, but had always held Contessa in high esteem for the beauty she was. Some cried at the sight, some were sickened, others couldn’t utter a sound at all. But a few who had been to Black Rock City knew what to do. They danced. They sang. They celebrated the wonder that was La Contessa, most beautiful of ships. The frenzy caught on, the others stopped mourning and danced around and around her in a circle until there was nothing left of her but ashes and a twisted metal frame resembling a school bus. In that moment she knew why The Man put himself through this every year; it was absolutely exhaliriting! When the last board turned to ash she felt herself rise above the small crowd. Up, up, up she rose until the Earth that was her birthplace and home was just a swirling blue and white ball.

 

 

Together Forever

 

Where was she going? she wondered. The cold blackness of empty space seemed to change. She could feel a warm breeze enveloping her, she was spinning faster and faster. She didn’t know which way was up or down, there was no up or down only pressure and motion. Then stillness. She was in a strange place like nothing imaginable on Earth. A place that somewhere in the back of her mind she vaguely remembered. She stood up, actually stood. She was still a ship inside, but the body she now wore was like a radiantly beautiful human woman. There were people coming to greet her. A Man and a Woman. Her parents. She knew them though she had never seen them before. “Mother, Father” she beemed. She ran and embrased them. They were so proud of her. In her short time on Earth she had become something of a legend. They eagerly took her home and soon the whole family was laughing and crying. Visitors came by the droves to get a glimpse of her. She charmed the massed with stories of her time on Earth. Even in this magical land she was extraordinary and exsquisite. And then came the knock on the door from the visitor she had been hoping for. It was The Man, her man.

 

He had seen what happened, for he always kept a eye on Contessa while he was away. She introduced him to her parents, but it wasn’t necessary. After that first year, The Man sought out her parents and knew them quite well. Even without an introduction they would have known him because he was a legend among legends there. He brought Contessa and her parents to his home, her new home, and showed them how to look down on Earth. It was with a little sadness that they watched as news about La Contessa spread. From all across that swirling blue and white ball Burners anguished over her demise. Even the Masters, and Rangers were filled with sadness, and regret. They knew in time the sadness would fade. She only wished they could all know how happy she was and how greatful she was to have known each and every one of them.

 

 

 

Time to Celebrate

 

Contessa and The Man were so well loved that it was decided that there should be a celebration for their marriage. Everyone was invited and the celebration went on for weeks. Contessa was in her element doing what she was meant to do. It was very much like her time in Black Rock City, only it lasted longer. There was just one thing that would make it better. Molina. She wasn’t there. Contessa knew that after she was gone from the Earth, Molina would have to come back too, but she was nowhere to be found. Normally ships and their guardians remain friends forever, sometimes a guardian will protect many generations in the same family. Molina was ashamed that she had let Contessa down and had gone back to the watery world where Contessa’s parents first found her.

 

Contessa went to find her. She wasn’t hard to find. Molina turned her back, and Contessa wrapped her arms around her. She remained like that; not saying anything, just holding her friend. “What are you doing, let go of me, Contessa”. Molina said as she squirmed out of her embrasse. “Not until you come back with me”, She answered “I can’t, I let you down. If I hadn’t left you alone you wouldn’t even be here.” She sobbed. “Molina, you are my best friend. You didn’t do anything wrong. I love it here. I love that we can still be together. Please, don’t blame yourself for anything. Mike Stewart was a horrible, hate filled person. What’s done is done. Everything happens for a reason, there are no mistakes. He did us a favor. I have never been happier.” Molina smiled. She took Contessa’a hand and together they left to join the party. When they arrived, the crowd yelled, “Cheers to Molina!”. Molina had done her job well against all odds and everyone respected her for that. Everything was perfect once again.

 

 

Soon it was time for The Man to journey back to Black Rock City. Contessa kissed him good-bye and told him to have fun. “Don’t worry about that, my love. Fun is the only reason I go! See you in a week!” Contessa spent the week with Molina watching from above. They laughed and reminiced about the “good-ol’-days” “I wish I could go down there again. It’s not the same watching. I want to be there” lamented Molina. Contessa couldn’t contain herself. She began giggling like a little girl. “What?” “Contessa, WHAT” she demanded when Contessa kept giggling. She calmed herself down, and told Molina the good news. She and The Man were already parents. They found the perfect shipbuilder. He was a magician by trade who was building a floating circus. “Oh, Molina, you should see our little girl. She is just the most beautiful ship in the world. And, she is almost finished!” She said, blue with pride. “There is only one problem.” “What’s that?” Laughing, Contessa replied, “Her captain is planning to sail her around the world. I hope you can swim!”

Yes, I know this is a little of the real estate path, I would love to here any comments on it.

 Ron 

 

 

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