The Trouble with Drifters

Authors Note: This story will be centered on the characters of SG1 with supporting ones from Firefly. The characters will be in cannon for most part adapted to a western story line. I'm basing the story off Luis L'amour books I've read along with movies.

Chapter 1: Sunday Morning

Sheppard Book swept the dust of the stairs leading into the church. His flock would be arriving soon enough for Sunday services to hear the word of God. The sound of a horse and rider approaching drew his attention from the task at hand. The cowboy approaching him looked in no hurry to get any place particular. He did look tired and need of a rest though; these lands weren't meant for weak hearted. The cowboy was at least 6 foot tall and had a lean build looking grizzled (partly grayed hair) underneath the sun bleached Stetson. His clothing looked much the same with a faded 'hickory' shirt and Levis to vest he wore had seen better days too. Sheppard Book waved at the cowboy getting a tip of the hat back.

The stranger guided his horse and pack mule over to where Derrial Book was standing coming to a halt. "Good morning sir, I'm Sheppard book and welcome to Haven." Book said greeting the stranger before him. "That's what the sign said. Along with population of 629, give or take." The stranger replied leaning on his saddle horn. "The give or take was our former sheriffs idea, may God rest his soul." The stranger nodded watching Sheppard Book make imaginary cross on his chest.

The nameless rider looked closer at the 'Man of God' taking in his appearance. Book looked to be in his early 60's with short grey curly hair. The fact that he was black didn't matter; it was just a bit surprising to him though. Many things changed after the war but attitudes about skin color were moving to slow for the strangers liking. Book also had the physical presence of one not to be trifled with, a man with a past, a past filled with violence.

"Will you be joining us for Sunday services? We'd be glad to have you worship our lord and savior with us." Book asked not caring what anyone else would think about the cowboy before him. The house of God was for everyone. The stranger looked from the church to him mulling it over coming to a conclusion. "I'll have to pass on the invite Sheppard; man like me might catch flame walking inside. However you could direct me to the most reputable livery stable the town has." He said leaning back lifting hat up to scratch his crown. "I'll be here if you need to bend an ear, redemption is for all not some." Book replied not getting a response back then continued. "Now the most reputable is Murray's on the other end of town. The cheapest is Toney's Stable; it's cheap for a reason too." The stranger nodded in understanding tipping his hat biding Book a good day moving down the dusty street at the same pace he came in.

-"Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys!" Waylon Jennings-

Samantha sat at her vanity brushing her shoulder length blond hair humming. She wished her beau (boyfriend) would walk with her to church like the other women. Since becoming sheriff a few months back his duties interfered with their time together. Samantha liked Pete but sometimes daydreamed about her knight in shining armor from when she was little. Outside of her window she heard the sound of a rider approaching; maybe it was Pete coming after all. Samantha went to the window wearing only her slip and looked out. To her disappointment it wasn't her beau, just a trail beat cowboy heading towards Murrays Stables. Samantha pulled the curtains shut quickly hoping the stranger didn't see her. That wouldn't be proper for a lady of her stature. Her father, Jacob Carter, was a former Union General. He now owned a general store and had a reputation to uphold, she didn't want to sully that or hers.

-"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." Winston Churchill-

"Dad, there's a rider approaching." Ryac (10yrs old) said running into the stable office with excitement. Teal'C looked up from his books hiding his concern. They needed one more long term customer to make ends meet this month. Hoping the rider was coming there he got up letting Ryac pull him outside. "Who do you think this person is son?" Teal'C asked knowing Ryac had an active imagination from reading dime novels (A/N1). "I need to talk to him first dad; you always say a man's word is his bond, right?" he asked looking up at his father, all 6'3" of him. "Indeed son!" Teal'C replied patting his child's head making him grin at the approval.

"I take it your Murray, Sheppard Book said your stables were the best in town." The stranger said leaning on his saddle horn again. "Indeed, I don't cheat my customers. That would be dishonoring to my family name." Teal'C replied placing his hands on Ryac's shoulders emphasizing his remark. "This is my son Ryac; he loves animals so yours would be in good hands." The boy smiled shaking his head with pride. "Is that so kid?" the cowboy asked stepping off his horse. "Yes sir, I love all animals. I have two dogs, one cat and a rabbit." Ryac answered ready to jump for joy as the stranger dismounted from his horse. "Then it looks like I came to the right place." The cowboy replied leading his horse and mule towards the stables. "What is their names mister?" Ryac asked moving to approach the animals.

"Stay put son...aren't you going to ask my prices sir?" Teal'C asked curious as to why he didn't ask. Most folk want to haggle him down due to being black. They assume he still has the plantation mindset but they are always proven wrong. "I never doubt a man of God or an honest child Mr. Murray." The cowboy said bending down to Ryac's level. "The Belgian is named Thor, the stubborn mule is Homer. Don't be fooled by Homer though, he just acts dumb." He said with a wink then stood up. Teal'C bowed his head slightly appreciating honesty himself.

With the cowboys horse and mule tended to Teal'C lead him to the secured storage area. "Your personnel belongings will be safe here sir. I designed and built this myself as I used to build such things before I was freed." Teal'C informed the cowboy as he tested the safe. "This is fine workmanship Mr. Murray. I will sleep well at night knowing my few things are safe." The still unnamed cowboy said then continued. "Shall we settle up then?" Teal'C nodded leading them into the office area as Ryac stayed back while the cowboy paid his dad.

The office wasn't much but instead of dirt floors at Toney's, Murrays had wood ones. There were pictures of his family along with a painting. One that likely came from his former plantation owner's house. The painting was of a moon lit lake with a lone boat floating by a dock. Whoever the artist was put their heart and soul into it. Teal'C noticed the cowboy looking at the painting as many who set foot in the office did. "The painting is part of my reparations from my former master." Teal'C informed the cowboy to his meaning of 'former master'. "Justice comes to us all in the end Mr. Murray." He said while pulling out his wallet. Teal'C figured up the bill knowing that his prayers were answered."...one horse and Mule $10.00 each for the week, then an additional ten for feed and care. Storage of your personnel belongings anther $5.00. That will be $35.00, just sign here sir." The cowboy signed his name in the ledger making Teal'C raise an eyebrow. People's reaction was always the same, one of shock or worry. The line of work he did wasn't exactly looked favorably on by many, others were too damn curious.

"Who I am may not be known to all, but the few like you Mr. Murray know my reputation. I'm not here to cause trouble. Will this cause you problems?" The cowboy asked hopping it wouldn't. "No sir, you are most welcome here." Teal'C replied handing the man his recite. He looked it over then pulled out two $20.00 dollar Tillman & Morgan Bills (A/N2) handing them over. "Keep the change Mr. Murray; use it for your son." The cowboys said as Ryac ran into the office excited. "Mister, Homer knows how to count. He's 4 years old." The boy said noticing his pair of Colt Peacemakers on his hips. "...was that before or after you gave him an apple kid?" the cowboy asked with smile. Children's enthusiasm always gave him a reason to smile. "...after sir." The child replied making the connection. "Homer 'IS' smart, isn't he?" Ryac asked beaming at his realization. "Yes he is kid." The man answered bidding Teal'C and Ryac a good day leaving the office with just his saddle bags over his shoulder.

Once the cowboy was out of earshot Teal'C looked down at his son who was watching the man intently. "Who do you think he is son?" he asked knowing Ryac was running through his list of dime novels. "The cowboy is a drifter who helps others Dad. He looks mean but that's to scare the outlaws and bad men." His son answered honestly. "We will see son, now go inside and get ready for church. Your mother will have my hide if we aren't there on time this week." Teal'C ordered as his son ran inside as told. He watched the cowboy disappear from sight knowing things were about to get interesting in town. Teal'C went back inside to get ready himself; there was no need to draw the ire of Dry'ac unless you wanted a frying pan across your head.

A/N1: Dime Novels are a form of late 19th & 20th (early) century popular fiction. They were inexpensive paperbound books meant for kids. You could consider them to be early comic type books.

A/N2: The currency in the 1880's was paper and came in denominations of $1,2,5,10,20 and 500.00 dollars from the information I found.

-LoneWolfO'Neill-