By the end of the next week, they had built the skeleton of a house. The weather was noticeably cooler as well, but they were going to keep on going even if it snowed. Carol had begun feeling sick and could not help much but she was determined that she was not going to stay in town alone all the time. She sat under a large Oak tree that they were leaving in their yard part of the time, and she thought she might become an expert at cooking on a fire. She supposed she better because there were definitely no replicators and no electric stoves, so they would be cooking on a wood burning stove. She thought it would probably be fun.

Jim thought he had discovered muscles that he never knew he had, and Bones had said the same thing. The first morning after they had worked all day long, they had barely been able to move. However, that had passed after working a few more days. Spock was still doing the cutting, and Jim, Bones, and Uhura were doing the work.

"I wish Gordon and West could have stayed and helped us with this," Bones said as he was standing up to relieve his back a moment. "Since we are going to give it to them if we suddenly vanish."

"They have work to do, Bones," Jim replied and hammered another nail in. "This isn't too bad."

"I'll be glad when we're putting walls on it."

"It won't be long. We'll be putting a roof on it before that. Imagine creating a tin roof." He looked at Spock. "How do you accomplish that?"

"The tin will be cut before we apply it, Captain," Spock said. "It will not be extremely difficult. It will require about the same amount of work as what we are doing now, only it will have to be lifted up to the roof."

"Don't remind us of that," Bones said. "I've never done work like this in my life. I'm a doctor, not a carpenter."

"Well, we're not carpenters either, but we're having to improvise," Jim replied.

"There's certainly no call for someone who speaks Klingon or any other alien language either," Uhura added.

Just then, they heard horses coming. Spock put his hat on and made sure it was down over his ears. Jim stood up and looked to see who was coming. There were two riders coming. "Who do you suppose this is?" Bones asked.

"Let's just hope they aren't looking for trouble," Jim said as he jumped down from the floor of the house.

The two riders came into the "yard". One of the men sat straight in the saddle and looked like he had plenty of pride. He was dressed in a gray suit with a tie and he had a well-groomed mustache. The other man was dressed more rugged and had a tied-down gun. Whomever this man was, Jim figured the other one was his trouble shooter.

"Howdy," Jim said.

"Hello," the one who seemed to be in charge said. "I'm Simon Vaughn. And who might you be?"

"Why are you asking?"

"I believe we are neighbors. Just wondering who's over the hill from my property."

"Well, I'm James Kirk."

Vaughn got down from his horse. "Are you the Jim Kirk who has been talked about all over town?"

Jim blew out a breath. "I suppose I am," he said. "Why?"

"Are you going to be raising your own herd of cattle?"

"Eventually. We're just getting started, as you can see."

"I see." Vaughn looked at the structure that they were working on. "Looks to be a very interesting house."

"It probably will be."

"I suppose this means you're putting down roots permanently."

"Most likely. Unless we see something else."

"I like to know who my neighbors are."

"Well, you're looking at them."

Vaughn looked at the others, stopping as he eyed Spock, who simply continued his work. "Where are you folks from?" he asked.

"You're asking a whole lot of questions," Jim said. "I don't know anything about you either."

Vaughn looked a little stunned by Jim's firmness. "I am from Texas."

"Well, it doesn't matter where we're all from, does it? We're here to try and make some kind of life for ourselves and we just want to be left alone. You always bring your bodyguard along when you're making a cordial visit?"

"He is not my bodyguard. He's my foreman. He runs things for me."

"I'm sure he does."

"When do you intend to start cattle ranching?"

"I'm not sure."

"I hope it won't be a problem if some of my cattle drift over onto your land?"

Jim scowled at that, but then Bones came over to them. "Are you trying to move in on us?" he asked. "We need our land for our own cattle and we don't intend to let anyone use it and let their herd strip it before ours even get a chance."

"He's right," Jim said. "You just use your own land, and we'll use ours. Minding your own business is usually what makes good neighbors in my experience."

Vaughn frowned. "That could be the case," he said. "But there come times when neighbors have to learn to get along."

"We intend to get along with everyone."

"Perhaps we'll talk again, Kirk."

Jim watched as they rode away, and then he looked at Bones. "You didn't have to be so harsh, Bones," he said.

"Jim, sometimes, you're just too nice," Bones replied. "You can't let people run over you. This is not the twenty-third century."

"I am aware of that, Bones, but we don't want to make enemies."

"Ah, he's just a windbag that wants to come over here and see what we have so he can try and move in on us."

"How do you know that?"

"Why would he bring that gun slinger with him? He brought him so you'd know he has someone who can do a fast draw."

"Maybe he just brought him because he didn't know us and didn't know what to expect."

"Whatever."

Bones walked back over to their house frame as Spock gave him another piece of wood. Jim walked over to Spock. "What do you think?" he asked.

"He seemed to be rather curious about what we're doing here," Spock said. "Although he could see plainly that we're building a house. He seemed to be curious about me as well."

"He couldn't know anything about you."

"It is unlikely. However, not impossible."

"What do you mean? Q?"

"He did try to cause us trouble in San Francisco."

Jim considered that a moment. "Well, we're not moving from here," he declared. "No one is going to run us off this property. We bought it with our own hard work."

"I agree, Captain."

Spock went back to his cutting, and Jim went back over to the frame that Bones was working on. "I'm sorry I stepped on your authority, Jim," Bones said without straightening up.

"You didn't step on my authority," Jim replied. "We're all in this together."

"Yeah, well…" Bones slung his hand as he almost hit his finger. "I hate nailing nails."

Jim smiled. "It's kinda interesting, Bones. I mean, look at what we've built."

"I'm a doctor. I don't need to have sore fingers."

"You're just changing the subject."

Carol came over to Jim. "I think I can help for a while," she said.

"You feeling better?" Jim asked.

"Not much but sitting doesn't help."

"I don't think working will either."

"It might." Carol picked up a hammer.

"I wonder what that guy thought about Uhura up here working like this."

"He had probably never seen a woman using a hammer."

Jim shrugged. "We better look out for those guys," he said.

"I think we could see them coming for miles," Bones remarked. "Nothing is hidden around here."

"There are a few trees, and some hills."

"Not so's you'd notice."

"Bones, I think you just fit right in here."

Jim took another board from Spock and added it to the frame they were working on. "How long you think this house will last?" Jim asked.

"Oh I don't know," Bones replied. "Probably till some big tornado comes through and blows it into shreds."

"You think that will happen?"

"Who knows? I don't know the history of this town."

"That's just your bleak possibility, huh?"

"Of course."

When the end of the day came, Jim just lay down on the ground under the tree. "I am too tired to eat," he said.

"You can't work without eating," Carol replied as she was standing over him.

"I'll eat in the morning. Just don't make me get up."

Bones did not have any trouble eating, but he sat by himself as he was drinking from his bottle again. He thought he was going into town this weekend since he was getting low. Maybe the others would want to do something besides work on this house too.

By the time the weekend did come, they were starting to work on the roof and the walls. "I think this is coming along well," Jim said. "I guess when you work on something all day every day, you can get it done pretty quickly."

"We're just getting started," Bones declared. "We're getting to the hard part now. The part that actually makes it possible to live in the house."

"I guess I have to go into town and get more supplies, and get that tin for the roof."

"Captain, I have the measurements for the roof," Spock said. "It should help determine how much is needed for this task."

"Thanks, Spock. We can go into town tomorrow since it's Saturday. Maybe the supply store will be open anyway."

"If it is alright with you, I would rather stay here. I do not find comfort being in town. I will continue to cut the wood framing."

"Spock, you need a rest too. You've been working nonstop with this stuff."

"I find it quite enjoyable."

"You're very precise."

"A Vulcan would be no other way, Captain."

Jim smiled. "I don't know. Is this working out too well?"

"What do you mean, Jim?"

"I don't know. I just feel like we're accepting this situation and not trying to find a way out."

"You see this as a problem?"

"Not really. It's just like we're giving up."

"We are simply making the best of the situation. We cannot simply sit and mope."

"I guess you're right."

The next morning, they went to town. Jim thought he was constantly doing business now, and the people at the supply store had gotten used to his presence there. The man who ran the place was Henry Dowdy. His daughter worked there as well, and her name was Alice. Jim tried to steer clear of her because she did not seem to care about the fact that he was married. She got into his personal space, and he did not want to be rude and shove her away, but he had to go to the store, so this time, he took Carol with him.

"Morning, Mister Dowdy," Jim said as they went in.

Alice looked a little disappointed that Jim had brought his wife with him. He went along with Dowdy to get what they needed. Carol looked at some of the goods there in the store. "So, you're Mrs. Kirk?" Alice asked.

"I am," Carol replied.

"How long have you been married?"

"Just a few weeks."

"Oh. So you're newlyweds."

"Yes."

"Your husband is very handsome. You must worry when he comes to town alone."

"Not atall." Carol knew all about Alice because Jim had told her. "When a man is truly in love, you don't have to worry about such things."

"I hear he's a gun slinger."

"No, he's not."

"I also hear that Curly Bill is in town."

Carol almost gasped. "What?"

"He's in town. He rode in yesterday. I thought you should know that."

"Thank you."

"Did your husband really outdraw him?"

"It was just an accident that he got into that. It was just a chance meeting."

"Your husband has never practiced a fast draw?"

"Of course not."

"He must be something then. He best be practicing now, because Curly Bill is looking for him."

"I'll have to tell him."

Bones had gone over to the saloon where he had intended to go. He thought he would buy two bottles of whiskey to take out to the place with him this time…or maybe more than two. He leaned on the bar wondering where his life was going, but he was drinking when a man walked into the saloon whom he knew. He did not stare at him because he hoped Curly Bill did not recognize him, although he did not think he should because they had not met face to face. He had to get to Jim and let him know that guy was in town.

Curly Bill came over to the bar, and the barkeep came over to him. "I'm looking for a man named Jim Kirk," Curly Bill said.

"I haven't seen him," the bartender said. "I know he's around here. We always know when he comes into town." He looked at Bones. "That's one of his friends there."

Bones was surprised at that as he looked at Curly Bill, who was now giving him a hard stare. "So you're a friend of his," Bill said. "Where is he?"

"Why don't you find him yourself?" Bones asked.

"Maybe I should take you on and then he'd come on out where I won't have to look for him anymore."

"And just why are you looking for him?"

"I'm gonna outdraw him." Bill downed his drink without taking his eyes off Bones.

"You might not, and this time you'll be dead."

"You just tell your friend that we're gonna meet and he better be ready."

Bones frowned at that threat as Bill walked out of the saloon. He looked at the bartender. "I want three bottles," he said. "And hurry."

The bartender set three bottles on the counter. "That's six dollars."

Bones put a ten dollar piece on the counter, which surprised the bartender visibly. "I want my change back too."

The bartender gave him the dollar back. "You gonna drink all that at once?"

"If I do, it sure won't be your business."

Bones took his bottles and went out to his horse. He put the bottles in the saddle bag and then mounted up. He had to get to Jim and let him know that guy was in town.

Jim was standing at the counter when Bones came storming into the supply store. "Jim, Curly Bill is…"

"I know," Jim interrupted.

"How do you know? I just found out when I met up with him at the saloon."

"It's all over town, and everyone always knows when I'm in town too."

"Jim, how are we ever going to have peace with things like this?"

"We'll just get our stuff and go back home."

"I don't want to go back yet."

"Why not?"

"I just don't."

"Well, he's not after you anyway, but you best be careful in this town."

"I'm a doctor, not a fighter. I don't have any intention of getting into any trouble."

"You been drinking?" Jim asked. "Never mind." He could see that Bones did not want him asking about that. "Just watch it."

"I'll do what I want, Jim," Bones said. "I just wanted to let you know that he's here, and he's looking for you."

"Thanks."

Bones left the place. Jim was worried about him, but he could not get him to admit he had a problem. Bones went to the Marshal's office. "Marshal, we've got a problem," he said. "You know Curly Bill's in town."

"McCoy, right?" Marshal Bishop asked.

"Yeah. Jim Kirk's friend. You've been out to our ranch."

"Yes. I know you folks."

"Curly Bill is gunning for Jim. I don't want my friend killed. He has a wife who's expecting…and I like having him around."

"What do you want me to do, McCoy? Has he made any threats?"

"Yeah. He said he was going to kill Jim this time. You let gun slingers come into your town and threaten people like that?"

"Listen, if he challenges Kirk to a duel, it'll be up to him whether to draw or not, but if he doesn't, he'll be in boot hill."

"Marshal, you have to do something about this! Jim is in town right now…"

"Doctor…just be ready if something happens. I can't go looking for Curly Bill when he hasn't done anything."

"He has done something! He's threatened my friend!"

"McCoy, have you been drinking?"

"That has nothing to do…"

"Yes it does. Now, I'm warning you. You get on out of here and stop yelling."

"I'm not drunk, Marshal!"

"McCoy."

Bones wanted to go on but he could see the Marshal was getting aggravated at him. "Fine. I'm going! But if my friend gets killed by this Curly Bill, I'm gonna…"

"You're gonna what?" Bishop asked as he stepped closer to Bones.

"I'm gonna report you for not doing anything about it!"

Bones turned and put his hat back on as he left the Marshal's office. He looked up and down the street as he was getting his horse, and he saw Curly Bill. He mounted up and headed for the supply store. He could see Jim outside waiting while his supplies were being loaded. "Jim, Curly Bill's down there," Bones said. "You need to get out of here."

It was too late, however, because Curly Bill came around the corner on his own horse. He slowed down and stopped as he got within hearing distance. "Well, I finally found you, Jim Kirk!" he yelled. "No place to run now!"

Bones looked at Jim. "What are you gonna do?" he asked.

Jim was tired of this whole situation. "I'll do what I guess I should have done the first time," he said. He made sure his gun was loose in the holster.

"Jim, you can't draw against him!" Carol exclaimed.

Jim looked at her and kissed her. "I love you, but I have to. I'm not gonna have him keep coming around threatening us." He kissed her again. "Go inside."

"Jim!"

"Go inside, Carol."

Bones got down from his horse. "Jim, you don't have to do this!" he said.

"Take Carol inside," Jim replied.

Bones could see that nothing he could say would change Jim's mind this time. He turned to Carol. "He wants you to go inside," he said. "It's probably a good idea."

Carol glared at him. "You could stop him if you would!" she said angrily and stalked back into the store.

Bones sighed. He knew she was going to be furious at Jim for a long time. He got up onto the boardwalk and watched.

Jim walked out to the middle of the street as he saw everyone running for cover. "There's no reason for this!" he said.

"Maybe not for you, Coward!" Curly Bill replied. "I won't have my reputation ruined by a coward!"

Jim frowned. "I'm gonna end your reputation."

They walked a little closer to each other and then stopped. Bones hated this tension, but he was not about to go inside. Suddenly, he saw Curly Bill move, but he barely saw Jim's move as he suddenly had the gun in his hand and Curly Bill was bending double. Bones was not sure what just happened, but Jim was still standing as Bill hit the ground. Carol walked out onto the boardwalk. "Doctor, did you see that?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," Bones replied. Then he remembered he was a doctor. He ran to Curly Bill to see if he was dead.

"He was just too fast," Bill said and then died.

Bones frowned and looked down the street at Jim who was still standing where he had been. He really was a gun slinger. Bones would not have believed it if he had not seen it.

Carol ran over to Jim. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Jim looked at her. "Yeah I'm fine," he said, but he certainly did not sound very enthusiastic.

"You're not hurt?"

"No."

"Good!" Carol hit him on the shoulder. "How could you do something like that? You could have been killed!"

"I didn't have much choice! What? Would you rather I would be lying here dead!?"

Carol was shocked that Jim said something like that to her, but he suddenly looked sad. "I'm sorry," he said.

Just then, the Marshal arrived. He looked at Curly Bill lying in the street and then looked at Jim Kirk. "You're a little late, Marshal!" Bones said. "I told you…"

"Shut up, McCoy," Bishop replied. He walked over to Jim. "He challenged you?"

Jim nodded. "I didn't want to draw against him, but I wasn't going to stand here and let him kill me either!" he declared.

"You best get back out to your ranch for now."

"Hey, now, Marshal," Dowdy said. "This man was defending himself! You can't send him outa town for that! Mister Kirk here is a good man."

"I didn't say I was sending him out of town, Dowdy," Bishop replied. "I just said I think it would be best if he left for now." He looked at Jim. "Doesn't matter what happened. Someone's still dead."

"You know that Curly Bill came here gunning for him!"

"Stay out of this, Henry!"

Henry put his hat on and went back to loading Jim's wagon. Carol stood beside Jim. Marshal Bishop just looked at her. "I can't tell you what to do but I think you should just leave for a while until things settle down," Bishop said.

"We were going when we get our supplies we just bought," Jim informed him. "We had to come and get the things we need to finish our house."

"Well, there'll likely be a hearing. I'll let you know when it is." Bishop put his hat back on. "I'll talk to you then, Kirk."

Jim leaned on the wagon as Bones came over to him. "I tried to stop it, Jim," he said.

"I guess it was inevitable," Jim replied. "He's not the first person I ever killed."

"Jim, don't talk like that," Carol said.

"Why not?"

Jim walked over to Henry to help him load the wagon. "You didn't have any choice, Mister Kirk," Henry said. "He would've killed you, no matter whether you drew or not."

"That's what they tell me," Jim replied.

Carol and Bones stood still a moment. "Just try not to talk to him a while," Bones said. "And don't be too hard on him. I tried to get the Marshal to do something about this, but I guess it's over now."

Bones put his hat on and got on his horse. "I'll see you all later," he said.

Jim and Carol were soon on their way back home. Jim was very quiet so Carol did not say anything either until she could not stand the silence anymore. "You don't have to be so moody," Carol said.

"I don't know what to say," Jim replied. "I didn't enjoy that, and now it's really going to get around that I'm a gun slinger. It'll be even worse."

"Jim…you are a gun slinger."

Jim looked at her surprised. "What?"

"Don't you realize what you did?"

"I stayed alive."

"Jim, I've never seen anything like it."

"You sound like you're proud or something."

"I'm not glad it happened, but I'm glad you came out alive. Stop beating yourself up over it."

"I'm not beating myself up. I knew it was coming, but I thought maybe…I thought maybe he would give up if he couldn't find me."

"People who are determined like that rarely give up."

"I see that."

Everyone in town who had seen the duel was talking about it. They had never seen anything like it. Bones was back at the saloon. He had to admit, he had never seen anything like it either. Then again, he had not seen many fast draws. He wondered how many more would want to challenge Jim. He thought it was no wonder that Jim had become famous. People had seen that other fast draw as well, and it had been talked up since. He could not imagine what this would cause. The telegraphs would be buzzing…