Chapter 13: The Start of Something

[COL=Colonel CSM=Command Sergeant Major LTC=Lieutenant Colonel CPT=Captain LT=Lieutenant PSG=Platoon Sergeant(E7) SFC=Sergeant First Class(E7) SGT=Sergeant CPL=Corporal]

The Pawnee were hopeless, dejected, beaten. I kind of felt sorry for them.

White Eagle and Golden Hawk were not so forgiving. They both had hate and anger in their expression. White Eagle said that if allowed to live in our camp they would be beasts of burden to lessen the work for our people. They would not be mistreated, he stressed that slavery was not a thing among our people.

But as outsiders they would not have a say in decisions made by this camp. If asked to be a wife it must be approved by the entire tribe and his final word. Mating with anyone would be the woman’s choice; forced sex is also not allowed or tolerated.

Children under 10 could be adopted, but again this had to be approved by the elders and him. Anyone 10 or older would have the choice. and responsibilities of an adult with the consideration of age if there were problems. Until such a time as they were deemed adults they would be treated as a child. Usually by the age of 14 a boy or girl would become an adult.

White Eagle asked Little Deer if her people could accept and abide by these rules.

Little Deer answered that they had NO choice but to obey the words and rules of their conquerors.

Golden Hawk seemed to take offense to her statement and spoke saying, “We did not attack the Pawnee, we did not make War on the Pawnee. WE defended ourselves when attacked by the Pawnee. Now you call us conquerors, NO not true, what is true is that you made a very serious mistake in attacking the Commanche. The Commanche did not conqueror the Pawnee, the Pawnee surrendered to the Commanche and you will remember to speak truthfully in this manner.”

Little Deer appeared scared and apologized for not speaking truthfully and that Golden Hawk had spoken truthfully and with pride and honor, none of which the Pawnee had left.

Little Deer added that she spoke for all and she gestured to everyone behind her, saying that they will obey instructions and rules. If any questions arise, they will bring them to her and she only needs to know to whom she can go for guidance.

Golden Hawk now calmed down, smiled, and said that she would meet with her every evening to ensure no Pawnee had been mistreated and listen to any questions or concerns at that time. She would then meet with her husband and the elders for answers.

Since they only had one tepee, two were given, well set up for them at the far end of the camp with a small separation between them and the rest of the tribe. The Sioux were also slightly separated from the main tribe but closer than the Pawnee and about the same distance between the Pawnee and the Sioux. Hawk told me it was not a punishment or bad thing, it was done to give each tribe their own space and privacy. She had seen me pacing off the distances between the three tribes.

The two boys ended up in my tent in order to be treated for their wounds. I found Black Coyote’s bullet wound had passed through the upper arm nicking the humerus but not breaking it. I could see the bone, the cut was so wide due to swelling and infection. The other boy Hooting Owl still had the bullet in his left thigh.

I wanted to talk with DOC Winters to see if treating the infection first or removing the bullet was best. I figured getting the bullet out would be the best course of action. I was just afraid of the infection spreading because of the surgery.

The next morning, I decided to take the boys to the fort for DOC Winters to treat them. I just hoped COL McBride would allow it.

White Eagle still insisted on four armed braves to provide protection until we were absolutely certain there was no longer a danger.

Far Runner, his wife Swift Water. their surviving son Fast Runner and daughter Swift Wind were still mourning the death of Swift Runner. The whole tribe was still mourning his death, even the Sioux. However, Far Runner volunteered to protect our group. He said, ‘We must go on with our lives to honor those who have given theirs protecting us.’

Grey Wolf, Dark Raven, and Sitting Buck were the other three braves going with us for protection. Of course, all three of my wives and Little Deer were going also.

Since the attack spoiled and prevented the planned visit, COL McBride, and his wife along with everyone else were happy to see us, even though we were bringing Pawnee with us. Once I explained the situation, COL McBride agreed White Eagle had done the honorable and correct thing and allowed the two boys to be treated.

Being a Doctor first, Thomas was all about getting the two boys healthy. Both surgeries went without issue and he was only concerned about infection. I suggested washing the wounds before and during the operation as well as everyone involved washing extremely well. He kind of understood my explanation and agreed.

Emma, his wife, was more on board and felt it just made sense. They were both curious about my surgical instruments, so I asked if they could keep a secret. At first, they did not believe me when I kind of told them I was from a different time or place. The surgical instruments and the PMR finally convinced them.

Then they wanted to know if I could have surgical instruments like mine made. I said I would check into something possibly similar being made. They now understood the infection and bacteria being too small to see, and that simply washing with warm water and mostly using soap would help if not stop infections.