Home on the Range Part II "
By: Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.13 0013

Wright rode along as the herd made it way towards market. He has been in the saddle all day, with the dog Jake walking along behind him. The herd moved at a pretty good pace. Wright thought that perhaps it was a bit too good. Silvio had created this holodeck program and true to form it was filled with a great detail, however, this seemed to be much too easy of a trip so far.

Wright looked at the Sun, it was slowly approaching the horizon. It would be time to call it a day soon. A few steers began to stray away from the herd. Wright gave a whistle to Jake and he darted off in their direction and skillfully chased them back towards the rest of the herd. Wright smiled as the shaggy dog returned. "Good boy," he said. "How about a song Jake."

The dog cocked his head to the side and then to his surprise Wright began to sing began to sing.

"I'm a roaming cowboy, riding all day long Tumbleweeds around me sing their lonely song Nights underneath a prairie moon, I ride alone and sing a tune. See them tumbling down, Pledging their love to the ground, Lonely but free I'll be found Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds. Cares of the past are behind, Nowhere to go but I'll find Just where the trail will wind, Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds. I know when night has gone that a new world's born at dawn, I'll keep rolling along, Deep in my heart is a song, Here on the range I belong, Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds. Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds."

As the notes of his song drifted off Wright smiled and looked to Jake, "What, no applause?"

Jake barked and ran off after yet another stray steer.

***

Miranda rode along with the herd. So far the day had been uneventful. The sun was getting ready to set and the herd had slowed to cross a small creak. Miranda rode across the creek. Dawson's son Billy was waiting for her. It seemed to Miranda that he had following her all day. "Hello again Billy," said Miranda sweetly.

"Hello Miss Miranda," said Billy, "Pa said we will be making camp once the herd gets across the river." Billy frowned and looked bothered by something.

"Thank you Billy," said Miranda, "Is something wrong?"

Billy looked at her, "Be careful Miss Miranda, some of the boys are mighty unhappy. They don't think a woman belongs here."

"How do you feel about that Billy?"

"Well, at first I agreed with them Ma'am," said Billy, "But I have spent most of the day riding with you and, well..." he blushed, "I sort of like you now Ma'am."

Miranda laughed gently, "Well, thank you for letting me know Billy, and do not worry, I can take care of myself."

"I am sure you can Ma'am," said Billy smiling again.

"Let's go help set up camp for the night.

***

Wright sat nest to the campfire. He was tired after spending the whole day in the saddle. Cookie had fed the crew and now the was night was quiet; off in the distance Wright could hear a cowboy playing a harmonica. He pulled a sharpening stone from his shirt pocket and began to work on the curved part of his hook.

Miranda entered the camp site and took a drink from the water barrel. She looked over at Wright and started to walk over to him when her way was blocked by one of the other guys.

"How about you fetch me a glass of water woman," he said.

"How about you get our of my way," replied Miranda.

Tension suddenly filled the camp site and all was very quiet, the only sound was the scraping of Wright's sharpening stone against his hook.

"That's not very friendly, I just want to be friendly,' he laughed as he put his arm around her a pulled her closer to him. Miranda could hear the chuckling of his buddies who were now watching.

Miranda could not help but thing that this holodeck program was almost too perfect. Whoever wrote it even got the foul smell of this guys breath down right. She quickly brought her knee into the man's groin and shoved him to the ground. Miranda drew her gun and pulled the hammer back. "If you touch me again, I will kill you cowboy."

There was a long silence as the man got off the ground. He spat at Miranda, "This ain't over yet," he growled and returned to his buddies.

Miranda holstered her gun and walked over to Wright. "Evening," she said.

"Hello, I see you have been making new friends."

"Yeah, I guess so." Miranda sat down. Jake moved closer to her and stuck his head in her lap. Miranda absently scratched his ears. "Dawson's kid has been tagging along with me all day."

"He is a young boy and you are the only woman around for miles, I am not surprised," said Wright.

Miranda smiled, "Yeah well, he warned me that a few of the guys did not like that I was along."

"You watch yourself," said Wright.

"Don't worry about me," she said standing up, "I can handle it. I am going to turn in. Good night."

"Night sis," said Wright. He watched as she walked away. "Jake," said Wright to the dog, "Keep an eye on her." The dog gave a quiet woof and padded off after Miranda.

OOC: The song "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is written by Gene Autry and the Sons of the Pioneers.