The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 28: Intermission
Council Meeting 7:00pm: The sound of a gavel resonated through Kings Bar quieting all attending the meeting. "The monthly town meeting will now begin. Sheppard Book, will you please open with a prayer?" Mayor Simon asked bowing his head along with all in attendance. "God, we thank you for today and all that you have provided for us. We pray for your wisdom and guidance during these proceedings. May peace find us all, even those who are wondering but not lost...Amen!" Book finished looking back up noticing the bounty sitting with his back against the bar seemingly lost in thought.
"Thank you Sheppard Book, now if everyone will remain standing we'll recite the 'Pledge of Allegiance' (A/N1). Mr. Murray, will you do the honors?" the mayor asked standing up. Some people saliently protested while most didn't care. However Mr. Williams and Ned rolled their eyes thinking about the old days. The days where men like Murray were not able to run for let alone hold office. "I pledge allegiance to 'MY' flag and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all (A/N2)" he recited in a deep voice that resonated for all to hear. "Thank you Mr. Murray." Simon said receiving a nod from the man. "First order of business is the court house fund. The state legislature recently gave us a grant of $21,000.00. That leaves a balance of $1900.00 with what we have raised ourselves. Councilman Roger Smithers has offered to give us a .10% discounts on the lumber. Would anyone be willing help with the short fall so we can start building before winter arrives?" asked the mayor scanning the crowd.
Sheppard Book stood up once again getting everyone's attention. "Mr. Mayor, a few citizens have given me donations for rebuilding the court house. However they wish to remain anonymous." He said coming forward placing the money in front of Mayor Simon. "Sheppard Book, there's $900.00 here." Replied Jacob Carter wondering just how many people donated. "Good people step up in times of need Councilman Carter." The Sheppard replied then sat back down. Simon smiled happy that others were being proactive, that didn't keep him from wondering who donated. "Indeed...that leaves $1000.00 balance. I pledge another $200.00; will anyone else follow the example of our fellow citizens?" Teal'C asked from his seat with folded hands. George Hammond stood up looking around then addressed the council. "I will donate $500.00 to the courthouse found. We need to have more formal meeting not that Kings Bar is a bad venue." Many people clapped while others cheered. Mr. Williams didn't cheer though; this wasn't how he expected the meeting to go. Frankly it was the opposite way. The longer there was no court house the easier to make documents disappear. Williams felt people looking at him expectantly. Feeling the pressure he stood up. "I'll cover the rest Mayor Simon, a court house is an intricate part of our town and I wish for our town to return to normal." Williams said getting nods and few cheers too. Donating would be a good move, it just might throw cast suspicion elsewhere. "Thank you both for your generous contributions." The mayor replied then looked at his notes. He would be glad to have a proper office once again.
Jack looked on smirking at Books little white lie. He was glad the man didn't say one person donated, that would raise more questions than needed. Somehow Book giving the money to rebuild the court house didn't surprise him. Jack leaned back relaxing noticing Inara looking over the meeting. She watched from the upstairs staying in the darker part. Inara probably wanted to avoid being seen by Williams. Hopefully the bastard didn't go looking for her afterwards; one of them would end up dead. The meeting moved on to other things that didn't interest him in the least. Jack instead watched with amusement at the political arguments starting up, fools he thought.
-Janet's House-
"What do you think they are laughing about Cass?" Ray asked as the two play checkers while Loki gnawed on a bone. "Probably about my aunt and uncle, they are the talk of the town." She replied moving to take three of his pieces. "Dang it, I didn't see that move coming." He said looking at his remaining pieces. "Uncle Jack says you got to think three or more moves ahead of your opponent. That's how you stay alive." His friend answered focused on the game. More laughter came from the kitchen as the two continued their game.
"Let me get this straight Valla! Jonathon carried Sam, draped over his shoulder out of the bar and half way to her place." Janet asked laughing in-between her words. Samantha sat blushing deeply wishing for a medical emergency. That would take one of her tormentors away leaving only two left. Dry'ac held onto the table chuckling at Valla's version of the story. "...and the fact you not only punched Thelma, you punched Pete. Then got away with it, damn lady...you even got carried off by a handsome man. That's a win in my book!" she added making Janet spill her wine. "It was embarrassing to be carried like that. My father didn't know what to say about it." Samantha responded with a huff behind a smile. Yes she did enjoy being carried like, gave her funny feelings on a level she never expected. "I do..."Valla replied with a grin. "Oh do tell, we must know." Janet insisted pouring more wine in her glass then passed the bottle to Dry'ac. "Janet..!" Samantha crooned getting more laughs from around the table. "Well, your dad mentioned having a serious talk with...Jack, then you. He wished the two of you would make your minds up." Valla answered laughing harder falling out of the chair. "...serves you right Valla...what do you mean by 'make our minds up'." Sam replied a little worried now. Dad usually stayed of her personnel life but this may be an exception. "My dear friend, the two of you are flirting without realizing it, him carrying you on his shoulder is downright sexy. I wish Teal'C would do that with me." Dry'ac explained to her friend. "Jonathon should just ask your dad for permission to court you!" added Janet enjoying the girls night. "...or you could turn the tables on 'Jack' and pursue him!" Valla said after getting back into her chair. Samantha couldn't help herself and started laughing. Yes, that might be fun to try she thought. Maybe it was the wine or just Valla's infectious personality
-Council Meeting-
The gavel pounded loudly as the one cent alcohol tax proposal passed. The tax intended going towards infrastructure improvements. Harry was not happy; this is the second raise in a year. "Why does the council always want to raise taxes on beer and whiskey? Couldn't they raise taxes on lumber or bullets?" he asked out loud getting Jacks attention. "Probably because they believe people like me won't stand for it. Drinkers will pay a penny more and not care. Though over time people will ask how the cost of drinking went up and wonder how it happened." The bounty hunter answered downing his sweet tea. "I noticed but no one listens to me, they just want their bear or whiskey." Maybourne replied continuing to clean glasses. "They never do until it's too late, then they cry wolf." Added Jack as Charles walked back down stairs.
Kowalski had just come back from changing clothes...again. Jack had found him with a flask so in the trough he went. "For the record, I hadn't taken a drink yet Jack." Charles said sitting down beside his friend. "But you would have though...besides, you smell better for Amelita." Jackreplied not looking at him, eyes focused on the sheriff and Mr. Williams. The bastard had noticed Inara then sent Ned to fetch her. "What about Amelita?" asked the drunkard looking around for her? "You've been too drunk to notice." Harry added wiping down the counter. "What are you two going on about, Amelita is a friend." Kowalski replied accepting a sweet tea. "Judging from the looks she gives you I don't think friendship is what the woman wants." Jack told his clueless friend. "What would a woman want with a drunk like me?" asked Charles locating Amelita near swinging doors talking with Sheppard Book. "Amelita wants' the man she knows you can be." Replied Harry then continues. "...breaks over, get back to work. We'll be busy once this meeting is done." Charles rolled his eye getting up. "Right boss man." Jack chuckled watching as Amelita watched his friend walk away; some guys are just clueless he thought.
"Sheriff Shanahan will now give us an update on the rustling and Comanche problem." Mayor Simon informed the crowd. Pete walked up to the front confidently while being laughed and heckled along the way. Damn them all he thought, they'll see how good a lawman I am. Once at the front he scanned the crowd spotting Mr. Williams, Ned and Inara. Per usual Morning Feather was left at the ranch under guard. The bounty hunter sat by the bar looking bored. Harry, the traitor, did busy work like he always did during meetings. Thelma sat with the big idiot, Jayne, and the Serenity Ranch group. Confederate trouble makers the whole lot in his opinion.
"Mr. Mayor, councilmen and my fellow citizens." Pete began attempting to sound like those on the council. "My investigation into the rustling has led me to believe that it's a small group of men. From talking with other sheriffs they hit a town then keep moving making a circuit. I have an idea that will have to be approved by the council, if approved I'll call a meeting to discuss it publically." He said scanning the crowd. Williams gave him a nod of approval then turned to spoke to Ned making him grin while placing a hand on Inara's knee. "Why not just tell us now sheriff? We've waited long enough for you to act!" one person asked pointedly. "I agree...the bounty hunter has done more in the last few days than you have." Malcolm added giving the sheriff a hard look. More people agreed with Malcolm Reynolds irritating Pete to no end. He had a plan, granted it was one that Williams and he came up with to cover their tracks. The plan would make him look good too.
The mayor pounded the gavel getting bringing the meeting to order again. Roger Smithers stood up to speak looking angry. His friend didn't deserve this kind of treatment from ungrateful people. "If Sheriff Shanahan has a plan he should discuss it with us first. We can then decide if it's beneficial to Haven. That's what you elected all of us for, isn't it?" he asked scanning the crowd giving Malcolm a hard stare. There were murmurs of discussion but Malcolm wasn't buying it. "This is a load of horse manure Zoe, the only plan he has is misdirect and buy time." he said to his long time friend. "You aren't wrong sir, do you have a plan?" Zoe asked keeping her eyes forward. "Of course I have a plan..." he replied as she gave him a skeptical look. "...that I'm still working on." Malcolm finished. "Thought so...don't get shot again like last time." Zoe answered making Jayne chuckle. "If your husband or Kaylee were here they'd give me more respect Zoe." Reynolds added popping his suspenders. Zoe rolled her eyes at his comment. "They're not so you have to deal with me instead." She said with a smile. Truthfully Zoe was glad Walsh stayed behind. Kaylee didn't need to be alone at this stage in her pregnancy. "Next plan you come up with I'm bringing dynamite, could've used it last time." Jayne added as he watched Thelma walk away to get a few drinks. "No dynamite unless I say so, understands?" Mal replied trying not to think about the damage caused by the Big Merc. "...killjoy!" Jayne muttered.
Roger convinced the crowd into accepting Pete's request, all be it a hard sell. People were getting upset at the lack of progress. "We'll discuss your plan tomorrow Sheriff in my office around 8:00am." Mayor Simon said for all to hear. He wanted this problem solved sooner than later. Pete nodded then moved on to the next topic, Comanche's. "Everyone knows by now that four Comanche attacked Miss Serra and Jonathon while coming back from Mr. Williams." Pete started his report with. "We owe Mr. Wayne a round of applause for returning Miss Serra to us unharmed." Jack glared at Shanahan as everyone stood and clapped. He didn't want or need such attention. Inara clapped too noticing his Jonathon's discomfort mouthing 'sorry'. He clearly didn't like being the center of attention. "Better stand up Wayne; just go with it for now." Harry told his employee. Jack stood doing as suggested letting the applause die down. Pete grinned ecstatic that he got some payback at the big bastard.
Pete then continued with more confidence. "When I investigated the scene I found a few pieces of evidence. I found this rifle in the pond along with a pistol in the weeds." The sheriff informed everyone holding up the guns. "These have U.S. Calvary markings on them. The serial numbers match ones that were stolen a few months back. Could be our rustlers are also selling arms to Indians." This information was old but no one knew about it but Pete. "Do you know for sure if these were stolen or taken off dead cavalry soldiers?" asked George Hammond, if it they were stolen the problem is bigger than thought. "My first thoughts are that the weapons were taken off the battle field. I went through my files finding a report about stolen guns." Pete answered hearing more murmurs. "Let's all hope they're not being supplied by the rustlers." He added to give people something else to think of. The more they had to worry about the better. Losing his job wasn't an option at this point and time.
"He threw that last part in for fun." Jack said to Harry as he looked on. "You sure about that, it makes sense to me." The bar owner replied. "Exactly my point, it makes sense. He is trying to save his job." The bounty hunter explained causing Harry to think. "Sheriff, did you find any tracks possibly leading to their encampment?" asked Ned from his seat moving around to get comfortable. His foot still a bit from being stomped by the bounty hunter. "There were tracks leading about a mile south of the pond. The Comanche stopped there then doubled back past the pond, a day old I reckon." Pete added looking around the room.
"Mr. Wayne, did you notice any activity while escorting Miss Serra?" Asked Councilman Mark Carter, he wanted to know if Pete was telling the truth. Finding out about Thelma destroyed his trust in his former friend. Jack put down his drink looking at the man. So that's Samantha's brother that Janet told him about. He stood to address the room gathering his thoughts. "My apologizes Miss Serra, I didn't want to spook you with so far to go." He said then continued to answer the question. Inara didn't get mad; she wanted to but understood the man's reasoning. "Shanahan isn't wrong about the tracks he found. The Comanche were following us quietly while headed to Blue Sun Ranch. They were on the ridge above us when one of them caused some rocks to fall." Jack confirmed looking at Inara briefly then the council. "Given your more of an expert on Comanche can you explain why they didn't attack at that moment?" Mark asked digging deeper. Jack resisted rolling his eyes at the man's question. People like him wouldn't survive long outside of the town limits. "The main reason is simple; they lost the element of surprise. I could've killed then while riding down the ridge." He replied letting his answer sink in. "The other reason is that they were look outs or a hunting party. Either way they had to report back to their chief." Jack added noticing Walter taking notes while his apprentice took pictures. "Why should we take your word for it Mr. Wayne, your just bounty hunter turned bouncer." Roger asked still angry at being made a fool by the man then arrested by Mitchell. Jack ignored the hateful man waiting for relevant questions.
"Indeed, Mr. Wayne is correct. Comanche are fearsome warriors not to be under estimated. We would be wise not to ignore his words Councilman Smithers." Murray responded looking at his fellow councilman. Jack listened to the exchange with his back to the crowd. He had his fill of the meeting wishing it was over. "Mr. Murray, you just gave me an idea." Roger said with a grin. "What is your idea Councilman Smithers?" asked Jacob Carter. He didn't like the man but he did have a good head for business. "Let's hire the Mr. Wayne to work with Sheriff Shanahan. With his help they can solve both of our problems." Unfortunately for Harry he was in front of Jack at that moment. Jack spit his sweet tea on the man's vest then turned around. Pete gave Roger a 'what the hell, I thought we were friends' look.
"That's a great Idea Councilman Smithers." Mayor Simon said looking at the stunned bounty hunter. Harry wiped off his vest muttering under his breath about bad ideas. Mr. Williams smiled widely liking the idea better than his. This would solve all his problems at once. "Mr. Mayor, I already have a job, right Harry?" he asked the bar owner. Harry looked at Jonathon then the mayor. The bounty hunter clearly didn't want anything to do with the idea. "Mr. Wayne is correct; he's an important part of my business..." Maybourne replied then caught a subtle jester by Ned. "...however it's up to him. Mr. Wayne is more experienced in fighting Indians and tracking." He added making Williams happy. Harry disliked the man more and more. When Inara explained what Jeff did to her his blood boiled.
"Thanks Harry, you were a great help." Jonathon said in a low voice. "Just being honest Wayne." The man replied walking to the end of the bar. Pete shot both Harry and Roger dirty looks, which wasn't lost on Sheppard Book or the council members. Hopefully the bounty hunter would decline, Wayne looked mad as he was too. "We could use your help in this regard Mr. Wayne. I'm sure the council will compensate you for your time." George Hammond asked from the other side of the room in his booming voice. "Indeed, your reputation in tracking is unmatched." Teal'C added getting many nods of agreement. "I couldn't agree more Councilman Murray, with your 'SKILLS' the rustlers and Comanche won't last long." Williams said subtly letting the bounty hunter know the terms of keeping his secret, hunt down the Comanche living on his property. Jonathon knew he had no choice now; the bastard used this to his advantage. Damn Roger for opening his pie hole. "Can I think this over Mr. Mayor? I didn't plan on going back to that line of work so soon." Jonathon replied in a calm tone.
He had already figured out much of Mr. William's operation and who the major players were. Morning Feather helped greatly in that regard. Jonathon just didn't want to do it publically letting Cameron take the credit. Walter would definitely write a story that would go beyond Haven. That would give him too much exposure he thought. The council talked briefly then Mark Carter stood up. "Mr. Wayne, if you can give the mayor an answer by 9:00am tomorrow that would be acceptable. " He answered then sat back down. Mark wanted the bounty hunter to take the job. From what he overheard Pete was part of the rustling ring. His former friend also needed to pay for treating his sister badly too. "You will have my answer by them Mr. Mayor and fellow councilmen." Jonathon said sitting back down hiding his anger at being taken back down a path of vengeance and death.
Sheppard Book had watched the bounty hunters facial expression change quickly. The man clearly did not want to take the job. The job shouldn't be that big of a deal to a man like him. There was something dark lingering underneath the man's normally calm demeanor. Book would've never expected one man to stir the pot in a good way. God surely had a sense of timing and humor. The mayor stood getting Books attention and others. He checked his pocket watch wondering what time it was. The meeting had been going on for almost two hours now, people were starting to get a little restless or thirty as it were.
"We have one last topic to discuss. It concerns this coming school year. Dr. Jackson wants to add additional curriculum to broaden our children's horizons. Mr. Jackson, you may start when ready."
The Mayor Cliff Simon said holding back a yawn. He still had paperwork to do back at the office; public servants should be paid more he thought. "Thank you Mr. Mayor. I won't take long. I'll keep it short this time folks." Daniel informed the crowd getting a few 'right, last time you talked for an hour and said nothing' and 'if I fall asleep will you start over again' another asked. Daniel ignored the laughter as he approached the council. So he talked over an hour last meeting, if people had that short of attention span it was their fault.
Adjusting his glasses and suite jacket he approached the council. "These are books on Egypt and European history. The middle of the books has pictures of various important building." He began passing them out to each councilman. "What are we supposed to do with these Daniel Jackson?" asked Teal'C as he opened one up. "For once I agree with the nig...my fellow councilman." Roger added catching himself from insulting the man. Both Carters stared at the mill owner for his insult. Murray just ignored the man for it was just a word, words don't hurt, and actions do. "I want you to look them over and give me your honest thoughts. Children need to know about the world outside of the United States." Daniel answered turning to face the crowd. "Why should we Dr. Jackson? The French are friendlier to us than the britts. I don't know about the other countries though." Joe asked who owned a small ranch south of town. Mark and Murray looked them over while Roger pushed the book aside half listening to Daniel. "I'm glad you asked that Joe." Daniel answered taking his glasses of to clean them. Joe got punched in the arm by his friend as a thank you.
Ned took this opportunity to limp his way over to the bar taking a seat by Jonathon. "Having a enjoyable evening O'Neill." The foreman of Blue Sun Ranch asked in a snarky tone. "Go to hell Ned, I got the message." Jack replied drinking his whiskey that Harry gave him despite the bar being closed. Ned smiled liking have one over on the bounty hunter. Felt good having something on the man. Jonathon tried to listen to Daniel ramble in an attempt to ignore Ned, but he wasn't going anywhere. "I don't think you did bounty hunter. The boss wants' the job done in a way only you can do." Ned told Jonathon waiting for a reply. "'I'll do my part, Williams better hold up his end of the deal." He answered watching Harry get ready for the meeting to end. "Listen good bounty hunter, I don't repeat myself." Ned said motioning over Harry, he needed a drink. "The boss wants the Indians wiped out to the last one, understand...no survivors. " Jonathon squeezed the glass slightly cracking it, any more pressure it would break. "Do we have an understanding O'Neill?" he asked looking at the man then his boss. "We have an understanding. Don't cross me or you'll be pushing up daises." Jonathon replied getting up and walking outside. "The man's going to kill you Ned, mark my words!" Harry told the Blue Sun foreman. "No he won't, the bastard has too much to lose. Now give me a damn whiskey Harry, I'm parched." Ned responded sure of himself. The bounty would prove useful after all.
"Thank you Dr. Jackson, the council will discuss your proposal then bring it next meeting for a vote." Mayor Simon said. "That's all I want sir, thanks for listening." Daniel replied then walked back to his seat. "Does anyone else have any questions, concerns or other business?" Cliff asked hoping they could end the meeting. Sure enough someone stood up dashing those hopes. "Reynolds, what is your problem tonight?" asked Roger staring down the man. "What are you going to do about Sheriff Shanahan behavior towards? No sheriff should act that way towards women folk." He said getting nods from several people. Pete felt like blowing up, this was the bounty hunters fault. Had he not road into town Sam would still be his. He wouldn't be worried about his losing his job as Sheriff either. Speaking of the bastard, he was nowhere to be seen. Mayor Simon stood up again addressing the crowd making them quiet down. "The sheriff's treatment of Miss Carter is a personnel issue however...we will address this tomorrow morning. Sheriff Shanahan should act professional while on duty." Pete stared down Reynolds silently cursing the man for bringing it up. Thankfully he wouldn't have to face this crowd. Most everyone held her up with high esteem which is probably why Hanson left town. He didn't want to be run out of town by an angry mob. "If there's no further questions, comments or topic I'll consider the meeting closed." Mayor Simon said to a happy crowd. "About damn time, Kowalski...go find Wayne. We're going to need him." Harry ordered then motioned to Sam Malone to start serving drinks.
A/N1: The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is attributed to Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy. The pledge was published in 'The Youths Companion', a children's magazine in 1892. It was meant to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to America. The pledge was officially adopted on June 22nd, 1942. 'Under God' was added during the cold war in 1954. For more information go to /news/pledge (I included the pledge because of I'm a Patriot).
A/N2: This is the original version until 'MY' was changed to 'the flag of the United States of America' on June 14th, 1923.
LoneWolfO'Neill