The Book of Common

Nope

Well. I know said I was going to talk about the
Dark Times. Guess what somethin came to mind.
I want ta talk about. I just don't get it, why Rangers
are so blame set on killin as punishment. Lot of
us younger ones. Well we use that Discretionary
punishment. That is kinda new, wasn't taught to
most of the older ones.

That is where the nope comes in, well ya see
ran into a Female Ranger, she didn't dress in those
loose fitting uniforms like Tam did. Lan sakes she
didn't young about my age maybe a touch younger.
Well put it this way she looked like a lady in her
uniform. Fit to her curves ya know, my makes me
warm thinking about it. We was a travelin together
she was headed to Texas well I was headed to New Orleans. We would split up just North of New Orleans. We were about Meridian I could split head south or just go West to Jackson head south
then. Well I liked the company so stayed goin West.

Oh her name was Jan, that brings on a smile now.
Well at Jackson they be a Ranger station, now I've
said theys a difference. Well I'll tell ya, don't think
I did the last time I mentioned it. Ifin I did well tough. Station is just a place no bigger than a house. Has supplies few beds maybe exchange
horses. Get a hot meal most times. Get updates on
maps and such. Get assignments like check this
place out such and such.

Post theys real different most are big maybe a small Stockade has least one troop Rangers on
at all times. Draw supplies get paid. Purchase
new pistols or rifles at a discount. Has an armourer to make repairs on guns. Enough extra
beds for hundred or so. Always food ready to eat.

Think you got that now, well like I said station
I go in with Jan. I need ammo and couple days
food. Before I turn south. Recognise the Cap right
away, so I shouts hey ya Cap! Good ta see ya!
Well old Cap laughs says Common how ya been
man? Who is this with ya smiling. I says Jan Cap
been real good. He nods asks where we were headed. I say Orleans, Jan is headed Texas way.
Well this is where the nope comes in.

He says Jan need you to run a dispatch out to Biloxi. Head on to Texas after. I says Cap I can
do that. Only be a couple days out of the way.
I don't mind. He says nope she is gona do it.
That is the way it is. Jan says nope I can't do it.
I'm headed home, knew I should have kept riding
past here.

Cap he is fit to be tied. Face turned red eyes squinted. My looked like a pot about to boil over.
I step between Jan and the counter. Cap lets go
a wild yell, you are a doing what I said! I'll bring
Charges if ya don't! I says Cap calm down said I'd
do it. Doesn't matter. Jan refuses again. Cap shouts
that is it charges are being brought up. Common
you will stay for this. My Station sits at a good cross road. Should be two Rangers come in a day.
We'll hold a trial on this. Jan you sure you don't
want to do this?

Well no thought no hesitation flat nope I'll not
do it. Fine your pistols and saber turn them over
to Common. I says Cap lets not be foolish now.
Reaching in my hip pocket, always keep two brass
buttons in it. Placing those in her hand, looking towards the door. Knew Cap couldn't see my face.
I mouth get fast.

Then I moves to block Caps exit from behind the counter. She goes like wild fire. Cap knocks me down rifle in hand. Runs out the door, shoots Jan's
horse dead as hell. Best shot I'd seen in awhile.
Only two others I know of could pull that off.
Well sorry three, my Pa, Norm and his son Jacob.
Of course if you was aiming for the horse.

Cap runs up pulls her out from under that dead
horse. I get in ear shot, Cap says you stupid bitch.
Told you where you were going! Are ya going to
do it? No she shouts undoin her pistol belts!
She looks at me says Common, think I'll be quitting
this Ranger stuff. I'll be turning my issued pistol
and saber over to you. I'll keep my other two.
Well she pulled the shield off her hat badge off
shirt. Hands that over. Then she says, figure I had
to pay for that horse. Cap just shot so I need a new
one.

Cap shouts back new horse my ass! This Station
don't owe you a horse! I said I'm bringing charges!

Well that's when it got ugly, Jan starts walking away. Common been nice riding together as she
is walking away. I've got some trinkets I'll get
another horse. Bye your leave Common. I was
about ready to shout don't go we'll ride on to
the Post in Shreveport. When Cap shouted stop
you worth less bitch! Female Ranger shouldn't
be any! Jan stops turns dear I've never seen
a face twisted as such her right thumb resting just on the belt buckle. I step back a couple steps.

Cap now I've lost all respect for the man. Well he tosses the rifle on the ground. Smiles you honestly
think you can win a gun fight with me? If I was
you I'd keep walking bitch! I shouts Cap you are
forcing a fight! Shut up Common he says, I challenge this one! Fair fight no law broke.

Jan doesn't back down don't even think she blinked. Don't remember even her given
sign she was going to pull. Most people do
give a little sign that they are going to pull.
They don't even know they are doin it.

The bang then smoke drifted around, Jan was still
standing. Cap well he was on the ground. Jan had
this face like she was lost or somethin. I see, I've never seen any one above Rank of Cap. Damn I says General how are you? He was cocking the
breach open on his rifle. Shoving a new cartridge
in.  One called Jan get a horse and your gear.
You go to Texas after we talk some.

Common me you and her we'll talk some. Cap
Benson you'll have Charge of the Station. Till
we can get a new Station Cap. Benson get some
Corn Licker out my bag please. After it all settled
down we went into the Station, seems they got
reports Cap was acting strange most Rangers were
avoiding the Station. Jan moved on after heard she
another Ranger got hitched. Had a daughter named Jan. Ranger no less, never met her nor seen
Jan again. Course you know big place the Thirteen Lands. Think I'm done.