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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2939175" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Fifty-two, “Nanuet’s Plans”, Monday, May 29th, 1882, 8:00 P.M.Nanuet spent the rest of the evening with the half-elf.  He explains to him that he plans on traveling to the reservation to speak with the tribe elders on Nakomo's behalf and explaining the situation.  "It would be best if you were to stay here, besides you have your punishment to take care of.  I am not sure how long I will be gone."Back over at the Lucky Lady, Kate tells Job, "I wanted to let you know I'm going to have to cut my work here back to just Fridays and Saturdays.  I'll stop in weeknights to see if you need a bit of help, but with teaching it's just too much."  Job replies, "That is to be expected Katherine, I'm not surprised.    I will have to get together with Jake and Ruby to see what they want to do going forward, but we will be needing some more staff.   Oh, and have you heard?  My cousin Alison is back.  I'm not sure what her plans are yet but if she's going to be staying around I may ask her to work here too.   I don't know how she'd be as a  waitress but I know she'd make one hell of a bouncer.""I hadn't heard that.  I haven't seen her since.... well, since the stage ride when I moved her from Tombstone.  It might be nice for her to have a place to call home for a while.  I get the impression it's not her habit to stay in one place long.  Nice to have family around, isn't it?"   Kate looked around the saloon and said, "You really will need more staff here."Job says, “I know, but those issues can be addressed later.  Right now I have a Saloon to manage.”     And speaking of family where are yours?  I would have thought you would have brought them with you.  Although I do see that your new friends have arrived."   Kate turns to see that Nate, Mollie Caudell have arrived in the company of Henry Pleasants, Michael Seawell and Julia Barbeau."Mr. Lacey invited my parents to a prayer meeting tonight, and Conrad invited my brothers to sit at his table at the Long Branch.  I'd rather they hadn't gone; Kate Higgens made her opinion of other races quite clear today at the meeting.  But they had already given their word and they are going for Conrad, not the Long Branch.   Mrs. Caudell is teaching with myself and Mrs. O'Hara."Kate says, “Excuse me a moment, I'll be right back."  She walked quickly over to the table where General Pleasants and the Caudells sat.  "Good evening, everyone," she said.  "Can I get you anything?"  Henry says, "Yes, three tankards of beer.  We're celebrating Mollie getting a new job!"    Nate says, "We had assumed I would find employment first, not that I'm complaining.""I'm not complaining either," she smiled.  "What started out as a dilema ended very well for me.  But of course you had a chance for employment yourself today as well.  One I very much appreciate you turning down."  Henry Pleasants laughs and says "Hades, those bigots would have fired him within a week.   He had a tough enough time teaching back in North Carolina." Nate says, "Only with recent history, the Civil War in particular.  I tried to present it from an objective and even-handed outlook.  That didn't always sit well with the parents, many of who served under me.  They had, well, exaggerated some of our company's exploits."   Pleasants says, "And then Nate made matters worse by bringing in me, a Union Army officer, to talk to his classes about the war."    Nate says, "Yes indeed, and I doubt I would have gotten away with that except you talked at length about the Battle of the Crater.   Since that was a confederate victory the folks in the county allowed it."She replies, "Hopefully you gentlemen will be willing to talk to our students when the time comes. I admit, the looks on their faces when you started teaching would have been priceless, Mr. Caudell.  Let me get you those drinks."  Kate was gone a few moments, returning shortly with the ordered beers.  "I'm not actually working tonight, but I'll be here a while if you need anything."  Henry Pleasants says, "Well then, if you're not working why don't you sit down and join us?   I'm curious what type of work you think I might be able to find in this town for my friend Nate." Kate says, "That's very kind of you, thank you.  I told the others that I would be right back, let me just go speak with them for a moment.  Have you met Deputy Martin and Miss Florencia yet?"  Henry Pleasants says, "Well, I did see the Deputy two nights ago when he was getting shot at, but I find these circumstances much better."   She says, "So do I.  I'll be right back." Kate went back over to the table where they were discussing what Burt was doing, arriving just in time to hear Miss Florencia asking if he would like to stay with the Barkers.   "It would be a good place to stay," she said.  "Mr. Barker is very kind."Addressing the Priestess Kate says, "When you return, come over and meet General Pleasants and the Caudells.  Good luck, Mr. Hoover," Kate said with a smile for Burt.  "I hope you'll be able to stay." She squeezed Ginnie's shoulder then headed back to the other table.    Ginnie says, “I like Mr. Barker we've had some great conversations on embroidery stiches and quilting techniques and he always has some cookies around. I think this would be a great thing for both of them.”"My apologies," Kate said and took a seat.  "How do you do, Miss Barbeau.  I don't believe we've met before."  She replies, "Well I dance across the street over at the Gay Lady nearly every night, so I never have any time to come here.   Clarisse is my cousin so it is nice to finally get a chance to hear her sing."Kate replies, "She's been a wonderful addition here, and she continues to improve with the experience.  Her confidence had grown as well.   Now Mr. Caudell, what kind of employment do you think might suit you?"  He says, "I don't know yet.   I enjoyed teaching but have already done that and wish to find something new.   I wouldn't want to be a soldier again, but back when I was a First Sergeant I found that I did have some leadership skills."     Mollie interjects, "More than just some dear.  You kept most of our company alive for the entire war, and we saw some heavy fighting.  And despite all of your responsibilities and the insanity of the war going on around us you still found the time to teach me how to read."Kate says, "Somehow I don't see you being happy working in a mine.  Plenty of ranches in the area are always in need of help.  My partner Sonoma and I will be needing to hire hands soon, I think.  The lumber mill will be going non-stop after the fire in Tombstone, they'll probably need hands for cutting and hauling.   It sounds to me like you should be running a business of your own.  Since you don't want to be a soldier again I'd guess you wouldn't want to be a Marshall either." Kate stopped for a moment and her eye fell of Job Kane who was not at his usual place at his table, taking on the role of manager instead.  "You know," she said speculatively.  "This saloon is now without a manager.  The owners don't have much interest in managing, they just wanted a place to work that they could call their own.  And I believe they plan to expand into a hotel.  Think you might fancy managing a saloon and hotel?"Nate says, "I'm not sure, I'd have to give that some thought."   Pleasants says, "There's no rush for him, to decide on something is there Michael?"   Mr. Seawell replies, "No, not at all.  I've got enough short-term jobs for a man with a brain to keep Mr. Caudell busy for at least a week or two.  I'm way behind in my paperwork, been too focused on trying to find the ore.   That was always my problem back in the service too, could never get the paperwork done fast enough to please the Bureaucrats.  That's probably what kept from from ever making General like you Henry." Pleasants replies, "When I left the service I was still a Lieutenant Colonel, you earned your Colonel's bars."  Nate exclaims, "Enough with that old argument, you earned that commission Henry whether you are willing to admit it or not."   Kate suddenly felt very much like a stranger among these people who had known each other for many years.  She says, "I generally find people who don't believe they deserve something are the ones who do." She turned to Mr. Caudell and said, "I'm sure you'll find something to suit you, there are opportunities here to try many different things."   She fell quiet after that, tired from the day and uncertain of her place in this group.  Her hands sat folded neatly in her lap as she quietly listened to the conversation going on around her.Mollie asks Julia about what she does at the Gay Lady.  She replies, "I'm a singer and dancer, I am originally from New Orleans as are my sidekick Fifi LaForge.  We're back-up singers and dancers for the famous Madge Duprey.   She left town abruptly a few days ago and we haven't heard from her since.  So Fifi and I headed the shows since Friday, but tonight the famous actress Josephine Marcus is entertaining the crowds so that Fifi and I could get a night off."   "And get to finally see her Gentleman friend," Michael Seawell interjects.Kate smiled at the oddly matched couple.  "You must be enjoying a chance to be the headliner for a while.  Or perhaps not, if it keeps you busier than you like.  I didn't realize Miss Marcus was still in town."  Julia replies, "Yes, she's staying with me in my room as a roommate.   She says she will be in town for a few weeks."  Kate says, "I know she intends to help with the play here.  I wish I could, but I think I'll have to be satisfied with the role of theatre-goer.  I hope I'll be able to help here and there."Seawell and Pleasants then get into a long discussion about his new job as Operations Manager of the Morand-Seawell mines.   Colonel Seawell says, "Should be an intesting couple of days around here what with Adair's trial tomorrow and then the whole race issue on Wednesday morning."  He turns to Kate and says, "I trust that my speech at the meeting this afternoon met with your approval?""Very much so," she said, smiling.  "So many people who can't be persuaded by arguments about what is right, can be persuaded by arguments that hit them in the wallet.  I especially enjoyed the thunderous silence after you finished.  You could almost hear the gears turning in their minds. I'm afraid my sense of indignation gets in the way of me making such a well-reasoned argument.  I always find it diffucult to understand why people can't see how harmful it is to deny others rights.  The United States began partially because they were being ruled but not represented.  Why should anyone respect law they had no voice in?"Seawell replies, "I had talked over what I would say with the Morands before that.  The tricky part was speaking for them while still mentioning that I couldn't speak for them.   That still gets the point across that they are an economic force that believes in equality without them having to go so far out on the limb that they upset the Kings.   Their main concern, and mine as well, is that we don't win the battle but lose the war.   If this one issue drives a wedge between the Cattleman's Association members and splits the party into two separate tickets.  If that occurs we could end up splitting the 'Law and Order' vote and having those cattle rustlers wind up running this place.""I have that worry myself.  Unfortunetly, Adair and his ilk have enough support behind them that if the rest of the town splits they can slip in.  If we make the fight over who votes too contentious, we may never be able to heal that breech.  But I will still fight for that vote.  Fortunetly for me, I don't have the kind of influence that can cause that breech, and I'll make the best of what comes from next meeting.   Whose names are we hearing for candidates so far?  Will there be some moderate people that both sides can get behind?"He replies, "Actually, you might know better than I do.  The Cattlemen's group is keeping a pretty tight lip so far on what their ideas are, but obviously the current Vigilance Committee will be part of it.   Today's meeting allowing women might put a wrinkle in things, although I sincerely hope that Mrs. King doesn't decide to run for something.  As for the other side, rumors are saying either Adair or Fisk for Mayor, Ike Sherman, Tector Driscoll and Nick Thayer for Town Council positions and Colin Hunter as Marshall.   It would be a damn shame to see any of those guys in positions of power."She says, "I haven't joined the Cattleman's Association yet, so I can't tell you much there.  But I was told they want to try to work with the Vigilance Committee to try and moderate them.  That's the reason I took a day or two to think it over.  I understand the Vigilance Committee supported giving women the vote because they believed women would vote for their slate of candidates.  I doubt Mrs. King would run for anything, she seems quite fond of pulling strings from the background.  Without so many eyes on her she can get more done. After today, I get the feeling Driscoll moved his tannery because of his very distasteful new neighbor," Kate said with relief.  "The place smelled anyway, so I was glad to see him move.  That list of candidates is a nightmare.  Ike Sherman was a personal friend of Johnny Ringo, and there is something just not right about Hunter.  I was told her once followed a friend and I out of town."The conversation continues for a short while longer.   Clarisse does a fine job singing this evening.   Several dozen townspeople come by to offer their condolences for the loss of Hoover.    Minerva interrupts Harry and lets him know that she will be taking Burt out for some fresh air. She, Ginnie and Burt leave the Lucky Lady and as they are descending the stairs are joined by Luna, who lands softly on Minerva's shoulder. The make their way to the Barker residence.  They hear the sound of Stanley playing the piano when they knock on the door.   Helen answers the door and says with some concern in her voice, "Is there trouble?"   Ginnie says, “No Ma'am but we do have an issue we would like to discuss with you and your husband if this is a good time, it does have a fairly limited window of opportunity regarding Master Hoover.”They are invited in.   Stanley offers cookies to both of the the children.   Priestess Minerva outlines the thought of having young Mr. Hoover spend stay with them.    Helen and Stanley exchange glances with one another and a long period of silence follows.   Helen says, "That is an interesting idea but I think my husband and I need to talk about it in private."   Minerva says, "Well, he is spending tonight at the Comstock House but would need to know tomorrow before the stagecoach leaves for El Paso leaves, as his current guardian will be leaving then."       Helen replies, "That stagecoach doesn't leave until mid-afternoon.  Why don't we meet at the Lucky Lady for lunch and we will let you know of our decision then."   "Gracias Deputy Barker, Senor Barker." Minerva nods sincerely. "We shall see you at lunch. Buenas Nochas."  Minerva returns Burt and Ginnie to the Lucky Lady and then retires for the evening, going home to spend time with Nanuet and Nakomo.  She tells Nanuet of Burt's desire to stay in Promise City for the summer and her conversation with the Barker's. "I would take him in myself, he's such a sweet boy I'm sure that he wouldn't be any trouble, but I just don't feel that I would have the time to care for him properly. Nakomo is a bit older and more able to look out for himself."  She turns to Nakomo. "Tomorrow we shall take you to the desert and determine just how well you are able to look out for yourself. Do you have any experience with a bow or a gun? What were your responsibilities when you were living with the tribe?"He indicates that he has only been with the tribe a short time, prior to that he had been with his human father.   The elders didn't know what to do with him so they assigned him to some of the younger warriors of the tribe.  Obviously that didn't work out very well.   Nanuet says that he will go and talk to the tribal elders on Nakomo's behalf.   He says that his saddlebags are now all packed and horse is now ready.   He and Maska will now take their leave of Minerva and Nakomo and go into the mountains to visit to Kajika this evening.  They will then ride north to the San Carlos Reservation.Minerva wraps her arms tightly around Nanuet. "Must you go tonight?" she says nuzzling his neck. He removes her arms from around his neck and holds her hands in his. His eyes are sad. "Yes, My Spanish Flower, Although it grieves me to be away from your side for even a day, it would not be wise to put off this task.The tribe must be made aware of what has happened. There may be repercussions because of what the others have done. Even if Nakomo is to stay here, I must tell them of the fate of Pakesso and Nesenkeag."  He kisses her longingly and walks to the door. "Take good care of her", he say's to Nakomo and without a backward glance disappears into the night.Minerva turns to Nakomo and say's more to reasure herself. "He will be back soon. The gods will keep him safe. "   She restlessly moves about the room tidying up even though nothing is out of place. "I shall still take you to the desert tomorrow. Perhaps I can ask Senor Jake to come along and show you how to handle a gun."Back at the Lucky Lady, George Kilgore drops by around 9:30 PM to collect the boy and head back to the Comstock House.   Ginnie starts bussing tables pocketing tips as she goes. She is listening carefully to the conversations that are going around but looking as if she isn't. She is listening for anything specifically about who is supporting which candidates and attitudes on the schools and the non human vote but at the same time being just an invisible serving girl to the people who are talking.Kate stayed as long as Ginnie was still bussing tables.  Although she didn't work Monday nights she took a turn at the piano and talked with those who came in to offer their sympathies for Mr. Hoover.   Around 9:45 she said good-bye to everyone in the Lucky Lady and found Ginnie.  "School tomorrow.  We should get home," she said.Ginnie replies, “I'm going to stay a little longer I have some things I want to find out and the talk tends to get truer to the feelings the more drinks people have. I promise I'll be home by 11:00. I have some star watching I need to do to analyze some of the older charts that I have been looking at in conjunction with some of the monolithic circles that are prevalent in northern Europe.”Kate stared at Ginnie for a minute, once again lost in the rapid movements of the girl's mind.  And Monolithic circles, whatever those were.  "Before 11:00," Kate said.  "And don't expect to do this too often.  I'll make sure someone knows to walk you home."  She gave Ginnie a quick hug, then stopped and asked Job to make sure someone saw Ginnie home before heading out herself."Thanks Ma'am Kate it isn't every day that an election comes up and I want to know where people stand. I won't be late I promise." Ginnie goes back to scooping up dirty glasses, tips and information quietly floating form table to table around the room.Kate walked home on her own, glad for a the few minutes without company.  When she reached her home she took the time to walk all the way around it making sure everything was secure outside.  Inside she made sure all the doors and windows were locked.  Ginnie had a key, so she would be able to let herself in later.   Since she had been preparing to start teaching for several weeks, Kate didn't have any work to do tonight.  As usual she got into her nightgown and pulled her dressing gown over that.  She sat downstairs with a book for about an hour, then went upstairs and climbed gratefully into bed.Chester sits at the table, watching Clarisse fondly. The conversation flows around him, but he pays it little mind. When she finishes, he says, "Excuse me. Clarisse is singing at the Comique. I'll see you all later. Good night."  Chester escorts her to the Comique to sing there.</blockquote>

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