Diving Deeper into The Mystery

Posted on Thu Oct 30th, 2025 @ 9:19am by Lieutenant Commander Deanna Celes & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono & Chief Petty Officer Aaron Geiger

3,443 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Wild Wild West
Location: Planet - Durango City

The morning came early and it looked to be a sunny day as the group got together for breakfast.

Jon looked over the menu, it was simple but filling before he addressed the others."Alright, Deanna and I are going to meet with the judge and see what we can learn about this place. Aaron, you and Kate take Wolfie with you and check out the train and the railyard. Hopefully between us we can start getting some answers. We'll meet back here for lunch."

Deanna looked around as they exited the building. It was a quiet morning, very little foot traffic at the moment. A few people carting things around in wagons. The breeze coming in from the ocean was refreshing. "Looks like a nice day to talk with a judge" she said with a smile to Jon.

"I agree. I just hope we learn something about this place and these people." Jon replied as they walked along. The few people they met giving them respectful nods. "You think the sheriff, told we're agents?"

"I suspect that secrets are hard to keep around here. Especially regarding strangers" Deanna replied with a cheshire grin.


**********

Kate and Wolfie met with Aaron at the front door. Wolfie stayed right next to Kate's leg, not running off, not finding danger; it was as if the dog had complete trust in Kate to lead him where they needed to go. There were moments as they walked that the wolf would stop and look at something that caught his attention but no matter how enticing it would be to run off to investigate, he stayed by her side. Kate adjusted the Winchester rifle over her silk shirt and tightened the strap near the top, loosening the strap near the bottom so that it hung differently off of her so that she could spin it into an elbow-stabilized sling if she ever needed it. She had other weapons too; after finding out that some people didn't like Asians, she felt she couldn't be too careful. But so far, it seemed as if everyone outside of the saloons, as Deanna had suggested, wasn't as bad-off as when people got inebriated.

The cool morning air made her short-tipped black hair dance as she walked with Aaron back to the train station where they had originally been introduced to this thirty-horse town -- at least it wasn't a one-horse-town.

The shops were fully stocked; she took notice how they passed a clothing store and it seemed as if the windows couldn't have been any more packed without risking a fabric-softener-breach. The gunsmith had nothing but brand-new metal, and she took note that nobody seemed to be outside doing any actual Smithing the guns were just -- there.

"You know," Kate said as she waked with Aaron. "I think you might be onto something with those napkins... Look at those dresses in the window over there, the gun-store... Nobody's actually doing any work, but they have all the wares... Come to think of it, I think even the barrels in my room were identical to one-another."

Wolfie made a whining sound as if he felt left out as she talked to Aaron. She remedied his concern with a quick scratch behind the wolf/dog's ears as they walked and talked. It seemed as if Wolfie was part of this conversation somehow due to how attentive he was to the both of them.

As Aaron walked through the town with Kate on the way to the meager railyard he observed the early morning stragglers getting a quick start to their day. He and the Lieutenant strode confidently past the gate following the first rule of sneaking into anywhere: act like you belong, and you do.

Aaron gestured to an engine that laid on a sidetrack, staged for maintenance without anyone immediately around and heaved himself up the iron ladder leading into the engine compartment. The scent of grease mingled with the smell of sulfur and ozone. He stuck his head back outside. "This may be a good place to take a look around, what do you think Lieu-uh-Kate."

Kate shook her head.
"Wolfie can't climb a ladder so..."

Wolfie jumped up on his two front feet, curved his paws on the ladder, pulled his hind legs up one-by-one, lifted off and hooked the front paws onto the next rung and repeated until he was on top of the platform that led to the engine compartment. Wolfie turned and cocked his head to the side while just looking at Kate. Kate just stood down at the bottom of the ladder with her jaw loose and her eyes wide. She took a moment to blink a few times and she didn't say a word. There was nothing left to say....

Aaron struggled to keep his laugh in. "Well it seems like he has his own opinions on that Kate." As she clambered up he began to look around the compartment. Their boots making metallic clangs on the mesh floor, echoing off the walls. Aaron slowly moved through the compartment the gauges and dials, similar to classic Earth machinery but just slightly off. Different colors for bars, gauges that read right to left. As he approached the dormant firebox his practiced eye scanned for imperfections.

"Hmm. They have some absolutely amazing welders. The bead here on the weld, beyond perfect." Aaron looked over to Kate "Anything stick out to you?"

Kate nodded and pulled the firebox door open and pointed to the edge. "Any normal metal would expand and not allow for the door to open or close once it got hot. That's why it would make sense for steel to have enough of a gap in the hatch to allow for expansion, especially when cold -- but this has none, and obviously ---," Kate looked around at the rest of the engine while giving Wolife a pat on the head. "... it's here so it didn't happen. I didn't bring my tricorder with me. Did you bring anything? I wonder if this is even metal." Kate mused.



**********

Deanna took in the sight of the courthouse as they approached the large edifice. While most buildings in the town were made of lumber, the courthouse appeared to be made of stone, a mixture of granite and limestone from a cursory examination. In her study of Earth history, she had seen many structures that looked like this, going back to the ancient Greek civilization, the Romans, and later the Americans, especially when building buildings of significance. The courthouse wasn't enormous, but it was certainly a multi floored structure and it did remind her of a building in particular from her study...the Supreme Court building in the old United States. Even had the statue of Lady Justice standing in front blindfolded and holding her scale.

"I wonder why they chose to build this structure so differently than the others?" she pondered aloud.

"Good question. If I had to guess, I'd say to show its significance and importance to the town and its people." Jon replied as they drew closer.

"Surely they'd build some other structures that way as well. Perhaps the townhall, or some other facility. But the only buildings I've seen that weren't made of wood are this one, the train station, and the church. That has to be more than just coincidence" Deanna noted as they climbed the stairs outside the building. As they reached the top of the stairs, she looked at the statue. "Magnificent work. They certainly aren't lacking artisans of skill. This looks like it could rival Michaelangelo's David."

"The courthouse, the train station and the church. The three most important buildings in town or at least arguably so." He stopped and looked at the statue. "I agree, truly magnificent work. Does it seem out of place to you considering everything else we've seen." Jon asked.

"Certainly more elaborate than most anything else I've seen here. The church had equally elaborate carvings, but now that you mention it, yes, they do seem a bit out of place" she replied as the pondered the significance of what Jon had made her realize.

Jon nodded, "Exactly. Ornate, impressive buildings compared to the rather simple buildings that make up the town. Even the hotel is a rather straight forward wooden building."

"But everything is quite human. No apparent alien influence. I want to talk to this judge. I really hope he can provide us information, because this is one mystery that is starting to grow a but eerie" Deanna replied.

Jon and Deanna made their way to the judge's chambers and were told he would be with them momentarily, once he finished a meeting between two lawyers. The clerk, little more than a glorified title for a secretary, sat at a desk as she combed through what appeared to be a rather large legal book.

"What is it you are working on?" Deanna questioned.

"Just getting this prepared for the judge. He likes to look over all pertinent law before a hearing" the clerk replied. She looked up at Jon and Deanna, "You two are the ones who got into the fight with that Dewey Barton, aren't you? Must be brave folks, not showing any concern about his brother Clint."

"That's correct ma'am, we're the ones. We were led to believe that Clint was the more reasonable man, is that not true?" Jon asked honestly interested in the answer while he and Deanna waited for the judge.

"I suppose that depends on your definition of reasonable. He is certainly the more educated and patient. That Dewey, he has been before the judge multiple times. This will most certainly be his last time, as the judge will be able to hang him for what he has done thanks to your testimony. That is unless Clint Barton comes to spring him. The way the sheriff acts, that seems likely. Family is family after all" the clerk replied.

As she finished the door opened and a man dressed in a brown suit and boots with black hair exited, followed by a man in a finely tailored grey suit who was laughing with a second taller man in a black robe, the judge. "I appreciate your time as always your Honor."

"Good speaking with you Mr. Trotter" the judge replied. The judge looked over at Jon and Deanna, "Margaret, who might these two be?"

"They are the agents the sheriff informed you about. They were the people that got into the gunfight with Dewey Barton" the clerk Margaret replied in hushed tone.

"Well, I'd like to thank you both" Trotter said as he approached and placed his hand out to shake.

Jon extended his hand and gave Trotter a firm handshake. "Just doing our job sir." He answered respectfully. He turned to Deanna, "This is my partner Mr. Trotter, you should shake her hand as well."

"Well, that must be something new that happens in the capital" Trotter replied as he moved to shake Deanna's hand. "Ma'am."

Deanna shook his hand. "I understand your hesitation. The traditional ways take time to evolve, as do traditional people."

"Well put" Trotter replied.

Deanna moved to shake the judge's hand, "Your Honor."

Judge Haller looked uncomfortable but eventually shook her hand. He looked to Jon to then do the same.

Jon chuckled softly at Deanna's comment. One thing was for sure Deanna was utterly confident in herself and her abilities and rightfully so. also gave the judge a firm handshake. "We understand you wanted to meet and speak with us your Honor?' Knowing that Deanna was passively scanning both Trotter and the judge to see just what they knew about their town.

"Yes, well, considering you are agents, it seemed prudent" Judge Haller replied.

"This is our first time in this town. Been here long your Honor?" Deanna questioned.

"Was born here, lived here my entire life, except for my four years at college in the capital. Never cared much for that big city living though. Things plenty busy here, no need making things bigger. Capital seems eager to recreate the mythical cities of Earth, as if we will ever see them" the judge replied.

Jon shared a look with Deanna, the judge's answer was one he at least hadn't expected. He was in fact surprised to hear it. "Excuse me your honor?"

"Was I unclear about something or is it off color to complain about the capital now?" the judge replied.

"No your Honor, it is not off color. I was just surprised by your candor." Jon replied.

"The law requires us to speak truth. I don't care for those that dissemble, and I won't be that type of person" the judge replied.

"Then perhaps we should move beyond the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter" Deanna suggested.

"Indeed" the judge replied flatly. He walked back into his chambers and took a seat, waiting for Jon and Deanna to do the same.

Jon along with Deanna followed the judge to his chambers and took their seats opposite him. Sitting there, Jon waited for the judge to ask about Barton, it was what they were here for along with finding out how these people got here.

"So, let's hear it. What exactly happened?" the judge questioned.

Deanna took the lead, knowing exactly what the judge wanted to hear. She recounted the tale, leaving out that Kate had been the target to avoid any unnecessary questions.

"I see" the judge said flatly. He looked over at Jon, "You feel that was an accurate account?"

"Judge, I feel and know that is an entirely accurate statement." Jon replied, keeping his replies simple and to the point.

"Very well. I expect that to be the testimony you give in open court, for the record" the judge replied. "Based on your inflections, I'd say you two aren't from the capital. You may work there, but you definitely aren't from there."

"You are quite correct" Deanna replied simply.

"Don't get me wrong, the capital is a fine place. We will be forever grateful for what happened there all those centuries ago, but that doesn't mean they need to lord their authority over the rest of us all the time" Haller said with a firm waving of his hand, a deep Southern American accent becoming apparent with his emotional outburst.

"Our testimony will be exactly what it was here with you your Honor and yes quite correct" Jon added. It was clear the judge had information they were looking for about this place. He was hoping Deanna through her scans of the judge could ascertain what that information was.

"I will say, it does take me aback a bit seeing such a lovely young filly such as yourself dressed in what I might normal see a marshal dressed in" the judge noted with a bit of a smile.

Deanna knew she was being tested. Unfortunately for the judge, he was clueless to the fact that she was reading his every thought. "Not every woman wears a dress or a skirt and blouse judge. Plenty of women are wearing jeans or other such pants in the farming lands, and certainly so if they are working the mines, though I know that isn't so common. Believe me, if we were at a formal event, a cotillion for example, you'd have no problem spotting me in a very fine gown. I'd even honor you with a dance, your Honor" she joked.

Judge Haller smiled and began to stammer, a bit flabbergasted by Deanna's response. "Yes, well, um, I suppose..."

Deanna walked around the desk and kissed the judge on the cheek. "No need to concern yourself over little old me. I'm just playful, nothing you need to worry about though. I know where the lines are drawn." She walked back around and tapped Jon's shoulder, "I suppose we should go now, give the judge a few moments to gather himself before court is in session." She looked back at the judge, "A pleasure, your Honor."

Jon was having a hard time keeping a straight face while Deanna wrapped the judge around her little finger. Finally, he succumb and a broad smile appeared on his face. "Right you are. See you in court your Honor and breathe" he joked as he got up and with Deanna they exited the judge's chambers. Once outside and looking both ways before speaking and away from the judge's chambers. he spoke. "You are certainly enjoying yourself. Did you learn anything or do we need to travel to the capital and get the full picture?"

Deanna smiled that devilish smile she sometimes had. "It seemed to be the right thing to do." She looked around, making sure no one was close by, "These people were brought here centuries ago. The capital city was the original colony. The aliens that brought them here had left them here but never returned. They know of aliens, know of certain technologies, but they have simply built up a society as close to the one they came from. They were humans that came from different walks of life, many of them part of something called a wagon train. The foods they have here, specifically the cattle, sheep, chickens, as well as the vegetables are remnants of the stores they had at the time when first brought here. They found other edibles packed within the foodstuffs, which is why some of the food is similar to Earth but slightly different. They've made certain societal advances of course, and a few technological, but they have mostly remained the same culture they were when they arrived."

Jon listened as Deanna gave him a quick briefing on what she had found out about the people and the colony. "A wagon train would give you a mix of all kinds of people from all walks of life. Other foodstuffs? That would explain the Andorian potatoes. Did you happen to learn why the aliens abducted them in the first place? It also appears the aliens left them fairly well off. Are they a stagnant colony or just slow to progress? I ask because their view of Kate is clearly racist. Them knowing about aliens puts a spin on things, don't you think partner?"

Deanna smirked. "The who and why remain a mystery. Stories that amount to folklore seems to be the best they can do regarding it, at least based on what I got from the judge. They aren't a racist people, not really. A minority of the population still holds to certain beliefs, hence Barton's reaction to Kate. Apparently, Asians are part of the culture, though only in the capital do they have any real power within the government. I think these people are just descendants of humans that were abducted and created a home as best they knew how. The different cultural groups capable of working and living together did so, those that couldn't live outside the towns. Not a big surprise the Apache and Navajo people preferred to live in their traditional ways. As for their view on aliens, I think it unclear. They know aliens exist, but how they would handle actually seeing them, I suspect would be on a case-by-case basis."

Jon was silent as Deanna told him what she had learned from her scan of the judge. "Interesting." He said after she had finished. "A substantial group of settlers from a wagon train along with Native Americans are abducted for some reason and deposited here on a planet that resembles the southwest of the United States, the old west period where they continue to live like their ancestors did centuries before. There has to be a reason for it. As for Barton, he's just a bad seed and needs to be dealt with once and for all." He paused for a moment. "As for knowing or rather accepting aliens that remains to be seen."

Deanna nodded. "I suggest we give our testimony to keep up our cover, then we rendezvous with Aaron and Kate before we seek out Barton's brother. We may wish to contact the ship, have them do a detailed scan of the town and the surrounding area, allow us to have a better idea where to look."

"Now that sounds like a plan I can fully get behind and support." Jon replied with a grin. "However, first things first. Let's give our testimony and get Dewy Barton taken care of. Then we'll move on with the rest of the plan."

Deanna nodded. They headed for the courtroom, ready to see a trial in real time.


TBC

 

RSS Feed