Chapter 5: New Starts

The soldiers all gathered in formation. LT Olsen was at the front in command. The COL and 1SG each holding a pistol in each hand were standing on the porch in front of the formation. Two-Names, Big Sky, Grey Hawk, and the six Indian scouts were all standing at the back of the formation with rifles (both Big Sky and Grey Hawk were given single-shot Carbines for this).

LT Olsen put them ‘At Ease’ and began to explain what had happened and what choices needed to be made. He announced that the former CPT Hunnecut and SGT Tanner were pending court marshal for; failing to follow orders, disrupting the peace with Indians, Hostile Actions, conduct unbecoming of a soldier. Anyone that felt they could not follow the orders COL McBride has issued need to step forward and resign from the army or face similar charges later depending on the circumstances. Only two made the mistake of drawing their pistols. 1SG simply yelled, “GET DOWN”. All the men around the two dropped to the ground and everyone behind the formation pointed their rifles at the two men. Both men dropped their pistols and were roughly dragged/walked to the stockade to join the others.

COL McBride then thanked the men and dismissed them. He then went to the signal room and sent a wire to higher headquarters explaining what was going on and asking for instructions.

Two-Names and his group left for the second time heading back for their camp for some unknown reason. The two rifles were not collected when they were offered back. Two-Names just nodded to the COL and LT Olsen with a smile.

It only took two days for an answer from headquarters. A formal court-marshal would be held and additional troops and a court-marshal board were enroute. “MAINTAIN THE PEACE!” was the only order sent.

It was just over a week and additional troops along with the court-marshal board arrived. Orders to increase the size of the fort, obviously along with not too detailed orders on how to deal with the Indians were sent. The troops were under the command of newly promoted LTC Simon Templton, his staff included CSM Randolf Gordon, MAJ/DOC Thomas Winters his wife a woman doctor Emma Winters.

The troop had two CPTs, three 2LTs, two Platoon Sergeant (PSG), five SGTs, five CPLs, and 15 PVTs. There also was a medical unit to assist DOC Winters and his wife that consisted of a MED/SGT, MED/CPL, three medics, and three nurses. A cooking unit was run by Master Sergeant (MSG) Mykal Symon, three SGT/Cooks, and three Cooks.

This brought the fort up to three Platoons, a medical unit, and cook unit. The fort was extended 20 feet wider and 100 feet longer, adding two more barracks, four houses, officers’ quarters, second floor to the clinic for the medical staff to stay, and a mess hall.

The Court Marshal board was made up of COL Glen Sanders and LTC Lewis Shontel, LTC Simon Templton would make the third. MAJ Holly Forcomb was a Lawyer and would prosecute, CPT Mason Perry also a lawyer would provide defense.

COL McBride had finally visited the Indian camp and asked Chief White Eagle if his people would help with the addition to the fort for payment of course. The COL was impressed with the items he was shown, however the CMR and PMR were not shown to him or talked about. He was most interested in the .32 cal revolvers and how they had the drop out cylinder. He didn’t notice the 7 shots.

White Eagle agreed after talking with Two-Names and Running Deer the Shaman. The agreed payment would be one gold eagle per Indian per day. Work would start at sunrise and end at sunset. It only took three weeks to complete all the work.

The court marshal took two days, the prosecution presented all the evidence and testimony on the first day. The Defense presented their evidence on the second day of the court marshal. What little they had. The third day everyone was found guilty of instigating unrest, the men were also found guilty of conduct unbecoming a soldier, failing to follow lawful orders, and Violent Actions. They would return with the court marshal board and their escort of soldiers.

With the help of Two-Names the Indians were able to cut a trench allowing the river to provide a small spring of water running right to the camp and into a small pond they dug. Now they had fresh water for the camp and animals. They also started a small garden to provide additional food for the camp.

It had been over a month since the fort’s improvements were completed. They had been conducting patrols around the area and new pioneer families were moving in around the area.

White Hawk finally cornered Two-Names and straight out asked him if he wanted her as his mate/wife.

Two-Names didn’t answer her just said for her to wait. Frustrated she stomped off.

Two-Names met with White Eagle and Golden Hawk, giving Golden Hawk a cast iron pot with the tripod and cooking utensils that went with it, and a Sharps with the scope to White Eagle as a brides price for White Hawk. Both were very pleased with both the gifts and his asking for White Hawk to be his mate/wife.

White Hawk was surprised and then a little angry when she was called by her father in front of the camp. He tied her wrists behind her back telling her she was to be mated as a great price had been paid. Golden Hawk tied a leather strap around her neck and said mind your new husband. Then Two-Names stepped forward and Golden Hawk handed him the strap. White Hawk was shocked and silent for the first time in her life.

Two-Names asked if she would be obedient or would he need a stick.

White Hawk smiling just said, “Both”.

Instead of making her walk behind him, Two-Names picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.