February 23, 1870

Colorado. 

This morning I noticed a crowd by the saloon and wandered over, asking if everything was okay. They were practicing shooting and I talked with the group while they practiced. I told them about my progress with writing and I couldn’t help but notice that Suzi was there, in spite the fact that she’d said she was going to leave the area. 

I looked over at Adder at one point and asked, “Any updates on that dead farmer we found on your doorstep the other day?” 

“Only that he’s been buried. I named him Harold,” he looked at me. 

“Oh really. So still no suspects behind the story of that one huh?” 

“I found some cow dung on our porch this morning...seems like a lot of things are getting left behind lately,” Chels said. 

“My shirt got ruined from that corpse,” Adder muttered. “Well, the feather colours would suggest Comanche, but I’ve never seen them around here. Only folks who have seen ’em are the Apache. And I don’t trust them.” 

“Are the apache and comanche tight?” 

“No, just ask the Apache chief about the Comanche, he’ll soon tell ya what he thinks.” 

“My sergeant had been spoken to Apache today,” Marcus said then. 

“Oh? How did it go?” Adder asked. 

“They said it had nothing to do with them. Beside they said they will tell us when they saw Comanche.” 

“Well, if you believe them, you’ll believe anything,” Adder shrugged. 

“Where are the Comanche located?” I asked curiously. 

“I don’t believe, so I will ask both of them. But now we have to find the Comanche,” Marcus said. 

“Have fun finding a phantom,” Adder said. 

“I will try. I heard that they sometime pass here. I had been patrolling around earlier.” 

I looked at the fort, thinking that I wanted to talk to Marcus, and then looked back at him. 

“Alright, did ya see that thing that was left outside ya gate?” Jake asked him. 

“Ya, the rotten fish from Comanche. In fact we should thanks them,” Marcus nodded and Adder chuckled. 

“Yeah, since ’someone’ left somethin’ outside our door too…” Jake frowned as Adder read a note in his hand. 

“Ever heard of Surstromming? That’s how the Swedish deal with rotten fish. And we are lucky enough to have a Swedish soldier, Anders in my Outpost,” Marcus said and we laughed. “They still stink but well, Swedish will eventually find their own way of eating them.” 

“Can’t say that I have, but never the less... I think we should teach them redskins a lesson,” Jake looked at him. 

Roy came over and I still felt suspicious around him since yesterday’s events with Yoko. 

“I think I can bring my cannon and gatling with you,” Marcus smiled and pointed at the outpost. 

“Woohoo! Cannon!” Alva clapped her hands in excitement. 

“Ya got a wagon to transport it?” Jake chuckled. 

“Right there,” he nodded and pointed to the wagon down the street. 

“Oh right, sounds good... I guess we can use that not knowin’ how many would be up there,” Jake said. 

“So when you want to launch the attack?” Marcus asked and I looked at him seriously. 

“How about after the horse race... That would maybe be around 2pm or so,” Jake said after some thought and I knew it didn’t give me much time. 

“Well whatever time we do it..I will be ready,” Chels looked at them. 

“Then I am afraid I can not join you guys as I have to report to Regiment Headquarter,” Marcus shook his head. 

“Well maybe we can scout the mountains and then launch the attack when the Scout reports back?” Jake asked. 

“Well I will go back to mine. Please inform me when you guys are ready before I go to Regiment,” Marcus said. 

“See you around, Marcus,” I said with another look at him. 

“We will let you know Lieutenant,” Chels promised him. 

I announced that I was going back to my office and Jake asked when the first issue of the paper would be coming out. I told him that I was still working on a few pieces and he insisted he’d help with some things. 

“Ya know about the ‘cave’?” Jake asked eventually. 

“What cave?” 

“Well if ya walk towards Amiville and then before the stairs leadin’ up to the left and ride side of the road turn right…” Jake nodded in the right direction. 

“I know three caves,” Adder said. 

“Mhmm... And a fourth in the mines too,” Jake winked. 

“More caves here then most know,” Chels nodded. 

“I know a cave as well. Ain’t really my favourite place to think about,” I looked at Chels knowingly. 

“I guess you could call it a cave,” Adder nodded. 

“Well that ol’ cave up yonder would maybe be worth writin’ a little piece about too,” Jake shrugged. 

“I’ll look into it,” I nodded. 

“I bet all the caves have there own tales,” Chels agreed. 

I waved to them and then walked down the street,  wanting to find Marcus. I walked over to the entrance of the mine and called for him. I walked into the mines and he looked at me. “Oh it’s your, why do you want to find me?” he asked. 

“I have a proposition for you but I didn’t want to say it in front of the others. I think I can help with the Native problem.” 

“You mean you know something about them?” he asked, putting down his pick axe. 

“I know them... personally…” I looked around, making sure we were alone, and stepped a bit closer. “Well, some of them. The Cheyenne, for example... I am close friends with. I owe my life to them and they say I am always welcome in their village.” 

“Well that would be not a bad thing as you can make sure they keep their head down," he added, "So what do you know about this incident?

“Absolutely nothing but that’s not my point,” I shook my head. “My point is... If I can get in that good with the Cheyenne, maybe I can find a way to make the other tribes trust me. I tried it with the Cherokee but for some reason or another they now see me as enemy number one. I have a possible way back in though, and I’m going to do everything in my power to resolve the issues there.” 

“So you want me to help you? But how?” 

“No, Marcus. I want to help you. Jake, Chels, Adder.. They know my history with the Cherokee too well and would probably say I’m crazy for wanting to try this. But it’s worked before... it may work again. If I can somehow get on the inside, try and get to know the different tribes, then bring back to you the information that I discover..” 

“But how do you get inside?” 

“I met the Ute war chief the other day... before they came to attack the town. I believe I would be able to get back there and talk with them again. I go unarmed, wearing native clothing... I tell them that I have been attacked and bullied by the same outlaws that are now attacking them, which is true…” 

“But how do you get inside?” 

I looked at him with a smile and put a hand on his arm. “I met the Ute war chief the other day... before they came to attack the town. I believe I would be able to get back there and talk with them again. I go unarmed, wearing native clothing... I tell them that I have been attacked and bullied by the same outlaws that are now attacking them, which is true… Maybe they identify with me and realize that I don’t come to create violence but peace. I don’t believe that violence will solve our problems, Marcus. I believe we need to understand each other and hae peaceful conversations.” 

“But you haven’t tell me my role in this? What do I need to do?” 

“Marcus, there is nothing you need to do but trust me. I will bring back whatever information I discover to you. You use it however you will. I’m just offering myself as the go-between... Maybe then we will stop the violence that is unnecessary between our peoples. If you go in there guns blazing and wearing uniforms, they won’t talk to you. They’ll shoot you right out of the village.” 

“I would agree it is worth to try, but I do hope you know the danger of it.” 

“Marcus... The Cherokee ate me up and spit me up. They blew up the sheriff’s office in Georgetown, knowing I was inside, after they’d promised that they’d leave me out of the war. They ambushed a fort that I was in with another soldier and then set dynamite to the door of the room I was hiding in. Believe me when I say... I understand the danger of this. But I’m still here, aren’t I? The Cherokee haven’t come at me once since we tried to calm the waters and it failed. I know they are in the area again now, I know they attack with the Ute. I’m waiting for the day when Chief Standing Bear realizes that I’m here too and he comes after me. But until that day I’m not going to cower and let them all attack my town, our town.” 

“So when are you going then?” 

“I reckon I should start this soon, if we have any hope of stopping confrontation this afternoon.” I looked in his eyes and asked, “Do you trust me?” 

“I can’t give you a certain answer. But I will see,” he said with a straight face. 

“What do you know about the stolen horses incident? With the mayor and Frank?” I asked and he shook his head. “I can tell you one thing already, to prove my trustworthiness to you. Frank told me that the Ute chief was the one who stole the horses in the first place, which he then sold to the mayor. The name he gave me for the chief, however, is mistaken. He gave me the name of Chief Sitting Horse for the chief of the Ute. I have investigated and that is wrong. The chief of the Ute is a woman.” 

“A woman?” he asked and I nodded. 

“Something is going on, Marcus... There’s a bigger story here, and I intend to find out what it is.” 

“What? What do you mean? It is just a small town.” 

“No Marcus... This is bigger than just our town. All of these native tribes gathering together to attack us weekly with the help of whatever outlaws they can round up... Leaving dead bodies and fish in our town… I’ll report back to you whenever I get information.. We can use this as our meeting spot if we need to.” 

“Sure, I usually mine in here so you will see me.” 

I shook his hand and said, “Thank you, Marcus.” 

“No problem, I want peace too. I had seen too many in war.” 

“You stay safe, Lieutenant. I’ll be in touch,” I said and headed out of the mine. 

*** 

This afternoon, I coloured my hair black and changed into my Native outfit. I locked my gun away beside my bed and walked out to the saloon where Adder told me that a cat had attacked Saiya. London told Adder she was ready to go and mentioned her gun was locked and loaded, and I wondered what on earth that was all about. 

I started to explore nearby towns and talked with Reena who was out walking. A horse trotted over to us and decided he wanted me to ride it so I hopped on and rode over to Kansas. I greeted Hawk and Sasha and they said that all was well with their tribe. 

“I had a few questions I wanted to ask you…” I looked at Hawk.

“Yes? What questions you have?” Hawk asked. 

I was wondering ... first off... who is the Chief of the Ute?” 

“Hmm not sure, was a woman, midnight something, hmm forgot whole name been many moons since I have seen my Ute sisters.

I smiled as the information lined up with what I had heard, which confirmed Frank was lying. “So the name Sitting Horse doesn’t mean anything to you?” 

“Like I have said I have not seen them in many moons, thinking though woman’s brother was really chief but was gone or something. Do not remember and chief could have changed there,” Hawk looked at Sasha. “We need to go visit them. Has been too long since we spoke with them.” 

“How have things been with the Cherokee being so close to you again? Any problems?” I asked. 

“Not at all,” Sasha said. “We’ve had more problems with palefaces from Iowa.” 

“Am sorry to hear that,” I nodded. 

“We are on wonderful terms with the Cherokee still.” 

“Why would we have problems with Cherokee?” Hawk arched a brow. “They are close allies and friends to our people.” 

“I don’t know. I just wanted to see if you could do me a favor… I haven’t spoken with any of them since that day when Slade and I went to talk to the medicine woman and they talked around me in circles, not listening to what I was saying.” 

“Hmm what favor are you needing?” Hawk asked. 

“I hate that there is tension there and I’d like to alleviate it,” I said. 

“Then simply go and speak with them,” Sasha shrugged. 

“It’s not that simple, Sasha. I have tried that, countless times. With a native man at my side.” 

“Then it’s best to let it go,” Sasha said. 

“There’s still something I haven’t tried,” I looked at Hawk. 

“I can not speak for anyone Trin. That is something you must do and try. Coming from me would not make a difference,” Hawk said. 

“But you are in good terms with them, with the chief,” I sighed. 

“And we wish to remain so.” 

“The natives have been attacking Colorado,” I told them. “I aim to find out why but it’s not going to happen until I am on good terms with the Cherokee again.” 

“There are many reasons,” Hawk nodded. 

“But... for that many tribes to join together and attack, and to bring along outlaws with them... This is bigger than a vendetta over method of justice. It’s bigger than a land issue. I’m sure of it.” 

“Sometimes we try and make things more than what they are because we do not understand.  Think Trin of how many of our people have lost whole tribes, lands,women, children, and you see no reason why we would attack?” Hawk asked. 

“Just yesterday we were lured into an ambush by the whites. We were all defeated without even being able to draw our weapons,” Sasha said. 

“If not one band of soldiers are attacked do they not call in others to help them?” Hawk asked. 

“I guess…” I nodded. 

“We are no different.” 

“But you don’t join in the fight against Colorado. So you are different. At least not that I’ve heard or noticed…” 

“Maybe all things you have not heard of then,” Hawk grinned. 

I sighed, realizing I was getting nowhere, so I tried another approach. “How about the Comanche? Do you know about them?” 

“Oh we did get a visitor from one this morning,” Sasha said. 

“Did you…” 

“Very nice people...baby, we need to visit them too,” Sasha looked at Hawk. 

“ery nice people who left a dead body of a farmer on our doorstep allegedly and some rotten fish at the soldiers’ outpost,” I said. 

“It was a single woman, she was lost. We guided her back. And again we were drawn into an ambush just yesterday.” 

“I have not spoken with any Comanche in many moons,” Hawk said. 

“Hawk... I run the paper over in Colorado now. I only wish to present an unbiased, informative piece with information from both sides of the story. I’m never going to get both sides of the story until the other tribes trust me as your tribe does.” 

“And we will not betray our brothers and sisters,” Sasha said. 

“I’m not asking you to, Sasha,” I looked at her. 

“I remember you saying you ran this. There is nothing really to tell Trin,” Hawk said. 

“There is always something to tell, Hawk. In every interaction there is the possibility for something much greater that is happening behind the scenes.” 

“Then work on finding out why the palefaces constantly attack us,” Sasha said. 

I realized I needed to take my old approach, as Sasha was suggesting, and look into the attacks on Native tribes more than the attacks by Natives on Colorado. 

Hawk blinked and said, “Hmm not sure what all of that means but you will have hard time finding a story Trin. The natives are mostly all close and stick together and that bond grows stronger.” 

“Does she not care that we get attacked? Only the palefaces?” Sasha looked at Hawk. 

“I do care... I truly do. I just want peace for all, that’s the only reason I’m pursuing information. The more we understand each other, the less attacks there will be from both sides. Hopefully…” 

“Most of the time we act in defence of actions or threats done to tribes,” Hawk said. 

“You’re both right. I need to shift my focus. If I’m going to follow this angle I need to look at both sides, not just one or the other.” 

“Maybe see why the paleskin so intent on putting native chiefs in their jails,” Hawk said.

“I can do that,” I said. 

“Whatever she write, pale face will see us as enemy,” Doe, the girl who’d wandered over, muttered. 

“Tell me about this attack from Iowa,” I looked between them. 

“As I said, we were drawn into Iowa and before we could arm ourselves, we were set upon and defeated,” Sasha said. 

“How many were against you?

“Then they ran into our village and shot at anyone and anything that moved, armed or not.  They were about 12, we were 3.” 

“Didn’t they almost shoot DD?” Doe asked. 

“DD ran into tipi just in time, Doe,” Sasha promised. 

“She could have been hurt,” the girl frowned. “She just a baby!” 

“That’s awful, Sasha. I’m just glad DD got in the tipi in time,” I sighed. 

“I was not armed and dress like I do and yet I was still shot down as well.” 

“Sounds like an ambush for sure, Sasha. You don’t remember any names I guess?” I asked.

“There were no warnings either, we simply got shot. I did not stop to make their acquaintance.” 

“Of course I just thought…” I started. “I appreciate your time, both of you... I’m sorry I came at it with the wrong approach but I have the right perspective now,” I said and they both nodded. “I will be looking into both sides of the story... Why the palefaces are attacking the natives, and the chiefs. There’s no way you could talk to Chief Standing Bear on my behalf?” 

“I do not know what to say on that. It is really something you must figure out how to do Trin. My words are not the same as coming from the one they are meant for,” Hawk said. 

“You’re right,” I nodded. “Thank you both, I’ll let you get back to your day…” I said and we said goodbye as I rode home. 

Colorado. 

I went over to knock on Adder’s door but he wasn’t home. I waved to Jake and some others on the street and asked Adder, “Hey Sheriff. Can we chat?” 

“Sure.” 

“Inside?” I asked seriously. 

Adder nodded and led the way inside. I sat on the couch, thinking how long it had been since I’d been there. “Grab a seat,” he invited. 

“Had an interesting conversation with Hawk and Sasha this afternoon.” 

“Let me guess… Palefaces attacked them in Iowa yesterday?” 

“They did,” I nodded. “Ten on three. Sasha was unarmed, their child had to run into the teepee,” I said and he nodded. “You heard about this already then.” 

“A little Cheyenne girl came into the saloon last night, injured. I took her to Ida who patched her up, then we rode out to Kansas, where they were patching up their wounded.” 

“They mentioned that paleface law want to put all their chiefs in jail.” 

“Well, last time I heard of law out that way, it was that drunken fool Patrick,” he said. 

“Pat Williams... I met him when I lived in Nebraska,” I raised an eyebrow and he nodded. “So why does he want to put all the chiefs in jail?” 

“He was a ‘Ranger’ back then. He’s a Marshal now. Had a run in with him in Amiville last time I was there,” Adder said and I nodded, not surprised. “No idea. Maybe he thinks all indians are the same.” 

“Is he the only one who wants to put their chiefs in jail?” 

We heard shooting outside and ran out to see Jake running after a man. Adder asked if he needed help just as Jake went down. 

“That’s for being a dirty little thief!” the shooter called out. 

“We need a doc! Or a nurse!” Free called out. 

Adder walked back to his place where two people were standing and I asked what happened while Chels bent down to Jake. Millard told me that a stranger had walked up to Jake and asked him for a shootout, and won. Chels took Jake to the clinic and I talked with some people who were standing around. 

Chet wandered over and I greeted him. “Miss Trin…” he started, removing his hat. “I got some bad news…” 

“What’s wrong? Is it Tom? Did something…” 

“No ma’am… Not Tom. I am afraid the river overflowed few days back n took Georgetown with it.” 

I sighed with relief that Tom was okay but then heard the news about the town. “What the…” 

“Yes ma’am. Nobody got hurt, just swept building away…” 

Karan walked over and Chet told her the news about Georgetown. I introduced Chet to Free and told him about Jake getting shot down. I introduced Adder and Chet and we talked about the dual Jake was involved in. I was glad I got out of the town when I did. 

“Well you’re here now, Chet. And am glad to have ya around. Tom will be thrilled,” I smiled. 

“Yeah, reckon gotta let Tom know he unemployed now too, unless he has found work.” 

“I think he was plannin’ on that. Was moving his stuff over to live with me here. Haven’t seen him all day though. You said Jake’ll be fine?” 

“He used to help me at pulling teeth when I was a barber in Bisbee,” he said with a laugh. “Reminds me one time this miner comes in saying his tooth hurt so bad. ‘Just pull it fast’, so I did. Next day he comes at me with a rifle. Seems I pulled wrong tooth ’n broke two others.” 

We chuckled and I watched Chet walk into the clinic as I headed back to my office. I said hi to Millard and then headed upstairs for bed.