Star Trek: The Oregon Trail

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
The Oregon Trail

Canary's Law

--
The year is 1861, and it’s the early part of March. President Abraham Lincoln has only been in office for barely a month, and his election has done exactly what most feared it would do; it has started the country on a course for a much needed confrontation, a civil war, to settle the issue of slavery once and for all.

Slavery was an issue that had been tabled from the very beginning of the young country. The Northern and Southern states had staked out their positions for nearly seventy years since the birth of the country. And as new states were admitted into the nation, it was becoming an issue that had to be dealt with once and for all.

The Canary Family was a small family that lived on a farm in the northern part of Virginia. Gordon and Jessica Canary had settled on the land nearly seventy years earlier. Now, well in their eighties, they have given the large plot of land, and the large family home, to their eldest son; Jacob. Jacob was married to a fine woman named Kate, and they had four children.

The oldest of Jacob and Kate’s children was named Marcus. He was in nineteen years old and was about as undisciplined as they came. He helped with the chores, but spent most of his time flirting with the local girls who all adored his long straggly hair and fit shape. He was known to get into scuffled if he had to impress a girl, and did so often.

Next there was Elizabeth. She was just seventeen years old and was, with out a doubt, one of the beautiful young ladies in the area. She was unwise of the ways of men, but was becoming flirtatious at the same time. She also worked as a teacher’s aide at the local school.

The next two children were twins; Martin and Lisa. His older Marcus was a hell raiser from the day he was born, but young Martin, just fifteen, was very good in school, and very proper. His twin sister, Lisa, took after Marcus and was always in trouble with her parents, or school.

Dinner was being served outside on the large picnic table near the gigantic tree that was nearly as tall as the three story house; and with branches and leaves that seemed to touch the sky.

Jacob sat at the head of the table, with his mom and dad (Gordon and Jessica) to one side, and with Kate to the other side. The various food items were being passed around from person to person. Jacob scooped out some mash potatoes on his plate and looked down the table at Marcus.

“So,” Jacob, chewing on some bread, said to his oldest son Marcus, “have you put any more thought into joining the Army.”

Jacob’s wife, Kate, cut in before Marcus could reply.

“I thought we decided that now wasn’t the time to do that,” Kate said, “especially with the rumors of a war coming soon.”

“Those are just rumors,” Jacob countered. “Marcus is nineteen, almost twenty, and he needs to get going on his life honey.”

“Well,” Kate said as she buttered a corncob, “your own brother, Jonathan, told him to reconsider. And if Jonathan, after all that time scouting for the Army out west, thinks he should wait then he should wait.”

“He told him to reconsider three years ago,” Jacob countered to his wife. “We haven’t even seen my brother for nearly a year, so who knows what his opinion of the Army is now.”

Grandpa Gordon chuckled. “I think he said a year ago that the army generals, most of them, were a bunch of pot heads with no brains.” The old geezer said.

The children all laughed.

“Watch your tongue,” Grandma Jessie said. “The kids are at the table with us.” She added, slapping the old man on the wrist in the process.

“Did you see the paper today?” young Martin asked. “Uncle Jonathan was mentioned in that story about the Indians revolting out in Missouri. The paper said he helped broker a peace treaty for now.”

“That story was written two weeks ago,” Lisa, Martin’s twin sister said. “Who knows what’s happening out there now. I wish I could be riding around out there on a horse like Uncle Jonathan, seeing the world. That would be so fun.”

“No you wouldn’t,” Beth said to her, “All he does is sleep at night on a blanket, with no toilet for miles away. Who wants to live like that?”

“Well,” Lisa said as she excitedly ate a piece of corn, “You might be right, but I bet he has a lot of fun. He’s about the closest thing we have in this family to a celebrity.”

Lisa was right about that. Her Uncle Jonathan Canary was indeed nearly a legend. He was one of the last so called ‘mountain men’. A breed of man who roamed the far reaches of the continent, interacting with the native Americans, and acting as a emissary between them and the American government, often times siding against the Government in the process.

During an Army attack on a defenseless tribe of Native Americans, Jonathan Canary was said to have found the General and nearly killed him for raiding the village. The Secretary of War pardoned Jonathan, admitting the General had over stepped his authority. There was a saying and it went like this; there is America’s law; God’s Law, and out weighing them both was Canary’s law. Wrong him, and you would die.

Continued…

 

[Kaziarl]

I'm not seeing the Trek connection. Will that be more visible later?

 

[RobertScorpio]

Jonathan Canary is not from this time, we will find out. He is from the STAR TREK future. How that can be, with his parents being in the story as well, we will find out as the story progresses.

Rob

 

[Kaziarl]

okie dokie

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK;
THE OREGON TRAIL

CANARY'S LAW (part two)


1860; Virginia


The small four passenger wagon was smashed, and was at the bottom of a gully. A slight breeze was blowing about. It was the mid-afternoon, and the sun poured down on the two survivors who clung to life as best as they could. They were just children. Their parents, the other two passengers who were upfront controlling the two horses that drove the wagon, and enjoying the nice and easy ride, had been thrown from the wagon, and were both killed upon smashing their heads on the myriad of rocks that lined the gully.

The children were barely alive as well. The only thing that saved them was being inside the wagon as it tumbled, side over side, down the canyon wall, before coming to a rest. One of the children was a six year old boy. Although he was still alive, both his arms had been broken, and his left arm had been crushed. He would not live much longer.

The other child was a girl, ten years old. Surprisingly, she had fared well in the crash. She had been sitting on the make shift bed they all slept on at night when the tumbling began. The blankets, and other bedding, had acted as a cushion during the fall. He was a little dazed, but that was all. She knew something had happen, but was still in a state of shock. She slightly jumped when the blade of a knife sliced through the thin tarp that covered the wagon. She was happy. At least someone had come to rescue them. Her hopes were quickly diminished. The knife finally cut enough of the material away, and it was pulled open. The girl wiped her eyes and could see three, smelly, non-shaven, men standing just outside the wagon.

“How much will get for this crap?” One of the men asked.

“Oh,” another one replied, “at least thirty or fifty dollars.” He spit some tobacco out of his mouth.

“Look,” the third, and smallest of the three said. “There’s a little girl. And she’s perrty!” He said, as a look of lust came over his eyes. “I call dibs on her.” He added.

“No way,” the first man said, “I saw them coming down trail. She’s goes to me first.”

“Bullshit,” the second man countered. “I was the one who shot the gun that spooked the horses,” both of which were dead in the distance, “that caused the crash. Besides, she’s most likely a virgin. I say we bid for her.”

The third man reached in to his pocket and took out two bits. “I bid two bits.” He said as he eyed the young, defenseless girl.

The first man countered with a bid of four bits, the second man countered with a dollar bid. That was going to be the highest bid, since all three of these men were just losers who preyed on travelers in these parts.

“Alright,” the third man said in defeat. “But you can’t have her all night. I say two hours a piece. I want her awake when I get my turn.”

Suddenly they heard a small group of pebbles come down the side of the small canyon.

“Someone’s here, up at the top of the canyon.” The first man said as he wiped the seat from his forehead with the sleeve of his very dirty, grimy and sweaty shirt.

“Probably just some local farmer,” the second man said. “We’ll tell him we came upon the wreck and that everyone’s dead.” He pulled out a long knife and gave it to the first man. “Take this and hold it to her neck. If she tries to scream,” he said as he looked right at the scared little girl, “gut her like a pig.”

The first man took the knife and climbed into the wagon, took the girl by the back of the head, by her hair, and yanked her head back, putting the knife to her neck.

“Now I want you to be quiet, little missy,” he whispered to her. “You and I are going to get know each other a little while from now, and I don’t want you to be hurt too much when we get our time.”

The second man and third man, scummy looking as they were, walked out from behind the wagon and peered up at the man, the large man who wore animal skins instead of clothing, atop an even more massive horse.

“Do you need help?” The large man asked. He had a very strong presence to him.

“No,” the first man said. “No survivors.” He added.

“Do you mind if I come down there and make sure?” the stranger asked. “Maybe their alive and you just can’t tell, being that it is so hot out here.”

“Yes, in fact, we do mine,” the first man said. “Now, move along. This don’t concern you. Just who might you be?”

The man on the large horse was Jonathan Canary. And as was said earlier, there was a well known saying in this time. There was the Government’s Law, God’s Law, and more importantly, Canary’s law.

“The name is Jonathan Canary, and anyone who might be injured on that wagon makes me very concerned.” Canary replied.

Both men gulped. They knew, everyone knew, that name. At that moment Canary slid a large rifle out from the other side of the saddle and aimed at casually set it on his lap, aimed at the two men.

“We don’t want any trouble Mr. Canary,” the third man said, “We just came along and found this here wagon down there in the gully.”

Canary’s cold scowl made it very clear he did not believe the man, at all.

“I heard a gunshot,” Jonathan Canary. “And the blood on those two dead people,” Canary added as he motioned to the two parents of the girl, “is too fresh to have happened more than twenty minutes ago, tops.”

Suddenly the second man appeared, with his knife still held to the girl’s neck, from behind the wagon.

“Put the gun down Canary,” the man said as he petted the girl’s head. “Or I’ll kill this girl where she stands.”

Jonathan Canary didn’t flinch when he pulled the trigger on his rifle….

It sounded like thunder!



Continued….

 

[uniderth]

I haven't read the story yet. It's an interesting idea putting a Star Trek so far in the past.

 

[RobertScorpio]

I haven't read the story yet. It's an interesting idea putting a Star Trek so far in the past.

Thanks, uniderth. Its an attempt to do a STAR TREK / WESTERN. The only thing "TREKIAN" about the story will be that Johnathan Canary may actually be from the "STAR TREK" future we all know and love. How it is he is in the 1860,with parents and brothers and nephews ect is a good question. But it will be answered in time.

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK;
THE OREGON TRAIL

CANARY'S LAW (part three)

With the rifle resting on his lap, Jonathan Canary fired his weapon. The bullet hit the man holding a knife to the young girl’s neck, sheering off the side of his head, killing him while throwing him back towards the ground, pulling the girl down with him. In a flash of time, one of the two remaining men reached for his own handgun, but was too slow. Jonathan Canary shot him in the chest, killing him instantly.

The third man dove for his holster, which he had thrown to the side earlier when he and his comrades came down the gully earlier. And as the man reached for his gun, he stopped just inches from grabbing it. He rolled over on to his back, not reaching for the gun at all.

Jonathan Canary had gotten off his horse and was slowly coming down the canyon hill, so as not to fall. Each step Canary took made a large thud.

The unarmed man could only watch as Canary came closer to him, step by step. The man could hear his heart beat getting louder as the prospect of death came closer. Finally, Canary made it down to the bottom of the gully, aiming his gun down at the man who was cowering like a dog.

“You can’t shoot me,” the man said with a nervous smile. “I’m an unarmed man!” He added. “Only God can pass judgment on me now.”

At first Canary did not reply. The only sound there to be heard was the cry of a hawk that flew over head, and the small breeze that crisscrossed the gully and played with the small cactus flowers. Canary peered down at the man with a cold, lifeless stare it seemed.

“I don’t believe in God, mister, or at least THAT God.” Canary finally said in a low groveling voice.

The man became more nervous. “Well,” he then said to Canary, “I am unarmed. Shooting an unarmed man is against the law in these parts!” He pleaded loudly.

“The Law that you speak of set the men free who raped my Indian wife, and killed our child.” Canary said. “I abide by no law.”

With that said, Canary stood closer to the man, and then placed the tip of the rifle’s barrel on the man’s forehead.

“Please mister Canary,” the man began to cry. “I know what I did was wrong, but please.” The man began to cry. “I have a wife and child, please don’t kill me.”

Canary looked over at the girl who had managed to stand back up and was watching the scene play out before her. Then he looked down at the man.

“That girl’s parents are dead,” Canary said, surmising that the two dead bodies were the girl’s parents. “You didn’t seem to care about that when you caused that wagon to crash.”

“It wasn’t me,” the man replied. “I was only along for some fun. That’s it, that’s all I wanted.” He looked up the length of the barrel, all the way up to Canary. “I’m only twenty-two! I have a whole life to live.”

Canary shook his head. “No, you don’t.”

The little girl looked away as Canary pulled the trigger, killing the last of the three raiders. The thundering blast echoed loudly.

Canary came down to the girl and took her into his arms. She was still in a dazed shock. He climbed up the canyon and placed her on his horse, then went back down the gully to make sure her parents were dead. Unfortunately they were. He looked inside the tumbled wagon and found the dead body of a little boy. Canary shook his head in disgust.

Two hours later he had buried the three dead family members as the surviving daughter watched. As for the three men who had killed them? He dragged their bodies over to another part of the gully, stacked them up, and left them, unburied. Vultures were already flying over head, no doubt hungry. He found some paperwork inside the fallen wagon, and took the wallet of the dead father, hoping that the local Marshall could contact relatives of the young girl.

With that done, Canary climbed up the gully one last time and then mounted his horse behind the girl. Not a word had been said between them, Canary and the girl, until now.

“Where will I go? I have no family.” She said, finally.

Canary looked down, as the girl did, at the past life that had just been taken from her. He then patted her on the head.

“You have family,” Canary, “Mine.”

She nodded. And with that, Jonathan Canary aimed his horse towards the nearest town; the town he called home, and the family he had come to save from a war that was just around the horizon.

END OF “CANARY’S LAW”
NEXT TIME “WELCOME HOME; WAR”

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK;
THE OREGON TRAIL

WELCOME HOME; WAR!



Most kids didn’t like to do chores, and that had been the case for thousands of years, and would probably never change. Young Martin, and his twin sister Lisa, had been putting off painting the fence that surrounded their family’s property for nearly two weeks. And their father, Jacob, had threatened to ground them for an entire month, and double their chores, unless the fence was completed by the end of the day.

It was nearly 1pm in the afternoon, and the two had been painting ever since their mother, Kate, had woken them up and placed the paint brushes in their hands. After a quick breakfast, the two kids were ordered out to the fence to being painting it. Usually painting the fence was their older brother’s chore. But now that Marcus had turned nineteen, painting chores had been passed down to Martin and Lisa.

Martin was painting one of the fence pegs. They had decided to take turns, and it was Martin’s turn for the next ten minutes.

“I bet Marcus is out shooting his gun somewhere,” Martin said. “He never does chores anymore.” Martin complained.

“I know, either does Beth.” Lisa added. “It sucks being young in this family.”

“It sure does.” Martin agreed.

In order to get the lowest part of the fence peg, Martin had to lean down as close to the ground as he could. The current can of paint was balanced on the post that was directly above where Martin was painting. With out warning, Martin was startled as the entire can of paint landed on his head, covering his hair with white paint.

“What the heck are you doing?” Martin demanded of his sister.

He was able to wipe away the paint from his eyes, and saw his twin sister running across the large field of grass that was on the other side of their property. A rider on a horse was approaching their property. Then Martin heard Lisa scream a name.

“Uncle Jonathan!” Lisa screamed.

Martin became just as excited as his sister. He stood up and jumped the fence, still covered in paint, and ran across the field as well. It had been nearly three years since they had seen Uncle Jonathan, who was most definitely a legend in these parts. Martin watched as Lisa, who had a head start on Martin, ran up and hugged Uncle Jonathan who had just gotten down from his horse. Martin could also see a young girl still remaining on the horse. Finally catching up, Martin hugged the waist of the large man.

“Uncle Jonathan!” Martin said. “Mom and dad will be so glad to see you!”

“Its good to be home kids,” Jonathan said. “I want you both to meet someone very special to me.”

Jonathan looked up at the girl he had saved from the wagon three days earlier. The young girl’s name, Jonathan had come to find out during the ride, was Sarah.

“It’s okay Sarah,” Jonathan said to her. “These children are part of my family.”

“What happened to her?” Lisa asked.

“I’d rather not talk about that now,” Jonathan told his niece, “but she’s three years younger than the two of you, and she needs to act like and be with kids, just like you two.”

Lisa and Martin, who respected their Uncle, understood his meaning.

“Do you like to paint?” Lisa asked Sarah.

Sarah nodded.

“Great,” Martin said, “Come with us, we’re painting that fence over there. You can help us.”

“You’re painting the fence?” Jonathan asked as he saw the paint all over Martin’s head. “I think one of you needs glasses.”

Sarah giggled at Jonathan’s joke. He helped her down, and watched the young girl run off with the two kids. Jonathan looked further toward the house and could see his sister-in-law, Jacob’s wife, Kate running toward him, as well as the young and very beautiful Beth. The news of his arrival was spreading like fire. Jonathan took the reins of his horse, and walked toward the fence gate; waiting for the very excitable well wishers as Kate and Beth climbed over the fence. It was certainly good to be home, Jonathan thought to himself.

--

Three hours later a hastily prepared dinner was set in place on the large table outside the house. The entire family listened to all the wonderful stories about the West. Jonathan told them about the large canyon in Arizona. He told them about the gold he had collected in California. He told them about the Indian problems as well, and finally, he brought the conversation back to the reason he had come back home.

“Do you think there will be war?” Jacob, Jonathan’s older brother asked.

“Afraid so,” Jonathan said. “I have friends on both sides. And they are all telling me that after what happened at Fort Sumter, the North will have no choice but to declare war.”

“I don’t believe it,” Kate said as she listened. “I won’t believe it.”

Jacob knew his wife was concerned, but she had to face facts.

“Kate, dear, when the war starts,” Jacob said, “Marcus, myself, and even little Martin there, might be conscripted into the war. You better get prepared for that possibility.”

“I won’t let it happen.” Kate said.

“Oh dear, don’t get worried.” Jessica Canary, Kate’s mother-in-law, said. “It will all work out.”

“I don’t think so mother,” Jonathan said. “This slavery issue should have been taken care of eighty years ago, but it wasn’t.” He added. “There’s going to be a war.”

“Will you fight, Uncle Jonathan?” Marcus asked.

“I’m not sure, Marcus. But I’ve lived long enough to know that fighting, and killing, is not meant for the young like you and your brother. Getting you safely out of here is the reason I have come home.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Beth asked as she ate some pudding.

“The reason I have come back here,” Jonathan told them all, “is to ask you all to come out west with me.” Jonathan said. He reached into the bag he had brought to the table. Inside was large black and white photo (there was no color in those days) of a large valley and adjoining land.

“It’s beautiful,” young Lisa said. “Where is that?”

“That my dear,” Jonathan said, “is our land in Oregon. I bought it with some of the gold I found in California.”

“Are you asking us,” Kate said suddenly, “to throw our lives away and come with you out west? In case you haven’t been paying attention Jonathan we have kids, and land right here.”

“All true Kate, but which is right dab in the middle of the Confederate army just over that hill,” Jonathan fired back, “and the approaching Union army to the north.”

“No way,” Jacob said to his younger brother, Jonathan. “They would never attack with you here Jonathan. You’re too well known and respected by both sides.”

“I’m just one man,” Jonathan replied. “I might be able to buy us more time to pack up and prepare to leave. But eventually both Armies will have to come through this valley.”

“We won’t go.” Kate said again.

“Then you better start digging three graves, Kate.” Jonathan said coldly.

“Why? There’s no one dead.” Kate replied.

Jonathan looked to Martin, then Marcus, then Jacob, and then back to Kate.

“Not yet,” Jonathan said. He stood up, and looked down at them all as they looked up at him. “I’m going to go talk to Colonel Harth. He’s in charge of the Confederate Army over that hill. If I don’t like what I hear from him, I suggest you all be prepared to leave.”

“What about the girl?” Jacob asked as he smiled at Sarah.

”I was hoping you could take her in,” Jonathan said to Jacob and Kate. “At least until I get word from the Marshall. She’s an orphan and has no where else to go.”

Kate smiled. “We’ll take her in Jonathan,” Kate said.

Even though Jonathan and Kate did not see eye to eye, they did respect each other and the need to save those who needed saving.

And with that, Jonathan walked over to his horse which was tied to the fence nearby.

“How long will you be gone?” Jacob asked.

“A day, at best,” Jonathan said. “Just be ready to pack up if I give the word when I come back. Or,” He added as he looked down at Kate. “Take Marcus and Martin to the recruiting center. It would be best if they volunteered instead of being conscripted in.”

Jonathan Canary, the legendary mountain man, and even a friend of Abraham Lincoln, galloped off.

“Are we going west?” Lisa asked with a broad smile. “I hope so.”

“No,” Kate said. “We’re not going anywhere. And I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

The dinner continued. But, deep inside, Jacob knew Jonathan was most likely right. And if his younger brother, the legendary Jonathan Canary thought they should leave, then it was all Jacob needed to hear.

--
Five hundred years in the future;

The snow was falling very hard. The wind blown snow storm drowned out any other sound until, suddenly, a Federation Runabout came out of the clouds, and landed in a remote valley in Oregon. There passengers aboard the shuttle were specialists and had brought very sensitive devices with them. It was time for the search to begin.

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK;
THE OREGON TRAIL


The TREK begins!!!
The valley on the other side of the hill from the Canary farm was covered by thousands of tents. The Confederate Army had put down stakes there, and waited for what would soon be a declaration of war by the North. It was nearly mid-afternoon, and the sun was beating down pretty hard.

A large fort was being built by the troops. It was nearly completed, and inside the nearly finished walls, there was a large office built for Colonel Jack Harth. Like most soldiers in this area of the south, he came from the very towns the fort was built near. And he was well aware of the man who sat across from him at his desk; Jonathan Canary. They were each enjoying a glass of Kentucky whisky.

“I’m afraid your fears are correct,” Col. Harth said to Jonathan Canary. “My contacts in the north tell me that Lincoln has signed the declaration bill, and the Congress will ratify it tonight.”

“Foolish,” Jonathan said, “a lot of fine young men are going to die,” he said as he drank from his glass. “You can’t tell me you support this slavery.”

“I don’t,” Harth said. “I freed my slaves three months ago. But I am a man of duty, Jonathan. If they tell me to fight, then I have to fight.”

“And I suppose you will head north to head off Sherman’s army.” Jonathan said.

“Yep,” Harth said with a smile as he sipped his glass as well. “He and I vacationed together a year ago, and I got to know his family pretty good. And now, here I am, commanding troops that I will send into battle with his troops.” Harth’s smile faded. “Listen, I know your family’s farm is over yonder. I have told my sergeants to stay clear of it out of respect for you and your parents. But this is war, Jonathan, and I can’t guarantee what will happen if the Yanks make it into your valley.”

Jonathan nodded. “That’s pretty much what Sherman told me a week ago as I rode down from the north. He told me to give you his regards, and his regrets.”

“You know President Lincoln, don’t you?” Harth asked. “Can’t you get back there and talk some sense into him?”

“I’m afraid that I agree with him in principle,” Jonathan said.

Harth could only nod in agreement.

Jonathan stood up and put his hat on, which was made from the finest animal skin. He took one last sip of the whiskey.

“Thank you for the whiskey, it was worth the ride here alone.” Jonathan said. “You take care of yourself.”

Col. Jack Harth nodded his head.

“Jonathan,” Harth said just as Jonathan was about to leave. “Get your family out of there you old coot. Take them west, and do it as soon as you can.”

Jonathan tipped his hat and left.

--

The next day, the Canary family did exactly as Jonathan told them to do. They packed as much as they could into the wagon. Many family items would have to be left behind, including the Oregon and many clothing items. Just the bare necessities could be brought. Plenty of water was packed away in solid pouches.

At that moment a rider came in. It was a friend of Beth’s, a beautiful young girl named Donna.

“Where you headed?” Donna asked Beth as she too was helping to load the wagon.

“We’re heading west with my Uncle Jonathan.” Beth said.

The girl looked to Jonathan.

“Sir,” Beth said. “I was sent here by my pa to warn you that war has been declared. We’re going to start killing Yanks the moment they come through here.” She said with lust in her eyes.

“No,” Beth told her. “You have to get out of here Donna. You’ll be in danger.”

“My brothers and pa will save me,” Donna said.

She rode off back the way she came.

“She’s going to die, isn’t she Uncle Jonathan?” Beth asked.

“Life is never that certain,” Jonathan said.

“Maybe we should stay and fight.” Beth countered.

Jonathan came over and sat next to Beth.

“You don’t mean that honey,” Jonathan said. “The South is on the wrong side of the morality of enslaving men.” Jonathan said. “You know that to be true.”

Beth nodded her head and then hugged him. “Why are men so evil to each other?”

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that,” Jonathan said. “Perhaps one day it won’t be so.”

She dried her eyes and continued to help pack the wagon.

Soon, as the early afternoon came, the wagon and horses were packed. Goodbyes were said to Grandma Jessie and Grandpa Gordon. With out more time wasted, Jacob, who was at the front of the wagon, followed Jonathan and Marcus, who were both on horseback, and headed west.

Marcus looked over at his Uncle Jonathan.

“Do you think we will actually make it to Oregon?” Marcus asked.

“If we keep pushing, we will. It won’t be easy, Marcus.” Jonathan said. “We’ll face all kinds of weather, wild animals, and natives as well.”

“But the natives know you Uncle Jonathan. They wouldn't harm us would they?” Marcus asked.

“It’s hard to say boy,” Jonathan said. “I have sided with natives against other natives from time to time. We’ll just have to stay clear of the ones I side against.”

Jonathan Canary raised up his hand and, on cue, Jacob, steering the wagon behind him, brought the wagon to a stop. Jonathan looked back at Jacob, and Kate sitting next to him. The kids on the wagon, Beth, Martin and Lisa, all peeked out from the drawn tarp of the wagon.

“I’m not saying this will be easy an easy trip,” he told them all. “At times it will be a down right struggle.” He added. “Just remember to stay strong, and together.”

He let his words soak in. And then, Jonathan pulled up on the reins of his horse, and brought the horse to stand on its hind quarters.

“Marcus,” Jonathan said to his young nephew, “LETS TAKE’M TO OREGON!!”

The Canary family in unison cheered as Jonathan officially started the Trek west.

--
Jonathan Canary would be proven right. There was much drama ahead for the Canary Family. There would be both good and bad times alike. And all of them would not make it. But that was the stuff the families in those days were made of. And this family was one of the strongest; the Canary family.

THE END

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK; The Canarys
THE OREGON TRAIL

THE FAMILY CRISIS

It is one thing to say you want to climb a mountain; it was another to actually do it. Three weeks into their trek west, the Canary family was starting to look haggard. Their clothes were dusty. The inside of the wagon was dusty. Their skin and their hair were now caked with dust as well.

As they reached the plains, and all they had was a small path to follow, the nights became intensely cold. The three men, Jonathan, Jacob and Marcus, would alternate staying awake through the night keeping watch on the family as they slept. Food was also coming precious as the early previsions were running low. Luckily there was a large supply of wild animals to feed on. Rabbit had become a favorite with most of them. The fact the family liked rabbit was quite fortunate since it meant they would never run out.

More important however were the run-ins they had with local Natives. But they knew of the name Jonathan Canary, and seeing the legendary man who was a friend to their people, convinced the Indians to let the family pass with out incident. Had Jonathan not been there, the trek west could have come to an untimely ending.

Then the heat wave came. For nearly a week the temperature had climbed to over a hundred degrees. With water for the animals running low, they family was forced to find shelter among a small column of foothills.

Jacob woke, and quietly stepped out of the wagon. The inside of the wagon was very hot as well, but it did provide shade. With his wife and the children sleeping, all except Marcus, Jacob decided to get up and stretch.

He found his oldest son sitting under an old dried out tree. The sun was pounding down on the ground, making the dirt very hot as well. Jacob walked over to Marcus, while looking to see if Jonathan was nearby; he wasn’t.

“Where’s Uncle Jonathan?” Jacob asked.

“He left before the sunrise,” Marcus said as he watched his father sit next to him under the tree. “He went to scout up ahead for water.”

“How much water do we have left?” Jacob asked.

“Uncle Jonathan didn’t like the answer I told him, so I don’t think you will either.” Marcus said. “Was coming with him a bad idea dad?” Marcus.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Jacob told his son. “And we have a long way to go. Do I think it was a mistake?” Jacob said as he scratched his scrubby face. “No, I don’t. Your Uncle knows this land better than anyone. He’ll get us to Oregon.”

Suddenly they heard the sound of galloping horses. Five Army soldiers, Union soldiers to be more precise, rode towards the wagon.

“I wonder what they want with us.” Marcus asked as they both stood up to face the small squad of army soldiers.

“What ever it is, we’re going to find out.” Jacob said.

The five horses came to a stop before Jacob and Marcus.

“Excuse me,” the soldier on the middle horse said, “My name is Captain Tom Covat; my men and I have come from Fort Rogers from just beyond that ridge of mountains to the west. Are you the Canary family?”

“Yes we are.” Jacob replied. “Who wants to know?”

At that moment Marcus cut in.

“Look father,” Marcus said, “Its uncle Jonathan.”

Jacob, and his son Marcus, both looked relieved as Jonathan rode up on his massive horse.

“I found a watering hole about eight miles up this way,” Jonathan told them. “We should be able to get the wagon and the animals there by sunset.” Then Jonathan looked to the soldiers. “Aren’t you Lt. Covat?” Jonathan asked.

“I was sir,” Covat, “made Captain a year back. Its good to see you Mr. Canary, though I wish it were in better times.”

There was a noise from the wagon and then Kate emerged with the rest of the children, including Beth, who at the curious age of seventeen, found the young Army men quite interesting to look at, and to be looked at by.

It was clear that the men didn’t mind looking at her either.

Captain Covat continued.

“War broke about a week ago,” he told Jonathan. “I was sent by Colonel Davies to inform you that fighting was nearing the Cassandra valley.”

Jacob became nervous. “Jonathan, that’s where mom and dad are at, we have to go back.”

Jonathan shook his head. “We can’t go back Jacob,” Jonathan said realizing that it wasn’t just his older Jacob who wanted to go back.

“You would just leave your parents there like that to die?” Kate asked Jonathan.

Jonathan knew that it was always best to speak the truth, even as blunt as it could be.

“Yes Kate, I would leave them there.” Jonathan said. “They both knew they would hold us back and lengthen our travel. Father told me the day before we left that he wanted us to go, and to leave them back just for that reason.”

“But Uncle Jonathan,” young Martin said, “They might get hurt by the war.”

There was no reply to what the young boy said.

“I’m going back to get them.” Jacob decided.

“If you’re going back, then we’re all going back.” Kate, Jacob’s wife, insisted as she stepped up onto the wagon and prepared grab its reins.

“No Kate,” Jacob replied. “Jonathan’s right; mom and dad knew the risks staying back. But that’s no reason why I can’t go back and get them.”

“Why doesn’t he go,” Kate asked pointing at Jonathan.

“She’s right Jacob,” Jonathan said. “I’ll go back.”

“NO!” Jacob yelled, his voice thundering through the hills. “Jonathan knows the way. He knows these natives and can deal with them. I could get us killed. I can’t find waterholes or game food like he can. He has to stay.”

Jonathan got down from his horse and untied a pouch of food and began placing them on one of the horses that were being towed, by foot, behind the wagon.

“No,” Kate began to cry. “You have to stay. We’re a family, Jacob. We cant go on without you! At least let me go back with you.” She began to cry.

With no other choice Jacob slapped her to bring her out of her hysterics.

“Kate,” Jacob said, “you have to be strong for the children. Just go with Jonathan, and go as fast as you can. If I can, I will find you.”

The children knew that there was no other choice as well. One by one they hugged their father. Jonathan came over and shook his older brother’s hand.

“We’re about two weeks from the first town beyond this flat land,” Jonathan said. “We’ll wait for you there. They have a telegraph there. Once you get mom and dad packed up and you leave, wire us.”

“I will,” Jacob told Jonathan.

“We’ll see him to the Fort,” Captain Covat told Jonathan. “We’ll take care of him as best we can.”

“I’ll be much obliged.” Jonathan said.

Jacob mounted his horse, looked one last time at his family, and rode off with the Army soldiers who would escort him back to their Fort and fit him with a better horse before sending him on his way.

After a few silent moments Kate, who was at the reins of the wagon, slowing began to follow Jonathan and Marcus who rode ahead on their horses. Her husband was now gone, and Kate had the sinking feeling she would never see him again.

Marcus looked over to his uncle Jonathan.

“Do you think he’ll make it back home?” Marcus asked.

Jonathan did not answer. “The waterhole I found is just beyond that jagged range of hills over there to the west,” he told his nephew. “If we keep a good pace, we should make it in about nine hours.”

Marcus noticed the strange carving in his uncle’s saddle. He had never seen it before.

“Uncle Jonathan,” Marcus asked as Jonathan lit up a pipe and started smoking it.

Jonathan looked over to his nephew.

“What is the carving on your saddle? I have never seen that symbol before.”

Jonathan looked back and saw the symbol. He looked back to his nephew.

“They call it a Delta shield.” Jonathan said.

“What is it for?” Marcus asked.

Jonathan puffed out some smoke before answering. “Marcus, there is a saying,” Jonathan said, “That beyond our future is the undiscovered country. This shield represents an aspect of what that means.”

“Huh,” Marcus Canary said, “I like that saying.”

“Me too,” Jacob said as he took in more of the pipe’s blend of herbs and tobacco, “me too.”
--

 

[Alpha Romeo]

“That beyond our future is the undiscovered country. This shield represents an aspect of what that means.”

So beyond the future is the future? Since that's what shakespear was trying to say....

Not sure where you are going with this story, it doesn't seem trek to me.

 

[RobertScorpio]

“That beyond our future is the undiscovered country. This shield represents an aspect of what that means.”

So beyond the future is the future? Since that's what shakespear was trying to say....

Not sure where you are going with this story, it doesn't seem trek to me.

There was a part, i think two before this one, where starfleet officers in the far future arrive in the frozen tundra of Montanna in Star Trek's future (24th century) They are drawn there via strange readings coming from beneath the ground. What that is and how it ties into the Canary's will be revealed.

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek: The Oregon Trail--Erand of Mercy

STAR TREK; The Canarys
THE OREGON TRAIL
August 1861

Errand of Mercy


Clarksville was a rapidly growing town in the western part of Tennessee. Two weeks after Jacob had decided to go back to find his parents, and bring them west, the rest of the family, following Jonathan’s urging, decided to put down stakes in Clarksville. Using some of the Gold he had brought with him, Jonathan bought a small house and land on the outskirts of town. The family would weather there until after the approaching fall and winter, and continue their trek west the following spring.

Jonathan and his nephew Marcus were busy unloading the wagon as Kate and the other children were put to work cleaning the interior of the house, and cleaning up the little garden on the side of the house. The smaller animals they had brought, several chickens and pigs, were also off loaded and put into the temporary pins that Martin and Lisa had built for them.

Around 4pm the house was nearly settled, and the family was setting in for their first night in their temporary home. And, just as always, Jonathan did not sleep in the house. He built himself a small camp on the side of the house, near the old barn that came with the house. Kate, and her kids, looked out of the bedroom window as Jonathan sat near the campfire he had lit up.

“Why doesn’t he like to sleep in here where it’s warm and safe from animals?” Young Martin asked.

“Are you kidding?” Lisa, his twin sister replied, and who idolized her uncle, “Uncle Jonathan is a mountain man. They don’t sleep in houses or hotels; they sleep outside like real men.”

“Oh shut up,” Marcus said with a chuckle. “He does it because he is set in his ways. I’d rather be inside where it is safe and warm.”

“Well, I’m with you,” Kate said to her oldest child. “I too would rather sleep inside. Your uncle,” she told them all, “is a heathen and we all know it. But enough about Jonathan Canary; say your prayers and get to sleep. We have a lot of chores to do tomorrow, so get as much sleep as you can.”

As the family went to sleep, Jonathan prepared for sleep as well. He stared at the fire burning next to him. And as he did, he fell close to sleep. And it was in his half-sleep when he saw images of what seemed like another life. He was among the stars. It was as if he belonged there. He saw faces of men he did not recognize. But as he opened his eyes as the images faded, he realized that they were not dreams at all; they were memories.

--
Morning came and as Kate stepped out of the house at the sound of the lone rooster they brought, she found it to be cold but refreshing, considering all the time they had spent on the trail in the wagon. The wisps of the sun were still far in the distance. She also saw Jonathan’s horse all packed up and set to leave. Jonathan came from the side of the house with a few more items.

“Where are you off to?” Kate asked.

“Just a while ago two men from Fort Campbell rode in with disturbing news,” Jonathan said as he packed up. “It seems as though some trapper is up scalping Indians in the Montana valley. The Army is afraid it might start a new Indian war. I’ve been asked to go up there and see what its all about.”

“What do you want us to do?” Kate asked as she buried herself deeper into her warm robe.

“Just stay here,” Jonathan said as he mounted his horse. “Hopefully Jacob will catch up soon. Go ahead and have the kids enroll in the local schools because we won’t pull up stakes until next spring.”

“When can we expect to see you?” Kate asked as Jonathan’s horse began to trot away.

“Maybe a month, two months tops.” Jonathan replied as he waved back to her.

Kate waved back. It would be different around the make shift home with out either her husband Jacob, or his younger brother, the legendary Jonathan Canary, keeping watch.

--
Later in the morning;

At first the children were upset to find out that their Uncle Jonathan had left. But when they heard reason, the scalping of natives, they knew their uncle would move the Earth, if he could, to save the natives.

The children were put to work immediately. Even Marcus, who usually dodged any notion house work, pitched in. Soon the animal pin was made more permanent. The house was given a thorough cleaning. Toward the afternoon Marcus and his younger brother, Martin, build a fence around a large plot of the surrounding land so Kate could plant common vegetables and other food items such as corn and carrots.

Later, as the younger children were playing near the small stream that came close to the house, Kate could see Marcus, all by him self, sitting beneath the large apple tree that graced the front area of their property. She walked out to sit with him.

“What’s wrong Marcus?” She asked as she sat down next to him.

“Pa should have been back by now.” Marcus said. “Mother, I should back for him.”

She nodded. She too had begun to worry about her husband. And with Jonathan gone west to help the natives, and with the family staying put, someone had to go back to Virginia and find Jacob.

“Alright,” she said with a smile. “Go back and find your father. We won’t go anywhere until you both return.”

“It may take a while.” Marcus added.

“I know,” Kate said. “But with your uncle gone now, it doesn’t seem as if we will be going anywhere soon anyway. So while we’re waiting you might as well try to find your father.”

She hugged her older son as they both stood up. The rest of the kids came running over to see what was going on. Then, upon hearing, they helped Marcus pack up his horse. All the children missed their father, and hoped that Marcus would bring him home.

Continued…