Next morning
Stepping onto the porch Spencer wearing his usual outfit followed by Jacob and Jack, holding a lever action rifle, sees men get out of three cars with one man remaining in another vehicle.
"What are you men doing here?" Jacob barks.
"Just following an order from your nephew," a man says.
Frowning "I never told you men to deliver these… things" Jack replies in disgust.
"No, I did. Alex and I visited the dealer Bozeman before arriving here. Figured it was time" Spencer says.
"Keys are left inside, enjoy," the man says tipping his bowler hat.
The remaining drivers climb into the fourth vehicle before driving off. Jacob and Jack turn looking at Spencer who shrugs.
"Given Whitfield's men and eventual future threats are going to be upgrading their arsenal, is something that we need to match it. I watched men trying to fight using old ways of a horse cavalry got cut down in seconds" Spencer explains grimly.
"I'm still keeping my horse," Jack says.
"You can and we are going to need horses. Probably always will for the work we do, but we are in a new war. And man loves finding innovative methods for killing" Spencer explains.
"Very true. Get what you need to fight in vehicles" Jacob says.
"I will. I'm actually thinking of refitting the house for pipe plumbing. Long past time, remember my mother telling my dad. Some conversation about him carrying buckets in Fort Worth" Spencer says.
"No doubt a story there," Jacob says wistfully.
"Jack, do we have paint around here?" Spencer asks curiously.
"Yeah, I think some yellow buckets are laying around in the barn or upper attic levels of the house. Why?" Jack inquiries.
"Have somebody paint Y's on these doors" Spencer replies.
Nodding "Let the world know who they are crossing. Especially the livestock agency expanding into having its law enforcement faction and one I need to sign off on paperwork once I return" Jacob says.
"Tell Aunt Cara to get her hands on some Colt 1911 handguns too. See if one of the Reynolds brothers running that store in Bozeman can get us firearms. Use the livestock organization if needed" Spencer says.
"Cara and I will handle that," Jacob says.
"Good" Spencer replies.
"Now let's get back in to finish our interrupted breakfast so the boss doesn't get on our hides," Jacob says.
"Yeah, probably a wise move, and I have missed her cooking" Spencer replies.
"Aren't we the ones supposed to be giving the orders?" Jack asks.
Chuckling "That's why you have a lot to learn before leading this place. The women fixed us a good breakfast, and it is disrespectful to not eat. Besides Jack given our lives eat when you can" Jacob says.
"Yes sir" Jack replies.
Looking off "We will be out in plenty of mud quicker than you think. I need you to do something special after getting paint, Jack" Spencer says.
"So is Uncle Spencer like being the head of the ranch now Uncle Jacob?" Jack asks.
"Yes," Jacob replies.
Nodding "Okay," Jack says a mix of emotions "What is it you need?"
"Fine the closest fire pit outside and get it running for the brand. Although not as hot for normal branding" Spencer says.
"The remaining calves are already branded," Jack says.
"You'll see soon enough, just make sure it's done" Spencer replies firmly.
Jacob and Jack watch as Spencer walks back to the cabin both having matching frowns.
"I have an uneasy feeling about this," Jack says.
"Your uncle has changed; I can tell in his eyes. Spencer has seen horror of war" Jacob replies.
"We all have," Jack says.
"Yes, we are in a war to protect this valley, but an actual war involving countries is different. Men hardly ever talk about those wars, it's not something James or I ever conversed over. Judging from progress in machines during this last great war I only imagine how bad it got" Jacob replies bitterly.
Jack merely nods.
Hope you all enjoyed this and leave a review letting me know what you think.
First, I want to thank Stand with Ward and Queen alongside Aragorn II Elessar for letting me bounce ideas off of.
So, the Dutton family starts using vehicles which gets explained more in the next chapter on real-world background.
Oh during 1923 1x01 as Jacob and the others going through Bozeman one of the buildings has a sign that reads Dodge Brothers.
The next one might be a while waiting given I want to get this story planned with more written up before posting again.
Until next time